Social Travel: North India

Overview

In this 4+ weeks experiential travel program, participants will visit and explore 16+ locations across 3 states in North India. The places included are Rajasthan (Jaipur, Ajmer, Pushkar), Delhi, Uttarakhand (Rishikesh, Parvati Valley, Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Kasol, Chalaal, Tosh, Barkot), Uttar Pradesh (Mathura, Agra). Participants will tour these cities, and, will get to visit important and significant monuments like Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Lotus Temple, etc., and will get to interact with the locals to get an understanding of the culture of each city.

Activities will be planned according to each city and include adventures like ziplining, river rafting, trekking, etc. Volunteering work will be planned and the participant can choose from a wide array, to allow them to do what they truly feel like doing to help society. Workshops like cooking, pottery, etc. are also included in this program, to allow the participants to make the most of their adventure.

All the necessities, like SIM card, accommodations, transportation, etc. are also included. For any support/changes, 24/7-hour online customer support is also available to make it easier for the participants to communicate. The distinguishing feature is the transparency of prices and the extensive personalization available to the participants.

How to reach?

Delhi the capital of India can be reached easily by air, train, and road depending on where you're coming from.

By Air: Delhi has one of the best connectivity through the air and has the largest airport in India that operates both domestically and internationally. Indira Gandhi International airport in Delhi is well connected to all the states in India.

By Train: The train is a good option to reach Delhi too. With multiple terminals, most of the states in India are well connected to Delhi.

By Road: Delhi is well connected by road by all the neighboring states and one can take up a car to reach Delhi from these states.

By Public Transport: A lot of buses operate to and from Delhi through its multiple bus terminals. You can even find a lot of taxis and autos that can help you go around Delhi.

Itinerary

Day 0

Transfer to Accommodation
Upon reaching Delhi, you'll be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation to start off your experience.

Interaction with the TTW representative
Interact with the TTW team over an intimate lunch. We'll get to know each other today and have a small orientation regarding what to keep in mind while traveling in India and volunteering. We also have goodies for you and a SIM card and a Metro card for easing your travel in India.

Check-in to your stay
Check-in to your stay and relax for the night to get ready for the amazing experience ahead.

Day 1 - 5

Start your orientation on Day 1
The first day of orientation will mark the start of your volunteering experience. You'll be introduced to your workplace and given instructions regarding your volunteering work.

Volunteering during the day
Your volunteering services will be every day on the weekdays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM and you'll be given proper instructions as to what you need to do. You're free to explore the rest of the day as you wish and we also have a few activities planned out for you.

TTW Recommendation
There are a lot of local markets in Delhi near most of the volunteering places. You can ask the locals and go around on your own to check out the local delicacies and shop too.

Enjoy the basic Hindi workshop
To facilitate basic conversation, by easing the language barrier, a basic Hindi workshop will be organized from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM on one weekday. You'll learn the basics of the local dialect and how to understand the important and commonly spoken words.

Add on: Indian Cooking class
Some other classes like the Indian cooking class can also be arranged to teach you the basics of North Indian meals consisting of seasonal vegetables. You'll get to learn many of the famous North Indian dishes.

Old Delhi Tour
Go out on an exquisite sightseeing tour of Old Delhi which would commence after lunch at 3’o clock and will continue till 8’o clock in the evening on one of the days. A range of locations will be covered including • Gurudwara SisGanj Sahib • Cloth market in Chandni Chowk • Jama Masjid • Chawri Bazaar • Khari Baoli(Spice market)
Tips: There's a scam that runs in Jama Masjid where people ask you money for to take your cameras, you don't have to pay anything to take your cameras so beware of that.
Recommendations: Enjoy the famous dish of "Dahi Bhalle" at Nataraj Dahi Bhalla

Day 6

Head over for Agra heritage tour
This day will be reserved for a one-day heritage trip to • Agra • Mathura With a rich cultural and historical relevance, this tour will allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty of architecture, religion, and faith, and, will make you fall in love with the real India. Here are the places you'll see and a few of our recommendations:

Visit the fortress, Agra Fort
Built in 1638 and the main residence of the Mughal dynasty till then, the Agra fort is one of the most iconic historical monuments and fortress that has been built. Sometimes it does get overlooked by the beauty of the Taj Mahal but its wondrous architecture and perfectly planned out location make it a must-visit location.

The wonder of the world, Taj Mahal
Declared the number one wonder of the world and a UNESCO world heritage site, the Taj Mahal deserves all the praise it gets. A historically rich, culturally relevant, magnificently built, and secret legend makes it the number one place to visit in Agra and even in India.
Tips: The Taj Mahal ticket is valid till 3 hours after issuing, so make sure to plan your day accordingly.

