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India22 daysGroup 1-12

North India: Delhi to Varanasi — 22 Days

From the capital's layered neighborhoods to the Ganges ghats and Rajasthani desert forts — a 22-day overland journey by train, bus, and local transport

This 22-day itinerary moves through northern India's major cities and regions, from Delhi's Old City markets to the Rajasthan circuit of Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, then eastward to the temple towns of Pushkar and Jaipur, the ruins of Fatehpur Sikri and Agra's Taj Mahal, and finally to Varanasi on the Ganges. The route combines guided urban walks through busy bazaars and historic quarters, overnight trains between destinations, visits to palaces and forts built in red sandstone and marble, a night camping in the Thar Desert, and time spent watching pilgrims at temples and ghats. A local guide leads the entire journey; accommodation ranges from hotels and guesthouses to overnight sleeper trains and one night of desert camping. The pace allows for both structured exploration and free time within each city to wander independently or participate in optional activities such as cooking classes, boat rides, and visits to lesser-known villages and archaeological sites.

Highlights

  • Walking tour through Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk marketplace and cycle rickshaw ride through congested streets
  • Junagarh Fort in Bikaner — 1588 red sandstone and marble structure with ornate courtyards and balconies
  • Desert camp and sunrise in the Thar Desert near Jaisalmer with traditional Rajasthani dinner
  • Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur — one of India's largest forts, still managed by the Jodhpur royal family
  • Lake Pichola in Udaipur — 14th-century man-made lake with lakeside palaces and boat access
  • Chand Baori stepwell in Abhaneri — 20-metre-deep 9th-century structure with geometric precision
  • Taj Mahal in Agra — white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan, one of the New Seven Wonders
  • Sunrise and sunset boat rides on the Ganges in Varanasi with views of bathing pilgrims and temple ghats
  • Ganga aarti fire ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi — daily ritual performed by local priests
  • Jain temples within Jaisalmer Fort — 15th and 16th-century structures with elaborate stone carvings

