Northern India on a Budget: The Golden Triangle to Varanasi - 9 Days
Trip Snapshot
Age range
18 - 39Start / End
- New Delhi
- Varanasi
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 20Meals included
0Highlights
- Delhi's Vibrant Embrace: Dive headfirst into India's pulsating capital with an orientation walk through iconic Connaught Place and India Gate, culminating in the electrifying Karol Bagh market for a truly immersive first night.
- Pushkar's Sacred Oasis: Discover the spiritual heart of Pushkar, a 'king of pilgrim centres,' exploring its holy lake, ghats, and the world's only Brahma temple. For an unforgettable evening, opt for a traditional desert dinner cooked by cameleers with live entertainment.
- Jaipur, The Pink City's Grandeur: Be captivated by the 'Pink City' of Jaipur. Marvel at the intricate facade of Hawa Mahal, the 'Palace of the Winds,' and immerse yourself in vibrant market stalls, with options to explore grand palaces or even take a breathtaking hot air balloon ride.
- Agra and the Enduring Love Story of the Taj Mahal: Witness the breathtaking splendor of the Taj Mahal, India's most iconic landmark, on a guided tour. Delve into its poignant history and Mughal architecture, with opportunities to explore the impressive Agra Fort.
- Varanasi's Spiritual Heartbeat: Experience the profound spirituality of Varanasi, one of the world's oldest living cities. Take a serene orientation walk along the revered Ganges River ghats and through the labyrinthine old city, soaking in its unique, sacred atmosphere.
- Authentic Indian Journeys by Rail: Traverse the diverse landscapes of Northern India by train, an adventure in itself, connecting bustling metropolises to serene pilgrim towns, embracing the true rhythm of local life, including an exciting overnight sleeper train experience.
- Witness the Timeless Majesty of the Taj Mahal & Agra Fort: Immerse yourself in the romantic grandeur of India's most iconic monument, the Taj Mahal, with a guided tour, and explore the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site of Agra Fort.
- Discover the Vibrant Hues of Jaipur, the Pink City: Wander through Jaipur's bustling markets, marvel at the intricate beauty of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), and delve into royal history at the City Palace or the ancient Jantar Mantar observatory.
- Experience the Spiritual Heartbeat of Varanasi: Embark on an unforgettable journey along the sacred Ganges River, witness ancient rituals on the revered ghats, and explore the city's profound spiritual energy and rich cultural heritage, with options to discover Sarnath.
- Pilgrimage and Desert Charm in Holy Pushkar: Explore the mystical lake and the world's only Brahma temple, then ascend to the hilltop Savitri Temple for a breathtaking sunrise over the vast Thar Desert, with an option for an authentic desert dinner.
- Authentic Indian Journeys by Train and Tuk-Tuk: Experience the vibrant pulse of India firsthand with exhilarating train journeys connecting enchanting cities, from arid terrains to bustling metropolises, alongside local transport like rickshaws and tuk-tuks.
- Delhi's Dynamic Delights: Begin your adventure in the bustling capital, Delhi, with an orientation walk through its vibrant streets, offering an optional immersive culinary tour to truly awaken your senses.
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What's inside the PDF
Day-by-day itinerary
Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.Packing & kit list
Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.What's included
Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
Summary
Temples, tuk-tuks, and the Taj — oh my! This nine-day adventure through India brings your bucket list to life without breaking the bank. Cruise the sacred Ganges in Varanasi, wander the halls of Agra Fort, and snap that iconic shot of the Taj Mahal. With plenty of free time in Jaipur, Agra, and Varanasi, you’ll hit the highlights and still have space to make the trip your own.
Itinerary
Day 1
Delhi
Welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi! Arrive in time to meet at 2:00 pm for your welcome meeting and orientation walk.
Embark on an afternoon orientation tour visiting Connaught Place and India Gate for those iconic photos. Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends! Arriving early with a free day in Delhi? Opt to add the "Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi" extra to your tour.
Day 2
Delhi/Pushkar
Travel by train through the arid terrain to Pushkar, often called Tirth Raj or the "king of pilgrim centres," home to the world’s only temple for the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. Get your bearings on an orientation walk around the colourful city visiting the lake, ghats, and of course the 14th century Brahama temple. Spend some time this afternoon exploring the markets or opt for an unforgettable evening by dressing in traditional Indian clothes before partaking in an authentic dinner cooked by cameleers in the desert while enjoying live entertainment!
Day 3
Pushkar/Jaipur
Before dawn, climb to the hilltop Savitri Temple and catch the sun rising over the towering Thar Desert hills. Afterward, travel by train — always an adventure itself in India — to the pink city of Jaipur, home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Enjoy an orientation walk through the market stalls.
Day 4
Jaipur
Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your bucket list. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details. Afterward, head back to Jaipur and get ready for your Big Night Out! Join your crew and CEO and see where the night takes you! Opt to visit the City Palace with its fine collection of textiles and costumes or admire the mind-boggling architecture of Hawa Mahal. Discover more of the wisdom and history of the Mughals by wandering around the Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in the 1700's, or opt to sit back and relax if you like - sipping a cocktail in any of the luxuriously converted palaces. Opt to get active by pre-booking a cycle tour or sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking a cooking class with a local family. If you aren't afraid of heights, pre-book a balloon ride to get an aerial view of the pink city.
Day 5
Jaipur/Agra
Travel by early morning train to the Mughal city of Agra, site of India’s most famous landmark - the Taj Mahal! Immerse yourself in a guided tour and learn of the mausoleums unique history as you admire the iconic Mughal architecture.
Day 6
Agra/Varanasi
Spend the day getting to know Agra. Opt for a tuk tuk ride to visit Baby Taj and the Agra Fort, the Taj’s less famous—but no less impressive—sister monument, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, board an overnight train and wake up in Varanasi.
Day 7
Varanasi
Take an orientation walk along Varanasi's ghats and through the old city. Afterward, opt to explore the temples and take in the spiritual energy of the city.
Day 8
Varanasi
This morning, hop on a boat and sail the sacred Ganges River, where you will have the opportunity to witness a candle flower ceremony. Enjoy a free afternoon to uniquely explore the spiritual capital of India. Opt to bathe in the sacred waters or visit Kashi Vishwanath, the Golden Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Varanasi is your oyster! Pre-book the Varanasi Heritage Walk and enjoy a guided tour that focuses more on the local life in Varanasi and its philosophical and cultural values. Witness pilgrims singing and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of Varanasi in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
Pre-book the Guided Visit of Sarnath and learn about the life of the Buddha. Discover the archeological ruins of the monastery. Explore the museum at Sarnath and the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Visit temples constructed by the buddhist people of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan and stop to admire the Buddha statue during the three hours of guided exploration.
Day 9
Varanasi
Depart at any time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Simple hotels or guesthouse (twin-share) (7 nts), sleeper train (1 nt).
Meals
Breakfasts: 0, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 0
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
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Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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