Bucketlist India Adventure - 11 Days

Welcome to India!!

Land as early as you can so you can begin experiencing this magical place straight away!

There’ll be lots of amazing places you can visit in the local area, such as ‘Silver Street’ – a bustling marketplace situated within Old Delhi, with lots of antiques and jewellery for you to peruse.

After your free afternoon, we will meet up in the evening for a welcome dinner, and to toast to an amazing trip! There will be 3 private airport transfers today for our group. Land before 4pm so you don’t miss the welcome meeting & dinner!

Overnight in Delhi

Included: Transfer to hotel, Group Dinner

It’s time for our first big day in India!

We will kick things off by travelling towards Mughal, Agra. Agra was founded in 1504 on the western bank of the Yamuna River. It went through break taking expansions and architectural development due to each emperor looking to out do the previous; this has left some absolutely beautiful sites to experience – lots of amazing photo opportunities for you to grab straight away!

In the afternoon we’ll stop at one of the wonders of the world -the Taj Mahal for a beautiful sunset experience. Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, which took 22 years to make and was only possible by him turning his back on running the empire to complete the build! The dedication to the building, and the love that went into every aspect of it’s design, still stands tall nearly 400 years later.

To finish the evening, it’s time to explore the local street food. You will have the opportunity to trial some really fresh and spicy local cuisines such as pani puri, a crispy fried puri, or tikki, a dish of potatoes, peas and spices! This is authentic Indian food made by the hands of those who really know their work. Then it’s time to head back to your luxurious hotel room to relax and unwind.

Overnight in Agra

Included: Transfer to Agra, Taj Mahal Exploration, Agra Street Food Tour, Breakfast

Optional: Want some iconic photos with no one in them at the Taj Mahal? Join Rachel on an optional trek back to the Taj Mahal this morning for sunrise!

Today you will start the day with a morning visit to the Agra Fort, a forbidding red sandstone battlement situated within the Mughal palaces. You’ll learn about where the emperor would sit and address his subjects, and view the Diwan-i-Khas were nobble people would come and discuss important happenings of the time.

As the day moves forward, you will begin your journey towards Ranthambore, your home for the night, stopping along the way to grab some more local cuisine.

Ranthambhore National Park is a MUST SEE park within India. A place of pure nature and beauty, reclaimed by mother nature herself encasing ancient fortresses and temples within it’s vegetation. This is bound to be a highlight of your trip, but we will save the fun for another day!

Optional Activity: If you fancy getting up early today, you can start your day with another trip to the Taj Mahal for a sunrise exploration and picture opportunity! If this is something you’re interested in, we can discuss this prior to the trip. (Additional Charge)

Overnight in Ranthambore

Included: Agra Fort Tour, Transfers to Ranthambore, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning you will wake up bright and early and head out on our first Jeep Safari of the day. We’re looking for Tigers today!

Ranthambore National Park is Rajasthan’s first Tiger reserve, and houses a 1,000 year-old-fort. The park used to be a hunting ground, that covers 1,334km, but now looks to protect and love the nature it once almost destroyed. The park does home some tigers, and your goal will be to spot these unique and endangered creatures. But it also homes stunning Asiatic deer, many different bird species, crocodiles and pythons! You may even be able to spot leopards and lot bears in the surrounding countryside, but this is extremely rare.

Lots of the animals you will be surrounded by in this park are endangered species and rare animals, so this really could be the last time you ever get the opportunity to see these animals! We highly recommend bringing a fully charged phone / camera and some battery packs to really make the most of your time here.

Overnight in Ranthambore

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Safari Jeep Tours (Morning and Afternoon)

*Please bare in mind we cannot guarantee any animals on this trip. You will get to see some animals, but we cannot tell you exactly what and when as these are wild animals and we will not put them in danger / stress them out with our visit.

After all the excitement of the safari, this morning you will grab a ride to The Pink City, Jaipur.

Also known as the ‘City of Victory’, Jaipur is the state capital and largest city within Rajasthan. The whole city was once full of colour, with every building representing a different colour, but in 1853 Prince Albert visited the land, and as a sign of appreciation, the colour pink was painted everywhere as the traditional colour of welcome.

