Last Updated on April 20, 2024 by Christine Kaaloa
The India Adventure:
India Trip Details
This classic and off-beat India adventure is for India Beginners, who thrive on creating memorable local experiences, exploring city highlights and off-the-beaten-path gems tourists do not know about. We will experiencing India during its biggest and most celebrated occasions… Diwali, the festival of glittering lights!
- Trip Duration: 12 days
- Trip Date: Oct 27- Nov 7 , 2024
- Route:📍 Delhi 📍Agra 📍Jaipur 📍Bundi 📍 Udaipur 📍 Jawai 📍 Delhi
- 8 guests minimum needed to operate this tour; 14 spots max
Once we have reached our minimum, you will be notified on when you can book your flight.
Hotels: Double Occupancy. Single room upgrades available at an extra cost - Arrival/departure at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL – New Delhi)
Summary
Rajasthan is historically known as the home to the ‘Raj’ and royal families of India. From safari to deserts, temples and royal palaces and forts, there is a diversity to see in Rajasthan. As a home to artisan and crafts communities employed by royal families, there is also a lot of color, arts and vibrancy.
Experience a dizzying milieu of city highlights and off-the-beaten-track gems tourists don’t know about.
- Stroll through a labyrinth market to taste street foods from a century-old shops
- Volunteer at a temple kitchen serving thousands daily.
- Go glamping in a rural desert village, where locals revere and live amongst leopards
- Visit a wildlife conservation to witness elephants up close.
- Explore India’s most romantic city
- Celebrate Diwali tradition with a warm local family, and eat tasty Indian food every step of the way
- BONUS: Christine will share her India travel survival tips along the way for those who wish to gain confidence to travel India on their own in the future.
This incredible journey blends history, wildlife, culture, and local experiences, creating indelible memories. Join us on this epic exploration of India’s rich tapestry, where each day is an unforgettable adventure.
Make lifetime friends on this trip on this truly incredible once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Itinerary | Things to Know | Inclusions & Exclusions | FAQ
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The India Adventure Itinerary
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VIDEO Snippet
Day 1: Delhi
Welcome to India’s capital city- Delhi! After arriving into Delhi airport, you will be whisked up and taken to your hotel.
In the evening, you’ll have a meeting with our local tour leader, where you’ll be briefed on how to navigate India responsibly.
Then enjoy a welcome dinner where you will meet your new travel family, Christine and enjoy the best Indian meal.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Old Delhi’s Hidden Gems
Ready to travel like a local?
We’re taking the metro to Old Delhi where we begin our walking food tour. Visit one of the historical temples constructed in 18th century, with one of the largest kitchens feeging thousands of devotees . Walk down the narrow market alleys of the Chandni Chowk and have a cup of chai from a 100 years old street shop. Soak in the sights and spices of Asia’s largest spice market and watch workers transport mountainous goods on their heads as we have a cup of chai from a 100 year old street shop.
Late afternoon, visit the suburbs of Delhi to enjoy a cooking demonstration and a special dinner with a local Indian family. At the end of the day you’ll be enjoying real Indian flavors that families cook with.
MEALS: Breakfast, Street Food Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Agra Wildlife and Empowerment
Early in the morning, we’ll drop by a wildlife conservation to learn about rescued elephants in India.
Arriving in Agra, we did a fair amount of driving, so the rest of the day is at leisure to explore the neighborhood of Tajganj. At night we’ll meet up for a dinner at a wonderful non-profits program giving female acid attack victims a fresh start.
MEALS: Breakfast, Café dinner
Optional activity: Visit a carpet making workshop. Agra is known for its fine carpets in all of India.
Day 4: Taj Mahal at Sunrise and Jaipur’s Pink City
Rise and shine! Today you’ll witness the Taj Mahal bathed in golden morning light. We have to get up a little earlier for this but it will be worth it!
Next up, we’re in Jaipur in the afternoon. Jaipur is one of the top cities to celebrate Diwali festivities. Today is Choti Diwali.
You’ll visit Patrika Gate (a famous Instagram spot). Then hop on a pink rickshaws driven by women and soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and energetic buzz preparing for Diwali. The female driven rickshaw is a unique initiative, which aims to provide employment opportunity to 200 women in Jaipur. Passing through busy market lanes you’ll see the Diwali lights a glow, the lighted up Albert Hall Museum and finally stop to enjoy chai .
For centuries, the Jaipur has been celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship and today, you’ll learn about block printing. There will be leisure time for shopping and to buy a sari or kurta for our big Diwali celebration.
