{"id":134941,"date":"2024-05-30T16:47:07","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T15:47:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/?post_type=trip&#038;p=134941"},"modified":"2026-08-11T16:20:04","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T15:20:04","slug":"classic-india-golden-triangle-varanasi","status":"publish","type":"trip","link":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/classic-india-golden-triangle-varanasi\/","title":{"rendered":"North India Icons"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">North India\u2019s soul doesn&#8217;t reveal itself easily. This trip is built for curious travelers seeking total immersion in local traditions. People who want to eat their way through Old Delhi&#8217;s back lanes as much as they want to stand in front of the Taj Mahal, and who&#8217;d rather prepare a feast at home with a local family than order from a menu. Twelve days from Delhi to Varanasi via Agra, Jaipur and the tigers of Ranthambore, built around exclusive access to local characters, kitchens and experiences that take years of relationships on the ground to arrange.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":127041,"menu_order":733,"template":"","class_list":["post-134941","trip","type-trip","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","location-asia","location-india","month-april-us","month-december-us","month-february-us","month-january-us","month-march-us","month-november-us","month-october-us","month-september-us","duration-long-haul-trips"],"thumbnail_video":[{"file":false,"codec":"mp4","video_url":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IN3_Thumbnail_1x1.mp4"}],"checkout_hero_banner":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IN3-1152x648.jpg","acf":[],"template_id":"IN3","duration":12,"trip_limit":8,"img_header":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/IN1_THUMBNAIL2-998x620.jpg","continent":"Asia","country":"India","countries":["India"],"prices_between":{"gbp":{"min":"\u00a33300","max":"\u00a33880"},"eur":{"min":"\u20ac3855","max":"\u20ac4535"},"usd":{"min":"$4280","max":"$5035"},"cad":{"min":"$5625","max":"$6620"},"aud":{"min":"$6300","max":"$7410"},"nzd":{"min":"$7275","max":"$8555"},"hkd":{"min":"$32000","max":"$37645"},"aed":{"min":"DH14970","max":"DH17610"}},"about":"<p><strong>With its riot of colors, tastes, sights and smells, Northern India will send your senses reeling. Experience it all, Flash Pack style, on this classic 12-day adventure.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Join us as we take in Rajasthan\u2019s Golden Triangle: tasting our way through Delhi\u2019s spice markets with a born-and-bred local chef, watching the sunrise over Agra\u2019s incredible Taj Mahal and cycling past pink palaces in vibrant Jaipur. There\u2019ll be tiger-spotting in Ranthambore (one of the best places to see them in the wild) and block print workshops in a Bagru village, cooking with a local family and an upbeat Bollywood dance class. The trip culminates in sacred Varanasi, India\u2019s cultural capital, where you\u2019ll witness an Aarti ceremony on the ghats as you drift slowly down the Ganges &#8211; an experience not to be missed.<\/p>\n<p>This is a journey that opens up a window to the country\u2019s fascinating history, but it\u2019s the humble human interactions that will leave the biggest impression &#8211; because there\u2019s nowhere quite like India.<\/p>\n","highlights":[],"lang":"us","trip_type":[],"hidden":false,"seasons":["spring","autumn","winter"],"scenery":["city","jungle"],"activities":["boat_trip","cooking_class","cycling","local_culture","tasting","yoga"],"activity_level":["moderate"],"key_locations":"New Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Varanasi, Sarnath","itinerary":[{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Arrive in New Delhi (DEL)","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"City tour & welcome feast","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"<ul>\n<li>Touch down in New Delhi, a vast 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come<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","snapshot":"Arrive in New Delhi (DEL)","images":["https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IN3_Day1000.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IN1_itinerary2.jpg"],"day":1},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Culinary tour of Old Delhi | Gurudwara Bangla Saheb temple","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Local chef food tour & Gurudwara Bangla Saheb temple","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"<ul>\n<li>Old Delhi&#8217;s food scene is one of the great culinary experiences on earth, and today\u2019s <strong>chef-led tour takes you beyond the main streets and into the lanes<\/strong> where the city&#8217;s most legendary dishes have been made the same way for generations<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stop to sample an array of delicacies at some of the city\u2019s best foodie spots,<\/strong> the recipes and flavours