This afternoon you will be free to do as you wish. There’s lots of local markets filled with clothing, local handmade crafts and souvenirs. Chat within your group leading up to the trip to discuss what you might want to do here.

This evening you will experience a super special dinner, heading into the home of a local family for a uniquely home cooked dinner experience.

Overnight in Jaipur

Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Transfers to Jaipur, Tour for an Orientation Walk, Home Cooked Dinner, Meet With Local Family

Another day, another adventure. After breakfast this morning you will travel down to the Amber Fort.

Amber fort was originally the capital of Kachwaha’s clan from 1037, and is the home of ancient temples and step wells. There’s a short, 10-minute walk, that will take you through a few defensive gates, before leading you to the Sun Gate, the main entry to the Palace – a must see view.

Afterwards we’ll visit the City Palace then we’ll jump on a rickshaw and travel over to a haveli. Haveli’s were ornately decorated old mansions, that displayed wealth for people to see. You will get the opportunity to walk within the Haveli, and take a tour of the property before settling for dinner.

Overnight in Jaipur

Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Amber Fort Tour, City Palace Tour, Haveli Visit, Rickshaw Ride

Today is a super special day, and will be a highlight of your trip – guaranteed!

This morning it’s time to get up, and get dressed up special for Holi! We will experience Holi in an exclusive and SAFE area with other groups of travelers so there are zero concerns of safety and we can all have an amazing fun time with zero worries while enjoying our day!

The festival of colors is a celebration all over India, originally a festival to celebrate the arrival of spring – it represents the throwing off of gloomy winter and enjoying the bright and life filled spring season.

In the festival, people will smear and cover one another in colored powders, sometimes using water guns and water-filled balloons to really add to the fun and colors! So prepare to get super messy, and just enjoy the invasion of colors and art surrounding you.

The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy as you should wish ! You could even head back to the hotel for a thorough shower and a dip in the pool.

Overnight in Jaipur

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Holi Adventures and Celebrations.

Wake up bright and early and hop straight onto a flight to a new area: Varanasi. Varanasi represents all that is spiritual and colourful within India, and homes many different rituals of life.

Once we arrive in Varanasi we’ll visit Sarnath. Sarnath is one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations and the site where Buddha preached his message of the path of enlightenment.

Overnight in Varanasi

Included: Flights to Varanasi, Sarnath Visit, transfers

This morning you get to experience sunrise on the Ganges. The boat will take you into the sacred river, and you will be taught all about the importance of the area, viewing the ghats and temples along the banks.

After a lunch we will proceed ito the city for a walking tour of the oldest areas. We’ll walk through the Ghats and its maze of alleyways packed with shops and stalls and lumbering cows!

In the evening we’ll have the opportunity to experience a truly magical atmosphere of a candle flower ceremony. As the sun sets, the Ganga Aarti (Prayer ceremony) will begin, preforming a choreographed fire ritual offered each evening at the Main Ghat. You will then hop onboard a sunset boat ride, filled with a few local musicians to see the sun off with a gentle sail.

Overnight in Varanasi

Included: Breakfast, Sunrise Boat Trip, Old City Walking Tour, Sunset Candle Flower Ceremony, Sunset Ganges Boat Trip with Musicians

Today you will leave the spiritual Varanasi, and head back to Delhi. Upon arrival, you will venture out into Old Delhi and take a walk through the alleyways, experiencing another rickshaw ride through the bustling streets.

You will then take a visit to Jama Masjid, Delhi’s oldest mosque and a really amazing building. The mosque was once a building of political importance, and holds a lot of history within it’s walls.

You will then visit the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn all about the Sikh religion and what it’s impact has had on the local area.

After a fun 10 Days in India we’ll have one last meal together and to toast ‘See Ya’ Later’ to one another. You’ll enjoy a feast of Mughlai Cuisine within a stunning historical setting.

Overnight in Delhi

Included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner, Flights, Old Delhi Walking Tour, Rickshaw Ride, Jama Masjid, Sheeshganji Gurudwara

Today is your final day, there’s nothing planned for today, so grab breakfast when you’re ready and prepare for your flight home!

We will arrange airport transfers throughout the day for your flights.

Included: Breakfast, Airport Transfers