Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by Christine Kaaloa

 15 day Incredible Rajasthan Adventure
(Golden tour)

Summary

Namaste! Is India on your travel bucketlist?

Rajasthan is an arid region in India, historically known as the home to the ‘Raj’ and royal families. From safari to deserts, temples and royal palaces and forts, there is a diversity to see in Rajasthan. But as a home to artisan and crafts communities who were employed by royal families, there is also a lot of color, arts and vibrancy.

Have tea with a Brahmin family, board a safari to spot a Royal Bengal Tiger and stay in a weaver’s village in mud huts and stroll through one of the most romantic cities in India, visit the Taj Mahal -seventh wonder of the world – and eat tasty Indian food every step of the way!  We’ll take 4×4 jeeps into the Rajasthani desert to have lunch with a local desert family.

We’ll experience a dizzying milieu of both highlights and off-the-beaten-track activities which tourists don’t know about. Our trip will touch many local stories and create positive impact every step of the way! 

Make lasting memories of your travel friends and your host, Christine, but most importantly, find your own travel story on this amazing once-in-a-lifetime trip.

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    Itinerary   |     Things to Know     |     Details    |     FAQ    |   Trip Host     |

Trip Overview

This 15-day Incredible Rajasthan Adventure is a group trip itinerary curated by Christine. It is created for the first-time traveler to India who thrives on a bit of off-the-beaten-path adventure. We will explore not only destinations but stories of Rajasthani people and some of its lesser-known communities that tourists seldom enter.

This itinerary is jam-packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, sightseeing adventures, interactive activities and of course, delicous Indian food.

  • Trip Duration:  15 days, 8 cities
  • Trip Date:  March 12 – 26 , 2023
  • Route:📍 Delhi 📍Agra 📍Ranthambore 📍Bundi 📍 Udaipur 📍Osian  📍 Jodhpur 📍 Varanasi📍 Delhi
  • Number of Spots: 8 guests minimum needed to run this tour; 12 spots max
    Note: Once we have reached our minimum, you will be notified on when you can book your flight.
  • Arrive/Depart at Indira Gandhi International Airport  (DEL – New Delhi)
  • We will stay at 3*-4* hotels and boutique homestays with western-styled toilet

 Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi

Guests arrive into New Delhi and will be picked up by our driver. Our operator is giving us two airport pickups. If you arrive outside of the pickup hours, we can assist you with one of our women-driven taxis at an additional expense.

The rest of the day is available for leisure at the hotel to recover from jetlag. Those who wish to explore the neighborhood on foot can head out and explore the markets and cafes of South Delhi, or take a metro ride.

South Delhi is one of the poshest and most bustling areas of the city and has various markets, cafes, restaurants, and pubs. The area is well connected with other parts of the city through Delhi metro.

We will have a welcome dinner and tour orientation where you will meet your host and tour manager. This is the best time to ask any questions from us and meet your travel crew.

Included: Dinner

Get your stomach and cameras ready! You’ll start your introduction to India’s capital by eating your way through Old Delhi, its bustling markets, and hypnotic temples… you’ll even visit a street of nine colorful Havelis owned by one single family.

We’ll take a battery-operated tuk-tuk to the spice market where you can explore or buy some Indian spices and dry fruits for souvenirs and we continue devouring extraordinary Delhi. You’ll visit a 100-year-old lassi shop and taste fresh biscuits from the oven on the back of a bike!

Then it’s off to see Delhi’s historical highlights such as UNESCO’s Qutub Minar,  the home of Indira Gandhi and you’ll witness a splendid Sikh temple with a kitchen that serves 40,000 meals a day. Finally, you’ll wind down the day at Delhi’s favorite crafts market.

By the evening, you’ll be overdosing on the dizzying delights of Delhi.

Included: Breakfast + 1 main meal

We’ll start our drive from Delhi to Agra early, stopping over at a wildlife rescue center where you’ll get an overview of their rehabilitation and conservation efforts to keep India’s wildlife (such as elephants, bears, leopards and reptiles…) protected and safe.

Then it’s off to the captivating Taj Mahal!  This ivory mausoleum is one is an impressive love letter by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife upon her death and is today, the seventh wonder of the world.  We’ll explore the neighborhood of Tajganj too and taste Indian street food along the way.

In the evening, you’ll visit zardozi artisans of Agra. Zardozi is an art of embroidery with gold wire over women’s clothes. This intricate art is passed on from generation and is part of family traditions.

Drive from Agra to Ranthambore National Park.

