SHORTLIST

Essential India

From the intricate saris of Rajasthan to the beautiful symmetry of the Taj Mahal, this compact journey is a photographer's delight and the perfect introduction to India. You'll float past the ghats on the Ganges River to encounter the spiritual heart of Hinduism in Varanasi and get off the beaten path exploring carved stepwells and quaint temples in rural villages. With the perfect combination of included activities and free time to explore the nation's rich heritage, you're sure to be caught up in India's incredible tapestry of life.
Tour details
Tour Provider G Adventures
Price From
$2,139
Number of Days
15
Start Location
Delhi, India
End Location
Delhi, India
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
1 to 16
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
Virtuoso
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Day 1 - Delhi
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project.
Day 2 - Delhi
Enjoy a youth-led morning walk through Delhi by G Adventures-supported City Walk project offering a unique perspective of Delhi while supporting at-risk youth. Later, visit Delhi’s famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) and climb the minaret for a bird’s eye view of Old City. Walk through Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest and busiest markets, and learn the history of the Sikh religion at Gurdwara. Stop for photos at the colourful market before finishing at Connaught Place, one of the most prominent architectural remnants of British rule.
Day 3 - Delhi/Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, to start exploring the Pink City. Along the way, try your hand at block printing with the women of the Anoothi Project. Later, opt to visit the Jantar Mantar, or Royal Observatory. Don't miss the opportunity to see a Bollywood film at the famous Art Deco Raj Mandir cinema.
Day 4 - Jaipur
Stop and admire the intricate architecture of Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) before venturing to the ruined city of Amber to explore the famous Fort.
Day 5 - Jaipur/Dhula Village
Travel to Dhula Village and get a closer look at rural life in Rajasthan during a cycling excursion. Tonight, settle in to your cozy tent, relax by the fire, and take in the starry night sky.
Day 6 - Dhula Village/Āgra
Stop by the impressive Abhaneri stepwell en route to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.
Day 7 - Āgra
Visit the sparkling, iconic Taj Mahal for sunrise with time to explore the picturesque grounds. Afterward, take a ride to the walled city of Agra Fort and Baby Taj.
Day 8 - Āgra/Alīpura
Board a morning train then transfer to a private vehicle for a ride across rough Indian roads to Alipura. This friendly village will be our base for two days where you'll stay in a heritage property with time to wander the town and interact with local people.
Day 9 - Alīpura
Enjoy a day trip to Khajuraho, where India's largest group of medieval temples reside, known for their Kama Sutra statues. Learn the history of these world-famous temples on a guided tour and enjoy a taste of a little erotica from the Middle Ages. After, opt to visit a nearby waterfall or watch an evening dance performance.
Day 10 - Alīpura/Orchha
En route to Orchha, visit 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. Continue on to Orchha and embark on an orientation tour of this small town. Set on the banks of the Betwa River, it is the perfect antidote to the chaos of India’s cities. Later, attend an evening puja ceremony at the Ram Raja Temple.
Day 11 - Orchha/Varanasi
Visit the Orchha Palace complex and enjoy free time before the overnight train to Varanasi.
Day 12 - Varanasi
Disembark the train in legendary Varanasi - the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindus visit for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die. Take an orientation walk through the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. There is time here to shop, wander, and absorb the atmosphere of this unique city. Marvel at the ghats from the River Ganges as you enjoy an evening boat trip to witness a mesmerizing candle-lit flower ceremony.
Day 13 - Varanasi
Watch the sunrise from a boat along the Ganges. Spend the rest of the day getting to know this holy city. Opt to visit the monasteries and ruins of nearby Sarnath, the site of the Buddha's first sermon.
Day 14 - Varanasi/Delhi
Soak up some free time this morning and continue exploring Varanasi. Later, cut out the travel time with a flight back to bustling Delhi.
Day 15 - Delhi
Depart at any time.
