Meals

2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Accommodation

Simple hotels or guesthouse (twin-share) (15 nts), sleeper trains (3 nts), camping (1 nt).

Transport

Train, metro, local bus, charter bus, tuk-tuk, small riverboat, camel, 4x4 vehicle.

Hygieneprotocol

As of October 1, 2021 G Adventures’ 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 ‘Travel-Ready’ 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**

Others

Your G for Good Moment: City Walk, Delhi Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Big Night Out Moment: Jaipur Nightlife, Jaipur Your Discover Moment: Varanasi. Guided tour of the Taj Mahal and the Amber Fort. Orientation walks in Old Delhi, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Pushkar, and Jaipur. Overnight camel cart safari. Ganges River boat trip at sunrise and sunset (including candle flower ceremony). All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Not included:

Others

1. 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. 2. 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.Deshnoke - Deshnoke Rat Temple Visit (Free) Bīkāner - Junagarh Fort Visit (400INR per person, 1000INR per group) Jaisalmer - Jaisalmer Fort Visit (Free) Jodhpur - Sadar Bazaar (Free) - Mehrangarh Fort Visit (600INR per person) Udaipur - Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir Folk Museum - Jagdish Temple Visit - Saheliyon-ki-Bari Visit (50INR per person) - Udaipur Cooking School - Udaipur Sunrise Cycle Tour - Bagore-ki-Haveli Cultural Show (200INR per person) - City Palace Visit (350INR per person) - Monsoon Palace Visit (505INR per person) Pushkar - Brahma Temple Visit (Free) - Savitri Temple Sunrise Hike (Free) Jaipur - Jaipur Balloon Ride - Raj Mandir Cinema and Movie (200-400INR per person) - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) Visit (200INR per person) - Jaipur Cycle Tour Āgra - Baby Taj Visit (310INR per person) - Agra Fort Visit (650INR per person) Varanasi - Guided Tour of Sarnath - Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old Benaras

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 are not included.

Optional

Delhi - Kitchen with a Cause Bīkāner - Junagarh Fort Visit (300INR per person, 1000INR per group) Deshnoke - Deshnoke Rat Temple Visit (Free) Jaisalmer - Jaisalmer Fort Visit (Free) Jodhpur - Mehrangarh Fort Visit (600INR per person) - Sadar Bazaar (Free) Udaipur - City Palace Visit (300INR per person) - Jagdish Temple Visit - Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir Folk Museum - Saheliyon-ki-Bari Visit (50INR per person) - Monsoon Palace Visit (250INR per person) - Bagore-ki-Haveli Cultural Show (150INR per person) Pushkar - Brahma Temple Visit (Free) - Savitri Temple Climb (Free) Jaipur - Raj Mandir Cinema and Movie (200-400INR per person) - Jaipur Balloon Ride - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) Visit (200INR per person) Āgra - Agra Fort Visit (600INR per person) - Baby Taj Visit (300INR per person)

Start planning your experience

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

Day 1: Delhi

Arrive at any time and welcome to India’s bustling capital - Delhi!

Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!

Included Activities:
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Connect With New Friends
Day 2 Day 2: Delhi/Bīkāner
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Delhi/Bīkāner

Gain a unique perspective of Delhi on a youth-led tour with G Adventures-supported City Walk project. Afterward, embark through Old Delhi experiencing the historic and cultural side of this vibrant city while visiting the "Great Mosque" and Sikh temple. In the evening, board an overnight train and wake up in Bikaner.
Enjoy a youth-led walking tour of Delhi with G Adventures-supported project, City Walk. This tour offers a unique perspective of Delhi while supporting at-risk youth.

Afterwards, an orientation walk takes you through Old Delhi to experience some of the history and culture of this vibrant city.

Transport:
- Basic Overnight Train (beds) 08:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- City Walk
- Old Delhi Guided Walk
Day 3 Day 3: Bīkāner/Rāisar (1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Bīkāner/Rāisar (1L, 1D)

Arrive early in Bikaner, a semi-arid part of the Thar Desert with sandy dunes and scattered villages. After freshening up, buckle-in to local jeeps and cruise to the sandy village of Raisar for short tour of the village. Explore 100 year old looms, the old water system and the rural life before a 3 km walk along a farm trail. Once the group arrives at the camp sitting atop the dune you will have lunch and a little rest. Then, mount camel carts and ride for 2-3 hours on the dunes until you reach that perfect point to witness the red sun setting in the vast desert. As the sun slowly disappears, climb down to the overnight camp and pitch your tent before enjoying a simple but delicious Indian dinner. Fall asleep to the unique sounds of the desert.

