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Northern India on a Budget: The Golden Triangle to Varanasi
Temples, tuk-tuks, and the Taj — oh my! This nine-day adventure through India brings your bucket list to life without breaking the bank. Cruise the sacred Ganges in Varanasi, wander the halls of Agra Fort, and snap that iconic shot of the Taj Mahal. With plenty of free time in Jaipur, Agra, and Varanasi, you’ll hit the highlights and still have space to make the trip your own.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.
Service Level: Basic
Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
Physical Grading: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Merchandising: New Trips
Trip Type: Small Group
Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
Age requirements: 18-39
Check Your Visa Requirements
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
Northern India on a Budget: The Golden Triangle to Varanasi - Itinerary
DAY 1
Delhi
Welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi! Arrive in time to meet at 2:00 pm for your welcome meeting and orientation walk. Embark on an afternoon orientation tour visiting Connaught Place and India Gate for those iconic photos. Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends! Arriving early with a free day in Delhi? Opt to add the "Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi" extra to your tour.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Delhi Orientation Tour:
Get a taste of India's capital city through a visit to Connaught Place by metro and a walk to India Gate, a stately memorial built for Indian soldiers who died in World War I.
Connect With New Friends:
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Hotel Rockwell Plaza:
Hotel Rockwell Plaza
Optional Activities
Northern India on a Budget: The Golden Triangle to Varanasi - Itinerary
DAY 1
Delhi
Welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi! Arrive in time to meet at 2:00 pm for your welcome meeting and orientation walk. Embark on an afternoon orientation tour visiting Connaught Place and India Gate for those iconic photos. Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends! Arriving early with a free day in Delhi? Opt to add the "Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi" extra to your tour.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Delhi Orientation Tour:
Get a taste of India's capital city through a visit to Connaught Place by metro and a walk to India Gate, a stately memorial built for Indian soldiers who died in World War I.
Connect With New Friends:
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Hotel Rockwell Plaza:
Hotel Rockwell Plaza
Optional Activities
What’s Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
- Your Big Night Out Moment: Jaipur Nightlife, Jaipur
- Orientation walk in Delhi
- Orientation walk in Pushkar
- Savitri Temple Sunrise Hike
- Jaipur Orientation Walk
- Amber Fort Guided Tour
- Free time in Jaipur
- Taj Mahal Guided Tour
- Free time in Agra
- Orientation walk in Varanasi
- Free time in Varanasi
- Morning Ganges Boat Tour.
- Simple hotels or guesthouse (twin-share) (7 nts), sleeper train (1 nt).
- No meals included
- Train, metro, local bus, taxi, rickshaw, walking, tuktuk, overnight train.
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Northern India on a Budget: The Golden Triangle to Varanasi Departure Dates
All Years
| Start | Ending | Availability | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Feb 10 2026 | Wed, Feb 18 2026 | Sold Out | $471.75 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Tue, Feb 24 2026 | Wed, Mar 04 2026 | Request (5) | $440.3 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Tue, Mar 03 2026 | Wed, Mar 11 2026 | Sold Out | $434.25 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Tue, Mar 10 2026 | Wed, Mar 18 2026 | Sold Out | $434.25 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Tue, Mar 24 2026 | Wed, Apr 01 2026 | Sold Out | $434.25 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Tue, Apr 07 2026 | Wed, Apr 15 2026 | Sold Out | $396.75 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Tue, May 05 2026 | Wed, May 13 2026 | Open (4) | $396.75 USD (price includes taxes and fees) |
More from Northern India on a Budget: The Golden Triangle to Varanasi
USEFUL INFO
What's Included
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Big Night Out Moment: Jaipur Nightlife, Jaipur. Orientation walk in Delhi. Orientation walk in Pushkar. Savitri Temple Sunrise Hike. Jaipur Orientation Walk. Amber Fort Guided Tour. Free time in Jaipur. Taj Mahal Guided Tour. Free time in Agra. Orientation walk in Varanasi. Free time in Varanasi. Morning Ganges Boat Tour.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Watch life unfold along the Ganges on a sunrise boat ride in Varanasi, Marvel at the Taj Mahal and explore the grand Agra Fort on a guided tour, Soak up the vibes of Jaipur and Agra and Varanasi with loads of free time to roam
Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?
Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?
Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Are there Itinerary notes?
Are there Itinerary notes?
Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 4, 2026 or March 22, 2027 for the nation’s most colourful festival.
