Compare Discover India by G Adventures vs Essence of Rajasthan with Varanasi by Payless Tours India

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: New Delhi

Company representatives will pick you up from the airport at gate 6 outside with the name board.

After fresh up enjoys local sightseeing of places like the modern Hindu temple Akshardham, the Old part of the city with sightseeing of the most famous monuments there- the biggest mosque in India - Jama Masjid, stop for a picture at Red fort which is on UNESCO list, the cremation place of Mahatma Gandhi - Raj Ghat and Sikh temple - Gurudwara. During the Old Delhi trip, you will enjoy a rickshaw ride in the narrow streets of Old Delhi with a stop at the spice market. You will have a perfect chance to try street food at legendary stalls and walk at a famous Old Delhi market. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Delhi–Pushkar

After breakfast travel to Pushkar - a holly town of Hinduism. Visit the Temple of Brahma, Sikh temple Gurudwara, and many other temples situated in the holly town. You will have an opportunity to do the shopping and take a walk in a wonderful Pushkar town enjoying the unique atmosphere of this place. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Pushkar – Udaipur

After breakfast travel to the most romantic city in Rajasthan, the city of lakes Udaipur.  Local sightseeing of the city. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Udaipur

After breakfast enjoys sightseeing and seeing places like: a boat ride on Pichola Lake, Jagdish temple, and the biggest fort in Rajasthan. After that, you will be taken to the Royal gardens - Saheliyon Ki Bari. Overnight in Udaipur.

Day 5: Udaipur – Jaipur

After breakfast, travel to the Pink City Jaipur.  Check-in the hotel. Local sightseeing of Jaipur. Visit Galta Gi - monkey temple beautifully situated among the hills. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Jaipur

After breakfast meets the guide and does local sightseeing in the city. Visit places like Amber fort - a magnificent fort palace situated among hills, the City Palace, Jantar Mantar - Astronomic Observatory, Gaitor tombs - Royal tombs of the Jaipur Kings, Jal Mahal - the Water Palace and Hawa Mahal.- the most characteristic Wall in Jaipur with 1000 small windows. Shopping at the local market.  Cooking classes are organized for you. Overnight at the hotel in Jaipur.

Day 7: Jaipur – Ranthambore

Early morning departure for Ranthambore National Park by road with the break for sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri town - the Royal and Sacral part of the city. The park which is the most popular in India inhabits a very big population of Indian tigers and other animal species such as blue bulls, sambar, spotted deer, and wild boar. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Rathambore – Agra

After breakfast safari in the national park. Come back for breakfast in the resort. Journey to Agra. Agra is a home for one of the seven wonders of the world the symbol of eternal love-The Taj Mahal. The monument was built by the emperor Shahjahan in loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is located on the banks of Yamuna and brings huge tourism to Agra. On the way, you will stop in Fatehpur Sikri and do sightseeing in the Royal and Sacral parts of the city. After it, further journey to Agra where you will meet the guide and do local sightseeing of Agra. First, you will do sightseeing at the monument on the UNESCO list - Agra Fort which is one of the most wonderful forts in India. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Agra – Orchha

Visit the symbol of love Taj Mahal with the guide down. After breakfast drive to the small Hindu town Orchha. Once a princely state, Orchha lies in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. The town of Orchha was founded in the 15th century AD and in today's world it is renowned for its numerous temples, palaces, and forts. Highly popular amongst them are the Jehangir Mahal of Orchha (Classic Mughal architecture), Raj Mahal, and Laxmi Narayan temple (mural paintings). Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Orchha – Khajuraho

After breakfast travel to Khajuraho. Visit the eastern and western group of temples, Khajuraho is known for its cluster of Hindu and Jain temples. As you would be done with the breakfast, the sightseeing tour of Khajuraho will commence. Under this, you would be visiting Laxmi & Varaha temples, Kandariya Mahadev temple, and Devi Jagdambi temple. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Khajuraho – Varanasi

After early breakfast travel to Varanasi which is the most significant city for Hinduism. Check-in the hotel and refresh. In the evening enjoy a boat cruise on the Ganga River watching "Arti" - a spectacular ceremony of offering fire to the Gods. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Varanasi

An early morning boat ride in the sacred Ganga River would be arranged for you.  The city of Varanasi is known for its religious ghats. Most spectacular amongst them is the Dashashwamedh ghat, which is located close to the Vishwanath temple

After breakfast, leave for Sarnath (6 km away). Sarnath in the northeast of Varanasi is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. A highly sacred Buddhist religious place, Sarnath lies at the confluence of two rivers-Ganga and Gomati. Popular attractions here are Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Museum, and Chaukhandi Stupa. Post that return back to Varanasi. In Varanasi, you would be visiting the Alamgir mosque, Dashashwamedh ghat, and Bharat Mata temple. Enjoy a street food tour and walk in the narrow streets of the city. Overnight stay at Varanasi.

Day 13/14: Varanasi – Delhi

After transferring to the hotel and refreshingly enjoy sightseeing in New Delhi. Visit places like The India Gate and Diplomatic District where you can see The Parliament House, and Secretarial Buildings. Then, you will see places like Lotus temple - the modern temple of all believes, monuments on UNESCO list - Humajun tomb and the biggest brick minaret in India Qutub Minar. Drop off to the airport in Delhi.