At the time of publishing, guests traveling with U.S. and Canadian passports require a tourist e-visa to enter India. We’ll be in touch with the most up-to-date information closer to your departure date.
India: Royal Rajasthan & Sacred Varanasi
Max Group 14
17 days/16 nights
Lifetime Deposit
17 Days of royal forts, tiger safaris & holy cities
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
GO OFF THE BEATEN PATH!
Slip down ancient laneways and behind old carved doors to hear unique stories told by locals – experience a side of New Delhi that most travelers never see.
Slip down ancient laneways and behind old carved doors to hear unique stories told by locals – experience a side of New Delhi that most travelers never see.
WALK WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Stand on sacred ground where it’s said that the Buddha first set the wheel of Buddhism in motion.
Stand on sacred ground where it’s said that the Buddha first set the wheel of Buddhism in motion.
EAT LIKE A QUEEN
Feast on recipes handed down through royal kitchens, served to you in the very rooms where maharajas once dined.
Feast on recipes handed down through royal kitchens, served to you in the very rooms where maharajas once dined.
CHASE THE DREAM!
Don’t just wish it were real – stand before the Taj Mahal at sunrise and watch for yourself how its color shifts from blush to gold, like an artist’s masterpiece.
Don’t just wish it were real – stand before the Taj Mahal at sunrise and watch for yourself how its color shifts from blush to gold, like an artist’s masterpiece.
FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
Sit beside master weavers – women who are the pillars of society – supporting their families by keeping traditional rug-weaving alive.
Sit beside master weavers – women who are the pillars of society – supporting their families by keeping traditional rug-weaving alive.
Trip Details
Trip Breakdown
| Dates | Price (per person shared room) |
|---|---|
|
|
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$1,041 USD
Private room: +$341
|
Length
17 days, 16 nights
Pricing details
- 2 week cancellation window applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Private supplement available
Arrival
Suryaa Hotel, New Delhi
Departure
Suryaa Hotel, New Delhi
Group Size
Maximum 14
Included
- Meals: 16 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 1 high tea and 9 dinners
- Departure and Arrival airport shuttle, private vehicle, air-conditioned transport throughout, 1 domestic flight – Varanasi to New Delhi, 2 trains – Udaipur to Ranthambore & Agra to Varanasi
- 16 nights boutique and premium accommodation
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader and local guides, as needed
- Rickshaw Ride at Chandni Chowk
- Get lost in Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market
- Marvel at the architecture at Amber Fort
- Help weave a rug with inspirational female weavers
- Roam through Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest in India
- Farm to table experience at Mharo Khet
- Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges and evening Boat ride at Lake Pichola
- Try to spot tigers on your all-day Jeep Safari
- Experience the Taj Mahal at Sunrise
- Visit Agra Fort to take in the immense history
- Dine at Sheroes Cafe, a cafe dedicated to supporting female acid attack survivors
- Explore on foot some of India’s oldest cities
- Send candlelit lamps down the Ganges during an Aarti Ceremony
- Search for enlightenment at Sanrath, a very important Buddhist site
- All listed activities and more!
Not Included
- International Flights and travel insurance (necessary)
- Visa info summary: At the time of publishing, Americans and Canadians can apply for an e-tourist visa to enter India
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Accommodation Preview
Brij Castle, Jaipur
Bal Samand Lake Palace, Jodhpur
Ranthambhore Heritage Haveli, Ranthambhore
Day 1: Welcome to New Delhi!
Welcome to New Delhi, team Harriet. Get ready for the real India. New Delhi hits you all at once—the minute you arrive—there’s really no other way to describe it. One of our team will be there to meet you with a hearty welcome and whisk you off to your hotel.
Tonight’s welcome dinner is at a restaurant that’s been part of New Delhi’s story since before Independence, serving time-tested dishes you’ve just got to try. It’s a great first night for getting to know the women you’re about to share this adventure with. Hope you’re hungry—this is only the beginning.
Accommodation: The Suryaa Hotel (or similar), New Delhi
Included: Dinner
Day 2: Delhi—Old and New
Today is all about Delhi’s most iconic highlights. Your trip leader will take you deep into the city, where ancient monuments sit beside traditional bazaars. It’s eye-opening and chaotic—the kind of day that’s hard to explain to friends and family back home.
Time for lunch—and Delhi’s local food scene is ready to tempt you. Then it’s back on the streets, this time in a rickshaw, weaving your way through narrow alleys and crowds and into one of the oldest markets in the city.
Later, your small Harriet group will have access to a landmark that’s usually closed to visitors—with afternoon tea and a little traditional kite-flying on the side. It’s one of those moments you’ll be talking about long after you get back home.
