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Next: 21 JunThe adventure
From the white marble of the Taj Mahal to the unforgettable backwaters of Kerala, your camera's shutter will be snapping nonstop throughout this comprehensive Indian journey. Sail along the sacred Ganges River in Varanasi and explore Abhaneri’s carved stepwells in the North before flying south to search for tigers in the wild and exotic spices in relaxed hill stations. With an intriguing combination of included activities and free time, city streets, and rural spirit, you're sure to gain an understanding of the people and some insight into this fascinating land.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
India
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project.
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project.
Day 2Enjoy a youth-led morning walk through Delhi by…
DelhiEnjoy a youth-led morning walk through Delhi by G Adventures-supported City Walk project offering a unique perspective of Delhi while supporting at-risk youth. Later, visit Delhi’s famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) and climb the minaret for a bird’s eye view of Old City. Walk through Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest and busiest markets, and learn the history of the Sikh religion at Gurdwara. Stop for photos at the colourful market before finishing at Connaught Place, one of the most prominent architectural remnants of British rule.
Day 3Drive to Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, to start exploring the Pink City. Along the way, try your hand at block printing with the women of the Anoothi Project. Later, opt to visit the Jantar Mantar, or Royal Observatory. Don't miss the opportunity to see a Bollywood film at the famous Art Deco Raj Mandir cinema.
Day 4Stop and admire the intricate architecture of Hawa…
Stop and admire the intricate architecture of Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) before venturing to the ruined city of Amber to explore the famous Fort.
Day 5Travel to Dhula Village and get a closer…Before saying farewell to the Pink City, admire it from above by pre-booking the Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour. Tonight's accommodation is in spacious and comfortable tents outfitted with beds, lamps, and simple en suite bathrooms.
Before saying farewell to the Pink City, admire it from above by pre-booking the Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour. Tonight's accommodation is in spacious and comfortable tents outfitted with beds, lamps, and simple en suite bathrooms.
Day 6Stop by the impressive Abhaneri stepwell en route…Taj Mahal
Taj MahalStop by the impressive Abhaneri stepwell en route to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.
Day 7Visit the sparklingTaj Mahal
Taj MahalVisit the sparkling, iconic Taj Mahal for sunrise with time to explore the picturesque grounds. Afterward, take a ride to the walled city of Agra Fort and Baby Taj.
Day 8Board a morning train then transfer…
Board a morning train then transfer to a private vehicle for a ride across rough Indian roads to Alipura. This friendly village will be our base for two days where you'll stay in a heritage property with time to wander the town and interact with local people.
Day 9Enjoy a day trip to Khajuraho
Enjoy a day trip to Khajuraho, where India's largest group of medieval temples reside, known for their Kama Sutra statues. Learn the history of these world-famous temples on a guided tour and enjoy a taste of a little erotica from the Middle Ages. After, opt to watch an evening dance performance.
Day 10En route to Orchha
En route to Orchha, visit a unique paper making plant, set up to assist tribal women from the area. All the paper is made from recycled clothing and wood pulp. Continue on to Orchha and embark on an orientation tour of this small town. Set on the banks of the Betwa River, it is the perfect antidote to the chaos of India’s cities. Later, attend an evening puja ceremony at the Ram Raja Temple.
Day 11Visit the Orchha Palace complex and enjoy free…Opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Orchha Cooking School extra when booking your tour.
Opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Orchha Cooking School extra when booking your tour.
Day 12Disembark the train in legendary Varanasi -…
Disembark the train in legendary Varanasi - the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindus visit for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die. Take an orientation walk through the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. There is time here to shop, wander, and absorb the atmosphere of this unique city. Marvel at the ghats from the River Ganges as you enjoy an evening boat trip to witness a mesmerizing candle-lit flower ceremony.
Day 13Watch the sunrise from a boat along the Ganges
Watch the sunrise from a boat along the Ganges. Spend the rest of the day getting to know this holy city. Opt to visit the monasteries and ruins of nearby Sarnath, the site of the Buddha's first sermon.