narrated by your expert guide<\/li>\n<li>Bangla Sahib Gurudwara feeds 35,000 people every day, for free. <strong>Step into the langar kitchen, roll chapatis, stir lentils and help serve meals<\/strong> alongside the volunteers who make it happen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":""},"header":"Local chef food tour & Gurudwara Bangla Saheb temple","text":"<ul>\n<li>Old Delhi&#8217;s food scene is one of the great culinary experiences on earth, and today\u2019s <strong>chef-led tour takes you beyond the main streets and into the lanes<\/strong> where the city&#8217;s most legendary dishes have been made the same way for generations<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stop to sample an array of delicacies at some of the city\u2019s best foodie spots,<\/strong> the recipes and flavours narrated by your expert guide<\/li>\n<li>Bangla Sahib Gurudwara feeds 35,000 people every day, for free. <strong>Step into the langar kitchen, roll chapatis, stir lentils and help serve meals<\/strong> 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<strong>We do it differently: a local family&#8217;s rooftop in a nearby Mughal village, tea and pakoras, the white marble glowing in the distance<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","campaign_id":"20506","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":""},"header":"Agra Fort & tea overlooking the Taj Mahal","text":"<ul>\n<li>Board a train south to Agra and <strong>explore the mighty Agra Fort with a local guide<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India&#8217;s finest Mughal palaces<\/strong>, wander in awe amongst walls of deep red sandstone<\/li>\n<li>Most people see the Taj Mahal from the same viewpoint, with the same crowd. <strong>We do it differently: a local family&#8217;s rooftop in a nearby Mughal village, tea and pakoras, the white marble glowing in the distance<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","snapshot":"Train to Agra | Visit Agra Fort | High tea in a local 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<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","campaign_id":"14855","trip_highlight":true,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":""},"header":"Taj Mahal at sunrise","text":"<ul>\n<li>Rise early to <strong>witness the Taj Mahal aglow with morning sunrise<\/strong>; this dazzling white mausoleum is <strong>the ultimate monument to love<\/strong> and one of the world\u2019s most beautiful and recognized buildings<\/li>\n<li>Mind blown, journey south to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/tiger-reserve-india\/\"><strong>Ranthambore National Park<\/strong><\/a>: this former maharajas\u2019 hunting ground is now <strong>one of the best place in the world to spot wild tigers <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","snapshot":"Taj Mahal at sunrise | Travel to Ranthambore","images":["https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IN3_GALLERY1.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IN1_itineraryDay42.jpg"],"day":4},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Ranthambore National Park wildlife safari","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Morning & afternoon safaris","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"<div class=\"event_content event_content_v2\">\n<ul>\n<li>Take a <strong>dawn safari by open-top Jeep<\/strong>, an ideal time to spot tigers prowling through the long grass or along dusty tracks after a night of hunting<\/li>\n<li><strong>Relax at your resort<\/strong>, before a <strong>late afternoon safari<\/strong>, keeping your eyes peeled for monkeys, leopards, deer and hyenas as well as elusive tigers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","campaign_id":"14856","trip_highlight":true,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":""},"header":"Morning & afternoon safaris","text":"<div class=\"event_content event_content_v2\">\n<ul>\n<li>Take a <strong>dawn safari by open-top Jeep<\/strong>, an ideal time to spot tigers prowling through the long grass or along dusty tracks after a night of hunting<\/li>\n<li><strong>Relax at your resort<\/strong>, before a <strong>late afternoon safari<\/strong>, keeping your eyes peeled for monkeys, leopards, deer and hyenas as well as elusive tigers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","snapshot":"Ranthambore National Park wildlife safari","images":["https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IN1_itineraryDay51.