Northern India: Riverside Safaris, Ancient Fortresses & The Taj Mahal

From yoga to Bollywood, sacred temples to exotic wildlife, and bold textiles to complex vegetarian cuisine, experience every side of India in this incredible adventure that takes you through the very heart of Rajasthan. We welcome you to Delhi, and to India, and invite you to bring your curious nature to a country that is ready to inspire and impress. Get ready for a spirited and breathtaking two weeks.

You will be met at the airport by your included arrival transfer through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project. After a welcome meeting with your CEO and group, go on an orientation walk and then head to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner.

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.

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.

Delhi, the vibrant capital of India, offers a captivating blend of rich history and modern tradition that charms every traveler. Set out on foot to discover a treasure trove of iconic landmarks such as the majestic Mehrauli Archeological Park, Humayun's Tomb and the intricate architecture of the India Gate, each narrating a story of India's diverse heritage. Delhi's bustling markets, divine cuisine and warm hospitality provide an immersive cultural experience, making it the perfect destination for the start of your trip.

Join your CEO on a walking tour of some of the oldest parts of Delhi, through ancient ruins and diverse religious sites. In the afternoon, discover Old Delhi and its narrow bylanes of Kinnari bazaar and the old havelis of Chandni Chowk. Wander through bazaars, spice markets and even ride a rickshaw to dive straight into daily life in India's biggest city.

ACTIVITY: Visit G Values Fund project, Namaste Delhi. Start your walking tour of Qutab Complex and the Mehrauli archeological park. Go back in time as you walk through the oldest parts of historical Delhi and explore ancient ruins, monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through a park scattered with time-ravaged tombs and mosques.

ACTIVITY: Visit historic Old Delhi. Explore Jama Masjid, the "Great Mosque," and enjoy its massive courtyard, which can hold up to 25,000 worshippers. Also, visit the ancient Sikh temple of Gurdwara SisGanj, which was established in 1783.

No India itinerary is complete without a stop at two of the most iconic spots in the world, let alone India. The Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort are just a train ride away for today's adventure. The Taj Mahal is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a world renowned symbol of love and craftsmanship. And the legendary Agra Fort stands as a testament to the significance of India's grand Mughal Empire. We make sure these two world famous stops are checked off your India bucket list today.

After riding the train to Agra, visit both sites with your CEO and local guide. In the evening, drive to Dholpur and check into your OMG Stay- a tranquil set of stone cottages that feels a million miles away from the busy atmosphere of Delhi.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a visit to this impressive Mughal fort made of red sandstone and white marble.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Here's one to cross off your bucket list: a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Take a guided tour of India's most famous landmark and an icon of Mughal architecture. Built by the emperor Shah Jahan as a testament of his love to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this stunning white marble structure draws visitors from all over the world.

You don't need to venture deep into the jungle to experience India's vibrant wildlife. Just outside of Dholpur, the chance to embark on a river safari showcases diverse landscapes and thriving wildlife. From spotting elusive species of birds and endangered animals to witnessing traditional riverside life, your time on the Chambal River will be unforgettable. If you're lucky, you may even spot a Gharial, a type of fish-eating crocodile. Hands inside the boat please!

After spending the morning on the river, the afternoon is dedicated to exploring the land. Get out on a bicycle to discover the lush jungle surrounding Narsingh Bagh, and join your guide in looking for a number of bird species local to the area.

ACTIVITY: Board shaded motor boats with sofa seats to cruise down the Chambal River. Take a chance spotting Migratory birds, wildlife along the banks or even the highly endangered Gharial, a large narrow-jawed crocodilian that mainly feeds on fish.

ACTIVITY: Start later in the afternoon, riding on pedal bikes until Talab-E-Sahi with stops for birding and photography. Return to the hotel and afternoon tea (tea, coffee and cookies). There is no elevation gain in this cycle.

From water to land, we continue the safari into Ranthambore National Park. This park is considered the best in the world to see the Royal Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat. Grab your binoculars and join your guide in search of not just tigers but leopards, bengal foxes, langurs and other amazing species. The magic of Ranthambore unfolds between dense forest and historical ruins offering an unparalleled safari experience.

Your Indian safari adventure continues as you leave Dholpur and drive to Ranthambore National Park. Spend the afternoon on safari before a delicious dinner at the lodge.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Explore the park with local rangers on a safari drive in search of deer, birds, leopards, monkeys and, if you're lucky, elusive tigers.

After another safari in Ranthambore, its onward to Jaipur. Jaipur isn't just known for its incredible history and monuments, it's also famous for being, well, pink! While the city is beautiful to gaze at, it's not just a pretty facade. Together we have the next two days to explore all this city has to teach us.

