Incredible India Youth Adventure - 14 Days

Welcome to India, a nation that needs no introduction. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel located in the centre of New Delhi, where you will meet your tour leader. This evening, we'll head out together for a welcome dinner, offering your first opportunity to taste the renowned flavours of Indian cuisine.

Please note: This tour stays in a mixture of hotels and hostels and is designed for younger travellers looking for a backpacker-style experience and to meet like-minded people. The average age on this tour is around 21 - 35, and we are unfortunately unable to take any travellers over the age of 45. We have lots of group tours across our destinations that are suitable for travellers of all ages, browse our website or get in touch to find the perfect trip!

After breakfast, we'll set out with a local guide to explore the streets of Delhi, giving you your first authentic glimpse into Indian life. The tour begins at a beautiful Sikh Temple, where our knowledgeable guide will explain the significance of this important religion and culture. We'll then visit the large community kitchen, where Sikhs serve free meals to city residents daily. Observe the impressive preparation of thousands of chapatis and even stir the massive curry pots yourself.

After lunch, proceed to the renowned Lotus Temple and stroll through its serene gardens. Inside the temple, you'll have a moment of silence to reflect on your reasons for visiting this impressive country.

In the evening, we'll be transferred to Old Delhi, a city steeped in history and vibrant chaos. Our guide will provide insights into the area while you savour delectable Indian sweets and snacks. We'll then take a rickshaw ride (similar to Tuk-Tuks) through Chandni Chowk to Mutton Street. Chandni Chowk, known as the "Moonlit Market," is a lively centre of bustling bazaars, eclectic stalls, and historic shrines, capturing the essence of Old Delhi's vibrant lifestyle. During this tour, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy some of the most delicious skewers and Islamic cuisine available.

Delhi - Agra. After breakfast, we'll take a train to Agra and check into our hotel. In the afternoon, ride a Tuk Tuk to a peaceful garden located south of the Taj Mahal, providing a quieter and unique vantage point to admire this magnificent structure at sunset, away from the crowds. This tranquil setting allows for a more serene appreciation of the spectacular monument. Tomorrow, you'll get a chance to explore inside, but today is focused on the monument's external beauty. In the evening, you'll have dinner and retire early to rest up for a sunrise visit the next day.

Agra - Jaipur. We start our day early, waking at dawn to visit the Taj Mahal before the crowds, enjoying the tranquility of the morning. Our new local guide will lead you to the best viewpoints of the monument, including the spot where Princess Diana famously posed, and share the enchanting love story behind this iconic structure. As you explore inside, you'll uncover lesser-known details that highlight the Taj Mahal's uniqueness. Afterward, return to the hotel for breakfast, then travel by bus to Jaipur. Known as the Pink City, Jaipur offers elegant palaces, imposing forts, and lush royal gardens, reflecting the opulence of the 18th century. In the evening, enjoy a Bollywood film in one of the world's grandest theatres, experiencing it as the director intended.

After breakfast, our guide will lead you on an orientation walk through the old town. During this tour, explore the local market, learn about the history of the “Pink City,” meet local residents and market vendors, and discover the spices integral to Indian cuisine. We also have the opportunity to admire the magnificent Palace of the Winds, Jaipur's iconic palace crafted from red and pink sandstone. Following this, board a Tuk Tuk to visit Galta-Ji, commonly known as the Monkey Temple, nestled in the hills and home to hundreds of grey long-tailed Asian monkeys. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore other attractions in Jaipur at your leisure.

Jaipur - Pushkar. After breakfast and check out, we transfer to Pushkar, one of India's holiest cities. It's a backpacker paradise, known for its incredible food, authentic markets and incredible hiking landscapes. In the afternoon, a local Brahmin will bless us on the holy lake, and we can enjoy the view over the lake from a local cafe before heading back to our accomodation.

Pushkar - Udaipur. Today, we head to Ajmer before boarding the train to Udaipur, known as the "White City" or the city of lakes. Udaipur is also famous for being the filming location of the James Bond movie, Octopussy. The city's lakes and architecture offer a harmonious blend of bustling energy and tranquility. To fully appreciate this, consider strolling through the markets and old town, and end your day with a private sunset cruise on the lake. Following this, enjoy dinner with a view at one of our favorite rooftop restaurants. We're staying in a comfortable heritage haveli in Udaipur.

Today we are enjoying a bike ride around the villages surrounding Udaipur. A local guide from one of the villages will share insights into the local lifestyle, introduce us to their culture and heritage, and show us the local temples that hold significance in village life. Following the bike tour, we will have the opportunity to visit a local school. In the afternoon, you'll have some leisure time before returning to camp at sunset. There, we'll join local villagers to learn how to cook traditional Indian cuisine.

Udaipur - Jodhpur. Today, we'll travel by bus to Jodhpur, known as the blue city. Upon arrival in the evening, we'll transfer to our traditional Haveli accommodation. This Haveli is centrally located in the blue city, where the buildings are painted blue and nestled beneath the imposing Mehrangarh Fort. After checking in, join the group for a rooftop lunch. Later in the afternoon, explore the captivating blue city, stopping at the remarkable Jodhpur stepwell, a testament to ancient stone craftsmanship. As we meander through the clock tower market, you can taste the famous Saffron Lassi and some fresh samosas.

You'll have the morning free to unwind after your travels from the previous day. During this time, you can opt to explore the blue city on foot, participate in a rooftop yoga class, or, if you're feeling adventurous, try ziplining over the ramparts of the Jodhpur fort. In the early afternoon, we gather for a walk to Mehrangarh fort with our local guide. At the fort, the guide will provide a tour of the impeccably maintained site, and with the help of an audio guide, we'll gain a comprehensive understanding of Indian royal life.

Jodhpur - Bikaner. This morning, we catch an early train to Bikaner, established in the 15th century in the heart of the Thar Desert. Bikaner served as a crucial hub for camel caravans travelling the legendary Silk Road, and camels continue to be a significant presence today.

On arrival at our accommodation in Bikaner, enjoy a late breakfast before setting off to explore. Prepare for an unforgettable experience with a Jeep safari in the desert, where we'll journey through local villages, admire the towering sand dunes, and possibly encounter some desert wildlife. Later, we visit the Camel Research Centre, home to some of the world's finest riding camels and one of the largest camel research and breeding farms. End the day with a delicious dinner and some much-needed rest.

Please note: On September - March departures, we will be camping in Bikaner, a memorable experience. At other times of year, we stay in a hotel.

Bikaner - Delhi. After a leisurely morning, we check out and make our way to the centre of Bikaner for a walking tour of the old city. This tour explores the historic core of the city, taking us through its narrow, winding alleys that meander through Bikaner's old quarter. Discover centuries-old architecture, lively markets, and hidden treasures at every corner. Experience the vibrant local bazaars, where colourful stalls offer everything from spices and textiles to handicrafts and traditional sweets. You'll also have the opportunity to visit artisan workshops, where skilled craftsmen continue the time-honoured traditions of pottery, carpet weaving, and jewelry making, offering a glimpse into Bikaner's rich artistic heritage. After dinner tonight, you'll board an overnight train to Delhi.

Upon arriving in Delhi, we transfer from the train station to our final hotel. You'll have the afternoon at your leisure before meeting with the group for a farewell dinner in India.

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast and hotel check out.