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IN1_itineraryDay53.jpg"],"day":5},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Travel to Jaipur | Cooking demo & dinner with local family","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Dine with a family in Jaipur","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"<ul>\n<li><strong>Journey into Rajasthan,<\/strong> where India&#8217;s royal past comes alive through rose-hued palaces, vibrant bazaars and some of the country&#8217;s most spectacular architecture<\/li>\n<li><strong>Explore the old quarter,<\/strong> take in the Hawa Mahal and let the colour and noise of the city do its work<\/li>\n<li>Tonight you&#8217;re invited into a local family home. <strong>Watch authentic Rajasthani dishes prepared from scratch,<\/strong> learn the stories behind them and sit down together for a home-cooked feast<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","campaign_id":"14857","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":""},"header":"Dine with a family in Jaipur","text":"<ul>\n<li><strong>Journey into Rajasthan,<\/strong> where India&#8217;s royal past comes alive through rose-hued palaces, vibrant bazaars and some of the country&#8217;s most spectacular architecture<\/li>\n<li><strong>Explore the old quarter,<\/strong> take in the Hawa Mahal and let the colour and noise of the city do its work<\/li>\n<li>Tonight you&#8217;re invited into a local family home. <strong>Watch authentic Rajasthani dishes prepared from scratch,<\/strong> learn the stories behind them and sit down together for a home-cooked feast<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","snapshot":"Travel to Jaipur | Cooking demo & dinner with local family","images":["https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IN1_itineraryDay74.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IN3_CookingDemo2.jpg"],"day":6},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Bagru village blockprint workshop | Rickshaw tour ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Block printing & pink rickshaw rides","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"<ul>\n<li>Visit <strong>artisan workshops in the village of Bagru<\/strong>, famous for its block-printed textiles<\/li>\n<li>Don an apron and <strong>take part in a block-printing workshop<\/strong>, creating your very own artwork to take home<\/li>\n<li>See Jaipur\u2019s sights in style on a <strong>\u2018pink rickshaw\u2019 ride, driven exclusively by local women<\/strong>; this social initiative is helping to provide employment and empowerment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","campaign_id":"14858","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":""},"header":"Block printing & pink rickshaw rides","text":"<ul>\n<li>Visit <strong>artisan workshops in the village of Bagru<\/strong>, famous for its block-printed textiles<\/li>\n<li>Don an apron and <strong>take part in a block-printing workshop<\/strong>, creating your very own artwork to take home<\/li>\n<li>See Jaipur\u2019s sights in style on a <strong>\u2018pink rickshaw\u2019 ride, driven exclusively by local women<\/strong>; this social initiative is helping to provide employment and empowerment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","snapshot":"Bagru village blockprint workshop | Rickshaw tour ","images":["https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IN1_itineraryDay71.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IN1_itineraryDay72.jpg"],"day":7},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Early morning bike ride | Amber Fort | Jaipur city tour | Bollywood dance class ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Hilltop forts & Bollywood dance workshop","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"<ul>\n<li>Take a <strong>sunrise city cycling tour<\/strong>, visiting vegetable and flower markets and joining the locals in temple prayers<\/li>\n<li>Visit some of <strong>Jaipur\u2019s most revered sights<\/strong>, including the hilltop Amber Fort, the City Palace, Jantar Observatory and the \u2018Palace of the Winds\u2019<\/li>\n<li>End your day with a <strong>Bollywood dance workshop on a haveli rooftop <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","campaign_id":"14859","trip_highlight":true,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":""},"header":"Hilltop forts & Bollywood dance workshop","text":"<ul>\n<li>Take a <strong>sunrise city cycling tour<\/strong>, visiting vegetable and flower markets and joining the locals in temple prayers<\/li>\n<li>Visit some of <strong>Jaipur\u2019s most revered sights<\/strong>, including the hilltop Amber Fort, the City Palace, Jantar Observatory and the \u2018Palace of the Winds\u2019<\/li>\n<li>End your day with a <strong>Bollywood dance workshop on a haveli rooftop <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","snapshot":"Early morning bike ride | Amber Fort | Jaipur city tour | Bollywood dance class ","images":["https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IN3_Gallery_000.