INDIA
$4500 per person
Namaste! Honk! Beep! Holy Cow! “City and village” is the name of this tour. And a DREAM COME TRUE to offer you. Long before WorldTowning was even a twinkle in our travel eyes we spent several months in India. We fell in love. When we started hosting group trips we always knew we wanted to host a trip in India one day. Well, that day has come. We will take 14 curious guests to magical India for 13 days!
This tour has us starting in the hustle and bustle of Delhi to get complete immersion and crack that shell of what India has to offer. Next we will slow it down a notch in the spiritual city of Varanasi. We will learn how to shop like a local, discover the history of India by way of walking its ancient streets, ride a boat down the Ganges and float a candle in a cup, we will learn about silk making, go deep on the Taj and that is only the first several days. You will not go away from this tour feeling like you did not fill that cup.
Join us and your fellow WorldTowning Voyagers for thirteen days of learning, eating, walking, crafting, culture and more in India! Does this sound amazing? The experience is all that, and more.
For details scroll up to the tabs at the top of the page for a daily breakdown of the itinerary.
The FAQ page answers many of the questions you may have about vaccines, cancellations, insurance, etc.
Price is based on double occupancy and a shared room.
If the trip is full, please join the wait list at jessica@worldtowningvoyages.com and be sure to follow us on all social media for the latest updates to new trips.
*We have a 10 person minimum that must be met in order to offer this trip. DO NOT purchase your flights until we have confirmed trip minimum has been met.
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Destinations
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Departure Date
December 30, 2023 -
Return Date
January 11, 2024 -
Level of Difficulty
Minimum age 13 and recommended maximum 68. This trip is active, requires mobility, energy and is NOT for everyone, as much as we wish it was. If you struggle with physical activity, have accessibility needs or need special care, then India with be a challenge. We will not have access to alternative modes of transportation (cabs, buses, etc.) while on walking tours, which means you will need to walk if you are struggling. The temperature this time of year is a low of 40, high of 72. This is also an emotionally hard trip. You will witness poverty and sensory stimulation like you have probably never seen before. Some people thrive on this, some do not. As a general rule, you should exercise regularly, be able to walk up to 5 miles per day on cobblestone, climb 4 flights of steep stairs (without railings and elevators), walk moderate inclines and be able to drag or carry your belongings on wobbly streets for several blocks. WTV cannot stress enough how important it is to realistically address your ability for yourself and for the courtesy of other travelers. -
Included
AccommodationsActivities/ToursGift BasketLive Q & AMeals during tripNational Park FeesPersonal GuidesPrivate FB GroupTransportationWelcome PartyWorldTowning Swag -
Not Included
AlcoholArrival Day MealsArrival TransportationCovid testing (if applicable)Departure Day MealsDeparture TransportationEquipment RentalFlights to CountryFlights Within CountryLaundry, Phone Calls, Room ServiceMeals (breakfast and dinner)non-alcoholic drinks (not offered for free at meals)PortersSouvenirsTipping at the RestroomsTips for GuidesTrip InsuranceVegetarian Options
From Our Gallery
Be our guest and see it for yourself.
For all the images click on gallery above.
1
DELHI (December 30)
ARRIVAL
Make yourself comfortable in the accommodations. We'll gather in the afternoon to commence our trip. Please note: You are welcome to arrive earlier and explore on your own prior to the start date. Our trip officially begins December 30th. We can't wait to meet all of you.
DINNER WALKING FOOD TOUR
We start our journey from Sisganj Sahib Gurudwara, a religious site of Sikh community. We will then test mashed potato patties and indian flat breads with stuffing. Further inside the center we shall explore, Kinari Bazar, the age-old market of dress design essentials and Nao Ghara Gali, a neighborhood of the Jain Community, finally Dariba Kalan, the signature jewelry market in Old Delhi. We will then again indulge on samosa’s, the Indian version of churros, Masala Chia tea and round it out with a tour of the spice market. Just when you think your tummy cannot take anymore we hop in a tuktuk and head to meat paradise to sample spicy goat shank stew, kababs, butter chicken and then a dessert of bread caramel pudding and rice pudding.
RICKSHAW RIDE
We will take our first of many rickshaw rides today. Get your adventure caps on.
2
DELHI (December 31)
OPENING BREAKFASTThis is the first official day of our voyage together. We will all meet at the opening breakfast to discuss the day, address any questions, and meet those of you who got in late the night before and missed the meet n' greet and food tour. *We do recommend you arrive a day or two early just so you are not dealing with extreme jet lag, but you know your body best.
SPIRITUAL TOUR
The crowd at the temples, the sound of religious prayers, bells, meditation, yoga, flowers, fragrances, sweets, colors, and faith in different philosophies make India unique and incredible. To understand the real side of India it is suggested to explore the religious aspect of India through its temples of different realms. We will visit several temples including the Temple of Delhi, the second-largest Hindu temple in India with a total area of more than 100 acres.
LUNCH
Saravana Bhavan
SHOPPING TOUR
We will immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of myths and legends through captivating storytelling while exploring the maze of alleys of Old Delhi. Our stops: Main street of Chandni Chowk, Dariba Kalan (The Silver Market & Itar/Incense Shops), Nai Sadak (Sarees and Indian Ethnic wear market), Ballimaran (Bangle and Shoes Market).
*Toast the New Year in style with our group!
3
DELHI (January 1)
BREAKFASTWe will have breakfast at our accommodations.
FLIGHT
Late morning flight to Varanasi together.
LUNCH
At the airport
SUNSET BOAT RIDE ON THE GANGES
At dusk the Ganga Aarti ceremony is performed whereby small offerings are given to the Goddess Ganga. An aarti is a devotional ritual using fire and it’s common to place a small candle inside a cup made from leaves and flowers and float it down the river. The ritual happens every single day and we will be participating.