There will be a brief stop at one of the oldest and largest step wells in the world and a wonderful photographic spot. It is one of India’s hidden wonders, as the mazelike waterhole is perfectly symmetrical. The stepwell was built to conserve water and was a community gathering place for both, locals and royals.   Next to it is a 9th-10th century temple is dedicated to Harshat Mata, a goddess of joy and happiness for the village.

We arrive in Ranthambore by evening with the rest of the day available at leisure.

Ready to spot a Royal Bengal Tiger? Today we’ll spend a day in Ranthambore National Park with one game drive in the morning. Ranthambore National Park was once a hunting ground for Jaipur Maharajas. Now, it is a wildlife reserve and home to tigers, leopards, and marsh crocodiles. It boasts a large number of Royal Bengal Tigers– let’s hope we spot one! The game drive will be in open jeeps with 4-5 people in each vehicle. Along the way, we’ll also visit Ranthambore Fort.

We also visit a community project to generate alternative livelihood for Tiger poachers. The project trains the community in developing handicrafts that they sell to save the animal. We will take a tour of the campus and learn how this self-sustaining community is making an impact. You also have an opportunity to participate in patchwork embroidery and block printing with the women. We will eat here.

 

Included: Breakfast + one major meal

Drive from Ranthambore National Park and check into our hotel in Bundi by the afternoon.

Bundi is a small town with an old-world charm and it is not often on tourist maps. We’ll explore Bundi Palace with its ‘Chitrashala‘ school of miniature paintings. Bundi palace is a peaceful place to explore at your pace and is not a destination most tourists know about.

In the evening, we will meet an artist family who has specialized in miniature paintings for generations.  Miniature paintings are extremely detailed visual depictions of events and were originally commissioned by the Rajput kings. Many Rajasthan artists learned this craft by forefathers who were commissioned by kings.  You will learn the art of miniature paintings from this artist couple!

Included: Breakfast + one major meal

After a long drive from Bundi, we arrive in Udaipur at night.

Drive from Bundi to Udaipur. Arrive in the evening with the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own.

Optional Lake Pichola boating activity

Included: Breakfast + one major meal

Ready to swoon? Beyond the romantic scenery of lakes and lake palaces, Udaipur city is a bustling city of colors, flavors, and fragrances!

Your day tour starts with the stunning Jagdish Temple, a Udaipur landmark popular with Hindu devotees. Then we’ll wind through colorful flower and vegetable markets -mostly run by ladies- to then, stroll along the ghats lining Lake Pichola, where we’ll observe the daily rituals. Our sightseeing will also include a visit to a traditional Udaipur perfume maker and tasting local street snacks.

In the afternoon you will have time on your own.

In the evening we’ll enjoy a musical night with local singers and dancers.

Meals: Breakfast + one major meal

After our drive to Jodhpur, you’ll check into your heritage homestay, traditional mud hut cottages in a weaving community on the periphery of Jodhpur.  The village is comprised of 45 weaving families whose ancestors used to work for maharajas.

In the evening, you’ll go for a village safari, visiting the houses of potters, shepherds, and the Bishnoi tribal community, where we learn about the different customs and traditional beliefs. The Bishnoi people have strict worship of nature from plant to animal.  Wildlife you may expect to see on this safari are Blackbuck, Antelope, and peacock.

Return to the homestay for a hands-on experience of carpet weaving (from camel, sheep wool and cotton) and cooking with the ladies in the kitchen. You can also opt for henna painting or dressing in local clothes for the evening.

Note: On one of our evenings here, we’ll celebrate the Holi festival with the local family and community.

Included: Breakfast + one major meal

Rajasthan is known to have deserts, so we’re taking a day trip to a lesser-known town with a desert, Osian. Osian was once a major center for Jain traders and a trade route between central Asia and India, so you’ll start with a walking tour of the beautiful medieval temples of the Jain community.

After the temple tour, we go for a desert safari in 4×4 jeeps and have lunch at a house of a desert family. The lunch will be simple vegetarian and as per the daily lifestyle of the family.

Included: Meal and 1 major meal.

Jodhpur is known as the “Blue City” for its indigo and white buildings. Back in the 15th century, locals practiced mixing Indigo with white color which gives the houses their signature blue color. It is most prominent during morning and evening when the sun is not too bright.

Today, we’ll explore the narrow meandering streets and colorful markets of bangles, sweet shops and peaceful temples of Jodhpur. We’ll visit local step-wells tourists don’t know about (shhh!). We’ll see many instagrammable spots along the way! Our tour ends with a visit to a traditional Brahmin home where we will have tea.

