Incredible India
October 24 - November 2, 2024
Taj Mahal, Tigers & Diwali Festival!
Come with us on an incredible adventure to India!
On this 10 day adventure, you’ll explore the three cities known as the Golden Circle; New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. This area is known for featuring some of the country’s most spectacular sites and we will be visiting forts, palaces, temples and of course, the Taj Mahal. We will also make a stop to visit one of Northern India’s treasures, Ranthambore National Park, where we will have the opportunity to see the Bengal tiger in its natural habitat. To top it off, we will finish our trip by celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights, India’s biggest and most important holiday of the entire year!
We will visit Taj Mahal for sunrise, explore Asia’s largest spice market, wander through centuries old palaces, forts and temples, learn to cook local dishes, head out on a safari and more. We think India is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered and we can’t wait to share this amazing country with you!
Please note that there will be TWO WWE group trips running simultaneously during this time due to popularity and demand. Each group will be run completely separate from the other group - separate transportation, different guides and drivers, and likely different accommodations. Each group will travel with the group and trip host they register with at the time of booking.
Day 1:
Welcome to INDIA!
Your trip begins with your arrival at the New Delhi International Airport (DEL). Most flights arrive after midnight, in the early morning hours.
You will be greeted by our driver who will be waiting for you and your fellow travelers with a Women Who Explore sign. You will be taken to your hotel for the evening to settle in and rest up before our incredible adventure begins!
Day 2:
New Delhi - markets & Monuments
Good Morning!! Start your day with a fresh cup of chai tea and traditional breakfast with the group before we head out to explore India’s capital, New Delhi. With a history that goes back centuries and as the second most populous city in the world, there is much to discover here.
In the morning we will be picked up by our driver in a traditional rickshaw for a ride through the city as we make our way to Old Delhi where we will explore its labyrinth of narrow lanes, traditional Havelis and colorful bazaars. We begin with a stop at Asia’s largest spice market dating back to the 17th century where our senses will be dazzled with delicious fragrances. Next our rickshaw driver will take us to visit Jama Masjid before we stop for lunch.
In the afternoon we will visit a few historical monuments including Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar and India Gate.
Tonight we will enjoy a group dinner where we will be delighted with fresh, traditional and flavorful Indian dishes. After dinner we will head back to the hotel for a good night’s rest.
Day 3:
agra - red fort & methab garden
Rise and shine - it’s chai time. After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we will hop in the car with our personal driver as we make our way to Agra, home to one of the 7 Modern Wonders of the World.
As our journey begins, you will leave the bustling city and head into the countryside where you will get to experience a completely different side of this fascinating country. We will stop to enjoy lunch along the way. The drive is approximately 4-5 hours depending on traffic - gotta watch out for cows!
Once we arrive in Agra, we will head to the hotel to check in, unwind and freshen up. This afternoon we will be meeting up with a local guide to visit the Red Fort and Methab Gardens. The Red Fort of Agra served as both a military base and royal residence to the Mughal empire during their reign. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. After hearing the stories of this interesting place, we will stop at Methab Gardens for a stroll and to watch the sunset with a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal.
At our final stop of the day, we will meet local artisans whose skills and craftsmanship have been passed down through generations dating back to the time of the Mughal empire in the 1500s. After a hands-on demonstration, we will enjoy a group dinner out before heading back to our hotel and snuggling into bed. We will get some rest tonight because tomorrow’s adventure is an early one!
Day 4:
Taj Mahal-wonder of the modern world
Today is a HUGE BUCKET LIST DAY!!! Our driver and guide will pick us up in the wee hours of the morning and we will meet our guide who will delight us with stories of the Taj Mahal, what it represents, and how it was created. After hearing this magical story and taking all the photos, we will make our way back to the hotel to enjoy breakfast before checking out.
Today we leave Agra and drive to our next destination. Before we leave town, we will make a stop at Sheroes Hangout Cafe for snacks and drinks for the journey. This cafe is run by women who are survivors of acid attacks and started to give survivors a place to find acceptance, community, confidence and a means of income.
Along the way we will make a stop to visit Fatehphur Sikri and enjoy lunch. After a 5-6 hour journey, we will arrive at a peaceful and beautiful haveli outside of Ranthambore National Park. Here we will rest for the evening.
Tonight dinner is at your leisure and the rest of the evening you are free to relax and enjoy the property.
Day 5:
ranthamborhe National Park
Wake up sunshine - it’s tiger time!! Today we have another incredible adventure for you!! Today we are heading out in search of the Bengal tiger!
We will be up before sunrise so we can begin our safari drive through Ranthambore National Park, a sanctuary famous for its wildlife. Said to have one of India’s friendliest tigers, it is also considered to be the best place in the world to photograph Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. While our goal is to find a tiger, two, or three, other animals that call this beautiful space home include the leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, sloth bear and striped hyena to name a few. This sanctuary is also home to one of the largest banyan trees in all of India. We think this place is pretty incredible and it will give you some serious Jungle Book vibes!
