India Experience Program

Detailed Program Itinerary:

DAY 1 (FRIDAY): ARRIVAL AT DELHI 

Our services begin here. You will be greeted by Idex representative at the exit gate no 6 at Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport. 

DAY 2 (SATURDAY): FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING OF DELHI

Morning –After breakfast a sightseeing tour of New Delhi including - visit of some important cultural symbols of India. Drive past through impressive India Gate, Parliament house and President’s Palace. At greater ease  visit  of Raj  Ghat,  the  memorial  built in honor of Mahatma Gandhi,  father  of  the  nation.  Learn a bit more about his life and philosophy that helped India get free from the British Empire. Later on, visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh temple to learn about the youngest religion of the world and absorb some of the special atmosphere around this beautiful and serene holy shrine. Overnight stay at accommodation, Delhi (Meals- Breakfast & Dinner)

DAY 3 (SUNDAY): DELHI - AGRA

After breakfast – check out from your accommodation and drive to Agra. The journey will take around five hours. Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, had transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire. 

In Agra, you will be caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, as well as the city’s irresistible charm.  Experience a splendid sunset viewing of the Taj Mahal and the return to your hotel. Overnight stay at accommodation, Agra (Meals- Breakfast)

DAY 4 (MONDAY): AGRA - JAIPUR 

After breakfast – check out from the hotel and drive to Jaipur, which is about a five hours journey. Jaipur: The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity.

Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens. Arrive at Jaipur and check in to your accommodation. Later on - you will get detailed information about Volunteering Project & the work areas. Overnight stay at accommodation, Jaipur (Meals- Breakfast & Dinner)

DAY 5 TO DAY 6 (TUESDAY TO WEDNESDAY): JAIPUR 

Morning after taking breakfast you can start volunteering work. Volunteering work includes 3 hours’ work in morning. You will also get an opportunity to be a part of some cultural activities. In the afternoon - Enjoy following activities (at any one evening) – 

a)  Learn the interesting forms of “Bollywood” dance by the professional instructors.
b)  Learn the typical & traditional dress styles of India by the instructors.

Overnight stay at accommodation, Jaipur (Meals- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 7 (THURSDAY): JAIPUR - PUSHKAR

Breakfast at the hotel followed by transfer to Pushkar – one of the holiest pilgrimages for Hindus and the only place in India where you will find the temple of the ‘Creator’ God, Brahma. Upon arrival in Pushkar we take on another form of travel, more suited to the desert, Camels! We take a camel safari atop the “ship of the desert” going through sandy ravines, local villages where we can absorb the harsh yet colorful landscape of the Thar Desert. Our safari concludes in a tent camp. After sunset, we can enjoy a clear view of the star-lit night sky Dinner & overnight at tent-camp in Pushkar. Overnight stay in Tent, Pushkar (Meals – Breakfast & Dinner)

DAY 8 (FRIDAY): PUSHKAR - JAIPUR

After breakfast return to Pushkar & later a leisurely guided tour of the Pushkar town with its small lanes, colourful markets, but most importantly, the steps to the Holy Lake and about 500 temples. Our tour would conclude by a visit of Lord Brahma’ temple, the creator God for the Hindu’s. In the afternoon - drive back to Jaipur and check in to your accommodation. 

Overnight stay at accommodation, Jaipur (Meals - Breakfast & Dinner)

DAY 9 TO DAY 10 (SATURDAY TO SUNDAY): JAIPUR

You have free weekend – You are at leisure on your own activities. Overnight stay at accommodation, Jaipur.

Overnight stay at accommodation. (Meals – Breakfast)

DAY 11 Monday): JAIPUR

Morning after taking breakfast you can start volunteering work. Volunteering work includes 3 hours’ work in morning. You will also get an opportunity to be a part of some cultural activities. 

In the afternoon - Enjoy following activities (at any one evening):
a)  Learn the famous Indian art of “Henna making” by local experts.

Overnight stay at accommodation, Jaipur (Meals – Breakfast & Dinner)

DAY 12 (TUESDAY): JAIPUR SIGHTSEEING

Morning – After breakfast make an 8 a.m. excursion to the Amber Fort & Palace. Raja Man Singh constructed the Amber Fort that is now regarded as a quintessential example of Rajput architecture as is the elaborate design of the Palace’s interior. You will see the fort’s splendor with your own eyes when you walk down the hallways and chambers to see the luxurious and adorned ambiance of the palace.

Afterwards, visit the Jal Mahal or water palace in Jaipur, is an intrinsic example of Indo-Mughal architecture, stands like a vigilante of peace in the serene and quiescent waters of Man Sagar Lake. With first four floors inside water, the majestic palace stands tall with its top floor outside the water arena. Later on – A Bicycle Rickshaw Ride through the busy markets of Jaipur and experience the ‘Pink city’ from close quarters. Afterwards you will have a free time to do shopping in the old “Bazaars” of Pink City. Overnight stay at accommodation, Jaipur (Meals – Breakfast & Dinner)

DAY 13 (WEDNESDAY): JAIPUR – PATHANKOT (HIMALAYA)

Morning – You are at leisure vehicle and guide will be available from 10 AM. Late afternoon – transfer to Jaipur railway station and board your overninght train to Pathankot. Overnight train journey, (Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & packed Dinner)

