International Folk Festival(Jodhpur) & Magical India

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Duration

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

1 person

Languages

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About this tour

Prepare for an awe-inspiring encounter with the exquisite marble craftsmanship of the Taj Mahal and a serene immersion in the timeless backwaters of Kerala, where your camera adeptly captures the essence of this profound Indian expedition. Navigate the revered Ganges River in Varanasi, unveiling the architectural wonders of Abhaneri’s stepwells in the Northern region. Journey southward to witness untamed tigers and indulge in the aromatic spices of leisurely hill stations. This comprehensive itinerary seamlessly integrates essential activities with moments of repose, guiding you through bustling urban centers and tranquil rural landscapes. This ensures not only observation but a deep engagement with the diverse cultural fabric and the captivating essence of this extraordinary land.

Itinerary Notes

Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 8, 2023 or March 25, 2024 for the nation’s most colourful festival.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book) 

Sarnath Guided Tour – From $24.00
Set off for a journey with a local guide from Varanasi to Sarnath. Imagine this: Sarnath, the original Buddhist hotspot where Buddha gave his first sermon. It’s been soaking in history for nearly 1700 years, serving as a hub for learning, a revered pilgrimage site, and a chill Monastery for monks. Your guide, well-versed in the art of guiding, will lead you through the intriguing ruins of the monastery, especially highlighting the ancient Dhamek stupa. Take a detour to the Sarnath Museum and pay your respects to the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Explore the temples crafted by Buddhist communities from Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Japan. Make sure to pause and marvel at the Buddha statue at the Thai Buddha vihara – an impressive eighty feet in height, stealing the spotlight at Sarnath. After immersing yourself in the vibes for a solid three hours, your guide has your back, arranging a breezy ride back to your hotel on the tuk-tuks. This journey spills all the tea on Sarnath’s rich history and spiritual scene, ensuring you’re in the loop with the local happenings.

 

Old Benaras Heritage and Spiritual WalkFrom $22.00
Take a walking tour through Old Varanasi City. Explore alleys, bazaars, and the rich history, culture, and spirituality of Varanasi. The Varanasi Heritage Walk starts at the Godaulia intersection. Our first stop is the Mata Kali Temple, a revered place of worship dating back to 1885, built by the Maharaja of Varanasi. It features intricately carved pillars. We’ll visit the Ganesh temple and stroll through the colorful market of Tedhi Neem Gali. Next, we’ll traverse the Kashi Vishwanath corridor and witness Varanasi’s primary cremation site – the Manikarnika Ghat, where the sacred fire has burned for over 3000 years. Our route takes us past the Alam Gir mosque, the shrine of Hindu Yogi and mystic Guru Shri Tailang Swami, the Mangla Gauri Temple, and the Sankatha Mata Temple. Concluding the walk, we’ll savor the renowned white butter toast with tea at Laxmi Chai shop or Dwarika Lassi. Throughout the tour, our guide emphasizes the local life in Varanasi, providing insights into its philosophical and cultural significance. Experience the resonance of pilgrims’ songs and chants, gaining a profound understanding of Varanasi’s pivotal role in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

 

Jaipur Balloon Ride – From $280.00
Start your day early, just as the sun comes up. Head up into the sky and enjoy the quiet and calm of the morning, watching as the day begins for the people below, dressed in vibrant colors. From up high, you might float over hills, lively villages, and a small monastery. If you’re lucky, you might even see elephants.

 

Jaipur Cycle Tour – From $32.00
Explore Jaipur on a morning bicycle tour, taking advantage of its well-organized layout and numerous lanes. This cycling experience offers a unique perspective, allowing you to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents that can’t be fully appreciated from a vehicle. Gear up with a helmet, join your expert guide, and pedal through the ‘Pink City.’ Kickstart your day with a traditional Indian yogurt drink, Lassi, and marvel at the architectural wonders as you enter the walled section of the city. Visit the Govind Dev temple at the City Palace, stroll through the historic spices and sweets market, and take a break for tea and pakoras. The tour concludes at the majestic Albert Hall Museum. For your convenience, taxi transfers from the hotel to the starting point and back are included in the cycle tour price.

