19 Day India Varanasi Adventure
Women Only
Max group 12
Lifetime Deposit
Solo traveller friendly
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
BIG CAT ENERGY:
Hop in and hold on tight! You’re searching for tigers in Ranthambore National Park. Jungle cruising in an open-air jeep – the best seats in the house – to spot these creatures in all their wild wonderfulness. Your camera is about to get a serious workout!
PATCHIE POWER!
Travelling solo? Not anymore! With your crew of 11 fearless Patchies, you’ll laugh until you cry, swap wild stories and create a bond that’s tighter than your yoga pants after another Indian feast. These ladies are your ride-or-die squad for the next 19 days.
TAJ AT DAWN:
Catch the Taj Mahal at the crack of dawn when it’s at its best: no crowds, just you, the morning mist and one of the world’s most mind-boggling sights. Early birds really do catch the worm…
NO FILTER NEEDED!
This is India in all its unfiltered realness – wild, wonderful and downright unforgettable. We know that India isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for it… one big, beautiful, messy adventure is waiting for you!
EAT YOUR HEART OUT:
Get ready for a flavour bonanza! From chowing down on street food that’ll knock your socks off to feasting like royalty on secret family recipes, this trip is one never-ending love letter to Indian food. Warning: you’ll be begging for seconds… and maybe even fourths!
Trip Details
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Missed out on a trip? Let us know and we’ll be in touch about future dates!
Pricing Details
- $1,650 deposit.
- 2-week cooling-off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available (max 4 spots) for those who would like to pay extra for their own private room.
- Tip Kitty: $79 AUD
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
19 days, 18 nights
Meeting point
Suryaa Hotel, New Delhi, India
Ending point
Suryaa Hotel, New Delhi, India
Group size
Maximum 12
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section under the Participation Tab.
Included
- Meals: 18 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners, 1 high tea
- Boutique accommodation
- Leader/guides: 1 top-rated English-speaking tour leader throughout
- Transport: small air-conditioned bus, 2 x internal flights, 1 x train
- Entrance/admission: fees, where applicable, with included activities
- 20kg checked bag (1 piece) for domestic flights
Note: Flight details are needed 60 days in advance.
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Any visas required
- Late check-out at hotels
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Tip kitty. Note: as Aussies and Kiwis, we are not used to tipping! However, guide, driver, restaurant and hotel staff tipping is customary for tours in India.
- Personal expenditure
Our Accommodation
India is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we’re going for accommodation with comfort and character. A mix of 3-4 star hotels, with some highlights along the way.
Click the tabs to find out more
Day 1: DELHI
Welcome to India! After receiving a warm welcome at the airport, we’ll gather in the evening and start our adventure straight away with a welcome dinner at one of our favourites. You’ll see a lot on this trip, and this restaurant gives us the chance to ease in and get to know each other in a relaxed environment.
Accommodation: The Suryaa Hotel (or similar)
Included: Dinner
DAY 2: DELHI
You’ll get right into it today with a visit to one of New Delhi’s most famous sights: Jama Masjid – India’s largest mosque, which stands across the road.
Following lunch, the fun really begins with a visit to one of the oldest markets: Chandni Chowk. Chaotic & authentic, the narrow lanes have kept the traditional workmanship alive which makes Delhi famous.
Later you’ll go by rickshaw to visit Khari Baoli – Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. It’s full of interesting smells and people.
We finish the day with an Indian high tea and kite-flying experience at the magnificently restored Haveli Dharampura.
Accommodation: The Suryaa Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, High Tea
DAY 3: THE AMBER FORT
The adventure leaves Delhi today as you head towards the ancient Pink City, Jaipur. It’s a 5-hour drive in your air-conditioned vehicle. Your group will set off early because there’s a lunch reservation to reach in a decadent restaurant, serving dishes from recipes passed down for generations through royal families.
Later, head out of town to Amber. The ancient town is incredible – not only has it been around for a thousand years, it’s also home to one of Rajasthan’s most treasured monuments – the 17th century Amber Fort. Rising from the ground high on the hill above the town, it will certainly leave an impressionable imprint in your mind!
Accommodation: Shahpura House (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 4: JAIPUR
Just outside Jaipur lies a small village where you’ll have the opportunity to meet local Rajasthani women who are dedicated to keeping traditional weaving techniques alive.
The setting is humble and welcoming – those looking for tourist traps won’t find one here! You’ll have ample time to meet the villagers and can have a go at weaving yourself.
You can also buy a rug to take home to treasure this memory (recommended to bring $50 – $150 AUD).
You will enjoy a traditional Rajasthani lunch prepared by your talented hosts. Take as much time as you like to get to know each other; there’s no pressure to rush back.
A beautiful rooftop dinner awaits you to finish the day.
Accommodation: Shahpura House (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 5: JODHPUR
Our next stop is the blue-hued city of Jodhpur – a 6-hour drive away. Lose yourself in the changing scenes outside your window as your vehicle ventures deeper into desert country, or even take a cheeky nap if you’re that way inclined!