DINNER
Roma's international cuisine
4
VARANASI (January 2)
SUBAH E BANARAS SUNRISE EXPERIENCE/BOAT RIDE ON THE GANGESAs the sun rises you will see those who flock to the riverside for morning worship. On our boat ride we will hear the interesting history of the ghats and their patronage by the Maharajas who built them.
The adventure ends with a short walking tour around a hidden sun temple or a fantastic sunrise view from the riverside. *this is a very early rise.
BREAKFAST
We will have breakfast at our accommodations.
NORTHERN BAZAARS & HIDDEN ALLEY WALKS
The land of Varanasi has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. It is the holiest city in Hinduism. The old city tour will be filled with fantastic views, amazing folklore, history & insight into local customs and traditions.
LUNCH WITH ANAND'S FAMILY
A cooking experience in the heartwarming setting of a traditional Indian family's home. We will be welcomed with drinks, tantalizing starters, mouthwatering main courses, tempting desserts, a live cooking session, and a personal interaction with the family, this experience promises to be an unforgettable journey through the heart and soul of Indian cuisine and hospitality.
DINNER
Roma's international cuisine
5
VARANASI (January 3) Travel Day
BREAKFASTWe will have breakfast at our accommodations.
FLIGHT
Morning flight back to Delhi.
LUNCH
At the airport with western options: Pizza hut, Subway, as well as local food.
VAN RIDE
We will be picked up at the airport by way of a comfortable van and make the 4 hour drive to Agra.
DINNER
TBD
6
AGRA (January 4)
BREAKFASTWe will have breakfast at our accommodations.
TAJ MAHAL & AGRA FORT
Experience the beauty of the Mughal Empire of India. You will see famous ancient architecture such as the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort, a 16th-century Mughal monument and learn the extensive history of the how, why, what, when and where to how it was built.
LUNCH
Sheroes Cafe. A cafe run by acid attack survivors.
HENNA
At Sheroes Cafe.
DRIVE
5 hours to Jaipur
DINNER
Palladio
7
JAIPUR (January 5)
BREAKFASTWe will have breakfast at our accommodations.
BLOCK PRINTING CLASS
On this tour we will learn about block printing, the process of printing patterns by means of engraved wooden blocks.
It is the earliest, simplest and slowest of all methods of textile printing. It is, however, capable of yielding highly artistic results, some of which are unobtainable by any other method.
We will take the van to the village of Bagru, outside of Jaipur, tour the village through drying fields, the block carvers' lane, have a lesson in pigment printing and print one item each, as well as learn about the whole artistic process with the family of a Master Printer.
LUNCH
At the block printing studio.
FREE TIME
DINNER
TBD
BOLLYWOOD MOVIE
At Raj Mandir Cinema.
8
JAIPUR/RANTHAMBHORE PARK (January 6)
BREAKFASTWe will have breakfast at our accommodations.
FREE DAY
OR
DRIVE
5 hours
RANTHAMBHORE NATIONAL PARK
Once a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur and one of the original Project Tiger reserves this magical land does nothing but delight. We will take a 4WD safari in search of tigers and other wildlife, such as hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles, wild boars and birds.
DRIVE
5 hours
DINNER
TBD
9
JAIPUR (January 7)
BREAKFASTWe will have breakfast at our accommodations.
RAJASTHANI COOKING CLASS
Chef Lokesh and his wife Gitika welcome us into their home. We will learn to cook in a fully professional kitchen, outfitted for amateur and advanced cooking classes. Chef has traveled and worked around the world and has decades of global experience in various cuisines as well as high end establishments. After hours of in depth learning and cooking easy as well as complex dishes, we will sit down to a feast and share amazing conversation learning more about the country of India and its people. The best part, all the recipes are easy to replicate back at home.
LUNCH
At cooking class.
YOGA AND MEDITATION
During this adventure we will learn the history behind yoga and meditation, as well as take a class.
DINNER
TBD
10
JAIPUR/RANTHAMBHORE NATIONAL PARK (January 8)
BREAKFAST
We will have breakfast at our accommodations.
YOGA AND MEDITATION TOUR
TBD
LUNCH
At cooking class.
BOLLYWOOD DANCE CLASS/ SAREE TYING
Bollywood dancing is a colourful, dynamic and highly theatrical dance style seen in Indian films. It combines classical forms of dance including traditional Indian, folk, salsa, belly-dance while also incorporating more contemporary western forms such as hip hop, jazz and funk. Having no set rules, Bollywood dancing is the perfect means to encourage freedom of expression. We will try our hand at it and can even be a movie, a WorldTowning vlog, not the same as a Bollywood movie...but our version. We will also learn the art of the saree tie and have our hands decorated with henna.
DINNER
TBD
11
JAIPUR (January 9)
BREAKFAST
We will have breakfast at our accommodations.
SHOPPING WITH A LOCAL
Now that you have learned the fine art of shopping in India during our Delhi tour we will take to the streets and see what goodies we can find.
LUNCH
TBD
MASSAGE
Time for some pampering!
DINNER
TBD
12
DELHI (January 10)
BREAKFASTWe will have breakfast at our accommodations.
TRAIN
5 hours
LUNCH
On the train
REST OR PACK
DINNER
TBD
13
DELHI (January 11)
This the last day of the trip and the toughest. Saying goodbye to new friends is never easy, but we like to think of it as "until we meet again!" After our final breakfast, the trip will officially conclude. We will miss all of you terribly!
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WTV will require their guests to follow the local regulations pertaining to COVID-19 safety, which may include having a negative COVID test prior to arrival, wearing a mask and/or providing proof of vaccination.