Mysteries of India
15 days
From
$ 2599
Duration15 days
Be dazzled by India’s colorful interior on an exploration of its rich history and heritage. Explore sprawling palaces in the imperial Mughal cities of Agra and New Delhi, then meet the elders of a traditional village and peruse the markets Bikaner’s old city with a local expert. Each day brings a new twist of the kaleidoscope—and a brighter understanding of this amazing country.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 15 daysService level: Upgraded
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel (check-in time is noon) and enjoy the city.
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included through Women on Wheels, a G Adventures-supported project.
Day 2: Delhi/Mandāwa
Enjoy a youth-led morning walk through Delhi as part of the G Adventures-supported City Walk project. Continue on to Colonial New Delhi for an orientation tour then drive to Mandawa village.
Meals: B
Day 3: Mandāwa/Bīkāner
Start the day with a walking tour of Mandawa then drive to Bikaner and stay in a heritage hotel, once the residence of nobility. Visit the town's colourful markets and havelis. Option to visit a camel breeding centre.
Meals: B
Day 4: Bīkāner
Today visit the well-maintained 16th-century Junagarh Fort. Drive down to the small town of Deshnoke (about half an hour away) to visit Karni Mata, where rats are revered by the locals. Don't have a liking for rats? (Really, it's ok if you don't.) Opt to stay out and enjoy the beautifully carved doorway and the small market nearby.
Explore traditional markets in the old city of Bikaner with a local expert. Learn about the age-old traditions of bartering and trading tea and spices and how modern business practices are still influenced by the old caravan routes. Later, visit Junagarh Fort and the infamous Karni Mata (rat temple).
Meals: B
Day 5: Bīkāner/Jodhpur
Arrive at the "Blue City" and visit Mehrangarh Fort in the afternoon, built in the 15th century and well-known for its iconic Clock Tower.
Meals: B
Day 6: Jodhpur/Chandelao
Take a Jeep excursion into the countryside to visit tribal hamlets of Bishnois and Prajapats. Continue on to Chandelao Garh and explore the village and local markets.
Meals: B, D
Day 7: Chandelao
Enjoy Chandelao Garh and explore the village and local markets. Meet with the village elders and teachers to discuss various aspects of daily life, economy, and culture in rural areas. Also visit the Sunder Rang Project at Chandelao which is striving to help village women become more economically independent by training them in traditional crafts.
Meals: B, D
Day 8: Chandelao/Udaipur
Drive to Udaipur, visiting the stunning Ranakpur Jain temples en route. This afternoon, take an orientation walk with your CEO in Udaipur.
Meals: B
Day 9: Udaipur
Explore the City Palace museum, see Pichola Lake by boat, and visit the Jagdish Temple. For lunch, enjoy a cooking demonstration at the home of a local family.
Meals: B, L
Day 10: Udaipur/Jojawar
Stay at a heritage home in Jojawar village and take a train safari through the picturesque Aravali mountains.
Meals: B, D
Day 11: Jojawar/Jaipur
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan. Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" after the rusty colour that many of the houses are painted. With beautiful palaces, forts, gardens, temples, and unending market streets, it's a city with a lot to offer.
Drive to Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan.
Meals: B
Day 12: Jaipur
Visit the 15th century Amber Fort which was the former capital of the region. Take a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and visit the City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar Observatory.
Meals: B
Day 13: Jaipur/Āgra
Drive to Agra, stopping to visit the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. In Agra, visit the famed Agra Fort.
Meals: B
Day 14: Āgra/Delhi
Rise early to visit the world-famous Taj Mahal and enjoy the stunning sunrise views. Continue to Delhi.
Meals: B
Day 15: Delhi
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Explore the Caravan Route, Bīkāner Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Discover Village Life, Chandelao Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Family Home Meal, Udaipur Your G for Good Moment: Women on Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport Your G for Good Moment: City Walk, Delhi
- Orientation tour of colonial Delhi
- Tour of frescoed havelis of Shekhawati
- Visit Junagarh Fort and Deshnoke's Karni Mata Temple (or Rat Temple)
- Visit Mehrangarh Fort and Clock Tower
- Excursion to rural hamlets of Chandelao and Jojawar
- Explore Udaipur
- Visit Ranakpur Jain temples
- Explore Jaipur and Amber Fort
- Visit Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal, and the Red Fort of Agra
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Van, Bus, Jeep, Train, Cycle-rickshaw, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels/heritage homes (14 nts)