Meals Included:
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- Local Van 01:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Camel Cart Ride & Camping in the Desert
Day 4 Day 4: Rāisar/Bīkāner (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Rāisar/Bīkāner (1B)

Opt to wake early and experience the sunrise from atop the dunes and feel the sand warming under your feet. After breakfast, transfer back to Bikaner and embark on an orientation stroll through the Old City and bustling markets. Afterward, opt to visit the ancient Junagarh Fort or, if you aren’t squeamish, the Deshnok Rat Temple dedicated to, well, rats.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Bikaner Orientation Tour
Day 5 Day 5: Bīkāner/Jaisalmer
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Bīkāner/Jaisalmer

Arrive in the medieval fortress city of Jaisalmer and have the rest of the day to relax after the long journey or explore the city at your leisure. Jaisalmer, known as the "Golden City," stands on a ridge of golden sandstone in the heart of the Thar Desert. Wander through the lanes of the walled city and inside the ancient fort. Houses, temples, and havelis are very different from what you would find in other regions of Rajasthan. This evening, watch the setting sun’s reflection on the fort with your fellow travellers.

Transport:
- Local Train 06:30 Hr(s)
Day 6 Day 6: Jaisalmer
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Jaisalmer

Enjoy a free day to continue exploring the "Golden City." Check out the seven interconnected Jain Temples, paddle a boat at Gadsisar Lake, and catch the sunset from Vyas Chhatri. There is an adventure around every corner.
Day 7 Day 7: Jaisalmer/Jodhpur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Jaisalmer/Jodhpur

Travel eastwards to the centrally located metropolis of Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan, and sometimes called the “Blue City” for the many houses painted that colour. Stark desert landscapes meet a riot of palaces, forts, and temples, all enclosed within imposing city walls. Six enormous gates provide entry to the city centre and overlooking it all stands the imposing shadow of Meherangarh Fort. On arrival, take an orientation walk of the city, then opt to visit this famous fort.

Transport:
- Local Bus 07:00 - 08:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Orientation With CEO
Day 8 Day 8: Jodhpur/Udaipur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Jodhpur/Udaipur

Journey southeast to the city of Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. Get to know the Old City on an orientation walk, then opt to visit the Lake Palace - an island palace built of white marble on Pichola Lake.

Transport:
- Local Bus 07:00 - 08:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Udaipur Orientation Walk
Day 9 Day 9: Udaipur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Udaipur

Another day, another adventure in Udaipur! With so much to do in the royal city, enjoy a day to freely explore. Relive life as royalty at Sajjangarh Fort, also known as the Monsoon Palace, sitting atop a hill with a panoramic view of the city’s lakes. Check out its ingenious rainwater collection system, essential in the dry desert conditions. Or opt to visit the Jagdish Temple, the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir folk museum, Saheliyon-ki-Bari (the Garden of Maidens), the City Palace and Museum, and take in an evening dance performance at Bagore Ki Haveli with your new friends.
Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour extra, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School extra.

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Udaipur Cooking School
Day 10 Day 10: Udaipur/Pushkar
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Udaipur/Pushkar

Travel over Snake Mountain to Pushkar, site of the world’s only temple to the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. This city is so sacred that no meat, alcohol, or eggs are allowed within the city. Take an orientation walk and visit the 14th century Brahma Temple. In your free time, follow local tradition and ride a camel out to the desert or wander this holy Hindu centre on foot or bicycle. Take a cooking class or scour the bustling markets. Rajasthan is famous for its textiles, jewellery and handicrafts, and few places in the country are better for shopping than the bazaars of Pushkar.

Transport:
- Local bus: Udaipur to Pushkar 07:00 - 08:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Pushkar Orientation Walk

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Udaipur Sunrise Cycle Tour
Day 11 Day 11: Pushkar/Tordi Sāgar (1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Pushkar/Tordi Sāgar (1D)

Cruise to peaceful Tordi Sāgar and dive into rural life by visiting local potters, cobblers, and markets on a guided walk through the village. If you’re feeling athletic, join in on a cricket match with some local players. In your free time, opt to bounce around with your new friends during a jeep safari or camel cart ride to the dunes for sunset. Head out for a hike in the hills or get a henna tattoo from local women. Tordi Sāgar is your oyster!

