India Backpacking Escape: Delhi to Mumbai

Touchdown in India! Drop your bags and meet your Tour Leader and crew for a quick trip briefing. Next, jump into a fun, interactive Hindi language lesson so you can chat with the locals, order food, and bargain like a pro.

In the afternoon, we’ll plunge straight into the vibrant chaos of Old Delhi on a guided walking tour through buzzing spice markets and hidden backstreets. We’ll wrap up our first epic day by stepping into the serene, spiritual atmosphere of the Sis Ganj Sahib Gurudwara Sikh temple.

• Included: Hindi language lesson, Old Delhi walking tour, Sikh temple visit.

Today is yours to explore Delhi’s rich tapestry exactly how you want. Dive into the city's green side at the stunning Lodhi Gardens, hunt down unique handicrafts at the open-air Delhi Haat market, or stand in absolute awe of the massive Akshardham Temple complex.

Tonight, we experience a true Indian rite of passage: boarding an overnight sleeper train as we travel east toward the mystical city of Varanasi.

Included: Akshardham Temple visit, overnight sleeper train.

Wake up to the rhythms of the rails and step off the train into Varanasi, one of the oldest and most profoundly spiritual cities on earth. After checking into our accommodation, spend your afternoon diving into history with an optional trip to Sarnath—the ancient, sacred park where Buddha gave his very first sermon. As night falls, we’ll take to the water on a private boat tour along the Ganges River. From the best seats in the house, you'll witness the hypnotic, flame-lit Ganga Aarti ritual—a breathtaking spectacle of fire, chanting, and bells echoing across the water.

Included: Ganges River evening boat tour & Ganga Aarti ceremony.

Set an early alarm for an absolute bucket-list experience—a peaceful sunrise boat tour along the Ganges River. Watch the sacred city shake off sleep as the morning light hits the historic riverbank steps (ghats). Spend the rest of the day getting lost in Varanasi's maze of vibrant local markets. Make sure to track down the famous Blue Lassi Shop to try a thick, creamy lassi served in traditional clay pots.

Later, we'll head back to the station and hop onto our next overnight train, bound for Agra and the legendary Taj Mahal.

Optional: Sunrise boat tour, Blue Lassi and old market visit.

Included: Overnight train to Agra.

Arrive in Agra and check into your new base. Today is deliberately kept at a more relaxed pace so you can recharge your batteries before tomorrow's ultra-early wake-up call. Spend the afternoon unwinding at the hostel, or head out to explore the massive, red sandstone walls of Agra Fort and the exquisite "Baby Taj" tomb. As the sun goes down, meet up with your crew for drinks and dinner at a trendy local favorite, the Salt Café, to toast to the halfway point of your journey.

Optional: Agra Fort & Baby Taj visit, group dinner at Salt Café.

Included: Transfer to Agra accommodation.

This is the big one! Set your alarms early to catch the Taj Mahal at its absolute best. We’ll enter just as the gates open to watch the morning sun transform the ivory-white marble from soft, misty pink to brilliant gold—a true bucket-list moment. After filling your camera roll, we'll hit the road toward Jaipur, Rajasthan’s famous "Pink City." We'll cap off an unforgettable day by trekking up to the ramparts of Nahargarh Fort to watch an epic sunset over the sprawling city below.

Included: Taj Mahal sunrise entry, Nahargarh Fort sunset visit, private transfer to Jaipur.

Get ready for a full sensory explosion in the Pink City. We’ll kick off the day by diving headfirst into Rajasthan's incredible culinary scene with a guided food tour, sampling delicious local delicacies like spicy pyaaz kachori and sweet ghevar. The rest of the day is Yours to customize. You can marvel at the intricate, honeycomb facade of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), explore the ancient astronomical instruments at Jantar Mantar, or take a trip to the staggering heights of Amber Fort. Feeling extra adventurous? Opt for a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride over the palaces.