TTW Recommendation
When you're in Agra, make sure to buy the famous sweet that is easily available at every corner "Petha". You'll find numerous stores that sell different types of this sweet. Make sure to haggle a lot too!

Immerse in spirituality at Banke Bihari Temple
The most famous temple and the birthplace of god Shri Krishna, the Banke Bihari temple is the place to be if you want to see the spiritual devotion of Indians and the cultural significance of temples.

Head back to Delhi
After visiting the amazing cities of Agra and Mathura, head back to Delhi and rest in your stay.

Day 7

Start your day with a heritage tour of Delhi
A Delhi heritage tour will be organized covering historical tourist attractions showing monuments that tell stories from the era of the Delhi Sultanate to the British era. Some from this extensive list include:

Tip
The Delhi heritage tour will take up your whole day, you can choose to visit not all of the heritage sites today and leave rest for the upcoming week if you think you're too tired from yesterday.

Start with Qutub Minar
The gliding tower that attracts all tourists, Qutub Minar is the tallest individual tower in the world and the second tallest monument of Delhi. Despite being succumbed to several reconstructions due to natural phenomena, it still amazes every set of eyes by its soaring height. There are a lot of other small monuments around the Minar which you can take some time out for visiting as well.
Recommendations: You can have breakfast at the famous Qutub Institutional area where they serve amazing mutton parantha(Indian bread) and tea.

Enjoy serenity at Lotus Temple
A testament to the acceptance of diverse cultures in India, visit the beautiful edifice dedicated to the Baha'i faith. Made in the form of a stupendous white petal lotus, it is one of the most visited establishments in the world. With beautiful floral gardens and scintillating pools to take in as the pathway leads to the temple, it envisions to showcase the oneness of Almighty and is open to people of all faith, religions, and nationality. Don't forget to watch, "An outline of the Baha'i faith", an English short film showcased in the temple every 20 minutes. The first viewing will be at 10:30 AM.

Humayun's Tomb
Sitting on the banks of river Yamuna, the tomb of Emperor Humayun is a beautiful structure sitting in the middle of a huge ornate Mughal garden. Make sure you don't miss out on this beautiful mix of Mughal & Persian architecture. The tomb worked of rubble brickwork and red sandstone utilizes white marble as a cladding material and furthermore for the ground surface, cross-section screens, entryway outlines It is basically square in plan, however, on the edges to seem octagonal, to get ready ground for the structure of the inside structure.

Visit the Hauz Khas Village and Fort
Hauz Khas village is one of the best parts of Delhi. Hauz Khas is the party capital of Delhi. It is a fun and affluent area in south Delhi, its heart being the historic Hauz Khas complex. Best food, best clubs, best Pubs, This place has everything. Moreover, it offers a rural and an urban environment. Visit the Hauz Khas fort at the end of the amazing strip complex.

TTW Recommendation
Hauz Khas Village is also famous for the nightlife it has to offer with numerous cafes and nightclubs but the Hauz Khas fort closes at 5 PM so make sure to plan your day accordingly.

Proceed to the India Gate
The All India War Memorial, also referred to as the India Gate is an awe-inspiring monument often compared to Arch de Triomphe in France. It'll be almost evening by the time you reach here and you can have a little picnic by yourself enjoying the pleasant weather snacking from the various roadside stalls. Believe it or not, doing this is one of the most Delhi things to do and everyone in Delhi has been on a picnic here (Including our team) at least once.

Have fun shopping at Dilli Haat
Designed to invoke the ambiance of a traditional village fair, Dilli Haat is every shoppers' paradise, a foodie's heaven, and the cultural magnet of the metro city. A flamboyant mix of vibrant colors and varied cultures, the bazaar is located in the commercial center of South Delhi. With a lot of stalls showcasing cultural and ethnic items & cuisines from almost every state in India, make sure you leisurely explore the entire compound.

Head back to your stay
After an amazing day out, head back to your stay and rest to get energy for the week ahead.

Day 8 - 12

Participate in Volunteering in the day
You will again participate in volunteering work where, you would be assigned to the chosen area of volunteering work, the timings of which will be 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Learn the art of Bollywood dance
To familiarize you with the glamour of the Bollywood culture of India and its relevance in Indian society a Bollywood Dance Class will be arranged for you on day 10. You will learn the funky steps, and, dance to the techno beats and tunes of Bollywood music.

