India South & North





Beaches, jungles, deserts, cities – this is India
This extensive 29-day adventure through India takes you from bottom to top, revealing the icons and local secrets of this diverse country. Revel in the tropical climate, warm waters, and lush green landscapes of the south in places like Kochi, Puducherry, and Madurai. Then be dazzled by kaleidoscopic colours, Mughal grandeur, and the overt spirituality of the north in Jaipur and Agra. Travel from Kochi to Delhi and combine the slower delights of Kerala and Tamil Nadu with the rush and jumble of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan on our longest Original-style India tour.
4.7
14 reviewsStart: Kochi, India
End: Delhi, India
- Duration
- 29 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- 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: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer
- 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
Why you'll love this trip
- Explore seaside Mamallapuram on a bicycle tour, pedalling to the eighth-century Shore Temple and incredible seventh-century stone carving known as Arjuna’s Penance.
- Carve through the iridescent hills of Ootacamund (Ooty) on the vintage Nilgiri Mountain Railway, then visit a lush tea plantation.
- Spot tigers, elephants, sloths, and birds on safaris and nature walks in three of India’s wildlife viewing hotspots – Mudumalai, Periyar, and Ranthambhore national parks.
- Cruise the winding backwaters of Kerala and further immerse yourself in life on the water with an island homestay in this idyllic region.
- Learn about life in the Rajasthani desert on a walking tour around the bustling ghats and temples of Pushkar followed by lunch with a local family.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure starts today in Kochi with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, there are plenty of things to see and do. Once an important spice-trading centre, Kochi has been under Portuguese, Dutch and British rule at various times throughout history. Explore with one of our Urban Adventures or wander down to the shore and seek out the huge Chinese fishing nets dotted along the coast of Fort Cochin.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
This morning, take on Kochi with a leader-led orientation walk and city tour. Take a local tuk-tuk to Mattancherry and drop by the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century before it was renovated and presented to the Rajas of Cochin by the Dutch. Maybe visit the Paradesi Synagogue – the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth and home to many rare antiques. Then, amble around the spice bazaars and antique stores of Fort Cochin. In the evening, experience a Kathakali performance – this Keralan dance is an ornately costumed display of storytelling, requiring complete control of the body.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Kochi - Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
- Kochi - Dutch Palace
- Kochi - Kathakali performance
- Kochi - Jewish Synagogue - INR5
Buckle up, because most of today is spent travelling. Catch a train to Coimbatore, then when you arrive, hop in your private vehicle to Conoor – known for its tea estates in the surrounding Nilgiri hills. Watch the lush scenery pass you by, get stuck into a good book or play road trip games with your fellow travellers. When you arrive in Conoor, you’ll sit down for a group dinner at your accommodation.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.
Spend the morning in Conoor with an orientation walk and a visit to a tea plantation to learn about the history of tea production. Later, board Ooty’s renowned toy train for a ride along the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Be sure to get a window seat for great views over the lush countryside. Spend the rest of the day exploring Ooty’s Botanical Gardens, which are home to over 650 species of plants and trees. You can also opt to turn on the romance with a boat ride on the lake.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Ooty - Nilgiri Mountain Railway & Tea Plantation visit
- Ooty - Botanical Gardens - INR50
- Ooty - Boat ride - INR200
Take a private vehicle for the short drive to Bandipur today. Set against the backdrop of the Nilgiri Hills, Mudumalai National Park was once the Mysore Maharaja's private hunting ground. In 1974 it was brought under Project Tiger and is now one of the best sanctuaries in India to observe wildlife in close proximity. Embark on a short safari in search of tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, sambars, spotted deer and much more. There's also an amazing variety of birdlife in the park. Tonight’s family-run accommodation in Bandipur is a mixed-gender dormitory style with a common bathroom. This dorm room is only open to your group.
