G-Adventures logo

Discover India

15 days, Delhi to Delhi

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.

15 days - Delhi to Delhi

From$2889USD
was $3399
Valid on Apr 14 2024
Trip Code: AHHNG

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

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.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys

Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

Service Level: Upgraded

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 12.

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

15 days - Delhi to Delhi

From$2889USD
was $3399
Valid on Apr 14 2024
Trip Code: AHHNG

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 15

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 100

“India—home to ancient philosophies, a rich tapestry of history, a dynamic performing arts scene, phenomenal food, and a spectacular mix of landscapes—fires the imagination and stirs the soul like no other place on Earth.” —Sarina Singh, “Incredible India,” National Geographic maps

Map of the route for Discover India

Places visited

Itinerary Notes

There are new Health & Safety Protocols for National Geographic Journeys tours. Please see here for full details and up-to-date requirements as they may change.

Itinerary

Day 1Delhi

Arrive at any time; your arrival transfer is included through Women With Wheels, a G Adventures–supported project.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Women With Wheels Transfer

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment City Walk

Meals included:

Breakfast

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Journeys Highlight Moment Ganges River Talk

Meals included:

Breakfast

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Journeys Highlight Moment Lucknow Local Food Walk

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

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

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

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

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. Spend the evening at leisure.

Meals included:

Breakfast

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Journeys Highlight Moment Family Culinary Experience

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

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, learn local customs, and gain insights about sociopolitical influences here.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Journeys Highlight Moment Doongariya khurd Village Experience

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Wellness Moment Yoga Class

Meals included:

Breakfast

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

Day 15Delhi

Depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast
View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Ganges River Talk, Varanasi
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Lucknow Local Food Walk, Lucknow
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Family Culinary Experience, Jaipur
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Doongariya khurd Village Experience, Pushkar
  • Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport
  • Your G for Good Moment: City Walk, Delhi
  • Your 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

Accommodations

Hotels (13 nts), cottage (1 nt).

Meals

14 breakfasts, 5 dinners
Allow USD305-400 for meals not included.

Transportation

Minibus, train, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, boat, plane, walking.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old Benaras - From $20.00

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.

My Own Room - From $979.00

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Discover India

| 15 days - Delhi to Delhi - from $2889 USD