The Heart of India

India is vibrant, layered and beautifully alive. Bright colours and chaotic streets, sacred temples and spice-filled markets, and the sweet smell of masala chai drifting through the air. It pulls you right into the present moment as all your senses are enraptured with its charm.

Travelling through India is a deeply transformative journey. The different ways of living and the rich cultures you’ll encounter gently (and sometimes boldly) challenge your perspective on the world, inviting you to discover authenticity in the raw and real. From the bustling metropolises to the tranquil, remote villages, you’ll witness the resilience and determination of its people. India has a way of drawing you inward, prompting reflection on who you are and where you stand in this vast, complex world.

This journey will be an authentic experience delving into the culture of North India and Rajasthan. We will be travelling over-land from the cities to the rural villages, having dinner with local families, marvelling at the monuments, tasting every curry and spice we can, walking through markets, searching for leopards on safari, and learning about the history and culture. Our style of travel will be adventurous, but comfortable, staying in three star hotels and using a mixture of public trains and private cars/buses. It wouldnt be a trip to India without experienceing an over night sleeper train!

The group will be accompanied by an expert female local tour guide who will create an immersive experience for you to learn about Indian culture, and ensure the whole adventure goes smoothly and safely from start to finish. We like to think of all Wild Women Journeys trips like "traveling with friends". We have a relaxed approach to our itinerary so you never feel rushed, and there is plenty of free time for you to have moments to yourself or go for your own little adventures.

Highlights:

Walk the streets of Old Delhi, visiting markets and lap up the smells of Asia’s biggest Spice Market, Khari Baoli.
Travel with like-minded women who share your passion for adventure!
Witness the wonder of the Taj Mahal.
Explore the Pink City of Jaipur
Experience a leopard safari and glamping in Jawai Bandh
Wander through the romantic city of Udaipur, visit the City Palace, & take a boat ride on Lake Pichola
Enjoy a hands-on cooking class with a local family

The Details:

Duration: 15 days

Dates: October 18 - November 1, 2026

Start & Finish: New Delhi, India.

Group size: 12 - 14

Price: $3990 AUD

Optional add-on: 4 days Ashram in Rishikesh
$650 AUD

Gallery

Information

Included:

13 nights accomodation in hotels.
1 night camping
Airport pickup and drop off in New Delhi.
All transport throughout the trip via trains, buses, and private cars.
Local female guide.
14 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 7 Dinners.
Entry tickets to all destinations on itinerary including Taj Mahal, Amer Fort, and more.

Meeting Point:

We will be meeting in New Delhi, India, on the 18th of October. You can book your flight arriving in on the 18th or earlier. We will be having our official "meet and greet" around 5pm on the 18th, so it would be good to arrive earlier than that to give you time to settle in.

A driver will be waiting for you at New Delhi airport with your name on a card ready to bring you to the hotel.

Visa:

All tourists entering India require a Visa. You will need to obtain an e-Tourist Visa online before entering India (there is no visa on arrive). This application must be submitted at least 4 days before traveling as it takes time to process. I recommend doing it a few weeks in advance so you dont forget.

There is only ONE official page for Indian visa, it is this:

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

There are other mirror websites and scam websites which offer visa services, dont use them.

The application process is simple and you can select either 30 day tourist visa or 1 year tourist visa. Just click 'apply here for e-visa' and follow the prompts. There is a small fee.

Travel Insurance:

It is compulsory for you to have travel insurance to join this trip, which we will need to have a copy of before you depart. You should book travel insurance which covers you from the moment you leave home, until the moment you return, ensuring it includes cover for flight delays/cancellations, lost baggage, theft, medical expenses and all activities included in the trip. There are many companies offering insurance, so you should shop around and compare prices and values.

What to Bring:

Loose fitting, breathable clothing - modest but good for hot weather. Linen pants & long skirts are great.
Shirts that cover shoulders
A few warm layers - for cool evenings in the desert
Scarf or shall - great sun protection & cover up for temples
Comfortable walking shoes
Sandals
Swimsuit
Hat & sunnies
Reusable water bottle - highly recommend a Lifestraw bottle so you have filtered water everywhere you go
Quick dry travel towel
Power bank - great for long bus/train rides
Power adapter - India use the 2 circle pin plugs
Sunscreen & lip balm
Hand sanitiser

