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The Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Khajuraho, India

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ESSENTIAL INDIA

From £804pp | 15 days / 14 nights | India

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OVERVIEW
Essential India

Guided Small Group Adventure Tour

15 days / 14 nights | India

From the intricate saris of Rajasthan to the beautiful symmetry of the Taj Mahal, this compact journey is a photographer's delight and the perfect introduction to India. You'll float past the ghats on the Ganges River to encounter the spiritual heart of Hinduism in Varanasi and get off the beaten path exploring carved stepwells and quaint temples in rural villages. With the perfect combination of included activities and free time to explore the nation's rich heritage, you're sure to be caught up in India's incredible tapestry of life.

Tour Route Map
PRICE & INCLUSIONS
Guide Price
£804pp

* We negotiate new offers daily, from discounted flights, tours and vehicle hire, to free upgrades, added value and unique inclusions.

What's Included
  • included

    Hotels (12 nts), comfortable tented camp (1 nt), sleeper train (1 nt)

  • included

    1 breakfast, 1 dinner

  • excluded

    International Flights

ITINERARY
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Day 1 - Delhi
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project.

Day 2 - Delhi
Enjoy a youth-led morning walk through Delhi by G Adventures-supported City Walk project offering a unique perspective of Delhi while supporting at-risk youth. Later, visit Delhi’s famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) and climb the minaret for a bird’s eye view of Old City. Walk through Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest and busiest markets, and learn the history of the Sikh religion at Gurdwara. Stop for photos at the colourful market before finishing at Connaught Place, one of the most prominent architectural remnants of British rule.

Day 3 - Delhi/Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, to start exploring the Pink City. Along the way, try your hand at block printing with the women of the Anoothi Project. Later, opt to visit the Jantar Mantar, or Royal Observatory. Don't miss the opportunity to see a Bollywood film at the famous Art Deco Raj Mandir cinema.

Day 4 - Jaipur
Stop and admire the intricate architecture of Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) before venturing to the ruined city of Amber to explore the famous Fort.

Day 5 - Jaipur/Dhula Village
Travel to Dhula Village and get a closer look at rural life in Rajasthan during a cycling excursion. Tonight, settle in to your cozy tent, relax by the fire, and take in the starry night sky.

Day 6 - Dhula Village/Āgra
Stop by the impressive Abhaneri stepwell en route to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.

Day 7 - Āgra
Visit the sparkling, iconic Taj Mahal for sunrise with time to explore the picturesque grounds. Afterward, take a ride to the walled city of Agra Fort and Baby Taj.

Day 8 - Āgra/Alīpura
Board a morning train then transfer to a private vehicle for a ride across rough Indian roads to Alipura. This friendly village will be our base for two days where you'll stay in a heritage property with time to wander the town and interact with local people.

Day 9 - Alīpura
Enjoy a day trip to Khajuraho, where India's largest group of medieval temples reside, known for their Kama Sutra statues. Learn the history of these world-famous temples on a guided tour and enjoy a taste of a little erotica from the Middle Ages. After, opt to watch an evening dance performance.

Day 10 - Alīpura/Orchha
En route to Orchha, visit 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. Continue on to Orchha and embark on an orientation tour of this small town. Set on the banks of the Betwa River, it is the perfect antidote to the chaos of India’s cities. Later, attend an evening puja ceremony at the Ram Raja Temple.

Day 11 - Orchha/Varanasi
Visit the Orchha Palace complex and enjoy free time before the overnight train to Varanasi.

Day 12 - Varanasi
Disembark the train in legendary Varanasi - the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindus visit for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die. Take an orientation walk through the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. There is time here to shop, wander, and absorb the atmosphere of this unique city. Marvel at the ghats from the River Ganges as you enjoy an evening boat trip to witness a mesmerizing candle-lit flower ceremony.

Day 13 - Varanasi
Watch the sunrise from a boat along the Ganges. Spend the rest of the day getting to know this holy city. Opt to visit the monasteries and ruins of nearby Sarnath, the site of the Buddha's first sermon.

Day 14 - Varanasi/Delhi
Travel by train back to bustling Delhi and enjoy a free evening to explore the city a bit more!

Day 15 - Delhi
Depart at any time.

FLIGHTS
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Flights

As we can offer you such a flexible choice of flights, we don't include international airfares with our tour prices. The price you pay will be determined by the time of year you travel, your departure airport, airline and availability.

Your Trailfinders Travel Consultant will be able to find the best flights to suit you and your choice of tour.

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What visas (if any) will I need?

We will advise entry requirements for any destination/countries booked through Trailfinders and this will be shown on the ViewTrail app. For information and assistance with entry requirements and travel visas, our team of visa experts offer fast and friendly service. Take a look at our visa pages, email visas@trailfinders.com or call on 020 7368 1504 for more information.
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Where can I get government advice about travelling abroad?

For advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements, local laws, travel warnings and more, visit www.travelaware.campaign.gov.uk.
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What vaccinations will I need?

This depends on where you are heading. For all the latest information on health risks and vaccinations you require for your trip, visit the Travel Health Pro website. Trailfinders operates a travel clinic in Kensington London. Book your appointment on our website, email clinic@trailfinders.com or call us on 020 7938 3999.
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What different travel styles do you offer?

  • Travel Pass: Explore at your own pace, with unbeatable flexibility. Our travel passes are a fun and budget-friendly way to explore a destination!
  • Small Group: Travel with a small and sociable group of like-minded travellers, with an expert guide to take care of all the details so you can focus on the fun.
  • Group: Don’t fancy going it alone? Join a sociable group tour for young travellers. Led by knowledgeable local leaders, these tours give you the chance to meet new people, see new places and have exciting new experiences.
  • Local Add on: Bring a destination to life with our selection of exciting local experiences.
  • Hostel Pass: Whether you’re backpacking in Australia or interrailing in Europe, Trailfinders recommends using Hostelworld.com for your accommodation – it’s a fast and easy booking system with over 16,000 hostels in 180 countries to choose from.
  • Working Holiday: Forget ‘living like a local’ and actually become a local! Working abroad is by far the best way to really get to know a place, to make new friends and fund more travelling. We have arrival packs in Australia and New Zealand to get you started.
  • Gap Year: The ultimate post-uni or career break! Spend up to a year travelling, embarking on exciting new experiences, meeting new people, making new memories, and having the time of your life!
  • Mini Gap: Wanting to travel but can’t stretch your time or budget to a full gap year? Our selection of Mini Gap’s are just what you need!
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Saturday & Bank Holidays: 9am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm

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