A vacation of impact, beauty and connection for women
Join Travel on Purpose™ in
India
A vacation of impact, beauty and connection for women
March 3-14, 2025
$3920 per person
Price is based on double occupancy. Private rooms are available for an additional fee.
Visiting India is like stepping into a whirlwind of experiences, from getting lost in the bustling streets of Old Delhi to being awestruck by the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra. In Jaipur, you can dive into the world of block printing, where every design has its own tale, and be inspired by the serene atmosphere of ancient temples dotting the landscape. Bengaluru is a myriad of industry and old-world charm and home to one of our do-good connections. Immersing yourself in Indian culture means every day is filled with vibrant memories painted with rich colors, aromatic scents, and the genuine hospitality of its people.
What's included:
- 10 nights in India in beautiful hotels in Dehli, Agra, Jaipur, and Bengaluru
- Rooftop kite-flying in Delhi
- Cultural walking tours with local guides in multiple cities
- Palaces, temples, and majestic forts, including the Taj Mahal!
- Meet artisans and learn about their time-honored traditions
- Spend time with two organizations changing their communities for good
- Two block printing workshops
- An elephant walk at a farm in Rajasthan with an alfresco dinner experience
- A cooking class in a private home
- Henna and traditional Indian music
- A Garden Dinner at 47 Jobner Bagh
- Regional flight between Jaipur and Bengaluru
- A rickshaw tour, with an authentic flower market and a tea ceremony
- And more... (see the itinerary for details)
What's not
included:
included:
- International airfare
- E-tourism Visa
- One lunch and one dinner (see itinerary for details)
- Travel Insurance (optional but recommended)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Shopping
Travel to India for US citizens requires a valid passport for six months beyond date of travel, two blank pages, and an e-tourism visa which can be applied for online a few weeks before the trip. While no vaccines or medications are required to enter India, it is recommended that everyone visit their travel clinic to be professionally advised on what precautions to take.
Our journey will begin in Old Delhi where it will feel like we are taking a journey back in time. Restored havelis exude old-world charm, while the spice market overwhelms your senses with a symphony of aromas and colors amidst the lively hustle and bustle of the streets. In the midst of all the chaos, every nook has its own story, blending the past and the present into a lively tapestry of everyday life.
Haveli Dharampura - our home in Old Delhi (3 nights)
A UNESCO Awarded Heritage Haveli in Old Delhi. Indulge in a haven of comfort removed from the bustle of the city. Enjoy indelible cultural experiences, grandeur archways and traditional Indian architecture while experiencing royal pampering at Haveli Dharampura.
47 Jobner Bagh - our home in Jaipur (3 nights)
Staying at 47 Jobner Bagh feels like settling in with an old friend. This delightful retreat boasts 12 bedrooms, each exuding charm with its whitewashed walls adorned with curved jali designs, and spacious terraces. Inside, the sunlit interiors are adorned with antiques and vintage Indian furniture, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Nestled just beyond the historic walled city, the hotel occupies what was once a serene garden. Guests can enjoy magnificent views of the 18th-century Nahargarh Fort from the roof terrace. We'll indulge in a delightful home-cooked Indian dinner by candlelight in the garden.
The Oberoi - our home in Bengaluru (3 nights)
The Oberoi Hotel in Bengaluru epitomizes luxury and sophistication, offering unparalleled hospitality, world-class amenities, and stunning views of the city skyline, ensuring a truly unforgettable stay experience. Every room boats a private balcony overlooking the gardens.
Itinerary Highlights
Color, flavor, culture, history, elephants, textiles, temples, flowers, tea, henna, music, dance... and special memories made with old friends and new!
“So far as I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked.” —Mark Twain
Our DO-GOOD Partners
Khushbu Studio - Delhi
Khushbu seeks to transform the lives of individuals and whole communities through job creation and skill development for the migrant population of India's urban villages, while creating unique, hand-made products for the socially responsible buyer.
We believe that every person is creative and capable of adding value and beauty to our world. At Khushbu, our women are trained to develop true artisanal skills, while receiving better-than-fair wages in a safe environment to create premium, block printed, hand-stitched products.
These activities enabled women and their children to learn new skills, develop social support, and understand basic human rights. Over the years, Khushbu has evolved into a socially responsible business that is committed to ethical and just practices that positively impact our artisans, their families, their community, and the environment.
