You score up to 10% of your purchase value emailed to you as a one time code to use on your next adventure!

Yes! Please contact our helpful support team on support@backpackerdeals.com or see our live chat!

The trip starts in Delhi (India) and ends in Malé (Maldives). 

1. CULTURE
India is a country which is very different to anything you will have experienced before. Although this means it is not the easiest place to travel, this is also what makes it so special. Pollution, poverty and the crowds can result in initial culture shock but should be seen as an exciting new challenge. During our time here we have come to love this large and wonderfully different country but we know that we should always expect to encounter some difficulties along the way.

In India there are very different attitudes to time keeping, public cleanliness, privacy and service. Trains will sometimes be late, plumbing can sometimes be temperamental and power will often just vanish. Optimistic menus turn out to have only one dish available and everyone, just everyone, will want to know your name. If you are able to travel with a lot of patience and a healthy sense of humor, then we know that you - like all of us - will be captivated by what India has to offer.

2. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

3. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

4. GEAR SIZE - CONFIRM AT BOOKING
Snorkelling gear is provided on the boat, Please let us know your shoe/fin size at time of booking so that we can ensure we have proper sized gear onboard for you.

5. MONEY
In the Maldives USD and EUR are accepted as payment for your beverage bill at the end of the tour. Maldivian Ruffiya are not accepted. USD is accepted on the islands for souvenirs. Ensure USD notes/bills are new and/or in good condition.

6. RAMADAN
According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between Feb 28th - Mar 29th 2025, and Feb 17th - Mar 19th 2026. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.

Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with the tour operator you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Vegetarians will be able to find a huge range of different foods - India is vegetarian heaven. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Food is a major part of this sailing adventure in the Maldives. You will enjoy many home cooked meals lovingly prepared by our on-board chef. Portions are generous and will include seafood, typical dishes and even the occasional breakfast fry up. Dietary needs can usually be accommodated, please inquire in advance. Drinking water is provided. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available to purchase onboard - we accept US Dollars, Euro, Visa cards, Master cards and American Express. Please note that for credit card payment, an additional 5% will be charged.

Please be advised that any flights noted on the Itinerary for this tour are included in the tour services provided. Flight tickets are provided by the tour operator during the tour. The date for this service will match the day of the itinerary, for which Day 1 is equal to the start date noted on the Invoice under Land Services: Tour. If flight information is required in advance for visa purposes, please contact the tour operator

Please Note: Only 1 piece of luggage that weighs up to 15kgs will be permitted on our internal flights in India. For any extra weight the airline may charge an additional fee at the time of check-in.

A variety of styles of hotels/guest houses are used in India. These can vary in terms of service, efficiency and cleanliness. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home. Power cuts can and are a regular occurrence in many places, especially throughout North and Central India. Although a number of hotels have generators there may be times when these won’t work. It is also recommended when you are in your room to lock the door, as staff will sometime enter without reason.

In the Maldives:
A NOTE REGARDING SMALL SPACES ON BOATS: Please note that the rooming for these boats is done on a first-come, first-serve basis and no particular cabins nor berths can be guaranteed. Our skippers will pair up travel partners or if you are travelling single with someone of the same sex. Please be aware that as this is a traditional dhoni and not a cruise vessel, that the space on board is tight. You will be sharing a small room with one of your fellow passengers or travel partner and sharing all the facilities onboard. The sleeping quarters on boats are generally kept to a minimum size in order to maximize public space and performance. Some people are not comfortable with the type of close quarter arrangements typically found on boats, however if a real sailing experience on a real dhoni is what you are after, then this experience should more than make up for cramped quarters. Please note that the skipper will also be sharing the ship's quarters and amenities with you.

What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as you are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bag which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in home stays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you.

In the Maldives keep in mind, there is limited space on the dhoni. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack. A daypack may be useful. Hard suitcases are very hard to store on board, and space is limited. Please be considerate if you are sharing a cabin, and note that large hard sided suitcases can take up a lot of space in the cabin. Soft sided luggage is strongly recommended. You will also need to be able to lift your luggage on and off the boat.

Cold weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noice-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Marine:
• Drybag (Will help keep cameras and essentials dry)
• External battery pack
• High UV sunscreen
• Locks for bags
• Motion sickness tablets
• Sandals/flip-flops (Extra pair of deck shoes or sandals recommended)
• Sarong
• Small travel towel
• Snorkel gear (optional) (Only if own equipment is preferred.)
• Sun hat/bandana

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: In India during the colder months (Oct-Apr) the mountains can be cold, so please make sure you pack warm clothes. During the months of Jul-Sep is the rainy season, so please make sure to pack waterproof clothes.

In India, laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. In the Maldives, there are no laundry facilities onboard the dhoni. You may hand wash items as needed. Detergent is usually available or you can bring a travel-size non-polluting/biodegradable detergent.

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. 

All travellers must have a valid Indian visa prior to the start of their tour. Please note that visas for India are the responsibility of the individual traveller.

As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

As of May 2023 the exchange rate for INDIA was 1 USD = 81.76 INR (Indian Rupees). There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. We also recommend the use of cash in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.

There are no ATMs outside of Malé. Travellers should ensure they bring sufficient funds. US dollars are the best foreign currency and can be exchanged at resorts and banks. Most restaurants and shops will accept USD$ for payment and provide change in local currency.

Be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

The Maldives has a non-convertible currency – Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) – this cannot be purchased beforehand. Note that MVR can only be exchanged back into original currency prior to departing the Maldives, and only if you have a receipt for an arrival exchange from the airport Bank of Maldives exchange counter.

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from USD1-2 per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your tour CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline USD20-30 per person, per week can be used.

Delhi
- Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi

Jaipur
- Jaipur Cycle Tour
- Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) (202INR per person)
- Jaipur Cooking Class with A Local Family
- Movie at Raj Mandir (200-400INR per person)
- Jantar Mantar Visit (202INR per person)
- Jaipur Balloon Ride

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting small rural communities or visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites as this may restrict your entry.

India is very conservative and you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline shoulders and knees should be covered at all times. The wearing of shorts is not allowed as it will restrict your entry into buildings of a religious nature and family homes. A light water and windproof jacket is useful and a hat essential.
NB: WE STRESS THAT IT CAN BE VERY COLD IN THE HILLS DURING THE MONTHS FROM DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY.

NB: During our trip there will be many opportunities for you to meet and "talk" with locals. One way to start any conversation is with pictures. We recommend that you bring some photos/postcards of your family, home, city or country where you live, animals peculiar to your country etc.

When packing for the Maldives be aware that dress standards, as we mentioned, are conservative throughout Asia. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. When off the boat and on the islands, this means covering shoulders and no short-shorts. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. On land, shorts should be knee-length. Singlets and tank tops are not acceptable. One piece bathing suits are recommended bikinis and topless sun bathing are unacceptable.