Trip Overview

Experience the cultural kaleidoscope of India with AdventureWomen on a journey that calls to every traveler’s wanderlust. Visit the wondrous palaces, forts, and fragrant markets of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, and witness both sunset and sunrise at the exquisite Taj Mahal. With its fascinating, photogenic, and culturally unique camel market, the Pushkar Camel Fair is a true AdventureWomen bonding experience!

Set your senses loose in five uniquely fascinating cities. Explore exquisite UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the palaces and monuments of Mughals, and lane-laced neighborhoods that reveal the details of day-to-day life. The Pushkar Camel Fair, with its huge, noisy camel market and riotously colorful bazaars, is a life travel highlight.

Follow your expert guide into the very heart of India’s culture to learn both its history and unique local lore. You are also accompanied by an AdventureWomen Ambassador, committed to helping make your experience a fun and personally rewarding adventure, and cheering you on as you reach beyond your comfort zone to take on new challenges in your own unique way!

Delhi, Agra, & Jaipur

Meet your AdventureWomen traveling companions in Delhi and embark on a discovery of both the Old and New city. Visit the luxurious, Persian-style Tomb of Humayun and the Jama Mosque, whose heavenward minarets are visible from around the city. Team up for an exciting cycle rickshaw ride through the winding, map-defying streets of the Old City, a perfect introduction to the sights and sounds that can only be India!

Drive to Agra, the former capital of the Mughal Empire, and visit its formidable Red Fort, encompassing courtyards, pools, and pavilions. Nearby sits the iconic Taj Mahal, and you’ll have the chance to experience the magical illumination of both sunset and sunrise at this ultimate monument to love. Sighing allowed.

Continue toward pink-hued Jaipur, an architectural wonderland, and a mind-boggling mix of old and new. Its bustling markets are famous for jewelry, leatherworks, and stone carvings. Tempted? Put your best bargaining skills to the test! Make a photo stop at Hawa Mahal Palace to capture the stunning lattice-like sandstone exterior. The 16th-century Amber Fort, with its ornate marble design, is equally captivating. Join a local cook in her kitchen for a fragrant, and delicious, cooking lesson and hospitable lunch.

Pushkar & Udaipur

Welcome to Pushkar, a usually quiet city of Hindu pilgrimage, except when the annual Camel Market comes to town and its streets are completely transformed into dizzyingly delightful chaos! On an unforgettable guided photo walk, wander among the high-energy, colorful cacophony of the bazaars in search of snake charmers, performance artists, and sideshows of every unimaginable kind. The ultimately photogenic camel and livestock market is a cultural scene like no other. In keeping with the fair theme, spend two nights in deluxe mobile tents, complete with en suite bathrooms and air conditioning.

For a dramatic shift in ambiance, drive to peaceful Udaipur on the shores of Lake Pichola and embark on a dreamy cruise as the sunset illuminates its white marble architecture. Follow your guide down crooked streets, past jam-packed bazaars and ornate, stately residences. Stop to explore the museum galleries of the magnificent City Palace, highlighted by the glittering crystal collection from the royal treasury. Learn about the city’s spiritual heritage, reflected in its nearly 70 Hindu temples, and visit three distinct, yet equally exquisite, ancient centers of worship. Especially memorable is the climb up the elephant-flanked staircase to Jagdish Temple, dedicated to Vishnu, Lord of the Universe, for a blessing ceremony.

Your last afternoon is steeped in tradition during a traditional sari tying and henna painting session, followed by a meeting with an astrologer… is there a return to India in your future? At your special farewell dinner, toast to new friendships and to the sensory journey that brought you deep into the heart of this mesmerizing, extraordinary land.

Main Attractions

  • Soak it all in at the Pushkar Camel Fair, a colorful cacophony of bazaars and performances
  • Explore the hustle and bustle of Delhi bazaars on a bicycle rickshaw
  • Marvel at sunset AND sunrise at the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World
  • Enjoy a cooking class in a local home
  • Perfect the art of cooking an Indian dish in Jaipur

What You'll See and Do

  • Anthropology
  • Boat Cruise
  • Cooking Class
  • Cultural Exploration
  • Glamping
  • Historical Sites
  • Local Delicacies
  • Photography
  • Sightseeing
  • UNESCO Site

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Delhi

Welcome to Delhi and India! An ancient city that has something for everyone, Delhi has been settled seven times over the centuries. The city has grown in a way that reflects its past while retaining its cosmopolitan flavor. It is India’s showcase for architecture, religion, shopping, and culture.

During your adventure, you’ll get to know your expert Indian guide, who will help you learn about local traditions, culture, history, and the Pushkar Camel Fair. You are also accompanied by an AdventureWomen Ambassador, committed to helping make your experience a fun and personally rewarding adventure, and cheering you on as you reach beyond your comfort zone to take on new challenges in your own unique way!

Arrive at the Delhi Airport (DEL) today after 10:00 am. You will be picked up at the airport in Delhi and transferred to your hotel. Please note that check-in starts at 2:00 pm.