TTW Recommendation
Delhi is full of amazing parks and eateries where you can just relax and spend your day. Also, you can visit a few famous markets that are the trademark of Delhi shopping, they might be crowded but they offer a really special experience.

Day 12 - 14

Free day for exploration
Today will be free for you to explore, you can go around Delhi and enjoy the city on your own.

ADD ON: 2 nights trip to Parvati Valley
In these three days, you can set sail to the Parvati Valley backpacking across the lofty Himalayas. Known for its beautiful view and lush green forests, the beauty will leave you mesmerized. A range of activities is also planned in which you will not only have fun but sing, dance and stare at the starlit sky. You will have your dinner and night jam session around the bonfire and will make memories and bonds that will forever be in your life’s scrapbook. Departing from Delhi, via bus, on the 12th day it will include visits to Manikaran, Kasol, Chalal, & Tosh. Several points of interest lie in these cities like the chill cafés in Kasol, the Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, and multiple serene treks!
Cost: INR 6000/-

Day 15

Bus to Rishikesh
Leave for Rishikesh from Delhi. You will board the early morning bus and will depart for Rishikesh where you will have the opportunity to take pictures of the breathtaking and jaw-dropping picturesque waterfalls and valleys.

Check in to the stay
Upon reaching Rishikesh head over to your stay and check-in. You can relax today or choose to explore the town on your own.

Day 16-19

Start your orientation on Day 16
The first day of orientation will mark the start of your volunteering experience. You'll be introduced to your workplace and given instructions regarding your volunteering work.

Volunteering in the day
Your volunteering services will be every day on the weekdays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM and you'll be given proper instructions as to what you need to do. You're free to explore the rest of the day as you wish and we also have a few activities planned out for you.

TTW Recommendation
The market in Rishikesh is amazing to experience the amazing street food and buying souvenirs for your friends and family. You can even meet a lot of people here too.

Immerse in the tranquil Yoga Workshop
You, along with the entire team, will also participate in a 3- day evening Yoga Workshop, in the yoga capital of the world.

Day 20-21

Leave for Dhanaulti
Embark on your adventurous journey to Dhanaulti early morning to reach Dhanaulty by early evening.

Check-in to camps
Dhanaulti is famous for the camps and the camp activities it has to offer. Check-in to one of those campsites and rest for a while.

Enjoy adventure in Dhanaulti
Several activities are arranged for you to participate in including Burma Bridge, Zipline, Parallel Rope, Suspension Bridge, Valley Crossing, Balance Walk, Nature Walk, etc.

Enjoy board games and the starry night
You will also be taught Indian board games like Ludo and Carrom. In the night you will enjoy the starlit sky alongside a bonfire and guitar jam sessions with friends.

Depart for Mussoorie on 22nd day
We will depart to Mussoorie on 21st Day for a sightseeing tour where you will get to witness the local culture and art. There are a few waterfalls in Mussoorie and an amazing local market where you can chill and shop.

Head back to Rishikesh
We'll head back to Rishikesh after exploring Mussoorie to continue with the volunteering experience.

Day 22-26

Participate in Volunteering in the day
You will again participate in volunteering work where, you would be assigned to the chosen area of volunteering work, the timings of which will be 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

TTW Recommendation
After that, you are free to explore the beautiful city. Some of the suggestions include a visit to the local market, or, clubs to socialize and have a great night with your newfound friends. You might also opt for a more comfortable way of just relaxing or watching a comedy movie in your accommodations.

Recommendations: Visit the Beatles Ashram
The Beatles Ashram is located on the bank of the River Ganges in the green forest. In the duration of the 60s and 70s as the International Academy of meditation, was the training center for students and also for "The Beatles" a famous rock band that practiced meditation and composed several songs there.

Enjoy river rafting on a day
On the 27th day, for the necessary dose of adventure, you, alongside the entire team, will participate in the exhilarating sport of Whitewater Rafting. This will not only pump up your adrenaline but will also teach you the importance of teamwork.

Day 27

Visit to Laluri Khal village
Today you'll embark on a journey to explore the pahadi village in Rishikesh and experience the life of these villagers.

Trek out to the Chandrabadani temple
After a refreshing morning, we'll head out on a day trek to explore the nearby villages and proceed towards the hidden gem near Laluri Khal, the Chandrabadani Temple. The journey to the temple is as exciting as the temple. We'll come back after amazing lunch and exploration.

Have Gharwali lunch at the Dhaba
We'll have lunch at a Dhaba near the Chandrabadani Temple. The Dhaba serves local Gharwali food famous in the region and loved by the locals. The taste of the local cuisine will surely intrigue your taste buds.

