Essential India Tour with 8 Reviews by G Adventures

15 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

15 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

New Delhi, India

Ends

New Delhi, India

Highlights

Explore India's vibrant cities.

discover ancient forts and temples.

revel in the beauty of Agra's Taj Mahal.

witness the erotic sculptures of Khajuraho and Orchha.

sail the Ganges in venerable Varanasi

Itinerary

India’s timeless beauty comes alive on "Essential India," a 15-day art and architecture tour starting and ending in New Delhi. Explore Alipura, Jaipur, Tordi Sagar, Varanasi, and more, experiencing everything from the intricate designs of Rajasthan’s saris to the mesmerizing symmetry of the Taj Mahal.

Float along the Ganges in Varanasi, discover lesser-known stepwells and temples, and enjoy a mix of included activities and free time for personal exploration. This small group tour is perfect for travelers seeking a balanced introduction to India’s cultural tapestry.

The USP is the journey’s photographic richness and immersive encounters, capturing the essence of both urban and rural India.

day 1 - Delhi

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project.
Arriving early with a free day in Delhi? Opt to add the "Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi" extra to your tour.

Accomodation:Hotel Singh Sahib (or similar)

Included Activities:Women With Wheels Transfer, Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr

Optional Activities:Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi

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.

Accomodation:Hotel Singh Sahib (or similar)

Included Activities:City Walk Duration : 1.0 hr - 2.0 hr Distance : 2 km, Jama Masjid Visit Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr, Gurdwara Sis Ganj Visit Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr, Connaught Place Visit Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 3 km, Chandni Chowk Visit Duration : 1.0 hr - 2.0 hr

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. Don't miss the opportunity to see a Bollywood film at the famous Art Deco Raj Mandir cinema.

Accomodation:Utsav Niwas (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 5.0 hr - 6.0 hr Distance : 260 km

Included Activity:Anoothi Block Printing Experience

Optional Activities:Jantar Mantar Visit , Movie at Raj Mandir Visit this spectacular cinema and watch a song-and-dance Bollywood film.

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.

Accomodation:Utsav Niwas (or similar)

Included Activity:Amber Fort Visit

Optional Activities:Jaipur Cycle Tour , City Palace Visit Explore the courtyards, gardens, and buildings that make up the City Palace. Located in the heart of the Old City, it is a striking blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. Visit the palace's museum to look at ancient carriages and the former maharaja's gold-embroidered wedding outfit. , Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds)

day 5 - Jaipur/Dhula Village

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.

Tonight's accommodation is in spacious and comfortable tents outfitted with beds, lamps, and simple en suite bathrooms.

Meal:Dinner

Accomodation:Camp Dhula Bagh (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 50 km

Included Activity:Village Cycling Excursion

Optional Activities:Jaipur Balloon Ride Available August 15 - April 30.

day 6 - Dhula Village/Āgra

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

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Marine House (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 250 km

Included Activity:Abhaneri Stepwell Visit Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr

Optional Activities:Fatehpur Sikri Visit

day 7 - Āgra

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.

Accomodation:Hotel Marine House (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle

Included Activities:Taj Mahal Visit Duration : 2.0 hr - 3.0 hr, Agra Fort Visit Duration : 1.0 hr - 3.0 hr, Baby Taj Visit

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.

Accomodation:Alipura Palace (or similar)

Transport:Train Duration : 3.0 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr - 2.5 hr

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 watch an evening dance performance.

Accomodation:Alipura Palace (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.0 hr Distance : 96 km

Included Activity:Khajuraho Temples Visit

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.

Accomodation:Ganpati Palace (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.5 hr - 3.0 hr Distance : 96 km

Included Activities:Tarragram Visit Duration : 1.0 hr, Puja Ceremony Duration : 1.0 hr

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 Duration : 0.25 hr - 0.5 hr, Basic Overnight Train (beds) Duration : 13.0 hr

Included Activity:Orchha Palace Visit Duration : 1.0 hr - 2.0 hr

Optional Activities:Orchha Cooking School

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.

Accomodation:Hotel Vaibhav (or similar)

Included Activity:Evening Ganges Boat Tour Duration : 2.0 hr - 3.0 hr

Optional Activities:Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old Benaras Set off an engaging walking tour of Old Varanasi City. Wander through puzzling alleys, vibrant bazaars, explore temples, and gain a deeper understanding of Varanasi’s history, culture, and spirituality. The Varanasi Heritage Walk begins from the Godaulia intersection and our first visit is to the Mata Kali Temple, one of the highest revered places of worship in the city. It was built by the Maharaja of Varanasi in 1885 and features carved pillars that capture visitors’ attention. Then we will visit the Ganesh temple before heading to the Tedhi Neem Gali for a walk through the colorful market dotted with many different shops. Afterward, we will go towards the Kashi Vishwanath corridor and witness Varanasi’s principal cremation site – the Manikarnika Ghat. The sacred fire here has been alive for the last 3000 years. Next, we’ll walk past the Alam Gir mosque, visit the shrine of a Hindu Yogi and mystic Guru Shri Tailang Swami, the Mangla Gauri Temple, and the Sankatha Mata Temple. Towards the end of the walk, we will try the famous white butter toast with tea at Laxmi Chai shop or Dwarika Lassi. During the walk our guide will focus more on the local life in Varanasi and its philosophical and cultural values. Witness pilgrims singing or chanting and gain an 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.

Accomodation:Hotel Vaibhav (or similar)

Included Activity:Morning Ganges Boat Tour Duration : 1.0 hr

Optional Activities:Guided Tour of Sarnath

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.

Accomodation:Hotel Singh Sahib (or similar)

day 15 - Delhi

Depart at any time.

Included Activity:Departure Day

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What's Included

Accommodation

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

Meals

1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Note: Allow USD345-450 for meals not included.

Transport

Train, local bus, private vehicle, auto-rickshaw, small riverboat, plane.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Included activities

Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International AirportYour G for Good Moment: City Walk, DelhiYour G for Good Moment: Anoothi Block Printing Experience, JaipurYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupOld Delhi walk with stops at the Jama Masjid, Gurduwara, Chandni Chowk, and Connaught PlaceAmber Fort tourRajasthani rural village stayVillage cycling excursionAbhaneri stepwells visitTaj Mahal and I’timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) entranceAgra Fort entrance and guided tourOrchha Palace complex visitWestern Temple complex entrance and guided visitGanges River boat trip at sunrise and sunset, including candle flower ceremonyInternal flight

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Essential India

5.0

based on 8 reviews

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