Overview
Want a colourful experience through northern India and Rajasthan combined with the white sands, blue skies, and crystal-clear waters of the gorgeous Maldives? You found it. Travel through Delhi immersed in the city’s bustling pace then head to Agra to uncover the grandness of the Taj Mahal. Jaipur will offer you a sense of rural life before you board a traditional dhoni to sail through the turquoise lagoons and pristine beaches of the Maldives’ tropical paradise.
Introduction
Want a colourful experience through northern India and Rajasthan combined with the white sands, blue skies, and crystal-clear waters of the gorgeous Maldives? You found it. Travel through Delhi immersed in the city’s bustling pace then head to Agra to uncover the grandness of the Taj Mahal. Jaipur will offer you a sense of rural life before you board a traditional dhoni to sail through the turquoise lagoons and pristine beaches of the Maldives’ tropical paradise.
- Wander around modern and ancient Delhi
- Revel in the magnificence of the Taj Mahal
- Cruise through some of the world’s most beautiful islands
- Uncover isolated beaches
- Explore small fishing villages
- Swim and snorkel the vibrant coral reefs of the Indian Ocean
- Savour local cuisine and taste the regional flavours
- Duration: 14 days
- Start/Finish City: Delhi to Malé
- Service Level: Standard
- Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
- Physical Grading: 3 – Average
- Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
- Travel Style: Classic
- All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
- Trip Type: Small Group
- Small group experience; Max 18
Trip Highlights
- Wander around modern and ancient Delhi
- Revel in the magnificence of the Taj Mahal
- Cruise through some of the world's most beautiful islands
- Uncover isolated beaches
- Explore small fishing villages
- Swim and snorkel the vibrant coral reefs of the Indian Ocean
- Savour local cuisine and taste the regional flavours
Itinerary
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 walk through the backstreets of Delhi with G Adventures-supported project, City Walk. Observe a different perspective of Delhi while supporting at-risk youth in the community. Later, explore Old Delhi and travel onward to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.
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.
Old Delhi Guided WalkDelhi1h
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.
Private VehicleDelhi – Āgra3h-4h200km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Set eyes on the sparkling Taj Mahal at sunrise before exploring more of this famous landmark. In the afternoon, visit the I'timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) and the Agra Fort.
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.
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.
Agra Fort VisitĀgra1h-3h
Enjoy a visit to this impressive Mughal fort made of red sandstone and white marble.
Stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the now-deserted former capital of the Mughals, and a stunningly preserved UNESCO site. Visit the Abhaneri Stepwell and marvel at this uniquely Indian water harvesting system. In the afternoon, travel to Dhula Village and get a closer look at rural life in Rajasthan. Tonight, settle in to your cozy tent then opt to relax by the fire and take in the starry night sky.
At Dhula Village you will have the opportunity to learn about local life, play a fun game of cricket, relax in the peaceful atmosphere, or take a cycle to explore the surroundings.
Tonight's accommodation is in spacious and comfortable tents outfitted with beds, lamps, and simple en suite bathrooms.
Private VehicleĀgra – Dhula Village4h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Fatehpur Sikri VisitFatehpur Sīkri
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.
Abhaneri Stepwell VisitAbhaneri30m-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.
Dhula Village ExperienceDhula Village
Get a closer look at village life with a stay in rural Dhula. Enjoy opportunities to interact and explore that may include meeting shepherds and their flocks, cycling through hamlets, tea with villagers at the local temple, trekking in the hillocks.
Continue to the pink city of Jaipur. Built according to Hindu architectural principles, the city utilizes a unique organization unlike anywhere else in India. Later, visit the Palace of the Winds and wander the bustling streets.
Private VehicleDhula Village – Jaipur2h50km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Jaipur Cycle-Rickshaw TourJaipur1h3km
Enjoy an orientation of the Pink City by cycle-rickshaw. Enjoy the ride!
Enjoy a visit to the Amber Fort, famous for its mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. After, visit the City Palace and have a photo opportunity at Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds).
Opt to get active by pre-booking a cycle tour or sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking a cooking class with a local family. 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.