Meals Included:
- Dinner

Transport:
- 4x4: Pushkar to Tordi Sāgar 04:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Tordi Sagar Local Village Tour
Day 12 Day 12: Tordi Sāgar/Jaipur (1B, 1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Tordi Sāgar/Jaipur (1B, 1L)

Before leaving Tordi Sagar, enjoy a local lunch prepared by traditional methods at Tordi Garh. Afterward, travel to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, clothed in pink stucco in imitation of sandstone. Wide-avenued Jaipur is one of the most important heritage cities in India and home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Take an orientation walk around town, then enjoy a free evening to immerse yourself in the exciting nightlife.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Transport:
- 4x4: Tordi Sāgar to Jaipur 04:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Orientation Walk
Day 13 Day 13: Jaipur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Jaipur

Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your list. The Fort’s sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details. Afterward, head back to Jaipur and spend the free afternoon exploring the city with your fellow travellers. For your big night out, head to a rooftop bar and enjoy a drink on us to cheers to the new adventures you’ve just shared.
Opt to visit the City Palace with its fine collection of textiles and costumes or admire the mind-boggling architecture of Hawa Mahal. Discover more of the wisdom and history of the Mughals by wandering around the Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in the 1700’s, or opt to sit back and relax - sipping a cocktail in any of the luxuriously converted palaces. If you aren’t afraid of heights, pre-book the Jaipur balloon ride to admire the city from above — or stay closer to the ground with a Cycle Tour.

Included Activities:
- Amber Fort Guided Tour
- Jaipur Nightlife

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Jaipur Balloon Ride
Day 14 Day 14: Jaipur/Āgra
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Jaipur/Āgra

Take a morning train to the Muslim city of Agra, known for India’s most famous landmark - the Taj Mahal! Immerse yourself in a guided tour of this iconic mausoleum and learn of its unique history as you admire the impressive Mughal architecture.

Transport:
- Local train: Jaipur to Āgra 05:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Taj Mahal Guided Tour

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Jaipur Cycle Tour
Day 15 Day 15: Gra/Varanasi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Gra/Varanasi

Spend the day getting to know Agra. Opt to ride one of the ubiquitous cycle rickshaws to visit Baby Taj and the Agra Fort, the Taj’s less famous — but no less impressive — sister monument, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, board an overnight train and wake up in Varanasi.

Transport:
- Basic Overnight Train (beds) 13:00 Hr(s)
Day 16 Day 16: Varanasi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Varanasi

Arrive to legendary Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindu travel for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die. Walk the narrow twisting alleys, poke around some of the thousands of temples and shrines, and experience the energy of the dawn rituals of bathing and burials as you float past the famous ghats of the Ganges. Take an evening boat journey out onto the sacred Ganges River for sunset and enjoy a mesmerizing candle flower ceremony.

Included Activities:
- Evening Ganges Boat Tour
Day 17 Day 17: Varanasi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Varanasi

Cruise the Ganges on a morning boat tour with free time in the afternoon to shop, wander, and absorb the atmosphere of Varanasi. Opt to explore the monasteries and ruins of nearby Sarnath, the site of the Buddha’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 18 Day 18: Varanasi/Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Varanasi/Delhi

Enjoy a free day to uniquely explore the spiritual capital of India more in-depth before boarding an overnight train to Delhi.
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.

Transport:
- Basic Overnight Train (beds)

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old Benaras
Day 19 Day 19: Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Delhi

Arrive back in the bustling capital of India. The day is yours to explore the temples, markets, and museums in this fast-paced city.
Day 20 Day 20: Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Delhi

Wow! What a trip, right? Luckily there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your newfound friends, exchange numbers, and depart at any time.

Included Activities:
- Departure Day

+17

20 days tour

Rajasthan & Varanasi — Ancient Temples & The Taj Mahal

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Rajasthan & Varanasi — Ancient Temples & The Taj Mahal

Day 1: Delhi

Day 2: Delhi/Bīkāner

Day 3: Bīkāner/Rāisar (1L, 1D)

Day 4: Rāisar/Bīkāner (1B)

Day 5: Bīkāner/Jaisalmer

Day 6: Jaisalmer

Day 7: Jaisalmer/Jodhpur

Day 8: Jodhpur/Udaipur

Day 9: Udaipur

Day 10: Udaipur/Pushkar

Day 11: Pushkar/Tordi Sāgar (1D)

Day 12: Tordi Sāgar/Jaipur (1B, 1L)

Day 13: Jaipur

Day 14: Jaipur/Āgra

Day 15: Gra/Varanasi

Day 16: Varanasi

Day 17: Varanasi

Day 18: Varanasi/Delhi

Day 19: Delhi

Day 20: Delhi

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania