India to Sri Lanka: The Taj Mahal & Beach Bar Crawls

Arrival in Delhi & Karol Bagh Markets

Land in Delhi, drop your bags at the hotel, and meet the rest of the crew. The first night is a low-key chance to get your bearings; the best move is to head for the electric Karol Bagh market and find a spot for dinner. This trip moves fast, with an early start on Day 2, so don't plan on a deep dive into the city tonight.

Train to Agra & the Taj Mahal

It's an early start for the morning train to Agra, a two-to-three-hour ride through arid terrain and small towns. After arriving, the main event is the Taj Mahal. You'll have plenty of time to explore the white marble mausoleum and its grounds, getting the classic photos and learning its history. For those with extra energy, the less-crowded Agra Fort and the tomb known as the 'Baby Taj' are solid optional stops for the afternoon.

The Pink City of Jaipur

Today's a bus day, heading west to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Known as the 'Pink City' for its sandstone-hued buildings, it’s a full-on sensory experience. After dropping your bags, the easiest way to dive in is on a cycle rickshaw into the old city's markets. An orientation walk helps get your bearings amid the stalls. For the evening, you could track down the City Palace, visit the Jantar Mantar observatory, or catch a Bollywood film at the massive Raj Mandir Cinema.