Compare Journeys: Discover India by G Adventures vs North India Uncovered by Audley Travel

Day 1 Delhi

Arrive at any time; your arrival transfer is included through Women With Wheels, a G Adventures–supported project.

There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting, so check into the hotel (check-in time is 12:00 noon) and begin exploring!

This tour covers a lot of ground and has many exciting inclusions. Please be prepared for a fair amount of driving and a busy pace.

Day 2 Delhi

Set out to discover Delhi, the capital of India, which consists of two cities: historic Delhi and New Delhi, built by the British in the early 20th century. Explore New Delhi’s lively Paharganj district with a youth guide from the G Adventures–supported City Walk project, and hear about how the program provides opportunities to disadvantaged street youth. Then delve into the narrow, winding lanes of Old Delhi on a rickshaw, visiting the 17th-century Jama Masjid—the largest mosque in India—and the Sikh temple Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib.

Day 3 Delhi/Varanasi

Fly to ancient Varanasi, one of Hinduism’s holiest cities, located on the banks of the Ganges River. Sit down at one of the picturesque ghats or steps that run along the river and enjoy a talk by a local scholar about Varanasi’s spiritual and social significance. Later, embark on a boat ride on the sacred Ganges, where more than a million pilgrims come each year to purify themselves and perform funeral rites for loved ones. Observe the evening aarti or prayer ceremony, and join pilgrims as they float candles and flower offerings down the river.

Day 4 Varanasi

Rise early to catch the sunrise over the Ganges on a boat cruise, and witness the morning rituals and prayers that take place along the river. This afternoon, visit the Sarnath archaeological site, set in the middle of a vast park, where Gautama Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon.

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.

Day 5 Varanasi/Lucknow

Travel to Lucknow, the former capital of the Muslim nawabs of Oudh, who were known as great patrons of art, architecture, dance, and music. Explore the imposing Bara Imbambara complex, an 18th-century Shia Muslim shrine which includes a mosque, a grand hall, ornate courtyards, and gateways. Then set out on a food tour of Lucknow with an expert local guide, sampling dishes that were developed for the royal family and delectable street eats—from spicy kebabs to a variety of curries, breads, and sweets.

Day 6 LUCKNOW/AGRA

Travel by private bus to Agra, a former capital of the Delhi sultanate as well as the Mughal Empire. Settle into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.

Day 7 AGRA/RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

This morning, visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, this iconic mausoleum was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Later, travel to Ranthambore National Park—the fabled wildlife reserve that is said to have inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.

Day 8 Ranthambore National Park

Spend the day exploring Ranthambore National Park, which once served as the private hunting ground of the maharajas of Jaipur. Set out on morning and evening safaris with local rangers in search of monkeys, deer, sloth bears, leopards, and, if we're lucky, the elusive Bengal tiger. Wander amid the ruins of the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort and visit the Trinetra Ganesha Temple, dedicated to the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha.

Day 9 Ranthambore National Park/Jaipur

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan, which boasts beautiful palaces and temples and many atmospheric markets. Spend the evening at leisure.

India's "Pink City," also known as Jaipur, was founded in 1728, and has the distinction of being one of the best-planned pre-modern cities.

Day 10 Jaipur

Explore Jaipur, known as the “Pink City” for its rose-coloured buildings. Take a tour of the sprawling Amber Fort, the former residence of Jaipur’s Rajput rulers; and visit Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, a stunning five-story sandstone building with distinctive honeycombed windows. Discover the rich collections of the City Palace museum, and stop by the 18th-century royal observatory known as Jantar Mantar. This evening, enjoy a culinary experience with a local family, including a visit to a market and a cooking demonstration and meal in their home.

Day 11 JAIPUR/DOONGARIYA KHURD (Pushkar area)

Travel to the Hindu pilgrimage site of Pushkar, a holy lake ringed by stone ghats, or steps, that lead into its sacred waters. Take an orientation walk along the spectacular lakefront to the 14th-century Brahma Temple. Continue to Dungriya Khurd Village, where we will spend the night in a luxurious resort camp. Glimpse rural Rajasthani life as we chat with villagers as they go about their daily tasks. During an immersive dining experience this evening, sample traditional rural cuisine, learn local customs, and gain insights about sociopolitical influences here.

Nestled in the stunning valley of the Aravalli Range, near the edge of the holy town of Pushkar we stay in cottages which are constructed in the traditional thatched-roof style by local artisans. The camps concept is to give customers an experiential understanding of the rural Rajasthan life with all the comfort at the camp resort. Each accommodation has been made using local material, has large windows and verandah and private ensuite. The staff is from the surrounding hamlets and the camp has zero plastic use.

