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Northern India & Rajasthan to Goa by Rail
20 days, Delhi to Goa
Itinerary Notes
Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 10, 2020 or March 29, 2021 for the nation’s most colourful festival.
Itinerary
Day 1Delhi
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included through the G Adventures-supported Women on Wheels project.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
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
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 Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Kitchen with a Cause
Hungry? Visit Delhi’s Kitchen with a Cause before or after your tour for a delicious meal that gives something back to the local community. It is more than a bustling restaurant – it’s a product of the G Values Fund* filled with mouth-watering action. Dishes are prepared by talented chefs who celebrate the deep, traditional flavours prevalent in Indian cuisine. The restaurant provides further career and training opportunities to young adults who are graduates from the G Adventures-supported City Walk project, an organization that aids local disadvantaged youth. Here, the cost of your meal gets you so much more than just a full stomach.
Visit the Kitchen with a Cause at 15A/64, WEA, Kroi Bagh, Delhi, India.
*The G Values Fund is a microloan program instituted by G Adventures that helps former Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) establish self-sustaining businesses.
Day 2Delhi/Amritsar
Enjoy a youth-led walk through Delhi with G Adventures-supported project, City Walk. Continue on, travelling to Amritsar by the Shatabdi Express train, with dinner served on board.
Embark on a youth-led city tour of Delhi with G Adventures-supported project, City Walk. Get a unique perspective of the city while supporting at-risk youth and learning about the work of local nonprofit Salaam Baalak Trust. In the afternoon catch the Shatabdi Express to Amritsar.
Your G for Good Moment: City Walk
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.
Train
Train cars offer rows of 3 and 3 reclining seats for the evening ride.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 3Amritsar
Visit the Golden Temple before witnessing the formal India-Pakistan Wagah border ceremony in the evening. Sit in the grandstands and cheer for India as the bystanders wave flags and soldiers march back and forth.
Amritsar, meaning "Pool of the Nectar of Immortality," is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh Religion. Learn more about Sikhs on our visit to Harimandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, the most sacred shrine in Sikhism.
As Amritsar sits right on the Pakistan-India border, we offer an optional trip to the border post to watch the formal flag ceremony, which is sure to be one of the highlights of the trip.
Golden Temple Visit
Enjoy a visit to this gorgeous temple, the most sacred shrine in the Sikh religion. Sitting in the center of a sacred lake, and accessible by a marble causeway, it is absolutely stunning. Watch the nightly ritual of moving the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book) from the temple to the neighboring Akal Takht building in a gold palki (palanquin) preceded by the spectacular fanfare of religious leaders blowing long horns or beating drums. As the procession moves, people chanting wait for their chance to shoulder the sacred palki.
The Golden Temple kitchen serves a free meal called a "langar" to more than 40,000 visitors daily, and no matter how old or young, whether rich or poor, everyone eats together while sitting on the floor.
Wagah Border Ceremony
Every evening, hundreds of people gather to watch the famous parade and the ceremonial lowering of their national flags by the Indian and Pakistani armies at sunset. Witness this event in the stands and cheer on as the two countries showcase their cooperation.
Day 4Amritsar/Dharamshala
Take an orientation walk around McLeod Ganj, the famous seat of the Tibetan government in exile and current home to the Dalai Lama. Opt for a tour of the Norbulingka Institute, set amongst beautiful gardens, dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture.
Travel along Himalayan mountain roads to the famous seat of the home of the Dalai Lama. "Dharamshala" translates to "a spiritual dwelling" or loosely, shelter or rest house for pilgrims and travellers. It is a beautiful former British hill station situated in the snow-capped mountains of Himachal Pradesh, in the foothills of the Dhauladar ranges. The city is divided into lower and upper Dharamshala according to the altitude. A popular pilgrimage site, the town is filled with temples, markets, galleries and gathering places.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Norbulingka Institute Visit
Explore a treasure trove of Tibetan culture in exile at the Norbulingka Institute. Many books, precious statues, and monasteries in Tibet were destroyed following the Chinese invasion in 1950, making the Norbulingka Institute one of the best places to learn about Tibetan culture and art anywhere in the world.
Day 5Dharamshala
Enjoy free time to explore Dharamsala.
