Wander Across India (Oct 2024)
This is a one-of-a-kind trip based upon the personal travels of Wandering Earl. Unlike any other destination on the planet, the mesmerizing land of India awaits!
Interact with welcoming people everywhere we go, including our wonderful local friends
Explore the city of Varanasi, the truly surreal spiritual capital of India
Take a tiger safari in the picturesque Ranthambore National Park
Visit remote villages that almost never see any foreigners
Witness the grandeur of the impressive Bundi Palace and Fortress
Dive straight into the appealing flavors of authentic Indian cuisine
Marvel at the Akshardham and Bangla Sahib temples in Delhi
Wander through colorful markets with shops that haven't changed for 100 years
Join us for an eye-opening experience as we explore India’s deep traditions, history, religions, food and more. With such staggering diversity in every direction, we’ll travel to large enigmatic cities, small magical towns and welcoming remote villages for authentic cultural exchanges with the people who call these places home.
How about imposing fortresses and palaces, impressive religious sites, traditional villages, natural wonders and splendidly colorful and pulsing local markets?
How about a tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park, wandering along the fascinating ghats of Varanasi, spending an afternoon at the Taj Mahal, dining on home-cooked meals and visiting villages where no foreigners go?
As always, this trip will also be ready for the spontaneity that travel brings. There’s no telling what kind of experiences will come our way. Celebrations, weddings, festivals, concerts…there is always something happening in India.
With our local guides and your expert tour leader, you will embark on such a unique trip, one that will undoubtedly be a constant learning experience and an overall unforgettable adventure!
Reserve now!
Choose an option:
- 1Oct 23New Delhi (arrival day)New Delhi (arrival day)Arrival dayIncluded: DinnerUpon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to our hotel by a private driver. The remainder of the day will be yours to rest and recover from jet lag and meet your fellow travelers. We'll then have a tour orientation in the evening followed by our welcome dinner.
- 2Oct 24New DelhiNew DelhiHighlights: Full Delhi city tour, Chandni Chowk, Bangla Sahib TempleIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerToday begins with a full morning tour of the bustling Chandni Chowk Market in Old Delhi. From hidden lanes and abandoned villas to markets selling elaborate wedding supplies, sweets, musical instruments and everything else you could imagine, this experience will immediately open your eyes to the wonders of India. After a unique local lunch in a 140-year old eatery, we'll head over to the gorgeous Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple, a holy shrine where we'll encounter Sikh pilgrims from around the country and a massive communal kitchen that serves up 5000 free meals per day. As evening rolls around, we'll head to one of Delhi's best restaurants for a group dinner.
- 3Oct 25New Delhi » Kota » BundiNew Delhi » Kota » BundiHighlights: Train to Kota, arrival in BundiIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerAfter breakfast we'll embark on a unique journey towards the picturesque town of Bundi. In order to reach this magical destination, we'll take a 4.5-hour 1st class train ride through the Indian countryside, followed by a 1 hour drive in our private vehicles. Upon arrival, we'll settle into our charming heritage hotel located in the heart of the city before heading out for an orientation walk through the pastel-colored streets. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a delightful dinner on the rooftop of our hotel while admiring the breathtaking views of the Bundi palace at sunset.
- 4Oct 26BundiBundiHighlights: Ancient stepwells, Bundi Palace and FortressIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerToday we’ll visit some of the area's beautiful and ancient stepwells that are hidden in plain view and a mesmerizing sight to behold. We'll then continue by walking up to the grand Bundi Palace and Bundi Fortress, located on the side of a hill, and towering over the town below. Our tour of this lesser-known wonder will take us to several halls, rooms, quarters and gardens that will leave you wondering how this place is not more widely known. After lunch back in town, we'll enjoy a special chai demonstration with a local chai vendor who is known for serving some of the most delicious masala tea in India. After a rest, we'll finish our day with another excellent dinner.
- 5Oct 27BundiBundiHighlights: 84 Pillared Cenotaph, visit to a friends home, free timeIncluded: Breakfast, LunchWe'll start our day by exploring the unique 84 Pillared Cenotaph, a remarkable monument that showcases the exceptional artistry and design of the Rajput era. From here, we'll visit the home of a wonderful local friend whose family has invited us to spend time with them in order to learn about the local culture directly from those who live in Bundi. In the afternoon, we'll have some free time to relax and unwind in this unique town, exploring the local markets, enjoying the scenery or simply soaking up the tranquil ambiance.
- 6Oct 28Bundi » RanthamboreBundi » RanthamboreHighlights: School visit, drive to Ranthambore, Dastkar collectiveIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerHeading to a local, rural school in the morning, we’ll meet and interact with both teachers and children, giving everyone a chance for a rewarding cultural exchange in a village that generally sees no tourists at all. Following this visit, we'll depart for our next destination, the quiet countryside village of Ranthambore. The trip will take approximately 3 hours. Once we reach Ranthambore in the afternoon, we’ll head straight to our peaceful accommodation in order to check in to our rooms. We'll then have time for a walk through the village and a visit to a highly-regarded local women's collective that empowers women from remote villages in the region. Dinner will be served later in the evening.
- 7Oct 29RanthamboreRanthamboreHighlights: Tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park, Ranthambore fortressIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerBright and early, we'll be picked up by jeep for our trip into the Ranthambore National Park. Get ready for a two-hour tiger safari led by a professional guide and naturalist. Considered one of the best locations in India for tiger spotting, we’ll also be on the lookout for endless varieties of colorful birds and other wildlife. After the safari, we'll return to the hotel for lunch and a rest. In the afternoon, off we'll go to the unbelievable and expansive Ranthambore Fortress where you'll have a chance to wander around this historical site perched above the jungle below. We'll then have a relaxing evening back at our lodge.