Take this evening to relax after your long flights. Enjoy dinner on your own at a nearby restaurant or in the hotel. Rest up for tomorrow!

Meals on your own

Overnight: Taj Palace

Day 2

Delhi

Explore Old and New Delhi today. Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of this busy city. Visit the Jama Mosque (wear pants and bring long sleeves!), one of the oldest and largest mosques in Asia. Explore the spice markets, where you’ll have plenty of beautiful photo opportunities.

Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride and walk through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi.

Join your group for lunch at a local restaurant before an afternoon of exploration.

Continue exploring Delhi, driving past India Gate, and taking some time to soak in the view at Humayun’s Tomb, built in the mid-16th century by the senior wife of the second Mughal emperor.

If time allows, you’ll be able to visit Dilli Haat, a traditional village market with a food and craft bazaar. Take in the richness of Indian culture, and perhaps try Henna painting!

This evening, enjoy an official welcome dinner where you will get to know your group, your guide, and your Ambassador. Toast the adventures to come!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Taj Palace

Day 3

Delhi to Agra

Leave Delhi this morning for Agra, which is about a four-hour drive. Arrive in time for lunch at your hotel.

The Red Fort of Agra was founded by Emperor Akbar in 1565 on the right bank of the Yamuna. The walls of Agra Fort are made of red sandstone and contain palaces, audience halls, and mosques. The palace is notable for its smooth blending of Hindu and central Asian architectural styles.

Enjoy a sunset view of the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, from the garden of Mehtab Bagh. This experience will take your breath away.

Enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: ITC Mughal

Day 4

Agra to Jaipur

Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, allowing you a glimpse of the monument with the changing backdrop of the morning sky, watching it go from a dull gray to a shimmering white as the sun rises.

Drive to Jaipur Leave Agra and drive to Jaipur this morning. Enjoy lunch en route. The total drive will take about five-six hours.

On the way to Jaipur, visit Chand Baori, one of the largest step wells in the world. Enjoy the view as you look down on this cross between a coliseum and an M.C. Escher painting.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel with your group tonight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: ITC Rajputana

Day 5

Jaipur

Visit the Amber Fort, an opulent four-level palace constructed of red sandstone and marble. Soak in the history of the palace and enjoy the stunning architectural photo opportunities.

Learn the secrets of Indian cooking from a local woman. Sit down together and enjoy lunch in her home!

After a quick rest, have dinner with your group at the hotel this evening.

Have dinner with your group this evening.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: ITC Rajputana

Day 6

Jaipur

A visit to the Jantar Mantar observatory, built in the early 1700s by Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur’s ruler and a keen astronomer, will showcase Central Asia’s rich legacy of astronomy. Its sixteen massive instruments are works of art in themselves and some can forecast the weather even today!

Visit the City Palace complex, the seat of the Maharajah of Jaipur, which consists of an impressive array of courtyards, gardens and buildings.

Back at the hotel, you will have lunch with the group.

This evening, take some time to go shopping for the textiles and jewelry for which Jaipur is famous. Make sure you bargain!

Dinner will be at the hotel this evening with the group.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: ITC Rajputana

Day 7

Jaipur to Pushkar

Head to Pushkar this morning. The drive will take about three hours.

After lunch at your tented camp, explore the Pushkar fair and the colorful bazaars this afternoon. Spend some time with an astrologer!

Enjoy your comfortable camp. These mobile tents are air-conditioned and have attached bathrooms. Have dinner with the group and settle in for the night.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Deluxe Tented Camp

Day 8

Pushkar

Spend the day at the Pushkar Fair, enjoying the wonder, absurdity, chaos, and incredible photographic opportunities.

All of your meals will be at camp today.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Deluxe Tented Camp

Day 9

Pushkar to Udaipur

Leave the frenzy of Pushkar this morning and drive to Udaipur. Today’s drive will take about five and a half hours. You’ll arrive at your hotel in time for lunch.

Enjoy a sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola. The views of the historic buildings surrounding the lake in the glow of the early evening light.

Dinner will be at the hotel tonight

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Fatehgarh

Day 10

Udaipur

Explore Eklingji, a Hindu temple complex in active use near Udaipur. Contrast this to Nagda, where you will explore the remains of the temples dedicated to Vishnu.

Enjoy a delicious lunch from high up on a hill. Enjoy the expansive views of the countryside.

This afternoon you will have the opportunity to attend a workshop with local women who will show you the art of painting Mughal miniatures. This style of painting was developed by the emperor’s court during the Mughal rule and is often seen in books as illustrations.

Enjoy dinner with the group at the hotel this evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Fatehgarh

Day 11

Udaipur

Standing in a valley among green hills on the banks of the wide, blue Lake Pichola, Udaipur is a beautiful and charming city. Visit the City Palace, which boasts a conglomeration of buildings added by various Maharanas, yet somehow retains a surprising uniformity of design. Continue to Crystal Gallery to see a rare collection of crystals.

Savor lunch at a local restaurant.

