Backpacker North India Explorer
Get ready for an epic adventure through India! Starting in Delhi, where you'll experience the hustle and bustle of the ancient city, you're off to Varanasi to witness the mesmerizing Aarti ceremony and indulge in some delicious street food. Continue on a train to Agra to catch a sunrise visit of the iconic Taj Mahal. After that, head to Ranthambore National Reserve to spot some majestic tigers in their natural habitat. Finally, end your journey with a sunset camel ride in the beautiful desert town of Pushkar. Pack your bags, grab your camera and let's go on a journey of a lifetime!
Details
| Unique Experiences: | Explore Old Delhi's tiny streets and discover its amazing street food cuisine Visit Taj Mahal during sunrise, away from the crowds Spot wild tigers in their natural habitat Practice Yoga in Varanasi, one of the oldest cities on Earth |
| Trip Length: | 16 Days |
| Participants: | Up to 16 travelers may book this trip. One or more components of this trip are a shared experience. |
| Inclusions: | Meals: 13 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners Accommodations: 4 nights at Zostel Delhi in a Dorm Room in Delhi, 3 nights at Mustache Hostel in a Dorm Room in Varanasi, 2 nights at Mustache Hostel in a Dorm Room in Agra, 2 nights at Hotel Green Valley in a Standard Room in Ranthambore, 2 nights at Mustache Hostel in a Dorm Room in Pushkar Transportation:Delhi Airport (DEL) to Delhi Hotel by Car or Van, Delhi Hotel to Delhi Ashram by Car or Van, Delhi Ashram to Delhi Railway Station by Car or Van, Delhi Railway Station to Varanasi Railway Station by overnight sleeper train, Varanasi Railway Station to Varanasi Hotel by Car or Van, Varanasi Hotel to Varanasi Railway Station by Car or Van, Varanasi Railway Station to Agra Railway Station by overnight sleeper train, Agra Railway Station to Agra Hotel by Car or Van, Agra Hotel to Ranthambore Hotel by Car or Van, Ranthambore Hotel to Pushkar Hotel by Car or Van, Pushkar Hotel to Delhi Hotel by Car or Van, Delhi Hotel to Delhi Airport (DEL) by Car or Van Miscellaneous: Morning city walk in Old Delhi, evening Bollywood experience in Delhi, Early morning bicycle tour in Old Delhi, afternoon Delhi city tour, Varanasi half-day city tour, Varanasi evening boat ride, Aarti ceremony, Early morning boat ride on Ganges River in Varanasi, 2 morning & 1 afternoon Yoga class in Varanasi, Evening Agra street food tour, Early morning visit of Taj Mahal, Agra countryside bicycle tour, half-day afternoon Agra city tour, Local English-speaking guide in Fatehpur Sikri, Entrance fee to Ranthambore National Park with park ranger, Sunset camel ride in Pushkar |
| Exclusions: | Entrance fees to all monuments as per itinerary (INR 9,900 per person) Travel Insurance (Compulsory) Tips and Gratuities Compulsory and Peak Season Surcharges |
| Age Policy: |
Adults: 18 to 99 years of age Children: Prohibited Infants: Prohibited |
Map
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Welcome to India!
Upon arrival in Delhi by you will meet and be aided by our representative to get transferred to your Hotel. Check in and rest of the day at leisure.
Later in the afternoon, a representative of Go Beyond India will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to give you a warm welcome and supply all the information you need to know including what to do and what not to, the things around as well as experts’ advice on travelling in India.
Transportation: Delhi Airport (DEL) to Delhi Hotel by Car or Van
Accommodation: Zostel Delhi in a Dorm Room
Miscellaneous: Meeting with a Go Beyond representative at the hotel for guidance and information
Day 2: Delhi
Begin your day with a city walk through the streets of Delhi at 10:00. Discover the striking contrasts and see the efforts of an organization working to improve the lives of disadvantaged children.
During the walk, be led by a child who was once living and working on the streets, as you explore the charming backstreets of Paharganj and the area around the New Delhi railway station. This fully trained local guide will take you on a journey through the inner city. The walk concludes at Main Bazaar in Paharganj, where you can continue to explore the area on your own.
Please return to the hotel by 3:00pm (to be confirmed by our representative) as we will attend a Bollywood movie show. Enjoy the film with a bag of popcorn, and even if you don't understand Hindi, the story and human expressions will be understandable without language barriers.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Zostel Delhi in a Dorm Room
Miscellaneous: Morning cities walk in Old Delhi, evening Bollywood experience
Day 3: Delhi
We will begin your tour by picking you up from your hotel early in the morning at around 6:15. We will then transport you to the meeting point for your bicycle tour, where you will meet your guide and begin exploring Delhi from a unique perspective, from the comfort of your bike saddle.