After a morning safari, we will head back to the hotel for a delicious breakfast and the rest of the day is yours to rest until our next safari. In the late afternoon, we head out again for a second safari in hopes of spotting a majestic tiger at sunset.
We will return to the property after where you are able to enjoy dinner at your leisure, relax and catch up on some sleep.
Day 6:
jaipur - rajasthan’s capital city
Suprabhat!! Today we will pack our bags after breakfast for our final drive of the trip. After a short 3 hours, we will arrive in Jaipur which is also known as the Pink City.
Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is a vibrant blend of both old and new as it has been ruled by Rajput kingdoms for many centuries. This city has a lot to offer such as dazzling forts and palaces, art and textiles, colorful festivals and vibrant bazaars and so much more. Here there are endless places to explore!
Once we arrive, we will check in to our hotel and enjoy a light lunch. In the afternoon you will have some free time to relax - sign up for a massage, palm reading or a henna tattoo, or head out to shop for textiles, jewelry or blue pottery all of which Jaipur is famous for.
We will meet again at 4 p.m. for today’s main activity - a hands-on cooking class. Our local chef will take us to visit a local market to show us how and where locals shop. Once we pick up our ingredients, we will head back to the kitchen to learn about the spices and how they are used in local cuisine. We will use the ingredients we purchase as the market to make several delicious dishes that we will enjoy for dinner.
Tonight we have a special treat for you, grab your favorite snack because it’s movie night! We will be heading to Raj Mandir, one of the most famous cinemas in all of India to catch their latest Bollywood screening.
Day 7:
jaipur - the pink city + Street food
Wake up early in the morning and enjoy a cup of chai. Today we begin with a visit to Jaipur’s famous flower market, Phool Mandi, where wholesalers from all over the city and surrounding villages come to sell their fresh flowers everyday. After wandering through the market and meeting the locals, we will head to the most famous Lassi and samosa shops in Jaipur for a tasty treat. After we will stop back at the hotel to rest for a bit and freshen up before we head out to explore more of this fascinating city.
For our next adventure, our guide will take us to visit the stunning architectural sites of Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and City Palace as we learn about the history and stories that make these places so special. Entrance to Chiva Niwas is not included but optional for those who would like to visit.
After a busy morning, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at the Curry Spoon, a stunning local restaurant that will make you feel like a royal.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city however you would like. We have a few optional activities planned for you to choose from, you are welcome to plan your own adventure or relax at the hotel. If you would like help making any additional arrangements, we are happy to help.
An optional activity is a hand-block print workshop where you will learn how textiles are created and have the opportunity for hands-on experience to create your own print block fabric to take home with you. Jaipur is known for its textiles and designers from around the world come here to hand pick one even create their own fabrics so this is sure to be a fun and unique experience.
Tonight if you are up for a foodie adventure, head out with the group on a guided street food tour where you will have the opportunity to taste 10 different local favorite dishes - or - you have the option to enjoy dinner at a place of your choice and Jaipur is full of exquisite restaurants with beautiful patios and stunning decor.
Day 8:
jaipur markets + Cooking class
Today is another BUCKET LIST day! We will be waking up early to head to the Jhalana Leopard Safari Park is home to 30-35 leopards, and of that 6-7 leopards have their territory in the tourism area of the park. This otherwise shy cat is the apex predator here and does not have much competition for survival here which makes them more confident and therefore sightings are more likely. This park is becoming a favorite destination to spot leopards in the wild. Sightings are frequent but cannot be guaranteed. If you choose to take the safari, you will leave before sunrise and you will be back at the hotel to enjoy a late breakfast. You are also welcome to sleep in at the hotel and enjoy a slow morning on the rooftop with a cup of chai.
After our tour, we will make our way back to the hotel to enjoy a late breakfast. The rest of the day is yours o relax with a massage, sign up for a hand-block workshop or Bollywood dance class, or head out to shop one of Jaipur’s incredible jewelry or textile shops. This is your time so choose to spend it however you want and our guide is happy to help arrange anything you’d like to do!
Tonight we will enjoy our final group dinner together at a beautiful rooftop restaurant in celebration of an incredible adventure through Northern India and with all the memorable experiences we shared with our new friends!
Day 9:
DIWALI - FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Today is another BUCKET LIST day and one you will always remember - it’s Diwali festival!
Our morning begins with another guided city tour visiting Amber Fort, Royal Gaitor, Monkey Palace and a few other hidden gems. After hearing the fascinating stories of Jaipur’s royal families both past and present, we will take a break to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon you will have some free time to relax and prepare for the evening where fireworks will light up the sky tonight as the city celebrates Diwali festival.
