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If you’re looking for a taste of India’s world-class highlights but still want to explore some of its hidden gems, this action-packed adventure serves up a great combination. Stand in awe of the Taj Mahal's perfection, wander the French Quarter of Pondicherry, search for tigers in the wild—experience the iconic highlights of the North before flying south for even more culture and wilderness. Appreciate the colours of Rajasthan and the Tamil style of the Sri Meenakshi Temple. Our CEO will lead the way and eliminate the hassle so you can experience incredible India.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
India
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2Enjoy an included walk through the backstreets…Delhi
DelhiEnjoy an included walk through the backstreets of Delhi with a young adult taking part in the G Adventures-supported New Delhi Streetkids Project. As a former street kid, your guide will offer a unique insight into the real Delhi. Later, explore Old Delhi and travel onward to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.
Day 3Visit the famous Taj Mahal, Baby Taj, and Agra FortSet eyes on the sparkling Taj Mahal at sunrise before exploring more of this famous landmark. In the afternoon, visit the I'timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) and the Agra Fort, a walled city taken over by the Mughals.
Taj MahalSet eyes on the sparkling Taj Mahal at sunrise before exploring more of this famous landmark. In the afternoon, visit the I'timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) and the Agra Fort, a walled city taken over by the Mughals.
Day 4Stop at Fatehpur SikriFatehpur Sikri a stunningly preserved UNESCO site. Take the opportunity to visit the ancient capital before continuing on to Bharatpur. With some free time, opt to visit the UNESCO site of Keoladeo NP, where over 360 species of birds make their homes.
Fatehpur Sikri a stunningly preserved UNESCO site. Take the opportunity to visit the ancient capital before continuing on to Bharatpur. With some free time, opt to visit the UNESCO site of Keoladeo NP, where over 360 species of birds make their homes.
Day 5En route to JaipurAfter marvelling at the beautiful Abhaneri stepwells and learning more about the historical importance of this typical Indian creation, continue to the pink city of Jaipur. Built according to Hindu architectural principles, the city enjoys a unique organization unlike anywhere else in India.
After marvelling at the beautiful Abhaneri stepwells and learning more about the historical importance of this typical Indian creation, continue to the pink city of Jaipur. Built according to Hindu architectural principles, the city enjoys a unique organization unlike anywhere else in India.
Day 6Enjoy a visit to the Amber Fort
Enjoy a visit to the Amber Fort, famous for its mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. After, visit the City Palace and have a photo opportunity at Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). Opt to check out the Jantar Mantar astronomical site or see a Bollywood film at the famous Art Deco theatre of Raj Mandir.
Day 7Return to Delhi in the afternoonAdmire the Pink City from above by pre-booking the morning Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour.
DelhiAdmire the Pink City from above by pre-booking the morning Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour.
Day 8Fly to the port city of Kochi
KochiFly to the port city of Kochi. Settle into your hotel and enjoy free time to relax the rest of the day. Opt to catch the sunset over the Arabian Sea, framed by hundreds of boats and fishing nets.
Day 9Enjoy a morning orientation walk of Fort Kochi
KochiEnjoy a morning orientation walk of Fort Kochi. After, take some free time to explore before an evening performance of kathakali, a form of traditional dancing from Kerala.
Day 10Take a morning train followed by a scenic…
Take a morning train followed by a scenic drive to reach Kalpetta, in the Wayanad district.
Day 11Walk the nature trails through the forested areas…Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Western Ghat region of Kerala, it is spread over an area of nearly 345 sq km and has a variety of exotic flora and fauna. The sanctuary was declared as a site of Project Elephant in the year 1992.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Western Ghat region of Kerala, it is spread over an area of nearly 345 sq km and has a variety of exotic flora and fauna. The sanctuary was declared as a site of Project Elephant in the year 1992.
Day 12Settle in for the drive to the ancient city of MysoreTravel to Mysore (formally Mysuru) located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947.
