Iconic India
Price- $2,250
37 Days | Experience a kaleidoscope of colour and culture
Travel to the far-flung corners of India on this epic adventure. In the north, journey through Jaisalmer's desert, lose yourself in the electric bazaars of Jodhpur, witness pilgrims performing ancient ceremonies on the ghats of Varanasi and marvel at the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. Then bask in the tropical southern climate, cruise along the Kerala Backwaters, come face-to-face with local customs in small rural towns, and laze on the gorgeous beaches of Goa – India's idyllic holiday destination. Enjoy the freedom to be immersed in the diverse cultures of colourful, chaotic and enchanting India on this small-group adventure.
Trip overview
StartDelhi, India
EndGoa, India
DestinationsIndia
StyleBasix
AgesMin 15
Group SizeMin 1 - Max 12
ThemeExplorer
Trip CodeHHRCC
Itinerary
Namaste and welcome to Delhi! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive in Delhi with time to spare before the meeting, consider finding your feet with an Urban Adventure. The Hidden Gems of Delhi tour offers something a little different from the standard itinerary, taking you to sights most tourists never see.
Accommodation
Meals
Add on activities
This morning set off by metro to Old Delhi to explore on a walking tour. Experience the chaos of an Indian traffic jam as you inch your way through the streets around Chandni Chowk marketplace in a traditional cycle rickshaw. Visit the Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest mosque, then stop by the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about the religion. Tonight, transfer to the railway station and board an overnight train to Bikaner. Local vendors will board the train at various stops to sell snacks, but it’s advised that you bring some of your own food for the journey too.
Accommodation
Meals
Included activities
Bikaner a city in Rajasthan still displays its ancient opulence through palaces and forts, built of red sandstone that have withstood the passage of time. Upon arrival in Bikaner this morning, freshen up at your hotel and then head out on a walk with your leader through the old city: Visit the Rampuriya Haveli, Spice Market and Bhandasar Jain Temple.
Meals
Included activities
After breakfast travel to Jaisalmer by bus. On arrival, choose whether to relax or join the group on an optional trip to the Jaisalmer Folklore Museum. This small museum displays a private family collection of printing blocks, musical instruments, religious artifacts, and decorations which offer insights into the cultural heritage of Jaisalmer.
Accommodation
Meals
Add on activities
Enjoy a free day to explore Jaisalmer. The city’s eponymous fort holds twisting alleys with markets where you can wander for hours. You can also find a series of Jain temples dating from the 15th and 16th centuries within the walls of the fort, and it’s easy to spend a few hours admiring their elaborate carvings. The opulent havelis (traditional Indian mansions) found throughout the city make another fine place to spend some time admiring the desert architecture.
Accommodation
Meals
Today drive by jeep to the Thar Desert. Meet your guides, who will get a campfire going and cook a traditional Rajasthani dinner while you relax and watch the sunset. Spend the night stargazing and sharing stories in this incredible setting.
Accommodation
Meals
Included activities
Rise early to enjoy the sunrise over the sand dunes. After a simple breakfast, take a private vehicle to the railway station and then a 6-hour train ride across the desert to the blue city of Jodhpur. Enjoy a guided walk to explore the sights, including a visit to one of the oldest markets in India – the Sadar Bazaar. Here you can haggle over Bollywood soundtracks, bangles, leather shoes, and colourful saris, or simply soak up the energy of a typical Indian market. Jodhpur is home to some of the best lassis in India, so make sure you try one while you’re here.
Accommodation
Meals
Add on activities
This morning take an auto-rickshaw to the bus station and board a local bus for an 8-hour journey to Udaipur. This romantic city is set amid the Aravalli Hills and curls around Lake Pichola, a man-made lake created in the 14th century. On arrival, take a guided walk to get your bearings. Explore twisting alleyways filled with shops and bazaars selling things like silver jewellery, shoes, bags, leather goods, and miniature paintings.
Accommodation
Meals
Included activities
Today you have the option to visit the colossal Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest in India. The fort is still run by the Jodhpur royal family. If you choose to visit, you can explore the palaces, galleries, and artillery inside the fortress walls and admire great views over the city. If you’d prefer to see a more down to earth kind of Rajasthani life, it is also possible to spend today touring nearby Bishnoi villages. Spending time in these villages offers a glimpse into rural Rajasthani life and the chance to learn about the rich cultural traditions of the people who live there.
Accommodation
Meals
Add on activities
Enjoy a free day to explore the sights of Udaipur. Perhaps take a short boat ride on the famous Lake Pichola (seasonal) and see the palaces of Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas rise out of the water and their own reflections. Otherwise, you could tour the lakeside City Palace complex, the largest palace in Rajasthan, where you can check out vivid murals and royal antiques. Alternatively, learn the secrets behind making the perfect Indian thali during a half-day cooking class.