Before dinner, take a lesson in sari tying or have henna painted. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your group, toasting the end of a fantastic adventure in India!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Fatehgarh

Day 12

Depart Udaipur

If you still need some last-minute souvenirs, your guide can arrange to take you on a shopping trip this morning. Alternatively, feel free to just kick up your feet and relax at your hotel.

Fly from Udaipur to Delhi. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel where you can shower and repack before your long flights home.

Transfer to the Delhi airport for your flight home. Depart from the Delhi Airport (DEL) in the late evening.

Breakfast

Overnight: JW Marriott Aerocity

Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participants. 

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Traveling to India



Arrival and Departure Information

November 17, 2023 Departure

Arrive: Arrive in Delhi, India (DEL) on November 17, 2023 after 10:00AM.

Depart: Depart Delhi, India (DEL) on November 28, 2023 after 10:00PM.

 

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Preparation and Packing  

Please use the following guides as a reference when preparing for your adventure. We also encourage you to adapt the guides to your travel style as well as the destination’s forecasted weather.  

Gratuities  

Gratuities are a personal decision and are at your own discretion based on your level of satisfaction with the service provided. Gratuities are dependent upon the number of guests on your departure, and they vary greatly from trip to trip. As a general reference, AdventureWomen suggests you plan for $170-$200 (or more) worth of gratuities for this adventure. Specific tipping recommendations for your trip will be provided to you closer to your departure date and may fluctuate due to inflation, exchange rates, and the number of travelers on your trip. 

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the United States must have a passport valid for six months beyond your travel dates with at least two blank facing pages. If you do not have a passport, please apply now!

US Passport holders will need a visa to visit India. We will provide detailed information before your departure on how to obtain your visa.

Activity Level

We rate this trip as Moderate. Our Moderate adventures exercise your mind more than your body and are designed for women who prefer a leisurely, less rigorous experience. For example, you could walk up to 2 miles per day through cities and villages, stand in museums for a few hours, relax on a boat, or view wildlife from a vehicle. Please note that this is a general description of what you might encounter; for specific details about your trip, please consult the itinerary.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission) to make the most of your adventure. With this itinerary in mind, we have a partnership with Trailblazer Wellness, a woman-owned, women-run company that will design an individualized fitness plan just for you! Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 10% discount with the code AVW. Learn more on the Trailblazer Wellness website.

Health Considerations

Make an appointment with a travel clinic, as they may have recommendations for vaccines and medications based on the destination as well as your age, health, and past vaccination history.

For more health information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel and navigate to the page about India.

How to Register

Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies before registering!

Forms and Final Payment

The deposit for this trip is $800, and is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

  • Information Form
  • Booking Conditions Form
  • Copy of Flight Information
  • Copy of Issuing Page of Passport (Photo Page)
  • Supplemental Release for COVID

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in a cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer). A maximum of $1,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

November 17, 2023 Departure Final Payment Due Date: August 19, 2023

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

What's Included

Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation
  • Domestic airfare (priced separately from the main trip)
  • Guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • English-speaking guide(s) throughout the trip
  • One group transfer on arrival and departure
  • Bottled water and soft drinks in vehicles
  • All gratuities except for guides and drivers

Not Included

  • International airfare to and from India
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Accommodations

Taj Palace

The luxurious Taj Palace, New Delhi, is spread out over six acres of lush gardens in the heart of India’s capital city. It is an oasis of calm while still being right in the middle of the city’s action.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer; electricity; Wifi

ITC Mughal Hotel

Sprawled over 35 acres of luxurious gardens near the Taj Mahal, ITC Mughal, a luxury hotel in Agra is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. The ITC recreates a paradise for the contemporary Mogul- full of splendor and perfection which was the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer; electricity; Wifi

ITC Rajputana Hotel

Designed to echo the traditional havelis of the region, ITC Rajputana has a red brick exterior rising to different levels around a central area. Long corridors, secluded courtyards, and simplified lattice work recall Rajasthani architecture in a modern uncluttered and contemporary idiom and bring alive the spirit of Rajasthan and makes it distinguished amongst the hotels of Jaipur.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer; electricity; Wifi

Deluxe Tented Camp

Enjoy your deluxe tented camp, situated close enough to the excitement that is the Pushkar Camel Fair for easy access, but far away enough to give you a peaceful stay at camp. Your comfortable tents are air conditioned and are complete with en suite bathrooms and you’ll be well taken care of by the attentive staff.

Amenities: En suite bathrooms: soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer; electricity

Fatehgarh

Fatehgarh is a heritage structure that has been transplanted stone by stone, pillar by pillar to create this exceptional hotel. It celebrates the environmental, cultural, and spiritual heritage of the past. The hotel is perched on the edge of Udaipur city in the Aravalli ranges, with 360° commanding views, and welcomes guests with style and traditional fanfare.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer; electricity; Wifi

JW Marriott Aerocity

Located adjacent to Indira Gandhi International Airport, the JW Marriott Aerocity features large rooms with ultra-comfortable bedding and marble bathrooms, as well as 24-hour room service and modern technology. Choose from among several outstanding on-site restaurants or get a massage at the spa before your flights home.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer; electricity; Wifi

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686