Personal toiletries - Shampoo, conditioner, moisturiser, toothpaste, deodorant, etc
Basic first aid & travel meds - Can ask your doctor what they suggest
Personal medications
Eye mask & ear plugs
Journal/book
Any small games or musical instrument you like =)
Snacks - can buy there also
Camera
Passport - Make sure it's valid for more than 6 months from time of travel
Copies of passport, visas, insurance
Debit cards and USD cash - we love Wise & ING for travelling to avoid fees

Notes for Packing:

You will need to be able to carry your luggage for short distances between hotels and sometimes up and down stairs, so the less you bring, the easier this will be. Generally, I would say try and keep your bag to about 15kg or less. You'll have a much or enjoyable experience if you dont feel so over-encumbered, and if you realise you havent brought enough, you can always buy more clothes there! Its far more common to regret bringing "too much" rather than "not enough".

Weather:

October is one of the best months to travel North India as its the beginning of autumn and offers dry, sunny weather with pleasant temperatures of around 25-32 during the day and 15-20 in the evenings.

How to dress in India:

All personal opinions and fashion preferences aside, the reality is that the clothing you wear in India will affect the way you're perceived by locals. India is still a male-dominated and mostly conservative society, with an equally conservative dress code in most parts of the country. Below are some handy tips:

Cover your shoulders, cleavage and thighs
Avoid wearing thin spaghetti strap tops, mini-skirts or shorts, and tight clothing – tight jeans are fine, as long as you wear a long, loose top or shirt over them
Only wear swimwear at the beach – and perhaps consider wearing a loose t-shirt over your swimwear when you're in a smaller, more remote destination
Opt for loose-fitting shirts, t-shirts, long dresses, knee-level or below-knee shorts, pants and skirts
Clothing made from linen or a linen blend is great to wear in hot weather
Suss your surroundings and dress in a similar way – generally, touristy or modern cities like Mumbai are more liberal and relaxed when it comes to clothing than smaller towns and villages or holy places like Varanasi
If in doubt, always err on the side of modest when choosing your outfits – many travelers dress like a local and buy a few pairs of harem pants or tunics to wear not just while they're here, but also at home.

Tipping:

Tipping is a normal and appreciated part of travelling in India. We know it can feel a little unfamiliar (especially coming from Australia), so we make it as simple and transparent as possible.

At the beginning of the trip, we’ll collect a tipping kitty of AUD $80 per person. This covers tips for our driver, porters, hotel staff and other service providers throughout the journey. We’ll distribute these on your behalf so you don’t have to think about who to tip, when, or how much.

For our incredible local Indian tour leader, we suggest allowing AUD $10–$12 per person, per day as a guideline. Over the 14-day journey, this comes to approximately AUD $140–$170 in total, which can be given directly to her at the end of the trip as a thank you for her support and care throughout your adventure.

For restaurants and cafés (where meals aren’t included), tipping is more relaxed. Adding around 8–10% of the bill is customary and appreciated.

For airport transfers, around AUD $5 per person is a suitable guideline if you’d like to tip your driver.

If you ever feel unsure, we’re always happy to guide you, but ultimately how much you decide to offer is up to you.

Transport:

India is a huge country, and even though we are only visiting the North we will be covering a lot of KM's in our journey! To make this travel time as enjoyable as possible, we will primarily be using the amazing network of trains which cover the countryside. This way you get to enjoy the view out the window, with the freedom to wander around the carriages, make use of the dinning carts, meet local people and experience how daily life operates in India. The trains in India have several "classes" and types of carriages, we will be travelling in the upper classes which have air conditioning and allocated seating, however no promises there might not be an animal or two on the train!

It also wouldn't be a complete trip to India without a night on a sleeper train. We will have one night where we will experience this for the longest leg of our journey from Udaipur back to Delhi. Sleeper trains are so much more comfortable than you might think, and a lot of fun! They are proper bunk beds with sheets, pillows and curtains; and at night the lights get dimmed and temperature controlled. They are safe and commonly used by travellers and locals alike.

We will also use some private cars and buses to take us between destinations and hotels, as well as the traditional Indian Rickshaw, which is possibly the most fun mode of travel! You wont be able to wipe the smile of your dial as you ride around in the backseat squished with your friends feeling the wind in your hair!

Optional add-on

4 Days at an ashram in Rishikesh

For those wanting to slow down and deepen their experience, we’re offering an optional 4-day extension to Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas.