The tour starts in front of the Delite Cinema, taking you to the historic old part of Delhi once ruled by Shah Jahan. The three-hour tour includes a tea break and a special Indian breakfast at a local restaurant. By the end of the tour, you will have covered approximately 10km and will finish back at the starting point. Your driver will be ready to take you back to your hotel to freshen up. Afterwards, you will embark on a City Tour of Delhi, visiting India Gate, Presidential Palace, Lotus Temple, Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, Gandhi Museum, and the Red Fort.
After the tour, you will have the rest of the afternoon to relax at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Zostel Delhi in a Dorm Room
Miscellaneous: Early morning bicycle tour in Old Delhi, afternoon Delhi city tour
Day 4: Delhi to Varanasi
Today after breakfast you will go on a day trip whereby you would be first visiting Lodhi Garden whereby you would be experiencing the benefits of ancient Indian technique of meditation & Yoga. After getting refreshed you would be continuing to visit Bangla Sahib Gurdwara which is the holiest place for Sikhs. Here in Gurdwara you would be visiting the holy shrine, community kitchen along with different charity work carried out in this place.
Later continue to have a buffet lunch. After lunch we visited Ramakrishna Ashram which is the biggest religious organization. We visit the Ashram and we experience different activities carried out in the ashram. Late evening, we continued to Delhi Railway Station and boarded the overnight train to Varanasi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transportation: Delhi Hotel to Delhi Ashram by Car or Van, Delhi Ashram to Delhi Railway Station by Car or Van, Delhi Railway Station to Varanasi Railway Station by overnight sleeper train
Day 5: Varanasi
Welcome to Varanasi!
Meet our representative upon arrival at the station for a transfer to your hotel. Check-in upon availability (official check-in time is 14:00) and free time at leisure.
In the afternoon, embark on a temple tour of Varanasi, including visits to the Bharat Mata palace, dedicated to Mother India, the Sankat Mochan temple, the Durga temple, and the Tulsi Manas temple.
Take an evening boat ride to view the riverside prayers. After taking part in the evening Aarti ceremony at the Ganges River and visiting the Golden Dome Kashi Vishwanath temple, return to the hostel for overnight stay.
Accommodation: Mustache Hostel in a Dorm Room
Transportation: Varanasi Railway Station to Varanasi Hotel by Car or Van
Miscellaneous: Local English-speaking guide, Varanasi half-day city tour, Varanasi evening boat ride, Aarti ceremony
Day 6: Varanasi
Begin your day early with a boat ride, floating past the ghats before heading to your Yoga class where you will be learning some fundamentals of Yoga practice. Discover how it not only benefits the body but also the brain and soul. Take a deep breath and gain a deeper understanding.
You will have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure. In the evening, we gather again for a Yoga class before returning to the hostel with the rest of the night at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mustache Hostel in a Dorm Room
Miscellaneous: Local English-speaking guide, early morning boat ride on Ganges River, morning Yoga class, evening Yoga class
Day 7: Varanasi
Start your morning with a Yoga session. Discover a new world through a variety of postures and breathing exercises. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing. In the late afternoon, embark on a heritage walk in the old city of Varanasi. Along the way, sample local snacks and indulge in food tasting.
After the walk, return to the hotel or spend time on the riverbank to enjoy your last evening in Varanasi.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (light street food tasting)
Accommodation: Mustache Hostel in a Dorm Room
Miscellaneous: Morning Yoga class, evening Yoga class, local English-speaking guide, half-day walking tour in Old Varanasi including light street food tasting
Day 8: Varanasi to Agra
After breakfast, check-out from your hotel (at noon latest) and free time until meeting with your driver in the lobby of your hotel. After a short transfer to Varanasi Railway Station, get onboard the overnight sleeper train to your next destination: Agra, home of the magnificent Taj Mahal!
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Varanasi Hotel to Varanasi Railway Station by Car or Van, Varanasi Railway Station to Agra Railway Station by overnight sleeper train
Day 9: Agra
Upon arrival in Agra in the morning, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Afterwards, go on a food-tasting tour in the old city of Agra. Agra offers a unique blend of history and delicious cuisine. The streets of Agra are home to a wide range of eateries, offering mouth-watering food that caters to all tastes. The variety of cuisine available, from delicious Mughlai dishes to international and oriental options, and a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, is yet another reason to visit Agra! After the tour, return to the hotel with the evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Mustache Hostel in a Dorm Room
Transportation: Agra Railway Station to Agra Hotel by Car or Van
Miscellaneous: English-speaking guide, evening Agra Street food tour
Day 10: Agra
Start your day early in the morning by visiting the Taj Mahal, one of the world's most iconic monuments.
