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Next: 21 JunThe adventure
What can you do with 15 days in India? Oh, this and that… Start with whitewater rafting in the foothills of the Himalayas and a visit to the Taj Mahal, a monument that redefines the word ‘monumental'. Next, hunt river dolphins (with your camera, of course), witness the moving burial ceremonies at the ghats of Varanasi and camp out along the shores of the mighty Ganges itself. From bustling New Delhi to beautiful Orchha and all points in between, this is India in a nutshell—a huge, wonderful, brightly-coloured nutshell.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
India
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities until the 14:00 welcome meeting. We highly recommend you book pre- or post-accommodation to fully experience this bustling city.
There are no planned activities until the 14:00 welcome meeting. We highly recommend you book pre- or post-accommodation to fully experience this bustling city.
Day 2Take a morning train to Haridwar then drive…
Take a morning train to Haridwar then drive to Rishikesh. Explore this holy city.
Day 3Enjoy whitewater rafting in Rishikesh and spend…
Enjoy whitewater rafting in Rishikesh and spend the afternoon exploring.
Day 4Drive to HaridwarVisit the prominent holy city of Haridwar, regarded as one of the seven holiest places for Hindus. Witness an evening aarti, the waving of lighted wicks that accompanies almost all Hindu ceremonies.
Visit the prominent holy city of Haridwar, regarded as one of the seven holiest places for Hindus. Witness an evening aarti, the waving of lighted wicks that accompanies almost all Hindu ceremonies.
Day 5Take a morning train to Agra. Spend the evening exploring
Take a morning train to Agra. Spend the evening exploring.
Day 6Visit the Taj MahalWatch the sunrise in the city of Agra, best known for the Taj Mahal. Visit this great icon of Mughal architecture in the early morning for the best light. In the afternoon, visit I’timad-ud-Daulah, also known as the ‘Baby Taj'. Ride a cycle-rickshaw to visit the Agra Fort. In the evening, hop an overnight train.
Taj MahalWatch the sunrise in the city of Agra, best known for the Taj Mahal. Visit this great icon of Mughal architecture in the early morning for the best light. In the afternoon, visit I’timad-ud-Daulah, also known as the ‘Baby Taj'. Ride a cycle-rickshaw to visit the Agra Fort. In the evening, hop an overnight train.
Day 7Embark on a sailing trip down the Ganges…Head to a hotel in town to change up for the day before continuing to Mirzapur to embark on a day of sailing on the sacred River Ganges. Allahabad is an important town on the Ganges for pilgrims and it's confluence of two of the great rivers — the Ganges and Yamuna. This point is known as Sangam and it's the place Hindus come to wash away their sins. Enjoy sleeping by the river with cooks and helpers to make the experience comfortable.
Head to a hotel in town to change up for the day before continuing to Mirzapur to embark on a day of sailing on the sacred River Ganges. Allahabad is an important town on the Ganges for pilgrims and it's confluence of two of the great rivers — the Ganges and Yamuna. This point is known as Sangam and it's the place Hindus come to wash away their sins. Enjoy sleeping by the river with cooks and helpers to make the experience comfortable.
Day 8Drive to Rajpur in RobertsganjDrive to Rajpur to explore the village and forested area of Robertsganj. Learn about this off-the-beaten-path destination on a walk with a local guide. Opt for a 4x4 safari through the forest or ride a bicycle around town. Camp overnight at a site run by the local villagers, providing sustainable support for the neighbouring communities.
Drive to Rajpur to explore the village and forested area of Robertsganj. Learn about this off-the-beaten-path destination on a walk with a local guide. Opt for a 4x4 safari through the forest or ride a bicycle around town. Camp overnight at a site run by the local villagers, providing sustainable support for the neighbouring communities.
Day 9Opt to cycle around the village before driving…Continue on to the holy city of Varanasi. Take boats out onto the sacred Ganges River to enjoy the sunset. For the evening boat journey, experience a candle flower ceremony on the boats. With time in Varanasi, opt to shop, wander, and absorb the atmosphere of this unique city, while optional activities include visiting the monasteries and ruins of nearby Sarnath, site of the Buddha's first sermon.
Continue on to the holy city of Varanasi. Take boats out onto the sacred Ganges River to enjoy the sunset. For the evening boat journey, experience a candle flower ceremony on the boats. With time in Varanasi, opt to shop, wander, and absorb the atmosphere of this unique city, while optional activities include visiting the monasteries and ruins of nearby Sarnath, site of the Buddha's first sermon.
Day 10Watch the sunrise from a boat…
Watch the sunrise from a boat on the Ganges before a free day to explore the city.
Day 11Spend the day travelling to Khajuraho via Satna
Spend the day travelling to Khajuraho via Satna. Visit the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, India's largest group of medieval temples, known for their kama sutra statues.
Day 12Continue to OrchhaStop in Alipura to break up the drive and have lunch in town. Opt to enjoy the heritage palace for lunch or take a bullock cart ride through town. Continue on to Orchha for the night.
Stop in Alipura to break up the drive and have lunch in town. Opt to enjoy the heritage palace for lunch or take a bullock cart ride through town. Continue on to Orchha for the night.
Day 13Explore the Orchha Palace complexSet on the banks of the Betwa River, Orchha is the perfect antidote to the chaos of India’s cities. Visit the Orchha Palace complex and learn more about this fascinating place. Opt for a local cooking class with a family or attend an evening puja ceremony at the Ram Raja Temple.
Set on the banks of the Betwa River, Orchha is the perfect antidote to the chaos of India’s cities. Visit the Orchha Palace complex and learn more about this fascinating place. Opt for a local cooking class with a family or attend an evening puja ceremony at the Ram Raja Temple.
Day 14Visit TarragramDelhi
DelhiVisit Tarragram, 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. Later, head back to Delhi by the Shatabdi Express train.
Day 15Depart at anytime
Depart at anytime.
Discover India
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
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