We’ll travel by private vehicle from Delhi and stay at a traditional ashram, stepping into a more intentional rhythm of daily meditation, yoga classes, philosophy teachings, fire rituals, and nourishing vegetarian meals (some enjoyed in silence). The ashram follows a structured schedule, but participation is always your choice. You’re welcome to immerse yourself fully, or attend selected classes and spend the rest of your time exploring Rishikesh, resting, journaling, or simply enjoying the slower pace.

During our stay, we’ll visit the iconic Beatles Ashram and experience the beautiful Ganga Aarti ceremony. All accommodation, meals, ashram activities, private transfers, entrance fees, and airport drop-off in Delhi are included.

Our trusted local Indian tour leader, who you’ve travelled with throughout the journey, will accompany the group for this extension, ensuring you continue to feel supported, safe and deeply cared for every step of the way. It’s a beautiful way to gently integrate your experience of India before returning home.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive to Delhi

Welcome to India! Your adventure begins in the vibrant capital city of Delhi, one of the biggest metropolitan cities in India with extremely rich heritage. Its strategic location along the north-south, east-west route has given it a focal position in Indian history and many great empires have ruled from here for centuries making it historically prime location of India.

On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel to settle in. In the evening, we’ll gather for our first group meeting & a chance to connect, set intentions and meet your local female tour leader. Then we’ll head out for a beautiful welcome dinner to celebrate the beginning of our journey together.

Accomodation:

Hotel Taj princess or similar

Meals:

Dinner

Day 2: Old Delhi Sightseeing and Dinner with the local family

Today we step into the heart of Old Delhi and it’s a full sensory experience. We’ll learn about India’s religions, culture and history as we wander through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk and visit an 18th-century Sikh temple. Expect rickshaw rides, a trip on the metro, street chai, and the intoxicating scent of spices at Asia’s largest spice market, Khari Baoli.

In the late afternoon, we’ll be welcomed into the home of a local family in a Delhi suburb. Together we’ll share a home-cooked meal, learn about Indian spices and cooking traditions, and connect in a way that goes far beyond being a visitor.

Accommodation:

Hotel taj princess or similar

Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 3: Delhi to Agra

This morning we drive to Agra, home to one of the most iconic monuments in the world, the Taj Mahal. Seeing it in person is definitely something special!

We’ll also visit Sheroes Café, a powerful social enterprise run by survivors of acid attacks. It’s an inspiring space that reflects the resilience and strength of Indian women.

Accomodation:

Atulya Taj or similar

Meals:

Breakfast

Day 4: Jaipur

After breakfast we travel to Jaipur, the vibrant Pink City of Rajasthan.

Once settled, we’ll experience a traditional block printing demonstration and learn about this beautiful textile art form. In the evening, we explore the city in pink rickshaws driven by local women, an inspiring initiative creating employment opportunities for women from low-income households.

We’ll wander the markets, watch the Albert Hall Museum glow at night, and enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city.

Accomodation:

Hotel Arya Niwas or similar

Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 5: Jaipur

Today we visit the stunning Amer Fort (Amber Palace), built from red sandstone and marble and overlooking Maotha Lake. Inside, you’ll explore ornate courtyards, intricate mirror work in the Sheesh Mahal, and a blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture that tells stories of Rajasthan’s royal past.

Jaipur is also famous for its gemstones and traditional jewellery craftsmanship. There will be opportunities to learn more about these traditions, and in the afternoon you can choose to relax, explore, or even get some henna.

Accomodation:

Hotel Arya Niwas or similar

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 6: Pushkar

After breakfast, relax and we will leave for Pushkar around 10 AM.

Reach and check in to the hotel. Enjoy a walk around the town with your tour guide and enjoy the markets, cafes and the life of Pushkar sitting at the lake. Evening is free for you to relax.

After a relaxed morning, we travel to Pushkar, one of India’s most sacred towns.

Once we arrive, we’ll take a walk around the lake, explore markets and cafés, and soak in the slower, more spiritual atmosphere. Pushkar has a softness to it that feels very different from the cities.

Evening at leisure.

Accomodation:

Hotel Brahma Horizon or similar

Meals:

Breakfast

Day 7: Pushkar

Today we dive into creativity with a hands-on silver jewellery workshop. During this interactive three-hour session, you’ll learn about the metal, traditional techniques, and gain insight into the craftsmanship behind this beautiful art form.

The rest of the day is free for exploring, shopping, or simply enjoying the energy of Pushkar.