After the visit, embark on a bicycle tour through the rural areas of Agra. Villages in India are known for their earthy, traditional, and relaxed way of life. Predominantly inhabited by farmers, these areas offer a glimpse into a lifestyle that is connected to nature and the local environment. The tour will take you through the unexplored and untouched rural beauty of India, giving you an opportunity to experience the traditions and lifestyle of villagers, indulge in local delicacies, and see local traditions and rituals.
After the tour, return to the hotel and freshen up. Then, go for a sight-seeing tour, visiting the Red Fort, the Baby Taj, and view the Taj Mahal from the river Yamuna. Evening is at leisure to continue the exploration of Agra on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mustache Hostel in a Dorm Room
Miscellaneous: English-speaking guide, early morning visit of Taj Mahal, Agra countryside bicycle tour, half-day afternoon Agra city tour
Day 11: Agra to Ranthambore
After breakfast, meet your driver in the lobby for a transfer to your next destination: Ranthambore, India’s most famous tiger reserve (300kms, about 6h drive).
On the way, you can make a stop at the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri, where you can visit the Buland Darwaza and pay respects to Salim Chisti. Upon arrival at Sawai Madhopur, the town near the Ranthambore National Park, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Agra Hotel to Ranthambore Hotel by Car or Van
Accommodation: Hotel Green Valley in a Standard Room
Miscellaneous: Local English-speaking guide in Fatehpur Sikri
Day 12: Ranthambore
Start your day early with a jungle safari ride inside Ranthambore National Park. The 392 sq. km park is home to dry deciduous forests that spread over an undulating terrain of the Aravali and Vindhyan ranges.
The park is considered one of the finest tiger reserves in the country and is part of the Project Tiger scheme. It is home to a large variety of animals such as Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, Langur, Wild Boar, and Peafowl, as well as Leopards, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, and a small population of Pythons.
After the safari, return to the hotel for lunch and then go back for a second safari in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Green Valley in a Standard Room
Miscellaneous: Entrance fee to Ranthambore National Park, park ranger
Day 13: Ranthambore to Pushkar
After breakfast, hit the road again to reach the last destination of your India journey: Pushkar (20kms, about 6h drive). Check-in at your hostel upon arrival with the rest of the day at your own leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Ranthambore Hotel to Pushkar Hotel by Car or Van
Accommodation: Mustache Hostel in a Dorm Room
Day 14: Pushkar
The day is free at leisure to explore Pushkar. This beautiful and historic city is known for its stunning temples, vibrant markets, and picturesque lakes. Visitors to Pushkar can explore the city's many temples, including the Brahma Temple, the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. The city also offers a wonderful opportunity to shop for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts and souvenirs at the Pushkar bazaar.
One of the most popular activities in Pushkar is to take a dip in the holy waters of Pushkar Lake, said to have healing powers. Make sure to be back at your hotel by late afternoon as we will be heading to the desert for a sunset camel ride. Return to the hotel in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mustache Hostel in a Dorm Room
Miscellaneous: Sunset camel ride
Day 15: Pushkar to Delhi
After breakfast, time to check-out and hit the road back to Delhi (475kms, about 9h drive). If time allows, we will make a brief stop in Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan State, and known as the Pink City.
Expect to arrive in Delhi by early evening. Check-in upon arrival with the evening at your own leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Pushkar Hotel to Delhi Hotel by Car or Van
Accommodation: Zostel Delhi in a Dorm Room
Day 16: Delhi
After breakfast, check-out and transfer to Delhi International Airport. We hope you enjoyed your explorer journey of North India!
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Delhi Hotel to Delhi Airport (DEL) by Car or Van
Welcome to India!
Upon arrival in Delhi by you will meet and be aided by our representative to get transferred to your Hotel. Check in and rest of the day at leisure.
Later in the afternoon, a representative of Go Beyond India will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to give you a warm welcome and supply all the information you need to know including what to do and what not to, the things around as well as experts’ advice on travelling in India.
Transportation: Delhi Airport (DEL) to Delhi Hotel by Car or Van
Accommodation: Zostel Delhi in a Dorm Room
Miscellaneous: Meeting with a Go Beyond representative at the hotel for guidance and information
Day 2: Delhi
Begin your day with a city walk through the streets of Delhi at 10:00. Discover the striking contrasts and see the efforts of an organization working to improve the lives of disadvantaged children.