After an early morning safari, you'll drive to one of the most colorful cities in India, Jaipur. Known for its colored gems and pink buildings, take it all in on a walking tour of the city.

ACTIVITY: Explore the park with local rangers on a safari drive in search of deer, birds, leopards, monkeys and, if you're lucky, those elusive tigers.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Take a brief tour of the city and use this as a chance to stretch your legs.

Your Jaipur explorations start with the Amber Heritage walk. Step into what feels like a painting at the intricate Panna Meena before climbing onward to the majestically perched fortress of Amber Fort. The afternoon continues with a guided exploration of Jantar Mantar. This architectural wonder is marveled for its accurate observation of celestial bodies, showcasing the advanced astronomical knowledge of its time and the world's largest sundial.

Spend the morning exploring at Hawa Mahal and the Amber Fort. After lunch, take a special tour of Jantar Mantar, one of the most important astronomical observatories of the pre-modern world.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a visit to the intricately-carved Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds," which is named for the cool breeze that comes through the structure and keeps it comfortable, even in the hot Jaipur summers. Explore the main complex, blossoming gardens and the lake.

ACTIVITY: Visit the famous Panna Meena stepwell and the old temples around historic Amber Town before you make your way up to the fort.

ACTIVITY: Take in the Hindu and Muslim architecture of the beautiful Amber Fort. Wander through the halls and courtyards and admire the intricate details.

ACTIVITY: Visit the Jantar Mantar observatory for a guided tour and explore the collection of astronomical instruments housed there, some dating back to 1727.

Today is jam packed with OMG worthy moments. Pushkar is one of the oldest and holiest cities in India and home to one of the only temples in the world dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu creator god. After a visit to this esteemed temple, you get the honor of choosing how the rest of your day unfolds. Connect with your spiritual side with a yoga class and a wellness and spirituality discussion or hike the famed pilgrimage path to Savitri Temple Hill and visit this picturesque hilltop. Come together in the evening again for sundowners with a show, to watch traditional Kalbeliya dancers alongside a local feast under the stars.

Your OMG Day starts in the holy town of Pushkar with a visit the famed Brahma Temple to meet a local pandit to understand and partake in ancient rituals. Then the choice is yours: choose to take an hour long yoga class followed by a wellness and spirituality discussion, or drive to the base of Savitri Temple hill for a hike up the 900 steps for a birds-eye view of Pushkar.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Option 1: Take an hour long yoga class followed by a wellness and spirituality workshop.

Option 2: Take a short drive to Savitri Temple and walk up 900 steps to an amazing birds-eye view of Pushkar town. You'll go up 650 feet in elevation over a mostly paved path. The steps can be a bit uneven toward the top but the view is well worth it.

ACTIVITY: During sunset, enjoy the traditional Kalbeliya dancers and a sundowner. Engage in a traditional barbecue dinner experience under the stars admiring the starlit sand dunes of Pushkar.

ACTIVITY: Join your CEO for an orientation to explore key parts of this desert city, including beautiful lakes and ghats. Visit the famed Brahma temple, meet a local pandit and understand/take part in the ancient rituals

The state of Rajasthan is famed for its historic forts and fortresses, handicrafts and its bright and beautiful block printing and tie-dye techniques. Textiles in India are more than just beautiful art, they're symbols of regional heritage, cultural identity and centuries of generational practices. Visit small hamlets whose traditions remained unchanged over the last hundred years, and overnight at a heritage property outside Jodhpur.

After a leisurely start to the morning, hop into jeeps to visit the small villages and hamlets outside Chandelao Garh, culminating in a visit to Pipar village to learn more about the 100 year old crafting techniques. An overnight in this unique heritage property awaits.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Immerse yourself into the life of a tranquil Indian Village. Within the property, explore the old fortress where the historical family has resided for generations. Engage in a short understanding of the village and the history of Chandelao.

ACTIVITY: Ride in a jeep down to the hamlets of surrounding villages. Explore Pipar, a traditional rural town with 100 year old block and tie-dye printing techniques, and meet some of the families still practicing the craft.

It's almost impossible to say which is more beautiful: the view of Mehrangarh Fortress from the city of Jodhpur or the view of the Blue City of Jodhpur from Mehrangarh Fortress. The opportunity to visit and view both this morning will leave your heart full.

After a morning of discovery at the extraordinary Mehrangarh Fortress and the Blue City of Jodhpur, visit the Sunder Rang Cooperative and discover how this small social enterprise is helping more than 30 women and their families to provide meaningful support for their community. From textiles to handmade crafts, each unique item showcases the talent and creativity of the women who have made them.

