Down the Ganges

What can you do with 15 days in India? Oh, this and that… Start with whitewater rafting in the foothills of the Himalayas and a visit to the Taj Mahal, a monument that redefines the word ‘monumental'. 

Next, hunt river dolphins (with your camera, of course), witness the moving burial ceremonies at the ghats of Varanasi and camp out along the shores of the mighty Ganges itself. From bustling New Delhi to beautiful Orchha and all points in between, this is India in a nutshell—a huge, wonderful, brightly-coloured nutshell.

 

Itinerary

Day 1 Delhi
Arrive at any time. We highly recommend you book pre- or post-accommodation to fully experience this bustling city.

Days 2-3 Rishikesh
Morning train in Haridwar. Continue to Rishikesh. Enjoy whitewater rafting in this beautiful area.

Day 4 Haridwar
Travel back to Haridwar. Witness an evening aarti, the waving of lighted wicks that accompanies almost all Hindu ceremonies.

Days 5-6 Agra
Visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Overnight train to Allahabad.

Day 7 Riverside Camp
Arrive early in the morning to Allahabad and continue to Mirzapur. Embark on a sailing trip down the Ganges, camping overnight on its banks.

Day 8 Rajpur Camp
Drive to Rajpur in Roberts Ganj, southern Uttar Pradesh state. Explore forested areas, tribal hamlets and kol tribes, observing cave paintings. Overnight in a Swiss cottage tent.

Days 9-10 Varanasi
Opt for a cycling safari to the surrounding villages. After, drive to Varanasi. Enjoy an evening aarti along the Ganges.

Days 11 Khajuraho
Take the train to Satna, then drive to Khajuraho.

Days 12-13 Orchha
On Day 12 continue to Orchha to explore the Orchha Palace. Day 13 is a free day to explore. Opt to take a cooking class or visit Taragram, a local initiative for the sustainable livelihood of paper making.

Day 14 Delhi
Afternoon train to Delhi.

Day 15 Delhi
Depart at anytime.

 

What's Included

• Rafting in Rishikesh
• Evening aarti in Haridwar
• Taj Mahal and Agra Fort visit
• Sailing on the Ganges with overnight camping
• Evening and morning boat rides in Varanasi
• Visit Orchha Palace
• 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners. (Allow USD280-350 for meals not included)
• Boat, raft, train, bus, rickshaw.
• Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
• Small group experience; Max 15, avg 12
• Hotels/guesthouses (12 nts), camping (1 nt), sleeper train (1 nt).

 

Trip Specifics

• Price: From £799 (available to book in other currencies)
• Duration: 15 days
• Start/Finish: Delhi
• Code: AHSG