Compare Rajasthan and Varanasi: Bike Tours & the Taj Mahal by G Adventures vs Great India by Indus Travels

Day 1 Delhi

Arrive at any time and welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi! 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/Bīkāner

Gain a unique perspective of Delhi on a youth-led tour with G Adventures-supported City Walk project. Afterward, embark through Old Delhi experiencing the historic and cultural side of this vibrant city while visiting the "Great Mosque" and Sikh temple. In the evening, board an overnight train and wake up in Bikaner.

Enjoy a youth-led walking tour of Delhi with G Adventures-supported project, City Walk. This tour offers a unique perspective of Delhi while supporting at-risk youth. Afterwards, an orientation walk takes you through Old Delhi to experience some of the history and culture of this vibrant city.

Day 3 Bīkāner/Rāisar

Arrive early in Bikaner, a semi-arid part of the Thar Desert with sandy dunes and scattered villages. After freshening up, buckle-in to local jeeps and cruise to the sandy village of Raisar for short tour of the village. Explore 100 year old looms, the old water system and the rural life before a 3 km walk along a farm trail. Once the group arrives at the camp sitting atop the dune you will have lunch and a little rest. Then, mount camel carts and ride for 2-3 hours on the dunes until you reach that perfect point to witness the red sun setting in the vast desert. As the sun slowly disappears, climb down to the overnight camp and pitch your tent before enjoying a simple but delicious Indian dinner. Fall asleep to the unique sounds of the desert.

Day 4 Rāisar/Bīkāner

Opt to wake early and experience the sunrise from atop the dunes and feel the sand warming under your feet. After breakfast, transfer back to Bikaner and embark on an orientation stroll through the Old City and bustling markets. Afterward, opt to visit the ancient Junagarh Fort or, if you aren't squeamish, the Deshnok Rat Temple dedicated to, well, rats.

Day 5 Bīkāner/Jaisalmer

Arrive in the medieval fortress city of Jaisalmer and have the rest of the day to relax after the long journey or explore the city at your leisure. Jaisalmer, known as the "Golden City," stands on a ridge of golden sandstone in the heart of the Thar Desert. Wander through the lanes of the walled city and inside the ancient fort. Houses, temples, and havelis are very different from what you would find in other regions of Rajasthan. This evening, watch the setting sun's reflection on the fort with your fellow travellers.

Day 6 Jaisalmer

Enjoy a free day to continue exploring the "Golden City." Check out the seven interconnected Jain Temples, paddle a boat at Gadsisar Lake, and catch the sunset from Vyas Chhatri. There is an adventure around every corner.

Day 7 Jaisalmer/Jodhpur

Travel eastwards to the centrally located metropolis of Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan, and sometimes called the “Blue City” for the many houses painted that colour. Stark desert landscapes meet a riot of palaces, forts, and temples, all enclosed within imposing city walls. Six enormous gates provide entry to the city centre and overlooking it all stands the imposing shadow of Meherangarh Fort. On arrival, take an orientation walk of the city, then opt to visit this famous fort.

Day 8 Jodhpur/Udaipur

Journey southeast to the city of Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. Get to know the Old City on an orientation walk, then opt to visit the Lake Palace - an island palace built of white marble on Pichola Lake.

Day 9 Udaipur

Another day, another adventure in Udaipur! With so much to do in the royal city, enjoy a day to freely explore. Relive life as royalty at Sajjangarh Fort, also known as the Monsoon Palace, sitting atop a hill with a panoramic view of the city’s lakes. Check out its ingenious rainwater collection system, essential in the dry desert conditions. Or opt to visit the Jagdish Temple, the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir folk museum, Saheliyon-ki-Bari (the Garden of Maidens), the City Palace and Museum, and take in an evening dance performance at Bagore Ki Haveli with your new friends.

Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour extra, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School extra.

