Experience LGBTQ+ India like never before!
Annual Tour
Prince & Palaces – Unveiled – LGBTQ+ India Tour 2026
Unveiled – A deeper journey of royalty, culture and queer connection
In a Nutshell
Late Cancellation Release – from AUD $6717 per person twin share.
BOOKINGS FOR 2026 CLOSE FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER
- 14-day hosted LGBTQ+ group tour across India, commencing 19 October 2026
- Daily breakfast and curated hosted dinners included
- Upgraded 4-star and heritage hotels throughout (compared to 2025 tour)
- Exclusive royal lunch with Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil
- LGBTQ+ storytelling, community connections and dedicated local guiding throughout
- Full fare details below – or click here to skip to “tour pricing” FAQ
Exclusively available in Australia through Points of Difference Travel & Events.
Booking request – pricing shown above
Your LGBTQ+ Tour
Overview
A deeper journey of queer heritage, royal hospitality and cultural connection.
From the spice-laden lanes of Old Delhi to the palace-dotted landscapes of Rajasthan and the warm community spirit of Gujarat, the Prince and Palaces Unveiled Tour invites you into an India that few travellers ever experience. This is not a quick highlights reel. It is a thoughtfully expanded 14-day exploration designed to slow the pace, reveal richer layers of meaning and immerse you in India’s royal, cultural and queer heartlands.
You will wander buzzing bazaars, explore ancient temples, discover ornate palaces and experience the warmth of rural village life. Along the way, you will meet the people who shape queer India today, including local storytellers, LGBTQ advocates and the influential Hijra community of Vadodara.
At the heart of this journey is something truly rare. You will share an intimate lunch and audience with Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil at QueerBagh in Rajpipla. His story, from closeted royal to global LGBTQ+ activist, offers a personal and powerful insight into India’s queer movement and its ongoing evolution.
Inclusions
Fourteen days. Thirteen nights. Infinite memories.
This is more than a tour. It is a deeply curated LGBTQ+ journey through India’s most storied cities and rural heartlands, shaped by culture, community and connection.
You will stay in a handpicked collection of upgraded 4 star and heritage hotels, including grand palaces, boutique retreats and restored royal residences. Each property has been chosen for its character, comfort and sense of place, giving you a richer and more meaningful experience of India.
Itinerary
This expanded 14 day journey has been designed with a comfortable rhythm that lets you experience India in depth without feeling rushed. Several destinations include two night stays so you can settle in, explore at your own pace and enjoy a more relaxed connection to each place.
Most days include breakfast and dinner, with lunch at your own cost. This gives you the freedom to choose dishes that suit your appetite and dietary needs, from light regional snacks to full à la carte meals. A typical lunch ranges from AUD10 to 15, depending on your selection. Any special included lunches will be highlighted in the daily notes.
From bustling cities to quiet rural villages, every day reveals a different layer of India’s culture, history and queer stories.
Day 1 – Mon 19 Oct 2026
Arrive in New Delhi, India
Welcome to India.
On arrival at Delhi Airport you will be met by a representative from Soul of India Tours and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. This is a gentle start to the journey, giving you time to settle in, adjust to the time zone and prepare for the days ahead.
If you arrive early, you are welcome to explore the local neighbourhood or simply relax at the hotel. Optional pre-night arrangements are available for guests arriving on morning flights or wishing to begin the tour feeling fully rested.
🏨 Overnight in Delhi: The LaLiT New Delhi (5 star)
🍽️ Breakfast / Dinner included
Note that all hotels are subject to availability and alternatives of similar standard may be substituted.
Day 2 – Tue 20 Oct – Delhi City Exploration
A vibrant introduction to the history and heart of Delhi
Our journey begins in Delhi, a city shaped by centuries of culture, empire and lived experience. Today our local guide will introduce us to some of the capital’s most significant landmarks and neighbourhoods, giving you a sense of the stories and influences that make Delhi so compelling.
Our exploration may include the impressive Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, followed by a rickshaw ride through the lively lanes of Chandni Chowk. Here the scent of spices, the sound of vendors and the bustle of daily life create an atmosphere that is uniquely Old Delhi. We will also visit key sites connected to the city’s layered past and its ongoing evolution as a modern capital.
