Rajasthan & Varanasi — Ancient Temples & the Taj Mahal

G Adventures · 20 days

5.0

20 Reviews

Duration

20 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Now's the time to explore India on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Spend three weeks discovering the charms and mystery that make up the northern portion of this incredible country.

Includes

Activities

Your G for Good Moment: City Walk, Delhi Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Big Night Out Moment: Jaipur Nightlife, Jaipur Your Discover Moment: Varanasi
Guided tour of the Taj Mahal and the Amber Fort
Orientation walks in Old Delhi, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Pushkar, and Jaipur
Overnight camel cart safari
Ganges River boat trip at sunrise and sunset (including candle flower ceremony)
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Simple hotels or guesthouse (twin-share) (15 nts), sleeper trains (3 nts), camping (1 nt).

2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Train, metro, local bus, tuk-tuk, small riverboat, camel cart, 4x4 vehicle.

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Highlights

Drink in a kaleidoscope of colour and culture
Experience spiritual Varanasi along the Ganges
Marvel at the Taj Majal
Wander the streets and markets in vibrant cities
Revel in the colourful villages of Rajasthan

Trip Details

Duration

20 days

Transportation

Train, metro, local bus, tuk-tuk, small riverboat, camel cart, 4x4 vehicle.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Delhi, India

Finishes

Delhi, India

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi

Arrive at any time and welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi!

Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!
Arriving early with a free day in Delhi? Opt to add the "Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi" extra to your tour.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO 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.Activity - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.Accommodation - Hotel Pablas International

Day 2: Delhi/Bīkāner

Gain a unique perspective of Delhi on a youth-led tour with G Adventures-supported City Walk project. Afterward, embark through Old Delhi experiencing the historic and cultural side of this vibrant city while visiting the "Great Mosque" and Sikh temple. In the evening, board an overnight train and wake up in Bikaner.
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.

Afterwards, an orientation walk takes you through Old Delhi to experience some of the history and culture of this vibrant city.

Exclusive inclusions: 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 - Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

Day 3: Bīkāner/Rāisar

Arrive early in Bikaner, a semi-arid part of the Thar Desert with sandy dunes and scattered villages. After freshening up, buckle-in to local vans and cruise to the sandy village of Raisar for short tour of the village. Once the group arrives at the camp sitting atop the dune you will have lunch and a little rest. Then, mount camel carts and ride for 1.5 hours on the dunes until you reach that perfect point to witness the red sun setting in the vast desert. As the sun slowly disappears, climb down to the overnight camp and pitch your tent before enjoying a simple but delicious Indian dinner. Fall asleep to the unique sounds of the desert.

Meals included: Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take your seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Buckle-in to local jeeps and cruise to the sandy village of Raisar for a tour before arriving at the camp for lunch on top of the dune. Then, mount the camel carts for a 2-3 hour ride on the dunes until reaching the perfect spot to witness the red sun setting in the vast desert. Pitch your tent with help from cameleers and local villagers.Accommodation - Raisar Camp

Day 4: Rāisar/Bīkāner

Opt to wake early and experience the sunrise from atop the dunes and feel the sand warming under your feet. After breakfast, transfer back to Bikaner and embark on an orientation stroll through the Old City and bustling markets. Afterward, opt to visit the ancient Junagarh Fort or, if you aren't squeamish, the Deshnok Rat Temple dedicated to, well, rats.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Get a glimpse of Bikaner through a guided tour through the Old City and bustling markets of this ancient town. Accommodation - Hotel Bhairon Vilas

Day 5: Bīkāner/Jaisalmer

Arrive in the medieval fortress city of Jaisalmer and have the rest of the day to relax after the long journey or explore the city at your leisure. Jaisalmer, known as the "Golden City," stands on a ridge of golden sandstone in the heart of the Thar Desert. Wander through the lanes of the walled city and inside the ancient fort. Houses, temples, and havelis are very different from what you would find in other regions of Rajasthan. This evening, watch the setting sun's reflection on the fort with your fellow travellers.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.Free_time - Head out and explore the city.Accommodation - Hotel Marwar Palace

Day 6: Jaisalmer

Enjoy a free day to continue exploring the "Golden City." Check out the seven interconnected Jain Temples, paddle a boat at Gadsisar Lake, and catch the sunset from Vyas Chhatri. There is an adventure around every corner.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy free time to relax or explore.Accommodation - Hotel Marwar Palace

Day 7: Jaisalmer/Jodhpur

Travel eastwards to the centrally located metropolis of Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan, and sometimes called the “Blue City” for the many houses painted that colour. Stark desert landscapes meet a riot of palaces, forts, and temples, all enclosed within imposing city walls. Six enormous gates provide entry to the city centre and overlooking it all stands the imposing shadow of Meherangarh Fort. On arrival, take an orientation walk of the city, then opt to visit this famous fort.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Free_time - Get out and explore this city.Accommodation - Treebo Megh Niwas

Day 8: Jodhpur/Udaipur

Journey southeast to the city of Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. Get to know the Old City on an orientation walk, then opt to visit the Lake Palace - an island palace built of white marble on Pichola Lake. Or choose to visit the Jagdish Temple or the City Palace and Museum, and take in an evening dance performance at Bagore Ki Haveli with your new friends.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Go on a guided orientation walk and get to know local markets and key places. Accommodation - Treebo The Fresco Lake Pichola

