North India trip

16-25 February 2024

Have you always wanted to go to India, but never dared going on your own? Do you prefer to have someone who knows India inside out taking care of all the logistics but don’t want to go on a big organised tour? Then this is the perfect trip for you! Halfway between organised tour and backpacking, I will take care of all the logistics and book the hotels and transportation, and I will organise our sightseeing and meals. And we will stay in charming boutique hotels carefully selected by me!

In this awesome trip, we will have the opportunity to discover some of the most famous North Indian monuments, as well as experience the spiritual side of the country, off the beaten track.

The trip starts in Delhi, when you will be picked up at the airport and taken to our boutique accommodation in the South of Delhi. We will do some sightseeing, but taking it easy, as it’s your first day in India.

On day 2, we will discover all the beauties that Delhi has to offer, touring the city with our private transport. For the foodies among us, there will be the opportunity to go on a food walk though Old Delhi, to taste the exquisite food street in a safe and fun way.

Day 3 in the morning we will go to the station to take a train to Agra. Traveling with the train in India is undoubtedly something not to be missed, be ready for the experience of a lifetime!

On day 4, we will visit one of the Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal, a masterpiece of the Mughal architecture and a symbol of India’s rich history. Taj Mahal, “the epitome of love“, is “a monument of immeasurable beauty“. The beauty of this magnificent monument is such that it is beyond the scope of words. We will visit it at sunset, one of the best times to visit, as the monument changes color reflecting the setting sun. Moreover, when visiting the Taj Mahal in the late afternoon, we will not only avoid the heat but also the crowds. We will also have the opportunity to enjoy other sights in Agra, like the Red Fort and the lesser known Baby Taj Mahal.

Day 5 is a road trip day, when we will cover the 410 kms that separate Agra from Rishikesh. We will travel on our own private minibus. After enjoying the tourist sights, we will leave behind us the beaten track and enter another world, the world of spirituality. Rishikesh is not on the typical routes in the glossy magazines of the travel agencies. Also known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, with masses of ashrams and all kinds of yoga and meditation classes,  Rishikesh’s exquisite setting on the fast-flowing Ganges, surrounded by forested hills, is conducive to meditation and mind expansion. There we will spend from day 5 until day 10.

In Rishikesh we will enjoy a plethora of activities, like rafting, yoga classes with Indian masters, a visit to an ashram for spiritual teachings… Other optional activities include: the nightly Ganga Aarti (ritual of worshipping the Ganga). visit to the Beatles ashram, a visit to an astrologist, Ayurvedic massages and consultation with an Ayurvedic Doctor, reiki healing, chanting, cooking classes, tasting delicious food, or simply journaling or enjoying a good book with the view of the Ganga. We will also have the opportunity to visit a project to empower local women to create and sell dolls to support themselves and the charity project Semillas de Conciencia.

 

Who is this trip for? 

If you are curious, adventurous, open minded, and ready to go out of your comfort zone and see the REAL India (cows and all!), then this trip is for YOU! Please note that a minimum fitness level is required, as there is quite a lot of walking and the yoga classes in Rishikesh might be demanding. Also please bear in mind that Indian standards are very different from Western standards so flexibility and adaptability are required.

You can find further details on the trip by downloading a brochure here

Why go with me?

I have been traveling to India since 2008, when I fell in love with the country. I know how things work and how to solve any problem that might arise. I can guide you through the rich Indian gastronomy, explain the rituals and traditions, and offer some insights into the intricacies of Hinduism. And I speak basic Hindi too!

When?

Dates: 16-25 February 2024

Spaces are limited to a maximum of 7 people. We need at least 4 people to make it happen.

How much?

Early bird price until 1st October: in shared accommodation is 1190€ pp +21% VAT= 1439,9€

Early bird price until 1st October: in single accommodation is 1390€ +21% VAT= 1681,9€

After 1st October:

Price in shared accommodation is 1290€ p.p +21% VAT= 1560,9€

Price in single accommodation is 1490€ +21% VAT= 1802,9€

What is included?

• all accommodation in small boutique hotels,
• train ticket from Delhi to Agra,
• all transportation by private car/minibus,
• all airport transfers,
• breakfast in Delhi and Agra
• the practical organisation of the trip and my expenses,
• welcome dinner in Delhi and farewell dinner in Rishikesh,
• activities in Rishikesh included: 5 yoga classes with the best Indian teachers. Two of the classes are private classes with the best teacher in Rishikesh, Surinder Singh, an opportunity not to be missed!
• a donation to the charity Semillas de Conciencia

What is not included?

International flights, meals other than specified, entries to the monuments and sights, drinks, tips, other activities in Rishikesh

Book early to benefit from this unique opportunity to discover North India in a different way, off the beaten track!

 

To register for this unique experience, please send an email to: laura@lauralakshmi.com