🏨 Overnight in Delhi
🍽️ Breakfast / Dinner included
Day 3 – Wed 21 Oct – Delhi to Agra
Travel from the capital to the Mughal city of Agra
After breakfast we depart Delhi and begin our journey to Agra, home of the magnificent Taj Mahal. The drive offers a chance to watch the landscape shift from the energy of the capital to the open roads and rural towns of Uttar Pradesh.
On arrival in Agra we will visit Mehtab Bagh, a peaceful riverside garden that offers one of the most beautiful views of the Taj Mahal. This is a perfect first encounter with the monument, giving you time to absorb its symmetry and presence before the sunrise visit tomorrow.
After checking in at our hotel, the evening is free to relax or enjoy the local atmosphere at your own pace.
🏨 Overnight in Agra: Grand Mercure Agra (4 star)
🍽️ Breakfast / Dinner included
Day 4 – Thu 22 Oct – Agra to Jaipur
Sunrise at the Taj Mahal and the journey to the Pink City
This morning begins with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, a moment that reveals the monument at its most serene. Our guide will share the history and craftsmanship behind this world-renowned masterpiece before we continue on to Agra Fort, an impressive complex that served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors.
After sightseeing, we depart Agra and travel west toward Jaipur, the colourful and historic capital of Rajasthan. The drive offers changing landscapes and a relaxed pace as you approach the Pink City. After check-in, the remainder of the day is yours to rest or explore the nearby surroundings at leisure.
🏨 Overnight in Jaipur: Alsisar Haveli (Heritage)
🍽️ Breakfast / Dinner included
Day 5 – Fri 23 Oct – Jaipur City Exploration
Palaces, observatories and the vibrant spirit of Rajasthan
Jaipur is one of India’s most captivating cities, known for its grand architecture, royal history and lively markets. Today we explore its highlights, beginning with the impressive Amber Fort, a majestic hilltop stronghold with ornate courtyards and sweeping views across the Aravalli hills.
Returning to the city, we continue to the City Palace, a beautiful blend of Mughal and Rajasthani design, followed by a visit to Jantar Mantar, an extraordinary astronomical observatory and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Depending on the day’s flow, you may also have time to wander through local bazaars, where artisans create textiles, jewellery and traditional crafts that Jaipur is famous for.
After a full day of discovery, relax back at our gorgeous heritage hotel or venture out to enjoy the city’s colourful atmosphere in your own time.
🏨 Overnight in Jaipur
🍽️ Breakfast / Dinner included
Day 6 – Sat 24 Oct – Jaipur to Deogarh
A scenic journey into rural Rajasthan and the charm of a heritage palace
Today we leave the bustle of Jaipur and travel west toward the quieter landscapes of Rajasthan. The drive takes us through farmland, small villages and open countryside, giving a different perspective on daily life beyond the cities.
By afternoon we arrive in Deogarh, a peaceful town known for its timeless atmosphere and welcoming local community. Our home for the next two nights is Deogarh Mahal, a striking heritage palace with courtyards, terraces and intricate architectural details that reflect centuries of royal history.
The rest of the day is free to settle in, enjoy the property or take a gentle stroll in the surrounding village. Deogarh offers a slower pace and a chance to experience rural Rajasthan in a relaxed and authentic way.
🏨 Hotel: Deogarh Mahal (Heritage)
🍽️ Breakfast / Dinner included
Day 7 – Sun 25 Oct – Deogarh
A relaxed day to enjoy palace life and explore the rhythms of rural Rajasthan
Today is your chance to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere of Deogarh. With no long drives and no major transfers, you can take your time to appreciate the heritage surrounds of Deogarh Mahal, with its courtyards, terraces and views across the Aravalli hills.
Your guide will lead a gentle exploration of the local village, offering insight into daily life, artisan traditions and the community that has grown around the palace over generations. This is a rewarding opportunity to see a quieter, more personal side of Rajasthan and to connect with the people who call this region home.
