Sub Continent Explorer Itinerary

    • 67
    • HDOZC
    • Trip Price tool tip
      USD $3,830
      CAD $3,850
      AUD $3,720
      EUR €2,985
      GBP £2,320
      NZD $4,770
      ZAR R29,750
      CHF FR3,450
    • Kitty tool tip
      USD $1,750
    • Total price tool tip
      USD $5,580*
      CAD $5,549*
      AUD $5,394*
      EUR €4,206*
      GBP £3,387*
      NZD $6,870*
      ZAR R41,921*
      CHF FR4,834*
      *
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‡ As our kitty is flexible the indicated amount is indicative only - please click here to view the kitty amount for your departure date.
Jaisalmer women in birght colourful dress, India

Array of local spices for sale in streetside store, India

Women in bright colours posing in fishing boat

Locals bathing Elephant in Kerala

Locals navigate jungle river in small boat

Young ladies on colourful streets of India

Colourful crowds gather on the river banks in Varanasi

Day 1 Delhi

Arrive in India and travel into the heart of Delhi. Chaotic, colourful, captivating - India's capital is a sprawling city full of buzz and activity. Perhaps rub shoulders with the locals in the streets of Old Delhi or explore one of the many museums.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Day 2 Bikaner

Make the journey to Rajasthan's Bikaner, a fascinating town to explore with its striking palaces, temples and fort.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Days 3-5 Jaisalmer/Camel Safari

Explore the Thar Desert outside Jaisalmer from high atop a camel and perhaps even sleep out among the dunes. Visit the Jaisalmer Fort and marvel at the huge city walls.
ACCOM: Bush camp (no facilities) - 1, Hotel - 2

Days 6-7 Jodhpur

The mighty Mehrangarh Fort dominates Rajasthan's second largest city. Climb the ramparts and look down over the quirky blue city of Jodhpur.
ACCOM: Homestay - 1, Hotel - 1

Day 8 Pushkar

World famous for its huge camel fair, Pushkar is a fascinating place to visit at any time of the year. Perhaps explore the main bazaar or soak up the serene spirituality of the many temples.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Days 9-10 Udaipur

An essence of romance is imbued in every stone of Udaipur and a walk through the old town brings a surprise with every corner. Walk the shores of Udaipur's Lake Pichola, look up at the towering City Palace and enjoy an evening haveli cultural performance.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

Day 11 Ratlam

Experience Indian rural life on an overnight camping expedition in the countryside.
ACCOM: Bush camp (no facilities) - 1

Day 12 Mandu

Once known as the 'city of joy' and dating back many centuries, the hilltop fort of Mandu is an evocative and slightly eerie place to explore.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 1

Days 13-14 Ajanta/Ellora

The tour continues to the caves at Ajanta and Ellora. Discover these remarkable, ancient complexes which feature beautifully decorated paintings and sculptures.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 2

Days 15-16 Mumbai

Home to massive bazaars and the lights of Bollywood, Mumbai has a wealth of things to sample, taste, try and buy - and plenty of top notch sightseeing.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

Day 17 Ganpatipule

Leave the lively streets of Mumbai and head for the sleepy coastal town of Ganpatipule. Starkly different to the developed, commercial vibe of the big city, Ganpatipule is the perfect place to relax on spotless beaches by azure waters. Visit the Ganpati Temple and learn why locals consider this idyllic location to be blessed.
ACCOM: Guesthouse - 1

Days 18-19 North Goa

With palm-fringed beaches and Portuguese-influenced towns, Goa offers options for both exploration and relaxation. Hang out on the sand or taste a fiery fish curry.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

Days 20-21 South Goa

Visit the cathedrals of Old Goa. After exploring the World heritage-listed ruins, sit back and relax in beachside bliss.
ACCOM: Beach hut - 1, Hotel - 1

Days 22-23 Hampi

Discover the village of Hampi, a picturesque town located within the ruins of Vijayanagara.
ACCOM: Guesthouse - 2

Day 24 Bush Camp

Spend a night camping under the stars on route to Mysore.
ACCOM: Bush camp (no facilities) - 1

Days 25-26 Mysore

Breathe in the scent of sandalwood with a visit to the Maharaja's Palace of Mysore. Count out 1,000 steps on the climb up Chamundi Hill.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

Days 27-28 Wayanad District

Explore the tea and coffee plantations and surrounding hills of the Wayanad District.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

