North India Explorer - 18 Days

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not check out the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Red Fort. This sprawling complex is encircled by 23-m-high red sandstone walls and showcases 17th-century Mughal architecture – a blend of Persian, Timurid and Hindu styles. Or you might like to join an Intrepid Day Trip where you can follow in the footsteps of Gandhi as you learn about his philosophies and visit the National Gandhi Museum. After the meeting, why not head out for dinner and get to know your group over some delicious north Indian cuisine.

Set off on a guided walking tour through Old Delhi. Hop on the metro, then board a rickshaw and experience the chaos of an Indian traffic jam as you inch your way through the city’s most historic district. Navigate the busy Chandni Chowk marketplace and visit the Jama Masjid – Delhi's oldest mosque. Then, stop by the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about Sikh traditions and maybe even join the locals for a meal from the temple’s community kitchen, where all visitors are welcome regardless of background. You’ll have some free time this afternoon to experience Delhi at your own pace. Early this evening, you’ll be transferred to the station to board your overnight train to Jaisalmer.

Arrive in Jaisalmer this morning. This city is known for its distinctive yellow-brown stone buildings, including the Jaisalmer Fort. Built in the 12th century, this fort was a major trade hub along the Silk Road. Today, thousands of people still live and work in the shops, hotels and traditional haveli homes within the fort’s walls. You have a free afternoon and evening to either start exploring or simply rest and recharge at your hotel.

Follow your leader on a walking tour in Jaisalmer this morning. Within the walls of the fort, you’ll wind through a maze of homes, temples and narrow lanes. Hear stories of this desert city’s merchant past from your leader as you explore. Pass through the local markets selling colourful Rajasthani textiles, then see the opulent facade of Patwon Ki Haveli – five interconnected mansions built by a wealthy merchant in the early 19th century. Each floor of the building is its own residence. See the intricate carvings depicting flora, fauna and mythical creatures etched into the sandstone. The rest of your day is free. Maybe visit the Folklore Museum, which showcases religious artefacts, musical instruments and printing blocks that provide an insight into Jaisalmer’s cultural heritage. You could also try some local treats like jalebi (spiral-shaped fried sweets soaked in cardamom sugar syrup) or pakora (vegetable fritters) – ask your leader where to find the best street food.

This morning is free for you to spend however you like. Then, say goodbye to Jaisalmer and hop into a 4WD to journey into the Thar Desert. This sweeping landscape spans nearly 200,000 sq km. Spend the day exploring the rolling sand dunes and remote desert trails, then continue to your desert camp as the sun sets. You’ll be welcomed by your local hosts who will prepare a dinner of chapatis, dal, rice and veggies. Sit by the campfire, watching as the sky changes colour and the stars emerge over the sand dunes.

After a simple breakfast, leave your desert camp and drive back to Jaisalmer. When you arrive, check into your shared day-use hotel room and freshen up. You’ll then have some free time to do as you please. If you’re keen to sample a local snack, why not try ghotua laddu (a local specialty of deep-fried chickpea flour mixed with saffron, cardamom and ghee, with a soft texture). This afternoon, you’ll be transferred to the station to board a train to Jodhpur, arriving in the late evening.

Visit Mehrangarh Fort on a guided tour this morning. Explore the ornate palaces and the museum, where you'll learn about Rajasthan’s royal history and historic battles. Next, head to the Sardar Market in the Old City for a guided tour with your leader, including a tasting of some local treats like makhaniya lassi (a sweet yoghurt drink flavoured with saffron and rose water) and mirchi bada (deep-fried green chillies stuffed with potato). This afternoon, there’s the option to join a day trip to the village of Bishnoi, where you can get a glimpse of rural Rajasthani life and culture.

Take an autorickshaw to the station and board a local bus to Udaipur, also known as the ‘City of Lakes’. When you arrive, get your bearings on an orientation walk with your leader. Wander alleyways full of stalls selling jewellery, leather goods and miniature paintings. Your walk comes to an end on a rooftop overlooking Lake Pichola. Soak up the views of the city as the sun goes down. You might also like to go on a boat ride on the lake to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective.

Embark on a tour of the City Palace with a local guide this morning. This is one of India’s largest royal palaces, taking more than 400 years to build. Inside, you’ll find antiquities ranging from murals to utensils, showcasing many facets of royal daily life. The rest of your day is free for you to rest or explore at your own pace. You might like to join a cooking class to learn how to prepare a classic Indian thali (a platter of dishes like dal, veggies, chutney and pickle) or watch a cultural performance featuring traditional music and dance. Speak to your leader about the activities on offer if you need suggestions for how to spend your day.

Take an early morning train to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. This city is best explored on foot, so join your local guide for a walking tour in the Old City, full of bazaars selling handcrafted textiles, traditional art and semi-precious stones, then maybe spend your evening making some of your own discoveries. Tonight, why not join a Bollywood dance class – a chance to learn some new moves and get a taste of the local culture.

If you’re up for an early start this morning, it’s highly recommended you join an optional hot air balloon ride over the city. This is a highlight for many travellers, taking you up above this pink-hued city for unforgettable views. This morning, hop into a jeep for a drive to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Amber Palace. Explore the grounds of this hilltop fort that dates back to the late 16th century. While you’re here, it’s highly recommended you visit Panna Meena ka Kund – an impressively symmetrical stepwell that was historically a vital water source for the local community. The rest of your afternoon is free. You might like to visit the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) – with its striking five-story pink sandstone facade, this has become one of the most photographed buildings in India.

Travel to Agra by train this morning – it’s time to tick one of the Seven Wonders of the World off your bucket list! In the afternoon, you’ll take a guided tour of the Taj Mahal, accompanied by a local guide. Learn the history of this 17th-century white marble mausoleum that was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Your evening is free – why not gather your group for dinner? Your leader will know all the best local spots.

This morning, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Red Fort, located on the banks of the Yamuna River. The fort was built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar. During your free time today, you might like to visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula. This was the first tomb in India constructed entirely from white marble, often referred to as the ‘Baby Taj’ despite being older than the Taj Mahal itself. In the evening, you’ll have dinner at Sheroes Hangout – a social enterprise that employs women affected by acid attacks. Later, head to the station to catch an overnight train to Varanasi.

Arrive in Varanasi this morning and take an autorickshaw to your hotel. This afternoon, join your leader for a walk through the Old City. Regroup this evening for a sunset cruise on the Ganges. Watch daily life unfolding on the riverbanks as the sun goes down. On the ghats, you might see local priests performing Ganga Aarti – an ancient fire ceremony accompanied by chanting and devotional music.

You have the option to join a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges this morning – the early start is well worth it! As you cruise along, observing the temples and ghats that line the banks, your leader will explain the spiritual significance of this sacred river. Your afternoon is free. You could venture into the historic alleyways of Varanasi in search of tasty street food like the city’s famous tomato chaat (a tangy, spicy street snack of tomato and potato cooked with spices and chutney) or browsing local handicrafts – Varanasi is known for its rich weaving tradition.

This morning, you’ll have free time to discover more of Varanasi at your own pace. You could visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, spend some time at the Banaras Hindu University and its sprawling campus complex or simply find a quiet spot along the ghats with a cup of chai and watch life unfold by the river. You might see the dhobi wallahs (clothes washers) drying clothes along the riverbank. Tonight, you’ll take an overnight train to Delhi.

Arrive in Delhi in the late morning and hop in a private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Tonight, maybe get together with your group and head out for some dinner – your local leader will have plenty of recommendations.

With no further activities planned, you adventure comes to an end today. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.