Classic: Essential India (AHEH)
Countries Visited: India
Trip Style: Classic - Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.
Service Level: Standard
Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own
Physical Demands Rating: 2 - There'll be some light walking and hiking. Suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Group Size: Max 15, avg 12
Meals Included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Accommodations: Not Availaible
Highlights
Explore Indias vibrant cities, discover ancient forts and temples, revel in the beauty of Agras Taj Mahal, witness the erotic sculptures of Khajuraho and Orchha, sail the Ganges in venerable Varanasi
Description
From the intricate saris of Rajasthan to the beautiful symmetry of the Taj Mahal, this compact journey is a photographers delight and the perfect introduction to India. Youll 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 nations rich heritage, youre sure to be caught up in Indias incredible tapestry of life.
Trip Style: Classic - Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.
Service Level: Standard
Physical Demands Rating: 2 - There'll be some light walking and hiking. Suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Group Size: Max 15, avg 12
Meals Included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Accommodations: Not Availaible
Highlights
Explore Indias vibrant cities, discover ancient forts and temples, revel in the beauty of Agras Taj Mahal, witness the erotic sculptures of Khajuraho and Orchha, sail the Ganges in venerable Varanasi
Description
From the intricate saris of Rajasthan to the beautiful symmetry of the Taj Mahal, this compact journey is a photographers delight and the perfect introduction to India. Youll 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 nations rich heritage, youre sure to be caught up in Indias incredible tapestry of life.
Call (631) 757-8500 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13923163
- Tour Operator
- G Adventures
- Duration
- 15 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Delhi | Day 1 Delhi Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included through the G Adventures-supported Women on Wheels project. Included Activities: Women on Wheels Transfer Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting |
| Day 2 | Delhi | Day 2 Delhi 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. Later, visit Delhi's famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) and climb the minaret for a bird's eye view of the Old City. Walk through Chandni Chowk, one of India's oldest and busiest markets, and learn the history of the Sikh religion at the important Gurdwara, (Sikh place of worship) Gurdwara SisGanj. Stop for photos at the colourful spice market before finishing at the Victorian Connaught Place, one of the most prominent architectural remnants of British rule. Included Activities: City Walk Jama Masjid Visit Gurdwara Sis Ganj Visit Delhi Spice Market Connaught Place Visit Chandni Chowk Visit |
| Day 3 | Jaipur | Day 3 Delhi/Jaipur Drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and start exploring. Opt to visit the Jantar Mantar, or Royal Observatory. Dont miss the opprtunity to see a Bollywood film at the famous Art Deco Raj Mandir cinema. Transport: Private Vehicle |
| Day 4 | Jaipur | Day 4 Jaipur Head out to visit the ruined city of Amber, the former capital of Jaipur state. Stop and take a photo of the Hawa Mahal palace complex, elaborate formal gardens, and a small lake. Included Activities: Amber Fort Visit |
| Day 5 | Dhula Village | Day 5 Jaipur/Dhula Village (1D) Tonights accommodation is in spacious and comfortable tents outfitted with beds, lamps, and simple en suite bathrooms. Included Activities: Village Cycling Excursion Transport: Private Vehicle |
| Day 6 | Agra | Day 6 Dhula Village/Agra (1B) Opt for an early morning hike to a ruined fortress. Later, stop by the impressive Abhaneri stepwell en route to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. Included Activities: Abhaneri Stepwell Visit Transport: Private Vehicle |
| Day 7 | Agra | Day 7 Agra Visit the sparkling Taj Mahal for sunrise then stick around to explore (if the light is better around sunset, we may visit later in the day instead). Later, visit the walled city of Agra Fort by cycle-rickshaw and the Itimad-ud-Daulah, or the Baby Taj. Included Activities: Taj Mahal Visit Agra Fort Visit Baby Taj Visit Transport: Visit the Agra Fort by human-powered cycle-rickshaw. Cycle rickshaw |
| Day 8 | Alipura | Day 8 Agra/Alipura Leave early and travel along typically rough Indian roads to Alipura, a friendly village which will be our base for two days. Here, stay in a heritage property with time to wander the town and interact with locals. Transport: Train Private Vehicle |
| Day 9 | Alipura | Day 9 Alipura Travel 1.5 hrs to Khajuraho, one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. 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 (seasonal) or watch an evening dance performance. Included Activities: Khajuraho Temples Guided Tour Transport: Private Vehicle Private Vehicle |
| Day 10 | Orchha | Day 10 Alipura/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 enjoy 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. Included Activities: Tarragram Visit Puja Ceremony Transport: Private Vehicle |
| Day 11 | Varanasi | Day 11 Orchha/Varanasi Visit the Orchha Palace complex and enjoy free time before the overnight train to Varanasi. Opt for a local cooking class with a family. Included Activities: Orchha Palace Visit Transport: Private Vehicle Basic overnight train (beds) |
| Day 12 | 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. There is time here to shop, wander, and absorb the atmosphere of this unique city, while optional activities include the monasteries and ruins of nearby Sarnath, the site of the Buddhas first sermon. Included Activities: Evening Ganges Boat Tour |
| Day 13 | Varanasi | Day 13 Varanasi Watch the sunrise from a boat along the Ganges. Enjoy free time in this holy city. Included Activities: Morning Ganges Boat Tour |
| Day 14 | Delhi | Day 14 Varanasi/Delhi Cut out the travel time with an afternoon flight back to Delhi. Transport: Flight |
| Day 15 | Delhi | Day 15 Delhi Depart at any time. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
Local Flights: All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
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.
Dossier Disclaimer:The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.