15 Days from $2,999
National Geographic Journeys
Explore a captivating country of contrasts on a Discover India, escorted tour. This journey reveals rich history, architecture, cultures, wildlife and more. You'll travel between Delhi, Varanasi, Lucknow, Agra, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, Jojawar and Udaipur experiencing the best of each region.
Read moreBegin your adventure with an airport transfer by women employed by a group providing dignified jobs for them. In Varanasi, learn about the spiritual and social significance of the Ganges River while sitting on steps located along its banks. Rickshaw through Old Delhi to see 17th-century Jama Masjid. Sample sweets, curries, breads and kabobs on a delicious food walk in Lucknow with a specialist and see "Bawarchi Tola” at work in their street kitchens. Take a guided tour of the exquisite Taj Majal. Enjoy morning and evening safaris to seek out monkeys, deer, sloth bears, leopards, and, perhaps, elusive Bengal tigers. See Trinetra Ganesha Temple, dedicated to the elephant-headed Hindu god. In the "pink city," Jaipur, visit Amber Fort and the royal observatory, Jantar Mantar. Join a family for a cooking lesson and dinner in their home. Stroll the bazaars of lovely Udaipur and sail along Lake Pichola admiring the Raj-era palaces including the Lake Palace. Unwind after an active day with a yoga class.
Read lessDelhi, India
Arrive at any time; your arrival transfer is included through Women With Wheels, a G Adventures–supported project.
There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting. The adventure begins tonight. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour.
Hotel Justa Panchsheel
Delhi, India
Set out to discover Delhi, the capital of India, which consists of two cities: historic Delhi and New Delhi, built by the British in the early 20th century. Explore New Delhi’s lively Paharganj district with a youth guide from the G Adventures–supported City Walk project, and hear about how the program provides opportunities to disadvantaged street youth.
Then delve into the narrow, winding lanes of Old Delhi on a rickshaw, visiting the 17th-century Jama Masjid—the largest mosque in India—and the Sikh temple Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib.
Breakfast
Hotel Justa Panchsheel
Varanasi, India
Fly to ancient Varanasi, one of Hinduism’s holiest cities, located on the banks of the Ganges River. Sit down at one of the picturesque ghats or steps that run along the river and enjoy a talk by a local scholar about Varanasi’s spiritual and social significance.
Later, embark on a boat ride on the sacred Ganges, where more than a million pilgrims come each year to purify themselves and perform funeral rites for loved ones. Observe the evening aarti or prayer ceremony, and join pilgrims as they float candles and flower offerings down the river.
Breakfast
Hotel Surya
Varanasi, India
Rise early to catch the sunrise over the Ganges on a boat cruise, and witness the morning rituals and prayers that take place along the river.
This afternoon, visit the Sarnath archaeological site, set in the middle of a vast park, where Gautama Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon.
Breakfast
Hotel Surya
Lucknow, India
Travel to Lucknow, the former capital of the Muslim nawabs of Oudh, who were known as great patrons of art, architecture, dance, and music. Explore the imposing Bara Imbambara complex, an 18th-century Shia Muslim shrine which includes a mosque, a grand hall, ornate courtyards, and gateways.
Then set out on a food tour of Lucknow with an expert local guide, sampling dishes that were developed for the royal family and delectable street eats—from spicy kebabs to a variety of curries, breads, and sweets.
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel Golden Tulip Lucknow
Agra, India
Travel by private bus to Agra, a former capital of the Delhi sultanate as well as the Mughal Empire. Settle into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Breakfast
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Agra, India
This morning, visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, this iconic mausoleum was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Ranthambore National Park, India
Later, travel to Ranthambore National Park—the fabled wildlife reserve that is said to have inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.
Breakfast, Dinner
Pug Mark
Ranthambore National Park, India
Spend the day exploring Ranthambore National Park, which once served as the private hunting ground of the maharajas of Jaipur. Set out on morning and evening safaris with local rangers in search of monkeys, deer, sloth bears, leopards, and, if we're lucky, the elusive Bengal tiger.
Wander amid the ruins of the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort and visit the Trinetra Ganesha Temple, dedicated to the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha.
Breakfast, Dinner
Pug Mark
Jaipur, India
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan, which boasts beautiful palaces and temples and many atmospheric markets. Spend the evening at leisure. India's "Pink City," also known as Jaipur, was founded in 1728, and has the distinction of being one of the best-planned pre-modern cities.
Breakfast
Hotel Madhuban
Jaipur, India
Explore Jaipur, known as the “Pink City” for its rose-coloured buildings. Take a tour of the sprawling Amber Fort, the former residence of Jaipur’s Rajput rulers; and visit Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, a stunning five-story sandstone building with distinctive honeycombed windows.
Discover the rich collections of the City Palace museum, and stop by the 18th-century royal observatory known as Jantar Mantar. This evening, enjoy a culinary experience with a local family, including a visit to a market and a cooking demonstration and meal in their home.
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel Madhuban
Pushkar, India
Travel to the Hindu pilgrimage site of Pushkar, a holy lake ringed by stone ghats, or steps, that lead into its sacred waters. Take an orientation walk along the spectacular lakefront to the 14th-century Brahma Temple.
Jojawar, India
Continue to Dungriya Khurd Village, where we will spend the night in a luxurious resort camp. Glimpse rural Rajasthani life as we chat with villagers as they go about their daily tasks. During an immersive dining experience this evening, sample traditional rural cuisine, learn local customs, and gain insights about sociopolitical influences here.
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel Rawla Jojawar
Udaipur, India
Today, you'll make your way to Udaipur, dubbed the City of Lakes. Take an orientation walk through the timeless streets and bustling bazaars of this romantic city; then hop on a boat to explore Lake Pichola, taking in stunning views of the marble palaces which appear to float above the tranquil waters.
Breakfast
The Lavitra Udaipur
Udaipur, India
Set out to discover Udaipur, once the capital of a princely state. Visit the exquisite City Palace—the largest palace complex in Rajasthan—to get a glimpse of how the royal family used to live; and step into Jagdish Temple, which pays homage to the Hindu god Vishnu. This evening, stretch out at a relaxing yoga class.
Breakfast
The Lavitra Udaipur
Delhi, India
Fly to Delhi for your final evening in India, and opt to join your group for a farewell dinner.
Breakfast
Hotel Justa Panchsheel
Delhi, India
Depart at any time.
Breakfast
All rates listed are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change without notice. Your land package pricing will be confirmed and guaranteed once your deposit is received and applied to the booking, except where price increases may result from increases in government taxes or fees. Room configurations are subject to availability. Guests added to your party after the booking are priced at the prevailing rate at the time they are added.
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