Essential India

15 days India

About the trip

From the intricate saris of Rajasthan to the beautiful symmetry of the Taj Mahal, this compact journey is a photographer’s delight and the perfect introduction to India. You’ll float past the ghats on the Ganges River to encounter the spiritual heart of Hinduism in Varanasi and get off the beaten path exploring carved stepwells and quaint temples in rural villages. With the perfect combination of included activities and free time to explore the nation’s rich heritage, you’re sure to be caught up in India’s incredible tapestry of life.

Essential India

Tour Details

Accommodations

AccommodationsHotels (12 nts), comfortable tented camp (1 nt), sleeper train (1 nt).

Meals

Meals1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Allow USD345-450 for meals not included.

Transportation

TransportationTrain, local bus, private vehicle, auto-rickshaw, small riverboat, plane.

Staff & Experts

Staff & expertsCEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Itinerary

Day 1

Delhi: Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project.

Day 3

Delhi/Jaipur: Drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, to start exploring the Pink City. Along the way, try your hand at block printing with the women of the Anoothi Project. Later, opt to visit the Jantar Mantar, or Royal Observatory. Don't miss the opportunity to see a Bollywood film at the famous Art Deco Raj Mandir cinema.

Day 4

Jaipur: Stop and admire the intricate architecture of Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) before venturing to the ruined city of Amber to explore the famous Fort.

Day 5

Jaipur/Dhula Village: Travel to Dhula Village and get a closer look at rural life in Rajasthan during a cycling excursion. Tonight, settle in to your cozy tent, relax by the fire, and take in the starry night sky.

Day 6

Dhula Village/?gra: Stop by the impressive Abhaneri stepwell en route to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.

Day 7

?gra: Visit the sparkling, iconic Taj Mahal for sunrise with time to explore the picturesque grounds. Afterward, take a ride to the walled city of Agra Fort and Baby Taj.

Day 8

?gra/Al?pura: Board a morning train then transfer to a private vehicle for a ride across rough Indian roads to Alipura. This friendly village will be our base for two days where you'll stay in a heritage property with time to wander the town and interact with local people.

Day 9

Al?pura: Enjoy a day trip to Khajuraho, where India's largest group of medieval temples reside, known for their Kama Sutra statues. Learn the history of these world-famous temples on a guided tour and enjoy a taste of a little erotica from the Middle Ages. After, opt to watch an evening dance performance.

Day 11

Orchha/Varanasi: Visit the Orchha Palace complex and enjoy free time before the overnight train to Varanasi.

Day 12

Varanasi: Disembark the train in legendary Varanasi - the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindus visit for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die. Take an orientation walk through the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. There is time here to shop, wander, and absorb the atmosphere of this unique city. Marvel at the ghats from the River Ganges as you enjoy an evening boat trip to witness a mesmerizing candle-lit flower ceremony.

Day 13

Varanasi: Watch the sunrise from a boat along the Ganges. Spend the rest of the day getting to know this holy city. Opt to visit the monasteries and ruins of nearby Sarnath, the site of the Buddha's first sermon.

Day 14

Varanasi/Delhi: Soak up some free time this morning and continue exploring Varanasi. Later, cut out the travel time with a flight back to bustling Delhi.

Day 15

Delhi: Depart at any time.

₹136,115
per person

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