15 days tour

Essential India

$ 1,119 .30 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $1,119.30

Essential India

This tour includes:

Accommodation

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

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Transport

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

Meals

1 breakfast, 1 dinner

Others

Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport Your G for Good Moment: City Walk, Delhi Your G for Good Moment: Anoothi Block Printing Experience, Jaipur Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Old Delhi walk with stops at the Jama Masjid, Gurduwara, Chandni Chowk, and Connaught Place. Amber Fort tour. Rajasthani rural village stay. Village cycling excursion. Abhaneri stepwells visit. Taj Mahal and Iโ€™timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) entrance. Agra Fort entrance and guided tour. Orchha Palace complex visit. Western Temple complex entrance and guided visit. Ganges River boat trip at sunrise and sunset, including candle flower ceremony. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Hygieneprotocol

As of October 1, 2021 G Adventuresโ€™ Vaccinated Tours Policy applies:  All travelers must meet the G Adventures requirements for joining their tours.  The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour.  There are some tours and departures that are only โ€˜Travel-Readyโ€™ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours before the first day of the tour.  Please, double check with the G Adventures Support Team about the requirements of your tour and departure date. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 below** Travel with Confidence & Vaccinated Tours As we continue to see vaccine mandates shifting and countries evolving COVID-19 policies, we have continued to monitor and adjust our policies in line. Based on this, we will be making some adjustments to our Vaccinated Tours and Travel with Confidence policy in 2023. Tours departing on or after March 31, 2023 we will no longer be requiring all travellers to be vaccinated to travel with G Adventures. However, we still strongly recommend that all travellers are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to travelling. As per our existing policy, it is the travellers responsibility to ensure they are aware of and adhere to the regulations of the country they are visiting. Please remember to ensure that your travellers have adequate travel insurance to protect them should their travel plans change, this should include trip disruption and COVID-19 coverage. Our National Geographic Journeys, National Geographic Family Journeys and G Expedition will remain fully vaccinated for all departures . You can read more about these policies here: https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  Leading up to March 31, 2023 our tours will continue to be Vaccinated Tours and you can look for the Vaccinated Tours icon to indicate which departures are vaccinated and which will not require a vaccination as we move forward with this change. You can find more information on our Travel with Confidence landing page https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  or as well as on Sherpa.  Thank you for your continued support as we navigate these updates. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 above**

Not included:

Others

1. CULTURE India is a country which is very different to anything you will have experienced before. Although this means it is not the easiest place to travel, this is also what makes it so special. Pollution, poverty and the crowds can result in initial culture shock but should be seen as an exciting new challenge. During our time here we have come to love this large and wonderfully different country but we know that we should always expect to encounter some difficulties along the way. In India there are very different attitudes to time keeping, public cleanliness, privacy and service. Trains will sometimes be late, plumbing can sometimes be temperamental and power will often just vanish. Optimistic menus turn out to have only one dish available and everyone, just everyone, will want to know your name. If you are able to travel with a lot of patience and a healthy sense of humour, then we know that you - like all of us - will be captivated by what India has to offer. 2. COMBO TRIP Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes. 3. Please Note: Only 1 piece of luggage that weighs up to 15kgs will be permitted on our internal flights in India. For any extra weight the airline may charge an additional fee at the time of check-in. 4. ACCOMMODATION NOTE: Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Visit (200INR per person, 1000INR per group) - Raj Mandir Cinema and Movie (200-400INR per person) - City Palace Visit (700INR per person) - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) Visit (200INR per person) - Jaipur Cycle Tour - Jaipur Balloon Ride Fatehpur Sฤซkri - Fatehpur Sikri Visit (500INR per person) Orchha - Orchha Cooking School Varanasi - Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old Benaras - Guided Tour of Sarnath

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here ( https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance ).

Flights

International flights not included.

Optional

Delhi - Kitchen with a Cause Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Visit (200INR per person, 1000INR per group) - Raj Mandir Cinema and Movie (200-400INR per person) - City Palace Visit (700INR per person) - Jaipur Balloon Ride - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) Visit (200INR per person) Fatehpur Sฤซkri - Fatehpur Sikri Visit (500INR per person) Orchha - Cooking Class (1000INR per person) Varanasi - Sarnath Visit (200INR per person, 5000-9000INR per group)

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Essential India

  • Day 1 Day 1: Delhi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Delhi

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


      Included Activities:
      - Women With Wheels Transfer
      - Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Day 2 Day 2: Delhi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      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 Delhiโ€™s famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) and climb the minaret for a birdโ€™s eye view of Old City. Walk through Chandni Chowk, one of Indiaโ€™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.