City Palace VisitJaipur1h
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.
If you aren't afraid of heights, opt for a morning hot air balloon ride over Jaipur. Return to Delhi in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore more of the bustling city.
Admire the Pink City from above by pre-booking the morning Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour.
Private VehicleJaipur – Delhi6h260km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free TimeDelhiAfternoon
Enjoy free time to see more of Delhi.
Fly from Delhi to Malé this morning and board a traditional dhoni and your accommodation in the Maldives. Enjoy an included snorkelling excursion.
PlaneDelhi – Malé
Fly from Delhi to Malé. Upon arrival to the airport the group will walk down to the airport jetty and board a speed boat that will transfer everyone to the main sailing vessel of the trip.
11m (37 ft) Converted DhoniMalé – South Malé Atoll2h-3h
Climb aboard this converted Maldivian fishing boat and float on to the next stop.
Snorkelling in the Maldives2h
The Maldives offer some of the most amazing snorkelling and marine life viewing opportunities in the world. The shallow islands and plentiful coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. 70 different species of colourful corals make up the flora of this underwater city, with more than 700 species of fish and other marine life making up its fauna. Snorkelling is one of the simplest ways to experience this impressive underwater world.
Free TimeSouth Malé Atoll
Relax on the beach, go for a swim, have a cocktail, or read a book. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy.
Spend the next five days cruising around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. Snorkel ship wrecks and reefs and Bodu Moro Island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches – the perfect photo opt.
Aboard the dhoni, spend free time as you please – lounge on the sundecks and take in the views, relax with a good book, or socialize with fellow travellers as you enjoy delicious local seafood.
Off the boat, opt to swim and enjoy snorkelling about twice a day amongst the spectacular marine life of the Maldives. The shallow islands and amazing coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. Keep an eye out for turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and octopuses.
Cruise to the southernmost point of South Malé Atoll before crossing the channel into Felidhu Atoll. The main industry here is fishing and there is typically an opportunity to see traditional boat-building on at least one of the islands.
Bodu Mora Island VisitFelidhu Atholhu
Experience one of the Maldives uninhabited islands, with a visit to stunning Bodu Mora. The island's stretch of idyllic beach is home to lush palm trees, soft sands, and crystal clear blue waters.
Snorkelling in the Maldives2h
The Maldives offer some of the most amazing snorkelling and marine life viewing opportunities in the world. The shallow islands and plentiful coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. 70 different species of colourful corals make up the flora of this underwater city, with more than 700 species of fish and other marine life making up its fauna. Snorkelling is one of the simplest ways to experience this impressive underwater world.
Free TimeFelidhu Atholhu
Relax on the sundeck, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, go for a swim, have a cocktail, or read a book. Free time is yours to enjoy!
11m (37 ft) Converted DhoniMalé
Climb aboard this converted Maldivian fishing boat and float on to the next stop.
Your G for Good Moment: Maldives Plastic Clean Up
Unrecycled plastic in the Maldives is compromising sea life, shorelines, and health for communities. On your trip you will have the opportunity to do a beach clean up to support community environmental initiatives in the country. All plastic collected through our partner is properly recycled and reused to create new materials.
In the morning, make the short crossing to Malé. The tour ends on arrival at Malé International Airport.
Inclusions
What's Included
- 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: Maldives Plastic Clean Up
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Women on Wheels arrival transfer. Old Delhi walk with stops at the Jama Masjid, Gurduwara, Chandni Chowk, and Connaught Place. Agra Fort visit. Taj Mahal visit. Fatephur Sikri visit. Village stay. I'timad-ud-daulah (Baby Taj) entrance. Jaipur City Palace entrance and guided tours. Amber Fort. Abhaneri stepwell visit. Flight between Delhi and Malé. Transfer from Malé airport to dhoni pick-up point. Fulidhoo Island visit and Bodu Beru performance. Felidhu Island visit. Bodu Mora Island visit. Snorkelling equipment. Beach time in the Maldives. Seven days aboard a traditional dhoni boat. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.