Missing

By GAdventures

OFFERING 547 TRAVEL PACKAGES

 

Skype
Contact via Skype

Essential India

TOUR IN

ASIA

  • 23 Jan
  • -
  • 06 Feb 2018
  • |
  • 15 days

$1599

per person

Availability: 9 places

    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.

    Day 1

    Delhi

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

    Day 2

    Delhi

    Enjoy a youth-led morning walk through Delhi by G Adventures-supported City Walk project offering a unique perspective of Delhi while supporting at-risk youth. Later, visit Delhi’s famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) and climb the minaret for a bird’s eye view of Old City. Walk through Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest and busiest markets, and learn the history of the Sikh religion at Gurdwara. Stop for photos at the colourful market before finishing at Connaught Place, one of the most prominent architectural remnants of British rule.

    Day 3

    Delhi/Jaipur

    Drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, and start exploring the Pink City. 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

    Opt to see the city on bicycle by pre-booking the Jaipur Cycle Tour. Or choose to visit Kitchen With A Cause and have a delicious meal that allows you to give back to the community.

    Day 5

    Jaipur/Dhula Village

    Before saying farewell to the Pink City, admire it from above by pre-booking the Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour. Tonight's accommodation is in spacious and comfortable tents outfitted with beds, lamps, and simple en suite bathrooms.

    Day 6

    Dhula Village/Āgra

    Stop by the impressive Abhaneri stepwell en route to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.

    Day 7

    Āgra

    Visit the sparkling, iconic Taj Mahal for sunrise with time to explore the picturesque grounds. Afterward, jump on a cycle-rickshaw for a rustic ride to the walled city of Agra Fort and Baby Taj.

    Day 8

    Āgra/Alīpura

    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

    Alīpura

    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 visit a nearby waterfall or watch an evening dance performance.

    Day 10

    Alīpura/Orchha

    En route to Orchha, visit a unique paper making plant, set up to assist tribal women from the area. All the paper is made from recycled clothing and wood pulp. Continue on to Orchha and embark on an orientation tour of this small town. Set on the banks of the Betwa River, it is the perfect antidote to the chaos of India’s cities. Later, attend an evening puja ceremony at the Ram Raja Temple.

    Day 11

    Orchha/Varanasi

    Opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Orchha Cooking School extra when booking your tour.

    Day 12

    Varanasi

    Pre-book the Varanasi Heritage Walk and enjoy a guided tour that focuses more on the local life in Varanasi and its philosophical and cultural values. Witness pilgrims singing and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of Varanasi in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

    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.