During the walk, be led by a child who was once living and working on the streets, as you explore the charming backstreets of Paharganj and the area around the New Delhi railway station. This fully trained local guide will take you on a journey through the inner city. The walk concludes at Main Bazaar in Paharganj, where you can continue to explore the area on your own.
Please return to the hotel by 3:00pm (to be confirmed by our representative) as we will attend a Bollywood movie show. Enjoy the film with a bag of popcorn, and even if you don't understand Hindi, the story and human expressions will be understandable without language barriers.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Zostel Delhi in a Dorm Room
Miscellaneous: Morning cities walk in Old Delhi, evening Bollywood experience
Day 3: Delhi
We will begin your tour by picking you up from your hotel early in the morning at around 6:15. We will then transport you to the meeting point for your bicycle tour, where you will meet your guide and begin exploring Delhi from a unique perspective, from the comfort of your bike saddle.
The tour starts in front of the Delite Cinema, taking you to the historic old part of Delhi once ruled by Shah Jahan. The three-hour tour includes a tea break and a special Indian breakfast at a local restaurant. By the end of the tour, you will have covered approximately 10km and will finish back at the starting point. Your driver will be ready to take you back to your hotel to freshen up. Afterwards, you will embark on a City Tour of Delhi, visiting India Gate, Presidential Palace, Lotus Temple, Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, Gandhi Museum, and the Red Fort.
After the tour, you will have the rest of the afternoon to relax at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Zostel Delhi in a Dorm Room
Miscellaneous: Early morning bicycle tour in Old Delhi, afternoon Delhi city tour
Day 4: Delhi to Varanasi
Today after breakfast you will go on a day trip whereby you would be first visiting Lodhi Garden whereby you would be experiencing the benefits of ancient Indian technique of meditation & Yoga. After getting refreshed you would be continuing to visit Bangla Sahib Gurdwara which is the holiest place for Sikhs. Here in Gurdwara you would be visiting the holy shrine, community kitchen along with different charity work carried out in this place.
Later continue to have a buffet lunch. After lunch we visited Ramakrishna Ashram which is the biggest religious organization. We visit the Ashram and we experience different activities carried out in the ashram. Late evening, we continued to Delhi Railway Station and boarded the overnight train to Varanasi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transportation: Delhi Hotel to Delhi Ashram by Car or Van, Delhi Ashram to Delhi Railway Station by Car or Van, Delhi Railway Station to Varanasi Railway Station by overnight sleeper train
Day 5: Varanasi
Welcome to Varanasi!
Meet our representative upon arrival at the station for a transfer to your hotel. Check-in upon availability (official check-in time is 14:00) and free time at leisure.
In the afternoon, embark on a temple tour of Varanasi, including visits to the Bharat Mata palace, dedicated to Mother India, the Sankat Mochan temple, the Durga temple, and the Tulsi Manas temple.
Take an evening boat ride to view the riverside prayers. After taking part in the evening Aarti ceremony at the Ganges River and visiting the Golden Dome Kashi Vishwanath temple, return to the hostel for overnight stay.
Accommodation: Mustache Hostel in a Dorm Room
Transportation: Varanasi Railway Station to Varanasi Hotel by Car or Van
Miscellaneous: Local English-speaking guide, Varanasi half-day city tour, Varanasi evening boat ride, Aarti ceremony
Day 6: Varanasi
Begin your day early with a boat ride, floating past the ghats before heading to your Yoga class where you will be learning some fundamentals of Yoga practice. Discover how it not only benefits the body but also the brain and soul. Take a deep breath and gain a deeper understanding.
You will have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure. In the evening, we gather again for a Yoga class before returning to the hostel with the rest of the night at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mustache Hostel in a Dorm Room
Miscellaneous: Local English-speaking guide, early morning boat ride on Ganges River, morning Yoga class, evening Yoga class
Day 7: Varanasi
Start your morning with a Yoga session. Discover a new world through a variety of postures and breathing exercises. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing. In the late afternoon, embark on a heritage walk in the old city of Varanasi. Along the way, sample local snacks and indulge in food tasting.
After the walk, return to the hotel or spend time on the riverbank to enjoy your last evening in Varanasi.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (light street food tasting)
Accommodation: Mustache Hostel in a Dorm Room
Miscellaneous: Morning Yoga class, evening Yoga class, local English-speaking guide, half-day walking tour in Old Varanasi including light street food tasting
Day 8: Varanasi to Agra
After breakfast, check-out from your hotel (at noon latest) and free time until meeting with your driver in the lobby of your hotel. After a short transfer to Varanasi Railway Station, get onboard the overnight sleeper train to your next destination: Agra, home of the magnificent Taj Mahal!