Accommodation: The Suryaa Hotel (or similar), New Delhi
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, High Tea
Day 3: Hello, Jaipur!
Wave goodbye to Delhi, because today Jaipur is in your sights. Hop into your ride—AC on—and watch as the urban chaos fades into rural Rajasthan and, eventually, into the famous “Pink City”.
Once you arrive, it’s straight to lunch. You’re dining right inside the Amber Fort, which makes exploring the grounds afterward a breeze. Once you’ve had your fill, you’ll see the fort up close, where it towers above the town, but the real magic is inside—think hidden tunnels, endless courtyards, and a hallway covered in thousands of tiny mirrors.
Then it’s on to your hotel. Airy rooms, heritage-filled spaces and a rooftop restaurant make it easy to unwind after the day you’ve just had.
Accommodation: Brij Castle (or similar), Jaipur
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Jaipur off the Beaten Path
Leave the bustle of Jaipur behind and swap it for village life. After breakfast, go back in time and discover the fading tradition of rug weaving in one of Rajasthan’s many small villages.
Spend the day working alongside inspiring local women who have supported their families with their traditional rug-weaving skills. The artisans share their stories as you try your hand at knot-tying on the loom, before sharing a home-cooked lunch together as a community.
After some downtime, reconnect with your Harriet crew on a rooftop in the heart of the city for dinner. Sit back and relax, letting the day wash over you as you take in the city’s twinkling skyline.
Accommodation: Brij Castle (or similar), Jaipur
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: The Blue City in your Sights
Fuel up on a hearty breakfast because this morning you’ll leave the rose-colored streets of Jaipur behind for the legendary Blue City. Settle in and get comfortable—it’s not exactly the shortest drive, but it is what adventuring is all about. Enjoy the scenes rolling past your window, and a short stop along the way, until the cool shades of “Jodhpur blue” start to appear. These are the homes of the Brahmin community, huddled beneath the massive walls of the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort. If you love history, get ready—it’s been waiting for you since 1459.
But you don’t have to be a lover of the past to appreciate the rooftop experience waiting for you. Get out, stretch your legs, and check in before dinner, where you’ll set your eyes on views of the Mehrangarh Fort.
Accommodation: Bal Samand Lake Palace (or similar), Jodhpur
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Jodhpur
Yesterday, the fort stole all your attention. Today, you’re inside it. Sprouting tall out of the desert, this former palace-now-museum is nothing short of gigantic. Start by having a wander through the hidden courtyards, then head up onto the ramparts for the real reward. There’s surely no better view of Jodhpur than this one—the whole city washed in blue opens up as far as you can see.
Now that the history lesson is out of the way, nature is calling. This evening, you’re experiencing a working farm firsthand, followed by a multi-course dinner featuring the farm’s fresh, seasonal produce. After the feast, go ahead and roam the property at your own pace, or relax under the straw canopies on charpoys, soaking up the quiet twilight.
Accommodation: Bal Samand Lake Palace (or similar), Jodhpur
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – Ranakpur
Bid farewell to Jodhpur and hit the road toward Udaipur, the City of Lakes, but not without stopping at Ranakpur first. In the heart of the Aravalli Hills, Ranakpur is one of five holy Jain temple sites. These places of worship were built in the 15th century—there’s no telling what you’ll uncover.
After lunch at Ranakpur, let it all digest as you settle back into the vehicle, cruising by the welcome sight of green hills popping up as the dry, rocky desert fades behind you. Once you reach Udaipur, it’ll feel like a brand new territory, ready to explore. And that’s because it is.
After checking into your hotel, you’ll set off to discover the area by water on an evening boat ride. Cruise across Lake Pichola—it’s an oldie but a goodie, first built in the 1300s and still a must-see today.
Accommodation: Aranya Villas (or similar), Udaipur
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 – Udaipur
Did you know Udaipur hosts daily traditional Rajasthani folk dance and music? Today is the day to find out everything there is to know about the city by exploring Udaipur your way. After breakfast, check out the city, taking your own time in the Mewar architecture and traditional bazaars.
Come afternoon, you’re back with your Harriet crew, to discover the splendor of Udaipur’s City Palace. Built over a 400-year period with contributions from several rulers, this marvel is meant to be admired—crafted in granite and marble, this perfect blend of Medieval, European, and Chinese architecture. It needs to be seen to be believed.
Accommodation: Aranya Villas (or similar), Udaipur
Included: Breakfast
Day 9: All Aboard to Ranthambore!