Maarga - Bengaluru
Maarga is a community led organisation of deprived communities along the path of forced migration – from distressed villages to slums and streets in cities of India with the aim of equitable distribution of resources – social and economic, and respect for human dignity, where deprived communities in rural and urban India are fearlessly enabled to voice their concern and ideas for change.
We believe in a socially just society where every person facing displacement and forced migration, especially children and women, live a dignified life of their own aspirations, free from all forms of structural bondage.
We build fraternal networks of institutions and individuals to sustain ecosystems of habitat and productive livelihoods for adults, and developmental opportunities through quality learning spaces for children in socially marginalised ‘colonies’ in villages and urban slums through English education, sports, music, art, cinema, the internet and popular culture. Our central philosophy is facilitating structured interaction between people from different social classes as equals in order to enable vibrancy and cross learning.
Itinerary
March 3: Depart the US.
March 4: Arrive at night. Private transfer to Haveli Dharampura in Old Delhi. Enjoy a light snack before heading to bed.
March 5: After breakfast, we'll spend the morning with a local guide enjoying a walking tour of Old Delhi. Experience the essence of Delhi's heritage and local life through a guided walk in Chandni Chowk, interactions with locals, and visits to hidden gems. Enjoy an exciting rickshaw ride, a visit to the spice market, temple visits, and a traditional meal at a local home. Rest back at the Haveli until our evening activities which include an official welcome dinner, music and rooftop kite-flying.
March 6: After breakfast, we'll drive to the Khushbu Artisan Workshop for a morning of learning and connection. At Khushbu, women are trained to develop true artisanal skills, while receiving better-than-fair wages in a safe environment to create premium, block printed, hand-stitched products. Working alongside artisans, we'll have the opportunity to create our own beautiful cotton scarf and two tea towels to keep! We'll spend the afternoon and evening at the Khan Market, a bustling upscale shopping and dining destination renowned for its diverse range of boutiques, eateries, and vibrant atmosphere. Tonight you'll enjoy dinner on your own as you explore Khan Market with its many options.
March 7: After breakfast, we'll say good-bye to Delhi and head south to Agra in a comfortable private shuttle. (Drive time is approximately is 3.5-4 hours). We'll check into the Coral House, our boutique hotel for one night. We'll enjoy a walking tour of Agra, including the Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) and other notable sites. This tour will also include learning about local culture and meeting artisans whose work has contributed to the community for hundreds of years. Our evening will include a simple dinner and henna!
March 8: Our morning will begin early with a sunrise tour at the Taj Mahal, the absolute best time to visit! Then we'll return to our hotel, enjoy breakfast, and pack up for our journey to Jaipur (Drive time is approximately is 5-6 hours). Half-way to Jaipur, we'll take a rest at a restaurant and shopping area. Lunch will be on your own. We'll arrive at the charming 47 Jobner Bagh, our home for the next three nights. Get settled in, take a warm shower, find a nook a read and relax. Dinner tonight will be in a candle-lit garden with a home-cooked meal of Indian delights.
March 9: After breakfast, we'll head out to explore Jaipur's treasures including the the majestic Amber Fort, the intricate stepwell Panna Meena ka Kund, the ornate Hawa Mahal, and the opulent City Palace. For lunch we'll stop in at a café located inside a design center where we'll also have the opportunity to shop for ethically made womenswear, sleepwear, soft furnishings and accessories. Dinner will once again be enjoyed in the garden at 47 Jobner Bagh.
March 10: After breakfast, we drive to the nearby village of Bagru, home to a thriving block printing community where artisans intricately craft exquisite textiles using traditional techniques passed down through generations. We'll learn the art and history of block printing before having a change to create our own hand printed masterpiece. In the afternoon, we'll head to Dera Amer Wilderness Camp where we will meet Laxmi and Rangmala, rescued elephants, and join them on a walk through the Saluwar Forest. Then we'll enjoy an alfresco dinner by candlelight.
March 11: Our morning will begin early with a "Wake up with Jaipur" tour by rickshaw! Feel the crisp air on empty streets of this otherwise bustling city. Visit the Govind Devji Temple at the City Palace, the wholesale flower market. You’ll see turbaned crowds trading sacks of roses and marigold. From there, we’ll stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal also called the Palace of Winds. Made in 1799, the unique five storied structure, with its small latticed windows, made to resemble the crown of Lord Krishna, served as a place where the ladies of the royal household could observe the hustle bustle and everyday life without being seen themselves. Then we'll stop for some cardamom tea in Kullad. Upon returning to our hotel, we'll enjoy a late breakfast, pack-up and head to the airport for our flight to Bengaluru. We'll check-in at The Oberoi, enjoy a restful afternoon and dinner in the hotel.