Day 10 Udaipur/Pushkar

Travel over Snake Mountain to Pushkar, site of the world’s only temple to the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. This city is so sacred that no meat, alcohol, or eggs are allowed within the city. Take an orientation walk and visit the 14th century Brahma Temple. In your free time, follow local tradition and ride a camel out to the desert or wander this holy Hindu centre on foot or bicycle. Take a cooking class or scour the bustling markets. Rajasthan is famous for its textiles, jewellery and handicrafts, and few places in the country are better for shopping than the bazaars of Pushkar.

Day 11 Pushkar/Tordi Sāgar

Cruise to peaceful Tordi Sāgar and dive into rural life by visiting local potters, cobblers, and markets on a guided walk through the village. If you're feeling athletic, join in on a cricket match with some local players. In your free time, opt to bounce around with your new friends during a jeep safari or camel cart ride to the dunes for sunset. Head out for a hike in the hills or get a henna tattoo from local women. Tordi Sāgar is your oyster!

Day 12 Tordi Sāgar/Jaipur

Before leaving Tordi Sagar, enjoy a local lunch prepared by traditional methods at Tordi Garh. Afterward, travel to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, clothed in pink stucco in imitation of sandstone. Wide-avenued Jaipur is one of the most important heritage cities in India and home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Take an orientation walk around town, then enjoy a free evening to immerse yourself in the exciting nightlife.

Day 13 Jaipur

Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your list. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, 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 spend the free afternoon exploring the city with your fellow travellers. For your big night out, head to a rooftop bar and enjoy a drink on us to cheers to the new adventures you've just shared.

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 - sipping a cocktail in any of the luxuriously converted palaces. If you aren't afraid of heights, pre-book the Jaipur balloon ride to admire the city from above — or stay closer to the ground with a Cycle Tour.

Day 14 Jaipur/Āgra

Take a morning train to the Muslim city of Agra, known for India’s most famous landmark - the Taj Mahal! Immerse yourself in a guided tour of this iconic mausoleum and learn of its unique history as you admire the impressive Mughal architecture.

Day 15 Āgra/Varanasi

Spend the day getting to know Agra. Opt to ride one of the ubiquitous cycle rickshaws 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 16 Varanasi

Arrive to legendary Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindu travel for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die. Walk the narrow twisting alleys, poke around some of the thousands of temples and shrines, and experience the energy of the dawn rituals of bathing and burials as you float past the famous ghats of the Ganges. Take an evening boat journey out onto the sacred Ganges River for sunset and enjoy a mesmerizing candle flower ceremony.

Day 17 Varanasi

Cruise the Ganges on a morning boat tour with free time in the afternoon to shop, wander, and absorb the atmosphere of Varanasi. Opt to explore the monasteries and ruins of nearby Sarnath, the site of the Buddha's first sermon.

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 18 Varanasi/Delhi

Enjoy a free day to uniquely explore the spiritual capital of India more in-depth before boarding an overnight train to Delhi.

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 19 Delhi

Arrive back in the bustling capital of India. The day is yours to explore the temples, markets, and museums in this fast-paced city.

Day 20 Delhi

Wow! What a trip, right? Luckily there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your newfound friends, exchange social medias, and depart at any time.

Make your way to your gateway airport to board your flight to India. Enjoy in-flight meals and services. Overnight onboard the flight

Evening: Welcome to Delhi, India! A monumental city with a vibrant mix of old and new teeming bazaars, stately British boulevards, powerful Mughal palaces and forts, and intricate, ethereal towers, temples and tombs. On arrival at Delhi International Airport you will be met and assisted by our company executive and transferred to your hotel. 
Accommodation: Overnight in Delhi

Breakfast: At hotel 
Morning: Tour Old and New Delhi visiting Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s serene and evocative cremation site, India Gate (the War Memorial) and the Presidents House (from the outside), the Baha’i Lotus Temple (closed on Mondays) - this distinctive lotus shaped marvel in marble is a symbol of peace, the Qutub Minar a stunning 
240-foot minaret, the tallest in the world surrounded by an elaborate complex built in the Indo-Islamic architectural tradition.
Afternoon: Drive to Agra. On arrival check in to the hotel
Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Overnight in Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast

Early Morning: Visit Taj Mahal a sunrise (closed on Fridays). Often considered the pinnacle of Mughal art in India, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. When declaring it a world heritage site, UNESCO described it as “the jewel of Muslim art in India”. There are few words that can describe the magnificence of this monument. Marvel as light and colors transform this stunning monument in the beautiful dawn glow. Return back to the hotel
Breakfast: At hotel 

Afternoon: Later take a Marble craftsmanship demonstration

Later we will discover the Agra Fort, another UNESO heritage site built and added to between the 16th and 17th centuries by successive rulers of the Mughal Dynasty. The fort was built primarily as a military structure, but Shah Jahan upgraded it to a palace and later it became his gilded prison for 8 years after his son Aurangzeb seized power. The elegant building inside reflects an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles.
Evening: Accommodation: Overnight in Agra

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Drive to Jaipur, en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri -an eerily abandoned capital from the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1586. Akbar built this city to celebrate the birth of his son and future heir to the throne, Emperor Jahangir. While Akbar is believed to have been illiterate, he took great interest in the arts and architecture; Fatehpur Sikri is one of his masterworks. Sadly, it served as capital for little more than a decade, eventually abandoned for lack of accessible water.
Afternoon: Demonstration of gem-cutting & polishing
Evening: On arrival check in to the hotel. Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital is also known as the Pink City. The origin of this nickname becomes immediately apparent as you enter the old city walls and greet the pink-colored buildings that rise at every turn.

Accommodation: Overnight in Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Start with an exhilarating excursion to Amber Fort perched on top of a hill. A royal ride on elephant (subject to availability) up the hill like the Maharajas of past times and visit the Jagmandir (the hall of victory). Perched on a hillside on the outskirts of town, the palace was constructed in the 1590s by Maharaja Man Singh, the commander of Akbar’s army, and was largely motivated by the highly defensible location. This is a beautiful and very well preserved structure, built on four levels and surrounded by ruins, which served as the backdrop for the Mira Nair movie “Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love.”

Afternoon: At leisure or Join the Jaipur City optional tour
Accommodation: Overnight in Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
 

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Drive to Pushkar a sacred city for Hindus. Surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the fourth, Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair (held in November). A quiet, secluded desert town for 51 weeks a year, for just a few days it becomes an absolutely incredible and authentic extravaganza during the annual Pushkar Fair. Drawing people from all around the globe, it is also quite possibly the largest camel and cattle-trading fair in the world.
Afternoon: Arrive in Pushkar; check in to the hotel. Enjoy a walking tour of the holy city of the God, Brahma; visit the holy Pushkar Lake and the famous 8th century Brahma Temple dedicated to Lord Brahma the creator of the universe and the only Bull temple in the world. Experience a special Pooja ceremony at a Ghat with a Hindu priest on the banks of Pushkar Lake
Accommodation: Overnight in Pushkar (Special Deluxe Tents during the Pushkar Camel Fair)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: After breakfast drive to Udaipur. Udaipur is the majestic city of lakes and palaces. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 and fondly referred to as Rajasthan’s most romantic city, its rich history is matched by its picturesque setting among the Aravalli Mountains and three manmade lakes.

Afternoon: On arrival in Udaipur; check in to the hotel.

Accommodation: Overnight in Udaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Begin our day at the City Palace, overlooking the blue waters of Lake Pichola. Maharana Udai Singh initiated construction in 1559 A.D. and it was subsequently expanded, with impressive uniformity, by several succeeding Maharanas. The palace consists of a number of beautiful courtyards and gardens. The main hall has been converted into a museum, housing opulent artifacts and original works of art. Inside the complex we will find the exquisite crystal gallery, exhibiting 19th century pieces including crystal chandeliers, tables, sofas and beds. We will continue walking towards the Jagdish Temple to study its many remarkable friezes. Lavishly built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, it is easy to understand why Jagdish is the most venerated Hindu temple in Udaipur. Afterwards we will explore the Old City, wandering through its bustling streets lined with art shops, spice vendors, tailors and more.

