21 Days | Discover the highlights and contrasts of India, north and south.


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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 that India has to offer on a 21-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 lively cities contrasted with the quiet repose of tiny fishing villages, along with tea gardens, tribal homes and colonial enclaves. This wonderful introduction to the magic of India includes lavish palaces, vibrant bazaars, Bollywood blockbusters, and the incomparable Taj Mahal, so take time to discover its beating heart.
Trip overview

- Start
- Delhi, India
- Finish
- Kovalam, India
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- India
- 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
- Style
- Comfort
- Ages
- Min 18
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- HHKZC
- Explore the Taj Mahal – one of the most recognisable buildings in the world – and learn of its lesser-known poetic history from a local expert
See behind the scenes of local cuisine during hands on cooking classes in Jaipur, Madurai and an insightful ayurvedic cooking demonstration in Kochi.
Take a nature walk in the acclaimed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, looking out for tiger tracks with your local village guides.
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 can watch the light gradually illuminate the many ghats and temples along the river as you pass
From exploring a bustling bazaar to hanging out with the locals at a cinema showing a Bollywood blockbuster, feel the magic of India that runs through everything
- Don’t underestimate the weather at any time of year in India. In the summer months, heat can be extreme. In winter months, some travellers have been surprised at the cool of the evenings. A hat, sunscreen, and clothing that can be layered will serve you well year-round.
- There are some early starts on this trip, allowing you to see more of the country in the captivating morning light.
- 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.
- Between December and February, flights and trains in the north can be delayed due to fog.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 March 2024
Inclusions
20 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Auto rickshaw, Boat, Cycle rickshaw, Metro, Plane, Private vehicle, Ferry, Train
Hotel (18 nights), Resort (2 nights)
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
- Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Agra - Taj Mahal
- Agra - Agra Fort
- Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema
- Abhaneri - Chand Baori stepwell
- Jaipur - Orientation walk with a local guide
- Jaipur - Amber Fort
- Jaipur - Cooking class in a local home
- Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
- Varanasi - Sunset candle flower ceremony
- Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
- 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
- Madurai - Cooking class
- Periyar - Spice plantation visit
- Periyar - Guided nature walk
- 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
- Kumarakom - Leader-led village walk
- Kovalam - Leader-led walking tour
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
- Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
- Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
- Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
- Varanasi - Sarnath - INR315
- Madurai - Gandhi Museum - Free
- Periyar NP - Ayurvedic Massage - INR700
- Kovalam - Anchuthengu Fort - INR50
- Kovalam - Koyikkal Palace - INR50
Dates and availability
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.
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