You’ll have a few hours of free time to explore Mehrangarh Fort and the surrounding area before we take a flight back to Delhi.

Included: Breakfast + one major meal

Buckle in, this morning you’ll be taking the superfast Indian train from Delhi to Varanasi. Your breakfast will be served onboard as the train zips past the beautiful countryside.

When we arrive in Varanasi, we’ll check into our heritage hotel located on the Ganges River. Spend the evening at leisure exploring the ghats along the Ganges River. We’ll meet up for a beautiful aarti performance that will mesmerize you!

Included: Breakfast

A trip to Varanasi would not be complete without a sailing tour of the Ganges with a storyteller that gives you a stunning experience of the morning rituals at the river. It is a sight to behold as devotees from a pilgrimage to the river bank to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges.  Devotees bring their loved ones who have passed, to be cremated at the burning ghat, with their ashes sprinkled in the river.

Then we’ll do a walking tour of the old city starting from Assi Ghat to Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is a colorful walk of local shops selling sweets, perfume, Indian classical musical instruments, and Indian cigarettes. We will also taste street food and sweets, spiced tea in an earthen pot, and a chaat unique to Varanasi!

This tour ends with a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Included: Breakfast

Morning tour: After breakfast, we check out and head for the historic Sarnath town close to Varanasi. It is an important place for the Buddhist community from across the world and is worth exploring on foot.

Visit the numerous Buddhist Chortens and Stupas, and Japanese and Thai temples in the region.

We take the afternoon train from Varanasi to Delhi and arrive by 9 PM. Dinner will be served onboard the train. Your overnight stay will be in Delhi.

Included: Breakfast

Time flies so fast and finally, it’s time to say goodbye to India, your new travel family, and Christine, with whom you’ve built incredible and everlasting memories. We hope to see you again soon!

Depending upon your flight time, you’ll be taken to the airport by our minivan.

Meals: Breakfast

Things to Know about this India Adventure

Comfortable transportation

Some drives may be over 3 hours so we travel by Force Traveller luxury minibuses. We also are taking flights where the distance is too long.

Sustainable & Responsible

Our trip from activities to lodgings will be helping sustainability programs that support female businesses, village communities, and wildlife rescue.

Intimate & Experiential

To keep our group manageable and intimate, our group is capped at 12 ppl.

Double Occupancy in nice 3*-4* Hotels

Each guest be paired with another guest. Single rooms are available at an extra charge.

English-speaking Guide

Our group is accompanied by a local English-speaking guide and tour manager for your enhanced experience and insight into Indian culture.

WhatsApp (or FB) Group

When our tour begins, we will set up a WhatsApp (or Facebook) group so you can connect with each other

Travel with PAWSitive Impact

For each guest we host, we will donate $1.50 a day to street animal rescue organizations.

What is included?

Inclusions

  1. All accommodations  3* and 4* heritage or boutique hotels.
  2. All breakfast + 12 major meals
  3. All guided activities mentioned in the itinerary include:
    Delhi City and food tour
    Agra City tour
    Udaipur city tour
    Jodhpur city tour
    Food tastings
    Interactive Artisan Experiences
    Cooking experiences
    Ranthambore National Park game drive
    Jeep Desert Safari
    Village Safari
    Varanasi city and food tour

    Sarnath tour
  4. One Domestic flight in economy class.
  5. High-speed train tickets
  6. All overland transportation in a luxury minibus.
  7. Two Airport transfers for arrivals: Guests arriving out these hours may request transportation at an additional fee.
  8. An Airport drop-off time: Guests departing at times outside of these hours may request transportation at an additional fee.
  9.  India GE Taxes.
  10. Tour manager
  11. Expert guides in each city
  12. Entry tickets at monuments
  13. Whatsapp (and/or Facebook) Group to connect before-during-after the trip.

* Notify us if you have a vegetarian/restrictive diet or allergies.

*When the tour is confirmed, we will send hotel details.

Exclusions

  •  International flights to / from India
  •  Trip Insurance is *required*.
  •  India Visa.
  •  Covid vaccination
  •  Pre and post-travel COVID-19 tests for India entry
  •  Airport Transfers Outside of Designated Times
  •  Processing fees of credit/debit cards, overseas bank transfers, or other third-party platforms.
  •  If a client requests separate travel arrangements during the tour.
  •  You will be responsible for some meals. Budget between $20 per meal (it will likely be much less).
  •  Alcoholic beverages
  •  Tips or gratuities

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. While India has medical facilities comparable to the west, we will be in remote areas for part of the time. You may want to make sure your insurance covers things like medivac.