Learn the art of the village
After the customary early morning breakfast followed by water fetching from the springs and the following Yoga sessions, you will be taught indigenous art and craft involving rope-making, and, basket-making. The villagers at Laluri Khal have their own way of making such art and love to impart their skills to their guests.

Day 28

TTW Recommendation
This day will be reserved for you. You are free to explore the beautiful city to enrich and enhance your stay in Rishikesh. Some of the suggestions include a visit to the local market, or, clubs to socialize and have a great night with your newfound friends. You might also opt for a more comfortable way of just relaxing or watching a romantic movie in your accommodations, with that special someone you might have met on the bus.

Leave for Jaipur by night
You'll leave for Jaipur on an overnight bus journey that will take around 10 hours. Your journey will start from the foothills of the lofty Himalayas and will end in the royal palaces among the sand-dunes in the deserts of Jaipur.

Day 29

Reach and check-in to your stay
Reach Jaipur and head directly towards your stay to check in. Rest for the day to get energy for the journey ahead.

Day 30-33

Start your orientation on Day 31
The first day of orientation will mark the start of your volunteering experience. You'll be introduced to your workplace and given instructions regarding your volunteering work.

Volunteering in the day
Your volunteering services will be every day on the weekdays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM and you'll be given proper instructions as to what you need to do. You're free to explore the rest of the day as you wish and we also have a few activities planned out for you.

Learn the art of Pottery
On the 32nd day, to further enhance your skills a Wheel Pottery Class will be organized from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. You will learn to make sculptures of common objects out of clay. In addition to the fun you will have, the experience gained will be invaluable.

Learn basic Hindi
To facilitate basic conversation, by easing the language barrier, a basic Hindi workshop will be organized from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

Learn Indian cooking skills
Some other classes like the Indian cooking class will also be arranged to teach you the basics of North Indian meals consisting of seasonal vegetables

Day 34-35

TTW Recommendation
This day will be completely devoted to going on a heritage trip in and around Jaipur. The following places will be covered in the heritage tour:

Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh fort, located among the Aravali hills was built in the 18th century by Raja Jai Singh II. This colossal structure was built to protect the Amer Fort during wars and invasions. This fort tells the rich and long history of Jaipur, starting from the Meena dynasty going all the way to the Mughals. Although built as a protective structure, this fort is elaborately decorated and is built in an aesthetically pleasing manner- a perfect representation of Jaipur's rich culture. The museum inside the Fort provides a deep insight into the history of Rajasthan.

Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh fort is located along the Aravalli hills. Apart from being an epitome of medieval architecture, the fort is also well known for the Jaipur wax museum and glass palace. In the Nahargarh Fort, there is another attraction which is the Nahargarh Biological Park, which is a place for wild animals such as tigers, leopards, and the Asiatic lions. The Nahargarh fort along with its two neighboring forts - Amer and Jaigarh once served as a defense to the city of Jaipur.

Amer Fort
One of the most beautiful attractions of the pink city, the Amer fort (also known as Amber fort) showcases the influential style of Mughal architecture in several buildings of the fort. This place takes you to ancient times where you experience the lifestyle of the rulers and their majestic approach to living. The fort has over five thousand visitors daily and is inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage Site list as part of the "Hill Forts of Rajasthan" along with five other forts.

Govind Devji Temple
The Govind Devji Temple is a prominent tourist attraction situated in the stunning City Palace complex and has been listed in the Guinness Book of World records. It is one of the most sacred and oldest temples of Jaipur and plays a significant role in the history of City Palace. The temple exudes an undeniable charm with its beautiful architecture decorated with European chandeliers, elaborate arches, intricate paintings, and sculptures. Surrounded by lush flower gardens and thick foliage, the temple offers a spiritual escape and a tranquil spot for its guests.

Sisodia Rani Palace and Garden
The Sisodia Palace and Garden is an ecstatic garden built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1728 as a gift to his beloved second wife who was from the Sisodia Rajput clan of Udaipur. This is one of the most exquisite gardens in Jaipur and is considered to be a symbol of love. The place is very beautifully decorated with vibrant flowerbeds, shimmering water fountains, and gorgeous paintings.

Galtaji Temple
Located on the outskirts of the regal city of Jaipur, the majestic Galtaji Temple is situated in the middle of a hilly terrain that is bounded by a beautiful narrow valley. This pre-historic Hindu pilgrimage place has temples of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna and Lord Hanuman within the temple. This is one of the main tourist destinations of Jaipur, where the temple is known for the natural freshwater springs and seven holy 'kunds' (water tanks). Also known as the monkey temple, it is designed to look more like a grand palace or 'haveli' than a traditional temple.

