Uncover India: High Deserts & Markets
Experience Overview
Now's the time to explore India on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Join us on a 15-day tour that showcases India's man-made wonders and natural marvels without missing its most famous cities and sights. Get your phone ready for the shining marble of the Taj Mahal and the sparkling shores of Goa, not to mention Rajasthan’s colourful forts and temples. Then opt to put your phone away as you truly connect with the culture and spirit of this incredible land. Our expert Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) let you and your fellow travellers encounter India the way you (and your wallet) like.
Highlights
- Explore the impressive Taj Mahal
- Visit a desert Village
- Discover Temples and holy places
- Walk through the bustling metropolis of Mumbai
- Chill out on the beaches of Goa
Trip Details
Product Code: 1530
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Train, local bus, jeep, rickshaw, tuk-tuk, taxi, plane.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
18 - 35 Year Olds Only
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: AHUH
Starts: Delhi, India
Finishes: Goa, India
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Discover Moment: Udaipur Your Big Night Out Moment: Dance the Night Away, Goa
- Guided tour of the Taj Mahal and the Amber Fort
- Orientation walks in Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur, and Mumbai
- Visit to Gandhi Ashram
- Village walk in rural Tordi Sagar
- Sunrise at Savitri temple
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Simple hotels or guesthouse (twin-share) (13 nts), overnight train (1 nt).
- 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Transport
- Train, local bus, jeep, rickshaw, tuk-tuk, taxi, plane.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,086 ($72 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Arrive at any time and welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi!
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!
Day 2: Delhi/Āgra
Relax on the morning train to Agra while admiring the arid terrain and small towns. On arrival, check the famous Taj Mahal world wonder off your bucket list as you marvel at the iconic Mughal architecture. Immerse yourself in a guided tour and learn of the mausoleum's unique history. Opt 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.
Day 3: Āgra/Jaipur
Today we take a bus (always an adventure itself in India) to the capital of Rajasthan — Jaipur. Clothed in sandstone pink stucco, Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" and is one of the most important heritage cities in India. It's home to India's second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Ride a cycle rickshaw to the markets and enjoy an orientation walk through the stalls. In your free time, opt to visit the City Palace, the observatory, or check out a song-and-dance Bollywood film in India's largest movie theatre.
Day 4: Jaipur
Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your 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 spend the free afternoon exploring with your fellow travellers and see where the night takes you.
Admire the city from above by pre-booking the Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour.
Day 5: Jaipur/Tordi Sāgar
Ride to peaceful Tordi Sāgar and dive into rural life by visiting local potters, cobblers, and markets on a guided walk through the village. If you're feeling athletic, join in on a cricket match with some local players. For lunch, get a taste of rural village life over a traditional lunch. In your free time, opt to bounce around with your new friends during a jeep safari or camel cart ride to the dunes for sunset. Head out for a hike in the hills or get a henna tattoo from local women. Tordi Sāgar is your oyster!
If you want to see more of Jaipur before departing, pre-book the Cycle Tour and explore the city from a morning perspective.
Day 6: Tordi Sāgar/Pushkar
Travel to Pushkar, often called Tirth Raj or the king of pilgrim centres. Cruise through Ajmer and over Snake Mountain to Pushkar — the site of the world's only temple to the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. After settling into your accommodation, get your bearings on an orientation walk around the colourful city with cascading architecture and capture a group photo on the lake.
Day 7: Pushkar
Before dawn, climb to the hilltop Savitri Temple and catch the sun rising over the towering Thar Desert mountains. Afterward, reflect on the serenity at one of the many cafés in town, stretch and meditate during a calming yoga session, or scour the markets. Opt for an unforgettable evening by dressing in traditional Indian clothing and partake in an authentic dinner cooked by cameleers in the desert, all with live entertainment!
Day 8: Pushkar/Udaipur
Continue south to Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. It certainly lives up to its reputation as India's most romantic city (wink, wink). With its own famous style of painting and plenty of artisans, Udaipur is a great place to stroll through. After the orientation walk, opt to take a boat ride on Lake Pichola with your fellow travellers.
Day 9-10: Udaipur
Free time to explore "Venice of the East" with its plethora lakes, palaces, and narrow lanes. Wander around solo or see who wants to join you on an adventure.
Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School class.
Day 11: Udaipur/Mumbai
Take a local bus to Ahmedabad and explore the famous Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati. Immerse yourself in the peaceful environment of the riverside home that played an important role in India's freedom and learn of the sites unique history. From here, get some rest on an overnight train as you cruise to Mumbai.
Day 12: Mumbai
Arrive in Mumbai and stretch your legs on an orientation walk of Colaba and the Fort district. Enjoy a free day to uniquely explore the bustling metropolis; be sure to capture a group photo under the Gateway to India. Opt to take a boat to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Elephanta Island, famous for intricate cave temples carved in rock walls.
