ESSENTIAL NORTH INDIA

Welcome to Delhi, a city full of history and vibrant life! Today we explore Sanjay Colony, experiencing daily life and learning about local community projects supported by responsible tourism. In the afternoon, we visit some of Delhi’s most iconic landmarks, including India Gate, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Agrasen ki Baoli, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, and the impressive Akshardham Temple (closed on Mondays). At night, we board an overnight train to Jodhpur to continue our adventure.

Welcome to Jodhpur, the “Blue City” of Rajasthan. We arrive early in the morning and check in at a beautifully restored 400-year-old haveli, now a guesthouse. After freshening up, we visit the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, explore the vibrant Sardar Market, and enjoy the serene Jaswant Thada cenotaph. In the afternoon, we wander through the blue houses of the old city, visit a traditional stepwell (bavdi), and sample delicious local cuisine. As night falls, we enjoy a traditional Rajasthani Thali dinner on a rooftop restaurant, with the majestic Mehrangarh Fort as our backdrop.

Today we visit a local initiative dedicated to empowering women, girls, and LGBTQ+ individuals from marginalized communities. We learn about programs in education, vocational training, and holistic support that help improve quality of life and foster independence. Lunch is enjoyed on-site as we see firsthand the meaningful impact of these efforts on inclusion and well-being.

This morning, we take a 5-hour train to Jaipur, the “Pink City.” Upon arrival, we check in at our hotel and relax before heading to Nahargarh Fort to enjoy a spectacular sunset view over the city.

In the morning, we visit the majestic Amber Fort, a 16th-century Rajput masterpiece with spectacular views. Back in the city, we explore Hawa Mahal, the City Palace, and Jantar Mantar, with a stop at the lively Bapu Bazaar to browse local markets. In the afternoon, we take a ride through Jaipur’s streets on electric rickshaws driven by local women, discovering hidden alleys, traditional crafts, and authentic flavors while experiencing another side of the city. We end the day with a Bollywood movie at the iconic Raj Mandir cinema.

Today we travel by private car to Agra (approx. 4.5 hours), home to the iconic Taj Mahal and the impressive Agra Fort. On the way, we stop at Chand Baori, a remarkable 9th-century stepwell with over 3,500 perfectly symmetrical steps in an inverted pyramid design. Upon arrival, we check in at the hotel and visit Mehtab Bagh, a beautiful riverside Mughal garden offering a unique view of the Taj Mahal, followed by a visit to the grand Agra Fort, built from striking red sandstone. After dinner, we relax on the hotel rooftop and enjoy the illuminated Taj Mahal at night.

We wake early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, the most magical time to experience this wonder. After returning to the hotel for a late breakfast, we spend the afternoon at a local café run by women who survived acid attacks, learning about their journey of resilience and empowerment. In the evening, we board an overnight train to Varanasi.

We arrive early by train in Varanasi, the holiest city in Hinduism, where thousands of pilgrims gather to pray, bid farewell to loved ones, or seek spiritual liberation. After transferring to the hotel, we take an orientation walk along the ghats, exploring narrow lanes filled with temples, shrines, and the charm of the old city. At sunset, we enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges to witness the mesmerizing Aarti ceremony, the world’s largest fire offering ritual.

At sunrise, we take a boat ride on the Ganges, witnessing daily life along the river as the sun rises over Varanasi. After breakfast, we visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and, time permitting, explore Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, or relax by the river to soak in the city’s unique energy one last time. After lunch, we transfer to the airport for a flight back to Delhi. Once settled in the hotel, we conclude our India experience with a food tour of Old Delhi, sampling local street specialties from parathas and chaat to sweet jalebis and lassi.

Today marks the end of our adventure together. We’ll make sure you get safely to the airport or train station for your next journey, taking with you wonderful memories of India.