Northern India on a Budget: The Golden Triangle to Varanasi

Northern India on a Budget: The Golden Triangle to Varanasi

• Trip code: 485X025
• Dauer: 9
• Stil: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Temples, tuk-tuks, and the Taj — oh my! This nine-day adventure through India brings your bucket list to life without breaking the bank. Cruise the sacred Ganges in Varanasi, wander the halls of Agra Fort, and snap that iconic shot of the Taj Mahal. With plenty of free time in Jaipur, Agra, and Varanasi, you’ll hit the highlights and still have space to make the trip your own.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Simple hotels or guesthouse (twin-share) (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
• 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

Bitte beachte: During the colder months (Oct-Apr) the mountains can be cold, so please make sure you pack warm clothes. During the months of Jul-Sep is the rainy season, so please make sure to pack waterproof clothes

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

Group Size Notes

Max 20, avg 16

Highlights

Watch life unfold along the Ganges on a sunrise boat ride in Varanasi, Marvel at the Taj Mahal and explore the grand Agra Fort on a guided tour, Soak up the vibes of Jaipur and Agra and Varanasi with loads of free time to roam

Introduction

Temples, tuk-tuks, and the Taj — oh my! This nine-day adventure through India brings your bucket list to life without breaking the bank. Cruise the sacred Ganges in Varanasi, wander the halls of Agra Fort, and snap that iconic shot of the Taj Mahal. With plenty of free time in Jaipur, Agra, and Varanasi, you’ll hit the highlights and still have space to make the trip your own

Meals Included

Keine inbegriffene Mahlzeiten

Meal Budget

Plane USD220-290 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Delhi
- Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi

Pushkar
- Traditionelles Abendessen in der Wüste (1200INR pro Person)
- Kamelritt

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

Āgra
- Besuch im Agra Fort (650INR pro Person)
- Besuch im Baby Taj (310INR pro Person)

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

Start / Finish

Delhi nach Varanasi

Transport

Train, metro, local bus, taxi, rickshaw, walking, tuktuk, overnight train

What's Included

Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein First-Night-Out-Moment: Begegne neuen Freunden
Dein Big-Night-Out-Moment: Nachtleben in Jaipur, Jaipur. Orientation walk in Delhi. Orientation walk in Pushkar. Savitri Temple Sunrise Hike. Jaipur Orientation Walk. Amber Fort Guided Tour. Free time in Jaipur. Taj Mahal Guided Tour. Free time in Agra. Orientation walk in Varanasi. Free time in Varanasi. Morning Ganges Boat Tour

Packing Note

During the colder months (Oct-Apr) the mountains can be cold, so please make sure you pack warm clothes. During the months of Jul-Sep is the rainy season, so please make sure to pack waterproof clothes

Internationale Flüge

Check-in-Zeiten und Freigepäck/Einschränkungen können je nach Fluggesellschaft variieren und sich jederzeit ändern. Für die aktuellsten Informationen zu deinem Flug wende dich bitte an deine Fluggesellschaft. Wir empfehlen Online-Check-in, um mögliche Verzögerungen am Flughafen zu vermeiden

Minimum Age 18+

The minimum age for this trip is 18 years

Itinerary

Day 1 Delhi

Welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi! Arrive in time to meet at 2:00 pm for your welcome meeting and orientation walk.

Embark on an afternoon orientation tour visiting Connaught Place and India Gate for those iconic photos. 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/Pushkar

Travel by train through the arid terrain to Pushkar, often called Tirth Raj or the "king of pilgrim centres," home to the world’s only temple for the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. Get your bearings on an orientation walk around the colourful city visiting the lake, ghats, and of course the 14th century Brahama temple. Spend some time this afternoon exploring the markets or opt for an unforgettable evening by dressing in traditional Indian clothes before partaking in an authentic dinner cooked by cameleers in the desert while enjoying live entertainment!

Day 3 Pushkar/Jaipur

Before dawn, climb to the hilltop Savitri Temple and catch the sun rising over the towering Thar Desert hills. Afterward, travel by train ⁠— always an adventure itself in India ⁠— to the pink city of Jaipur, home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Enjoy an orientation walk through the market stalls

Day 4 Jaipur

Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your bucket 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 get ready for your Big Night Out! Join your crew and CEO and see where the night takes you!

Day 5 Jaipur/Āgra

Travel by early morning train to the Mughal city of Agra, site of India’s most famous landmark - the Taj Mahal! Immerse yourself in a guided tour and learn of the mausoleums unique history as you admire the iconic Mughal architecture

Day 6 Āgra/Varanasi

Spend the day getting to know Agra. Opt for a tuk tuk ride 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. In the evening, board an overnight train and wake up in Varanasi

Day 7 Varanasi

Take an orientation walk along Varanasi's ghats and through the old city. Afterward, opt to explore the temples and take in the spiritual energy of the city

Day 8 Varanasi

This morning, hop on a boat and sail the sacred Ganges River, where you will have the opportunity to witness a candle flower ceremony. Enjoy a free afternoon to uniquely explore the spiritual capital of India. Opt to bathe in the sacred waters or visit Kashi Vishwanath, the Golden Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Varanasi is your oyster!

Day 9 Varanasi

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Delhi

Arriving early with a free day in Delhi? Opt to add the "Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi" extra to your tour. Please note that if you arrive after 14:00, you may miss the welcome meeting and orientation tour

Day 2 Delhi/Pushkar

Day 3 Pushkar/Jaipur

Day 4 Jaipur

Opt to visit the City Palace with its fine collection of textiles and costumes or admire the mind-boggling architecture of Hawa Mahal. Discover more of the wisdom and history of the Mughals by wandering around the Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in the 1700's, or opt to sit back and relax if you like - sipping a cocktail in any of the luxuriously converted palaces. Opt to get active by pre-booking a cycle tour or sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking a cooking class with a local family. If you aren't afraid of heights, pre-book a balloon ride to get an aerial view of the pink city.

Day 5 Jaipur/Āgra

Day 6 Āgra/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