TTW Recommendation
You'll be pretty tired today after exploring the whole of Amer. It is recommended that you rest the night but if you wish to explore the nightlife of Jaipur you can explore a number of markets and clubs that are active in the city at night.

Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is a landmark tourist attraction in the pink city. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The architectural style is a splendid fusion of Hindu Rajput and Islamic Mughal architecture. Its beautiful carvings, arches, and a mixture of red and pink sandstone make people marvel at its sight. The palace also houses a museum and is a must-visit for anyone who has a passion for art, architecture, and history.

Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
Jantar Mantar located in Gangori Bazaar is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The observatory has a collection of 19 astronomical devices for measuring space and time and for observing the orbits around the sun from the naked eye. it is one of the most renowned ancient observatories, applauded for its scientific and technological accuracy. It's a must-visit for astronomy and architecture buffs.

City Palace
Built by the founder of Jaipur, the City Palace encases the rich fusion of Mughal and Rajputana architecture. The vibrant pink and red sandstone exquisitely brings out the beauty of the gorgeous complex. The City Palace houses a plethora of other halls, gardens, galleries, courtyards, and holy shrines.

Jal Mahal
This beautiful low-rise symmetrical palace was once was a shooting lodge for the Maharajah. It floats in the center of Man Sagar Lake. The stone walls of the Jal Mahal are light sand-colored and provide a contrasting look to the deep blue of the waters of the lake. The palace and the lake around it were renovated by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber in the 18th century.

Day 36-40

Volunteering work in the day
You will again participate in volunteering work where, you would be assigned to the chosen area of volunteering work, the timings of which will be 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

TTW Recommendation
After that, you are free to explore the beautiful city. Some of the suggestions include a visit to the local market, or, clubs to socialize and have a great night with your newfound friends. You might also opt for a more comfortable way of just relaxing or watching an adventurous movie in your accommodations.

Hands on experience of a real Rajasthani farm
A day visit to a local Rajasthani farming village along with the team will be organized on Day 10. There you will participate in the local activities of the village and learn the technical know-how of a farm. You will engage in digging, cleaning, and planting crops as well. You will learn about traditional and modern farming equipment. You will witness first-hand the hard work these farmers do and the challenges they still face.

Day 41

TTW Recommendation
On this day you will get to visit Ajmer and Pushkar on a day’s trip. You will participate in fun activities like the Camel Safari in the desert; you will also get to visit places of local importance.

Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake is always overcrowded with tourists from all around the world. It is a sacred lake of the Hindus. Every year this lake attracts thousands of people to its threshold to experience the strong devotional connection and attain salvation by taking a dip in the holy waters. The vibe around the lake is calming yet always bustling with people and their chatter. It's a serene place with numerous stories to tell.

Brahma Temple
Brahma Temple in Pushkar, Rajasthan, India is a Hindu religious hotspot, a temple dedicated to the Lord that brought about the creation of everything, Brahma. It also features worship to one of his ladies, Gayatri, and the worship is supervised and regulated by ascetic saints. It has exquisite architecture, including a remarkable pinnacle in red and a bird symbol that is linked to ancient mythology and womanhood. It has myths connected to it of the Lord Brahma subduing a demon that tormented harmless mortals. It is very near geographically to the sacred Pushkar Lake that is a famous pilgrimage destination and is used for taking a sin purging dip by devote

Ajmer Sharif Dargah
The Dargah Sharif is a famous landmark in Ajmer and is considered to be among the holiest Muslim shrines in India. Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti, the Sufi saint from Persia is enshrined here. The shrine was built by Mughal King Humayun. There are a series of massive silver doors that lead into a courtyard where the tomb is situated. There are several small mosques inside the complex, built by Emperor Shah Jahan. The atmosphere is dargah is filled with calm and peace. There are two gigantic cooking pots placed inside the complex of dargah which is used for cooking especially on the occasion of Eid.

Day 42

Depart for Delhi for a final goodbye
On your final day, you will depart for Delhi early in the morning. After an intimate farewell lunch in Delhi, signifying an official end of your experience in India, you will be dropped off at the airport in transportations provided by our team. In this wholesome experience, you will not only make friends but long-lasting memories. You will not only have fun but learn and gain a whole new insight into the culture, traditions, and customs of India. You will witness first-hand the hospitable and amicable nature of rural India, and, the sophisticated and hybrid culture of urban India.