Essential India

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project. Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Transfer 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. Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group 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.

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. Your G for Good Moment: City Walk3-5km 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. Please note that City Walk is closed on Sundays and holidays and this activity will not run on those days. Jama Masjid VisitDelhi30m-1h Travel through the winding roads of Old Delhi to visit the gorgeous Jama Masjid, the Great Mosque of Delhi. Commissioned by Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who also commissioned the Taj Mahal, it is the best-known and largest mosque in India. Explore the stately structure, which was completed in 1656, and enjoy its massive courtyard, which can hold 25,000 worshippers. Gurdwara Sis Ganj VisitDelhi30m-1h Learn the history of the Sikh religion at this historically significant Gurdwara, which is a Sikh place of worship. Connaught Place VisitDelhi1h3km Explore the Victorian architecture of Connaught Place, which is a giant circle at the centre of any map of Delhi. Buy trinkets and textiles at the market on Janpath, which came into being when refugees from Pakistan began peddling their wares on this road after Partition in 1947. It remains one of Delhi's most colourful markets, and is very popular with tourist and locals alike. Chandni Chowk VisitDelhi1h-2h Enjoy a stroll through Chandni Chowk, one of India's oldest and busiest markets. Be sure to stop and try one of the many types of paranthas (stuffed Indian bread) sold in stalls lining the streets.

Drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, and start exploring the Pink City. 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. Private VehicleDelhi – Jaipur5h-6h260km Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. 2 Optional Activities - Day 3 Hide Jantar Mantar VisitJaipur1h-2h200INR per person1000INR per group Visit the Jantar Mantar observatory to see how people looked at the stars and planets in ancient India. Explore the collection of astronomical instruments housed there, some dating back to 1727. Raj Mandir Cinema and MovieJaipur200-400INR per person Visit this spectacular cinema and watch a song-and-dance Bollywood film.

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. Or choose to visit Kitchen With A Cause and have a delicious meal that allows you to give back to the community. Amber Fort VisitJaipur Take in the Hindu and Muslim architecture of the beautiful Amber Fort. 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. Optional Activities - Day 4 City Palace VisitJaipur700INR per person 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) VisitJaipur15m-30m200INR per person Enjoy a visit to the intricately-carved Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds," which is named for the cool breeze that comes through the structure and keeps it comfortable, even in the hot Jaipur summers. Explore the main complex, blossoming gardens, and the lake. Kitchen With A CauseJaipur Hungry? Visit Jaipur's Kitchen With A Cause before, during, or after your tour for a delicious meal that gives something back to the local community. It is more than a bustling restaurant – it’s a product of the G Values Fund* filled with mouth-watering action. Dishes are prepared by talented chefs who celebrate the deep, traditional flavours prevalent in Indian cuisine. The restaurant provides further career and training opportunities to young adults who are graduates from the G Adventures-supported City Walk project, an organization that aids local disadvantaged youth. Here, the cost of your meal gets you so much more than just a full stomach. Visit the Kitchen with a Cause at Santha Bagh, 100, Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, next to Trimurti Circle, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004, India. *The G Values Fund is a microloan program instituted by G Adventures that helps former Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) establish self-sustaining businesses. Jaipur Cycle TourJaipur With its many lanes and organized layout, Jaipur is the perfect location to explore by bicycle. Choosing to cycle through the city on this morning tour will introduce you to sights, sounds and smells that a vehicle just can't match, so grab a helmet and jump on your bike! Navigate the streets of the 'Pink City' with the help of your experienced guide, starting the day with a traditional Indian yoghurt drink of Lassi. Marvel at the architectural wonders as you enter the walled part of the city and stop at the City Palace to visit the Govind Dev temple. Wander through the historical spices and sweets market, stopping for tea and a tasty snack of pakoras before heading towards the majestic Albert Hall Museum where the tour ends. Taxi transfers from the hotel to the starting point and from the finishing point back to the hotel are included in the price of this cycle tour.

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. Private VehicleJaipur – Dhula Village2h50km Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Village Cycling ExcursionDhula Village Set off to discover quaint Dhula on two wheels. Take in the peaceful rhythm of village life and Rajasthan's scenery as you cycle along. Optional Activities - Day 5 Jaipur Balloon RideJaipur Begin your day at dawn, just as the sun starts to rise. As you drift into the sky, enjoy the silence and serenity of the morning, watching as the day starts for the colourfully dressed inhabitants below. From high in the sky, you may float over rolling hills, villages teeming with life, and a small monastery. You may even spot elephants—if luck is on your side. Available September 1 - April 30.