- Jungle Lodge (1 night)
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Bandipur - National Park Safari
Travel by private vehicle across the scenic Karnataka plains to Mysore – an easy-going town with a pleasant climate, perfect for wandering around on foot. When you arrive, you’ll head to local family’s home for a home-cooked lunch of traditional favourites. Get to know the family, who will show you the practise of making incense – one of the traditional arts from Mysuru. Learn about how it’s made and maybe even have a go yourself! Then, head out on an orientation walk around the town to get your bearings. No visit to Mysore is complete without a look around Mysore Palace – one of the most ornate palaces in India, its interior is full of colour, mosaics and mirrors.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Mysore - Home cooked lunch & family visit
- Mysore - Maharaja's Palace
- Mysore - Leader-led walking tour
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
This morning, head out to climb Chamundi Hill to the Sri Chamundeswari Temple, dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Durga. After, continue to the Keshava Temple in the small town of Somnathpur – an excellent example of Hoysala architecture. You’ll also have some time to visit to Tipu Sultan’s mausoleum in Sriranga Patna. You can also opt to return to Mysore for a palm reading catch a film at the local cinema. Tonight, board an overnight sleeper train to Chennai.
- Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Mysore - Keshava Temple
- Mysore - Chamundi Hill & Temple
- Mysore - Cinema - INR200
- Mysore - Tipu Sultan's Mausoleum - INR200
Your travel time on the overnight train will be approximately 11 hours.
Sleeper trains in India are clean and air-conditioned, and beds are padded berths with sheets, pillow, and blanket provided (although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet). Please also note that on the sleeper train you may be sharing with locals of the same or another gender.
After arriving in Chennai, take a private vehicle along the scenic East Coast Road to Mamallapuram. Explore this ancient seaport town by tuk tuk, paying a visit to the seventh-century Shore Temple and the enormous bas-relief rock carving, known as Arjuna's Penance. There will also be time to inspect the town’s numerous mandapams (pillared temple pavilions), watch local stonemasons at work, or just to kick back and relax at a beachside restaurant.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Mamallapuram - Shore Temples guided tour
Travel by private vehicle today through palm trees and rice paddies to Puducherry (Pondicherry). When you arrive, head out with your group and leader on a walking tour to see local temples, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the French Quarter. Once a French colony, you’ll see the evidence of French influence in Puducherry's architecture, its wide town squares and even in the police uniforms!
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Puducherry - Leader-led French Quarter walking tour
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Drive to the temple city of Madurai today. Madurai’s Tamil roots stretch back 2500 years, making it one of the oldest cities in India. Wander the lamp-lit labyrinth of the Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Meenakshi. Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which displays a detailed account of India’s struggle for independence along with the bloodstained dhoti the famous leader wore when he was assassinated.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Madurai - Sri Meenakshi Temple
- Madurai - Gandhi Museum - Free
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
This morning, travel by private vehicle along a winding road to the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. High in the ranges of the Western Ghats, the park is set among stunning scenery and is the most popular wildlife sanctuary in Southern India. Both today and tomorrow, you’ll get to explore the national park on foot and will understand why Periyar is a popular wilderness sanctuary, with its lush surroundings. Enjoy a tour of a local spice plantation, then join your local family hosts to try some authentic home-cooked flavours of Southern India.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Lunch
- Periyar - Spice plantation visit
- Periyar - Home cooked meal
Venture back into the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary today for a guided nature walk. Encounters with animals in the wild are never guaranteed, and this is more of a jungle walk than an animal spotting tour, but do look 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 at your accommodation, or just relax in this scenic setting with a drink.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Periyar - National Park
- Periyar - Guided nature walk
- Periyar - Boat trip - INR650
The nature walk is usually the Green Zone Walk in the Periyar National Park. Even though this park is a Tiger Reserve, tigers are extremely rare and shy in Periyar. Your nature walk is nonetheless a great experience, as the local guides are villagers who have lived in the area for generations and are very knowledgeable of the flora and fauna of the area.
Temperatures and humidity can be high, especially when walking around sites like the Periyar. Be prepared by taking plenty of drink breaks and wearing appropriate skin protection. Your nature walk will start early, but it does get quite hot and humid in the late morning.
Today, drive through the rubber, tea and coffee plantations on the way to the backwaters of Kerala. When you arrive, you’ll board a motorboat to cross to the island village where you’ll stay with a local family tonight. In the late afternoon, explore the island with a local English-speaking guide (and sometimes, your homestay host). This is a great chance to meet locals and learn more about their unique way of life. Take a leisurely punt boat ride around the waterways and enjoy the scenery. Tonight, share stories over a traditional home-cooked Keralan meal with your host family.