      Included Activities:
      - City Walk
      - Jama Masjid Visit
      - Gurdwara Sis Ganj Visit
      - Connaught Place Visit
      - Chandni Chowk Visit
  • Day 3 Day 3: Delhi/Jaipur
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      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. Donโ€™t miss the opportunity to see a Bollywood film at the famous Art Deco Raj Mandir cinema.


      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 05:00 - 06:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Anoothi Block Printing Experience
  • Day 4 Day 4: Jaipur
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      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.
      Opt to see the city on bicycle by pre-booking the Jaipur Cycle Tour.

      Included Activities:
      - Amber Fort Visit

      Optional Extras to chose from:
      - Jaipur Cycle Tour
  • Day 5 Day 5: Jaipur/Dhula Village (1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Jaipur/Dhula Village (1D)

      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.
      Before saying farewell to the Pink City, admire it from above by pre-booking the Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour.

      Tonightโ€™s accommodation is in spacious and comfortable tents outfitted with beds, lamps, and simple en suite bathrooms.

      Meals Included:
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 02:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Village Cycling Excursion

      Optional Extras to chose from:
      - Jaipur Balloon Ride
  • Day 6 Day 6: Dhula Village/ฤ€gra (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Dhula Village/ฤ€gra (1B)

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


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle: Dhula Village to ฤ€gra 04:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Abhaneri Stepwell Visit
  • Day 7 Day 7: Gra
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      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.


      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle

      Included Activities:
      - Taj Mahal Visit
      - Agra Fort Visit
      - Baby Taj Visit
  • Day 8 Day 8: Gra/Alฤซpura
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Gra/Alฤซpura

      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 youโ€™ll stay in a heritage property with time to wander the town and interact with local people.


      Transport:
      - Train 03:00 Hr(s)
      - Private Vehicle 02:00 - 02:30 Hr(s)
  • Day 9 Day 9: Alฤซpura
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Alฤซpura

      Enjoy a day trip to Khajuraho, where Indiaโ€™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.


      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle: Khajurฤho to Alฤซpura 01:30 - 02:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Khajuraho Temples Guided Tour
  • Day 10 Day 10: Alฤซpura/Orchha
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Alฤซpura/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 Indiaโ€™s cities. Later, attend an evening puja ceremony at the Ram Raja Temple.


      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle: Alฤซpura to Orchha 02:30 - 03:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Tarragram Visit
      - Puja Ceremony

      Optional Extras to chose from:
      - Orchha Cooking School
  • Day 11 Day 11: Orchha/Varanasi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Orchha/Varanasi

      Visit the Orchha Palace complex and enjoy free time before the overnight train to Varanasi.
      Opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Orchha Cooking School extra when booking your tour.

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle: Orchha to Jhฤnsi 00:15 - 00:30 Hr(s)
      - Basic Overnight Train (beds) 13:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Orchha Palace Visit
  • Day 12 Day 12: Varanasi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      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.
      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.

      Included Activities:
      - Evening Ganges Boat Tour

      Optional Extras to chose from:
      - Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old Benaras
  • Day 13 Day 13: Varanasi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      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 Buddhaโ€™s first sermon.


      Included Activities:
      - Morning Ganges Boat Tour

      Optional Extras to chose from:
      - Guided Tour of Sarnath

      Additional Notes: Pre-book the Guided Visit of Sarnath and learn about the life of the Buddha. Discover the archeological ruins of the monastery. Explore the museum at Sarnath and the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Visit temples constructed by the buddhist people of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan and stop to admire the Buddha statue during the three hours of guided exploration.
  • Day 14 Day 14: Varanasi/Delhi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      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 Day 15: Delhi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Delhi

      Depart at any time.


      Included Activities:
      - Departure Day
+12
Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 12 / Max: 90

Age range allowed for this experience.

Select a country to define if the visa is required