Accommodation: Overnight in Udaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Drive to Jodhpur, en-route visit Ranakpur Temple built in the 15th century and located in a valley on the western side of the Aravali Range. Ranakpur is considered one of the five holiest sites of the Jain community and is exceptionally beautiful. Over 1444 marble pillars, each differently carved in exquisite detail; support the temple although legend has it that it is really impossible to count the pillars. Not to be missed in the temple is one carving out of a single stone with 108 heads of snakes and numerous tails. 
Afternoon: Upon arrival check in to the hotel
Evening At leisure
Accommodation: Overnight in Jodhpur
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel 
Morning: Visit Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Later drive to Jaisalmer founded by Prince Jaisal in 1156. Jaisalmer was a major staging post on the trade route across the forbidding Thar Desert. The first glimpse of the honey colored walls of the fort, rising out of the hot and barren desert is magical. Untouched by time, Jaisalmer, with its golden crenulated walls, narrow streets lined with exquisite havelis, has a medieval ambience.
Afternoon: Arrive in Jaisalmer; check in to the hotel
Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Overnight in Jaisalmer
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Tour Jaisalmer; the fort, often referred to as the Golden Fort because of the color of the stone, encloses palaces decorated with delicate jali or lattice worked screens, carved doors and floral carvings and elaborately carved 12th to 16th century Jain temples. The havelis in both the fort and the town are exceptional, similar in style to the homes of Venetian merchants; the havelis were the mansions of wealthy traders. The houses are decorated with beautifully carved facades, screens and windows. Each haveli has an inner courtyard surrounded by richly decorated apartments. Walk through the narrow streets of the fort to see the Nathmalji-ki-Haveli with its beautiful arched roof with carved brackets in the form of peacocks; Patwon-ki-Haveli the most elaborate and magnificent haveli and best known for its latticed façade and Salim Singh 
ki Haveli. Outside the walls of the fortified town is the small oasis of Gadi Sagar, which led Prince Jaisal to found his city.

Accommodation: Overnight in Jaisalmer
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: After breakfast drive to Bikaner
Afternoon: Arrive in Bikaner; check in to the hotel. Day at leisure.
Accommodation: Overnight in Bikaner
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Visit Junagarh Fort, begun by Raja Rai Singh in the 16th century, but was added on over the next three centuries. The outer wall, built of light red sandstone is surrounded by a moat, and within are beautifully designed palaces with balconies, kiosks, fine jali or lattice work screens with richly decorated interiors. The Badal Mahal in the fort has walls covered with stories from Krishna’s life, whilst the walls of the oldest palace, the Lal Niwas, are elaborately decorated in red and gold. Drive to Mandawa
Afternoon: Arrive at Mandawa; check in to the hotel. Enjoy a walking tour of Mandawa dominated by a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. Visit Chokhani and Ladia Havelis and the street with Saraf Havelis
Accommodation: Overnight in Mandawa
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel 
Morning: Depart back to Delhi 
Afternoon: Transfer to Delhi airport to board a flight to Chennai. Welcome to Chennai! On arrival at Chennai International Airport you will be met and assisted by our company executive and transferred to Mamallapuram with its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon. Mamallapuram is referred to as an ‘open-air museum’. The name Mamallapuram is believed to have been given after the Pallava King Narasimhavarman I, who took on the epithet Maha-malla (great wrestler), as the favourite sport of the Pallavas was wrestling. It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th centuries, and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodation: Overnight in Mamallapuram
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: At leisure. You may relax by the beach. The spectacular Mahabalipuram beach is shored by the Bay of Bengal with the dreamy rock cut sculptures astonishing to the eyes. The ancient port city of the Pandavas full of activities on the sea side, it still breathes with the pallava art forms.

Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Overnight in Mamallapuram
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: Depart for Pondicherry attractively set on the Bay of Bengal with delightful unspoiled beaches. This surprising town is a throwback to colonial times when it was a French enclave, but is now richly blended with Tamil culture. Those used to British colonial architecture will enjoy the Gallic imprint with the profusion of Catholic churches 
and distinctly French buildings and excellent French restaurants. En-route visit Auroville, the French village inspired by the Mother as a place where people can come together, regardless of nationality, belief or colour, to live a meaningful life. Experimental buildings combining Western and Indian elements are located along the narrow rural road shaded by lush greenery. This utopia supports itself through agriculture, handicrafts and alternative technology. Well known for the Shri Aurobindo Ashram that was set up by one of his disciples, a Parisian known as The Mother, in his memory and is one of the most active ashrams in India. 
Afternoon: Check-in to the hotel 
Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Overnight in Pondicherry
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: Drive to Tanjore a bustling market town in one of the main rice-growing regions of Tamil Nadu, Tanjore was once the capital of the Chola Empire and, although many buildings from that period no longer survive, the town is still full of lovely temples. En-route you may stop at Dharasuram Temple built in memory of the White elephant; Airavath from the god’s family, the temple’s original name was “Airavatheshwar.”
Late Afternoon: Check-in to the hotel 
Accommodation: Overnight in Tanjore
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: Explore Tanjore; visit Brihadeshvara Temple. This magnificent temple, over 1000 years old and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, evokes the power of the Chola kings as it towers over the town. Study the detailed inscriptions which depict temple life and the dancers, musicians, potters, goldsmiths and astrologers who lived there. With a history of traditional bronze casting here you will have the opportunity to view the masters at work using the lost-wax method. This method, used to create sacred temple bronzes during the Chola period, is still practiced today and is being passed down through the generations to ensure that bronze casting continues to thrive also.
Afternoon: Continue on to Madurai, a vast, pulsating city, one of the oldest cities in South India, dating back 2500 years, sprawls along the banks of the River Vaigai. Wander through the fun, packed streets which are full of pilgrims, wandering cows, open-air kitchens and colourful bazaars.
Evening: Upon arrival check in to the hotel. 
Accommodation: Overnight in Madurai
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: At leisure

Accommodation: Overnight in Madurai
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: Drive to Peiryar, also known as Thekkady, a breathtakingly beautiful sanctuary located nearly 1800 m above sea level in the dense semi and evergreen deciduous forests of Idukki district. Thekkady is a landlocked home for its myriad fauna and flora as well as for the Mannans, Palians and Ooralie tribes who still continue their ancient methods of herding and bee keeping. Check-in to the hotel. 
Visit the Spice Plantation. Renowned for their spice plantations, the Cardamom Hills are the ideal location to explore a garden where spices and other aromatic plants are grown. Learn about their use in the preparation of local cuisine and their medicinal properties and you may also enjoy an optional short ride on an elephant (supplement cost applicable) to get the best view of the stunning scenery.
Accommodation: Overnight in Periyar
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day at leisure or join the below optional tour
Breakfast: At the hotel
Afternoon: Depart for Kumarakom a cluster of tiny islands almost impossibly beautiful, surrounded by a labyrinth of tropical waterways. Kumarakom is the jumping off point to join a boat to explore the Kerala backwaters.

Accommodation: Overnight in Kumarakom
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: Spend your time at leisure at this tranquil resort. 
Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Overnight in Kumarakom
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: Drive to Cochin where European influences are instantly apparent in this charming town picturesquely located on a number of islands squeezed between the Arabian Sea and the Kerala backwaters. The maritime history of Cochin is reflected in its blend of Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture. 
Afternoon: At leisure
Accommodation: Overnight in Cochin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel
Today: Today you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport for your onward flight.

Arrive back in USA