Itinerary

Arrive at any time and welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi! Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!

Relax on the morning train to Agra while admiring the arid terrain and small towns. On arrival, check the famous Taj Mahal world wonder off your bucket list as you marvel at the iconic Mughal architecture. Immerse yourself in a guided tour and learn of the mausoleum's unique history. Opt to visit Baby Taj and the Agra Fort, the Taj's less famous??but no less impressive??sister monument, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today we take a bus (always an adventure itself in India) to the capital of Rajasthan ?? Jaipur. Clothed in sandstone pink stucco, Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" and is one of the most important heritage cities in India. It's home to India's second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Ride a cycle rickshaw to the markets and enjoy an orientation walk through the stalls. In your free time, opt to visit the City Palace, the observatory, or check out a song-and-dance Bollywood film in India's largest movie theatre.

Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your list. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details. Afterward, head back to Jaipur and spend the free afternoon exploring with your fellow travellers and see where the night takes you. Admire the city from above by pre-booking the Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour.

Ride to peaceful Tordi Sagar and dive into rural life by visiting local potters, cobblers, and markets on a guided walk through the village. If you're feeling athletic, join in on a cricket match with some local players. For lunch, get a taste of rural village life over a traditional lunch. In your free time, opt to bounce around with your new friends during a jeep safari or camel cart ride to the dunes for sunset. Head out for a hike in the hills or get a henna tattoo from local women. Tordi Sagar is your oyster! If you want to see more of Jaipur before departing, pre-book the Cycle Tour and explore the city from a morning perspective.

Travel to Pushkar, often called Tirth Raj or the king of pilgrim centres. Cruise through Ajmer and over Snake Mountain to Pushkar ?? the site of the world's only temple to the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. After settling into your accommodation, get your bearings on an orientation walk around the colourful city with cascading architecture and capture a group photo on the lake.

Before dawn, climb to the hilltop Savitri Temple and catch the sun rising over the towering Thar Desert mountains. Afterward, reflect on the serenity at one of the many cafes in town, stretch and meditate during a calming yoga session, or scour the markets. Opt for an unforgettable evening by dressing in traditional Indian clothing and partake in an authentic dinner cooked by cameleers in the desert, all with live entertainment!

Continue south to Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. It certainly lives up to its reputation as India's most romantic city (wink, wink). With its own famous style of painting and plenty of artisans, Udaipur is a great place to stroll through. After the orientation walk, opt to take a boat ride on Lake Pichola with your fellow travellers.

Free time to explore "Venice of the East" with its plethora lakes, palaces, and narrow lanes. Wander around solo or see who wants to join you on an adventure. Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School class.

Take a local bus to Ahmedabad and explore the famous Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati. Immerse yourself in the peaceful environment of the riverside home that played an important role in India's freedom and learn of the sites unique history. From here, get some rest on an overnight train as you cruise to Mumbai.

Arrive in Mumbai and stretch your legs on an orientation walk of Colaba and the Fort district. Enjoy a free day to uniquely explore the bustling metropolis; be sure to capture a group photo under the Gateway to India. Opt to take a boat to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Elephanta Island, famous for intricate cave temples carved in rock walls. In the evening, opt for a cup of tea at the famous Taj Hotel and people-watch on Chowpatty Beach or visit Crawford Market, one of South Mumbai's most famous. Sample some local specialties at one of Mumbai's many top-notch restaurants as you go out on the town with your fellow travellers and sample the city's famed nightlife firsthand.

Hop on a short morning flight to North Goa. Head to the white sand beaches, visit the many Portuguese-built monuments, wander around the churches of Old Goa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and discover Panjim, the capital. In the evening, opt to sample tasty treats at the night market and take in the nightlife of this coastal state.

Enjoy a free day to wind down in the paradise that is Goa. Relax on the beaches with your favourite drink in hand or mingle in the many beach bars. Scour the markets, and be sure to try some delicious Goan cuisine and fresh seafood. Get ready to dance the night away for your big night out as a group. Enjoy a drink on us and cut a rug.

Fly to Kochi and explore this major port city of southern India by wandering through the unique neighbourhoods and exciting markets. Opt to visit Fort Kochi, learn how to toss a fishing net, or catch a traditional dance performance, known as Kathakali, telling of mythological tales. Don't fret if you can't fit all the excitement into one afternoon, you'll get a second chance to experience Kochi when you return in a few days.