Accommodation
Meals
Add on activities
Transfer to the station and travel by train for around 7 hours to the city of Ajmer. Hop in a private vehicle for a 45-minute drive to your hotel in Pushkar. One of India's holiest towns and a market centre for the surrounding villages, Pushkar is a great place to immerse yourself in Hindu traditions. On arrival, head out to explore the town on a walking tour, wandering through the main bazaar along the way. Finish with a walk around Pushkar Lake and past the bustling ghats and temples, observing the devout as they worship at the holy waters.
Accommodation
Meals
Included activities
Today in Pushkar is free for you to do as you please. Early morning risers can choose to hike up the hill to the Savitri Temple for sunrise views over the town. If the chai man is there, enjoy a steaming cup of tea at the top for breakfast. Later in the day, maybe pay a visit to the colourful Brahma Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu god. If you’ve planned your tour to coincide with the Pushkar Camel Fair (which changes each year), today will mainly be set aside to experience one of India’s most famous festivals.
Accommodation
Meals
Add on activities
Return to Ajmer and travel by local bus to Jaipur (approximately 4 hours). On arrival take an auto-rickshaw to your hotel, then head out to explore Rajasthan’s capital on a guided walking tour. This tour includes a visit to the market and opt to visit the beehive-like Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal), built in 1799 so that women of the royal family could observe street festivities without being seen by the public. Your evening is free, so perhaps ask your leader to point out the best place to grab dal baati (dal served with wheat rolls).
Accommodation
Meals
Included activities
Enjoy a free day in Jaipur, with plenty of optional activities to choose from to fill your day. For many travellers, an optional hot air balloon experience is one of the highlights of Jaipur. If you’d prefer to stay grounded (but still like expansive views) the Amber Fort is both an excellent example of Rajput architecture and a great place from which to see the surrounding area. Or maybe get among the crowds in the city’s bazaars to shop for artisan goods and semi-precious stones. For a true local experience, tonight you could immerse yourself in Bollywood with a movie at a classic cinema.
Accommodation
Meals
Add on activities
Head to Abhaneri by private vehicle and local bus. This rural town provides a lovely detour from the bigger cities in Rajasthan. Visit the Chand Baori, a 20-metre-deep stepwell where water was collected and locals used to gather to escape the heat. Built in the late ninth century, the baori is a mind-bending feat of construction. Next visit another jewel of Abhaneri, the Harshat Mata Temple. This temple, which is now mostly ruined, was first constructed between the seventh and eighth centuries and dedicated to the goddess of happiness and joy.
Accommodation
Meals
Included activities
Head east by private transport for the 2–3-hour journey to Agra, via a stop Fatehpur Sikri where you can opt to go inside. Rich in Mughal heritage, Agra is a city of gardens, temples, and open rooftops. On arrival visit the Taj Mahal, a white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal attracts over three million visitors each year, so be prepared for crowds. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. If you’re after a cool drink or a light meal, maybe head to Sheroes Hangout. This cafe is staffed by survivors of acid attacks and is located 10 minutes’ walk from the Taj.
Accommodation
Meals
Add on activities
Enjoy a free day before boarding the train this evening. Early risers might want to head back to the Taj Mahal for a very memorable sunrise. While you’re here, be sure to visit the spectacular Red Fort on the banks of the Yamuna River. Built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, the fort was originally designed to be a military structure. If you have extra time, you may like to continue onto Akbar's Mausoleum to pay your respects to the great emperor. In the evening, board a 12-hour overnight train to Varanasi (Third Class AC).
Accommodation
Meals
Add on activities
On arrival in Varanasi this morning transfer by auto-rickshaw to your hotel. Head out on a guided walk around the Old City, following your leader through the narrow alleyways. The rest of your day is free to do as you please. This evening, there are two options you should consider, both centred around the holy Ganges. The first is a sunset cruise along the river which allows you to observe life from a unique perspective in the fading light of day. If you’d prefer to stay on land, you could watch local priests perform a Ganga aarti (fire ceremony) at the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Accommodation
Meals
Included activities
Add on activities
Enjoy a free day to explore this holy city. We highly recommend starting very early and take an optional sunrise boat trip along the Ganges, passing pilgrims bathing and praying along the colourful ghats. Alternatively, head out to the ghats on foot to watch the dhobi-wallahs (clothes washers) drying clothes along the riverbank. You could even continue your stroll to the sinking Vishnu temple near the Manikarnika Ghat. Perhaps ask your leader about how to visit Sarnath, about ten kilometres outside of the city, where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first speech after finding enlightenment.