March 12: After breakfast, we'll divide into two groups for our morning activities. One group will have a cooking experience in a private home. Everyone will learn traditional Indian cooking methods and participate to create a few dishes. When the cooking is complete, the group will sit down and enjoy the fruit of their labor. The second group will embark on a fascinating tour through Malleshwaram, starting with a bite at Veena Stores, known for its onion and garlic-free cuisine, followed by a stroll past vibrant street art celebrating public transit, a visit to the fragrant flower market near Nandi Theertha temple, an exploration of ancient temples like Kadu Malleshwara with its 17th-century inscriptions, and a glimpse into traditional laundry practices at Dhobi Ghat, where you can even join in the washing process if you're feeling adventurous. We'll reconvene at the hotel and head out to spend the afternoon with Raj and Maarga, learning how this NGO is bringing about sustainable change to disadvantaged communities.
March 13: After breakfast, we'll divide into the same two groups and swap activities from the day before. Again we'll reconvene at the hotel to head out to spend the rest of the day with Raj and Maarga. In the evening we'll head back to the hotel to enjoy one last meal together, relishing our Indian adventure and all we've learned and experienced together. Our tour will officially end with our farewell dinner.
Departure Details:
It's not as important that we all depart on the same flight as when we all arrived together in Delhi. Shuttles between the hotel and airport can be arranged easily.
Here are three things to consider when booking your departure flight:
March 4: Arrive at night. Private transfer to Haveli Dharampura in Old Delhi. Enjoy a light snack before heading to bed.
March 5: After breakfast, we'll spend the morning with a local guide enjoying a walking tour of Old Delhi. Experience the essence of Delhi's heritage and local life through a guided walk in Chandni Chowk, interactions with locals, and visits to hidden gems. Enjoy an exciting rickshaw ride, a visit to the spice market, temple visits, and a traditional meal at a local home. Rest back at the Haveli until our evening activities which include an official welcome dinner, music and rooftop kite-flying.
March 6: After breakfast, we'll drive to the Khushbu Artisan Workshop for a morning of learning and connection. At Khushbu, women are trained to develop true artisanal skills, while receiving better-than-fair wages in a safe environment to create premium, block printed, hand-stitched products. Working alongside artisans, we'll have the opportunity to create our own beautiful cotton scarf and two tea towels to keep! We'll spend the afternoon and evening at the Khan Market, a bustling upscale shopping and dining destination renowned for its diverse range of boutiques, eateries, and vibrant atmosphere. Tonight you'll enjoy dinner on your own as you explore Khan Market with its many options.
March 7: After breakfast, we'll say good-bye to Delhi and head south to Agra in a comfortable private shuttle. (Drive time is approximately is 3.5-4 hours). We'll check into the Coral House, our boutique hotel for one night. We'll enjoy a walking tour of Agra, including the Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) and other notable sites. This tour will also include learning about local culture and meeting artisans whose work has contributed to the community for hundreds of years. Our evening will include a simple dinner and henna!
March 8: Our morning will begin early with a sunrise tour at the Taj Mahal, the absolute best time to visit! Then we'll return to our hotel, enjoy breakfast, and pack up for our journey to Jaipur (Drive time is approximately is 5-6 hours). Half-way to Jaipur, we'll take a rest at a restaurant and shopping area. Lunch will be on your own. We'll arrive at the charming 47 Jobner Bagh, our home for the next three nights. Get settled in, take a warm shower, find a nook a read and relax. Dinner tonight will be in a candle-lit garden with a home-cooked meal of Indian delights.
March 9: After breakfast, we'll head out to explore Jaipur's treasures including the the majestic Amber Fort, the intricate stepwell Panna Meena ka Kund, the ornate Hawa Mahal, and the opulent City Palace. For lunch we'll stop in at a café located inside a design center where we'll also have the opportunity to shop for ethically made womenswear, sleepwear, soft furnishings and accessories. Dinner will once again be enjoyed in the garden at 47 Jobner Bagh.
March 10: After breakfast, we drive to the nearby village of Bagru, home to a thriving block printing community where artisans intricately craft exquisite textiles using traditional techniques passed down through generations. We'll learn the art and history of block printing before having a change to create our own hand printed masterpiece. In the afternoon, we'll head to Dera Amer Wilderness Camp where we will meet Laxmi and Rangmala, rescued elephants, and join them on a walk through the Saluwar Forest. Then we'll enjoy an alfresco dinner by candlelight.