Day by day

1Arrival in DelhiDelhi · the hotel · lesser-known areas outside the standard tourist circuit
Arrival in Delhi marks the beginning of the journey. A welcome meeting is scheduled for 6 pm at the hotel. Travellers arriving with time before the meeting may visit the city independently or join an optional urban walking tour of lesser-known areas outside the standard tourist circuit.
2Old Delhi by Metro and Cycle RickshawOld Delhi · Chandni Chowk marketplace · Jama Masjid · Sheeshganj Gurudwara · railway station
The morning begins with a metro journey to Old Delhi for a walking tour. A cycle rickshaw ride through the streets surrounding Chandni Chowk marketplace provides direct experience of Indian traffic and street life. Stops include the Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest mosque, and the Sheeshganj Gurudwara, a Sikh temple where visitors learn about the religion and its practices. In the evening, transfer to the railway station for an overnight sleeper train to Bikaner. Local vendors board the train at various stops to sell snacks; travellers are advised to bring additional food for the journey.
3Bikaner — Red Sandstone Palaces and FortsBikaner · old city · Junagarh Fort
Upon arrival in Bikaner in the morning, time is allowed to rest at the hotel before a walking tour through the old city with the local guide. Bikaner displays its historical wealth through palaces and forts constructed from red sandstone. In the afternoon, visitors may relax or visit Junagarh Fort, built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh using red sandstone and marble. The fort's courtyards, balconies, and carved windows exemplify Rajput architectural design.
4Train Journey to JaisalmerJaisalmer · Jaisalmer Folklore Museum
After breakfast, travel by train to Jaisalmer. Upon arrival, visitors may rest or opt to visit the Jaisalmer Folklore Museum, a small collection of private family artifacts including printing blocks, musical instruments, religious objects, and traditional decorations that document the cultural heritage of the region.
5Jaisalmer Fort and Havelis — Free ExplorationJaisalmer Fort · Jaisalmer · Jain temples within Jaisalmer Fort
The day is unstructured, allowing independent exploration of Jaisalmer. The fort itself contains twisting alleys and markets that can occupy several hours of wandering. Within the fort walls stand Jain temples dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, featuring elaborate stone carvings. Throughout the city, opulent havelis — traditional Indian mansions — showcase desert architecture and interior decoration.
6Thar Desert Camp with Sunset and StarsThar Desert
A jeep drive transports visitors to the Thar Desert, where local guides prepare a traditional Rajasthani dinner of chapati, dal, rice, and vegetables. The evening is spent watching the sunset and spending the night under open sky, with time for conversation and stargazing.
7Desert Sunrise and Train to JodhpurJodhpur · the sand dunes · the railway station
An early departure allows observation of sunrise over the sand dunes. After a light breakfast, a private vehicle carries the group to the railway station for a six-hour train crossing the desert to Jodhpur, known as the blue city. Jodhpur is noted for traditional lassi — a yogurt-based beverage — available throughout the city.
8Jodhpur — Mehrangarh Fort or Bishnoi VillagesMehrangarh Fort · Bishnoi villages
The day offers two primary options. Mehrangarh Fort, one of India's largest, remains under management by the Jodhpur royal family and contains extensive architecture and palace rooms. Alternatively, visits to nearby Bishnoi villages provide exposure to rural Rajasthani life and allow observation of traditional cultural practices and agricultural systems in the region.
9Auto-Rickshaw and Bus to UdaipurUdaipur · bus station · Lake Pichola
An auto-rickshaw carries travelers to the bus station for an eight-hour local bus journey to Udaipur. The city sits within the Aravalli Hills and curves around Lake Pichola, a man-made lake created in the 14th century. On arrival, a guided walk provides orientation through the twisting alleyways and bazaars selling silver jewellery, shoes, bags, leather goods, and miniature paintings.
10Udaipur — Palaces, Lake, and Optional ActivitiesUdaipur · Lake Pichola · City Palace complex · Sajjan Garh · Shilpgram
This day is free for independent exploration of Udaipur's many sites. A short seasonal boat ride on Lake Pichola offers views of Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas palaces rising from the water. The lakeside City Palace complex, the largest palace in Rajasthan, contains vivid murals and royal antiques. A half-day cooking class teaches the preparation of Indian thali. Sajjan Garh, a 19th-century palace on a hilltop overlooking Lake Pichola and built by Maharana Sajjan Singh, provides expansive views of the city. The nearby village of Shilpgram functions as an ethnographic museum and arts hub where traditional crafts are sold and artists perform.
11Train to Ajmer, then Pushkar — Holy Town on the LakeAjmer · Pushkar · main bazaar · Pushkar Lake
A train journey of approximately 5.5 hours departs for Ajmer, followed by a 45-minute private vehicle drive to Pushkar. One of India's holiest towns and a market center for surrounding villages, Pushkar is a site of significant Hindu pilgrimage. On arrival, a walking tour leads through the main bazaar and concludes at Pushkar Lake, where devout worshippers bathe and pray at the bustling ghats lined with temples.
12Pushkar — Optional Temple Hike and Free ExplorationSavitri Temple · Brahma Temple · Pushkar Camel Fair
The day is unscheduled. Early risers may hike to Savitri Temple on a hilltop for sunrise views over the town; local vendors often sell tea at the summit. Later, the Brahma Temple, a colorful structure dedicated to the Hindu god Brahma, is open for visits. If the tour dates align with the Pushkar Camel Fair — an annual festival that changes dates yearly — significant time is devoted to experiencing one of India's largest fairs.
13Local Bus to Jaipur and City Walking TourJaipur · Ajmer · Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal)
A return to Ajmer is followed by a local bus ride of approximately four hours to Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital. An auto-rickshaw takes the group to their hotel; a guided walking tour follows, including visits to the city market and an optional stop at the Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal), built in 1799 to allow royal women to observe street events unseen. The evening is free to wander independently; the local guide can recommend dining options.
14Jaipur — Amber Fort, Bazaars, and Optional Hot Air BalloonJaipur · Amber Fort · classic cinema · Jaipur bazaars
Jaipur offers numerous optional activities on this free day. Many travellers choose an optional hot air balloon flight for views over the surrounding landscape. Amber Fort, an outstanding example of Rajput architecture, sits on elevated terrain and provides expansive views of the surrounding area. The city's bazaars offer artisan goods and semi-precious stones for purchase. A visit to a classic cinema showing Bollywood films provides a local cultural experience.
15Abhaneri — Chand Baori Stepwell and Harshat Mata TempleAbhaneri · Chand Baori · Harshat Mata Temple
A private vehicle transports the group to Abhaneri, a rural town offering a departure from Rajasthan's larger cities. The Chand Baori stepwell — a 20-metre-deep structure built in the late ninth century — demonstrates remarkable engineering precision and served as a water collection and cooling refuge for residents. The Harshat Mata Temple, mostly ruined but originally constructed between the seventh and eighth centuries, was dedicated to the goddess of happiness and joy.
16Fatehpur Sikri Detour and Arrival in AgraFatehpur Sikri · Taj Mahal · Sheroes Hangout
A 2-3 hour private vehicle journey heads eastward to Agra, with an optional stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a 16th-century Mughal city. Agra, rich in Mughal heritage, contains gardens, temples, and open rooftops throughout its streets. On arrival, a visit to the Taj Mahal — a white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz — is made. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal draws over three million visitors annually; crowding is substantial. Sheroes Hangout, a cafe 10 minutes' walk from the Taj staffed by acid attack survivors, offers refreshments.
17Agra — Red Fort, Akbar's Mausoleum, and Overnight TrainRed Fort · Akbar's Mausoleum · Taj Mahal · Agra to Varanasi
The day is free for exploration. Early risers may return to the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The Red Fort, built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar on the banks of the Yamuna River and originally designed as a military structure, contains extensive architecture and courtyards. Akbar's Mausoleum is located further along the same region. In the evening, a 12-hour overnight sleeper train (third-class air-conditioned) departs for Varanasi.
18Varanasi Arrival and Ganges OptionsVaranasi · hotel · Old City · Ganges River · Dashashwamedh Ghat
Arrival in Varanasi occurs in the morning. An auto-rickshaw transfers visitors to their hotel, followed by a guided walk with the local guide through the narrow alleyways of the Old City. The remainder of the day is free. Two evening options center on the Ganges River: a sunset boat cruise providing views of life along the water in fading daylight, or attendance at a Ganga aarti — a fire ceremony performed by local priests — at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
19Varanasi — Ganges Ghats and Optional SarnathGanges · Ganges ghats · Sarnath · Vishnu Temple near Manikarnika Ghat
This day is unscheduled. An optional early-morning boat trip along the Ganges passes pilgrims bathing and praying along the colorful ghats. Walking to the ghats allows observation of dhobi-wallahs — clothes washers — drying textiles along the riverbank. The partially submerged Vishnu Temple near Manikarnika Ghat can be visited on foot. Sarnath, located approximately 10 kilometers outside the city, is the site where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after achieving enlightenment; the local guide can provide directions.
20Varanasi Morning Exploration and Evening TrainVaranasi · Vishwanath Temple · Kriti Gallery · Varanasi to Delhi
Free time in the morning allows further exploration of Varanasi, including optional visits to the Vishwanath Temple or simply time spent eating chaat — a savory Indian snack — while observing daily life. The Kriti Gallery, displaying contemporary work by local artists, offers a quieter environment. In the afternoon, a 15-hour overnight train departs for Delhi.
21Delhi — Arrival and Free DayDelhi · hotel
Arrival in Delhi occurs in late morning. A taxi carries travelers to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest or wander at individual pace. The local guide can recommend dining options; group dinners are optional.
22Delhi Departure
Your North India adventure concludes today. With no scheduled activities, you are free to depart your accommodation at any time that suits your onward travel plans.