Tonight is dinner on your own to enjoy Jaipur on your own or with your new travel family.
Optional activity: Enjoy a special Bollywood movie at one of the most popular and historical movie theaters.
MEALS Breakfast, lunch
Day 5: Happy Diwali! Jaipur’s Majestic Forts & Floating Palace
Jaipur is one of India’s most famous cities, renowned for its stunning Rajput architecture and vibrant culture.
You’ll do a photo stop at Jal Mahal and then visit the beautiful Amer Fort (aka Amber Palace). Built in red sandstone and marble, this historical fort holds influences from both, Hindu and Muslim architecture. Although it looks old and weathered from the outside, its interior will amaze you.
Tonight we’re having dinner and celebrating Diwali with a local family. Festival lights are aglow, patakas (aka fireworks) are being played and we’ll have a chance to light our own candles as we welcome in prosperity.
MEALS: Breakfast, dinner
Optional activity: Do an early morning balloon ride and soar over Jaipur city to see forts and villages below. A once-in-a-lifetime experience. (This is booked upon arrival)
Day 6: Bundi – A Hidden Gem
Bundi is one of the charming hidden gems of Rajasthan and is often overlooked by travelers. Do an orientation walk with a local around town, visiting its fort and stepwell. After the walk, feel like Indiana Jones, excavating this hidden jewel on your own. It is filled with the charming character of busy markets, winding lanes and colorful facades.
MEALS: Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Udaipur – The Venice of India
Udaipur welcomes you with its friendly vibe, serene lakes, palaces and cultural arts. Udaipur is one of my favorite Rajasthani cities! Stroll along the ghats and markets, taste street food and sip the best lassi of the old city from a vendor that serves it in a clay cup!
In the evening, we’ll visit a fun cultural folk program! It’s a bit of a variety show put on by a local troupe and it’s simply adorable. Maybe we’ll spot one of the neighborhoods’ many large monkeys- they’re so large, they’re practically the size of children.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Optional: Palm reading by an expert
Day 8: Udaipur – City Palace, Lake boat ride and Miniature Painting
The magnificent and historical City Palace is a key jewel of Udaipur and a must! The royal family still lives in part of it.
Delve into the detailed world of miniature painting, an old art in Rajasthan and which Udaipur is known for. Witness the fusion of Mughal and Rajput art as we walk the old city, visiting the beautiful Jagdeesh temple. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Pichola to see why they call it India’s Venice.
The morning was packed with experiences. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the vibe of Udaipur’s old city, explore the markets, taste the street foods and shop to your heart’s content.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Optional: Evening Cooking class with a local
Day 9: Jawai Bandh – Rural Villages & Glamping
Situated in western Rajasthan, Jawai Bandh’s rural terrain features scattered boulders, craggy caves, and grassy expanses, all divided by a meandering river and sand beds. It’s like an alien landscape. Jawai has gained fame for its leopards – the leopards like to reside in those craggy caves- this land attract a diverse range of birds found in open wetlands. Villagers here have a unique connection to the leopards, and consider them as their guardian angels.
Tonight we will be glamping under the stars and enjoying a dinner cooked by the local ladies freshly picked from the farms.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Jawai Bandh- Wildlife & Leopard Safari and the Indian sleeper train
Let’s go on a safari! After breakfast, we will be going for a village walk to observe the distinct life of villagers in Jawai.
Hop aboard our 4×4 jeeps for a safari, exploring the rocky, alien landscape, maybe we’ll see crocodiles and if we’re lucky we’ll see a spotted leopard! Due to the nature of ethical wildlife safaris in this rural region, a leopard spotting is never guaranteed. But I’ve been told it is likely.
Enjoy high tea at the sunset and sip our last peaceful note of escape into this remote beauty.
After dinner, we will be hopping aboard our next adventure– the overnight train back to Delhi! It is a local experience that is a must if you’re going to say you traveled India!
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Delhi City highlights
Arriving in Delhi, we’ll explore more of Delhi’s both historical and modern gems. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Humayun Tomb and the colorful mural art streets of Delhi.
Then we’re off to Connaught place market, a huge outdoor shopping area where you can shop cheap cha-chas from hawker stands, try your hand at paan or slurp on a kulfi.
Tonight is our last dinner as a travel squad.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 12: Delhi Goodbye
With a heart full of everlasting memories, it’s finally time to say goodbye to India.
Guests will be dropped at the airport unless you wish to extend your stay in India. I hope to see you again soon!
