Journeys: Discover India

G Adventures · 15 days

4.5

2 Reviews

Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Delve into northern India’s cultural riches on an unforgettable journey from Delhi to Varanasi, Agra to Jaipur, and beyond.

Includes

Activities

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 G for Good Moment: Anoothi Block Printing Experience, Jaipur Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group 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

Accommodation

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

14 breakfasts, 5 dinners

Transport

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

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader

Highlights

Walk the backstreets of Delhi with a local guide
Enjoy a talk with a local historian and scholar
Explore the grand forts and palaces in Rajasthan
Enjoy a safari in Ranthambore National Park
Experience village life near the holy town of Pushkar

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

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

Guide Language

English

Starts

Delhi, India

Finishes

Delhi, India

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

National Geographic Journey, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

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!

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Transfer by a G Adventures-supported project, Women With Wheels. This program provides safe and reliable transport for travellers, while providing a dignified livelihood for local women who once lacked financial opportunities.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Bloom Hotel - M Block GK2

Day 2: Delhi

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

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Explore the streets of Delhi with a youth-led tour guide from the G Adventures-supported City Walk project. As a former at-risk youth, your local guide will have a unique perspective on the city and can provide more information on the life of a child in India. The guided tour helps support the guide's college or university tuition.Activity - Visit historic Old Delhi. Explore Jama Masjid, the "Great Mosque," and enjoy its massive courtyard, which can hold up to 25,000 worshippers. Also, visit the ancient Sikh temple of Gurdwara SisGanj, which was established in 1783.Transport - Keep it clean and green on the busy streets aboard a pedal-powered taxi.Activity - Visit Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This tall minaret was built in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, and is a stunning example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture. Walk through the surrounding ruins and check it out for yourself.Accommodation - Bloom Hotel - M Block GK2

Day 3: Delhi/Varanasi

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

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Activity - Enjoy a boat ride on the sacred Ganges River, where Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to wash away their sins and cremate their loved ones. Participate in a candle and flower ceremony while on the water.Activity - While in Varanasi, sit down for a talk with a scholar at the picturesque ghats (stairs) of the Ganges. Discuss the river and the spiritual and social role it plays in daily life here.Accommodation - Hotel Surya Kaiser Palace

Day 4: Varanasi

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

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Keep it clean and green on the busy streets aboard a pedal-powered taxi.Activity - Catch the sunrise from a boat cruising the sacred Ganges River, where Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to wash away their sins and cremate their loved ones. Witness locals participating in dawn rituals of bathing and burning at the river.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - A day of exploration begins with a tuk-tuk ride from Varanasi towards Sarnath, where your local guide awaits. One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, Sarnath is the birth place of Buddhism where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. For nearly 1700 years the site remained a centre for great learning, a place of pilgrimage, and a Vihara (Monastery) for monks and scholars. Guided by a local expert, discover the archeological ruins of the monastery, the ancient Dhamek stupa. Explore the museum at Sarnath and the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Visit temples constructed by the buddhist people of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan. Stop to admire the Buddha statue located at the Thai Buddha vihara. Some eighty feet tall, it is considered to be the tallest standing Buddha statue at Sarnath. After three hours of guided exploration, your guide will bring you back to your awaiting tuk-tuks bound for your hotel.Accommodation - Hotel Surya Kaiser Palace

Day 5: Varanasi/Lucknow

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

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Explore the heritage quarters of this beautiful capital of the central Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Visit the imposing Bara Imambara, walk around Chota Imambara monument, Rumi Darwaza gateway and the Husainibad picture gallery.Activity - Visit the famous Shia Muslim shrine located in Lucknow. With ornate Mughal architecture, this massive shrine is a striking sight to behold.Activity - Enjoy a food walk with a local expert guide in the old city. Fast becoming a foodie destination, Lucknow is known for its cuisine and traditional roadside kitchens, serving up what is considered some of the best eats in India. Learn about the traditional techniques of grilling and secret spices, which were historically developed for the royals of Avadh. Watch local chefs, called "Bawarchi Tola” prepare local specialities from their street kitchens and sample some of the best dishes in the region from sweets, to curries, and breads, and spicy kabobs of all kinds.Accommodation - Hometel Alambagh Lucknow

Day 6: LUCKNOW/AGRA

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

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Da Bungalow

Day 7: AGRA/RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

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

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Here's one to cross off your bucket list: a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Take a guided tour of India's most famous landmark and an icon of Mughal architecture. Built by the emperor Shah Jahan as a testament of his love to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this stunning white marble structure draws visitors from all over the world.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - The Pugmark Resort

