India’s Golden Triangle: Taj Mahal to the Ganges

India’s Golden Triangle: Taj Mahal to the Ganges
India’s Golden Triangle: Taj Mahal to the Ganges

From:

CAD $1011 Was CAD $1349

9 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Pressed for time but dreaming of India’s rich culture and deep spirituality? This nine-day journey through the Golden Triangle and beyond offers the perfect blend of iconic landmarks and immersive experiences.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 29 Oct 2026

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Experience Overview

Pressed for time but dreaming of India’s rich culture and deep spirituality? This nine-day journey through the Golden Triangle and beyond offers the perfect blend of iconic landmarks and immersive experiences. Marvel at the majesty of the Taj Mahal, explore the imposing Amber Fort, and soak up the sacred atmosphere of Varanasi with boat rides along the Ganges. From bustling cities to serene temples, this whirlwind adventure delivers a full dose of India’s vibrant heart.

Highlights

  • See the Taj Mahal glow in the golden light of evening
  • Cruise the Ganges at sunrise in spiritual Varanasi
  • Explore the majestic Amber Fort overlooking Jaipur
  • Enjoy free time to uncover the charm of Orchha and Varanasi at your own pace"

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 37277

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Budget

TransportTransport: Train, private vehicle, Tuktuks, cycle-rickshaw, 4x4, walking.

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Travel StylesTravel Styles: Classic, Budget

Tour OperatorTour Operator: G Adventures

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: AHVV

StartStarts: Delhi, India

FinishFinishes: Varanasi, India

DurationDuration: 9 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical Rating: Average

Includes

Activities

  • Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport Your G for Good Moment: Anoothi Block Printing Experience, Jaipur Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Delhi Orientation Walk
  • Jaipur Orientation Walk
  • Amber Fort Visit
  • Sunset Taj Mahal Visit
  • Auto Rickshaw ride
  • Orchha Palace Visit
  • Tarragram Paper Making plant Visit
  • Free time in Orchha & Varanasi
  • Varanasi Orientation Walk
  • Evening Ganges Boat Tour
  • Morning Ganges Boat Tour
  • CEO Throughout
  • All transportation to included activities

Accommodation

  • Hotels (7 nts), sleeper train (1 nt).
  • 1 breakfast

Transport

  • Train, private vehicle, Tuktuks, cycle-rickshaw, 4x4, walking.

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1011 ($112 /day)

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Delhi

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project.
There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting. Afterward, head out for an optional dinner with the group.
Arriving early with a free day in Delhi? Opt to add the "Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi" extra to your tour.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Transfer by a G Adventures-supported project, Women With Wheels. This program provides safe and reliable transport for travellers, while providing a dignified livelihood for local women who once lacked financial opportunities.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Hotel Perfect

2

Day 2: Delhi/Jaipur

Visit Delhi's impressive India Gate and Connaught Place before traveling to Jaipur, commonly called the "Pink City" for its unique architecture. Along the way, try your hand at block printing with the women of the Anoothi Project. Get to know this colourful city on an orientation walk, then opt to watch a classic Bollywood film.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Get a taste of India's capital city through a visit to Connaught Place by metro and a walk to India Gate, a stately memorial built for Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Activity - Women from marginalised communities outside Jaipur came together to create the Anoothi Project. In Hindi, Anoothi means 'unique and extraordinary' and by teaching these women to master the traditionally male handicraft of block printing, the collective shines a light on the unique and extraordinary within each individual. At this G for Good visit, engage in a hands-on block printing activity with the local women as you indulge in some local snacks prepared by your hosts.Activity - Head to the markets of this "Pink City," the capital of Rajasthan, and one of the most important heritage cities in India on this CEO-led orientation walk. Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Rawla Mrignayani Palace

3

Day 3: Jaipur

Explore Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, clinging to the surrounding hills on Maota Lake. Stop to marvel at the mysterious Hawa Mahal, "Palace of the Winds," an elaborately carved facade built to enable the purdah women in the Zenana to watch the goings-on in the street below without being seen.
With free time, opt to get active by pre-booking a cycle tour, or catch a classic Bollywood film in the spectacular Art Deco film house — the Raj Mandir.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy the rest of the day to explore Jaipur on your terms.Activity - Take in the Hindu and Muslim architecture of the beautiful Amber Fort. Wander through the halls and courtyards and admire the intricate details.Accommodation - Rawla Mrignayani Palace

4

Day 4: Jaipur/Āgra

Take in the arid terrain and small towns on the ride to Agra for a sunset visit to the famous Taj Mahal. Marvel at the iconic Mughal architecture and immerse yourself in the mausoleum's unique history.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Cross one off your bucket list as you visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the gorgeous white marble mausoleum, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a testament of his love for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Accommodation - Hotel Sahibs LightHouse

5

Day 5: Āgra/Orchha

Travel by train and rickshaw to reach peaceful Orchha along the Betwa River. Enjoy some time away from India's bustling cities and gain insight into rural life. Visit Tarragram, a unique paper-making plant set up to assist tribal women from the area. All the paper is made from recycled clothing and wood pulp. Then, visit the palace complex to learn more about the ancient history here. Opt to witness an evening puja, a Hindu prayer ceremony.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Transport - Scoot quickly around the big cities inside a three-wheeled mini-taxi.Activity - Enjoy a visit to this unique paper-making plant, set up to assist tribal women from the area. All the paper is made from recycled clothing and wood pulp. Activity - Visit the three separate palaces, or "mahals," in this complex: the Raj Mahal, Jehangir Mahal, and Rai Parveen Mahal. Enjoy the medieval architecture and learn about its rich history. Accommodation - Ganpati Palace

6

Day 6: Orchha/Varanasi

Enjoy free time to explore beautiful Orchha. Opt to rent a bike, stroll along the river, or take a cooking class and enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch. In the evening, catch an overnight train to Varanasi.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy some free time.Transport - Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.Transport - Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

7

Day 7: Varanasi

Arrive in Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindus travel for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die. Take an orientation walk along the ghats and visit the old city to get acquainted with this magical city.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Experience the spiritual energy of Varanasi with a walk through the holy city, filled with temples, shrines and Hindus from all over India and the world. Enjoy views of the sacred River Ganges.Free_time - Explore this holy city.Accommodation - Hotel Stay Inn Kaashvi

8

Day 8: Varanasi

Enjoy a sunrise boat tour along the sacred Ganges before free time to explore this holy city. Walk the narrow alleys, visit some of the hundreds of temples and shrines, or wander the Old City. Opt to visit the site of the Buddha's first sermon or sit on the banks of the Ganges watching life unfold around you. In the evening, embark on a Ganges boat trip at sunset to witness a candlelit flower ceremony.
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.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Spend time exploring the hidden alleys, temples, and shrines found throughout this holy city -- it's the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. Take time to experience the culture and history or discover the shops and stalls in the Old City.Activity - Enjoy a boat ride on the sacred Ganges River, where Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to wash away their sins and cremate their loved ones. Participate in a candle and flower ceremony while on the water.Activity - Catch the sunrise from a boat cruising the sacred Ganges River, where Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to wash away their sins and cremate their loved ones. Witness locals participating in dawn rituals of bathing and burning at the river.Accommodation - Hotel Stay Inn Kaashvi

9

Day 9: Varanasi

Depart at any time.

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Tour Operator

G Adventures

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990