Stop by the impressive Abhaneri stepwell en route to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. Private VehicleDhula Village – Āgra 4h 250km Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Abhaneri Stepwell VisitAbhaneri 30m-1h Walk around the amazing Chand Baori, a tenth century water tank that's an impressive 6.1m (20 ft) deep. Learn about ancient Indian environmentalism—a "baori" is a unique Indian invention for harvesting rainwater. Optional Activities - Day 6 Fatehpur Sikri Visit Fatehpur Sīkri 500 INR per person Explore the magnificent red sandstone fort city that was once the capital of India's Mughal Empire and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Keep an eye out for elements of different religions, as King Akbar built three palaces for each of his favourite wives—a Hindu, a Muslim, and a Christian—in the city.

Visit the sparkling, iconic Taj Mahal for sunrise with time to explore the picturesque grounds. Afterward, jump on a cycle-rickshaw for a rustic ride to the walled city of Agra Fort and Baby Taj. Taj Mahal VisitTāj Mahal – Āgra Cross one off your bucket list as you visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the gorgeous white marble mausoleum, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a testament of his love for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Cycle RickshawĀgra Visit the Agra Fort by human-powered cycle-rickshaw. Agra Fort VisitĀgra1h-3h Enjoy a visit to this impressive Mughal fort made of red sandstone and white marble. Baby Taj VisitĀgra Visit this mausoleum that looks like a jewel box, built before the Taj Mahal by Queen Nur Jahan for her father. Enjoy the intricate details of the structure; it was the first Mughal building faced with white marble and where "pietra dura" (precious stones inlaid into marble) was first used.

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. Train Āgra – Jhānsi 2h30m Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride. Private Vehicle Jhānsi – Alīpura 3h30m Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Free Time Alīpura Afternoon Enjoy some free time to meet the locals and check out village life.

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 visit a nearby waterfall or watch an evening dance performance. Private VehicleAlīpura – Khajurāho 1h30m-2h 96km Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Khajuraho Temples Guided TourKhajurāho Get ready to be impressed by the beautiful temples of Khajuraho during this guided tour. Not intended for the bashful, these erotic carvings are similar to style of the Kama Sutra. These Hindu temples were build over a span of a 100 years, and while originally there were more than 80 of them, only 22 currently remain. Private Vehicle Khajurāho – Alīpura1h30m-2h96km Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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. Private VehicleAlīpura – Orchha2h30m-3h96km Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Tarragram VisitOrchha1h Enjoy a visit to this unique paper-making plant, set up to assist tribal women from the area. All the paper is made from recycled clothing and wood pulp. Puja CeremonyOrchha1h Experience a Hindu prayer ceremony presenting flowers, incense, and food to an image or idol representing a deity.

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. Orchha Palace VisitOrchha1h-2h Visit the three separate palaces, or "mahals," in this complex: the Raj Mahal, Jehangir Mahal, and Rai Parveen Mahal. Enjoy the medieval architecture and learn about its rich history. Free Time Orchha Afternoon Enjoy free time to check out the local markets. Private VehicleOrchha – Jhānsi 15m-30m Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Basic Overnight Train (beds)Jhānsi – Varanasi13h Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop. Optional Activities - Day 11 Hide Orchha Cooking SchoolOrchha As a place of spiritual importance and impressive architectural sites, it’s not hard to see what makes Orchha so unique. This is your chance to also taste what makes this town so special. You’ll learn how to concoct a warming cup of masala chai and a tasty snack of vegetable pakoras. Enjoy this as your hosts demonstrate how to make three different curries. Indulge in these delicious dishes with the accompaniments of raita, mango and guava chutneys, chapatis and puris, as you get to know your hosts some more.

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. Evening Ganges Boat TourVaranasi1h-2h7km 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. 1 Optional Activities - Day 12 Hide Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old BenarasVaranasi 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.

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. 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. Morning Ganges Boat TourVaranasi1h 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 TimeVaranasiAfternoon Explore all this famous city has to offer. Optional Activities - Day 13 Guided Visit of Sarnath Varanasi 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.

Soak up some free time this morning and continue exploring Varanasi. Later, cut out the travel time with a flight back to bustling Delhi. Free TimeVaranasiMorning Do some last minute sightseeing with free time in the morning.

Depart at any time.