Where you go

Map: North India: Delhi to Varanasi — 22 Days route
Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap
  1. 1Delhi
  2. 2Old Delhi
  3. 3Bikaner
  4. 4Junagarh Fort
  5. 5Jaisalmer
  6. 6Jaisalmer Fort
  7. 7Jaisalmer
  8. 8Thar Desert
  9. 9Jodhpur
  10. 10Mehrangarh Fort
  11. 11Udaipur
  12. 12Lake Pichola
  13. 13Udaipur
  14. 14Lake Pichola
  15. 15Pushkar
  16. 16Savitri Temple
  17. 17Brahma Temple
  18. 18Jaipur
  19. 19Amber Fort
  20. 20Abhaneri
  21. 21Fatehpur Sikri
  22. 22Taj Mahal
  23. 23Sheroes Hangout
  24. 24Red Fort
  25. 25Taj Mahal
  26. 26Varanasi
  27. 27hotel
  28. 28Dashashwamedh Ghat
  29. 29Ganges
  30. 30Sarnath
  31. 31Vishnu temple near Manikarnika Ghat
  32. 32Varanasi
  33. 33Vishwanath Temple
  34. 34Kriti Gallery
  35. 35Delhi
  36. 36hotel

Included

  • What's Included
  • Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night), Hotel/Guesthouse (17 nights), Overnight sleeper train (3 nights)
  • Meals
  • Breakfasts: 2, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 2
  • Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
  • Vegetarian options available
  • Local Guide
  • Guided
  • This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
  • Wifi
  • Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
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