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Journeys: Discover India
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Length
15 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Delhi (India)
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Ends in
Delhi (India)
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Available Tour Start Dates
OCT 2, 2026 to JAN 7, 2029
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Activity Level
Easy
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Style
Fully-Guided
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
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Special Interest(s)
National Geographic
Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam - all without sacrificing comfort., Small GroupGroup trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$2,799.20
Contact Us for a Special Price!
Overview
Delve into northern India's cultural riches on an unforgettable journey from Delhi to Varanasi, Agra to Jaipur, and beyond. Discover the world's most magnificent monument to love, the Taj Mahal; learn about the spiritual significance of the Ganges River with a local scholar; and gain insights into rural life in a quaint Rajasthani village. Get a glimpse of a rarely seen side of Delhi alongside a youth guide from a G Adventures-supported project, and immerse yourself in the culinary heritage of Lucknow on a food tour.
Visited During Tour
Agra (India) | Delhi (India) | Jaipur (India) | Lucknow (India) | Pushkar (India) | Ranthambore National Park (India) | Udaipur (India) | Varanasi (India)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
Accommodations
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Journeys: Discover India tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Tour Itinerary
G Adventures Tour Code AHHNG-8372
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Day
1Delhi
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!
This tour covers a lot of ground and has many exciting inclusions. Please be prepared for a fair amount of driving and a busy pace.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Women With Wheels
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.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
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.
Accommodations: Bloom Hotel - M Block GK2 -
Day
2Delhi
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:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Delhi City Walk
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.
Old Delhi Guided Walk
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.
Cycle Rickshaw
Keep it clean and green on the busy streets aboard a pedal-powered taxi.
Qutub Minar Visit
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.
Accommodations: Bloom Hotel - M Block GK2 -
Day
3Delhi/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:
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Evening Ganges Boat Tour
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.
Ganges River Talk
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.
Accommodations: Hotel Surya Kaiser Palace -
Day
4Varanasi
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:
Cycle Rickshaw
Keep it clean and green on the busy streets aboard a pedal-powered taxi.
Morning Ganges Boat Tour
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Guided Tour of Sarnath
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.
Accommodations: Hotel Surya Kaiser Palace1Optional Activities for Day 4
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Day
5Varanasi/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:
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Lucknow Half-Day Tour
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.
Bara Imambara Visit
Visit the famous Shia Muslim shrine located in Lucknow. With ornate Mughal architecture, this massive shrine is a striking sight to behold.
Lucknow Local Food Walk
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.
Accommodations: Hometel Alambagh Lucknow -
Day
6LUCKNOW/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:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodations: Da Bungalow -
Day
7AGRA/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:
Taj Mahal Guided Tour
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodations: The Pugmark Resort -
Day
8Ranthambore 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:
Ranthambore Safari
We have two safari drives today to explore Ranthambore National Park - one in the morning and another in the evening.
Ranthambore Fort walk and Ganesh Temple
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.
Accommodations: The Pugmark Resort -
Day
9Ranthambore 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:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Anoothi Block Printing Experience
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.
Accommodations: Mandawa Haveli -
Day
10Jaipur
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:
Amber Fort Guided Tour
Explore this magnificent fort overlooking an artificial lake, famous for its unique mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Almost blending in with the terrain, the fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill beside Maota Lake, reflecting a mirror image in the water perfect for photography. Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details.
City Palace Visit
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.
Jantar Mantar Visit
Visit the Jantar Mantar observatory for a guided tour and explore the collection of astronomical instruments housed there, some dating back to 1727.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Family Culinary Experience
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.
Accommodations: Mandawa Haveli1Optional Activities for Day 10
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Day
11JAIPUR/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:
Pushkar Orientation Walk
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 rituals
Doongariya khurd Village Experience
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodations: Atithi Luxury Resort -
Day
12DOONGARIYA 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:
Pichola Lake Boat Tour
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodations: Moustache Select Udaipur -
Day
13Udaipur
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:
City Palace Visit
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.
Jagdish Temple Visit
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.
Yoga Class
Stretch and hold poses in this gentle but effective form of exercise.
Accommodations: Moustache Select Udaipur -
Day
14Udaipur/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:
Plane
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.