Orchha culinary adventure – From $16.00
Orchha is just amazing, with its spiritual vibes and jaw-dropping architecture. Get ready to soak in the town’s cool vibes and dive into making a cozy cup of masala chai and munching on tasty vegetable pakoras. Your hosts will walk you through whipping up three awesome curries, and you can dig into these scrumptious dishes with raita, mango and guava chutneys, chapatis, and puris. It’s not just about the food; it’s a chance to kick back and connect with your awesome hosts.

My Own Room – From $820.00
If you’re traveling solo and want your own private room during the trip, just choose the “My Own Room” option when you book online.

 

Highlights

  • Delhi Exploration: Immerse yourself in the vibrant city of Delhi with a youth-led morning walk through the NexTrip supported City Walk project. Visit iconic landmarks such as Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, and Connaught Place.
  • Jaipur - The Pink City: Discover the capital of Rajasthan, known as the Pink City. Explore the intricate architecture of Hawa Mahal and the historic Amber Fort. Experience the local culture and consider catching a Bollywood film at the famous Raj Mandir cinema.
  • Rural Rajasthan Experience: Cycle through Dhula Village to witness rural life in Rajasthan. Spend a night in a cozy tent, surrounded by the tranquility of the countryside.
  • Taj Mahal Sunrise: Witness the breathtaking Taj Mahal at sunrise and explore the picturesque grounds. Take a cycle-rickshaw ride to Agra Fort and Baby Taj for a deeper understanding of the region's history.
  • Khajuraho Temples: Embark on a day trip to Khajuraho, home to India's largest group of medieval temples known for their Kama Sutra statues. Explore the temples on a guided tour and delve into the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Orchha's Heritage: Visit Orchha, a small town on the banks of the Betwa River. Explore the Orchha Palace complex and attend an evening puja ceremony at the Ram Raja Temple.
  • Varanasi - Spiritual Hub: Experience Varanasi, the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. Take a boat trip along the Ganges at sunrise, witness a mesmerizing candle-lit flower ceremony, and explore the city's spiritual and cultural richness.
  • Kerala's Backwaters: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Kerala's backwaters with a local homestay experience. Enjoy a guided walk along the lagoon and participate in a cooking session to learn local recipes.
  • Spice Plantations in Thekkady: Explore the Cardamom Hills in Thekkady and take a guided tour of spice plantations. Gain insights into spice cultivation and enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.
  • Cultural Experiences: From Mysore's vibrant city exploration to the ancient temples of Mamallapuram and the spiritual aura of Madurai, delve into India's rich cultural tapestry.
  • Living Moments: Experience authentic local living with moments like City Walk in Delhi, and Kerala Backwaters Homestay.
  • Freedom to Explore: Enjoy a mix of included activities and free time, allowing you to explore city streets, rural landscapes, and interact with local communities at your own pace.
  • Small Group Experience: Travel in a small group with a maximum of 20 people (average 14), ensuring a personalized and immersive journey.

Included/Excluded

  • Old Delhi walk
  • Amber Fort tour
  • Rajasthani rural village stay
  • Dhula Village cycling excursion
  • Taj Mahal, Baby Taj and Agra Fort tour
  • Orchha Palace complex visit
  • Western Temple complex visit
  • Ganges River boat trips at sunrise and sunset, including candle flower ceremony
  • Fort Kochi orientation walk
  • Wayanad Tea Plantation and Factory visit
  • Chaumundi Temple and Mysore Palace visit
  • Mamallapuram Shore Temple visit
  • Pondicherry orientation walk
  • Madurai cycle-rickshaw ride and Sri Meenakshi temple visit
  • Cardamom Hills spice plantation tour
  • Internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Accommodations: Hotels/guesthouses (24 nts), comfortable tented camp (1 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), homestay (1 nt, multi-share).
  • Meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners.
  • Transportation: Train, local bus, private vehicle, auto-rickshaw, camel cart, boat, plane.
  • Staff & experts:Trip Lead (throughout), local guides
  • International flight costs
  • Excess baggage charges (limit is 9kg per Person)
  • Extra night accommodations, meals in Delhi due to early arrival or late departure.
  • Personal expenses - shopping, snacks, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, bar bills, bottle or boiled water, shower, Wi-Fi, laundry, telephone call, battery recharge costs, extra porters, etc
  • Personal clothing and gear
  • Travel insurance.
  • Tips for guide and porters
  • Additional costs or delays caused by circumstances beyond our control like bad weather conditions, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policy, strikes, mass movements, etc
  • All the costs and expenses not listed in - "What is included in this trek package?" above.