The afternoon is yours to relax at the property, swim, unwind or wander through the lanes of Deogarh at your leisure before another evening in the calm of the palace. Ask about spa treatments today!
🏨 Overnight in Deogarh
🍽️ Breakfast / Dinner included
Day 8 – Mon 26 Oct – Deogarh to Narlai
A heritage train ride, village life and an unforgettable stepwell dinner
This morning we begin a memorable experience on the Phulad to Khamblighat heritage train, a narrow-gauge line that winds through the Aravalli hills. The journey offers a relaxed glimpse into rural Rajasthan, passing small settlements, rocky outcrops and wide open countryside. It is a charming way to see the landscape and the communities that have long lived along the route.
After the train ride we continue by road to Narlai, a peaceful village set at the base of a granite hill. On arrival we check in to Rawla Narlai, a beautifully restored heritage property known for its intimate atmosphere and authentic character.
In the late afternoon you are invited to explore the village with your guide. Narlai is a warm and welcoming community, and the walk offers insight into traditional daily life, local customs and the slower rhythm of rural Rajasthan.
Tonight we enjoy one of the signature moments of the tour: an exclusive stepwell dinner, held in an ancient stone stepwell illuminated by oil lamps. This atmospheric evening is a highlight for many guests and a deeply memorable way to end the day.
🏨 Overnight in Narlai: Rawla Narlai (Heritage)
🍽️ Breakfast / Dinner included
Day 9 – Tue 27 Oct – Narlai to Udaipur
A scenic journey into the lake city of Udaipur
After breakfast we leave the quiet charm of Narlai and travel south toward Udaipur, one of Rajasthan’s most picturesque and romantic cities. The drive takes us through rolling hills, small villages and rural landscapes before the scenery opens to reveal the lakes and palaces for which Udaipur is famous.
On arrival our guide will introduce us to the character of the city, often called the Venice of the East, known for its shimmering waters, whitewashed palaces and relaxed atmosphere. After checking in at our deluxe hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free to unwind, enjoy the lakeside setting or explore the nearby streets at your own pace.
🏨 Overnight in Udaipur: Fateh niwas Udaipur Resort
🍽️ Breakfast / Dinner included
Day 10 – Wed 28 Oct – Udaipur City Exploration
Palaces, temples and lakeside beauty in the heart of Udaipur
Today we explore Udaipur, a city celebrated for its graceful palaces, historic temples and tranquil lakes. Our sightseeing begins at the City Palace, an impressive complex overlooking Lake Pichola, where richly decorated rooms and intricate architecture reveal centuries of royal heritage.
We continue to the Jagdish Temple, an active place of worship known for its detailed stone carvings and lively atmosphere. Depending on the day’s flow, you may also visit cultural sites or local craft areas that highlight Udaipur’s long artistic traditions.
In the late afternoon we enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, offering beautiful views of the surrounding ghats, palaces and the distant Aravalli hills. It is a peaceful and scenic way to take in the charm of the lake city before returning to our hotel.
🏨 Overnight in Udaipur
🍽️ Breakfast / Dinner included
Day 11 – Thu 29 Oct – Udaipur to Ahmedabad
From the lake city of Udaipur to the cultural heart of Gujarat
After breakfast we depart Udaipur and begin our journey toward Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat and an important centre of culture, heritage and social history. The drive offers a pleasant change of pace as the landscape shifts from the lakes and hills of Rajasthan to the broader plains of Gujarat.
On arrival we visit Sabarmati Ashram, the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, which now serves as a peaceful museum dedicated to his life and philosophy. We also stop at the architecturally striking Adalaj Stepwell, an elegant five storey structure known for its intricate carvings and cool subterranean chambers.
After sightseeing we check in at our hotel, with the remainder of the day free to rest or explore the area at your leisure.
🏨 Overnight in Ahmedabad: Fortune Landmark (4 star)
🍽️ Breakfast / Dinner included
Day 12 – Fri 30 Oct – Ahmedabad to Vadodara
Enter Gujarat and meet the communities shaping queer and transgender life today
Today we travel from Ahmedabad to Vadodara, a city known for its cultural heritage and progressive social movements. After breakfast we depart by road, with the landscape gradually shifting from the bustle of Ahmedabad to the quieter rhythms of central Gujarat.