Check into your hotel in the afternoon and the rest of the day is up to you. Keep your shoes on and go explore the local area. Or kick them off and relax – there’s a swimming pool to cool off in and a small selection of inhouse spa services too. Stomach a bit growly? Dinner tonight is at your guide’s favourite local rooftop restaurant – the one with the views!
Accommodation: Mandore Guest House (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 6: JODHPUR
This morning, get up close to the famous Mehrangarh Fort – imposing, regal and majestic. Inside, you’ll uncover the magical, hand-chiselled patterns of local artisans from centuries earlier, from palaces to courtyards, to sculptures. Soak it all in.
Before dinner, stroll around the regenerative Mharo Khet farm and find yourself ‘wowing’ at all the produce here, as you remind yourself that this is actually a desert. We wouldn’t bring you here to miss out on the dining part of the experience, so strap yourself in for a multicourse tasting of the delights you were viewing only moments earlier.
Accommodation: Mandore Guest House (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 7: JODHPUR
Kickstart your day with a chill morning after breakfast, and guess what? The entire day is wide open for you to roam around Jodhpur and hit up the local market at your own groove. No rush, no rules – just go with the flow and soak up the vibes. It’s your time to explore, so make it epic in the awesome city of Jodhpur!
Accommodation: Mandore Guest House (or similar)
Included: Breakfast
DAY 8: UDAIPUR
The drive to Udaipur takes around 6 hours and enroute you’ll relish stopping to explore the Jain Temples in Ranakpur. The building is so intricately carved, it rises from the ground like an enormous ivory-coloured wedding cake decorated with intricate lacework.
Udaipur is known as the ‘City of Lakes’. Dinner is at your leisure tonight. Dine at a local rooftop restaurant – nearly all of them have an incredible view of the lake and City Palace.
Accommodation: Aranya Vilas (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 9: UDAIPUR
Udaipur is a city worth seeing, so you’ll kick the morning off with a visit to the regal City Palace. Towering over the lake, it’s a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens.
The evening boat ride on Lake Pichola will leave you gasping with awe. From palaces to shore-side bathing ghats, be sure to have your camera at the ready!
Accommodation: Aranya Villas (or similar)
Included: Breakfast
DAY 10: BUNDI
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast, followed by an exclusive 5-hour drive from Udaipur to the captivating town of Bundi. Immortalized by Rudyard Kipling in ‘Kim,’ Bundi beckons with its iconic step wells and the majestic Taragarh Fort.
Upon arrival, explore the city’s lifeline – the celebrated Stepwells, and uncover the intriguing connection between Rudyard Kipling and this picturesque destination. Immerse yourself in the opulent heritage and architectural marvels that define Bundi. Ready to craft extraordinary memories in the heart of this historical gem? Let’s embark on a journey where each moment is a story waiting to be told!
Accommodation: Hadoti Palace (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 11: RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK
Say goodbye to Bundi this morning because the adventure is really getting started now. From RURAL to RAW!! It’s a 6-hour drive to the Tigress Resort: can you guess what’s coming next?
Check in and enjoy the hotel. It’s hard not to notice, your stay here is one of the highlights!
Accommodation: Tigress Resort (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 12: MORNING & EVENING SAFARI
This morning you will wake up in the heart of the Ranthambore National Park, which is famous for its wildlife.
So, lay your hands on that sunhat because you’ll spend both the morning and afternoon in open-air jeeps on safari drives. Tigers are the main drawcard here.
Seeing a Tiger is likely, but not guaranteed, so let’s cross our fingers and pray to the gods!
Tonight, a magical dining experience awaits you back at your lodging. Step back to the days of the Maharajahs for an open air rooftop feast under the open sky.
Eat in ambience befitting royalty.
Accommodation: Tigress Resort (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 13: AGRA
India is famous for its trains, and this morning we’ll enjoy a 2-hour train journey to Bharatpur. This is a noisy but real train experience as you mingle amongst the hustle and bustle.
From there, you’ll hop into your vehicle and head onto Agra, which will only take around one hour by road. Dinner is at your leisure tonight. Can you believe you’ve been in India for almost 2 weeks? By now you’ll feel so much like a local that you’ll be out that hotel door as quickly as you can to explore the city that’s home to one of the seven wonders of the world!
Accommodation: Grand Imperial Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast
DAY 14: TAJ MAHAL
You might have heard that the Taj Mahal can be overwhelmed with guests, which is why we’re going to do things differently in order to get you the best possible experience.
The absolute best time to see this magnificent building is sunrise. Even the night owls won’t regret getting up a bit earlier than normal as we witness the Taj Mahal slowly reveal itself into the glimmering daylight.
This gives you the opportunity to breathe, enjoy yourself and take it all in. Though the day has just begun, because Agra Fort is another must see!
Dinner tonight is special. Sheroes Cafe is run by women who have survived acid attacks and we’re honoured to be supporting such a worthy organisation.
