India's Golden Triangle: Taj Mahal to the Ganges

India’s Golden Triangle: Taj Mahal to the Ganges

• Trip code: 485X024
• Dauer: 9
• Stil: Classic

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.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (7 nts), sleeper train (1 nt)

Checklist

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Train Travel (Optional):
• Slip-on shoes
• Small container with lid
• Travel cutlery
• Travel or camp cup

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

Group Size Notes

Max 15, avg 12

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"

Introduction

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

Meals Included

1 Frühstück

Meal Budget

Plane USD215-280 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Delhi
- Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi

Jaipur
- Raj Mandir Kino und Film (200-400INR pro Person)
- Besichtigung des Stadtpalastes (1000INR pro Person)
- Besuch von Jantar Mantar (202INR pro Person)
- Besichtigung des Hawa Mahal (Palast der Winde) (202INR pro Person)
- Im Heißluftballon über Jaipur
- Jaipur Cycle Tour

Orchha
- Puja-Zeremonie (Gratis)
- Orchha Cooking School

Varanasi
- Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old Benaras
- Besuch in Sarnath

Start / Finish

Delhi nach Varanasi

Transport

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

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Transfer durch Women With Wheels, Indira Gandhi International Airport
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Anoothi Block Printing Experience, Jaipur
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen. 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

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Delhi

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 9 Varanasi

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Delhi

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.

Day 2 Delhi/Jaipur

Day 3 Jaipur

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.

Day 4 Jaipur/Āgra

Day 5 Āgra/Orchha

Day 6 Orchha/Varanasi

Day 7 Varanasi

Day 8 Varanasi

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.

Day 9 Varanasi