Day 12 DOONGARIYA KHURD/UDAIPUR

Today, we make our way to Udaipur, dubbed the City of Lakes. Take an orientation walk through the timeless streets and bustling bazaars of this romantic city; then hop on a boat to explore Lake Pichola, taking in stunning views of the marble palaces which appear to float above the tranquil waters.

Udaipur is famous for its lakes and Raj-era palaces. The most famous of these, and certainly the most photographed, is the Lake Palace, which we view from the boat. This beautiful white marble palace is now a hotel and entirely covers a small island in Lake Pichola. Originally known as the Jag Niwas, the palace took three years to build and was inaugurated in 1746.

Day 13 Udaipur

Set out to discover Udaipur, once the capital of a princely state. Visit the exquisite City Palace—the largest palace complex in Rajasthan—to get a glimpse of how the royal family used to live; and step into Jagdish Temple, which pays homage to the Hindu god Vishnu. This evening, stretch out at a relaxing yoga class.

During free time, journey out to the hilltop Monsoon Palace, summer resort of the Maharajas. Sit atop a hill with a panoramic view of the city’s lakes and watch the sunset.

Day 14 Udaipur/Delhi

Fly to Delhi for your final evening in India, and opt to join your group for a farewell dinner.

Day 15 Delhi

Depart at any time.

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Delhi.

Day 2 : Delhi

On your arrival at Delhi Airport meet your Audley representative and drive to your hotel with your private driver. The afternoon is at leisure, if you want to explore why not head to Lodi Gardens, to enjoy Delhi's greenery and uncover Mughal tombs.

Day 3 : Delhi

Today enjoy a private guided tour of the capital which highlights the great contrasts between Old and New Delhi. This includes the enormous Jama Masjid from which you can walk through the bazaars and narrow streets - a great way to absorb the sights and sounds of Old Delhi. You will also see the monumental buildings set along wide boulevards of Lutyens' New Delhi including India Gate and the President's residence.

Day 4 : Agra

Travel to Agra by road this morning which will take about three hours (or take the train if you prefer). On arrival, you will meet your local guide for a private tour of the impressive Red Fort and the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, fondly known as the 'Baby Taj'. These sites share much history with the Taj Mahal, providing an ideal background before your visit tomorrow morning.

Day 5 : Gwalior

Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise this morning - the beautiful light and smaller crowds make the early start worth it. Your private guide will be able to explain the history of the site and show you some hidden sides to the Taj that you don't see in the postcards. After breakfast, continue to Gwalior by road. Your driver can recommend stops en route, passing many scenic villages and towns.

Day 6 : Orchha

Explore the highlights of Gwalior this morning with your local, private guide and driver. Gwalior Fort is on a sandstone plateau above the city, with impressive views, making a good starting point. Your guide can show you some of the unique temples here - particularly the Jain and Hindu temples which are intricately carved. You'll then travel a further three hours south by road to Orchha. Visit the Ram Raja Temple this evening or relax at your hotel.

Day 7 : Khajuraho

Explore Orchha today on a private tour with a local guide. The impressive Mughal era temples and their fascinating history are the highlight, but you can also get an insight into rural India by visiting local homes and markets with your guide. This afternoon continue four hours to Khajuraho with your private driver. Relax at your leisure on arrival.

Day 8 : Khajuraho

Today is a full day with your guide to explore and appreciate all the UNESCO protected temples at Khajuraho. Known for their erotic carvings and intricate carving, there is lots to explore. The temples are a combination of Hindu and Jain and hold some of the most intricate carvings in India.

Day 9 : Varanasi

Today fly the short hop to Varanasi. The roads are in terrible condition in this region, hence our recommendation to take the 40 minute flight.This evening in the Holy City of Varanasi, enjoy a private boat ride along the river Ganges where you can witness the evening pooja (prayer) and aarti ceremony. Candles and offerings fill the river and people fill the ghats, it's a fascinating spectacle.

Day 10 : Varanasi

Enjoy another boat ride this morning to see the contrasts of life on the river. Along the banks you'll see pilgrims and locals washing, socialising and praying. You will most likely also see riverside cremations taking place. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore independently, get lost in the markets, small streets and endless temples.

Day 11 : Delhi

Today fly back to Delhi, your specialist will recommend the best option for you. On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel which is close to the airport, ready for your journey home tomorrow.

Day 12 : International return flight

Today you will be transferred to the airport in plenty of time to catch your onwards flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.