Day 9: Udaipur

Another day, another adventure in Udaipur! With so much to do in the royal city, enjoy a day to freely explore. Relive life as royalty at Sajjangarh Fort, also known as the Monsoon Palace, sitting atop a hill with a panoramic view of the city's lakes. Check out its ingenious rainwater collection system, essential in the dry desert conditions.
Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour extra, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School extra.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Get out and explore this beautiful city.Accommodation - Treebo The Fresco Lake Pichola

Day 10: Udaipur/Pushkar

Travel over Snake Mountain to Pushkar, site of the world's only temple to the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. This city is so sacred that no meat, alcohol, or eggs are allowed within the city. Take an orientation walk and visit the 14th century Brahma Temple. In your free time, follow local tradition and ride a camel out to the desert or wander this holy Hindu centre on foot or bicycle. Take a cooking class or scour the bustling markets. Rajasthan is famous for its textiles, jewellery and handicrafts, and few places in the country are better for shopping than the bazaars of Pushkar.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.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 ritualsAccommodation - Hotel New Park

Day 11: Pushkar/Tordi Sāgar

Cruise to peaceful Tordi Sāgar and dive into rural life by visiting local potters, cobblers, and markets on a guided walk through the village. If you're feeling athletic, join in on a cricket match with some local players. In your free time, opt to bounce around with your new friends during a jeep safari or camel cart ride to the dunes for sunset. Head out for a hike in the hills or get a henna tattoo from local women. Tordi Sāgar is your oyster!

Meals included: Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.Activity - Take a tour of this tiny, tranquil village far from the maddening crowds and enjoy its pastoral settings and local hospitality. Also look at its magnificent red sand dunes.Accommodation - Hotel Tordi Garh

Day 12: Tordi Sāgar/Jaipur

Before leaving Tordi Sagar, enjoy a local lunch prepared by traditional methods at Tordi Garh. Afterward, travel to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, clothed in pink stucco in imitation of sandstone. Wide-avenued Jaipur is one of the most important heritage cities in India and home to India's second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Take an orientation walk around town, then enjoy a free evening to immerse yourself in the exciting nightlife.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.Activity - Head to the markets of this "Pink City," the capital of Rajasthan, and one of the most important heritage cities in India on this CEO-led orientation walk. Accommodation - Rawla Mrignayani Palace

Day 13: Jaipur

Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your list. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, 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. Afterward, head back to Jaipur and spend the free afternoon exploring the city with your fellow travellers. For your big night out, head to a rooftop bar and cheers to the new adventures you've just shared.
Opt to visit the City Palace with its fine collection of textiles and costumes or admire the mind-boggling architecture of Hawa Mahal. Discover more of the wisdom and history of the Mughals by wandering around the Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in the 1700's, or opt to sit back and relax - sipping a cocktail in any of the luxuriously converted palaces. If you aren't afraid of heights, pre-book the Jaipur balloon ride to admire the city from above — or stay closer to the ground with a Cycle Tour.

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.Free_time - Get out and explore more of Jaipur.Activity - Venture to a local bar restaurant. Immerse yourself in the exciting nightlife and cheers to new adventures and friends.Accommodation - Rawla Mrignayani Palace

Day 14: Jaipur/Āgra

Take a morning train to the Muslim city of Agra, known for India's most famous landmark - the Taj Mahal! Immerse yourself in a guided tour of this iconic mausoleum and learn of its unique history as you admire the impressive Mughal architecture.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.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.Accommodation - Hotel Anand Villa

Day 15: Āgra/Varanasi

Spend the day getting to know Agra. Opt to ride one of the ubiquitous tuktuks to visit Baby Taj and the Agra Fort, the Taj's less famous — but no less impressive — sister monument, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, board an overnight train and wake up in Varanasi.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy some free time.Transport - Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

Day 16: Varanasi

Arrive to legendary Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindu travel for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die. Walk the narrow twisting alleys, poke around some of the thousands of temples and shrines, and experience the energy of the rituals of bathing and burials as you pass the famous ghats of the Ganges. Take an evening boat journey out onto the sacred Ganges River for sunset and enjoy a mesmerizing candle flower ceremony.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Head out on tuk-tuks to the Ghats of Varanasi, where you will wander through the market before gazing upon the riverfront steps and temples the city is known for.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.Accommodation - Hotel Vaibhav

Day 17: Varanasi

Cruise the Ganges on a morning boat tour with free time in the afternoon to shop, wander, and absorb the atmosphere of Varanasi. Opt to explore the monasteries and ruins of nearby Sarnath, the site of the Buddha's first sermon.

Exclusive inclusions: 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.Free_time - Enjoy some free time. Accommodation - Hotel Vaibhav

Day 18: Varanasi/Delhi

Enjoy a free day to uniquely explore the spiritual capital of India more in-depth before boarding an overnight train to Delhi.
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.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy some free time. Transport - Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

Day 19: Delhi

Arrive back in the bustling capital of India. The day is yours to explore the temples, markets, and museums in this fast-paced city. If you're hungry, opt to connect with India's incredible food scene by joining the Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy some free time. Accommodation - Hotel Pablas International

Day 20: Delhi

Wow! What a trip, right? Luckily there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your newfound friends, exchange numbers, and depart at any time.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO 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 $1419

AUD $993

(Tour only)

Offer ends 23 Mar, 2026 Per Person Standard

Duration: 20 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 23 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

5.0

Olivia S

Traveled, December 2023

12/23/2023

Really reliable, well planned, always a great range of people and such good value for money

5.0

Adele l

Traveled, November 2023

12/23/2023

I had a brilliant trip. Everything was well organised and it was good value for money.

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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