Accommodation: Grand Imperial Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 15: TO VARANASI
Check out after breakfast this morning. Are you ready for the final roadtrip of the journey? It’s around 4 hours to Delhi and the group will head straight to the airport for the afternoon flight to Varanasi. It’s famous: described by Lonely Planet as ‘the India of your imagination’. Pilgrims come here to wash away their sins and to farewell their dead.
It’s confronting, hectic, noisy, colourful and intense, and our home for the next 3 nights. What better way to farewell India?
Let’s get an early night: tomorrow has a lot in store.
Accommodation: The Amaaya Varanasi (or similar)
Included: Breakfast
DAY 16: THE GANGES
This morning starts with a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges. Watch as the world of ghats and temples is gradually illuminated. You will take a walking tour of the old city, through narrow laneways packed with stalls and shops, past the dhobi wallahs, burning ghats, and the endless temples that echo with bells and the aroma of incense.
Then, in the evening, you’re back in a boat and floating past the ghats as you witness the nightly Aarti ceremony with musicians on board and experience the true magic of Varanasi.
Accommodation: The Amaaya Varanasi (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 17: SARNATH
From Hinduism yesterday, to Buddhism today. India truly is a melting pot of diversity! It’s just a short drive this morning to Sarnath. It’s believed this is the place Buddha first came to, after finding enlightenment.
You’ll be taken by surprise just how large the site is, and you’ll wander past well preserved stupas, statues and building foundations – some more than 1,500 years old. You may even be caught up in an unexpected sense of tranquillity. Many visitors before you have experienced this, for this complex was built to spread the message of love and compassion.
We’ll cap off an incredibly memorable day with your final Maharajah-style dinner.
Accommodation: The Amaaya Varanasi (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 18: BACK TO DELHI
Today you’ll fly back to Delhi. Your trip is winding up, so you’re going to have a bit of final shopping time to snap up those last minute gifts or mementos in Connaught Place.
Our guide will be with you to point out the best places and help you with any needed negotiations.
A final dinner awaits as you reminisce together.
Accommodation: Suryaa Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 19: FAREWELL, FRIENDS
And that’s it: the end of your unforgettable journey. Saying goodbye is the hardest part. Exchange emails and phone numbers and get ready for the next adventure!
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Good to Know
FITNESS
Level 1 or Easy
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be fine. There’s no specific exercise planned for this trip, but there will be days where you’ll be walking and spending a lot of time on your feet. Daily activities may include city walks and getting on and off various forms of transport.
All activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love travelling and enjoying most of your time in a country.
You don’t like being rushed or herded around B-grade attractions, but you also understand that some places are worth the wait in line.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. Even in the best restaurants, the service sometimes is a little slow. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also know that a ‘great trip’ doesn’t have to mean sprinting from place to place. The best moments so often come when you hit the pause button, sit still, and just take it all in.
You’re young enough at heart to know that sometimes the best opportunities come when you’re least expecting it. You understand that doing things right doesn’t always mean following a strict routine.
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that involves trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
Does that sound like you? We’d love to invite you to travel with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:INR exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD: 56 INR.
A deposit of $1,650 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
For your Indian adventure, we ask your contribution be: 4,200 Indian Rupee (equivalent to $79 AUD) which is given to your guide on Day 1. The kitty will be managed by your guide and distributed along the way at restaurants for included meals, hotel staff, drivers and services.
What is not covered is a customary tip at the end of the trip for your guide. If they’ve ensured that your trip is memorable, we recommend the following guidelines:
8,000 to 9,000 per person (equivalent to $150 – $170)
(Exchange Rate used – $1AUD : 53.8 Rupee)
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
Food is everything in India. From street food to fine dining, you can find it all. Service in restaurants can be a bit slow, but the wait is worth it.
North India is a vegetarian and vegan paradise, and your guide will be able to point you towards restaurants with better hygiene.
Delhi Belly is a thing. It is common for tourists to get sick in India, as food tends to be on the heavy side. If you enjoy Indian food, you’re going to LOVE this trip. You’re going to discover all kinds of foods that you never even thought existed.
Australian and New Zealand passport holders can apply for an E-Tourist Visa. If you are staying in India longer than 30 days you will need to apply for a 1 year Visa. The Visa fee is around $40AUD for 30 days and $65AUD for 1 year.
Airfares are not included.
There are several airline company that offer direct flights to Delhi from major Australian cities.
Solo travellers will be matched with a room-mate. Of course, if you prefer to have your own space, you can reserve the private room supplement.
Please contact us for more information.
Airport transfers are included. You can plan to arrive at any time, but we recommend arriving in the morning to give yourself time to settle in.
Level 2 or Moderate
You’ll need a moderate level of fitness for this trip. If you can walk 3 – 4 hours at an easy pace on undulating and uneven ground, you’ll be fine. There will be days where you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet and times when you’ll need to get on and off different types of transport, including boats. You may need to occasionally sit on the floor and from time to time, you must be ok with using a squat toilet – we do our best to accommodate what you’re used to (all hotel rooms have sit down toilets) but when you’re on-the-road, sometimes it’s the only choice available. Long drives are part of this trip so make sure to be able to endure long drives on bumpy and windy roads.
Activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it, but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