On arrival in Vadodara we take part in a meaningful community visit arranged with local LGBTQ or Hijra leaders. This experience offers an insight into the lived realities, challenges and achievements of queer and transgender communities in India today. It is a respectful and powerful exchange that deepens our understanding of the country beyond its monuments and royal history.
After the visit we continue to our hotel, where the remainder of the day is free to unwind or explore the nearby area at your own pace.
🏨 Overnight in Vadodara: Four Points by Sheraton Vadodara (4 star)
🍽️ Breakfast / Dinner included
Day 13 – Sat 30 Oct – Rajpipla Excursion with Prince Manvendra
A signature LGBTQ+ experience
Today we travel from Vadodara to Rajpipla for a deeply personal visit with Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, India’s first openly gay royal.
We are welcomed to QueerBagh, the Prince’s private country estate and LGBTQIA+ community campus in Gujarat’s Narmada district. Here, we gather for a hosted lunch and conversation with the Prince in an informal, relaxed setting that reflects his values and generosity.
Following our visit, we return to Vadodara. In the evening, we enjoy a special dinner at Gajra Café, a proudly gay-owned venue and one of the most celebrated LGBTQ+ dining spaces in the region.
Last year’s group described the final night banquet here as the best meal of the journey and a joyful celebration of everything the tour represents.
🏨 Overnight in Vadodara
🍽️ Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner included
Day 14 – Sun 1 Nov – Vadodara Departure and Onward Travel
Conclude your tour in Vadodara and begin your journey home
After breakfast our Soul of India experience comes to a close. We will be transferred to Ahmedabad Airport for your included domestic flight to Delhi. This marks the formal end of the on ground touring arrangements.
From Ahmedabad we continue back to Delhi to onward travel. Depending on your international flight schedule you may connect directly to your homeward flight or choose to spend an additional night in Delhi.
For guests requiring an overnight stay, we will assist with arranging a suitable airport hotel and can organise a relaxed final group dinner or debrief if timing allows. Extensions, extra nights or continued travel within India can also be arranged through Points of Difference Travel and Events.
Thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to welcoming you on another adventure soon.
🍽️ Breakfast included
✈️ Domestic flight to Delhi included
Ready to book now?
Following a late cancellation, two places have become available on our 14-day Prince & Palaces LGBT+ India Tour departing 19 October 2026.
Twin Share: from AUD $6717 per person
Solo traveller: from AUD $8214 per person
Cancellation-release pricing is subject to availability and may be withdrawn once the released places are filled.
A limited range of optional hotel upgrades and pre-tour accommodation enhancements are available and detailed below.
Just click the button to jump to our booking page, or call us on 1300 990 390 during office hours.
Booking request – pricing shown aboveThe Gay Layer
This journey is proudly LGBTQ+ by design. For 2026, we are amplifying the Gay Layer through deeper and more meaningful connections with local LGBTQ+ communities, queer owned businesses and grassroots organisations across India.
Rather than simply visiting landmarks, you are invited into spaces where queer life is lived and celebrated. From conversations with local advocates to dining in LGBTQ+ owned venues, this tour creates genuine points of connection that go well beyond surface-level inclusion.
Going solo?
Travelling on your own? You’ve got options.
We offer a Share With a Stranger program, allowing solo travellers to be matched in a twin share room and avoid paying the single supplement. Simply indicate your interest on the booking form and we’ll do our best to find a suitable match. You’ll be introduced before confirming, so there are no surprises.
Prefer your own space? No problem. You can choose a private room by adding the single supplement of just $1497 and enjoy solo accommodation throughout the journey.
Accommodation and Hotels
Throughout the tour, you will stay in a thoughtfully selected collection of hotels chosen for comfort, character and cultural connection.
