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Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 9 Day India’s Golden Triangle: Taj Mahal to the Ganges. Pressed for time but dreaming of India’s rich culture and deep spirituality? This nine-day journey through the Golden Triangle and beyond offers the perfect blend of iconic landmarks and immersive experiences. Marvel at the majesty of the Taj Mahal, explore the imposing Amber Fort, and soak up the sacred atmosphere of Varanasi with boat rides along the Ganges. From bustling cities to serene temples, this whirlwind adventure delivers a full dose of India’s vibrant heart.
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Our Price From
US$637 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $212 per person
Trip Length
9 Days
Trip Starts
Delhi
Trip Ends
Varanasi
Departures
May 2026 to Dec 2027
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
15
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
AHVV
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project. There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting. Afterward, head out for an optional dinner with the group. Arriving early with a free day in Delhi? Opt to add the "Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi" extra to your tour.
Accommodation: Hotel Perfect
Included Experiences
- Women With Wheels Transfer: Transfer by a G Adventures-supported project, Women With Wheels. This program provides safe and reliable transport for travellers, while providing a dignified livelihood for local women who once lacked financial opportunities.
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Experiences
- Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi: On this half-day adventure that will leave you in food heaven, visit age-old markets and landmark food joints around the city and indulge your tastebuds. Walk with an experienced foodie-guide who will teach you about the intricacies of cuisine from various parts of the country. Highlights on the tour can include; Chandni Chowk, filled with bustling markets and shops, enjoy a steaming cup of Chai tea in an authentic terracotta cup, Kebabs with a recipe that stretches throughout generations, and indulge in local sweets and flatbreads. Perhaps also visit a chaat street chef and stop by Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Sikh Sikh House of Worship which hosts the world's largest community kitchen.
Visit Delhi's impressive India Gate and Connaught Place before traveling to Jaipur, commonly called the "Pink City" for its unique architecture. Along the way, try your hand at block printing with the women of the Anoothi Project. Get to know this colourful city on an orientation walk, then opt to watch a classic Bollywood film.
Accommodation: Rawla Mrignayani Palace
Included Experiences
- Delhi Orientation Tour: Get a taste of India's capital city through a visit to Connaught Place by metro and a walk to India Gate, a stately memorial built for Indian soldiers who died in World War I.
- Anoothi Block Printing Experience: Women from marginalised communities outside Jaipur came together to create the Anoothi Project. In Hindi, Anoothi means 'unique and extraordinary' and by teaching these women to master the traditionally male handicraft of block printing, the collective shines a light on the unique and extraordinary within each individual. At this G for Good visit, engage in a hands-on block printing activity with the local women as you indulge in some local snacks prepared by your hosts.
- Orientation Walk: Head to the markets of this "Pink City," the capital of Rajasthan, and one of the most important heritage cities in India on this CEO-led orientation walk.
Optional Experiences
- Movie at Raj Mandir: Visit this spectacular cinema and watch a song-and-dance Bollywood film. (200-400 INR per person)
Explore Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, clinging to the surrounding hills on Maota Lake. Stop to marvel at the mysterious Hawa Mahal, "Palace of the Winds," an elaborately carved facade built to enable the purdah women in the Zenana to watch the goings-on in the street below without being seen. With free time, opt to get active by pre-booking a cycle tour, or catch a classic Bollywood film in the spectacular Art Deco film house — the Raj Mandir.
Accommodation: Rawla Mrignayani Palace
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Enjoy the rest of the day to explore Jaipur on your terms.
- Amber Fort Visit: Take in the Hindu and Muslim architecture of the beautiful Amber Fort. Wander through the halls and courtyards and admire the intricate details.
Optional Experiences
- City Palace Visit: Explore the courtyards, gardens, and buildings that make up the City Palace. Located in the heart of the Old City, it is a striking blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. Visit the palace's museum to look at ancient carriages and the former maharaja's gold-embroidered wedding outfit.
- Jantar Mantar Visit: Visit the Jantar Mantar observatory for a guided tour and explore the collection of astronomical instruments housed there, some dating back to 1727.
- Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds): Enjoy a visit to the intricately-carved Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds," which is named for the cool breeze that comes through the structure and keeps it comfortable, even in the hot Jaipur summers. Admire this architectural wonder and snap some photos.
- Jaipur Balloon Ride: Begin your day at dawn, just as the sun starts to rise. As you drift into the sky, enjoy the silence and serenity of the morning, watching as the day starts for the colourfully dressed inhabitants below. From high in the sky, you may float over rolling hills, villages teeming with life, and a small monastery. You may even spot elephants—if luck is on your side. Available September 1 - April 30.