You can also use this recommended trip insurance finder tool  to do your own policy comparison according to your budget.  I use World Nomads for all my international trips which entail adventure activities.

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. While we strive to confirm the mentioned accommodation, we reserve the right to change to an equal or better standard at no extra cost. During Diwali, hotels fill quickly, so booking early is crucial.

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 15 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 minimum group isn’t reached, your deposit will be refunded (minus processing fees). We recommend bank transfers to avoid credit card fees. Please refer to my T&Cs .

 What type of hotels are we staying in?

We aim for 3-4* hotels, including a glamping experience.  Hotels are subject to change, but you’ll be informed of any modifications. We prioritize securing hotel spots early, especially for Diwali. 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:

  1. Deposit: Secure your spot with a deposit.
  2. Greenlight notification: Once the minimum is met (60+ days before the trip), you’ll receive an email to pay the remaining balance.
  3. Final payment deadline: This is due 45-60 days before the trip (depending on when we reach the minimum).
  4. Flexible options: If payment needs splitting, let us know.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, but keep in mind the high processing fees. Bank transfer is recommended for cost savings.

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 team will design a bespoke 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 like Sheroes Cafe, Pink Rickshaws, and Wildlife SOS 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.

These are just a few ways we contribute to positive tourism. Join us in making a meaningful impact!

Why do I see cheaper tour prices online?

This price includes many things other tours offer as “add-ons,” to an itinerary which consists of “free days”. You’ll experience a full spectrum of Rajasthan, India, in nice hotels, with meals, guided activities, a food tour, a glamping safari, and more.

Additionally, you’ll have a tour leader, local guides and myself as your host, photographer to help you get loads of selfies, and pre-trip concierge to ensure a smooth experience.

What if I need to cancel my booking?

Please read our Terms & Conditions in full.

Tour Package Price

USD

How to join this tour:  This is a small group, India can be an unpredictable destination, can pose culture shock for some and there is a bit of driving. I want to ensure you are a good fit for the adventure.

*If interested, let me know why you want to join this adventure. There is a mandatory pre-booking call.

christine kaaloa dog grrrltraveler

PAWSative Impact Promise

 

In my travels to India, one thing always stands out to me as needing help– India’s street dogs. $1.50 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 $1.50 a day to the incredible organizations below. They rescue street dogs from sickness, injury, hit and run cases and work hard to help them find forever homes. The rescue and patch up work I’ve seen them do to get dogs back on their feet is unparalleled.

Tails of Compassion

Dharamsala Animal Rescue

A Word about this Tour from your Host

India is the tapestry of my soul. It’s where my solo female travel journey began, where my first Rajasthan adventure unfolded, and where a seemingly negative experience blossomed into a lifelong love affair. Traveling India solo transformed me, and today, it remains one of my most cherished destinations. That’s why I’m thrilled to share its magic with you!

India’s heart beats with a vibrant pulse. Its rhythm echoes in the smiles of its hospitable people, the aroma of delectable spices, the grandeur of ancient temples and palaces, and the joyous celebrations that paint every corner. But India is also a land of contrasts, a tapestry woven with vibrant colors and weathered threads. Like a wise guru, it teaches you to embrace change, to adapt, to flow with the unexpected.

It was in India that the seed for my first group trip was planted. Planning a trip to India can feel overwhelming. This land, often misunderstood through negative media portrayals, deserved a deeper exploration. Its vastness, diversity, and vibrant everyday life – from colorful altars to steaming prayer offerings, aromatic spices to the warmth of locals – is a celebration of life itself.

I’ve explored India solo countless times, from two-week sprints to three-month journeys. Yet, each time I leave, it feels like I’ve only scratched the surface. Other destinations pale in comparison; India’s thrill and adventure are unmatched.

I’ve traversed its landscapes in every way imaginable (see my guide): Indian trains, rickety buses, luxurious VIP coaches, shared jeeps, tuk-tuks, rickshaws, and even a high school bus hitchhike! Overland travel is my preferred way to experience the country’s soul. My most epic filmed journey, from Sikkim  to Varanasi, involved a mind-boggling 9 modes of transportation in a single day!

Embrace the thrill of India. Let its vibrant colors, like the joyous lights of Diwali, paint your most unforgettable journey. Don’t miss the transformative experiences that await.

GRRR Traveler Community
Hello GRRR Traveler Community!

 

Photo credit:
Jodhpur by Sharvan Savan
Tiger by Pexels/Pixabay