Essential India Adventure

Arrive in Delhi and make your way to our meeting point. Our pre-departure meeting starts at 12:00, so you may wish to consider arriving in Delhi the day before we depart - please contact us to arrange pre-tour accommodation. At the meeting, get to know your fellow travellers and tour leader, and find out more about the upcoming fortnight.

We also enjoy a basic Hindi lesson with our tour leader. Then, after some time to check in, we are heading out at around 16:00 for a tour of Old Delhi. You’ll experience bustling markets, delicious street food, temples, and plenty of fun along the way - comfortable shoes are highly recommended! We will also visit the Sis Ganj Sikh Temple in Old Delhi, a grand 18th century Sikh temple.

This morning, you can join a friendly game of Ultimate Frisbee in Lodhi Garden, a peaceful green space in the heart of the capital where locals gather to walk, picnic and play. It’s a light-hearted way to stretch your legs and begin your day surrounded by Delhi’s morning buzz.

If you prefer culture to competition, visit Humayun’s Tomb, one of the city’s most striking Mughal monuments. Its red sandstone domes and symmetrical gardens give a glimpse into the architectural brilliance that later inspired the Taj Mahal.

Around lunchtime, you can wander through Khan Market, home to chic cafés, bookshops and international eateries, before heading to Delhi Haat. This colourful bazaar brings together craftspeople from across India, offering everything from bright textiles to intricate jewellery.

As evening approaches, we visit Akshardham Temple. With its shimmering carvings, fountains and spiritual atmosphere, it’s one of Delhi’s most awe-inspiring sights and the perfect finale to our stay before we board the overnight train to Varanasi.

Delhi - Varanasi. Today, we arrive in Varanasi, India’s spiritual capital, and transfer to our accommodation to freshen up and rest.

In the afternoon, you can explore Sarnath, a serene archaeological site where the Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. Stupas, monasteries, and a quiet museum all reflect the city’s Buddhist heritage, set among peaceful gardens.

As dusk settles, we take a gentle boat ride along the Ghats of the Ganges. Watching locals bathe, pray, and perform rituals offers a fascinating insight into everyday life. Our journey ends at the famous Ganga Aarti Ceremony, where flickering lamps and rhythmic chants transform the riverfront into a scene of devotion and light.

Varanasi - Agra. We start early with the option of a sunrise boat tour along the Ganges. The first light of day reflects off the water as the city slowly awakens, creating a calm and unforgettable atmosphere.

Later, you can explore the maze-like lanes of Varanasi’s old market, filled with spice stalls, silk shops and temple bells. A stop at the famous Blue Lassi Shop is a must; their sweet, creamy drinks are as colourful as the city itself.

In the afternoon, we board our train to Agra, watching rural India glide past the window as we journey toward our next destination.

This morning, we visit Bread and Mine Café, a social enterprise supporting the deaf community. It’s a welcoming place for breakfast and a wonderful way to start the day with purpose.

In the afternoon, you can join an informal tea session with your Adventure Leader, sharing stories, learning about Indian customs, and gaining local insight. You might also explore Agra Fort or the graceful Baby Taj, both fine examples of Mughal craftsmanship set on the banks of the Yamuna River.

As evening falls, we come together for dinner at Salt Café, one of Agra’s favourite rooftop spots. The relaxed setting, good food and glowing city views make it a memorable evening.

Agra - Jaipur. Today, we rise before dawn for a visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Watching the marble monument shift from soft pink to brilliant white in the early light is a moment that stays with you forever.

Afterwards, we travel to Jaipur, passing villages, farmlands, and small roadside cafés that offer a glimpse of everyday Indian life. A few rest stops along the way allow time to stretch your legs and sample local snacks.

As the sun begins to set, we head up to Nahargarh Fort, which sits high on the Aravalli Hills overlooking the Pink City. From the ramparts, the view of Jaipur bathed in golden light is simply stunning.

Begin the day with optional adventures. You can take to the skies on a balloon safari, drifting over Jaipur’s patchwork of palaces and villages as the sun rises, or visit Amber Fort, a magnificent fortress of courtyards and intricate design.

The afternoon is free for you to explore the city’s highlights, from the ornate Hawa Mahal to the bustling bazaars where locals barter for fabrics and spices.

As night falls, we reunite for our Jaipur Food Court Tour. Tasting street snacks, sweets, and Rajasthani specialities side by side with locals gives a real flavour of the city’s vibrant spirit.

Jaipur - Jaisalmer. This morning, we visit the Monkey Temple, also known as Galta Ji. Nestled in a rocky valley surrounded by hills, it’s home to sacred water tanks and hundreds of playful macaques.

0Later, we stop at the colourful Patrika Gate, whose painted corridors showcase the artistry of Rajasthan. There’s time for breakfast or a stroll through the Pink City before we travel to the station and board our train to Jaisalmer, heading west into the desert.

Today, we arrive in Jaisalmer, known as the Golden City, and take some time to rest before exploring. The immense Jaisalmer Fort rises above the desert and remains alive with homes, shops and temples within its ancient walls. Nearby, Gadsisar Lake offers calm reflections of sandstone shrines and graceful architecture.

In the afternoon, we journey by jeep deep into the Thar Desert and begin our camel safari. As the sun sets, the dunes glow amber and the stillness of the desert surrounds us. We dine beneath the stars and spend the night at our comfortable desert camp, an unforgettable experience.

Jaisalmer - Jodhpur. We wake to a beautiful sunrise, enjoy breakfast in the desert, and return to Jaisalmer before continuing by private vehicle to Jodhpur, the Blue City of Rajasthan.

In the afternoon, we explore on our Walking Tour of the Blue City. Narrow alleys wind between blue-washed houses leading to the Clock Tower and the ancient Toorji Ka Jhalra stepwell, where locals gather to socialise in the shade.

This morning, we embrace the flavours of India with our Indian Cooking Experience, learning to prepare regional dishes under the guidance of local chefs. Sharing the meal we create is a joyful way to experience Indian hospitality first-hand.

Later, you can take part in the Flying Fox Zipline adventure, gliding high above Mehrangarh Fort for breathtaking views of the city below.

Jodhpur - Mumbai. Today, we fly to Mumbai, India’s energetic coastal city. After arriving, we embark on our Mumbai Orientation Walk, exploring the Gateway of India, the graceful curve of Marine Drive, and the art-deco buildings that line the seafront. The walk reveals the blend of colonial heritage and modern bustle that defines Mumbai.

As evening approaches, you can join the group for dinner in the Colaba District, a lively area filled with cafés, bars and rooftop restaurants that overlook the city lights.

You can begin the day with an optional visit to Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest informal communities. Here, small workshops, pottery studios, and recycling businesses demonstrate the ingenuity that drives the local economy.

In the afternoon, you can see Dhobi Ghat Mahalaxmi, the world’s largest open-air laundry, where generations of workers still wash and dry clothes by hand.

Later, you can join an optional Bollywood Movie Night, experiencing the vibrant music, dance, and drama of India’s famous film industry.

We finish our journey with a visit to the Siddhivinayak Temple, one of Mumbai’s most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The atmosphere is filled with colour, incense, and the sound of morning prayers.

Afterwards, our two-week Indian adventure draws to a close as we say farewell to our tour leader and fellow travellers.