Inclusions
  • Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport Your G for Good Moment: City Walk, Delhi Your G for Good Moment: Anoothi Block Printing Experience, Jaipur Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Old Delhi walk with stops at the Jama Masjid, Gurduwara, Chandni Chowk, and Connaught Place
  • Amber Fort tour
  • Rajasthani rural village stay
  • Village cycling excursion
  • Abhaneri stepwells visit
  • Taj Mahal and I’timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) entrance
  • Agra Fort entrance and guided tour
  • Orchha Palace complex visit
  • Western Temple complex entrance and guided visit
  • Ganges River boat trip at sunrise and sunset, including candle flower ceremony
  • Internal flight
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
15 Dec 2024 29 Dec 2024 6 $2,399
05 Jan 2025 19 Jan 2025 3 $2,399
10 Jan 2025 24 Jan 2025 6 $2,399
12 Jan 2025 26 Jan 2025 2 $2,399
19 Jan 2025 02 Feb 2025 4 $2,399
24 Jan 2025 07 Feb 2025 12 $2,399
26 Jan 2025 09 Feb 2025 4 $2,399
07 Feb 2025 21 Feb 2025 12 $2,399
09 Feb 2025 23 Feb 2025 4 $2,399
16 Feb 2025 02 Mar 2025 5 $2,399
21 Feb 2025 07 Mar 2025 12 $2,399
23 Feb 2025 09 Mar 2025 8 $2,399
07 Mar 2025 21 Mar 2025 5 $2,319
09 Mar 2025 23 Mar 2025 2 $2,319
14 Mar 2025 28 Mar 2025 10 $2,319
21 Mar 2025 04 Apr 2025 14 $2,319
23 Mar 2025 06 Apr 2025 15 $2,319
30 Mar 2025 13 Apr 2025 12 $2,319
04 Apr 2025 18 Apr 2025 7 $2,139
06 Apr 2025 20 Apr 2025 8 $2,139
13 Apr 2025 27 Apr 2025 10 $2,139
20 Apr 2025 04 May 2025 11 $2,139
27 Apr 2025 11 May 2025 15 $2,139
11 May 2025 25 May 2025 15 $2,139
25 May 2025 08 Jun 2025 15 $2,139
08 Jun 2025 22 Jun 2025 15 $2,139
22 Jun 2025 06 Jul 2025 13 $2,139
06 Jul 2025 20 Jul 2025 14 $2,139
20 Jul 2025 03 Aug 2025 14 $2,139
03 Aug 2025 17 Aug 2025 14 $2,139
17 Aug 2025 31 Aug 2025 12 $2,139
31 Aug 2025 14 Sep 2025 14 $2,139
14 Sep 2025 28 Sep 2025 15 $2,139
21 Sep 2025 05 Oct 2025 15 $2,139
26 Sep 2025 10 Oct 2025 15 $2,139
28 Sep 2025 12 Oct 2025 14 $2,139
05 Oct 2025 19 Oct 2025 15 $2,319
10 Oct 2025 24 Oct 2025 15 $2,319
12 Oct 2025 26 Oct 2025 15 $2,319
17 Oct 2025 31 Oct 2025 15 $2,319
19 Oct 2025 02 Nov 2025 15 $2,319
24 Oct 2025 07 Nov 2025 15 $2,319
26 Oct 2025 09 Nov 2025 15 $2,319
07 Nov 2025 21 Nov 2025 13 $2,399
09 Nov 2025 23 Nov 2025 14 $2,399
16 Nov 2025 30 Nov 2025 15 $2,399
21 Nov 2025 05 Dec 2025 11 $2,399
23 Nov 2025 07 Dec 2025 15 $2,399
30 Nov 2025 14 Dec 2025 15 $2,399
07 Dec 2025 21 Dec 2025 15 $2,399
14 Dec 2025 28 Dec 2025 15 $2,399
19 Dec 2025 02 Jan 2026 15 $2,399
21 Dec 2025 04 Jan 2026 15 $2,399
23 Dec 2025 06 Jan 2026 15 $2,399
26 Dec 2025 09 Jan 2026 15 $2,399
28 Dec 2025 11 Jan 2026 15 $2,399
30 Dec 2025 13 Jan 2026 15 $2,399
02 Jan 2026 16 Jan 2026 15 $2,139
04 Jan 2026 18 Jan 2026 15 $2,139
06 Jan 2026 20 Jan 2026 15 $2,139
09 Jan 2026 23 Jan 2026 15 $2,139
11 Jan 2026 25 Jan 2026 13 $2,139
13 Jan 2026 27 Jan 2026 15 $2,139
