North & West India Culture Tour | 18-Day Tour | The Dragon Trip

18-day India Adventure Tour

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18 days Delhi to Goa

India Adventure Tour

Dive into the rich, vibrant and diverse culture of India with our 18-day adventure tour.

Covering both the north and the west of the country, this India adventure tour has it all. Explore India’s iconic major landmarks, World Heritage ancient ruins, glorious Goan beaches and abundance of delicious food. From bustling cities to rural villages, our Adventure Leaders take you off-the-beaten-track as you explore all that India has to offer.

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What's included

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Accommodation

Including hostels & 1 night camping

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Adventure Leader

Bilingual Adventure Leaders in each city

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Local transport

Transport within India

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Activities

A selection of activities included
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Itinerary & map

18-day India Adventure Tour

Day 1: New Delhi 

Welcome to New Delhi – and the start of your India adventure tour! You’ll meet your group and Adventure Leader this morning, where you’ll get a trip briefing to lay out your forthcoming travels, as well as tips on staying safe in India.  

After this, it’s off to your first unmissable experience – a Hindi language lesson. Your local guide will take you through the basics and key phrases that you’ll need for your next two weeks. From there, it’s off for a tour of the city’s highlights. You’ll visit Old Delhi and its temples and spice markets, Connaught Place in the downtown district, the Delhi Haat crafts market, and the beautiful Sri Bangla Sahib Gurdwara.  

This evening, explore the area to grab yourself some dinner – and don’t forget to ask your Adventure Leader for tips!  

Day 2: New Delhi 

Today is yours to spend as you see fit. However, we’d recommend spending a relaxing morning at the Lodhi Garden, followed by a visit to the Khan Market. Be sure to seek out the India Gake, and the Aagrasen ki Baoli – the oldest monument in Central Delhi.  

This afternoon, you’ve got plenty of options to explore. Why not pay a visit to: 

  • Aksardham, a beautiful Hindu temple 
  • Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mehrauli area of Delhi 
  • Raj Ghat, a memorial complex dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi 
  • The Lotus Temple, whose iconic design makes it a must-see 
  • Humayun’s Tomb, the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent 

Make sure you’re back in good time, though, as you’ll be travelling overnight on the night train to Varanasi – destination #2 on our India adventure tour!  

Day 3: Varanasi 

After arriving in Varanasi this morning, you’ll transfer to your next accommodation where you’ll have some time to rest and freshen up. You’ll then meet your Adventure Leader for your second Hindi language lesson, where you can build on what you’ve already learned.  

If you’re feeling bright enough, you can opt to pay a visit to the Sarnath Buddhist and Hindu archaelogical site. According to tradition, Sarnath is where Buddha taught his first sermon, and is today home to some truly remarkable preserved artefacts and sites.  

You’ll all meet up this evening, though, for your next unmissable experience. What better way to greet Varanasi than with a Ghat boat tour, complete with the Ganga Aarti ceremony? After the ceremony, you’ll disembark at the Dasawamedh Ghat, where you can opt to join your group for dinner before returning to get some well deserved sleep!  

Day 4: Varanasi 

Your second day in Varanasi starts on the water again, as you can opt to join your group for a sunrise boat tour to grab some truly spectacular views. After this, you’ll meet back up with your Adventure Leader where you’ll have the opportunity to ask them any burning questions.  

This afternoon, you might opt to join your group for a walk around the old market in Varanasi. Then, later, why not get a glimpse of Indian culture with an amazing classical music and dance show? This is a great way to close out your time in Varanasi before you move onto your next destination via night train – Agra!  

Day 5: Agra 

After arriving in Agra this morning, transfer to your new accommodation to get some well-deserved rest. If you need time at your leisure, you can rest up today. Otherwise, why not join us for an optional trip this afternoon? Head out to Agra Fort and the Baby Taj for a glimpse of Agra’s spectacular architecture. 

If you’d like, this evening join your group for dinner and drinks at the fabulous Salt Café. You might want to take it easy, though – you’ve got an early start!  

Day 6: Jaipur 

Before we head off to Jaipur, it’s up early for a sunrise visit to the most famous site in India – the Taj Mahal! Explore this incredible complex as the sun rises, and be back in time to grab your private transfer to Jaipur.  

