India Northern Group Exploration 14D/13N

Welcome to New Delhi and the beginning of your India group tour! This morning, you'll meet your fellow travelers and your Adventure Leader for a briefing. They'll outline your two-week itinerary and provide essential safety tips for your time in India.

Next up is a Hindi language lesson where a local guide will teach you the basics and key phrases you'll use throughout your journey. Following the lesson, you'll embark on a tour of New Delhi's top attractions. Highlights include exploring Old Delhi's temples and spice markets, visiting Connaught Place in the downtown area, wandering through the Delhi Haat crafts market, and admiring the stunning Sri Bangla Sahib Gurdwara.

In the evening, take some time to explore the local area and find a spot for dinner. Don’t hesitate to ask your Adventure Leader for recommendations!

Today is yours to enjoy however you like. For a peaceful start, we suggest spending a calm morning in the serene surroundings of Lodhi Garden, followed by a stop at the vibrant Khan Market. Be sure to also check out the India Gate and the ancient Aagrasen ki Baoli, one of Central Delhi's oldest landmarks.

This afternoon, there are several exciting options for exploration. Consider visiting one of the following:

Akshardham, a breathtaking Hindu temple

Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mehrauli district

Raj Ghat, a memorial honoring Mahatma Gandhi

The Lotus Temple, renowned for its striking architecture

Humayun’s Tomb, the first garden tomb in the Indian subcontinent

Don’t forget to return with enough time to prepare for tonight's journey, as you’ll be boarding the overnight train to Varanasi, the second stop on our India group tour!

Upon arriving in Varanasi this morning, you'll head to your next accommodation, where you can take some time to rest and freshen up. Later, you'll join your Adventure Leader for a second Hindi language lesson, building on the basics you’ve already learned.

If you're up for it, you can choose to visit the Sarnath archaeological site, a place of great significance in both Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Sarnath is believed to be where Buddha delivered his first sermon, and it’s home to some incredibly well-preserved artifacts and historical sites.

In the evening, the group will gather for an unforgettable experience. You'll take a boat tour along the Ghats of Varanasi, culminating in the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. After the ceremony, you’ll disembark at Dasawamedh Ghat, where you can choose to join your group for dinner before heading back to your accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

Your second day in Varanasi begins on the water once more, with an optional sunrise boat tour that offers some truly breathtaking views. Afterward, you’ll regroup with your Adventure Leader, where you'll have a chance to ask any pressing questions.

In the afternoon, you might choose to explore the old market in Varanasi with your group, soaking in the local atmosphere. Later on, consider immersing yourself in Indian culture by attending an incredible classical music and dance performance. This is the perfect way to wrap up your time in Varanasi before boarding the night train to your next destination—Agra!

Your second day in Varanasi begins on the water once more, with an optional sunrise boat tour that offers some truly breathtaking views. Afterward, you’ll regroup with your Adventure Leader, where you'll have a chance to ask any pressing questions.

In the afternoon, you might choose to explore the old market in Varanasi with your group, soaking in the local atmosphere. Later on, consider immersing yourself in Indian culture by attending an incredible classical music and dance performance. This is the perfect way to wrap up your time in Varanasi before boarding the night train to your next destination—Agra!

Before we head to Jaipur, we'll start the day early with a sunrise visit to India’s most iconic landmark—the Taj Mahal! Experience the beauty of this magnificent site as the sun rises, and return in time for your private transfer to Jaipur.

Once you’ve checked in, hop on the bus to Nahargarh Fort, where you’ll find one of the best vantage points to watch the sunset. If you’re feeling hungry afterward, join your group for dinner this evening.

Are you an early riser? If so, consider starting your day with an exhilarating balloon safari! If not, take your time waking up this morning and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before choosing to visit the stunning Amber Palace, made entirely of yellow and pink sandstone.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy however you wish. You might explore the City Palace and the nearby Hawa Mahal, visit the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, or indulge in some shopping at Bapu Bazaar. Later, you can opt to join your group for an early evening food court tour to sample some local delicacies, and then dive into Jaipur's vibrant nightlife.

Today begins with another early start as you head out to the Monkey Temple! This remarkable site, a popular spot for Hindu pilgrims, is celebrated for its breathtaking architecture, scenic landscapes, and, naturally, its lively monkeys.

For the rest of the morning, you have the option to unwind, explore the Pink City further, or join a wonderful art class.

In the afternoon, we’ll make our way to Jaipur station to catch our train to the next destination on our India group tour: Jaisalmer!

You’ll arrive in Jaisalmer this morning, where you can head to a local hostel to rest and enjoy some breakfast. Afterward, you can choose to join us in exploring the captivating Jaisalmer Fort, a towering structure that stands 250 feet tall in some areas, with sections dating back to the mid-1600s! Next, consider visiting the stunning Gadsisar Lake, a nearby viewpoint offering remarkable views.

But it’s a brief stop, as we have something truly special planned—perhaps the highlight of your India adventure. We’ll transfer by jeep into the Thar Desert for an unforgettable experience: a camel trek that will lead you to your campsite. Once there, you’ll enjoy dinner under the open sky before settling into your cozy beds for a night of sleeping under the stars.

There’s no avoiding the sunrise this morning, as it will gently wake you from your desert spot. After enjoying breakfast and packing up, you’ll return to the city, where you'll be ready to transfer to Jodhpur.

Once your private transfer arrives, you’ll check into your next hostel and settle in. We’ll then take you on a tour of the Blue City, giving you a chance to see landmarks like the Clock Tower and the intriguing Toorji Ka Jhalra, an ancient stepwell.

In the evening, feel free to join your group for a drink at the Stepwell Café.

Today is yours to enjoy as you like! If you're interested in optional activities, consider joining us for:

A cooking class where you'll delve into the history of Indian cuisine and its cultural significance, gaining a deeper appreciation for authentic traditional flavors.

An exhilarating Flying Fox zip line adventure! Glide across the city and the fort, enjoying breathtaking views and an adrenaline-packed experience.

In the evening, why not gather with your group for a drink on the hostel’s rooftop?

Late this morning, you'll fly to your final destination on the India group tour: Mumbai!

After arriving and transferring to your accommodation in the late afternoon, you'll be just in time for movie night! This evening, consider enjoying a city view from a rooftop bar.

If you're interested in gaining insight into local life in Mumbai, join us this morning for a tour of the Dharavi Slum. You'll also have the opportunity to visit Dhobi Ghat Malaxmi, the largest outdoor laundry in the world!

In the afternoon, regroup with your fellow travelers for an essential tour of Mumbai. Highlights will include iconic landmarks such as the Gateway of India and the Colaba District. For your final evening, consider experiencing Mumbai's vibrant nightlife with the group.

This morning, before we part ways, you have the option to join us for a visit to the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum, which is dedicated to the life and achievements of Gandhi. Alternatively, you can spend the day at your leisure. As your India group tour wraps up, it's time to say farewell to your group.