Itinerary

Arrive in Delhi at any time. Attend the group welcome meeting today and enjoy a brief.

Welcome Meeting - Meet Your Nextrip Lead and Group
  Your opportunity to meet your Nextrip Leader 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.
Accomodation  
  Hotel  
  Hotel Aster In (or similar)  

Drive to Rajasthan's capital, Jaipur, and begin your exploration of the Pink City. Opt to see the Royal Observatory, also known as Jantar Mantar. Don't pass up the chance to watch a Bollywood movie at the renowned Raj Mandir Art Deco theater.  

Private Vehicle
  Delhi – Jaipur | 5h-6h 260km
  Get comfortable and enjoy the view from a private vehicle.

2 Optional Activities - Day 3
   
Jantar Mantar Visit  200INR per person 1000INR per group
  Jaipur | 1h-2h
  At the crack of dawn, commence your day as the sun gracefully emerges on the horizon. Ascend into the sky, relishing the hushed tranquility of the morning, while observing the vibrant inhabitants below embarking on their day. Soaring above, you might glide over undulating hills, lively villages, and chance upon a quaint monastery. Perhaps, luck permitting, you could even catch a glimpse of majestic elephants during this aerial escapade.
Raj Mandir Cinema and Movie 200-400INR per person
  Jaipur
   

Accommodation
  Hotel
  Hotel Anuraag Villa (or similar)

 

Take a moment to appreciate the exquisite architectural details of Hawa Mahal, also renowned as the Palace of the Winds, before heading to the ancient city of Amber to explore its iconic Fort. Opt either to explore the city on a bicycle by booking the Jaipur Cycle Tour or visit Next Kitchen for a delicious meal that supports the local community.  

Amber Fort Visit
  Jaipur
  Explore the captivating Hindu architecture at the stunning Amber Fort. Positioned on a hill, the fort's sandstone walls seamlessly integrate with the landscape, creating a picturesque reflection in Maota Lake—a perfect setting for a mesmerizing photograph. Wander through the well-crafted halls, courtyards, and palaces, appreciating the intricate details that adorn this historical marvel.

4 Optional Activities - Day 4
   
City Palace Visit  700INR per person 
  Jaipur | 1h-2h
  Discover the City Palace by exploring its courtyards, gardens, and buildings. Situated in the heart of the Old City, it showcases a captivating Rajputana architecture. Take a trip to the palace's museum to view ancient carriages and the gold-embroidered wedding attire of the former Maharaja.
Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) Visit  200INR per person 
  Jaipur | 15m-30m
  Visit Hawa Mahal, also known as the "Palace of the Winds." This intricately carved structure gets its name from the cool breeze that circulates, providing comfort even during Jaipur's hot summers. Explore the main complex, lush gardens, and the adjacent lake.
Next kitchen
  Jaipur
  Hungry in Jaipur? Visit Kitchen With A Cause for a delightful meal that contributes to the local community. This vibrant restaurant offers mouth-watering dishes prepared by skilled chefs celebrating the rich, traditional flavors of Indian cuisine. Your meal here goes beyond filling your stomach; it aids local disadvantaged youth. So, at Next Kitchen, your dining experience is a meaningful contribution to both your taste buds and the community.
Jaipur Cycle Tour
  Jaipur
  Explore the lanes and organized layout of Jaipur by bicycle on a morning tour. Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the city in a way that a vehicle can't match. Join an experienced guide to navigate the streets of the 'Pink City', starting the day with a traditional Indian yoghurt drink of Lassi. Visit the City Palace, Govind Dev temple, and the historical spices and sweets market. End the tour at the majestic Albert Hall Museum. Taxi transfers to and from the hotel are included in the price of the cycle tour. Grab a helmet and jump on your bike for a unique and immersive way to see Jaipur.

Accommodation
  Hotel
  Hotel Anuraag Villa (or similar)

 

Travel Style

Artful Journeys
NexTrip Journeys

Physical Grading

2 - Light

Tour's Location

From: $0.00

Owner

Nextrip

Member Since 2023