Jaipur is known as one of the best places in India to celebrate Diwali festival. Diwali generally symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Hindus it is custom to light diyas, small earthenware lamps filled with oil, on the night of the new moon to invite the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Homes are decorated and floors inside and out are covered with rangoli, consisting of colorful and elaborate designs made from colored rice, sand or flower petals.
We will enjoy a traditional feast tonight as a group along with some delicious mithai, sweet Indian desserts, that are a staple of Diwali. Tonight will finish with a bang, literally as the sky lights up with a celebration of light, love and a new beginning.
Day 10:
namaste india, until we meet again!
It’s our final morning in Jaipur and we will enjoy a final morning together before we part ways on our journey back home or maybe your incredible adventure in India continues, either way we have one final optional BUCKETLIST activity for you to enjoy.
It’s another early morning as we wake up before the sunrises. Our optional hot air balloon ride is an incredible way to end your experience in India as you enjoy this beautiful country from a very unique perspective floating over local villages, spectacular forts, breathtaking landscapes and hidden palaces. After our balloon ride, we will head back to the hotel for breakfast before packing up our bags and checking out of our hotel.
If you are flying out later in the day and want to squeeze in one last adventure, choose from an optional activity such as a city cycling tour, hand-block workshop or sneak in some last minute shopping.
For those who need a transfer back to New Delhi, we suggest booking a direct one hour flight from Jaipur International Airport (JAI) and arriving at New Delhi International Airport at least 3-4 hours before your departure flight. As an alternative, a private car can be arranged for a transfer to DEL. It is approximately a 4-5 hour drive from Jaipur depending on traffic and we suggest arriving 3 hours before your departure time.
TRIP EXTENSION COMING SOON!
5 days/4 nights visiting Pushkar, Ranakapur and Udaipur. Details and pricing coming soon.
Questions? Please reach out to Lindsey Egan at lindseyegan@womenwhoexplore.com
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$2,895 double occupancy in 4-star hotels, havelis and guesthouses.
If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned roommates upon request.
A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.
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• 10 days / 9 nights accommodations in 4 star hotels, havelis, and guesthouses
• Private airport transfers from New Delhi International Airport (DEL) and to Jaipur International Airport (JAI)
• A local English speaking guide for tours in New Delhi, Agra, Fatephur Sikri and Jaipur
• Ranthambore National Park guided morning and afternoon Bengal tiger safari
• Rickshaw ride (tuk tuk) and guided tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi monuments
• Guided tour of Agra’s Red Fort, Methab Gardens and Taj Mahal
• Guided visit to Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort, Royal Gaitor, Monkey Temple and other hidden gems in Jaipur
• Experience Diwali festival and celebrate with locals
• 3 hour hands-on cooking class including a visit to a local vegetable and spice market
• Guided street food tour with a local tasting 10 unique dishes in Jaipur
• Stunning views and sunset at Nahargarh Fort
• Raj Mandir Cinema experience
• Palm reading by local palmist or henna tattoo by local artist
• Time to visit local and shop at local bazaars and textile, pottery and jewelry shops
• Private driver and transportation in an A/C car between domestic destinations, to tours, etc.
• Meals - 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 8 dinners
• All monument entrance fees and national park fees (Chhavi Niwa fee not included)
• All government taxes, tolls, parking fees and interstate taxes
• Women Who Explore trip leader with you and available for support 24/7
• Trip checklists, detailed packing list and pre-travel support provided in a private WhatsApp group
• WWE Swag + yoga mat to take home with you
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• Hot Air Balloon Ride - $250
• Jhalana Leopard Safari - $50
• Elesafari Experience - $60
• Hand-Block Print Class - $30
• Massage (one hour) - $40
All the excursions are available to add-on at the time of booking. Each option includes transportation to/from the activity and an English-speaking guide (or massage therapist)
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• International flights to/from New Delhi International Airport (DEL)
• Airport transfers if arriving outside of designated arrival and departure dates and locations as noted
• Alcohol, additional beverages, snacks and meals as noted above
• Tips and gratuity for local guides and driver (at the discretion of the guest)
• Any additional excursions or optional activities not included in the above
• Visa if applicable U.S. citizens and Canadian citizens are required to apply for an E-Visa ahead of time. Cost is $30 USD per person. Learn more here.
• Any travel related medical expenses such as immunizations, vaccinations, or required Covid-19 testing (not required for India as of 2/2023)
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, souvenirs, etc.
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All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please share any food allergies/sensitivities at the time of booking or reach out to share with the trip host. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.
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This trip requires a minimum number of ladies to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private WhatsApp group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support.
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Please see our Terms of Service.
*Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description.
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Women Who Explore guests will be required to follow the local Covid-19 guidelines and requirements as set forth by the local governing body of the destination being visited.
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Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.
For recommended travel insurance providers click here.
If you purchase a Travel Select plan within 15 days of your initial trip deposit made (and insure your full trip cost), you would have two added eligible benefits for no additional premium: financial default and the pre-existing conditions waiver.
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Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.