- Homestay (1 night)
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Kerala Backwaters - Pole boat ride
- Kerala Backwaters - Village walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
In Kerala, a homestay is similar to a local guesthouse where the family usually live on site. Accommodation is twin-share, with a private bathroom. Delicious local meals are cooked in-house by your hosts.
Wake early this morning, before crossing the backwaters by private boat to Alleppey. From here, take a local bus back to Kochi. The rest of the day is free for you to choose your own adventure. Perhaps you’d like to stroll down Princess Street for a spot of shopping, or book yourself into a southern Indian cooking class – your group leader will have some other recommendations, so be sure to ask them. Tonight, why not gather with your group for a night out at a local restaurant and maybe try some pazham pori (fried banana or plantain fritter).
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Take your included (but unescorted) flight from Kochi to Delhi today for the second part of your Indian adventure. There will be a meeting at 6 pm to welcome any new travellers joining you on the next stage of your adventure. After the meeting, choose whether to join the group for an optional dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
- Old Red Fort - INR600
As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.
There will be a welcome meeting today to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet travellers joining you. It’s important that you attend the meeting as your new leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
This morning, you'll navigate the city’s metro system and discover Old Delhi on a walking tour with your leader. Hitch a ride on a traditional cycle rickshaw through a classic Indian traffic jam in the streets around the Chandni Chowk marketplace. Visit Delhi’s oldest mosque Jama Masjid, which is also India’s largest, and escape the city streets by ducking into a Sikh temple, Sheeshganj Gurudwara, to observe the spiritual side of this bustling metropolis. The communal kitchen welcomes all, and there's a chance to have a simple meal here together. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the sights of Delhi.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
Travel to Agra by one of India's express air-conditioned trains. Steeped in Mughal heritage, Agra has a wealth of gardens, temples and open rooftops. When you arrive, you’ll visit the Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and learn why Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. Head inside the spectacular sandstone walls of the Red Fort, built to encompass the imperial city of the Mughal rulers in the 16th century. If you have time, move on to Akbar's Mausoleum. Tonight, consider visiting Sheroes Hangout – this social enterprise supports survivors of acid attacks – for a meal with a difference.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Agra - Taj Mahal
- Agra - Agra Fort
- Agra - Red Fort guided tour
- Agra - Additional entries to Taj Mahal - INR1300
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Read more about Sheroes Hangout here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/sheroes-hangout-india/
Take a private bus to Madhogarh this morning. When you arrive, walk through the village and see the local craftspeople at work making resin bangles. These families are from the Lakhera community – in Hindu mythology, Lakheras are created by Lord Shiva for making bangles for Goddess Parvathy. This practice is a traditional art, and you can see for yourself how they heat the resin and shape it with handmade tools. In the evening, stay in the beautiful heritage property of Fort Madhogarh, which has belonged to one of Rajasthan’s royal families for centuries.
- Heritage Property (1 night)
- Dinner
- Madhogarh - Leader-led village walk
- Madhogarh - Dinner at Fort Madhogarh
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Travel on by private vehicle to Jaipur. When you arrive, walk around the ‘Pink City’ with your leader. Get among the crowds of the city’s bazaars to shop for artisan goods and semi-precious stones. Visit the Amber Fort – an excellent example of Rajput architecture, set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake. The Sheesh Mahal inside the fort is must-see. As the walls are completely covered in little mirrors, the hall illuminates with the light of a single match. After, you'll have free time to explore at your own pace.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Jaipur - Amber Fort
- Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Today is a full free day to take on any optional activities or independent exploration that you wish. This morning, you could take an optional hot air balloon ride – floating across the skyline of Jaipur in a hot air balloon is a highlight of the trip for many travellers. Jump on a rickshaw to Hawa Mahal, also known as the 'Palace of the Winds’. Alternatively, head to Jaipur's Royal City Palace or the observatory of Jantar Mantar to see a collection of intriguing astronomical instruments. After a long day of exploration, perhaps head to the Raj Mandir Cinema to see a Bollywood film.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Jaipur - City Palace - INR1200
- Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
- Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
- Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
- Jaipur - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind) - INR200
The balloon flights operate from September 1st to April 30th and last approximately 60 mins. Return transfers, tea and coffee plus light refreshments, and a certificate of flight are included in the cost. You can register your interest and pay your tour leader at your joining meeting on day 1 of your trip. Payment can be made by credit card or cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP. Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions (tickets are fully refundable in case of bad weather).
