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Rajasthan & Varanasi — Ancient Temples & the Taj Mahal

20 Days
From CAD 1,249

Best Rate
Guarantee

Trip Type
Small Group

Activity Level
Light

Rating

(20 reviews)

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. You and your fellow travellers will get some history at the monuments of Delhi, 'gram the colourful cities of Rajasthan, marvel at Jaisalmer's mud fortress, and pull an all-nighter (sleep: optional) on a camel safari through the desert. Your expert CEO (Chief Experience Officer) handles any hassles so you're free to see the sights or just soak up the vibe — India is home to great food, fascinating culture, alluring sights, and friendly and inviting people. Come say hello.

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.

Rajasthan & Varanasi — Ancient Temples & the Taj Mahal

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Trip Details

Product Code: 1529

Tour Type: Small Group

Accommodation: Basic

Transport: Train, metro, local bus, charter bus, tuk-tuk, small riverboat, camel, 4x4 vehicle.

Guide Language: English

Travel Styles: 18 - 35 Year Olds Only

Supplier Code: AHRH

Starts: Delhi, India

Finishes: Delhi, India

Duration: 20 days

Departures: Guaranteed

Physical rating: Light

Includes

Activities

Your G for Good Moment: City Walk, Delhi Your Welcome Moment: 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.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 1249 (CAD 62 /day)

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!

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.

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 jeeps 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 2-3 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 enjoy a drink on us to 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.

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.

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.

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 dawn rituals of bathing and burials as you float past 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Tour Operator

G Adventures

G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.

In Business Since 1990

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Reviews

Olivia S - Traveled, December 2023

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

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2023

Adele l - Traveled, November 2023

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

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2023

Rebecca W - Traveled, November 2023

Very well organised and stress-free travel, with so much packed in to a short time.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2023

Fleur B - Traveled, November 2023

I recommend G Adventures because it allows young people to take part in a perfectly organised trip. In a short space of time it enabled us to discover many Indian cities and to see a wide variety of attractions. The value for money is unbeatable.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2023

Eulaly A - Traveled, November 2023

Our CEO went above and beyond. Honestly what he did to make us comfortable was astonishing. No idea how he did it. It was truly a non-stop 24 hour job.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023

Jana W - Traveled, November 2023

The organisation of the tour was great and allowed me to take it all in and relax. I was able to book some amazing activities spontaneously. I loved that I was able to support some locals whilst travelling and that G Adventures supports some great organisations and projects.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023

Amy B - Traveled, November 2023

Fantasticly organised tours making it easy to navigate different countries, providing fantastic experiences and local information

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2023

Ashlea C - Traveled, October 2023

Great itinerary. High quality tour guide. Cultural experience. Great food. Opportunity to meet a range of people from different countries and form friendships while adventuring and exploring such a unique country.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023

Naif H - Traveled, October 2023

A perfect tour to see india as it should be seen

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/02/2023

Divashni K - Traveled, October 2023

In a country like India where everything is so new and foreign I felt super safe and supported. I felt like I got to experience India authentically but safely.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023

Jana W - Traveled, October 2023

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023

Nathan P - Traveled, October 2023

It was jam packed with activities and stress free