March 11: Our morning will begin early with a "Wake up with Jaipur" tour by rickshaw! Feel the crisp air on empty streets of this otherwise bustling city. Visit the Govind Devji Temple at the City Palace, the wholesale flower market. You’ll see turbaned crowds trading sacks of roses and marigold. From there, we’ll stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal also called the Palace of Winds. Made in 1799, the unique five storied structure, with its small latticed windows, made to resemble the crown of Lord Krishna, served as a place where the ladies of the royal household could observe the hustle bustle and everyday life without being seen themselves. Then we'll stop for some cardamom tea in Kullad. Upon returning to our hotel, we'll enjoy a late breakfast, pack-up and head to the airport for our flight to Bengaluru. We'll check-in at The Oberoi, enjoy a restful afternoon and dinner in the hotel.
March 12: After breakfast, we'll divide into two groups for our morning activities. One group will have a cooking experience in a private home. Everyone will learn traditional Indian cooking methods and participate to create a few dishes. When the cooking is complete, the group will sit down and enjoy the fruit of their labor. The second group will embark on a fascinating tour through Malleshwaram, starting with a bite at Veena Stores, known for its onion and garlic-free cuisine, followed by a stroll past vibrant street art celebrating public transit, a visit to the fragrant flower market near Nandi Theertha temple, an exploration of ancient temples like Kadu Malleshwara with its 17th-century inscriptions, and a glimpse into traditional laundry practices at Dhobi Ghat, where you can even join in the washing process if you're feeling adventurous. We'll reconvene at the hotel and head out to spend the afternoon with Raj and Maarga, learning how this NGO is bringing about sustainable change to disadvantaged communities.
March 13: After breakfast, we'll divide into the same two groups and swap activities from the day before. Again we'll reconvene at the hotel to head out to spend the rest of the day with Raj and Maarga. In the evening we'll head back to the hotel to enjoy one last meal together, relishing our Indian adventure and all we've learned and experienced together. Our tour will officially end with our farewell dinner.
Departure Details:
It's not as important that we all depart on the same flight as when we all arrived together in Delhi. Shuttles between the hotel and airport can be arranged easily.
Here are three things to consider when booking your departure flight:
- The tour will officially end with our farewell dinner on the evening of March 13. Do not book your departure before 10pm that night if you don't want to miss it.
- Emirates, Qatar Airlines, Air India, American and United all have good options back to the USA. For those who live on the West Coast, Japan Airlines also has a good option. Many flights depart late at night or very early in the morning. If you decide to book a flight that leaves in the middle of the night and don't need your room on the evening of March 13, you will receive a $150 refund.
- When you search for your departing flight back to the USA, consider both March 13 (late night) or March 14 as options.
Itinerary is subject to change based on availability and weather. Details are not confirmed until paid in full.
Your Hosts &
The Travel on Purpose™
Commitment
The Travel on Purpose™
Commitment
Travel on Purpose ensures that our time and resources benefit the places we visit and the people we spend time with. To that end, our promise is that your travel experience will include time with do-good partners, changemakers, and local leaders who are making a difference in their communities. We go with an intent to learn and celebrate the beauty of different cultures and how God is at work in the world.
This unique tour includes time with Khushbu Studio, an artisan workshop in Delhi and Maarga, a community development organization in Bengaluru.
This unique tour includes time with Khushbu Studio, an artisan workshop in Delhi and Maarga, a community development organization in Bengaluru.
This tour will be led by Dianne Sivulka, founder of Travel on Purpose, alongside Hayley Bennett Lyle, author of Barefoot King: the Indian Dalit who Defied Caste to Bless Others. Hayley spent a year in India where she encountered Raj, whose remarkable journey from the hardships of being born a Dalit to embracing his rights and worth as a creation of God, culminated in the founding of Maarga. Inspired by Raj's resilience and values, Hayley navigated the intricate tapestry of Indian society, confronting her own challenges along the way. It's been her joy to share Raj's story.
Travel on Purpose
loves books!
loves books!
We always advocate for diving into a book or two before embarking on a journey, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the culture they're about to encounter even before setting foot outside their doors.
This time, however, Travel on Purpose is breaking new ground... as we'll have the extraordinary opportunity to travel alongside the author of Barefoot King, Hayley Bennett Lyle! We strongly encourage you to grab a copy of her book.
