Tour Journeys: Discover India National Geographic Journeys

Accommodation

Hotels (13 nts), cottage (1 nt).

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.

Transport

Minibus, train, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, boat, plane, walking.

Meals

14 breakfasts, 5 dinners

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Others

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Ganges River Talk, Varanasi Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Lucknow Local Food Walk, Lucknow Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Family Culinary Experience, Jaipur Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Doongariya khurd Village Experience, Pushkar Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport Your G for Good Moment: City Walk, Delhi Your Wellness Moment: Yoga Class, Udaipur. Rickshaw tour of Old Delhi. Orientation walk of Varanasi and Pushkar. Excursion to Sarnath. Sunset and sunrise boat trips on the Ganges River. Tour of Lucknow. Bara Imambara visit. Tour the Taj Mahal. Safari drive. Visit Ranthambore Fort and the Ganesh temple. Tour Jaipur and visit Amber Fort. Tour Udaipur. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Not included:

Flights

Internal flights: DELHI - VARANASI VARANASI - KHAJURĀHO UDAIPUR - DELHI *** International flights are 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. LUGGAGE 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. 3. 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.Varanasi - Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old Benaras Jaipur - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) Visit (200INR per person)

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Optional

Jaipur - Jaipur Balloon Ride - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) Visit (200INR per person) Jojawar - Train Safari (600INR per person)

Start planning your experience

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

Day 1: Delhi

Arrive at any time; your arrival transfer is included through Women With Wheels, a G Adventures–supported project.
There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting, so check into the hotel (check-in time is 12:00 noon) and begin exploring!

Included Activities:
- Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
- Women With Wheels Transfer

Additional Notes: This tour covers a lot of ground and has many exciting inclusions. Please be prepared for a fair amount of driving and a busy pace.
Day 2 Day 2: Delhi (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Delhi (1B)

Set out to discover Delhi, the capital of India, which consists of two cities: historic Delhi and New Delhi, built by the British in the early 20th century. Explore New Delhi’s lively Paharganj district with a youth guide from the G Adventures–supported City Walk project, and hear about how the program provides opportunities to disadvantaged street youth. Then delve into the narrow, winding lanes of Old Delhi on a rickshaw, visiting the 17th-century Jama Masjid—the largest mosque in India—and the Sikh temple Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Delhi
- Cycle rickshaw: Delhi

Included Activities:
- City Walk
- Old Delhi Guided Walk
- Qutub Minar Visit
Day 3 Day 3: Delhi/Varanasi (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Delhi/Varanasi (1B)

Fly to ancient Varanasi, one of Hinduism’s holiest cities, located on the banks of the Ganges River. Sit down at one of the picturesque ghats or steps that run along the river and enjoy a talk by a local scholar about Varanasi’s spiritual and social significance. Later, embark on a boat ride on the sacred Ganges, where more than a million pilgrims come each year to purify themselves and perform funeral rites for loved ones. Observe the evening aarti or prayer ceremony, and join pilgrims as they float candles and flower offerings down the river.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Plane: Delhi to Varanasi 01:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Evening Ganges Boat Tour
- Ganges River Talk
Day 4 Day 4: Varanasi (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Varanasi (1B)

Rise early to catch the sunrise over the Ganges on a boat cruise, and witness the morning rituals and prayers that take place along the river. This afternoon, visit the Sarnath archaeological site, set in the middle of a vast park, where Gautama Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon.
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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Cycle Rickshaw
- Private Vehicle: Varanasi

Included Activities:
- Morning Ganges Boat Tour
- Guided Tour of Sarnath

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old Benaras
Day 5 Day 5: Varanasi/Lucknow (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Varanasi/Lucknow (1B, 1D)

Travel to Lucknow, the former capital of the Muslim nawabs of Oudh, who were known as great patrons of art, architecture, dance, and music. Explore the imposing Bara Imbambara complex, an 18th-century Shia Muslim shrine which includes a mosque, a grand hall, ornate courtyards, and gateways. Then set out on a food tour of Lucknow with an expert local guide, sampling dishes that were developed for the royal family and delectable street eats—from spicy kebabs to a variety of curries, breads, and sweets.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Transport:
- Train 06:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Lucknow Half-Day Tour
- Bara Imambara Visit
- Lucknow Local Food Walk
Day 6 Day 6: Lucknow/Agra (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Lucknow/Agra (1B)

Travel by private bus to Agra, a former capital of the Delhi sultanate as well as the Mughal Empire. Settle into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 05:00 - 06:00 Hr(s)
Day 7 Day 7: Agra/Ranthambore National Park (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Agra/Ranthambore National Park (1B, 1D)

This morning, visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, this iconic mausoleum was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Later, travel to Ranthambore National Park—the fabled wildlife reserve that is said to have inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 06:00 - 07:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Taj Mahal Guided Tour
Day 8 Day 8: Ranthambore National Park (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Ranthambore National Park (1B, 1D)