Meals: Breakfast
Value Highlights: Unpacking your India Adventure
Our Value Mission
This GRRRLTRAVELER adventure package is a full package of “experiences” and guided activities, a female tour leader and Diwali celebration. This is a special group trip designed by GRRRLTRAVELER in partnership with a female-owned local tour business, who is an expert in sustainable and responsible tourism in India. We aim towards a well balanced itinerary of historical and off-beat sightseeing, responsible and sustainable experiences and interactions that support local communities and ethical wildlife enjoyment.
I want you to experience a rich tapestry of authentic travel, boutique comforts and exciting off-the-beaten path fun. Be prepared for a truly sensory-rich experience!
What is included?
Inclusions
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- 3*-4*Boutique Accommodations (Double occupancy)
- Glamping experience
- All meals included are as mentioned in itinerary
- Food tour/tastings
- Entry fees to the monuments
- Guided city/village walks, activity/location and event fees mentioned on our itinerary
- Transportation throughout the itinerary using private & spacious van bus, metro, train, boat, rickshaw, domestic travel
- Diwali celebration with a local family
- India GE Taxes
- Female Tour leader
- Local & monument guides
- Whatsapp and Facebook Group.
- Pre-Trip Group Zoom call & Assistance
- Photography help
Notify us if you have a vegetarian/restrictive diet or allergies. Hindu culture is vegetarian so vegetarian meals will not be a problem.
*When the tour is confirmed as reaching it’s minimum operation, we will send hotel details. The sooner we can secure our minimum, we can secure our first pick hotels!
Exclusions
- International flights to and from India
- Trip Insurance is *mandatory*.
- Indian Tourist Visa
- Passport fees
- Covid vaccinations
- Pre and post-travel COVID-19 tests for India entry (if required)
- Pre and post trip accommodations
- Airport Transfers Outside of Designated Times
- Processing fee of credit/debit cards, overseas bank transfers, or other third-party platforms.
- If traveler requests separate or upgrade travel arrangements during the tour.
- Changes in the itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control or the act of God.
- You will be responsible for some meals in areas where you have options and I think you will want to explore. Budget between $10 per meal (although it will likely be less).
- Alcoholic beverages and additional soft drinks and water
- Personal purchases and incidentals at hotels
- Optional activities range from free to inexpensive, with the exception of the hot air balloon ride. You pay directly to the local vendors in rupees.
- $80 per person expense will be collected for the “tipping kitty” at the start of the trip in rupee. This reduces the stress of gratuities for service workers (ie. bellboys, waitstaff, guides, etc). Our tour leader will be in charge of dispensing tips on the group’s behalf. Gratuities for driver and tour leader are not included in this!
Requirements
Once this trip is greenlit, travelers will need to meet these requirements
Trip insurance for these tour dates.
Trip Insurance is REQUIRED on all tours and must cover all the tour dates. Without it, you cannot join our tour. Travel is unpredictable and there may be times we are further from medical facitilies. We highly recommend your insurance cover trip and flight cancellations, delays, medical and emergency coverage, as well as quarantine in the case of COVID.
You are welcome to use your preferred travel insurance company, but it should cover India and the activities on our agenda. I use World Nomads on all my travels as it covers gear protection too.
Read my blog about trip insurance for U.S. travelers.
Vaccination against COVID
All guests are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID. As bureaucracy can be tricky in India, we want all guests to meet with the least COVID-19 restrictions and obstacles. We will also be entering into villages/tribal communities with limited infrastructure. You will need to upload a copy of your vaccination records.
For any other inoculations, please consult your travel doctor.
India Tourist Visa
International travelers are required to get an India Tourist Visa. An India e-Visa can be gotten online through the government website (here is my guide on applying for an Indian tourist visa). Christine will make sure to cover it in our Facebook Group
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Are you a good fit for this trip?
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Traveling India isn’t for everyone. It can also stretch comfort zones for those new to developing countries. India’s ancient soul thrives on its own rhythm, sometimes slower than Western clocks, and it asks for a spirit of adaptability.
This isn’t just a trip; it’s an adventure for open hearts and minds. We welcome travelers who:
✅ Embrace cultural differences: You understand that infrastructure may differ from home, and embrace this as part of the experience.
✅ Roll with the punches: Travel, like weather, can be unpredictable. We adapt plans as needed, prioritizing safety and maximizing exploration.