16 Jan 2026 30 Jan 2026 15 $2,139
18 Jan 2026 01 Feb 2026 15 $2,139
20 Jan 2026 03 Feb 2026 15 $2,139
23 Jan 2026 06 Feb 2026 15 $2,139
25 Jan 2026 08 Feb 2026 15 $2,139
27 Jan 2026 10 Feb 2026 15 $2,139
30 Jan 2026 13 Feb 2026 15 $2,139
01 Feb 2026 15 Feb 2026 15 $2,139
03 Feb 2026 17 Feb 2026 15 $2,139
06 Feb 2026 20 Feb 2026 15 $2,139
08 Feb 2026 22 Feb 2026 15 $2,139
10 Feb 2026 24 Feb 2026 15 $2,139
13 Feb 2026 27 Feb 2026 15 $2,139
15 Feb 2026 01 Mar 2026 15 $2,139
17 Feb 2026 03 Mar 2026 15 $2,139
20 Feb 2026 06 Mar 2026 15 $2,139
22 Feb 2026 08 Mar 2026 15 $2,139
24 Feb 2026 10 Mar 2026 15 $2,139
27 Feb 2026 13 Mar 2026 15 $2,139
01 Mar 2026 15 Mar 2026 15 $2,139
03 Mar 2026 17 Mar 2026 15 $2,139
06 Mar 2026 20 Mar 2026 15 $2,139
08 Mar 2026 22 Mar 2026 15 $2,139
10 Mar 2026 24 Mar 2026 15 $2,139
13 Mar 2026 27 Mar 2026 15 $2,139
15 Mar 2026 29 Mar 2026 15 $2,139
17 Mar 2026 31 Mar 2026 15 $2,139
20 Mar 2026 03 Apr 2026 15 $2,139
22 Mar 2026 05 Apr 2026 15 $2,139
24 Mar 2026 07 Apr 2026 15 $2,139
29 Mar 2026 12 Apr 2026 15 $2,139
31 Mar 2026 14 Apr 2026 15 $2,139
03 Apr 2026 17 Apr 2026 15 $2,139
05 Apr 2026 19 Apr 2026 15 $2,139
12 Apr 2026 26 Apr 2026 15 $2,139
19 Apr 2026 03 May 2026 15 $2,139
26 Apr 2026 10 May 2026 15 $2,139
10 May 2026 24 May 2026 15 $2,139
24 May 2026 07 Jun 2026 15 $2,139
07 Jun 2026 21 Jun 2026 15 $2,139
21 Jun 2026 05 Jul 2026 15 $2,139
05 Jul 2026 19 Jul 2026 15 $2,139
19 Jul 2026 02 Aug 2026 15 $2,139
02 Aug 2026 16 Aug 2026 15 $2,139
16 Aug 2026 30 Aug 2026 15 $2,139
30 Aug 2026 13 Sep 2026 15 $2,139
01 Sep 2026 15 Sep 2026 15 $2,139
08 Sep 2026 22 Sep 2026 15 $2,139
13 Sep 2026 27 Sep 2026 15 $2,139
15 Sep 2026 29 Sep 2026 15 $2,139
18 Sep 2026 02 Oct 2026 15 $2,139
20 Sep 2026 04 Oct 2026 15 $2,139
22 Sep 2026 06 Oct 2026 15 $2,139
25 Sep 2026 09 Oct 2026 15 $2,139
27 Sep 2026 11 Oct 2026 15 $2,139
29 Sep 2026 13 Oct 2026 15 $2,139
02 Oct 2026 16 Oct 2026 15 $2,139
04 Oct 2026 18 Oct 2026 15 $2,139
06 Oct 2026 20 Oct 2026 15 $2,139
09 Oct 2026 23 Oct 2026 15 $2,139
11 Oct 2026 25 Oct 2026 15 $2,139
13 Oct 2026 27 Oct 2026 15 $2,139
16 Oct 2026 30 Oct 2026 15 $2,139
18 Oct 2026 01 Nov 2026 15 $2,139
20 Oct 2026 03 Nov 2026 15 $2,139
23 Oct 2026 06 Nov 2026 15 $2,139
25 Oct 2026 08 Nov 2026 15 $2,139
27 Oct 2026 10 Nov 2026 15 $2,139
30 Oct 2026 13 Nov 2026 15 $2,139
01 Nov 2026 15 Nov 2026 15 $2,139
03 Nov 2026 17 Nov 2026 15 $2,139
06 Nov 2026 20 Nov 2026 15 $2,139
08 Nov 2026 22 Nov 2026 15 $2,139
10 Nov 2026 24 Nov 2026 15 $2,139
13 Nov 2026 27 Nov 2026 15 $2,139
15 Nov 2026 29 Nov 2026 15 $2,139
17 Nov 2026 01 Dec 2026 15 $2,139
20 Nov 2026 04 Dec 2026 15 $2,139
22 Nov 2026 06 Dec 2026 15 $2,139
24 Nov 2026 08 Dec 2026 15 $2,139
29 Nov 2026 13 Dec 2026 15 $2,139
06 Dec 2026 20 Dec 2026 15 $2,139
13 Dec 2026 27 Dec 2026 15 $2,139
20 Dec 2026 03 Jan 2027 15 $2,139
25 Dec 2026 08 Jan 2027 15 $2,139
27 Dec 2026 10 Jan 2027 15 $2,139