Following our 2025 Discovery Tour, we have refined and upgraded the accommodation program for 2026. Guest feedback and on-the-ground learnings have guided us toward a stronger focus on heritage properties and distinctive hotels that offer a deeper sense of place. As a result, this journey features more historic palaces, havelis and boutique residences, many rich in story, architecture and atmosphere.
From the grandeur of Deogarh Mahal to the elegance of Rawla Narlai, these heritage properties provide an immersive contrast to India’s modern cities. They are complemented by high-quality international and Indian hotel brands that deliver contemporary comfort and reliable service where appropriate.
Each hotel has been selected for its location, hospitality and unique personality. Some are family-run heritage homes filled with history, while others offer polished modern amenities and ease. Together, they create a well-balanced and memorable accommodation experience across the journey.
Your stay in Delhi is at The LaLiT New Delhi, a proudly LGBTQ+-owned 5-star hotel and one of the city’s leading luxury properties, setting the tone for the journey from the very beginning.
A full list of hotels, including official website links, can be found in the FAQ section below.
Please note
- Hotel categories range from heritage properties to 4 and 5 star hotels.
- Rooms are in the lead in room category and typically include an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
- Multi-night stays allow for a more relaxed pace and also make it easy to arrange an inexpensive local bag wash if desired.
- Hotel listings are subject to availability and may be substituted with a property of similar or higher standard if required.
- Room upgrades may be available on request, subject to availability and additional cost.
Tour Pricing at a Glance
Late Cancellation Release
Following a late cancellation, two places are currently available from: AUD $6717 pp twin share
Solo travellers from: AUD $8214 per person
A limited range of optional hotel upgrades and pre-tour accommodation enhancements are available and detailed below.
Full pricing details and booking conditions are outlined in the FAQ section below.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Adam was congenial, helpful, good to deal with and a great host on the tour. He also arranged my flights so the whole thing was seamless. I’d happily go on another of his adventures.
Ready to book now?
Following a late cancellation, two places have become available on our confirmed 14-day Prince & Palaces LGBT+ India Tour departing 19 October 2026.
Twin Share: from AUD $6717 per person
Solo traveller: from AUD $8214
BOOKINGS FOR 2026 CLOSE FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER
Just click the button to jump to our booking page, or call us on 1300 990 390 during office hours.
Booking request – pricing shown above
For a visual glimpse into the grandeur of Indian heritage hotels, you might enjoy this video tour of the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur.
Meet the Gay Prince of India
Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil is a trailblazer, activist, and global symbol of queer courage. As India’s first openly gay royal, his decision to live openly reshaped public conversation around sexuality, tradition, and human rights, both in India and internationally.
For many guests on our 2025 tour, meeting the Prince was the most meaningful and memorable moment of the entire journey. This is not a staged appearance or a fleeting audience. It is a genuine, personal exchange grounded in openness, generosity, and lived experience.
On this tour, you will be welcomed to QueerBagh, the Prince’s private country estate and LGBTQIA+ community campus near Rajpipla in Gujarat’s Narmada district. Here, we gather for a relaxed hosted lunch and conversation in a setting that reflects his values, advocacy, and vision for inclusive community spaces.
Guests are also invited to enjoy time at the Prince’s spring-fed swimming pool, freshly filled with natural water and later recycled to irrigate the surrounding orchard. It is a uniquely relaxed and joyful moment that perfectly captures the spirit of QueerBagh. Open, sustainable, and deeply human.
Set away from formality and public spectacle, this experience offers rare insight into the Prince’s personal story, his ongoing work through the Lakshya Trust, and the lived realities of LGBTQ+ people in India today.
It is a powerful, human moment that stays with you long after the journey ends.
“My coming out was not just about me. It was about giving voice to others who felt they couldn’t speak.”
At QueerBagh with Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil and Frock Hudson
Guest Gallery
Some snaps for previous groups that Soul of India Tours have hosted in the past couple of years. We look forward to capturing our own this year!
Important Information, FAQ’s & Tit-Bits!
Ready to book now?
Join our 14-day hosted LGBT+ tour of India today!
Just click the button to jump to our booking page, or call us on 1300 990 390 during office hours.
Booking request – pricing shown above