DAY 14 (THURSDAY): PATHANKOT - PALAMPUR

Early morning – You will be greeted by Idex Chauffer at Pathankot Railway station and you will be then driven to Palampur.Arrive at Palampur and check into your accommodation. Later on - a small orientation briefing on your further activities and programs.  After orientation, you will have free time to relax. Later on visit the local market of Palampur. Overnight stay at accommodation, Palampur (Meals –Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 15 (FRIDAY): PALAMPUR – MCLEOD GANJ 

After breakfast - drive to McLeod Ganj and Visit to Waterfall & Bhagsunath Temple - It is a tranquil medieval temple, with plentiful pools around, considered sacred by Hindu devotees. It is in Bhagsu village, three km from McLeod Ganj. Later on – Visit Local market of McLeod Ganj. Dalai Lama Temple - The temple is the life-blood of the village. It houses the Namgyal Monastery and shrine rooms. The largest shrine contains a huge gilded statue of the Buddha, along with two smaller statues of Chenresig and Guru Rinpoche. Overnight stay at accommodation, McLeod Ganj (Meals –Breakfast & Dinner)

DAY 16 (SATURDAY): MCLEOD GANJ

In the morning - morning we start trekking the mountain with our guide. It is a beautiful walk through mixed forests of deodar, oak and rhododendron. Our camping spot will give us a panoramic view of the snowcapped mountain peaks of Himalaya. Overnight stay in Tents. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 17 (SUNDAY): MCLEOD GANJ - PALAMPUR

After breakfast we will start trekking down to McLeod Ganj. Arrive at McLeod Ganj and enjoy your lunch. After lunch drive back to Palampur. Overnight stay at accommodation, Palampur (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 18 (MONDAY): PALAMPUR – KANGRA - PALAMPUR

Early in the morning, 01 hour Yoga & meditation session at the accommodation. After breakfast - Transfer to Town Kangra & Visit Kangra Fort the torrential Banganga River deep in the valley forming a formidable sheer and the Kangra Fort lurking atop the flat mountain range is a scene that one encounters on nearing Kangra town when you drive from Shimla-Mataur national highway. A feeling of awe mixed with joy pervades you as you look back in time. The Kangra Fort is approximately 3 kilometers from the town and is also known as Nagarkot. The fort is historically significant; its massive size and the beauty of its structure lend it an added charm. At the entrance is a museum containing some valuable old photographs of the fort prior to the devastating earthquake of 1905 and some exquisite stone sculptures, carvings, idols and other artifacts. Later on visit - Brajeshwari Temple and return back to Palampur. Overnight stay at accommodation, Palampur (Meal – Breakfast & Dinner)

DAY 19 (TUESDAY): PALAMPUR

Early in the morning, 01 hour Yoga & meditation session at the accommodation. In the Mid-morning- you will start your sightseeing tour visit with Baijnath Temple - According to the legend, it is believed that during the Treta Yug, Ravana in order to have invincible powers worshiped Lord Shiva in the Kailash. In the same process, to please the almighty he offered his ten heads in the havan kund. Influenced by this extra ordinary deed of the Ravana, the Lord Shiva not only restored his heads but also bestowed him with powers of invincibility and immortality. Afterward visit to monastery and Ashram, Adareta Museum. Overnight stay at accommodation, Palampur (Meals – Breakfast & Dinner)

DAY 20 (WEDNESDAY): PALAMPUR – AMB - DELHI

Early in the morning, 01 hour Yoga & meditation session at the accommodation. Mid-morning - You are at leisure to explore the beautiful city on your own. After lunch drive down to Amb railway station to board your overnight train to Delhi. Overnight train journey. (Breakfast, Lunch & Packed Dinner)

DAY 21 (THURSDAY): ARRIVE AT DELHI

Morning – You will be greeted by Idex Chauffer at Delhi Railway station. You will be then escorted to your accommodation and shall be assisted with check-in. Mid-morning, full visit to the Akshardham Temple means the eternal, divine abode of the supreme God, the abode of eternal values and virtues of Akshar as defined in the Vedas and Upanishads where divine bhakti, purity and peace forever ervades.Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. Later on, visit the amazing Lotus Temple; this distinctive lotus shaped marvel in marble is surrounded by a landscaped garden and is a symbol of peace. Overnight stay at accommodation, Delhi (Meals – Breakfast & Dinner)

DAY 22 (FRIDAY): DELHI - GOA

After breakfast – drive to Delhi airport and board your flight to Goa. Goa is a state in western India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. Its long history as a Portuguese colony prior to 1961 is evident in its preserved 16th-century churches and the area’s tropical spice plantations. Goa is also known for its beaches, ranging from popular stretches at Baga and Palolem to laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda. You will be greeted by Idex representative at the Goa Airport. You will be then escorted to your accommodation and shall be assisted with check-in & introduction with the staff. Overnight stay at accommodation, Goa (Meals – Breakfast & Dinner) 

DAY 23 TO DAY 24 (SATURDAY TO SUNDAY): GOA

You are at leisure to explore the beautiful beaches of Goa on your own. Overnight stay at accommodation, Goa (Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) 

DAY 25 TO DAY 28 (MONDAY TO THURSDAY): GOA

Start a fresh day in Goa with a breakfast and then head for Volunteering work in the local communities as per the current requirement of the projects. Includes 3 hours’ work in morning

Overnight stay at accommodation, Goa (Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) 

DAY 29 (FRIDAY): GOA – FLY OUT

Morning after breakfast transfer to Goa Airport for your flight back to home with wonderful memories of India. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – as per your departure timings)