Day 14Travel by train back to bustling Delhi…
DelhiTravel by train back to bustling Delhi and enjoy a free evening to explore the city a bit more!
Day 15Fly 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 16Enjoy a free morning to relaxKochi
KochiEnjoy a free morning to relax. After checking out, walk along the cobblestone streets of Fort Kochi on a sightseeing tour of this historic city. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish. Tonight, take an overnight train to Bangalore.
Day 17After a night on the train
After a night on the train, we'll pull into Bangalore in the morning. The first stop of the day is breakfast. Second stop of the day is to the beautiful Lal Bagh Botanical garden. Walk through the incredible green houses full of colourful flowers and unique sculptures. The remainder of the day is yours to see the city. In the evening, regroup for an orientation walk through the main iconic commercial streets of Bangalore.
Day 18Depart from Bangalore and drive to Srirangapatna…
Depart from Bangalore and drive to Srirangapatna to visit the incredible Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and the Tipu Sultan's tomb. Then continue on to Mysore for an afternoon of free time to explore the city before an evening orientation walk in Devraja Market and an optional group dinner.
Day 19Explore the best of Mysore today with visits…
Explore the best of Mysore today with visits to Chamundeshwari Temple at Chamundi Hills, the Mysore Palace and St. Philomena Cathedral. The rest of the day is yours to explore this historic, opulent city.
Day 20Take a train to Chennai and transfer…
Take a train to Chennai and transfer to a private vehicle to arrive to Mamallapuram by the afternoon. This famous town is steeped in myth and history, so enjoy the opportunity to experience it with a free afternoon.
Day 21An early morning is dedicated to a tour…
An early morning is dedicated to a tour of the Shore Temple, an iconic complex of temples and shrines known to the be one of the oldest stone temples in India, and best viewed at sunrise. After an incredible walking tour, take the remainder of the day for your own exploration of Mamallapuram. Most use this time to enjoy a visit to the beach or a yoga class.
Day 22Leave Mamallapuram and drive to Chennai
Leave Mamallapuram and drive to Chennai. Then transfer to a train to arrive in the afternoon to Thanjavur, a town renowned globally for its bronze metal sculptures. After settling in, visit the 200+ foot tall Brihadeeswarar Temple and walk around the markets.
Day 23This morning
This morning, drive to Kanadukathan, known as the land of Chettiars, the collection of over 75 villages. Here we will visit the traditional houses of Chettinad, famous for their spaciousness, opulence and intricate tiles. Afterwards, continue on to Madurai, considered the home of goddess Parvati in her form of Meenakshi - the fish eyed goddess.
Day 24Explore the best of Madurai
Explore the best of Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with tours of Thirumalai Nayakar Palace and Meenakashi Temple. The afternoon leaves you with time to venture on your own before our very own CEO leads us on a walking foodie tour of the town!
Day 25Drive to Thekkady this morning
Drive to Thekkady this morning. Thekkady, adjacent to Periyar National Park, is the spice capital of India. Take a guided tour of spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore Thekkady how you wish maybe on a boat tour on Periyar Lake or an ayurvedic massage.
Day 26Travel down to Allepey and catch a private…Kochi
KochiTravel down to Allepey and catch a private boat for the short ride 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 27Spend the morning enjoying your last moments…Kochi
KochiSpend the morning enjoying your last moments with your host family before departing for Kochi. On the way, stop at your G Adventures-supported project TWE, a coop run by local women, for lunch. Head out for an orientation walk after arrival in Kochi, then enjoy an evening performance of Kathakali, a form of traditional dancing from Kerala.
Day 28Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Traveller reviews
“An intense trip with a lot of travelling but very well worth it. If you are restricted for time its the best way to see India without breaking the bank.”
“The combination of the northern loop and the southern loop gave me all I could have hoped for in a month -- and the order of the two was great. The frenetic pace of the north followed by the laid back feeling in the south left me feeling I could easily return to India”
“I truly enjoyed the variety of locations & activities. I really felt I left India with a mind full of amazing memories and it was wonderful to have a small glance into the rich history and culture that is India.”
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