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IN1_itineraryDay81.2.jpg"],"day":8},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Fly to Varanasi ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Explore the holy city","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"<ul>\n<li>Catch a flight to <strong>one of India\u2019s oldest cities, Varanasi<\/strong>, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site on the banks of the River Ganges<\/li>\n<li>Navigate the incense-scented alleys, filled with temples, shrines and bustling markets to <strong>relax at your boutique hotel<\/strong> \u2013 a haven of peace within the city<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":""},"header":"Explore the holy city","text":"<ul>\n<li>Catch a flight to <strong>one of India\u2019s oldest cities, Varanasi<\/strong>, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site on the banks of the River Ganges<\/li>\n<li>Navigate the incense-scented alleys, filled with temples, shrines and bustling markets to <strong>relax at your boutique hotel<\/strong> \u2013 a haven of peace within the city<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","snapshot":"Fly to Varanasi ","images":["https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IN3_Varanasi.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IN1_itineraryDay91.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IN1_itineraryDay93.jpg"],"day":9},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Ganges sunrise boat ride | Sarnath tour | Aarti ceremony","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Morning boat ride & sacred Aarti ceremony","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"<ul>\n<li>Experience the magic of Varanasi\u2019s famous ghats on an <strong>early morning boat ride<\/strong>, observing the morning rituals of pilgrims and locals as the sun rises over the river<\/li>\n<li>Walk along the <strong>Kashi Vishwanath corridor<\/strong>, a pilgrimage route through the busy streets, and visit Sarnath <strong>where the Buddha attained enlightenment<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Return to the river for sunset to witness a <strong>sacred Aarti ceremony<\/strong>, accompanied by rhythmic chanting and lit by thousands of oil lamps; it\u2019s a profoundly moving and unforgettable experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","campaign_id":"14860","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":""},"header":"Morning boat ride & sacred Aarti ceremony","text":"<ul>\n<li>Experience the magic of Varanasi\u2019s famous ghats on an <strong>early morning boat ride<\/strong>, observing the morning rituals of pilgrims and locals as the sun rises over the river<\/li>\n<li>Walk along the <strong>Kashi Vishwanath corridor<\/strong>, a pilgrimage route through the busy streets, and visit Sarnath <strong>where the Buddha attained enlightenment<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Return to the river for sunset to witness a <strong>sacred Aarti ceremony<\/strong>, accompanied by rhythmic chanting and lit by thousands of oil lamps; it\u2019s a profoundly moving and unforgettable 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Mahal at sunrise","picture":{"desktop":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IN3_GALLERY1-1080x620.jpg","mobile":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IN3_GALLERY1-576x320.jpg"},"image":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IN3_GALLERY1.jpg","day":4},{"title":"Morning & afternoon safaris","picture":{"desktop":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IN1_itineraryDay51-1080x620.jpg","mobile":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IN1_itineraryDay51-576x320.jpg"},"image":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IN1_itineraryDay51.jpg","day":5},{"title":"Hilltop forts & Bollywood dance workshop","picture":{"desktop":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IN3_Gallery_000-1080x620.jpg","mobile":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IN3_Gallery_000-576x320.jpg"},"image":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IN3_Gallery_000.jpg","day":8}],"included_highlights":[{"day":"4","description":"Watch the sunrise over the Taj Mahal","tag":"iconic-moment","image":{"link":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/classic-india-golden-triangle-varanasi\/attachment\/in3_highlight_taj1-2\/"},"link_to_accommodation":false},{"day":"10","description":"Witness a sacred Aarti ceremony in Varanasi lit by thousands of oil lamps","tag":"iconic-moment","image":{"link":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/classic-india-golden-triangle-varanasi\/attachment\/in3_highlightarti-2\/"},"link_to_accommodation":false},{"day":"6","description":"Stay at a heritage resort in Ranthambore and marvel at the grand traditional architecture","tag":"stand-out-stay","image":{"link":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/classic-india-golden-triangle-varanasi\/attachment\/in3_highlightstay-2\/"},"link_to_accommodation":true},{"day":"8","description":"Take a private Bollywood dance lesson on a haveli rooftop","tag":"local-experience","image":{"link":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/classic-india-golden-triangle-varanasi\/attachment\/in3_highlight_bollywood1-2\/"},"link_to_accommodation":false},{"day":"5","description":"Go tiger spotting in Ranthambore National Park with an expert guide","tag":"iconic-moment","image":{"link":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/classic-india-golden-triangle-varanasi\/attachment\/in3_highlight_tiger-2\/"},"link_to_accommodation":false},{"day":"3","description":"Share