After checking in here, jump on the bus to Nahagarth Fort, which features one of the most amazing viewpoints from which to watch the sun set. If you’re hungry, join your group for dinner this evening.  

Day 7: Jaipur 

Are you an early riser? If so, you might want to capitalise on this with one of the most exciting options to start the day: a balloon safari! Otherwise, wake up in your own time this morning and grab breakfast, before opting to visit the spectacular Amber Palace, which is built entirely of yellow and pink sandstone. 

This afternoon is yours to spend as you see fit. You might want to explore the City Palace and the next-door Hawa Mahal, the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, or get your fill of shopping at the Bapu Bazaar. After this, you can opt to meet your group for an early evening food court tour to grab some local delicacies, before exploring the nightlife that Jaipur has to offer.  

Day 8: Jaipur 

Another early start, as you’re up with the birds for another unmissable activity – a trip to the Monkey Temple! This temple is an incredible site that’s often a Hindu pilgrimage, and features incredible architecture, beautiful landscapes… and monkeys!  

For the rest of the morning, you can either spend it at your resting up, exploring the Pink City, or taking part in a fabulous art class!  

This afternoon, we’ll transfer to Jaipur station, bound for the next stop on our India adventure tour: Jaisalmer!  

Day 9: Jaisalmer 

You’ll arrive in Jaisalmer this morning. You can head to a local hostel for a rest and to grab some breakfast, before opting to join us as we explore the fascinating Jaisalmer Fort. This amazing structure is 250 feet tall in places, and parts of it date back to the mid-1600s! You can then opt to head to a remarkable viewpoint in the local area – Gadsisar Lake!  

It’s a flying visit though, as we’re taking you into the Thar desert for your next unmissable activity – and arguably, the jewel of your India adventure tour. Transfer by jeep into the desert, where you’ll take part in a camel trek that leads you to the site of your camp. Here, you’ll have dinner al fresco, and set up your comfortable beds, ready for a night sleeping under the stars.  

Day 10: Jodhpur  

There’s no escaping the sunrise this morning, as it’ll wake you gently from your spot in the desert. After preparing a breakfast and packing up, you’ll head back to the city, ready to transfer to Jodhpur.  

After your private transfer arrives, you’ll check in to your next hostel and drop your things. We’ll then take you on tour to orientate yourself in the Blue City, where you’ll see landmarks like the Clock Tower and the fascinating Toorji Ka Jhalra – the ancient step well.  

This evening, feel free to join your group at the Stepwell Café for a drink.  

Day 11: Jodphur  

Today’s a free day to spend as you see fit! If you’d like to join us for an optional activity, however, you might opt for: 

  • A cooking class, where you’ll learn about the history of Indian food and its place in wider culture. You’ll develop an appreciation for the flavours of true traditional Indian cuisine.  
  • A pulse-raising Flying Fox zip line experience! Whiz across the city and the fort, getting both incredible views and a real adrenaline rush.  

This evening, why not meet your group for a drink atop the hostel?  

Day 12: Mumbai 

Late morning today, you’ll fly to your final destination on the India adventure tour: Mumbai!

You’ll spend the day transferring to your accommodation, arriving in the late afternoon – just in time for movie night! This evening, why not grab a view of the city from a roof top bar? 

Day 13: Mumbai  

If you’d like to learn more about local life in Mumbai, opt to join us this morning for a tour of the Dharavi Slum. You’ll also get the chance to visit the Dhobi Ghat Malaxmi – the largest outdoor laundry in the entire world!  

This afternoon, meet up with your group for an unmissable tour of Mumbai. Along the way, you’ll explore must-see sites like the Gateway of India and the Coloba District. In the evening, you might opt to spend your last night with the group exploring all the exciting nightlife that Mumbai has to offer.  

Day 14: Mumbai  

This morning, you can opt to join us for a trip to the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum, dedicated to the life and works of Gandhi. Otherwise, your day is at your leisure – and you have a free afternoon to explore Mumbai as you see fit. Be sure to ask your Adventure Leader for recommendations!  

Day 15: Goa 

This morning we head to the airport, bound for the final stop on your India adventure tour – Goa!

You’ll arrive in the afternoon, in time to get checked into your accommodation, ready to enjoy a free evening exploring the beautiful city.  

Day 16: Goa 

After grabbing yourself breakfast, you’ve got the option to join your group for an exciting tour of the city by scooter!  