Travel to Alleppey, a golden streak of land woven with rivers, lakes, lagoons, and canals. Enjoy an empowering lunch before checking out the island along the lagoon with a local guide and learn about the way of life here. Settle into a homestay and get to know your hosts.

Explore the unique ecosystem of Alleppey backwaters on a morning ferry cruise. Afterward, travel down the coast by bus to the port city of Kollam. On arrival, choose to relax on the beach, climb Thangassery Light House, or peruse the nightlife.

Visit the Kollam Harbour and experience the importance of fishing for the community. Afterward, settle into a private vehicle and see who can count the most palm trees as you cruise down the coast to tropical Varkala. Enjoy lots of free time to explore the town, get treated by local healers, or visit the Varkala Temple. Note that Kollam Harbour is closed to visitors May through June.

Choose your own adventure today, exploring Varkala solo or with your new friends. Spend time wandering the peaceful gardens of an ashram devoted to Kerala's most eminent spiritual and social reformer at the mystical Janardhana Swamy Temple. Or head to the beach and relax while watching the Arabian Sea with a drink in hand.

Return to Kochi by train and take an orientation walk visiting Fort Kochi, St Francis Church, the Dutch cemetery, and the Jewish Quarter with curio shops and a synagogue more than 400-years-old. In the late afternoon, continue to wander the streets or opt to catch a traditional Kathakali dance performance. For your big night out as a group, immerse yourself in the exciting Kochi nightlife. Enjoy a drink on us and reminisce about the life-changing adventures you've shared.

Today is departure day, but do not fear, there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange contacts, and depart at any time.

Summary

Extra expenses at the destination

There have been changes to the Indian Visa process

Simple hotels or guesthouse (twin-share) (18 nts), overnight train (1 nt), homestay (1 nt).

Train, metro, local bus, charter bus, jeep, tuk tuk, boat, plane, private vehicle.

Meals Included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Meals Budget: Allow USD460-600 for meals not included.

Āgra
- Agra Fort Visit (650INR per person)
- Baby Taj Visit (310INR per person)

Jaipur
- Jaipur Balloon Ride
- Movie at Raj Mandir (200-400INR per person)
- The Jaipur Observatory Visit (202INR per person)
- City Palace Visit (1000INR per person)
- Jaipur Cycle Tour

Tordi Garh
- Tordi Sagar Camel Cart Ride (600-700INR per person)
- Tordi Sagar Jeep Safari (600-700INR per person)

Pushkar
- Traditional Dinner in the Desert (1200INR per person)
- Massage
- Yoga Class

Udaipur
- Boat ride on Lake Pichola (500INR per person)
- City Palace Visit (450INR per person)
- Shopping
- Jagdish Temple Visit
- Rajasthani Cultural Show (250INR per person)
- Udaipur Sunrise Cycle Tour
- Udaipur Cooking School
- Monsoon Palace Visit (505INR per person)

Ranakpur
- Ranakpur Jain Temples Visit (200-300INR per person)

Mumbai
- City Tour (2000-4000INR per group)

Goa
- Old Goa Visit (1600INR per group)
- Goa Beach Visit (Free)

Varkala
- Janardhana Swamy Temple Visit

Dharamshala
- Ayurvedic Massage

Kochi
- Kathakali Dance (500INR per person)

{{ cardSlider.label }}

{{ cardLists.others.label }}

Help

{{ cardSlider.label }}

Help

Still didn't find what you were searching for?

North to South India: The Taj Mahal & Goa Good Times

North to South India: The Taj Mahal & Goa Good Times

Day 1 - Delhi

Day 2 - Delhi/Agra

Day 3 - Agra/Jaipur

Day 4 - Jaipur

Day 5 - Jaipur/Tordi Sagar

Day 6 - Tordi Sagar/Pushkar

Day 7 - Pushkar

Day 8 - Pushkar/Udaipur

Day 9 - Udaipur

Day 10 - Udaipur

Day 11 - Udaipur/Mumbai

Day 12 - Mumbai

Day 13 - Mumbai/Goa

Day 14 - Goa

Day 15 - Goa/Kochi

Day 16 - Kochi/Alleppey

Day 17 - Alleppey/Kollam

Day 18 - Kollam/Varkala

Day 19 - Varkala

Day 20 - Varkala/Kochi

Day 21 - Kochi

What’s included?

Accommodation

Local transport

Meals

Additional info