There are lots of ways to spend free time in this charming place. Visit the Kangra Art Museum in the Kotwali bazaar, or take in a performance of the Tibetan folk opera 'Lhamo' at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts.
Opt to visit Norbulingka. Set amidst beautiful gardens, surrounded by the green fields of the Kangra Valley, the Norbulingka Institute stands against a backdrop of the towering Dhauladhar mountains of the outer Himalayan range.
Free Time
Get out and explore this charming place. Visit a museum, bargain in a bazaar, or learn more about Tibetan culture.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Kangra Art Museum Visit
This hidden gem of a museum in Kotwali bazaar boasts a collection of artifacts dating back to 5th century, which display the rich past of the Kangra Valley. It includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature paintings, sculptures, pottery, and anthropological items.
Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts Show
Take in a performance of "Lhamo," a colourful and unique folk opera from Tibet, at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. It's well worth it.
Norbulingka Institute Visit
Explore a treasure trove of Tibetan culture in exile at the Norbulingka Institute. Many books, precious statues, and monasteries in Tibet were destroyed following the Chinese invasion in 1950, making the Norbulingka Institute one of the best places to learn about Tibetan culture and art anywhere in the world.
Day 6Dharamshala/Shimla
Enjoy a long drive to the charming town of Shimla, high in the beautiful Himalayas.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 7Shimla
Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk on The Ridge and The Mall (local hangouts) and explore this summer capital of British India. Opt to visit the Viceregal Lodge or admire the neo-Gothic or Tudorbethan architecture of the heritage buildings.
The Ridge and The Mall Orientation Walk
Every orientation walk will take a slightly different route to allow our CEOs to show off their favourite spots in this cool, comfortable, and charming town. Visit the Ridge and the Mall neighbourhoods and learn about everyday life in Shimla.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Viceregal Lodge (Rashtrapati Niwas) Visit
50INR per personEnjoy a visit to this former residence of the British Viceroy of India and learn about the reign of the British Raj in India. The Viceregal Lodge houses a collection of articles and photographs dating back to the time of British rule.
Day 8Shimla/Delhi
Take the World Heritage-listed toy train from Shimla to Kalka. Switch to the Shatabdi Express for the rest of the journey back to Delhi, with dinner included on board.
Take the World Heritage-listed toy train from Shimla to Kalka. Over the course of 3 hrs, the train winds through tunnels as you head out of the mountains of Shimla.
Toy Train
Climb aboard and grab a seat aboard this charming narrow-gauge train.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 9Delhi
Enjoy a free day in Delhi.
Free Time
Head out and explore this lively capital city.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.
Day 10Delhi/Āgra
Take the Shatabdi Express train to Agra, with breakfast served on board. Enjoy a guided tour of the impressive Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Time permitting, opt to visit the Baby Taj.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Taj Mahal Guided Tour
Here's one to cross off your bucket list: a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Take a guided tour of India's most famous landmark and an icon of Mughal architecture. Built by the emperor Shah Jahan as a testament of his love to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this stunning white marble structure draws visitors from all over the world.
Agra Fort Guided Tour
Enjoy a guided tour of this palatial Mughal fort made of red sandstone and white marble. One of the most important battles of the Indian rebellion of 1857 happened at this fort, which caused the end of the British East India Company's rule in India.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Baby Taj Visit
310INR per personVisit 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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Āgra/Jaipur
Hop on a Shatabdi Express train in the evening to Jaipur.
Free Time
Get out and see more of this historic city filled with architectural marvels.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Day 12Jaipur
Take an orientation walk around town. Take a photo of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and visit the Amber Fort. Walk around the Old City and markets and opt to visit the City Palace. With free time, choose to visit local artisans in a nearby village, wander the Jantar Mantar, or check out a Bollywood film at the spectacular Art Deco film house, the Raj Mandir.
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.
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 Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Movie at Raj Mandir
200-400INR per personVisit this spectacular cinema and watch a song-and-dance Bollywood film.
Jantar Mantar Visit
202INR per personVisit the Jantar Mantar observatory for a guided tour and explore the collection of astronomical instruments housed there, some dating back to 1727.
Day 13Jaipur
Enjoy free time to explore Jaipur before boarding an overnight train to Udaipur.
Free Time
See more of this Rajasthani city.