Day 8: Ranthambore National Park

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

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - We have two safari drives today to explore Ranthambore National Park - one in the morning and another in the evening.Activity - Ranthambore was once the private hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Jaipur, and its rich heritage manifests itself in its many chhatris, forts, and and hunting lodges that give the park its heritage status. Walk through the ruins of the old fort and visit the Ganesh Temple, a popular spot with locals for worship, dedicated to the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesh.Accommodation - The Pugmark Resort

Day 9: Ranthambore National Park/Jaipur

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan, which boasts beautiful palaces and temples and many atmospheric markets. Upon arrival, visit the Anoothi Project, a collective of women from a marginalised community outside Jaipur who have mastered the traditionally-male technique of block printing. Travelers will engage in a hands-on block printing experience and spend time with the women leading this experience to speak with them about the purpose of the collective and its impact on the community. While you spend time at Anoothi, which means 'unique and extraordinary' in Hindi, indulge in homemade chai and pakoras. Spend the rest of 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

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Women from marginalised communities outside Jaipur came together to create the Anoothi Project. In Hindi, Anoothi means 'unique and extraordinary' and by teaching these women to master the traditionally male handicraft of block printing, the collective shines a light on the unique and extraordinary within each individual. At this G for Good visit, engage in a hands-on block printing activity with the local women as you indulge in some local snacks prepared by your hosts.Accommodation - Khandela Haveli

Day 10: Jaipur

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

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Explore this magnificent fort overlooking an artificial lake, famous for its unique mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details.Activity - 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. Activity - Visit the Jantar Mantar observatory for a guided tour and explore the collection of astronomical instruments housed there, some dating back to 1727.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the local vegetable and spice market with a local family to learn about popular ingredients in Indian cooking. Return to the family's home where we prepare a meal together and discuss the role of spices and base ingredients such as lime, yogourt, and mango in indian cooking. After enjoy our dinner with the family.Accommodation - Khandela Haveli

Day 11: JAIPUR/DOONGARIYA KHURD (Pushkar area)

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 and learn local customs.
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

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Join an orientation to explore key parts of this desert city, including beautiful lakes and ghats. Visit the famed Brahma temple, meet a local pandit and understand/take part in the ancient ritualsActivity - Learn about village life, its governance and its local residents as they go about their daily tasks with local experts. Enjoy interaction with the village governing councils and other village elders, learning about the visible societal change and education system in rural India. Also, enjoy an immersive Rajasthani dining experience; sample and learn about rural cuisine and local specialities, dining customs and etiquette, the proper dress attire and discuss the socio-political life of rural India.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Atithi Luxury Resort

Day 12: DOONGARIYA KHURD/UDAIPUR

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

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Sit back and relax on this amazing boat tour on Pichola Lake. The views of the city and gorgeous palaces, including City Palace, cannot be beat. Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Shahpura Barliyas House

Day 13: Udaipur

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

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit Rajasthan's largest palace to get a sense of how royalty lived. Take in the view from one of its many intricately-decorated balconies, with one side facing the stunning Lake Palace. Activity - Visit the intricately-carved Jagdish Temple, which pays homage to Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation. Make sure to take a peek at the black stoned image of Vishnu that's housed inside the shrine.Free_time - Opt to take a boat ride on the lake.Activity - Stretch and hold poses in this gentle but effective form of exercise.Accommodation - Shahpura Barliyas House

Day 14: Udaipur/Delhi

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

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Free_time - Opt to join the Expedition Leader for a farewell India feast.Accommodation - Bloom Hotel - M Block GK2

Day 15: Delhi

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
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 will do 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.

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 $4479

AUD $3,359

(Tour only)

Offer ends 30 Mar, 2026 Per Person Standard

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Delve into northern India’s cultural riches on an unforgettable journey from Delhi to Varanasi, Agra to Jaipur, and beyond.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 29 Mar 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Sarah

Traveled, December 2019

12/19/2019

Fantastic CEO, fantastic itinerary at a good pace with lots of extension into cultural, environmental, culinary and social areas. Would highly recommend this tour.

4.5

Anonymous

Traveled, January 2018

02/13/2018

This was an amazing tour of northern India. It was busy and jam packed with amazing sights and sounds. It was extremely well organized. As guests, we just had to enjoy the experience. Our guide, CEO, was absolutely amazing. Raju responded to absolutely each request with professionalism and creativity. He took us to all the best places and answered all our questions. He clearly loves his country and was eager to show it to us.

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

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