If your heart rate isn’t raised quite enough, dinner tonight might solve that! You can opt to join us for an exciting flydining experience, where you’ll eat, drink and be merry… 50 meters above the ground! Then, once back on the ground, you might want to see what Goa’s nightlife scene has to offer. 

Day 17: Goa 

Goa’s known for its incredible stretches of beach, so it’s only fitting that we give you a full day to explore them!  

Spend your free day today on the golden sands, exploring the local area. If you’d like a bit of action, however, you can opt to join an amazing kayaking experience this morning before you top up your tan.  

Day 18: Farewell 

Today marks the end of your amazing tour across India! You’ll bid farewell to your group, ready to head home.  

Photos

Check out our included activities on the India adventure tour below:

  • Sri Bangla Sahib Gurdwara Temple visit (Delhi)
  • Hindi Language Lesson (Delhi)
  • Old Delhi Tour (Delhi)
  • New Delhi Tour (Delhi)
  • Watch Ganga Aarti Ceremony (Varanasi)
  • Sunset Ghat Boat Tour (Varanasi)
  • Taj Mahal Sunrise Visit (Agra)
  • Hindi Language Lesson #2 (Jaipur)
  • Monkey Temple (Jaipur)
  • Desert Camping – including camel trek, campfire (seasonal), overnight stay under the stars, and watching the sunrise. (Jaisalmer)
  • Blue City Orientation Walk (Jodhpur)
  • Mumbai City Walking Tour (Mumbai)

 

Meals

  • Dinner and breakfast is provided when camping in the desert

 

Drones

The use of Drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is prohibited during this India adventure tour organized by The Dragon Trip. If you are in possession of a drone when entering the country it is your responsibility to be informed of and follow all local laws. This may include registering your drone with authorities. If you violate this policy or operate a drone illegally you are subject to removal from the tour as per our terms & conditions.

Activities that aren’t included:

  • Sunrise Boat Tour – 400 INR (Varanasi)
  • Sarnath Buddhist and Hindu Archaeological Site – 700 INR (price may change dependent on group size) (Varanasi)
  • Indian Classical Music and Dance performance – 700-1500 INR (Varanasi)
  • Agra Fort – 1050 INR (Agra)
  • Nahagarth Fort viewpoint – 200 INR (Jaipur)
  • Amber Fort – 1550 INR (Jaipur)
  • Food Court Tour – 300-450 INR (tripper dependent) (Jaipur)
  • City Palace Entrance Fee at the Pink City – 700 INR  (Jaipur)
  • Art Class – 1000 INR (Jaipur)
  • Jaisalmer Fort – 600 INR (Jaisalmer)
  • Gadsisar Lake and Viewpoint – 100 INR (Jaisalmer)
  • Flying Fox – 2099 INR (Jodhpur)
  • Cooking Class – 1900 INR  (plus transportation) (Jodhpur)
  • Movie Night – 700-1000 INR (Mumbai)
  • Dharavi Tour – 1000 INR (Mumbai)
  • Dhobi Ghat Malaxmi – 600 INR (Mumbai)
  • Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum – transportation costs (Mumbai)
  • Kayaking – 2833 INR (Goa)
  • Scooter city tour – 500 INR (Goa)
  • Flydining experience – 4500 INR (Goa)

 

If you are interested in booking the balloon safari, email us on info@thedragontrip.com.

Room Upgrades

On this budget group tour of India, accommodation is provided in dorm rooms in hostels. If you’d like to upgrade your room, this is at a cost of £600 per room. Room upgrades include single, double and twin rooms. Largely, you will be in sex-segregated hotel rooms (unless you book with friends of different sexes, in which case we will do our best to put you all together).

Additional Services

If you are planning on arriving early to Delhi before your group tour of India starts or staying on later on the beaches of Goa, we can arrange additional accommodation for you for a extra cost.

We can also arrange for airport transfers to pick you up from the airport in Delhi at the start of your trip or drop you off at the end.

A deposit is required to make a reservation on our India adventure tour, with the balance due 70 days prior to departure (unless booking with one of our promotions, for which specific balance due dates may apply).

The deposit is 10% of the group tour price (unless stated otherwise). If you book on to our India adventure tour less than 70 days prior to departure, the full balance will be due within 3 days of booking.

No bookings can be accepted within 40 days of a trip departure date.

Visit our FAQs page. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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