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.
Day 14Udaipur
Enjoy an orientation walk, including a visit to the Jagdish Temple and the City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India. Attend a Rajasthani cultural show on Gangaur Ghat.
Udaipur Orientation Walk
Go on a guided orientation walk and get to know local markets and key places.
Jagdish Temple Visit
Visit the intricately-carved Jagdish Temple, which pays homage to Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation. Make sure to take a peek at the black stoned image of Vishnu that's housed inside the shrine.
City Palace Visit
Visit Rajasthan's largest palace to get a sense of how royalty lived. Take in the view from one of its many intricately-decorated balconies, with one side facing the stunning Lake Palace.
Rajasthani Cultural Show
Enjoy an evening cultural show that includes traditional music and dancing from the state of Rajasthan.
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Cooking Class
Refine your culinary skills with an optional cooking class. Discover the secrets of the delicious local cuisine.
Monsoon Palace Visit
505INR per personHop in an auto rickshaw and head outside of Udaipur to the stunning Monsoon Palace, perched high above town. Enjoy sweeping views of the city and surrounding lakes and countryside. Consider visiting at sunset for an unforgettable view.
Day 15Udaipur
Enjoy a free day in Udaipur.
With free time in Udaipur, opt to check out the many beautiful lakes, take a boat ride, visit the Monsoon Palace for some excellent views, or take an Indian cooking class.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Udaipur, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting the Monsoon Palace, learning about Rajasthani cuisine with a cooking class, and visiting the Saheliyon-ki-Bari Garden. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 15 HideShow
Cooking Class
Refine your culinary skills with an optional cooking class. Discover the secrets of the delicious local cuisine.
Monsoon Palace Visit
505INR per personHop in an auto rickshaw and head outside of Udaipur to the stunning Monsoon Palace, perched high above town. Enjoy sweeping views of the city and surrounding lakes and countryside. Consider visiting at sunset for an unforgettable view.
Day 16Udaipur/Būndi
Take a train to Bundi to explore the fort and stepwells.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Bundi Fort and Stepwells Visit
Bundi is well-known for its ornate forts and stepwells. The fort was constructed in AD 1354 and overlooks the city, making it a popular lookout point for visitors. The stepwell here is intricately carved and over 45m (148ft) deep. Built in 1699, it is one of the largest stepwells in Rajasthan.
Day 17Būndi
Explore Bundi with some free time before an overnight trip on the Mumbai Rajdhani Express train, with dinner on board.
Free Time
Get outside and discover more of Bundi.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
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.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 18Mumbai
Arrive in the morning in bustling Mumbai, home to 20 million people. Take a walking tour of the Colaba area and see the Gateway of India.
Colaba Walking Tour
Walk through the charming Colaba neighbourhood of Mumbai, visiting some highlights along the way. Enjoy the architecturally splendid Gateway of India, magnificent colonial buildings, charming cafes, and high-end boutiques.
Gateway of India Visit
Enjoy a visit architecturally splendid arch, popular with tourists from India and around the world, was built during the British rule and offers amazing views of the Arabian Sea, with boats bobbing in the water close to it.
Free Time
Explore the cafes and charming colonial architecture in this sprawling city.
Day 19Mumbai/Goa
Catch a morning flight to beautiful Goa. Spend free time relaxing on the beach or exploring the city's monuments.
Opt to visit the many Portuguese-built monuments, wander around the churches of Old Goa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), or discover Panjim, the capital of the state. Don't forget to indulge in Goan cuisine.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Free Time
Don't waste a minute -- start exploring this charming piece of paradise.
Optional Activities - Day 19 HideShow
Goa Beach Visit
FreeRelax on some soft, white sand -- Goa's beaches are famous the world over for good reason. Hydrate with a smoothie or fresh coconut water.
Old Goa Visit
1600INR per groupExplore the rich history and impressive architecture of Old Goa, the former colonial capital of the state. The convents and churches are stunning, and the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which contains the relics of St Francis Xavier.
Panjim Visit
Walk through the Latin Quarter or by the river of this charming capital city. Take a short boat ride, visit a casino, or just relax and take in the chilled out vibe. Don't forget to eat some delicious Goan food, but watch out -- it can be spicy.
Day 20Goa
Depart at any time.