tea and pakoras with locals on a rooftop overlooking the Taj Mahal","tag":"local-experience","image":{"link":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/classic-india-golden-triangle-varanasi\/attachment\/in1_itineraryday33-2\/"},"link_to_accommodation":false},{"day":"2","description":"Explore Old Delhi\u2019s labyrinthine streets on a chef-led food tour, sampling local specialities ","tag":"foodie-focus","image":{"link":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/classic-india-golden-triangle-varanasi\/attachment\/in1_itineraryday23-2\/"},"link_to_accommodation":false}],"included":["All activities shown in itinerary including Bollywood dance class, Ranthambore safari & Jaipur rickshaw ride","Stay in handpicked 3-5 star hotels","Shared twin room (Single rooms available)","11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners including a chef-led food tour of Old Delhi","2 domestic flights & private minibus","Arrival airport transfer","Experienced, local Pack Leader throughout","Max. 16 people per trip","Everyone at a similar life stage","90% travel solo, 80% stay in touch"],"videos":[{"source":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IN3-Trip-Header.mp4","codec":"mp4"}],"faqs":[{"question":"Are flights included?","answer":"Flights to and from your destination aren\u2019t included in the trip price \u2014 you\u2019ll need to book these independently. Any flights needed during the tour itself are included and taken care of by us. You\u2019ll find recommended arrival and departure airports, along with suggested arrival and departure times, in the FAQs below.\n"},{"question":"Which airport do I need to fly into and out of? Plus airport code","answer":"Fly into and out of Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi.\n\u00a0\n"},{"question":"What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)? ","answer":"Before 12 pm ideally. The welcome meeting will take place at 4 pm at the hotel, which is located 45-60 minutes away from the airport.\u00a0\n"},{"question":"What time should my flight depart on the last day? ","answer":"There are no activities planned for the last day, so you can leave any time you like. We recommend booking a flight that leaves after 10am. Your Pack Leader can help you book transfers the night before if needed.\n"},{"question":"Do you include airport transfers? ","answer":"If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you\u2019ve booked yourself a pre-night at the same hotel the adventure starts from, your airport arrival transfer will be included. Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and in groups depending on flight times, so you may have to wait in the airport for a short while.\nHowever, if you\u2019ve booked alternative pre-trip accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport, you\u2019ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.\u00a0\nPlease also note: in order to secure your place on the private transfer, you\u2019ll need to provide your flight details to our Customer Experience team no later than 30 days prior to your adventure\u2019s departure date. You\u2019ll get automated email reminders about this, but the team won\u2019t be chasing you. That\u2019s why it\u2019s key to get this information over in good time. If the details are provided later than 30 days pre-departure, you\u2019ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.\nDeparture transfers are typically not included due to travelers leaving at varying times. That said, your Pack Leader will happily help arrange departure transfers for you if required.\n"},{"question":"Should I be prepared for culture shock? ","answer":"Colorful and chaotic, we think India is one of the most exhilarating and rewarding travel destinations in the world, but first-time visitors should be prepared for some level of culture shock.\nOur Classic India tour finishes in the atmospheric spiritual hub of Varanasi. Even by Indian standards, Varanasi can be challenging and disorientating. Not only are the streets here even more crowded, but it is a city where devoted pilgrims come to die, hoping to break the Hindu cycle of rebirth and attain salvation. You will witness cremation ghats on the banks of the Ganges and may even see bodies floating down the river, which can feel shocking to Western travelers. However, bear in mind that death here is a normalized part of life.\nTravelling as part of a Flash Pack group, you\u2019ll be well looked after from start to finish. Your Pack Leader will help you adjust to the different experiences and make sure that you feel comfortable.\n"},{"question":"Do I need a visa? ","answer":"Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.\nYou can also find essential travel advice \u2013 including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information \u2013 on the government website of your home country:\n\nUK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.\nUS residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.\nAustralian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.