North India: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur — 8 Days

Arrive in Delhi at any time. Your transfer from the airport is included through the Women With Wheels project, a G Adventures-supported initiative that supports female drivers and entrepreneurs. The day is largely unscheduled, giving you time to settle into your accommodation at Hotel Jeyan Inn or similar. If you're arriving early and want to make the most of your first day, consider adding the optional half-day culinary tour. Led by an experienced foodie-guide, this tour takes you through Delhi's age-old markets and landmark food establishments to visit the intricacies of cuisine from across the country. The route typically includes Chandni Chowk's bustling bazaar, where you'll sip authentic chai from a terracial cup, sample kebabs made from generations-old recipes, and taste local sweets and flatbreads. You may also visit a chaat street chef and stop by Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, the Sikh House of Worship that hosts the world's largest community kitchen.

Begin with a youth-led walk through Delhi's backstreets with City Walk, a G Adventures-supported project employing at-risk youth as guides. Over 2–3 kilometers, your guide—often a former at-risk youth themselves—shares a local perspective on the city while their participation supports their college or university tuition. This is your G for Good Moment. Next, visit Old Delhi's historic quarters on a guided walk. Visit Jama Masjid, the Great Mosque, where the expansive courtyard can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers, then step into Gurdwara SisGanj, an ancient Sikh temple established in 1783. In the afternoon, settle into private transport for the 200-kilometer journey to Agra, taking 4–5 hours. You'll spend the night at Hotel Sahibs LightHouse or similar accommodation.

The day begins before dawn to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. This white marble mausoleum, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a testament to his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, is explored over 2–3 hours. In the afternoon, the itinerary includes a visit to I'timad-ud-Daulah, known as the Baby Taj, a jewel-box mausoleum built by Queen Nur Jahan for her father. This structure was the first Mughal building faced entirely with white marble and the first to employ pietra dura—precious stones inlaid into marble. The day concludes with a visit to Agra Fort, an impressive structure of red sandstone and white marble. Accommodation remains at Hotel Sahibs LightHouse or similar.

Private transport departs Agra for Dhula Village, a journey of 5–6 hours covering approximately 200 kilometers. The route includes a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the UNESCO World Heritage site and former capital of the Mughal Empire. This red sandstone fort city reflects the architectural interests of Emperor Akbar, who commissioned three palaces for his wives of different faiths—Hindu, Muslim, and Christian. The itinerary also includes a visit to Chand Baori at Abhaneri, a tenth-century stepwell and water harvesting system unique to Indian architecture. The structure reaches 20 feet deep and demonstrates ancient approaches to rainwater collection. Upon arrival at Dhula Village in the afternoon, guests encounter rural Rajasthan directly. The village stay offers opportunities to meet shepherds and their flocks, cycle through surrounding hamlets, share tea with villagers at the local temple, and trek through nearby hillocks. Accommodation is in spacious tents outfitted with beds, lamps, and en suite bathrooms at Camp Dhula Bagh or similar.

Private transport travels from Dhula Village to Jaipur, a distance of 50 kilometers taking approximately 2 hours 50 minutes. En route, the itinerary includes a hands-on block printing workshop with women artisans from the Anoothi Project, a collective that teaches the traditionally male craft of block printing to women from marginalized communities outside Jaipur. The name Anoothi means 'unique and extraordinary' in Hindi. Participants engage in the block printing activity while local snacks are served. Upon arrival in Jaipur, an orientation tour on foot introduces the Pink City, including a short e-rickshaw ride through the walled city. The city was built according to Hindu architectural principles and organized in a unique grid layout. Accommodation is at Utsav Niwas or similar.

Dedicate this day to exploring Jaipur's architectural landmarks, each offering insight into the city's layered history and aesthetic refinement. Begin at Amber Fort, perched above the city. The fort is a remarkable synthesis of Hindu and Muslim architectural traditions, its design reflecting centuries of cultural exchange. As you wander through the halls and courtyards, notice the intricate details carved into walls and ceilings—geometric patterns, floral motifs, and calligraphic elements that showcase the skill of artisans who built this structure. Next, visit the City Palace in the heart of the Old City. Unlike many palace complexes that serve as museums alone, portions of the City Palace remain a functional royal residence. The complex spreads across courtyards, gardens, and multiple buildings that blend Mughal and Rajasthani design vocabularies. The palace museum displays ancient carriages and the former maharaja's gold-embroidered wedding outfit, artifacts that document the region's royal heritage. Stop at Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds. This five-storey structure is instantly recognizable for its intricate latticed facade. The building's name derives from the cooling breeze that circulates through the carved honeycomb of small windows, a passive ventilation system that kept the palace comfortable during Jaipur's intense summers. The architecture is photogenic from multiple angles, and the craftsmanship rewards close observation. Several optional activities are available to deepen your experience of Jaipur: A cycle tour navigates the city's lanes and organized grid layout, introducing perspectives that vehicles cannot access. The morning tour begins with lassi, a traditional Indian yogurt drink, and includes stops at the Govind Dev temple within the City Palace complex, the historical spices and sweets market (where tea and pakoras are served), and concludes at the Albert Hall Museum. Hotel transfers to and from the tour's starting and ending points are included. A cooking class with a local family offers hands-on instruction in preparing pakora, vegetable dishes, and Indian breads such as chapatis and puris. After cooking, you'll share lunch with your hosts, tasting your creations alongside other vegetable dishes, daal, raita, and a sweet finish. Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century observatory, houses an impressive collection of astronomical instruments, some dating to 1727. A guided tour explains how these tools were used to chart celestial movements and measure time. For an evening diversion, Raj Mandir cinema screens Bollywood films—a cultural experience that captures the vibrancy of Hindi cinema, complete with elaborate song-and-dance sequences. You'll stay at Utsav Niwas or a similar property.

An optional early-morning hot air balloon ride over Jaipur is available for those comfortable with heights. The balloon departs at dawn, drifting over rolling hills, villages, and potentially a small monastery. Weather and wildlife sightings are variable; elephants may be visible depending on conditions. The balloon ride is available September 1 through April 30. Following this optional activity or in the morning if the balloon is not selected, private transport departs Jaipur for Delhi, a distance of 260 kilometers taking approximately 6 hours. The afternoon in Delhi is unscheduled, allowing time to visit the city independently. Accommodation is at Hotel Jeyan Inn or similar.

Departure occurs at any time. Those wishing to extend their time in India may contact their trip leader for assistance with onward travel arrangements.