- Jaipur Cycle Tour: With its many lanes and organized layout, Jaipur is the perfect location to explore by bicycle. Choosing to cycle through the city on this morning tour will introduce you to sights, sounds and smells that a vehicle just can't match, so grab a helmet and jump on your bike! Navigate the streets of the 'Pink City' with the help of your experienced guide, starting the day with a traditional Indian yoghurt drink of Lassi. Marvel at the architectural wonders as you enter the walled part of the city and stop at the City Palace to visit the Govind Dev temple. Wander through the historical spices and sweets market, stopping for tea and a tasty snack of pakoras before heading towards the majestic Albert Hall Museum where the tour ends. Taxi transfers from the hotel to the starting point and from the finishing point back to the hotel are included in the price of this cycle tour.
Take in the arid terrain and small towns on the ride to Agra for a sunset visit to the famous Taj Mahal. Marvel at the iconic Mughal architecture and immerse yourself in the mausoleum's unique history.
Accommodation: Light House Agra
Included Experiences
- Taj Mahal Visit: Cross one off your bucket list as you visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the gorgeous white marble mausoleum, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a testament of his love for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Travel by train and rickshaw to reach peaceful Orchha along the Betwa River. Enjoy some time away from India's bustling cities and gain insight into rural life. Visit Tarragram, a unique paper-making plant set up to assist tribal women from the area. All the paper is made from recycled clothing and wood pulp. Then, visit the palace complex to learn more about the ancient history here. Opt to witness an evening puja, a Hindu prayer ceremony.
Accommodation: Ganpati Palace
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Auto Rickshaw: Scoot quickly around the big cities inside a three-wheeled mini-taxi.
- Tarragram Visit: Enjoy a visit to this unique paper-making plant, set up to assist tribal women from the area. All the paper is made from recycled clothing and wood pulp.
- Orchha Palace Visit: Visit the three separate palaces, or "mahals," in this complex: the Raj Mahal, Jehangir Mahal, and Rai Parveen Mahal. Enjoy the medieval architecture and learn about its rich history.
Optional Experiences
- Puja Ceremony: Experience a Hindu prayer ceremony presenting flowers, incense, and food to an image or idol representing a deity.
Enjoy free time to explore beautiful Orchha. Opt to rent a bike, stroll along the river, or take a cooking class and enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch. In the evening, catch an overnight train to Varanasi.
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Enjoy some free time.
- Taxi: Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.
- Basic Overnight Train (beds): Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Optional Experiences
- Orchha Cooking School: As a place of spiritual importance and impressive architectural sites, it’s not hard to see what makes Orchha so unique. This is your chance to also taste what makes this town so special. You’ll learn how to concoct a warming cup of masala chai and a tasty snack of vegetable pakoras. Enjoy this as your hosts demonstrate how to make three different curries. Indulge in these delicious dishes with the accompaniments of raita, mango and guava chutneys, chapatis and puris, as you get to know your hosts some more.
Arrive in Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindus travel for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die. Take an orientation walk along the ghats and visit the old city to get acquainted with this magical city.
Accommodation: Hotel Stay Inn Kaashvi
Included Experiences
- Orientation Walk: Experience the spiritual energy of Varanasi with a walk through the holy city, filled with temples, shrines and Hindus from all over India and the world. Enjoy views of the sacred River Ganges.
- Free Time: Explore this holy city.
Enjoy a sunrise boat tour along the sacred Ganges before free time to explore this holy city. Walk the narrow alleys, visit some of the hundreds of temples and shrines, or wander the Old City. Opt to visit the site of the Buddha's first sermon or sit on the banks of the Ganges watching life unfold around you. In the evening, embark on a Ganges boat trip at sunset to witness a candlelit flower ceremony. Pre-book the Varanasi Heritage Walk and enjoy a guided tour that focuses more on the local life in Varanasi and its philosophical and cultural values. Witness pilgrims singing and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of Varanasi in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Pre-book the Guided Visit of Sarnath and learn about the life of the Buddha. Discover the archeological ruins of the monastery. Explore the museum at Sarnath and the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Visit temples constructed by the buddhist people of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan and stop to admire the Buddha statue during the three hours of guided exploration.
