India’s Golden Triangle: Taj Mahal to the Ganges

G Adventures · 9 days
India’s Golden Triangle: Taj Mahal to the Ganges
9 Days
From AUD $1071 Was AUD $1429
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating

India’s Golden Triangle: Taj Mahal to the Ganges

India’s Golden Triangle: Taj Mahal to the Ganges

G Adventures · 9 days
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Pressed for time but dreaming of India’s rich culture and deep spirituality? This nine-day journey through the Golden Triangle and beyond offers the perfect blend of iconic landmarks and immersive experiences.

Highlights

  • See the Taj Mahal glow in the golden light of evening
  • Cruise the Ganges at sunrise in spiritual Varanasi
  • Explore the majestic Amber Fort overlooking Jaipur
  • Enjoy free time to uncover the charm of Orchha and Varanasi at your own pace"

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Train, private vehicle, Tuktuks, cycle-rickshaw, 4x4, walking.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Delhi, India

Finishes

Varanasi, India

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Classic

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Delhi

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project.
There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting. Afterward, head out for an optional dinner with the group.
2

Day 2: Delhi/Jaipur

Visit Delhi's impressive India Gate and Connaught Place before traveling to Jaipur, commonly called the "Pink City" for its unique architecture. Along the way, try your hand at block printing with the women of the Anoothi Project. Get to know this colourful city on an orientation walk, then opt to watch a classic Bollywood film.
3

Day 3: Jaipur

Explore Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, clinging to the surrounding hills on Maota Lake. Stop to marvel at the mysterious Hawa Mahal, "Palace of the Winds," an elaborately carved facade built to enable the purdah women in the Zenana to watch the goings-on in the street below without being seen.
With free time, opt to get active by pre-booking a cycle tour, or catch a classic Bollywood film in the spectacular Art Deco film house — the Raj Mandir.
4

Day 4: Jaipur/Āgra

Take in the arid terrain and small towns on the ride to Agra for a sunset visit to the famous Taj Mahal. Marvel at the iconic Mughal architecture and immerse yourself in the mausoleum's unique history.
5

Day 5: Āgra/Orchha

Travel by train and rickshaw to reach peaceful Orchha along the Betwa River. Enjoy some time away from India's bustling cities and gain insight into rural life. Visit Tarragram, 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. Then, visit the palace complex to learn more about the ancient history here. Opt to witness an evening puja, a Hindu prayer ceremony.
6

Day 6: Orchha/Varanasi

Enjoy free time to explore beautiful Orchha. Opt to rent a bike, stroll along the river, or take a cooking class and enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch. In the evening, catch an overnight train to Varanasi.
7

Day 7: Varanasi

Arrive in Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindus travel for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die. Take an orientation walk along the ghats and visit the old city to get acquainted with this magical city.
8

Day 8: Varanasi

Enjoy a sunrise boat tour along the sacred Ganges before free time to explore this holy city. Walk the narrow alleys, visit some of the hundreds of temples and shrines, or wander the Old City. Opt to visit the site of the Buddha's first sermon or sit on the banks of the Ganges watching life unfold around you. In the evening, embark on a Ganges boat trip at sunset to witness a candlelit 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.

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.
9

Day 9: Varanasi

Depart at any time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $1429

AUD $1,071
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Oct, 2025 Per Person Twin Share
25% Off

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Pressed for time but dreaming of India’s rich culture and deep spirituality? This nine-day journey through the Golden Triangle and beyond offers the perfect blend of iconic landmarks and immersive experiences.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 13 Oct 2025

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990