In the evening, opt for a cup of tea at the famous Taj Hotel and people-watch on Chowpatty Beach or visit Crawford Market, one of South Mumbai's most famous. Sample some local specialties at one of Mumbai's many top-notch restaurants as you go out on the town with your fellow travellers and sample the city's famed nightlife firsthand.
Day 13: Mumbai/Goa
Hop on a short morning flight to North Goa. Head to the white sand beaches, visit the many Portuguese-built monuments, wander around the churches of Old Goa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and discover Panjim, the capital. In the evening, opt to sample tasty treats at the night market and take in the nightlife of this coastal state.
Day 14: Goa
Enjoy a free day to wind down in the paradise that is Goa. Relax on the beaches with your favourite drink in hand or mingle in the many beach bars. Scour the markets, and be sure to try some delicious Goan cuisine and fresh seafood. Get ready to dance the night away for your big night out as a group. Enjoy a drink on us and cut a rug.
Day 15: Goa
Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange social medias, and depart at any time.
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
James N. - Traveled, November 2023
Had one good experience and one okay experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/26/2023
Jonathan L. - Traveled, November 2023
it's good to have an organized tour if one is traveling alone but simply due to cost G Adventures may not always be worth it. Depends on one?s needs and interests.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/26/2023
Sacha K. - Traveled, November 2023
It delivered. But it wasnt 10/10.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Beatrice J. - Traveled, November 2023
G Adventures made travelling India stress free and enjoyable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2023
Florence T. - Traveled, November 2023
Shailendra Singh was the best tour guide one could ever wish for was my first G Adventures tour and he couldnt have made my experience any better
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2023
Teresa W. - Traveled, November 2023
Everything is planned
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2023
Maoliosa B. - Traveled, November 2023
V
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2023
Andrew L. - Traveled, November 2023
The organisation of the tour means that we were able to relax and enjoy our time in India. Furthermore, it allowed us to gain a better understanding of how locals lived and see India from a locals perspective and we did not have to worry about navigating the public transport system which meant for stress free travel
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2023
Julian H. - Traveled, November 2023
This second trip with G Adventures was slightly less adapted to me than the first, so even though I really liked it, I realize that some programs can be a bad fit for some people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2023
Roisin B. - Traveled, November 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. It was a good mix of culture, activities and history. As it was my first time in India I felt the group based environment helped to relieve any culture shock and anxiety regarding navigating India safely and efficiently. Our tour guide was excellent - this is my third G Adventures tour and he was one the best guides I have had to date.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2023
Madison D. - Traveled, November 2023
The tour guide
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/12/2023
Jenny I. - Traveled, November 2023
Well organised, great team leader, lots of activities
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/12/2023
Annabelle C. - Traveled, November 2023
Our tour guide was amazing and it was good value when on special offer at £780
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/12/2023
Aine M. - Traveled, November 2023
The experience was good, I enjoyed India and the people I met along the way and the places we visited but there is room for improvement. The standard of accommodation/travel was lacking (I do appreciate that the trip was a budget option) but I also feel like the itinerary could be improved on. The hotel in Delhi is awful, it is dirty and has bugs, the bathroom was not functioning and the hotel staff were eager to profit from us by constantly asking to arrange tours for us and calling us early in the morning. G Adventures should have organised an optional tour in Delhi. I feel like we should have another day in Mumbai as you have only got 24 hours in the city compared to the 3 days in Jaipur and Udaipur. The flight to Goa does not seem to be the best way to travel and I would suggest getting the train, as the flight was delayed for 5 hours and having experienced the check in etc I would have preferred to take the train and see some of the countryside. I also feel like there should be an option to upgrade on the sleeper trains, they were packed and crowded (as expected) but also highly uncomfortable and being close to the toilets is also not a nice experience. I understand that the trip is an experience but I also feel like this option is not costly (approximately £7 when I checked and the CEO said I could not pay for this myself). The local buses are an experience, our luggage fell out of the bus and the company or the CEO did not want to tell us which bags fell off or what we should do about it, e.g. insurance etc. The price of the optional activities on the website differed to what the CEO told us to pay and this was extremely disappointing as they were always more expensive.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/12/2023
Fiona S. - Traveled, November 2023
It was a very well organised tour. If you don't want to worry about organising or planning then this is perfect!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/12/2023
Livio R. - Traveled, November 2023
Extraordinary customer service
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/12/2023
Julie B. - Traveled, November 2023
Fun and safe tours, great for meeting new people
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/12/2023
Stefania V. - Traveled, November 2023
Itinerary, pre-trip preparation (practical info shared), organization during the trip, local guide, supporting local businesses.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/08/2023
Elisabeth B. - Traveled, November 2023
During this trip we got a lot of different inpressions of India just in the right pace
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/08/2023
Lucas M. - Traveled, November 2023
The logistics were great. I don't think I could have seen so much of India in so little time organizing a trip by myself.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/08/2023
Elisabeth B. - Traveled, November 2023
During this trip we got a lot of different inpressions of India just in the right pace
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/08/2023
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