Wake up early for a transfer to the Udaipur railway station, where you’ll board your train to Ranthambore National Park. Settle in as the train carries you to the historic town of Sawai Madhopur, right outside the park, which hosts some of the most exotic plant varieties and wildlife in the region.
Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Take a nap, grab some lunch, and get ready for a full day of safari adventure tomorrow!
Accommodation: Ranthambore Heritage Haveli (or similar), Ranthambore
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 10 – Ranthambore National Park
Calling all animal admirers. This is your day to take in India’s wildlife at Ranthambore National Park. Known as Rajasthan’s first tiger reserve and named after the 1,000-year-old fort inside the park, there’s plenty to admire. Good thing you have both a morning and evening safari to cover a lot of ground in a park that spans roughly the size of Grand Teton National Park. Fingers crossed you’ll spot a tiger or a leopard! Red jungle fowl, crocodiles, and sloth bears are also on the list, so keep an eye out for those, too.
End a magical day with dinner under the open sky in an ambiance worthy of royalty—a meal that takes you back to an era of Emperors.
Accommodation: Ranthambore Heritage Haveli (or similar), Ranthambore
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 11 – From Tigers to the Taj
Who doesn’t love searching for tigers? But eventually, it’s time to leave the wildlife behind for Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. Forget the guidebooks—tonight you’re hitting the streets with a local to dive straight into the city’s noisy, layered history. Don’t worry, it won’t be a late night since you have an early start tomorrow, but after a day of travel, the comfort of your hotel bed feels especially welcome.
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Agra (or similar), Agra
Included: Breakfast
Day 12 – Agra
There’s no better way to start your day in Agra than in the presence of the Taj Mahal—at sunrise. You’ll not only beat the crowds and the heat, but you’ll also capture India’s most famous landmark in that perfect, golden morning light. Get your camera ready!
Agra is so much more than just a marble mausoleum, as iconic as it may be. Your photo album won’t be complete without the city’s Fort. Persian and Timurid architecture combine to make this site quite a looker, and its views from the ramparts give you a new perspective on the Taj.
Dinner this evening is at Sheroes Hangout, a café run by women who have survived acid attacks and are now building independent lives through this welcoming community space. A real eye-opener, for sure.
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Agra (or similar), Agra
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13 – Ride the Rails to Varanasi
They don’t call Varanasi the spiritual capital of India for nothing. You and your ‘Hattie’ crew will make your way there by express train, watching as the dry western plains give way to rural heartlands, busy towns, and the crescent-shaped western bank of the Ganges River. It’s Day 13 and it’s almost time to experience Varanasi’s holy greatness.
Check in at your hotel and spend the evening doing as you please. Just don’t stay up too late; you have an early start in the morning and it’s one you will not want to miss.
Accommodation: The Amayaa (or similar), Varanasi
Included: Breakfast
Day 14 – Varanasi
There’s nothing quite like the Ganges at dawn. Step aboard a local boat for a sunrise ride, gliding along the river as the light gradually illuminates the ghats and temples. By afternoon, you’re back on foot, maneuvering through bustling stalls and incense-filled temples, and maybe even witnessing ancient bathing rituals.
The evening takes you back to the sacred steps of the Ganges ghats to witness the “Ceremony of Light”, a Hindu ritual that is eye-catching to say the least. And if luck has it, you may even receive a blessing.
Accommodation: The Amayaa (or similar), Varanasi
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15 – Sarnath
Yesterday was all about Hinduism. Today is Buddhism. You’ll visit Sarnath, one of India’s most sacred Buddhist sites. Tighten up those laces for some serious tread time, stepping around monasteries, temples, and even a holy park.
The afternoon is free for you to do whatever you like, but we recommend resting up. Tonight, dinner is served in some serious “upper crust” fashion, and we know you’ll want to look and feel your best for this royal extravaganza.
Accommodation: The Amayaa (or similar), Varanasi
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 16 – Back to Delhi
After you fly back to Delhi, check into your hotel, relax, and enjoy a free afternoon. Need to do some last-minute shopping? Your guide will point you in the right direction for gifts and mementos, and even offer advice on how to haggle. Tonight is your farewell dinner, and we’re pulling out all the stops at a historic favorite that dates to pre-Independence. You can’t leave Delhi without one more history lesson!
Accommodation: The Suryaa Hotel (or similar), New Delhi
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 17 – Farewell Friends!
Time to squeeze in one final breakfast together. Things may get teary—you’re all practically sisters by now. Be sure to swap numbers and photos before transferring to the Delhi airport. It’s not goodbye; it’s “see you again on the next adventure!”
