What the journey is about
India is a land of strong contrasts and deep emotions. It is a place where great empires, spiritual traditions and the everyday lives of ordinary people have met for centuries. It is not just a destination but an experience that works on all the senses.
Every day brings images, scents and encounters that cannot be planned. It is precisely this unpredictability that gives the journey its exceptional value.
This circuit is not about “ticking off sights”, but about immersing yourself deeply in the atmosphere of places that have a soul, and about experiences you carry home not on a photograph but inside you.
The journey has a clear structure and rhythm – from the first encounter with India through powerful places to a calmer ending that gives the experiences room to sink in rather than stay on the surface.
Places we will discover
We will visit Delhi, the capital, where history blends with the present. We will wander the lanes of the old city as well as the modern metropolis.
Varanasi, India's holiest city, will show us life and death in their raw form: morning mist over the Ganges, drifting boats, funeral pyres and the evening fire rituals. It is a place that embellishes nothing, and that is exactly why it touches you so deeply.
Our stay also includes Sarnath, the place of the Buddha's first teaching, which brings a contrasting quality of silence, understanding and inner calm.
In Rajasthan India turns into a colourful story of palaces, forts, markets and desert cities. Here the energy of the journey returns to movement, colour and life. We will also experience the traditional music and dances of Rajasthan and treat ourselves to dinners in restaurants with views over the surrounding landscape.
How we travel
We will travel authentically, stay in tried-and-tested accommodation with a sense of place, and move around on Indian trains, which are not just transport but part of the experience. It is often on the train that unexpected encounters, conversations and unforgettable moments happen. Here things are governed not by the plan, but by reality.
We travel in a small group, with enough room for your own pace as well as a shared rhythm. The programme is firmly set, but it also allows us to respond to the current situation, the place and the energy of the group.
What we will see and experience in India
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Day 1
Czech Republic – India
Departure from Prague with one connection in London, Istanbul or Dubai, depending on the airline. Arrival the next day (morning) at the airport in the capital, Delhi.
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Days 2–3
Delhi
After arriving at Delhi's international airport we transfer to the hotel. We deliberately keep the first touch of India calm, so there will be time to acclimatise, have lunch and rest. The aim of this part is to ground ourselves after the flight and adapt to the Indian rhythm. In the afternoon we take the metro to the Chandni Chowk district, explore the market and visit the Red Fort.
The next day we enter the wonderful labyrinth of Old Delhi. Endless markets, bazaars, the scent of spices, old shops and streets where life goes on as it did centuries ago. After visiting the Jama Masjid mosque we continue to New Delhi to compare the modern and the old city.
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Days 4–7
Varanasi and Sarnath
A night train takes us from Delhi to Varanasi. This sacred city lies on the banks of the Ganges. In the afternoon we set out on our first walk along the ghats. We watch the rituals, life on the river and the quiet corners of the city. In the evening we experience the Ganga Aarti ceremony.
The next morning we set off on a boat ride on the river. This moment is one of the most powerful experiences of the whole journey through India. We will then devote time to temples, narrow lanes, conversations with locals and contemplation in one of the oldest cities in the world. Our stay also includes a visit to Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first teaching. In contrast to the rawness and transience of Varanasi, it brings a different quality of silence, understanding and inner calm.
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Days 8–10
Jodhpur
Jodhpur lies in the centre of Rajasthan on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert. Because of its many blue buildings it is often called the “Blue City”.
The main attractions are Mehrangarh Fort above the city and the old houses called havelis. On a morning walk through the old town and the market we can watch vendors and craftsmen at work. In the afternoon we head to the Jaswant Thada palace, which offers a beautiful view of the city.
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Days 11–12
Pushkar
Pushkar is one of the oldest existing cities in India and also an important Hindu pilgrimage town.
At the heart of Pushkar is a small sacred lake surrounded by ghats. We will explore the palaces and the market and enjoy the calm atmosphere of a small town. We will stay in a hotel right by the lake, so in the morning we will look straight out at the ghats. We can watch the sunrise and the locals at their morning prayers.
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Days 13–15
Jaipur
Jaipur is the capital of royal Rajasthan and one of the most beautiful cities in India. The city is famous for its buildings of pink stone. We will visit the Hawa Mahal palace, the Jantar Mantar observatory, the mighty Amber Fort and Man Sagar lake. On the last evening we transfer to Jaipur airport and then fly back to Prague from Delhi early in the morning.
The programme serves as a framework for the journey. It may be adjusted on the spot according to current conditions (weather, transport, the wishes of the group).
How much will the trip cost?
CZK 62,000 per person (excluding flights). We will book flights together once the minimum number of participants (4 people) has signed up.
The price includes
- accommodation – 14 nights (twin rooms)
- meals twice a day – breakfast and dinner
- transport – trains, buses, taxis, tuk-tuks, rickshaws
- local guides at some places (Varanasi, Jodhpur)
- admission – monuments, temples, national parks, excursions
- private performance of traditional music and dance in Rajasthan
- Indian visa – the tour leader will help you arrange it
- services of Czech tour leaders – a personal approach and knowledge of local conditions
- organisation and logistics – trip preparation, timing of the programme, communication with locals
- guaranteed small group – room for your own pace and for sharing experiences
The price does not include
- return international flight Prague – Delhi – Prague, approx. CZK 16,000 (depending on when booked)
- one-way domestic flights Varanasi – Jodhpur and Jaipur – Delhi, approx. CZK 5,000 (depending on when booked)
- travel insurance
- single room (available for a supplement)
- drinks (soft/alcoholic)
- meals other than breakfast and dinner in India
- pocket money for personal expenses (souvenirs, food and drink beyond the price…)
Everything you should know before you go
Do I need previous experience of travelling in India?
Our trip is designed to suit travellers going to India for the first time too. We will hold a slideshow of photos from India and a presentation of the trip, where we will go through everything in more detail.
What about flights?
Flights are not included in the basic price. The tour leader will help with booking. The approximate price of an international flight is CZK 16–18,000. The exact price depends on when you book and on the airline (Emirates, Turkish Airlines, British Airways).
How do we fly to India and how long does it take?
All airlines fly to India with one connection (London, Istanbul, Dubai). The total journey time one way is roughly 13 hours (including both flights and the connection).
How big will our group be?
We travel in a small group of no more than 6 people, plus the tour leaders. This lets us respond flexibly, adapt the pace of the journey and give everyone individual attention.
Is the programme fixed, or can it change?
We will mostly stick to the programme. But it serves as a framework for the journey, so it may be adjusted on the spot according to current conditions (weather, transport, the wishes of the group).
How physically demanding is the trip?
The tour is designed to be moderately demanding. Expect transfers, walking around cities and the occasional early start. Everything will be adapted to the group's abilities.
What about accommodation and food?
We will stay in twin rooms (comfortable by Indian standards) with private bathrooms. Breakfast is included with the accommodation (often with a choice of Indian or European style, fruit, tea…). During the day we will mostly eat on the street (street food, fruit, juices…) and dinner will be in a restaurant.
Do I need vaccinations for India?
We recommend checking that your tetanus vaccination is up to date and considering vaccination against hepatitis A.
What should I pack?
Before departure you will receive a detailed list of recommended equipment, including tips on clothing for cities and temples and practical advice for the journey. A small or medium-sized backpack (not a suitcase) is ideal. Given the weather in India (25–30 °C, no rain), summer clothing will be enough.
Who is this trip not for?
The trip is not suitable for those looking for a luxury holiday or an exact programme with no changes whatsoever. India is lively, authentic and sometimes unpredictable – and that is precisely its charm.
The price excludes flights. Write to me and I will send you the details.