Accommodation
Meals
Add on activities
In the morning, you have some free time to explore more of Varanasi. Perhaps visit the Vishwanath Temple, or simply grab some chaat and watch the world go by. If you’re craving a little peace and quiet before you board another overnight train, consider heading to the Kriti Gallery to check out some contemporary work by local artists. In the afternoon, board the overnight train for a 15-hour journey to Delhi.
Accommodation
Meals
Arrive in Delhi in the late morning and hop in a taxi to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your own pace. The Home Cooked Delhi tour, which sees you visiting a local’s home for a leisurely meal, is a great way to immerse yourself in the city while still relaxing. Tonight, maybe get together with your group and head out for some dinner – your local leader will have plenty of recommendations.
Accommodation
Meals
Add on activities
Enjoy a free morning in Delhi before transferring to the airport for an included flight bound for Trivandrum. Please note that this flight is most likely unaccompanied, however, you’ll be met in Trivandrum and transferred to your hotel by a local representative. Tonight, there is another group briefing at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your new travel pals and group leader who’ll join you for the next stage of your journey. Afterward, take a walk around Trivandrum and perhaps join an optional group dinner – your group leader will know of some delicious spots to eat at.
Accommodation
Meals
Included activities
In the morning, head up the coast by private vehicle for around 2 hours to the town of Varkala. Once settled into your hotel, use the free time to explore the Keralan coast, which is home to some of India’s best beaches. Soaring cliffs protect Varkala’s sandy bay and, depending on the time of year, dolphins can be spotted from high up on the rocks. In the evening, maybe head into town to one of the numerous restaurants serving fresh, local seafood caught right off the coast.
Accommodation
Meals
Enjoy a free day in Varkala. This is a great place to sit back and relax, but if you want to get active there are plenty of water activities on offer, such as surfing and windsurfing. Even though this is a popular destination for Indian tourists, the beaches are quiet and pretty laidback. Today is also the perfect time to check your Lonely Planet app and see what else is popular around the area. Take the rest of the day to relax, beachside, or otherwise, before the rest of South India beckons.
Accommodation
Meals
This morning, take a 3-hour train journey along the Keralan coastline to Alappuzha (Alleppey). Once an important trading port and now renowned for the annual Snake Boat race in August, Alappuzha is the starting point for most journeys into the backwaters. An auto-rickshaw will take you from the train station to the boat boarding point before heading to an island village for an overnight homestay with a local family. Get settled, then explore the Keralan Backwaters in a pole boat, your guide will also take you on a walk around the village and introduce you to the community.
Accommodation
Meals
Included activities
In the morning, cross the backwaters by private boat back to Alappuzha. You’ll then take a 2-hour local bus to Kochi, arriving around midday (12 pm). Once arrived, go for a walk around the Fort Kochi area, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. In the early evening, there’s the option to attend a classic Kathakali dance performance – a snapshot into traditional cultures of the region.
Accommodation
Meals
Add on activities
Today, head to the Mattancherry part of Fort Cochin to explore the old Jewish quarter, synagogue, and Dutch Palace (Kochi Palace) on a guided walking tour. The tour takes around three hours, with the rest of the day free to do as you wish. Afterward, why not join an Urban Adventure day tour, such as Aromas of Kochi, to get more of an in-depth look into this city and its cuisine. Visit urbanadventures.com/destination/kochi-tours for more information, and check with your local leader in advance if you’d like to book one of these trips.
Accommodation
Meals
Included activities
Add on activities
This morning, get ready for a day of travel as you head by private vehicle to Periyar National Park (approximately 7–8 hours). After checking in to your hotel, head out on a tour of a local spice farm. Walk through the winding pathways among the plantations as the scent of cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla lingers in the air. Take in the beauty of the cardamom flowers, enjoy the cool breeze and watch the sunlight seep in through the leaves of the pepper plants surrounding you. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed evening around your accommodation, perhaps settling in for an early night.
Accommodation
Meals
Included activities
After breakfast, enjoy a free day with an optional walk around Periyar National Park. Encounters with animals in the wild are never guaranteed, and this is more of a jungle walk than an animal-spotting tour, but do keep an eye out for tiger tracks, spotted deer, Indian elephants, or gaur – the world's largest species of buffalo. In the afternoon, unwind with an optional ayurvedic massage or just relax in your scenic setting.
Accommodation
Meals
Included activities
Add on activities
In the morning, take a local bus to Madurai (approximately 4–5 hours). This buzzing city is crammed full of bazaars, pilgrims, and cycle rickshaws. After a walking tour to see the sights, perhaps visit the Sri Meenakshi Temple. This ancient temple is still in use and features a labyrinth of lamplit corridors leading to shrines.
