Essential India
9 days
From
$ 735
Duration9 days
Hit the spiritual hotspots of India – Varanasi, Rishikesh and more. This awesome India adventure is for the inner-balance types out there (you know who you are). Seek out the best eats in Delhi, snap a selfie at the Taj Mahal, take a sunrise boat cruise down the Ganges in Varanasi, and get up early in Rishikesh for some yoga in an ashram. Spiritual enough for you?
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 9 daysService level: Basic
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to Delhi. Today is an arrival day with no planned activities, except a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travel pals. After this important meeting, why not continue the introductions over an optional group dinner.
Day 2: Agra - Overnight train
Take a morning train to Agra, then it’s off to check out the one, the only, Taj Mahal. A local guide will tell you all about it and explain why it’s often called the world’s greatest monument to love (and don’t forget your camera). In the evening, catch an overnight train to to Varanas.
Day 3: Varanasi
Arrive early in the morning in Varanasi. Head straight to the hotel to freshen up, then plunge head first into this holy city, which is one of the world's oldest. Explore the narrow laneways and backstreets on a walking tour with your guide, then watch the world go by along the ghats. Your evening is free for you to chill out or explore some more.
Day 4: Varanasi - Overnight train
Wake up early and experience one of the highlights of your time in India. This morning, jump in boats and watch the sunrise over the Ganges. Pilgrims bathing, cremation fires and riverside haircuts – India is best before dawn and this is the best way to see it. The rest of your day is free to explore, before catching an overnight train to Delhi.
Day 5: Delhi
Arrive back in Delhi, freshen up, then head out on a walking tour around the commercial heart of Delhi, visiting Chandni Chowk (Sheeshganj Gurudwara) and Connaught Place along the way. Explore Old Delhi on a bicycle rickshaw to dig that little bit deeper. You'll then have some free time to do as much sightseeing as you can before your next stop.
Day 6: Rishikesh
Take a morning train north to Rishikesh. In the afternoon we’ll set off on a guided walk around the city. Later you may want to wander by the river, seek out a sitar or tabla lesson, or do more exploring through the city on two wheels. Tonight we camp at a site just outside of town.
Day 7: Rishikesh
What does one do in the yoga capital of the world? Yoga, of course. Enjoy an optional yoga lesson in the early morning or, for something more thrilling, whitewater raft down the Ganges. In the evening, maybe take a stroll along the holy Ganges River as temple bells ring and the nightly fire ritual of Ganga Aarti begins.
Meals: L, D
Day 8: Delhi
Take a morning train back to Delhi. The day is free for you to explore the city however you like. Maybe check out the World Heritage-listed Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar or Red Fort of Delhi. Or find a spot to grab a beer and chill. This is a good chance to grab some eats with your new travel pals before you all go your separate ways – perhaps some stuffed parathas, golden-brown aloo tikki or some tangy yogurt-drenched chaat.
Meals: B
Day 9: Delhi
That's all folks. This is the end of the adventure. There are no activities planned for today. Time to hit the beach?
Inclusions
Included
- Agra - Taj Mahal
- Varanasi - Sunrise boat trip
- Delhi - Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Delhi - Jama Masjid
- Rishikesh - City walk
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Transport
Auto rickshaw, Cycle rickshaw, Jeep, Public bus, Private vehicle, Train, Overnight sleeper train, Metro, Shuttle bus, Taxi -
Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Camping (basic facilities) (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)