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.
Day 1: DelhiArrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project.
Day 2: 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 3: Delhi/JaipurDrive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, and start exploring the Pink City. 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 4: JaipurStop 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 5: Jaipur/Dhula VillageTravel to Dhula Village and get a closer look at rural life in Rajasthan during a cycling excursion. Tonight, settle in to your cozy tent, relax by the fire, and take in the starry night sky.
Day 6: Dhula Village/ĀgraStop by the impressive Abhaneri stepwell en route to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.
Day 7: ĀgraVisit 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 8: Āgra/AlīpuraBoard 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 9: AlīpuraEnjoy 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 visit a nearby waterfall or watch an evening dance performance.
Day 10: Alīpura/OrchhaEn 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 11: Orchha/VaranasiVisit the Orchha Palace complex and enjoy free time before the overnight train to Varanasi.
Day 12: VaranasiDisembark 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 13: VaranasiWatch 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 14: Varanasi/DelhiSoak up some free time this morning and continue exploring Varanasi. Later, cut out the travel time with a flight back to bustling Delhi.
Day 15: Delhi/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 16: Kochi/Sultan BatheryTake a morning train followed by a scenic drive to reach Sultan Bathery, in the Wayanad district.
Day 17: Sultan BatheryWalk the nature trails through the farm area in Wayanad. Also take a tour of a tea factory and plantation to learn about tea production in the area from a guide.
Day 18: Sultan Bathery/MysoreSettle in for the drive to the ancient city of Mysore.
Day 19: MysoreExplore the vibrant city of Mysore including visits to Chamundi Temple and Mysore Palace. After enjoy free time and opt to visit the Devaraja market or join a yoga class.
Day 20: Mysore/MāmallapuramEnjoy a full day of train travel to Chennai before a short bus ride to Mamallapuram.
Day 21: MāmallapuramVisit the Shore Temple. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Mamallapuram.
Day 22: Māmallapuram/PuducherryContinue to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry) and learn about Sri Aurobindo Ghose at the ashram.
Day 23: Puducherry/MaduraiTravel inland to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Day 24: MaduraiHop on a cycle rickshaw for a tour of the city before visiting the famous Meenakshi Temple.
Day 25: Madurai/ThekkadyDrive to Thekkady. Take a guided tour of spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills.
Day 26: Thekkady/Kerala BackwatersTravel to Alleppey for a local homestay. Experience local life and a guided walk along the lagoon.
Day 27: Kerala Backwaters/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. Travel to a Planeterra project for lunch before returning to Kochi. Head out for an orientation walk, then enjoy an evening performance of kathakali, a form of traditional dancing from Kerala.
Day 28: KochiDepart at any time.
:strip_metadata()/https%3A%2F%2Ftr2storage.blob.core.windows.net%2Fagencylogos%2FmW4xpNswmkjmpcSryl-onMES8opOhzlkH0.png)