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Essential India & Maldives Sailing

14 days, Delhi to Malé

Map of the route for Essential India & Maldives Sailing
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9–13 14
Itinerary Notes

Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 14, 2025 or March 4, 2026 for the nation’s most colourful festival.

When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration.

Your flight must arrive by or before: 23:59 on Day 1
Your flight must depart no earlier than: 12:00 on Day 14

Itinerary

Day 1Delhi

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project.

Your G for Good Moment: 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.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Welcome: Welcome-Moment – Lerne CEO und Gruppe kennen.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Hotel Perfect (or similar)
Hotel

Day 2Delhi/Āgra

Enjoy a youth-led walk through the backstreets of Delhi with G Adventures-supported project, City Walk. Observe a different perspective of Delhi while supporting at-risk youth in the community. Later, explore Old Delhi and travel onward to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.

Your G for Good Moment: City Walk
2-3km

Explore the streets of Delhi with a youth-led tour guide from the G Adventures-supported City Walk project. As a former at-risk youth, your local guide will have a unique perspective on the city and can provide more information on the life of a child in India. The guided tour helps support the guide's college or university tuition.

Please note that City Walk is closed on Sundays and holidays and this activity will not run on those days.

Old Delhi Guided Walk
Delhi1h

Visit historic Old Delhi. Explore Jama Masjid, the "Great Mosque," and enjoy its massive courtyard, which can hold up to 25,000 worshippers. Also, visit the ancient Sikh temple of Gurdwara SisGanj, which was established in 1783.

Private Vehicle
Delhi – Āgra4h-5h200km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Hotel The Agra Grande (or similar)
Hotel

Day 3Āgra

Set eyes on the sparkling Taj Mahal at sunrise before exploring more of this famous landmark. In the afternoon, visit the I'timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) and the Agra Fort.

Taj Mahal Visit
Tāj Mahal2h-3h

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.

Baby Taj Visit
Āgra

Visit this mausoleum that looks like a jewel box, built before the Taj Mahal by Queen Nur Jahan for her father. Enjoy the intricate details of the structure; it was the first Mughal building faced with white marble and where "pietra dura" (precious stones inlaid into marble) was first used.

Agra Fort Visit
Āgra1h-3h

Enjoy a visit to this impressive Mughal fort made of red sandstone and white marble.

Accommodation

Hotel The Agra Grande (or similar)
Hotel

Day 4Āgra/Dhula Village

Stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the now-deserted former capital of the Mughals, and a stunningly preserved UNESCO site. Visit the Abhaneri Stepwell and marvel at this uniquely Indian water harvesting system. In the afternoon, travel to Dhula Village and get a closer look at rural life in Rajasthan. Tonight, settle in to your cozy tent then opt to relax by the fire and take in the starry night sky.

At Dhula Village you will have the opportunity to learn about local life, play a fun game of cricket, relax in the peaceful atmosphere, or take a cycle to explore the surroundings.

Tonight's accommodation is in spacious and comfortable tents outfitted with beds, lamps, and simple en suite bathrooms.

Private Vehicle
Āgra – Dhula Village5h-6h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Fatehpur Sikri Visit
Fatehpur Sīkri

Explore the magnificent red sandstone fort city that was once the capital of India's Mughal Empire and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Keep an eye out for elements of different religions, as King Akbar built three palaces for each of his favourite wives—a Hindu, a Muslim, and a Christian—in the city.

Abhaneri Stepwell Visit
Abhaneri30m-1h

Walk around the amazing Chand Baori, a tenth century water tank that's an impressive 6.1m (20 ft) deep. Learn about ancient Indian environmentalism—a "baori" is a unique Indian invention for harvesting rainwater.

Dhula Village Experience
Dhula Village

Get a closer look at village life with a stay in rural Dhula. Enjoy opportunities to interact and explore that may include meeting shepherds and their flocks, cycling through hamlets, tea with villagers at the local temple, trekking in the hillocks.

Accommodation

Dhulabagh Camp (or similar)
Campground

Day 5Dhula Village/Jaipur

Continue to the pink city of Jaipur. Along the way, try your hand at block printing with the women of the Anoothi Project before arriving at your hotel. Built according to Hindu architectural principles, Jaipur utilizes a unique organization unlike anywhere else in India.

Private Vehicle
Dhula Village – Jaipur2h50km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Jaipur Orientation Tour
Jaipur1h-2h 3km

Enjoy an orientation of the Pink City by foot, with a short e-rickshaw ride in the walled city.

Your G for Good Moment: 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.

Accommodation

Utsav Niwas (or similar)
Hotel

Day 6Jaipur

Enjoy a visit to the Amber Fort, famous for its mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. After, visit the City Palace and have a photo opportunity at Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds).

Opt to get active by pre-booking a cycle tour or sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking a cooking class with a local family.

Amber Fort Visit
Jaipur

Take in the Hindu and Muslim architecture of the beautiful Amber Fort. Wander through the halls and courtyards and admire the intricate details.