Travel to Mysore (formally Mysuru) located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947.
Day 13Explore the vibrant city of Mysore including visits…Imagine life as a Maharaja on a guided tour of the Mysore Palace. Later, join the throngs of pilgrims at Chamundi Hills, with its temple on top, and Nandi the Bull (ridden by the Hindu god Shiva) a short walk below. In your free time, visit the Devaraja fruit and vegetable market or join a yoga class at one of the many local institutes. Opt to drive to Somnathpur, home to one of the most famous Hoysala Temples in India.
Imagine life as a Maharaja on a guided tour of the Mysore Palace. Later, join the throngs of pilgrims at Chamundi Hills, with its temple on top, and Nandi the Bull (ridden by the Hindu god Shiva) a short walk below. In your free time, visit the Devaraja fruit and vegetable market or join a yoga class at one of the many local institutes. Opt to drive to Somnathpur, home to one of the most famous Hoysala Temples in India.
Day 14Enjoy a full day of train travel…Arrive by train to Chennai before continuing south for a short ride to the small village of Mamallapuram.
Arrive by train to Chennai before continuing south for a short ride to the small village of Mamallapuram.
Day 15Visit the Shore Temple
Visit the Shore Temple. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Mamallapuram.
Day 16Continue to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry)…In the morning, drive to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry), formerly the largest French Colony in India and an important trading town. There is a strong French influence in the city's layout, with wide boulevards and French-style houses, but the city is undoubtedly Indian.
In the morning, drive to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry), formerly the largest French Colony in India and an important trading town. There is a strong French influence in the city's layout, with wide boulevards and French-style houses, but the city is undoubtedly Indian.
Day 17Travel inland to Madurai
Travel inland to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Day 18Hop on a cycle rickshaw for a tour…After visiting the temple complex, opt to visit the handicraft shops or duck into the cool shade of the covered, stone tailor’s market where, for a few rupees, rows of expert tailors will whip you up a custom shirt in minutes, all done on antique foot-pump sewing machines. In the late evening, opt to visit the Meenakshi Temple again for a glimpse of the nighttime rituals.
After visiting the temple complex, opt to visit the handicraft shops or duck into the cool shade of the covered, stone tailor’s market where, for a few rupees, rows of expert tailors will whip you up a custom shirt in minutes, all done on antique foot-pump sewing machines. In the late evening, opt to visit the Meenakshi Temple again for a glimpse of the nighttime rituals.
Day 19Drive to ThekkadyThekkady, adjacent to Periyar National Park, is the spice capital of India. On arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the spice plantations and a tea factory. Opt for a boat ride on the Periyar Lake.
Thekkady, adjacent to Periyar National Park, is the spice capital of India. On arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the spice plantations and a tea factory. Opt for a boat ride on the Periyar Lake.
Day 20Travel to Alleppey for a local homestayTravel down to the backwaters from Thekkady to catch a private boat for the short journey to the village homestay. In the afternoon, explore the island with a local person to observe the different facets of local life — it's a great opportunity to meet and talk with the people who live in this unique location. Just before sunset, hop on a small country boat and journey along with the locals to enjoy sunset on the winding backwaters.
Travel down to the backwaters from Thekkady to catch a private boat for the short journey to the village homestay. In the afternoon, explore the island with a local person to observe the different facets of local life — it's a great opportunity to meet and talk with the people who live in this unique location. Just before sunset, hop on a small country boat and journey along with the locals to enjoy sunset on the winding backwaters.
Day 21Spend the morning enjoying last moments…Kochi
KochiSpend the morning enjoying last moments with your host family. Learn to cook some local food, watch the toddy tappers at work, or wander around the village exploring more of life on the backwaters. Travel to a Planeterra project for lunch before returning to Kochi in the early afternoon, where the trip ends.
Traveller reviews
“An excellent overview of India. The guides were wonderful - very knowledgeable and always made sure we were comfortable and taken care of.”
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