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Traditions & Colours of India

18 day private tour

Journey deep into rural India!

From a tribal tour in blue-painted Jodhpur and cruising on the Ganges, to desert camping and a tiger safari, this comprehensive tour of North India will surprise and delight you from start to finish.

Your tour highlights

  • Delhi
  • Varanasi
  • Mandawa
  • Bikaner
  • Jaisalmer
  • Jaipur
  • Udaipur
  • Johdpur
  • Narlai
  • Agra (Taj Mahal)
  • Ranthambore

Tour itinerary

Day
1
Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India. Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel for overnight.

Delhi, the capital of India, is a city that offers a glimpse of both ancient and modern day India. It is the third largest city in India and one of the fastest growing in Asia. This city is rich in culture, always changing with time but never hiding its splendid past. The various ancient ruins seen in the city are silent witnesses to its magnificent history.

Day
2
Delhi - Varanasi

After Breakfast you will be met by your expert guide who will take you on a full-day journey through Old Delhi, founded as Shahjahanabad in 1639 as the capital of the great Mughal Empire.

Step-back in time and discover the glory of the great Mughal empire and British raj of India. Your own private guide will ensure you get an in-depth experience of these emblematic structures and traditions of the local culture. Afterwards, you hop-on a traditional Rickshaw Ride tour exploring real life and bustling streets.

Continue your journey to New Delhi City, known for its innovative architecture from the 1930’s British Raj, and now the political heart of independent India. The rest of your journey will be filled with history, architecture and visits to hidden gems of Delhi. Later return back to your hotel.

Later you will be transferred to Delhi airport to fly to Varanasi.

Day
3
Varanasi

Enjoy a sunrise cruise on the Ganges and witness morning rituals at the riverside ‘ghats’. Varanasi is known Today drive to India’s spiritual home, Varanasi. The city draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters. Along the city’s winding streets are some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the “Golden Temple,” dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

Later in the morning, you will visit maze-like streets of Varanasi and get an eye-opening insight to this holy city. You will also visit a traditional Indian Wresting Joint Akhada and watch wrestlers perform using traditional exercise tools or doing Kushti – an Indian wresting on fresh mud pits. Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day
4
Varanasi - Delhi - Agra

Early morning breakfast you will be transferred to Varanasi airport to catch a flight to capital city Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi you will be driven to Agra, the legacy city of Mughal-Empire.

At the break of dusk, we will visit the sacred Yamuna riverside – Mehtab Bagh Gardens for a picturesque Sunset Viewing of the Taj Mahal. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or relax at your hotel.

Day
5
Agra - Ranthambore National Park

Early morning experience a sunrise grand sunrise tour of The Taj Mahal. Admire the structure’s magnificent construction, the intricate exterior and interior decor, the beautiful garden and the outlying red-sandstone buildings.

Afterwards we will commence a scenic drive to the off-the-track regions of Sawai Madhopur home to the iconic Ranthambhore National Park.

Day
6
Ranthambore National Park

Today enjoy a full day two game-viewing excursions with naturalist guides.

Ranthambore National Park has a rich wildlife, including the elegant Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, striped hyena, sloth bear and more. The sanctuary also includes a wide variety of trees, plants, birds and reptiles, as well as one of the largest banyan trees in India.

 

Day
7
Ranthambore - Jaipur

After breakfast you will be driven to Jaipur, a historic pink washed city and gateway to India’s most flamboyant state – Rajasthan and its picturesque capital Jaipur.

 

Day
8
Jaipur

This morning you will step-back in time and enjoy many spellbinding sights to discover the chivalrous Rajput era and its battle-scarred heritage.

Proceed towards the city outskirts and enter the ancient town of Amer that offers remarkable Rajput-Mughal architectures. Explore UNESCO world heritage site and a must see of Jaipur: The Amber Fortress. Walk through the colourful bazaar to see the iconic facade of the Palace of Winds. Discover more about Jaipur’s fascinating history, legends and vibrant streets.

Later, you will join a Bazaar Walk with Tuk-Tuk Ride Tour through the ancient street markets of downtown Jaipur Bazaar. Chaos and amusement goes hand-in-hand in these maze-like streets. Your thrilling Tuk-Tuk ride ends outside 1976 Heritage Cinema Raj Mandir where we watch a new release Bollywood Blockbuster film.

Today evening, if preferred we will visit a traditional Indian family home to indulge in ethnic North Indian Cooking with Dinner and Cultural Interactions.

 

Day
9
Jaipur - Udaipur

Fly to Udaipur and transfer to Udaipur. Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan region with beautiful palaces surrounding the gleaming white Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir.

In the evening you will visit Monsoon Palace, a hilltop palatial residence overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake. Return to your hotel.

Day
10
Udaipur

After breakfast you will enjoy a a city tour and explore timeless markets, ancient temples and fantastic palaces including Udaipur City Palace and Museum built in 16th century by founder of Udaipur ‘Maharana Udai Singh II’ and towers glamorously over the famous ‘Lake Pichola’.

After a visit to fascinating streets and famous sites you will join a shared Sunset Boat Cruise on the shimmering Lake Pichola to view the sparkle of Udaipur by night including the 17th century pleasure Palace on Island ‘Jagmandir’ and the world famous ‘Lake Palace’ of India, popular amongst Hollywood films.