Spend the day exploring Ranthambore National Park, which once served as the private hunting ground of the maharajas of Jaipur. Set out on morning and evening safaris with local rangers in search of monkeys, deer, sloth bears, leopards, and, if we’re lucky, the elusive Bengal tiger. Wander amid the ruins of the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort and visit the Trinetra Ganesha Temple, dedicated to the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Included Activities:
- Ranthambore Safari
- Ranthambore Fort walk and Ganesh Temple
Day 9 Day 9: Ranthambore National Park/Jaipur (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Ranthambore National Park/Jaipur (1B)

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan, which boasts beautiful palaces and temples and many atmospheric markets. Spend the evening at leisure.
India’s "Pink City," also known as Jaipur, was founded in 1728, and has the distinction of being one of the best-planned pre-modern cities.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 04:00 - 06:00 Hr(s)
Day 10 Day 10: Jaipur (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Jaipur (1B, 1D)

Explore Jaipur, known as the “Pink City” for its rose-coloured buildings. Take a tour of the sprawling Amber Fort, the former residence of Jaipur’s Rajput rulers; and visit Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, a stunning five-story sandstone building with distinctive honeycombed windows. Discover the rich collections of the City Palace museum, and stop by the 18th-century royal observatory known as Jantar Mantar. This evening, enjoy a culinary experience with a local family, including a visit to a market and a cooking demonstration and meal in their home.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Jaipur

Included Activities:
- Amber Fort Guided Tour
- City Palace Visit
- Jantar Mantar Visit
- Family Culinary Experience
Day 11 Day 11: Jaipur/Doongariya Khurd (Pushkar Area) (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Jaipur/Doongariya Khurd (Pushkar Area) (1B, 1D)

Travel to the Hindu pilgrimage site of Pushkar, a holy lake ringed by stone ghats, or steps, that lead into its sacred waters. Take an orientation walk along the spectacular lakefront to the 14th-century Brahma Temple. Continue to Dungriya Khurd Village, where we will spend the night in a luxurious resort camp. Glimpse rural Rajasthani life as we chat with villagers as they go about their daily tasks. During an immersive dining experience this evening, sample traditional rural cuisine, learn local customs, and gain insights about sociopolitical influences here.
Nestled in the stunning valley of the Aravalli Range, near the edge of the holy town of Pushkar we stay in cottages which are constructed in the traditional thatched-roof style by local artisans. The camps concept is to give customers an experiential understanding of the rural Rajasthan life with all the comfort at the camp resort. Each accommodation has been made using local material, has large windows and verandah and private ensuite. The staff is from the surrounding hamlets and the camp has zero plastic use.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 02:30 - 03:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Pushkar Orientation Walk
- Doongariya khurd Village Experience
Day 12 Day 12: Doongariya Khurd/Udaipur (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Doongariya Khurd/Udaipur (1B)

Today, we make our way to Udaipur, dubbed the City of Lakes. Take an orientation walk through the timeless streets and bustling bazaars of this romantic city; then hop on a boat to explore Lake Pichola, taking in stunning views of the marble palaces which appear to float above the tranquil waters.
Udaipur is famous for its lakes and Raj-era palaces. The most famous of these, and certainly the most photographed, is the Lake Palace, which we view from the boat. This beautiful white marble palace is now a hotel and entirely covers a small island in Lake Pichola. Originally known as the Jag Niwas, the palace took three years to build and was inaugurated in 1746.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 04:00 - 05:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Pichola Lake Boat Tour
Day 13 Day 13: Udaipur (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Udaipur (1B)

Set out to discover Udaipur, once the capital of a princely state. Visit the exquisite City Palace—the largest palace complex in Rajasthan—to get a glimpse of how the royal family used to live; and step into Jagdish Temple, which pays homage to the Hindu god Vishnu. This evening, stretch out at a relaxing yoga class.
During free time, journey out to the hilltop Monsoon Palace, summer resort of the Maharajas. Sit atop a hill with a panoramic view of the city’s lakes and watch the sunset.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- City Palace Visit
- Jagdish Temple Visit
- Yoga Class
Day 14 Day 14: Udaipur/Delhi (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Udaipur/Delhi (1B)

Fly to Delhi for your final evening in India, and opt to join your group for a farewell dinner.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Plane: Udaipur to Delhi 01:00 Hr(s)
Day 15 Day 15: Delhi (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Delhi (1B)

Depart at any time.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Departure Day

+12

15 days tour

Journeys: Discover India National Geographic Journeys

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Journeys: Discover India National Geographic Journeys

Day 1: Delhi

Day 2: Delhi (1B)

Day 3: Delhi/Varanasi (1B)

Day 4: Varanasi (1B)

Day 5: Varanasi/Lucknow (1B, 1D)

Day 6: Lucknow/Agra (1B)

Day 7: Agra/Ranthambore National Park (1B, 1D)

Day 8: Ranthambore National Park (1B, 1D)

Day 9: Ranthambore National Park/Jaipur (1B)

Day 10: Jaipur (1B, 1D)

Day 11: Jaipur/Doongariya Khurd (Pushkar Area) (1B, 1D)

Day 12: Doongariya Khurd/Udaipur (1B)

Day 13: Udaipur (1B)

Day 14: Udaipur/Delhi (1B)

Day 15: Delhi (1B)

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