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Frequently Asked Questions
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 USD : TBA
A deposit of 25% of the total trip price is required to secure your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made at least 120 days before trip departure.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are non-refundable, but they are transferable at any time, up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance is due 120 days prior to the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
Level 2 or Moderate
If you can walk 3–4 hours at an easy pace on undulating and uneven ground, you’ll be fine. There will be days when you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet, as well as times when you’ll need to get on and off different types of transportation.
Participating in this tour requires that you are:
- Able to comfortably walk up to 4 hours at a time at a steady pace over uneven and hilly ground
- Have the mobility and balance to walk up steeper inclines and navigate trickier terrain (e.g., sand dunes, rocks, more challenging trails)
- Able to participate in occasional longer walks of up to 10 km
- Have the energy to enjoy busy, active days
- Able to sit on the floor for extended periods
- Able to walk up and down steep or long flights of stairs without a handrail
- Able to use a squat toilet without needing to put your hands on the ground
- Able to get on and off various forms of transportation such as minibuses, trains, 4WD vehicles, or boats without assistance
- Able to manage your own luggage, including carrying it up and down stairs, lifting it into racks, and handling it during transfers
- Free from mobility issues (e.g., knee or hip problems)
- Not reliant on walking aids
Fitness: Regularly engages in light to moderate cardio (e.g., 4–10 km walks on varied, hilly terrain). May also practice yoga, Pilates, swimming, or light strength training.
Mobility: Good balance, flexibility, and endurance. Comfortable with active days and varied terrain, though breaks may be needed on longer hikes.
Most of our trips include a Tip Kitty, as tipping customs can vary widely between cultures. We’ve found this to be the easiest way to avoid over-tipping, under-tipping, or tips ending up in the wrong hands.
For your India adventure, we ask that your contribution be 5,000 Indian Rupees (approximately $53 USD), which is given to your guide on Day 1. The kitty will be managed by your guide and distributed along the way for included meals at restaurants, hotel staff, drivers, and other services.
What is not included is a customary tip for your guide at the end of the trip. If they’ve helped make your experience memorable, we recommend a guideline of 8,000 to 10,000 Indian Rupees per person (approximately $85-$106 USD).
(Exchange rate used: $1 USD = 94 Indian Rupees)
To accommodate domestic flight luggage limits, we ask that you travel with one checked bag weighing no more than 44 lbs (20 kg) and one carry-on bag weighing no more than 17 lbs (8 kg).
Whenever we can, we’ve chosen charming boutique stays that capture the spirit of the region – mostly around 3-star comfort, and occasionally we’ve snuck in some 4-star touches. Sometimes it’s the shared patio views or unique location that make a hotel stand out. Other times, it’s the local character that makes the stay special, and in some spots, rooms might differ in size and style.
OCTOBER
International airfares are not included.
As tour operators (not travel agents), we are not licensed to sell flights. We recommend contacting your trusted local travel agent if you need assistance with booking flights.
When booking flights, we recommend flying into and out of New Delhi, India. The most convenient options are direct (non-stop) flights from major U.S. hubs such as New York (JFK or Newark), Chicago, and San Francisco, which connect directly to Delhi. These non-stop flights are typically operated by airlines such as Air India, United Airlines, and American Airlines, with a flight time of approximately 14-16 hours.
Yes! A friendly Harriet Adventures representative will meet you upon arrival and take you to either the start hotel (for pre-trip or Day 1 check-in) or to another hotel within a reasonable distance that you’ve independently booked as alternative pre-trip accommodation. At the end of your trip, we’ll see you off with a departure transfer from the final hotel.
The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Its symbol is ₹. There is no need to exchange USD for INR before you leave the States.
This is one of the most frequently asked questions we get!
Most of our guests are in their 40s to 60s, with some a little younger and some older – everyone is welcome. Many Hatties travel solo and are paired with a roommate, so there’s no need to pay a single supplement. We’ll match you with someone of a similar age.
The typical Hattie is a well-traveled, seasoned adventurer who takes things in stride. That said, many tell us this is their very first group trip. A lot of our guests have avoided traditional tours in the past, as they’re not drawn to large, impersonal group experiences.
And one last thing:
Hatties are warm, generous, and kind. We always hoped it would be this way, but the reality has exceeded our expectations. We feel incredibly lucky to have such wonderful guests.
In the unlikely event of a health- or security-related incident during a trip, we have engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is no one framework that fits all. Every incident is unique and requires a tailored approach.
On all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. Behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication between your guide, the on-the-ground support team, and our Ops team.
