Northern India is a melting pot of culture close to China, Nepal and Pakistan. This central location means that the land consists of a combination of Buddhist, Hindu and other religious cultures. On this trip, travelers will explore Delhi, visit the historical sites of Rajasthan, see the Taj Mahal in Agra, and experience the holy city of Varanasi, immersing themselves in the history, spiritual practices, and cultural traditions of northern India. For the majority of the trip, travelers will be exploring the state of Rajasthan, the largest state in India, with an area of over 130,000 sq. miles and a population of over 68 million. In addition to sheer size, the state is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites and 22 former kingdoms called princely states. It’s also worth noting that the state is home to the world’s ninth-largest subtropical desert: Thar, the Great Indian Desert. It covers 60% of the state, as well as parts of Punjab, Gujarat, Haryana, and Pakistan.Travelers will notice that Rajasthan’s significant cities are color-coded. Jaipur is known as the pink city, while Jodhpur consists of blue-colored houses. In Raisar, participants can go on a short tour of the village, see 100-year-old looms, the old water system, and rural life, and experience a three-hour camel cart ride. In Jaisalmer, the Golden City, everyone can walk through the walled city and enter the ancient fort, onward to Jodhpur, the blue city, and the second largest in Rajasthan. In Udaipur, travelers can bear witness to breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. Onwards to Pushkar, the home of the 14th-century Brahma Temple. In Tordi Sagar, everyone can take their time to appreciate local potters, cobblers and markets on a guided walk through the village. Afterward, travel to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Visit the Hawa Mahal and the Palace of the Winds, and take an orientation walk around town.. In Delhi, travelers will experience the Karol Bagh market, Old Delhi, the Great Mosque and more. In Agra, travelers can see the iconic Taj Mahal, the so-called "Baby Taj," and Agra Fort. Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest cities, is also known as the epicenter of sciences. It is believed that this place was once the home of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that whoever has their final breath here will attain salvation. It is a significant trading center and hub of literature, religion, music, and filmography. Travelers can explore the temples and shrines and watch rituals taking place on the river. Everyone can feel free to take an evening boat journey on the Ganges.
This is a 20-day trip that costs $769. The trip is a G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip catering to 18–39-year-old travelers. G Adventures is a sustainable, small-group tour company that has been leading travelers for 35+ years. They have been pioneers in community tourism, and their trips directly benefit the local communities they visit. They have a responsible travel effort called G For Good and partner with the nonprofit Planeterra, dedicated to ensuring communities touched by tourism benefit from it. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s 8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.