Accommodation: Hotel Stay Inn Kaashvi
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Spend time exploring the hidden alleys, temples, and shrines found throughout this holy city -- it's the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. Take time to experience the culture and history or discover the shops and stalls in the Old City.
- Evening Ganges Boat Tour: Enjoy a boat ride on the sacred Ganges River, where Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to wash away their sins and cremate their loved ones. Participate in a candle and flower ceremony while on the water.
- Morning Ganges Boat Tour: Catch the sunrise from a boat cruising the sacred Ganges River, where Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to wash away their sins and cremate their loved ones. Witness locals participating in dawn rituals of bathing and burning at the river.
Optional Experiences
- Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old Benaras: Set off an engaging walking tour of Old Varanasi City. Wander through puzzling alleys, vibrant bazaars, explore temples, and gain a deeper understanding of Varanasi’s history, culture, and spirituality. The Varanasi Heritage Walk begins from the Godaulia intersection and our first visit is to the Mata Kali Temple, one of the highest revered places of worship in the city. It was built by the Maharaja of Varanasi in 1885 and features carved pillars that capture visitors’ attention. Then we will visit the Ganesh temple before heading to the Tedhi Neem Gali for a walk through the colorful market dotted with many different shops. Afterward, we will go towards the Kashi Vishwanath corridor and witness Varanasi’s principal cremation site – the Manikarnika Ghat. The sacred fire here has been alive for the last 3000 years. Next, we’ll walk past the Alam Gir mosque, visit the shrine of a Hindu Yogi and mystic Guru Shri Tailang Swami, the Mangla Gauri Temple, and the Sankatha Mata Temple. Towards the end of the walk, we will try the famous white butter toast with tea at Laxmi Chai shop or Dwarika Lassi. During the walk our guide will focus more on the local life in Varanasi and its philosophical and cultural values. Witness pilgrims singing or chanting and gain an understanding of the importance of Varanasi in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
- Guided Tour of Sarnath: A day of exploration begins with a tuk-tuk ride from Varanasi towards Sarnath, where your local guide awaits. One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, Sarnath is the birth place of Buddhism where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. For nearly 1700 years the site remained a centre for great learning, a place of pilgrimage, and a Vihara (Monastery) for monks and scholars. Guided by a local expert, discover the archeological ruins of the monastery, the ancient Dhamek stupa. Explore the museum at Sarnath and the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Visit temples constructed by the buddhist people of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan. Stop to admire the Buddha statue located at the Thai Buddha vihara. Some eighty feet tall, it is considered to be the tallest standing Buddha statue at Sarnath. After three hours of guided exploration, your guide will bring you back to your awaiting tuk-tuks bound for your hotel.
Depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
- See the Taj Mahal glow in the golden light of evening.
- Cruise the Ganges at sunrise in spiritual Varanasi.
- Explore the majestic Amber Fort overlooking Jaipur.
- Enjoy free time to uncover the charm of Orchha and Varanasi at your own pace".
- Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Your G for Good Moment: Anoothi Block Printing Experience, Jaipur
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Delhi Orientation Walk
- Jaipur Orientation Walk
- Amber Fort Visit
- Sunset Taj Mahal Visit
- Auto Rickshaw ride
- Orchha Palace Visit
- Tarragram Paper Making plant Visit
- Free time in Orchha & Varanasi
- Varanasi Orientation Walk
- Evening Ganges Boat Tour
- Morning Ganges Boat Tour
- CEO Throughout
- All transportation to included activities
- Train, private vehicle, Tuktuks, cycle-rickshaw, 4x4, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Hotels (7 Nights), Sleeper Train (1 Night)
- A variety of styles of hotels/guest houses are used in India. These can vary in terms of service, efficiency and cleanliness. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home. Power cuts can and are a regular occurrence in many places, especially throughout North and Central India. Although a number of hotels have generators there may be times when these won’t work. It is also recommended when you are in your room to lock the door, as staff will sometime enter without reason.
- 1 breakfast
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Saturday
11 Apr 2026
11 Apr 26
Delhi
Sunday
19 Apr 2026
19 Apr 26
Varanasi
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$849
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Monday
13 Apr 2026
13 Apr 26
Delhi
Tuesday
21 Apr 2026
21 Apr 26
Varanasi
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$849
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday
18 Apr 2026
18 Apr 26
Delhi
Sunday
26 Apr 2026
26 Apr 26
Varanasi
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$849
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday
25 Apr 2026
25 Apr 26
Delhi
Sunday
03 May 2026
03 May 26
Varanasi
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$849
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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