✅ Embrace the unexpected: Hot water may be a rare treat in some areas, and we may experience power outages. Mobile and WiFi might be intermittent or close to non-existent in some areas.
✅ Respect local customs: Our hotels offer Western-style bathrooms with occasional variations, like pour-flush toilets or hand-held bidets. On our road trip, you might encounter the iconic squat toilet (fear not, ladies! My Squat Toilet Tips are here to help here and here).
✅ Mindful gastronomy: Food is prepared with local love and we have local experts to guide us, but hygiene standards may still vary. Drinking tap water is not advisable and experiencing an upset stomachs are a travel possibility.
✅ Cultivate a respectful spirit: Treating everyone – staff, workers, and fellow travelers – with respect fosters a joyful, inclusive atmosphere. We embrace diversity and forge friendships through shared experiences. Therefore, we have a strict zero-tolerance policy for harassment or disrespectful behavior.
Who would not be a good fit
This isn’t a “white glove” luxury experience, nor is it a budget backpacking adventure. We’ll stay in well-chosen, charming boutique hotels, enjoying comfortable adventures with a healthy dose of walking. If you demand personalized service, love to complain, or find fault in every detail, this might not be the perfect fit. Larger tour companies might cater better to your needs whereas this is a small group trip.
We are spending much time together, so we seek flexible travelers who value collaboration and inclusivity. We’re a family on this journey, and everyone deserves to feel welcome and respected.
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Trip Price
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* I pair you with a traveler of the same sex. Private rooms available at an extra cost.
How to join this tour:
This is a small group, India can be an unpredictable destination, and pose culture shock for some travelers.
I want to ensure you are a good fit for the adventure. Please fill out my Interest Form first to let me know more about you.
$3,100 USD Shared Room
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What Travelers Had to Say…
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Frequently Asked Questions
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This adventure tour need not be only solo travelers.
No, friends and partners are welcome! Just let us know if you’d like to room together. This is a small group tour for like-minded travelers who enjoy exploring with a creator and meeting others.
Do I book my own flights?
Yes, you’re responsible for booking flights to and from the tour start/end points. You can arrive/depart earlier/later at your own expense. Here are my booking hacks for finding cheap fares
I reserved my spot. Should I book my flight now?
Once we reach the minimum group size (45 days before the tour), I’ll notify everyone to proceed with flight bookings.
Is India safe?
As a solo traveler myself, I understand safety concerns. This is why we partner with a local female-owned operator in Delhi specializing in responsible tourism. While I can’t control your independent activities, I wouldn’t lead this trip if I didn’t feel safe. Travel is unpredictable, so trip insurance is mandatory. Check your government website for travel updates.
Do I need to get trip insurance?
1000% Yes! Without it, you cannot join this adventure. Your trip insurance must cover all the trip dates and you will be asked to show proof and your policy number. Your insurance policy must cover India. If you’re uncertain, then ask your insurance provider.
I recommend you get trip insurance that covers trip/ flight cancellations, delays, medical and emergency coverage, as well as quarantine/cancellation in the case of COVID. You can also use this recommended trip insurance finder tool to do your own policy comparison according to your budget.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes, if the tour is sold out. Spots are filled in the order they’re received, and released 45 days before the tour if unpaid.
Do I have to share a room?
The price is based on double occupancy, but single rooms are available for an extra fee. We’ll try to pair you with someone of the same gender.
During Diwali, hotels fill quickly, so booking early is crucial. While we strive to confirm the mentioned accommodation, we reserve the right to change to an equal or better standard at no extra cost.
Can I stay in India longer (after the tour)?
Yes! Our partner can help arrange post-tour travel for an extra fee. You’ll also have a Facebook group to connect with fellow travelers beforehand.
Is my deposit non-refundable?
Deposits are refundable for the first 30 days, but non-refundable after. The reason for this is that booking secures your spot, incurring costs like processing fees, vendor payments, and administrative fees.
However, if the group minimum to operate isn’t reached, your deposit will be refunded (minus processing fees). We recommend ACH bank-to-bank transfers to avoid credit card fees. Please refer to my T&Cs .
What type of hotels are we staying in?
I’ve aimed for 3*~3.5* boutique hotels with a preference for the occasional family-owned, comfortable, clean and sustainable tourism. This includes our glamping experience. We are in India, pipes can be old and we may be subject to occasional lukewarm water. Being that we are traveling during Diwali, hotels are subject to change, but you’ll be informed of any modifications. You’ll receive full details upon final payment.
Will there be downtime on this tour?