\nResidents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.\n\nPlease be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it\u2019s important to stay updated with the latest information.\n"},{"question":"What vaccinations and medication will I need? ","answer":"While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.\n1. Consult with a healthcare professional\nWe recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.\n2. Up-to-date medical advice\n\nUK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.\nUS residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialized health information.\nAustralian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.\n\n3. Government travel advice\n\nUK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.\nUS residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.\nAustralian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.\n\n4. Medication tips\nIf you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays.\u00a0Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.\nWe hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.\n"},{"question":"What level of fitness do I need for this trip? ","answer":"There are no difficult hikes or strenuous activities on this adventure, however there will are some walking and cycling tour. If you\u2019re not comfortable riding a bicycle, it\u2019s possible to ride in a cycle rickshaw instead.\nThe ghats in Varanasi involve going up and down steps. Getting in and out of the boats can also be tricky but our Pack Leader and local guides will be on hand to assist you.\nWe recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.\n"},{"question":"What should I wear to visit a temple? ","answer":"India is a spiritual country with a great number of sacred places. It\u2019s customary to remove footwear before entering a temple, as a sign of humility and respect. You should also dress modestly in trousers or skirts (no shorts) and carry a spare shawl to cover bare shoulders. In Sikh temples, both men and women are required to cover their head.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n"},{"question":"What time is sunrise at the Taj Mahal? ","answer":"Sunrise at the Taj Mahal varies throughout the year. It can be as early as 05:00 in June and the gates open 30 minutes beforehand. In December and January, mornings can be foggy and the sun doesn\u2019t appear until lunchtime. Whatever time of year you visit, we\u2019ll adapt the timing of your trip so you can witness this iconic experience.\u00a0 \u00a0\n\u00a0\n"},{"question":"Will I definitely see a tiger? ","answer":"As with anything in nature, nothing is guaranteed and it is completely down to chance. However, Ranthambhore National Park is one of the best places in the world to see wild tigers in the their natural environment, with around a 70 per cent chance of sightings.\u00a0The tiger population here is now around 90, with lots of new cubs born in the last year, showing that conservation efforts are working.\nKeep a look out for the park\u2019s other wildlife too, including 300 species of bird (including eagles, hornbills, flamingos, flycatchers and pelicans), leopards, hyenas, caracals, crocodiles, wild boar, bears, samba, spotted deer and barking deer.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n"},{"question":"Will the itinerary change?","answer":"Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control \u2013 but we\u2019ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.\n"}],"hotels":[{"name":"The Claridges, Delhi","short_description":"","description":"Soak up the old-world charm at this elegant mid-20th century hotel, a tranquil retreat within the capital. Expect sophisticated dining, pristine gardens and classic decor complete with Raj-era historical scenes. There\u2019s even a modern art gallery and Ayurvedic spa on site.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Hotel-1_.png","is_alternative":false},{"name":"Ranthambore Heritage Haveli","short_description":"","description":"Located in the land of Tigers, this heritage resort has been elegantly built in traditional architecture keeping in mind the natural surroundings and Rajasthani culture. With well-furnished rooms and a vast pool, this is the ideal spot to relax after a morning game drive.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/IN1_HotelRanthambore.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"  Shahpura House, Jaipur","short_description":"","description":"The ornate facade and stained glass windows of this historic property provide a stunning backdrop for your stay at this welcoming aristocratic home. Think high ceilings with chandeliers, velvet sofas and walls adorned with swords and shields interspersed with family photographs.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Japiur-Hotel-3_-1.png","is_alternative":false}],"wellness_rooms":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip\/134941","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/trip"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=134941"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}