North India’s Essential

Jamwai Journeys is a more thoughtful way of exploring India. Each itinerary is crafted with care to honor culture, support local communities, and leave a positive impact.

Traveling light: reducing footprint

Staying local to uplift communities

Respecting culture with open hearts

Slowing down to experience more

Itinerary

DAY 1: Delhi – Arrival & Meet and Greet

Arrival at Delhi Airport (DEL): Upon arrival, an electric initiative taxi will provide your transfer to your hotel. This commitment to sustainable transport helps reduce your carbon footprint.
Transfer & Check-in: The drive from the airport to a centrally located, locally-owned hotel in Delhi typically spans about 17-20 km, taking approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Check-in to your hotel, ensuring your stay directly supports local businesses.
Free Time: Enjoy free time to relax after your journey or explore the vibrant local markets nearby your hotel, offering a first glimpse into Delhi’s bustling life.

Optional Dinner: Meet your Tour Leader, who will provide an orientation for your journey. Consider an optional group dinner at a local restaurant, providing an authentic taste of Indian cuisine while supporting the community.

Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle

DAY 2: Delhi – Youth Walk & Old City Exploration

City Walk & Old Delhi Immersion: Begin your day with a unique “City Walk” tour led by former street youth, part of a “G for Good” initiative. This offers insightful perspectives and direct support to marginalized youth. Visit the grand Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) and climb its minaret for panoramic city views. Walk through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, a historic market, and visit Gurdwara Sis Ganj, a significant Sikh temple.
Colonial Architecture: Conclude your day with a visit to Connaught Place, an iconic circular shopping and commercial hub known for its distinct colonial-era architecture.

Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle

DAY 3: Delhi to Jaipur – Block Printing Experience

Drive to Jaipur: After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Jaipur, the “Pink City,” by private vehicle. The journey covers approximately 270 km and takes about 5-6 hours, showcasing the changing landscapes of Rajasthan.
Good Blocks Project: Upon arrival in Jaipur, dive into a hands-on experience at the Good Blocks Project. Here, you’ll learn traditional block printing techniques directly from local women artisans, supporting their craft and economic empowerment.

Optional Activities: As evening approaches, you have the option to visit Jantar Mantar (UNESCO World Heritage Site), an astronomical observation site, or experience the magic of Bollywood by watching a film at the famous Raj Mandir Cinema.

Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle

DAY 4: Jaipur – Forts & Palaces

Hawa Mahal & Amber Fort: Begin your day with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal, the iconic “Palace of Winds,” famous for its intricate facade. Then, continue to the majestic Amber Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site). You can opt to take a jeep or walk up the ramp to the fort, avoiding elephant rides due to ethical concerns regarding animal welfare. Explore the fort’s stunning courtyards, palaces, and temples.

Optional Tours & Ethical Shopping: Choose an optional cycle tour to explore more of Jaipur’s hidden gems, or indulge in some shopping at local bazaars, focusing on ethically made crafts directly from artisans.

Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle

Day 5: Jaipur to Dhula Village – Rural Rajasthan

Drive to Dhula Village: Depart from Jaipur for a unique rural experience in Dhula Village. The drive is approximately 80-90 km and takes about 2 hours, offering a glimpse into the serene countryside.
Village Immersion: Upon arrival, embark on an immersive village cycling tour. This is a fantastic opportunity to interact with locals, observe their daily rural life, and understand the rhythms of traditional Indian village existence.
Campfire & Stars: As night falls, relax by a warm campfire under the vast, star-studded sky, a perfect end to a day of rural exploration.

Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle

Day 6: Dhula to Agra – Stepwell Stopover

Depart for Agra: After breakfast at your eco-lodge, depart for Agra.
Chand Baori Stepwell: Break your journey with a significant stop at Chand Baori Stepwell in Abhaneri village. This ancient, ornate stepwell is an architectural marvel and a testament to India’s traditional water harvesting systems. The drive from Dhula to Abhaneri is approximately 25-30 km (about 45 minutes) and then from Abhaneri to Agra is about 185-195 km (about 3-3.5 hours). The total journey will be around 4-5 hours excluding the stop.

Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle

Day 7: Agra – Taj Mahal & Mughal Heritage

Taj Mahal (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Begin your day with an awe-inspiring sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. Witnessing this iconic monument as the first rays of light illuminate its marble facade is an unforgettable experience. A local guide will provide fascinating insights into its history, architecture, and the poignant love story behind its creation.
Mughal Fort & Tomb: Visit Agra Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a grand fortress that served as a key residence for Mughal emperors. Afterward, explore Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, often called the “Baby Taj” for its delicate marble inlay work, a beautiful precursor to the Taj Mahal.

Optional – Marble Inlay Workshop: Consider an optional visit to a local fair-trade marble inlay workshop, where you can see the traditional craftsmanship and support local artisans directly.

Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle

Day 8: Agra to Alipura – Train Journey & Village Stay

Train to Jhansi: Experience a slice of local life by boarding a train from Agra Cantt to Jhansi. The train journey is approximately 200 km and takes about 2.5-3.5 hours, offering a comfortable and authentic travel experience.
Transfer to Alipura: Upon arrival at Jhansi railway station, you will be met and transferred to Alipura by private vehicle. This drive is approximately 55-60 km and takes about 1.5-2 hours.
Village Exploration: In the afternoon, explore the tranquil village of Alipura. Interact with locals, gaining insights into their daily routines and rural lifestyle.

Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle

Day 9: Alipura – Khajuraho Temples Day Trip

Full Day Trip – Khajuraho Temples (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Embark on a full-day trip to the renowned Khajuraho Temples. These temples, located approximately 40-45 km from Alipura (about 1-1.5 hours drive each way), are famous for their intricate and symbolic carvings, depicting various aspects of life and spirituality from the Chandela dynasty period.
Return to Alipura: After a day of exploration, return to Alipura.

Optional – Classical Dance Performance: In the evening, you have the option to attend a classical Indian dance performance in Khajuraho, showcasing the region’s rich artistic heritage.

Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle

Day 10: Alipura to Orchha – Craft & Spiritual Rituals

Drive to Orchha: After breakfast, drive to Orchha, a charming town steeped in history and natural beauty. The journey is approximately 50-60 km and takes about 1.5-2 hours.
Community Project: En route or upon arrival, visit a paper recycling project that specifically supports tribal women, providing them with livelihoods and promoting sustainable practices.
Puja Ceremony: In the evening, attend a sacred Puja ceremony at the Ram Raja Temple, an active pilgrimage site where Lord Rama is worshipped as a king. This offers a serene insight into local spiritual rituals.

Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle

Day 11: Orchha – Palaces & Overnight Train

Orchha Palace Complex: Explore the magnificent Orchha Palace complex, including the Raj Mahal, Jehangir Mahal, and Rai Praveen Mahal. These palaces showcase stunning Mughal and Bundela architecture, adorned with intricate murals and providing insights into the region’s royal past.
Overnight Train to Varanasi: In the evening, transfer to the railway station to board an overnight sleeper train to Varanasi. This is a significant journey, covering approximately 400-450 km and typically taking 9-11 hours, offering a quintessential Indian travel experience.

Optional Orchha Cooking Class: In the afternoon, participate in an optional Orchha Cooking Class. Learn to prepare traditional Indian beverages like chai, savory snacks like pakoras, and flavorful curries, gaining hands-on culinary skills.

Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle

Day 12: Varanasi – Arrival & Ganga Aarti

Arrival & Transfer: Arrive at Varanasi railway station in the morning. Upon arrival, transfer to your locally-owned hotel, ensuring your stay contributes to the local economy.
Old Varanasi Orientation: After checking in and refreshing, take an orientation walk through the labyrinthine lanes of Old Varanasi. Get familiar with the city’s unique charm, ancient architecture, and vibrant street life.
Ganges Boat Ride & Aarti: Embark on a serene boat ride on the sacred Ganges River during sunset. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a spiritual spectacle where priests offer prayers with lamps, fire, and chants.

Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle

Day 13: Varanasi – Sunrise Rituals & Sarnath (Optional)

Ganges Boat Ride: Take an early morning boat ride along the Ganges to witness the serene dawn rituals and cremations unfolding on the ghats. This profound experience offers a deep insight into Hindu beliefs surrounding life and death.
Local Crafts & Spirituality: Explore local silk weaving workshops in Varanasi, observing the intricate process and supporting traditional artisans. Alternatively, consider joining a yoga or meditation session for a deeper spiritual connection.

Optional Sarnath Visit: In the afternoon, you have an optional guided visit to Sarnath, located approximately 10-12 km from Varanasi (about 30-40 minutes drive). This is a highly significant Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddha gave his first sermon.

Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle

Day 14: Varanasi to Delhi – Return by Flight

Free Time: Enjoy some free time in the morning to further explore Varanasi, reflect by the Ganges, or do some last-minute souvenir shopping.
Flight to Delhi: Transfer to Varanasi airport for your flight back to Delhi. The direct flight typically takes approximately 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, covering a distance of about 665-670 km.

Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle

Day 15: Departure Day – Delhi

Departure: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. You can depart anytime today. Your local assistant will be available to help with any travel arrangements or onward journeys, ensuring a smooth departure from Delhi International Airport (DEL).

Transport : Private vehicle

Highlights

  • Delhi orientation & “City Walk” with former street youth
  • Old Delhi immersion: Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Gurdwara, Connaught Place
  • Jaipur: block printing workshop, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, City Palace
  • Dhula village cycling & campfire stay
  • Abhaneri Chand Baori Stepwell
  • Sunrise Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Baby Taj
  • Train to Alipura with haveli stay
  • Khajuraho Temples (UNESCO)
  • Orchha: Ram Raja Temple puja & palaces
  • Overnight train to Varanasi
  • Ganga Aarti, boat rides & silk weaving in Varanasi
  • Optional: Sarnath, yoga, meditation, classical dance
  • Return flight to Delhi & closing reflections

Things Included

  • Visits: All listed monuments & experiences (Delhi, Jaipur, Dhula, Agra, Alipura, Khajuraho, Orchha, Varanasi)
  • Accommodation: 13 nights in hotels, eco-lodges & heritage havelis
  • Transport: Private AC vehicle, trains, domestic flight, jeep/walk to Amber Fort, airport transfers
  • Meals: Daily breakfast; dinner in Dhula village
  • Experts: Tour leader, local guides, artisans, former street youth
  • Entry: All monument/site tickets, taxes & charges

Things Not Included

  • International Travel: Flights to/from India
  • Meals & Drinks: Meals not listed, snacks, alcohol, soft drinks, room service
  • Personal Expenses: Tips, laundry, phone/internet, shopping, medical costs
  • Documentation & Insurance: Travel insurance, visa fees, vaccinations (if required)
  • Optional Activities: Any activities not listed under inclusions
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions
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