Days 29-30 Kochi

Explore this island city on a boat tour. See India’s oldest church and witness the virtuosity of the Kathakali dance performers.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

Day 31 Kerala Backwaters

Cruise the canals, stop for chai and visit the markets of Alleppey.
ACCOM: Houseboat - 1

Days 32-34 Varkala

Unwind another notch with a beach break in Varkala. Soak up the sun, play in the surf and taste the local tropical fruits.
ACCOM: Hotel - 3

Day 35 Madurai

Stand on the southernmost tip of India then shop up a spice-scented storm in the streets and shops of Madurai.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Day 36 Trichy

Explore the amazing stretches of the largest temple complex in India before visiting the Rock Fort and Sri Ranganathaswamy temple in Trichy.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Day 37 Pondicherry

Soak up the French atmosphere of Pondicherry and seek out crepes as a change from curry.
ACCOM: Guesthouse - 1

Day 38 Mahabalipuram

Visit the shore temples in laidback Mahabalipuram.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Day 39 Chennai

Historic Chennai was the site of the original British East India company settlement. Chennai is hot, humid but full of life - admire the colonial architecture and soak up the atmosphere of this frenzied city.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Day 40 Tirupathi

Travel to the town of Tirupathi and follow a trail of pilgrims to the Sri Venkateswara Temple. This revered Hindu temple sits high above the town on the holy site of Tirumala.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Days 41-42 Bush Camp

Head off the beaten track and into the heart of rural India. Travel Overland through the remote state of Andhra Pradesh, spending the night camping in the countryside.
ACCOM: Bush camp (no facilities) - 1

Day 42 Visakhapatnam

ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Days 43-48 Orissa Tribal Area

Explore the villages, markets and milieus of the Orissa Tribal Area with a local guide. Meet the intriguing Bonda people and learn about the unique spiritual beliefs of the Pajara tribe. Home to more than 60 different communities, these remote hinterlands provide a fascinating insight into India’s tribal heritage.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 4, Guesthouse - 1

Days 48-49 Puri

One of the holiest places in India, pious Puri is best known for its pilgrims and long sandy beaches. Experience both sides of this important Hindu city by visiting the Konark Sun Temple before relaxing on a golden beach.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

Days 51-52 Kolkata

Soak up the vibrant city of Kolkata. See the Howrah Bridge, take a ride on a tram or check out some of India’s finest art galleries.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

Day 53 Bush Camp

Admire the Indian countryside and cross the holy Ganges on the way to Sikkim.
ACCOM: Bush camp (no facilities) - 1

Day 54 Siliguri

Reach the foothills of the Himalayas and camp at the Ganga Ram Tea Plantation.
ACCOM: Camping (with basic facilities) - 1

Days 55-56 Darjeeling

Explore the picturesque streets of Darjeeling, a collection of mountain villages linked by steps and lanes. Surrounded by colourful terraces of rice, tea, quinine and fruit trees, this town offers some truly stunning views.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

Days 57-59 Karmi Farm

Gain a fascinating insight into the lives of Indian hill farmers by staying at the Karmi Farm tea plantation. This atmospheric and scenic spot is the ideal place for a bit of rest and relaxation. For those feeling energetic, take a trek to the surrounding foothills and spot local birdlife.
ACCOM: Guesthouse - 3

Days 60-62 Gangtok

Considered to be one of the last Himalayan Shangri-las, Gangtok is packed with monasteries and temples to explore. Visit a centre for Tibetan Buddhism or take a stroll through an orchid sanctuary.
ACCOM: Hotel - 3

Day 63 Siliguri

Return to Siliguri and camp overnight at the Ganga Ram Tea Plantation.
ACCOM: Camping (with basic facilities) - 1

Day 64 Bush Camp

Cross the border into Nepal, spend a night camping in the shadow of snow-capped Himalayan mountains.
ACCOM: Bush camp (no facilities) - 1

Day 65 Khatauti Khola

Pass rice terraces, deep gorges, pounding rivers and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas en route to Khatauti Khola. Those feeling adventurous might want to try their hand at whitewater rafting.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 1

Days 66-67 Kathmandu

Complete your adventure in cultured Kathmandu. Search hole-in-the-wall shops for souvenirs or trek to a nearby lookout for spectacular views of the Himalayas.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1