City Palace Visit
Jaipur1h

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.

5

Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Jaipur Cycle Tour
Jaipur

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.

Jaipur Cooking Class with a local family
Jaipur

Join a local family in Jaipur as they welcome you into their home and share their recipes and best-loved dishes with you. Get hands-on with the ingredients and learn how to prepare Pakoda (Pakora), vegetable dishes and Indian breads such as chapatis and puris. Once the hard work is done, get to know your hosts over lunch. Savor the flavours of your creations with the additions of other vegtable dishes, daal and raita, and finish the meal with a sweet treat.

Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds)
Jaipur15m-30m
202INR per person

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.

Jantar Mantar Visit
Jaipur1h-2h
202INR per person

Visit the Jantar Mantar observatory for a guided tour and explore the collection of astronomical instruments housed there, some dating back to 1727.

Movie at Raj Mandir
Jaipur
200-400INR per person

Visit this spectacular cinema and watch a song-and-dance Bollywood film.

Accommodation

Utsav Niwas (or similar)
Hotel

Day 7Jaipur/Delhi

If you aren't afraid of heights, opt for a morning hot air balloon ride over Jaipur. Return to Delhi in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore more of the bustling city.

Admire the Pink City from above by pre-booking the morning Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour.

Private Vehicle
Jaipur – Delhi6h260km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Delhi Afternoon

Enjoy free time to see more of Delhi.

1

Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow

Jaipur Balloon Ride
Jaipur

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.

Accommodation

Hotel Perfect (or similar)
Hotel

Day 8Delhi/South Malé Atoll

Fly from Delhi to Malé this morning and board a traditional dhoni and your accommodation in the Maldives. Enjoy an included snorkelling excursion.

Plane
Delhi – Malé

Fly from Delhi to Malé. Upon arrival to the airport the group will walk down to the airport jetty and board a speed boat that will transfer everyone to the main sailing vessel of the trip.

11m (37 ft) Converted Dhoni
Malé – South Malé Atoll2h-3h

Climb aboard this converted Maldivian fishing boat and float on to the next stop.

Snorkelling in the Maldives
2h

The Maldives offer some of the most amazing snorkelling and marine life viewing opportunities in the world. The shallow islands and plentiful coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. 70 different species of colourful corals make up the flora of this underwater city, with more than 700 species of fish and other marine life making up its fauna. Snorkelling is one of the simplest ways to experience this impressive underwater world.

Free Time
South Malé Atoll

Relax on the beach, go for a swim, have a cocktail, or read a book. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy.

Days 9–13South Malé Atoll/Felidhu Atholhu

Spend the next five days cruising around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. Snorkel ship wrecks and reefs and Bodu Moro Island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches – the perfect photo opt.

Aboard the dhoni, spend free time as you please – lounge on the sundecks and take in the views, relax with a good book, or socialize with fellow travellers as you enjoy delicious local seafood.

Off the boat, opt to swim and enjoy snorkelling about twice a day amongst the spectacular marine life of the Maldives. The shallow islands and amazing coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. Keep an eye out for turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and octopuses.

Cruise to the southernmost point of South Malé Atoll before crossing the channel into Felidhu Atoll. The main industry here is fishing and there is typically an opportunity to see traditional boat-building on at least one of the islands.

Bodu Mora Island Visit
Felidhu Atholhu

Experience one of the Maldives uninhabited islands, with a visit to stunning Bodu Mora. The island's stretch of idyllic beach is home to lush palm trees, soft sands, and crystal clear blue waters.

Snorkelling in the Maldives
2h

The Maldives offer some of the most amazing snorkelling and marine life viewing opportunities in the world. The shallow islands and plentiful coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. 70 different species of colourful corals make up the flora of this underwater city, with more than 700 species of fish and other marine life making up its fauna. Snorkelling is one of the simplest ways to experience this impressive underwater world.

Free Time
Felidhu Atholhu

Relax on the sundeck, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, go for a swim, have a cocktail, or read a book. Free time is yours to enjoy!

11m (37 ft) Converted Dhoni
Malé

Climb aboard this converted Maldivian fishing boat and float on to the next stop.

Your G for Good Moment: Maldives Plastic Clean Up

Unrecycled plastic in the Maldives is compromising sea life, shorelines, and health for communities. On your trip you will have the opportunity to do a beach clean up to support community environmental initiatives in the country. All plastic collected through our partner is properly recycled and reused to create new materials.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 14South Malé Atoll/Malé

In the morning, make the short crossing to Malé. The tour ends on arrival at Malé International Airport.

Your CEO can offer assistance with any onward travel you may require.

11m (37 ft) Converted Dhoni
Eboodhoofinolhu – Malé International Airport

Climb aboard this converted Maldivian fishing boat and float on to the next stop.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Essential India & Maldives Sailing

| 14 days - Delhi to Malé - from $2999 USD