Accommodations: Bloom Hotel - M Block GK2 -
Day
15Delhi
Depart at any time.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Accommodations
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Journeys: Discover India tour:
Agra
Da Bungalow
Location
TDI City, E - 3, Fatehabad Rd, near Ganpati World
Tajganj
Agra, India
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Jaipur
Mandawa Haveli
Location
Sansar Chandra Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur, India-302001
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Lucknow
Hometel Alambagh Lucknow
Location
Bus Terminal, Sardari Khera, Railway Colony, Alambagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226005, India
Lucknow, India-226005
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
New Delhi
Bloom Hotel - M Block GK2
Location
E-512, Inder Mohan Bhardwaj Marg, Block E, Greater Kailash II, New Delhi, 110048
New Delhi, India-110048
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Pushkar
Atithi Luxury Resort
Location
Chawandia Road Village Ganehra, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022
Pushkar, India
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Ranthambore National Park
The Pugmark Resort
Location
Village Khilchipur Ranthambhore
Sawai Madhopur Rajasthan
Ranthambore National Park, India
Other Details
- Outdoor Pool, Restaurant, Room Service, 24-hour Front Desk, Smoke Free, Parking
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Udaipur
Moustache Select Udaipur
Location
Trident Enclave, Haridas Ji Ki Magri, Shavri Colony, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India
Udaipur, India-313001
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Varanasi
Hotel Surya Kaiser Palace
Location
S-20/51A-5
The Mall Road
Varanasi, India
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
More Details
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Journeys: Discover India tour:
Group Size
Max 16, Avg 12.
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Ganges River Talk, VaranasiYour Journeys Highlight Moment: Lucknow Local Food Walk, LucknowYour Journeys Highlight Moment: Family Culinary Experience, JaipurYour Journeys Highlight Moment: Doongariya khurd Village Experience, PushkarYour G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels, Indira Gandhi International AirportYour G for Good Moment: Delhi City Walk, DelhiYour G for Good Moment: Anoothi Block Printing Experience, JaipurYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and GroupYour 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
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
Optional Activities
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Varanasi- Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old BenarasJaipur- Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) (202INR per person)
What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your Expedition Leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Accommodation Summary
Hotels (13 nts), cottage (1 nt).
Meals Included
14 breakfasts, 5 dinners
What are the meals like on this trip?
Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your Expedition Leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Vegetarians will be able to find a huge range of different foods - India is vegetarian heaven. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Group Leader
National Geographic Expedition Leader
What is the role of the group leader during this trip?
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout. The aim of the Expedition Leaders is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
International Flights
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your National Geographic Signature Specialist or booking agent for further details.In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Transportation
Minibus, train, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, boat, plane, walking.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
How should I dress to respect local customs during the tour?
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting small rural communities or visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites as this may restrict your entry. India is very conservative and you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline shoulders and knees should be covered at all times. The wearing of shorts is not allowed as it will restrict your entry into buildings of a religious nature and family homes. A light water and windproof jacket is useful and a hat essential. NB: WE STRESS THAT IT CAN BE VERY COLD IN THE HILLS DURING THE MONTHS FROM DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY.NB: During our trip there will be many opportunities for you to meet and "talk" with locals. One way to start any conversation is with pictures. We recommend that you bring some photos/postcards of your family, home, city or country where you live, animals peculiar to your country etc.
Notes
Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 4, 2026 or March 22, 2027 for the nation’s most colourful festival.
Checklist
Cold Weather:o Long-sleeved shirts or sweatero Scarfo Warm gloveso Warm hato Warm layerso Warm waterproof jacketConservative Dress:o Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)o Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Smart Dress:o Smart outfit (For evenings out)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao SwimwearNote: During the colder months (Oct-Apr) the mountains can be cold, so please make sure you pack warm clothes. During the months of Jul-Sep is the rainy season, so please make sure to pack waterproof clothes.
Packing Note
During the colder months (Oct-Apr) the mountains can be cold, so please make sure you pack warm clothes. During the months of Jul-Sep is the rainy season, so please make sure to pack waterproof clothes.
What are the packing guidelines and luggage restrictions?
We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 mintues with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones.Standard luggage allowance for internal flights is 15kg (33lb) for checked luggage, and is 7kg (15lb) for carry-on luggage. Any charges for additional luggage or weight is the responsibility of the passenger.
Service Level
Upgraded: Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?
Please note that it is customary to tip 10% to service staff in India. If someone helps you carry a bag, you can offer to tip a few USD (in local currency), although it will not be expected. If you have a local guide or a driver on your trip, then you will be advised to tip $4-5 USD (in local currency) per person per service, as long as you feel it is deserved, which it usually is because we have excellent staff working with us. Please ask your Expedition Leader for specific advice if you are unsure.Also at the end of each trip if you felt your National Geographic Expedition Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is highly appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $10-15 USD per person, per day can be used.
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by G Adventures. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by G Adventures (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.