India Experience

22 days51 reviews
Explorer
From
EUR 3.090 €

Discover the highlights and contrasts of India, north and south.

Experience the real India on this comfortable introduction to the cultures of the north and the natural beauty of the south. Travelling from Delhi to Kovalam, see what India has to offer on a 22-day adventure. The country’s highlights and hidden jewels are revealed against a backdrop of green through the Western Ghats and in the vibrant towns of Rajasthan. Visit India's bustling cities contrasted with the quiet repose of tiny fishing villages, along with tea gardens, tribal homes and historic enclaves. This wonderful introduction to India includes lavish palaces, vibrant bazaars, and the incomparable Taj Mahal, so take time to discover its beating heart.

Map of India Experience including India
Trip code: HHKZC
Start
Delhi, India
End
Kovalam, India
Destinations
India
Meals
21 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners
Transport
Auto rickshaw, Boat, Cycle rickshaw, Metro, Private vehicle, Ferry, Train
Accommodation
Hotel (19 nights), Resort (2 nights)
Days
22
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Ages
Min 18
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Explorer
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Comfort
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
This trip generates 105 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip

Visit the Taj Mahal - one of the Seven Wonders of the World - and learn of its lesser-known poetic history from a local expert among the surrounding gardens.

Soak up the unique atmosphere of a candle flower ceremony at dusk on the Ganges River in Varanasi, then wake up early for a sunrise boat ride, where you'll watch the light gradually illuminate the many ghats and temples along the river.

See behind the scenes of local cuisine during cooking classes in local homes, an insightful ayurvedic cooking demonstration in Kochi and lovingly made Keralan favourites at a restaurant that provides training and employment to local women.

Explore Puducherry and discover its French Quarter and colourful multi-tiered temples, and cruise along the dreamy palm-lined waterways of the Kerala backwaters.

Take a nature walk in the acclaimed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, looking out for tiger tracks with your local village guides.

By travelling on this trip, you'll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 April 2025 - 31 December 2026

Itinerary

Map of India Experience including India

Inclusions and activities

Meals

21 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Auto rickshaw, Boat, Cycle rickshaw, Metro, Private vehicle, Ferry, Train

Accommodation

Hotel (19 nights), Resort (2 nights)

Included activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
  • Varanasi - Sunset candle flower ceremony
  • Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
  • Jaipur - Orientation walk with a local guide
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Jaipur - Cooking Class with Dinner
  • Abhaneri - Chand Baori stepwell
  • Agra - Agra Fort
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
  • Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Mamallapuram - Shore Temples guided tour
  • Puducherry - Leader-led French Quarter walking tour
  • Karaikudi - Havelis
  • Karaikudi - Leader-led village walk
  • Madurai - Sri Meenakshi Temple guided tour
  • Madurai - Leader-led walking tour
  • Periyar - Spice plantation visit
  • Periyar - Guided nature walk
  • Periyar - Home-cooked meal
  • Kochi - Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
  • Kochi - Kathakali performance
  • Kochi - Jewish Synagogue
  • Kochi - Dutch Palace
  • Kochi - Ferry to Mattancherry
  • Kochi - Ayurvedic cooking demonstration with lunch
  • Kumarakom - Backwaters boating excursion
  • Kovalam - Leader-led walking tour

Optional activities
  • Varanasi - Sarnath - INR315
  • Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
  • Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
  • Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
  • Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
  • Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
  • Madurai - Gandhi Museum - Free
  • Periyar NP - Ayurvedic Massage - INR700
  • Kovalam - Anchuthengu Fort - INR50
  • Kovalam - Koyikkal Palace - INR50

Is this trip right for you?

  • Don’t underestimate the weather at any time of year in India. The weather also varies greatly from north to south. In the summer months, the heat can be extreme. In winter, some travellers have been surprised by the cool evenings. A hat, sunscreen, and clothing that can be layered will serve you well year-round.
  • This trip has some early starts, allowing you to see more of the country in the captivating morning light. Please refer to the Itinerary for more details.
  • Flights and trains can be delayed in northern India between December and February due to fog.
  • We’ll be visiting multiple temples during the trip and during these visits, you must wear clothing that covers the arms, legs, and shoulders.
  • As we'll be walking through varying terrain in national parks and villages, a basic level of fitness and comfortable walking shoes are essential. Leech socks will be provided for the Periyar nature walk.

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
3. This trip includes domestic flights as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance is 15kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
4. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for flight tickets. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 1 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Anne · Traveled March 2024
Review submitted 29 Mar 2024
India Experience
From
EUR 3.090 €