After tour you will be transferred back to your hotel.

 

Day
11
Udaipur - Narlai

This morning you will drive to Narlai where you will embark on a off the beaten journey deep in the heritage state of Rajasthan arrive at the 15th century old village of Narlai that is a great place to explore the untouched rustic countryside and home to a tribal community called Rabaris.

This evening enjoy a traditional candle-lit dinner with live musicians at the 16th century Historic Stepwells.

Day
12
Narlai - Jodhpur

Drive to Jodhpur, the mystical blue coloured town in India. On arrival you can relax at your hotel before an afternoon tour to Jodhpur.

Start our soft hike to the legendary 15th century built Mehrangarh Fortress that stands 410 feet above the skyline of Jodhpur offering stunning views of this blue painted town. Explore Jodhpur’s real lifestyle, its charming blue washed houses, local history and discover some lesser-known secrets.

After your sightseeing tour we will hop-on to local vintage Jeeps and we take you for a Tribal Tour in the infamous 15th century’s Bishnoi Village to encounter and interact with raw tribal life of Bishnoi Tribes known for their unique lifestyle, fine artwork and pottery making skills.

Finish your day with a Jeep safari to spot rare fauna and flora near Guda Lake.

Day
13
Jodhpur - Jaisalmer

Today morning after breakfast commence your journey deep into the thar desert of Rajasthan and arrive at Jaisalmer. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

 

Day
14
Jaisalmer

Today after breakfast, we begin your Jaisalmer sightseeing with a Heritage Hiking inside the 1156 AD built golden coloured Jaisalmer Fortress, offering panoramic views of the desert and renowned as world’s largest fortress. Next we visit the Gadsisar Lake that is home to various migratory birds and offers spectacular Bird Sighting experiences. Afterwards we explore the culture and history of Jaisalmer before a camel safari towards the rustic village Dabdi. Evening folk entertainment followed by dinner.

 

Day
15
Jaisalmer - Mandawa / Bikaner

Travel to Mandawa and explore its 18th century fort, walls painted with stunning frescoes wall paintings telling colourful Indian tales with themes of weddings to festivals.

 

Day
16
Bikaner / Mandawa

After breakfast you will be driven to an off-the-beaten town of Mandawa deep into the rustic state of Rajasthan. You will go on a Sunset Walk along the narrow lanes of Mandawa Village to interact with local tribes, explore vibrant wall paintings and get entertained with celebratory storylines of different houses. On way back to Hotel we visit the rustic Mandawa Street Bazaar and Royal Cenotaphs

 

Day
17
Mandawa - Delhi

This morning you will be driven to Delhi. On arrival, enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

 

Day
18
Delhi

After breakfast you will be transferred to Delhi airport where arrangements end.

 

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Tour pricing:

from $9,560

Twin-share
2025 solo pricing from $12,440
The single price is based on travelling with others in your party
Please enquire about pricing for a single travelling alone or cross-season

To secure your place now:

Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]

Contact Us for details

Tour Inclusions:

  • Tailor-made journey
  • 17-nights’ accommodation
  • 17 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 5 dinners
  • Meet & Greet at all airports
  • Private transfers as per the itinerary
  • English-speaking local guides
  • Private sightseeing as per the itinerary
  • Entrance fees as per the itinerary
  • Economy class flight Delhi > Varanasi > Delhi & Jaipur > Udaipur
  • Goods & Services Tax (GST)

Not included:

Gratuities

Conditions:

Please enquire about pricing to add a hot air balloon ride in Jaipur. Surcharges apply during the Christmas and New Year’s period. Surcharges also apply during festivals and National holidays. Gandhi Smriti is closed on Mondays. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. A luggage restriction of 20 kg checked luggage applies. The price of the included flights are subject to change. The camp near Jaisalmer is closed from April 16th to September 30th inclusive. During this time, an equivalent hotel in Jaisalmer will be booked
We had an amazing time in India, loved it. Thank you for your recommendation and for making all the arrangements for us. Our Intrepid guide was fantastic - I think he won best Intrepid guide for India in 2023.
India, Paul & Sheila
Our trip was fabulous!! Every aspect was extremely well organised and so easy. GAdventures and our tour guide, Tam, had a well planned and great itinerary so while we got to see some amazing sights, it was still really well paced and relaxing. The timing for everything that you and the GAdventures tour organised for us was perfect. We had no glitches at all and would highly recommend all of the options to others. Thanks so much for all of your efforts for us; they were much appreciated. Hopefully we can arrange another wonderful trip with you again in the not too distant future.
Vietnam & Cambodia, Chris & Robyn
We have had an excellent holiday and a much-needed break. Thank you for your part in making our holiday a success.
Indonesia, Jane & Richard
Our trip was outstanding, our guide was great and we had a whole lot of optional extras that we took the opportunity to enjoy. Everything was seamless and well organised, we had a fantastic group that was just 11 people through Vietnam and 1 extra joined us through Cambodia. I couldn't speak highly enough of G Adventures and their staff. It was a truly memorable experience and I would certainly recommend. Many thanks for all your help and yes we are slowly readjusting to the freezing weather here!
Vietnam & Cambodia, Robyn
My trip to India was fabulous and went without any issues. Thank You!
India, Janine