ACTIVITY: Explore the Blue City of Jodhpur with a half-day tour. You will visit Mehrangarh Fort, a breathtakingly beautiful fort located at the top of a cliff, which offers a stunning view of Jodhpur below. Learn about the many battles fought there and get a sense of what it was like to be Rajasthani royalty by visiting its well-stocked museum. Then continue on to Jaswant Thada, a memorial with unparalleled views over the city.

ACTIVITY: Visit this breathtakingly beautiful fort located at the top of a cliff, which offers a stunning view of the Blue City of Jodhpur below. Learn about the many battles fought there and get a sense of what it was like to be Rajasthani royalty by visiting its well-stocked museum.

ACTIVITY: Visit the Sunder Rang cooperative and meet the ladies who run the project. Sunder Rang is a craft market run by local women. It offers the chance to buy some of the finest clothing, jewelry and souvenirs. Currently more than 35 women and their families are being impacted by this non profit organisation which helps them market their products. Apart from paying them fair wages, the organisation shares 60% of the profit with the families and keeps 40% for other activities like health, sanitation and eduction of the women in the village.

From one town to the next, India seems to become more and more spectacular. Continue to Ranakpur Jain Temple to observe one of the most magnificent marble temples in India. After exploring the temple, continue to the romantic lakefront city of Udaipur. There's no better welcome to a waterfront town than dinner at one of the finest lakefront restaurants.

Together the group drives to Ranakpur to visit the famous Ranakpur Jain Temples before reaching Udaipur. After an orientation walk of the old city, enjoy a group dinner at a lakeside restaurant. Stretch your legs on walk along the lake or take a tuk tuk back to your hotel for the night.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a visit to this magnificent white marble temple devoted to Adinath, a god in the Jain religion. Jains believe in "ahimsa," non-violence to all living beings. Built in the 15th century, the temple has 1444 individually carved pillars.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Go on a guided orientation walk and get to know local markets and key places.

Udaipur, the City of Lakes, invites you to rise and shine with a bike ride to start the day. Enjoy incredible views with a gentle bike ride through the ancient hills of Udaipur to Badi Lake where breakfast will be waiting. After an exhilarating start to the day, join your CEO to tour the palace complex and Jagdish Temple, which has been welcoming worshippers since 1651.

This afternoon is at leisure to explore as you please. Grab a tea at a cafe or do some exploring on foot with your camera. In the evening, climb aboard for a sunset boat ride to explore Lake Pichola.

ACTIVITY: Cycle to Badi Lake through Udaipur village tracks on a traditional bike. Arrive to Badi Lake and enjoy breakfast on the bank.

ACTIVITY: Visit the intricately-carved Jagdish Temple, which pays homage to Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation. Make sure to take a peek at the black stoned image of Vishnu that's housed inside the shrine.

ACTIVITY: Sit back and relax on this amazing boat tour on Pichola Lake. The views of the city and gorgeous palaces, including City Palace, are unparalleled.

Mixed with modern high rises and old world architecture, Mumbai is India's financial and cinematic capital. This afternoon will take you to some of best spots in all of Mumbai like Dhobi Ghat, Asia's largest open-air laundromat, and Malabar Hill.

After a relaxing morning with some leisure time in Udaipur, your flight takes you to the busiest city in all of India, Mumbai. Take a driving tour of the city after your arrival before reaching the hotel.

TRANSPORT: You will be met at the hotel and transferred to the airport.

TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

TRANSPORT: Drive from the airport to our hotel. En route make photo stops at the Dhobhi ghat, Asia's largest open air laundromat. Drive up Malabar Hill to the hanging gardens for a birds-eye view of the bay from on top of the city's oldest reservoir, covered by a topiary garden. Continue down through Marine Drive popularly known as "the queen's necklace" before reaching your hotel.

A scenic escape from the bustling city brings you to the island of Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk through rock carved columns to enter the impressive caves dedicated to Lord Shiva. These incredible carvings date back to the 5th century, and represent a sacred site for Hindu believers.

Visit the Gateway of India before you board your private boat to Elephanta Caves. Travel for an hour to reach the UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend a half-day visiting these rock-cut stone temples that date back to the 5th century. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax, eat, shop, or all three! This evening, join your CEO and fellow travellers for one final farewell feast.

ACTIVITY: Join your group for one last dinner together.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a visit to this architecturally splendid arch, popular with tourists from India and around the world. It was built during the British rule and offers amazing views of the Arabian Sea, with boats bobbing in the water close by.

ACTIVITY: Visit the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The collection of cave temples are located just off the shore of Mumbai, on Elephanta Island, and contain a series of sculptures and carvings depicting Hindu symbols.

Your adventure has come to an end, you can depart at any time.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.