And if you're not already a member of the Travel on Purpose Book Club, mark your calendar for July, August, and September. We'll be exploring this book together, virtually meeting Hayley and Raj via Zoom, and receiving a delightful gift box filled with treasures from India. Join us for an enriching literary journey!
Payment Schedule & other details
Payment
Schedule
Schedule
Total Cost per person: $3920
A $500 deposit is due at time of booking to hold your spot
Four-payments:
- $855 on August 15
- $855 on October 15
- $855 on December 15
- $855 on February 15
Alternative payments schedules are available. Contact Travel on Purpose if you'd like to divide the payments in a different way to best suit your needs.
Terms
& Conditions
& Conditions
The itinerary is subject to change based on availability and weather, and the price is not confirmed until paid in full.
Do not book your flight until your registration is confirmed. A flight itinerary will be recommended so that the entire group can arrive in Delhi together.
Travel
Insurance
Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended to project your investment. If you have to cancel your trip, and aren't eligible for a refund due to the cancellation policy, you will be refunded through the insurance company. Travel on Purpose will offer you an option to purchase travel insurance once your registration is confirmed.
Cancellations & Refunds
If you decide to cancel within the first 30 days of signing up, you will receive a 100% refund. Following the thirty days of signing up, there will be NO refunds for cancellations, including illness. However, if unforeseen circumstances arise and Travel on Purpose must cancel the trip, you will either be refunded for the entire amount you have paid for the tour or the tour will be rescheduled for a mutually agreed upon time later in 2025 or 2026. Additionally, there will be no refunds 90 days prior to the departure of the trip, if you sign up within that time frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is this trip for?
A: Women (minimum age is 18)
Q: What is the cost?
A: $3920 per person
Q: What is the rooming situation like?
A: Prices are based on double occupancy. Separate beds cannot be guaranteed in every hotel we stay at.
Q: Is it possible to have a private room?
A: Yes. Contact Travel on Purpose for the additional cost. Space is limited for private rooms.
Q: Can TOP book my airfare and help me with travel insurance?
A: Yes! We will recommend a flight so that our group arrives in Delhi at the same time. If you need help booking, we can do that. A travel insurance quote will be shared with you after your registration is confirmed.
Q: When is the tour officially over? What is the earliest I can book my departure flight?
A: The tour officially ends with our farewell dinner on March 13. The earliest you should depart is 10pm on March 13.
Q: Will I have a room reserved on March 13?
A: Yes, everyone will have a room reserved at The Oberoi on March 13. If you book a flight that leaves in the middle of the night and you decide that you don't need the room, you will receive a $150 refund.
Q: I have dietary restrictions. Will I find enough to eat?
A: Yes! There will be many options throughout our journey. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan can all be accommodated.
Q: Can I get a refund if I cancel?
A: Women (minimum age is 18)
Q: What is the cost?
A: $3920 per person
Q: What is the rooming situation like?
A: Prices are based on double occupancy. Separate beds cannot be guaranteed in every hotel we stay at.
Q: Is it possible to have a private room?
A: Yes. Contact Travel on Purpose for the additional cost. Space is limited for private rooms.
Q: Can TOP book my airfare and help me with travel insurance?
A: Yes! We will recommend a flight so that our group arrives in Delhi at the same time. If you need help booking, we can do that. A travel insurance quote will be shared with you after your registration is confirmed.
Q: When is the tour officially over? What is the earliest I can book my departure flight?
A: The tour officially ends with our farewell dinner on March 13. The earliest you should depart is 10pm on March 13.
Q: Will I have a room reserved on March 13?
A: Yes, everyone will have a room reserved at The Oberoi on March 13. If you book a flight that leaves in the middle of the night and you decide that you don't need the room, you will receive a $150 refund.
Q: I have dietary restrictions. Will I find enough to eat?
A: Yes! There will be many options throughout our journey. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan can all be accommodated.
Q: Can I get a refund if I cancel?
A: If you decide to cancel within the first 30 days of signing up, you will receive a 100% refund. Following the thirty days of signing up, there will be NO refunds for cancellations, including illness. However, if unforeseen circumstances arise and Travel on Purpose must cancel the trip, you will either be refunded for the entire amount you have paid for the tour or the tour will be rescheduled for a mutually agreed upon time in 2025. Additionally, there will be no refunds 90 days prior to the departure of the trip, if you sign up within that time frame.
More Questions?
