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From $3,820

North India: Golden Triangle & Varanasi

12 days, 11 nights India
View departure dates
  • Tour code

    INDADV02

  • Start

    New Dehli

  • End

    New Dehli

  • Min. age

    16 years old

  • Group size

    6-16 persons

  • Trip style

    Explorer

  • Trip pace

    Active

  • Language

    English

Discover the vibrant heart of Northern India on this immersive journey through its iconic cities, timeless monuments, and sacred rituals. From bustling Delhi and Jaipur’s majestic palaces to the Taj Mahal in Agra and the spiritual energy of Varanasi, this adventure blends culture, history, and local life in a carefully paced experience.

What you will see and do

Watch the sunrise over the Taj Mahal

Watch the sunrise over the Taj Mahal

Witness a sacred Aarti ceremony in Varanasi lit by thousands of oil lamps

Witness a sacred Aarti ceremony in Varanasi lit by thousands of oil lamps

Go tiger spotting in Ranthambore National Park with an expert guide

Go tiger spotting in Ranthambore National Park with an expert guide

What's included

All activities mentioned on the itinerary

Accommodations in double rooms

Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip

One farewell group lunch or dinner

Max 20 travellers per group

Arrival and departure airport transfers

Group transportation

Soca Islanders must provide proof that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their trip. Remember, international flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a double room with two beds. If you'd prefer a private double (for couples), single room, or private transportation for you and your group, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

Group itinerary

Arrive in New Delhi (DEL) and take a private transfer to your central hotel. Meet your fellow travelers for an introductory city tour before enjoying a spice-filled welcome dinner, raising a toast to the adventures ahead.

Explore Old Delhi’s winding streets on a chef-led food tour, tasting the city’s best local specialties. Then, step into the kitchens of Bangla Sahib Gurudwara temple, which serves 35,000 people daily, and help roll chapatis, cook lentils, or serve meals to the community.

Take the train to Agra and visit the magnificent Agra Fort, a red-sandstone Mughal palace. In a nearby village, enjoy tea and pakoras on a rooftop with a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal.

Wake early to watch the Taj Mahal bathed in golden sunrise light, a symbol of love and one of the world’s most iconic monuments. Afterwards, journey to Ranthambore National Park, a former royal hunting ground now famous for its wild tigers.

Set out on a dawn safari in an open-top Jeep, the perfect time to spot tigers in the wild. After some downtime at the resort, head out on a late-afternoon safari, keeping an eye out for leopards, monkeys, deer, hyenas, and more elusive tigers.

Travel to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s vibrant capital with rose-colored palaces and lively courtyards. Experience authentic Indian hospitality with a home-cooked dinner, learning traditional cooking techniques and sharing stories with a local family.

Visit Bagru village to explore artisan workshops known for their block-printed textiles. Take part in a hands-on block-printing session to create your own piece. Later, tour Jaipur’s sights in a pink rickshaw driven exclusively by local women, supporting empowerment and employment initiatives.

Begin the day with a sunrise cycling tour through local markets and temples. Explore Jaipur’s most famous landmarks, including Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and the Palace of the Winds. End the day with a rooftop Bollywood dance workshop.

Fly to Varanasi, one of India’s oldest cities and a sacred pilgrimage site on the Ganges. Wander the incense-filled alleys, explore temples and shrines, and relax at your boutique hotel a peaceful retreat amid the city’s bustle.

Experience Varanasi’s ghats on an early morning boat ride, witnessing local rituals and sunrise over the river. Walk the Kashi Vishwanath corridor and visit Sarnath, where Buddha attained enlightenment. Return to the river at sunset for the mesmerizing Aarti ceremony, illuminated by thousands of oil lamps and accompanied by rhythmic chanting.

Practice sunrise yoga on the ghats of the Ganges, soaking in the first rays of the day. Fly back to Delhi to relax before the farewell dinner, celebrating friendships formed and unforgettable memories made.

Bid farewell to your fellow travelers and make your way to the airport. Depart India with a heart full of awe, inspiration, and a deep appreciation for its vibrant culture, rich history, and warm-hearted people.

Tour FAQS

Fly into and out of Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi.

Yes. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure or book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer is included. If you choose alternative pre-tour accommodation or arrive by another mode of transport, you’ll need to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Our arrival transfers are private to Soca Islands and are organised in groups based on flight times. Sometimes this means a short wait at the airport until other flights arrive.

While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:

  1. Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
  2. Up-to-date medical advice:
    • US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
    • UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
    • Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.

3. Government travel advice:

    • US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
    • UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
    • Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.

    • 4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.

    We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

    There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.

    We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.

    Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.

    Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.

    While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:

    1. Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
    2. Up-to-date medical advice:
      • US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
      • UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
      • Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.

    3. Government travel advice:

    • US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
    • UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
    • Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.

    • 4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.

    We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

    Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.

    We believe solo travelers shouldn’t have to pay extra to explore the world. That’s why our group trips are designed around shared accommodation and do not include a single supplement. Solo travelers joining our group trips are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with another traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

    Some of our Independent trips are structured differently. For these itineraries, solo travelers will need to book at the single occupancy rate.

    Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.

    Would you like to learn more or customise our North India: Golden Triangle & Varanasi trip?

    Have questions about accommodations, accessibility, group preferences, or dietary needs? Complete the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.

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