Accomodation:

Hotel Brahma Horizon or similar

Meals:

Breakfast

Day 8: Jodhpur

The morning is spent driving to Jodhpur, the “Blue City,” and settling into our hotel.

In the evening, we visit Sardar Market, one of the best markets in Rajasthan, with its vibrant stalls, beautiful stepwell, and fantastic cafés. Enjoy time to wander and perhaps have dinner in the heart of the action.

Accomodation:

Hotel The Mandore or similar

Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 9: Jodhpur

Today we visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, rising high above the blue city below, one of Rajasthan’s most impressive and powerful landmarks.

Afterwards, we’ll share lunch with the inspiring women of the Sambhali Trust. This incredible organisation works to support and uplift Rajasthani women through access to formal education, vocational training in traditional handicrafts, and the creation of self-help groups that allow women to save, access small loans, and build their own enterprises.

Sambhali also provides education around human rights, along with refuge, counselling and support for women facing domestic violence, and assistance with legal or medical needs. During our time there, we’ll connect with the young women who are studying and living through the trust’s programs, sharing stories, conversation and a meaningful cultural exchange over lunch.

Evening at leisure.

Accomodation:

Hotel The Mandore or similar

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 10: Jawai Bandh

Today we head to Jawai Bandh in rural Rajasthan, a unique landscape of granite hills, caves, grasslands and rivers, famous for the peaceful coexistence between local communities and wild leopards. We’ll stay in beautiful glamping tents with private bathrooms, enjoy a special lunch, and head out on safari in search of leopards, crocodiles and birdlife before a sunset high tea. We’ll end the day with a bonfire and conversations under the stars.

Accomodation:

Glamping camps at Dera Jawai or similar

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 11: Udaipur

We travel 3 hours to Udaipur, the romantic “City of Lakes.” After settling in, we’ll explore the old city and visit Jagdish Temple.

In the evening, we’ll join a local woman in her kitchen for a hands-on cooking class, learning family recipes and sharing a meal together.

Accomodation:

Hotel Udaigarh or similar

Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 12: Udaipur

Today we explore the breathtaking City Palace, perched on the shores of Lake Pichola and one of Rajasthan’s most iconic architectural treasures. Originally commissioned by Maharana Udai Singh II and expanded over four centuries, the palace is truly a city within a city, spread across four acres of courtyards, pavilions, gardens and grand halls.

As we wander through its maze of balconies, domes and ornate facades, you’ll get a real sense of the royal history woven into its walls. One of the highlights is the collection of intricate miniature paintings, offering a beautiful glimpse into Rajasthan’s artistic traditions. After our visit, we’ll have the opportunity to meet local artists who are part of the last generation preserving this delicate art form and learn more about their work.

Later, we’ll take a scenic boat ride across Lake Pichola to the floating island palace of Jag Mandir, soaking up the romance and views of Udaipur from the water.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a traditional folk cultural performance followed by dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city.

Accomodation:

Hotel Udaigarh or similar

Meals:

Breakfast

Day 13: Udaipur to Dehli

The morning is yours to explore. Visit the markets or a spa, try palm reading, or simply wander.

In the early evening, we board our overnight sleeper train to Delhi, a true Indian rail experience and a memorable part of the adventure.

Accomodation:

Overnight Train

Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 14: Dehli

We arrive in Delhi around 7:30 in the morning and transfer to our hotel. Breakfast will be available at the hotel and then the rest of the day is a free day to do whatever you would like. You can wander through Delhi or we can even help arrange a city tour for you.

In the evening, we'll gather for one last dinner together (for now!), celebrating this amazing experience we just had.

Accomodation:

Hotel Ahuja Residency or Similar

Meals:

Breakfast

Day 15: Goodby India :(

After breakfast at the hotel you can depart at any time. Your transfer to the airport is included with our private driver. Just let us know beforehand what time you would like to leave.

Accomodation:

Not Included

Meals:

Breakfast

Contact FAQ's T&C's

The Heart of India

The Details:

Duration: 15 days Dates: October 18 - November 1, 2026 Start & Finish: New Delhi, India. Group size: 12 - 14 Price: $3990 AUD Optional add-on: 4 days Ashram in Rishikesh $650 AUD

Gallery

Information

Duration: 15 days

Dates: October 18 - November 1, 2026

Start & Finish: New Delhi, India.

Group size: 12 - 14

Price: $3990 AUD

Optional add-on: 4 days Ashram in Rishikesh
$650 AUD