Accommodation
Meals
Included activities
Add on activities
Today is a free day in Madurai. Perhaps head to the Gandhi Museum to learn about the man who fought for India’s independence or wander through the 1000 pillars of Aayiram Kaal Mandapam. This is also a great opportunity to haggle with vendors at the bazaars and the tailors' market. Keep in mind that this evening, you’ll take an overnight sleeper train to Mysore. The journey is approximately 14 hours, so you may want to bring some extra snacks.
Accommodation
Meals
Add on activities
On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Mysore. Mysore is an easygoing town with a pleasant climate. Go on a walk with your group, checking out the ornate Mysore Palace along the way. There’s also the option to visit the Keshava Temple in Somnathpur, which is a stunning example of Hoysala architecture. The temple is a 1-hour drive out of town.
Accommodation
Meals
Included activities
Add on activities
Today is a free day in Mysore, with plenty of optional activities to keep you busy. If you’ve seen all you need to in town, perhaps explore the countryside surrounding Mysore. Climb up Chamundi Hill to the Sri Chamundeswari Temple at the top, which is dedicated to the goddess Durga. At around 7 pm tonight, meet up with your group and board a 10-hour overnight train to Hampi.
Accommodation
Meals
Add on activities
In the morning, arrive in Hampi and travel to your guesthouse. Hampi is a temple town situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Once you’re settled in, make an optional visit to the architectural masterpiece of Vittala Temple. This 16th-century temple contains mandapas (pillared pavilions), a pool, a palace, and the popular stone chariot, which according to Hindu mythology was the vehicle of the Lord Vishnu.
Accommodation
Meals
Add on activities
After breakfast, explore the ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire and the huge boulders on the outskirts of town. In the early evening, drive for around 3 hours by private vehicle to Hubli, where you’ll board a 9-hour overnight train to Goa.
Accommodation
Meals
Once your train arrives in Goa, head to the hotel and check in. Brimming with Portuguese influences and known for the sandy beaches lining its coast, Goa is a fascinating region in India's south-west. The day is free to do what you like. Perhaps relax on the beach, sip a cocktail at a local bar, or go for a city walk. Tonight, why not get together with your travel crew for a beachside dinner – Goa is cause for celebration.
Accommodation
Meals
There are no activities planned for the final day and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time. Goa is a great place to end the trip – if you can, we recommend staying on for a couple of nights to relax and explore. If you would like to spend more time in Goa, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals
Inclusions
Meals
Meals 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinnersTransport
Transport Auto rickshaw, Boat, Bus, Car, Cycle rickshaw, local bus, Metro, Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Taxi, TrainAccommodation
Accommodation Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night), Guesthouse (5 nights), Heritage Property (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (18 nights), Overnight sleeper train (6 nights)
Activities
- Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Jaisalmer - Leader-led walking tour
- Thar Desert - Overnight Desert Camp
- Jodhpur - Leader-led walking tour
- Udaipur - Leader-led walking tour
- Pushkar - Leader-led walking tour
- Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour
- Abhaneri - Chand Baori stepwell
- Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
- Trivandrum – Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Kerala Backwaters - Pole boat ride
- Kerala Backwaters - Guided village walk
- Kochi - Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
- Periyar - Spice plantation visit
- Periyar - Kalaripayattu (Indian Martial Art) performance
- Madurai - Leader-led walking tour
- Mysore - Leader-led walking tour
Add On Activities
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
- Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
- Delhi - Red Fort - INR600
- Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR3350
- Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
- Jaisalmer - Folklore Museum - INR10
- Jodhpur - Bishnoi villages day trip - INR750
- Jodhpur - Meherangarh Fort - INR600
- Udaipur - Lake Pichola boat ride - INR600
- Udaipur - City Palace - INR300
- Udaipur - Cooking class - INR600
- Udaipur - Cultural performance - INR250
- Udaipur - Sajjan Garh Palace (Monsoon Palace) - INR300
- Udaipur - Shilpgram craft village - INR50
- Pushkar - Brahma Temple - Free
- Pushkar - Sunrise at Savitri Temple - Free
- Jaipur - Amber Fort - INR500
- Jaipur - City Palace - INR800
- Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
- Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
- Agra - Taj Mahal - INR1300
- Agra - Agra Fort - INR650
- Agra - Akbar's Mausoleum - INR300
- Varanasi - Sunset candle flower ceremony - INR400
- Varanasi - Sarnath - INR315
- Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip - INR400
- Kochi - Kathakali performance - INR500
- Kochi - Dutch Palace - INR20
- Periyar - Guided nature walk - INR1400
- Madurai - Sri Meenakshi Temple - INR50
- Madurai - Gandhi Museum - Free
- Mysore - Keshava Temple - INR200
- Mysore - Maharaja's Palace - INR200
- Mysore - Chamundi Hill & Temple - INR100
- Hampi - Vittala Temple - INR500
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