Yes, we’ve planned leisure time and opportunities for independent exploration alongside shared experiences.
Do I need a Indian Tourist Visa?
Yes. You will need this before you board the plane to India. You cannot fly without it. However, if you get the Indian evisa this is relatively quick. Visa Fee depends upon your country.
How to make payments?
This adventure trip has specific payment requirements due to its proximity. Payments are split into two installments: a deposit to secure your spot and a final payment for the balance. Missing the final payment deadline may result in your place being canceled.
While we strive to reach the minimum guest requirement, here’s our payment structure:
- Deposit: Secure your spot with a deposit.
- Greenlight notification: Once the minimum is met (60+ days before the trip), you’ll receive an email to pay the remaining balance.
- Final payment deadline: This is due 45-60 days before the trip (depending on when we reach the minimum).
- Flexible options: If payment needs splitting, let us know.
When will we be notified if the adventure will go through?
We’ll notify everyone as soon as we reach the minimum guest requirement, at least 45-60 days before the trip start.
What happens if the tour minimum guest requirement isn’t met?
We offer a “Solo Traveler Option” for a smaller group minimum at a reduced fare. This provides an alternative for travelers committed to visiting India during this timeframe. The tour would run under my itinerary with my tour leader and operator, but without me.
- This option requires selection during booking.
- It’s suitable for those seeking security and expertise from a reputable operator. I’ve personally vetted this company for its Western client experience.
- This option is only available for tours designed to operate with or without me. For customizable tours, inquire about individual options.
Can I customize this tour as a private tour?
Absolutely! The itinerary is adaptable for private groups. To explore options and pricing, complete the initial questionnaire form and indicate your interest. Our local team will design a itinerary based on your preferences and dates. Please note additional fees and availability limitations may apply.
Special diets
Yes, please inform us during booking. Our tour manager and local experts will be informed and assist with finding suitable restaurants and substitutions. Check out my blog post on Indian Food and Food Safety. Although our tour leader and food tour guide will lead us to safe food experiences, hygiene in India is iffy.
How does this adventure trip make a positive impact?
We prioritize supporting programs that positively impact India and sustainable tourism. Here’s how:
- Female-owned and operated: We partner with a female-owned operator and have a female tour leader for a nurturing experience and alignment with causes important to GRRRLTRAVELER.
- Sustainable & community practices: We scrutinize activities, vendors, and their responsibility. For rural visits, safaris, and glamping, we’ve chosen a locally-owned business that employs the community.
- Supporting NGOs: We’ll visit empowering NGOs to raise awareness about women’s empowerment and animal welfare.
- Authentic experiences: We introduce you to artisans, performances, and craft workshops, thoroughly researched for high quality and authenticity. Any shopping directly supports the communities we visit.
- PAWSitive Impact Promise: GRRRLTRAVELER will donate $2 per day from each guest to Tails of Compassion, a handicapped and senior dog sanctuary in Delhi.
What if I need to cancel my booking?
Please read our Terms & Conditions in full.
Go inside my experience at this sanctuary
PAWS-itive Impact Promise
In my travels to India, one thing always stands out to me as needing help– India’s street dogs. Two dollars a day isn’t much but with enough travelers and days, it adds up and it makes a difference to rescue organizations! For each guest, I will donate $2/day to the incredible organization below.
Tails of Compassion; Delhi, India
Tails of Compassion is a sanctuary for handicapped and senior dogs. Their sanctuary space, continued care and intake is reliant upon public donations. Due to their handicaps, these dogs require much ongoing care, patience and maintenance. I visited this organization in September 2023. The staff provides selfless care to the dogs and the organization goes out of their way to provide fun and care for them. Each dog is an inspiring example of how we should not let limitations stand in our way of living our best life.
Follow Tails of Compassion on Facebook or Instagram for daily inspiration! Donate and visit them on your next trip.
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Travel with Me to India
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Planning a trip to India can feel overwhelming. India is large, public transportation can feel intimidating, hotels do not always represent the same as you see in photos. Additionally, India is often misunderstood through negative media portrayals. Read things to know about India
I’ve explored India solo countless times, from two-week sprints to three-month journeys. One of my favorite epic journeys was a trip from Sikkim to Varanasi in a day, involving nine modes of transportation in a single day!
Traveling India solo transformed me, and today, it remains one of my most cherished destinations. I’d be honored to share its magic with you!
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Plexels Photo credit:
Rajasthani women by Varun Gaba
Diwali lights by Ravi Roshan
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