• Included: Jaipur street food tour.
• Optional: Amber Fort entry, Hawa Mahal visit, Sunrise hot air balloon safari.

Spend your final morning in Jaipur ticking off any last-minute spots. We highly recommend visiting the stunningly colorful and symmetrical Patrika Gate for the ultimate Instagram photo, or heading out to the peaceful Galta Ji (the iconic Monkey Temple) nestled in the hills. In the afternoon, we’ll gather our bags, grab some snacks, and board our next overnight sleeper train. This time, we are trekking deep into the dramatic desert sands of western Rajasthan, bound for the golden city of Jaisalmer.

• Included: Monkey Temple visit, overnight sleeper train to Jaisalmer.
• Optional: Patrika Gate visit.

Wake up as the train arrives in the golden sandstone city of Jaisalmer. Today, we trade the train tracks for a completely different kind of ride. We’ll journey out into the vast, rolling dunes of the Thar Desert on an epic camel safari. As the sun dips below the horizon, we’ll gather around a roaring campfire for a traditional Rajasthani dinner cooked over the open flames. Wrap up the day with an unforgettable night, sleeping at a desert camp under a brilliant, unpolluted canopy of a million stars.

Included: Thar Desert camel safari, campfire dinner, and desert overnight camp.

Enjoy breakfast in the quiet of the desert before we hit the road toward Jodhpur—India’s famous "Blue City." Once we arrive, we’ll dive straight into an orientation walking tour through a mesmerizing maze of indigo-washed houses. We'll check out the bustling markets around the historic Clock Tower and visit Toorji Ka Jhalra, a stunning, intricately carved ancient stepwell hidden right in the middle of the city.

Included: Desert breakfast, private transfer to Jodhpur, Blue City walking tour & ancient stepwell visit.

The morning is yours to experience Jodhpur your way. If you're a thrill-seeker, don’t miss the chance to go ziplining with Flying Fox, where you’ll glide directly past the imposing walls of Mehrangarh Fort for an unmatched adrenaline rush. In the evening, we’ll swap adventure gear for aprons and dive into a traditional Indian cooking class. Learn the master secrets of balancing local spices, and then enjoy your delicious creations for a group dinner.

• Included: Traditional Indian cooking experience & dinner.
• Optional: Mehrangarh Fort ziplining, Mehrangarh Fort interior tour.

Today we leave the desert dunes of Rajasthan behind and head to the airport for a quick domestic flight to Mumbai (Bombay)—India’s high-energy, cosmopolitan commercial capital. After checking into our sleek accommodation, we’ll stretch our legs on an orientation walk to take in the city's coastal energy. We’ll stroll down Marine Drive to watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea and see the famous "Queen’s Necklace" streetlights turn on, before wrapping up at the grand, iconic Gateway of India.

• Included: Domestic flight from Jodhpur to Mumbai, Mumbai orientation walk.

Today is fully customizable to suit your travel style. Dive deep into the complex social fabric of the city with an insightful, locally-guided tour of the Dharavi area, or watch the jaw-dropping scale of the open-air laundry system at Dhobi Ghat. If you prefer a slower pace, hunt down vintage Bollywood posters in the local markets or grab a coffee in the trendy Colaba district. Tonight, we’ll gather the crew for an epic farewell dinner and head to a rooftop bar to toast to an unforgettable 14 days over drinks and city views.

• Optional: Dharavi guided tour, Dhobi Ghat visit, Group farewell dinner & drinks.

Our epic 14-day Indian Odyssey officially comes to a close today. After checking out of the accommodation, we’ll head over to the magnificent Siddhivinayak Temple—one of Mumbai's most vibrant and revered spiritual landmarks—to witness a traditional morning prayer and grab a final blessing for the journey home. Swap social handles, share your favorite memories, and say goodbye to your incredible travel crew before heading to the airport or continuing your independent travels!

• Included: Siddhivinayak Temple visit.