- 8Oct 30Ranthambore » AgraRanthambore » AgraHighlights: Journey to AgraIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerToday we’ll drive approximately seven hours to the city of Agra, traveling across the vast plains of Rajasthan. We'll make multiple stops along the way in order to stretch our legs and have lunch. Upon arrival, we'll check in to our beautiful family-run guesthouse where we'll enjoy a home cooked dinner prepared by our welcoming hosts.
- 9Oct 31AgraAgraHighlights: Agra, Taj Mahal, home-cooked dinnerIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerThe morning will be relaxed, with optional activities around the city for you to choose from. In the afternoon, we'll all meet up at the guesthouse in order to meet our guide and head to the one and only, Taj Mahal. After spending some time learning about the site with our guide, you'll have as much time as you wish, just as the light is at its best, to enjoy this wondrous place. From the manicured grounds and fountains to entering the Mausoleum to soaking up views of the river and distant countryside, it's bound to be an impressive experience. We'll then return to our guesthouse for another great home cooked dinner.
- 10Nov 1Agra » New Delhi » VaranasiAgra » New Delhi » VaranasiHighlights: Flight to VaranasiIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerDeparting Agra, we'll embark on a 4-hour drive to Delhi's Airport, followed by a short 1 hour flight to the surreal city of Varanasi. Once we arrive in the old town, we'll walk through the lanes to reach our hotel right along the holy Ganges River. Known as the spiritual capital of India, you will instantly encounter an atmosphere that is intense yet calming, strange yet mesmerizing, shocking yet invigorating. As the sun sets and we eat dinner, you'll be left eagerly wondering what awaits us the following day.
- 11Nov 2VaranasiVaranasiHighlights: Activity along the ghats, temples, marketsIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerWith a full tour of the Old City today, we’ll walk along the various ghats that line the river, observing pilgrims engaged in rituals and prayers, as the city vibrates with activity. We’ll stroll through the winding lanes of the largest market, enjoy a glass of the city’s famous lassis and spend time at the burning ghats, an experience that is like no other. As the mystery and allure of this city unfolds all around you, and we take in all that it has to offer, it will undoubtedly be an unforgettable day.
- 12Nov 3VaranasiVaranasiHighlights: Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River, Assi Ghat, free timeIncluded: BreakfastStarting at sunrise, we’ll board a typical wooden boat for a sunrise boat trip along the Ganges River. This experience will allow us to witness the city come to life as holy men make their offerings, bells are rung and chanting fills the air, laundry is washed in the river, cows roam the ghats and meditators and yogis begin their daily routines. In the afternoon, we’ll walk down to Assi Ghat, the last ghat along the river, in order to soak up a different vibe. You'll then have some free time to enjoy this fascinating city at your own pace before we all meet up to witness the evening Aarti (Hindu religious ceremony) that takes place every night on the main ghat along the river.
- 13Nov 4Varanasi » New DelhiVaranasi » New DelhiHighlights: Travel to Delhi, farewell dinnerIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerIn the morning, we'll have time for one more wander through this eye-opening city, with several optional excursions available as well. We can arrange half day trips to the village of Sarnath (where the Buddha gave his first teachings) or to the little-visited Ramnagar Fort and Museum that sits semi-abandoned on the banks of the river. We'll then catch an afternoon flight back to Delhi. After checking into our hotel, we'll all gather for our farewell dinner as the tour comes to an end.
- 14Nov 5Delhi (departure day)Delhi (departure day)Departure dayIncluded: BreakfastYou'll be transferred to the airport by private driver based on the time of your departing flight.
Tour Essentials
Medium Physical Level
While the tour itself is not very strenuous, please note that it can involve the following: somewhat long days, a good amount of walking, being in the sun in potentially hot temperatures, long journeys, early morning wake-ups and other similar scenarios.
Accommodation
We’ll stay in a combination of 3* hotels and boutique heritage guesthouses. Accommodation is mid-range and all rooms offer a comfortable stay with a private bathroom. However, please keep in mind that accommodation in India can have some quirks! There are 6 single rooms available. The remainder of the rooms will be shared. Solo travelers will be paired together, two travelers per room in two single beds. (*Please note: If you book a shared room and we cannot find another traveler to share that room, there will be an extra surcharge for having a single room.)
Transport
Ride in comfort in our deluxe vans throughout the tour. The use of vans instead of a minibus ensures flexibility, plenty of space for each guest and access to areas that larger vehicles simply can't go. The trip also includes an internal flight from Delhi to Varanasi and Varanasi to Delhi, as well as a train from Delhi to Kota.
Meals
Breakfast every day, 5 lunches and 11 dinners are included. With included meals, some will be served family style and other times you will be able to order anything you wish from the menu. All dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
Sustainability
As with all of our trips, we aim to offer as sustainable an experience as we can. Trash is recycled where possible and we avoid mass tourism activities that cause harm to the environment and/or do not benefit local communities.
Small Groups
This tour requires a minimum of 8 participants and has a maximum of 12 participants in order to ensure the best small group tour experience. With such a small group, you'll be able to enjoy unique, rewarding activities that would not be accessible with more people. That's the kind of trip we love to offer!
What's included
Included
- Expert Tour Leader
- Small group (maximum 12 participants)
- Accommodation (13 nights – 3* hotels and guesthouses)
- Transportation within India (vans, internal flights, a train)
- Local English-speaking guides in each destination
- All activities and all entrance fees
- Breakfast every day, 5 lunches and 11 dinners
- Bottled water throughout the trip
- Gratuities at hotels/included meals
- All airport transfers
Not Included
- Flights to/from India
- Passport/visa fees
- Meals and activities not mentioned
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Other gratuities