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Varanasi Hotel to Varanasi Railway Station by Car or Van, Varanasi Railway Station to Agra Railway Station by overnight sleeper train
Day 9: Agra
Upon arrival in Agra in the morning, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Afterwards, go on a food-tasting tour in the old city of Agra. Agra offers a unique blend of history and delicious cuisine. The streets of Agra are home to a wide range of eateries, offering mouth-watering food that caters to all tastes. The variety of cuisine available, from delicious Mughlai dishes to international and oriental options, and a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, is yet another reason to visit Agra! After the tour, return to the hotel with the evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Mustache Hostel in a Dorm Room
Transportation: Agra Railway Station to Agra Hotel by Car or Van
Miscellaneous: English-speaking guide, evening Agra Street food tour
Day 10: Agra
Start your day early in the morning by visiting the Taj Mahal, one of the world's most iconic monuments.
After the visit, embark on a bicycle tour through the rural areas of Agra. Villages in India are known for their earthy, traditional, and relaxed way of life. Predominantly inhabited by farmers, these areas offer a glimpse into a lifestyle that is connected to nature and the local environment. The tour will take you through the unexplored and untouched rural beauty of India, giving you an opportunity to experience the traditions and lifestyle of villagers, indulge in local delicacies, and see local traditions and rituals.
After the tour, return to the hotel and freshen up. Then, go for a sight-seeing tour, visiting the Red Fort, the Baby Taj, and view the Taj Mahal from the river Yamuna. Evening is at leisure to continue the exploration of Agra on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mustache Hostel in a Dorm Room
Miscellaneous: English-speaking guide, early morning visit of Taj Mahal, Agra countryside bicycle tour, half-day afternoon Agra city tour
Day 11: Agra to Ranthambore
After breakfast, meet your driver in the lobby for a transfer to your next destination: Ranthambore, India’s most famous tiger reserve (300kms, about 6h drive).
On the way, you can make a stop at the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri, where you can visit the Buland Darwaza and pay respects to Salim Chisti. Upon arrival at Sawai Madhopur, the town near the Ranthambore National Park, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Agra Hotel to Ranthambore Hotel by Car or Van
Accommodation: Hotel Green Valley in a Standard Room
Miscellaneous: Local English-speaking guide in Fatehpur Sikri
Day 12: Ranthambore
Start your day early with a jungle safari ride inside Ranthambore National Park. The 392 sq. km park is home to dry deciduous forests that spread over an undulating terrain of the Aravali and Vindhyan ranges.
The park is considered one of the finest tiger reserves in the country and is part of the Project Tiger scheme. It is home to a large variety of animals such as Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, Langur, Wild Boar, and Peafowl, as well as Leopards, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, and a small population of Pythons.
After the safari, return to the hotel for lunch and then go back for a second safari in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Green Valley in a Standard Room
Miscellaneous: Entrance fee to Ranthambore National Park, park ranger
Day 13: Ranthambore to Pushkar
After breakfast, hit the road again to reach the last destination of your India journey: Pushkar (20kms, about 6h drive). Check-in at your hostel upon arrival with the rest of the day at your own leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Ranthambore Hotel to Pushkar Hotel by Car or Van
Accommodation: Mustache Hostel in a Dorm Room
Day 14: Pushkar
The day is free at leisure to explore Pushkar. This beautiful and historic city is known for its stunning temples, vibrant markets, and picturesque lakes. Visitors to Pushkar can explore the city's many temples, including the Brahma Temple, the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. The city also offers a wonderful opportunity to shop for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts and souvenirs at the Pushkar bazaar.
One of the most popular activities in Pushkar is to take a dip in the holy waters of Pushkar Lake, said to have healing powers. Make sure to be back at your hotel by late afternoon as we will be heading to the desert for a sunset camel ride. Return to the hotel in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mustache Hostel in a Dorm Room
Miscellaneous: Sunset camel ride
Day 15: Pushkar to Delhi
After breakfast, time to check-out and hit the road back to Delhi (475kms, about 9h drive). If time allows, we will make a brief stop in Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan State, and known as the Pink City.
Expect to arrive in Delhi by early evening. Check-in upon arrival with the evening at your own leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Pushkar Hotel to Delhi Hotel by Car or Van
Accommodation: Zostel Delhi in a Dorm Room
Day 16: Delhi
After breakfast, check-out and transfer to Delhi International Airport. We hope you enjoyed your explorer journey of North India!
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Delhi Hotel to Delhi Airport (DEL) by Car or Van
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