Today you’ll head to Ranthambhore Netional Park – once a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur and one of the original Project Tiger reserves. In the evening, you’ll take a 4WD bus safari in search of tigers and other wildlife, like hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles, wild boars and birds. Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. On trips departing during this time, you'll visit nearby Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary. Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary is about 16 km from Ranthambhore and due to its hilly terrain, isn't as affected by the monsoon. Tigers also inhabit this area, and sightings are more favourable at this time of year as they move here away from flooded areas of Ranthambhore.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Ranthambhore National Park - Evening wildlife safari
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
We require a scanned copy of your passport bio page at the time of booking to secure a permit for your Ranthambhore National Park visit. Authorities at Ranthambhore follow a strict booking process whereby permits are issued on a first come first serve basis. If we do not receive correct passport details in time we cannot guarantee you on the tiger safari.
The safety of our travellers is our highest concern and your tour leader has the authority to cancel or reschedule the jeep safari if they believe the vehicles available do not meet our safety standards.
Today, you'll travel to Bundi by private vehicle. When you arrive, navigate Bundi's narrow streets on an insightful walking tour, including the downtown market and meeting jewellery merchants, street dentists and fabric dealers. Learn the secret of chai making from a local chai master and try a fresh brew. Stop in at Bundi's intriguing and intricate step wells (baori) – an architectural marvel, and once the source of water for the town. Check out the 16th-century Bundi Palace with its famous murals before checking into our next heritage stay for the night.
- Heritage Property (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Bundi - Stepwell
- Bundi - Bundi Palace
- Bundi - Market visit & Chai tasting
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Take a local train to Bassi, crossing the Chittorgarh countryside to Paangarh Lake. When you arrive, enjoy the view out to the 15th-century fort and unwind with a cup of chai while watching the sunset over the lake. You'll spend tonight in a beautiful permanent tented camp, right on the lakeshore – this is a truly relaxing experience away from the chaos of India's cities.
- Permanent Tent (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
This morning, drive in an open-top jeep out into the countryside past quiet villages. You might be lucky enough to spot some native wildlife as you go, like jackals, langurs, foxes and hares. When you arrive, meet some villagers and maybe even get a henna tattoo (a temporary but traditional souvenir). After, head to your next heritage stay in Bijaipur and enjoy a meal of authentic local specialties made with seasonal vegetables – maybe try baingan masala (eggplant cooked with tomatoes), okra, kadhi (thick, tangy gravy) or chicken curry.
- Heritage Property (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Bijaipur - Countryside jeep safari
- Bijaipur - Henna tattoo - INR150
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Wake up in your gorgeous heritage stay and enjoy a final breakfast here as you begin your next journey by private vehicle to Udaipur. When you arrive, you’ll head out on a city walk with your leader. Take in the city’s hills, lakes and white marble palaces and delve into the twisting alleys and bazaars filled with silver, leather goods and miniature paintings. A popular centre for artists, dancers, and musicians, there’s plenty to entertain you here. After, the rest of your day is free. Maybe ask your leader for some dinner recommendations.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Udaipur - Leader-led walking tour
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Visit Udaipur's City Palace – one of the largest royal palaces in India. After, you’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace. Maybe take an optional boat ride on the picturesque Lake Pichola (seasonal) to see the island palaces off Jag Nivas and Jag Mandir. After, maybe head out to watch a cultural performance that combines seven traditional Rajasthani folk dances – the perfect way to spend an evening in Udaipur.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Udaipur - City Palace
- Udaipur - Cultural performance - INR250
- Udaipur - Lake boat ride - INR500
Today, take an air-conditioned train to Ajmer, then a private vehicle to your hotel in Pushkar. When you arrive, head out on a walking tour to visit the bustling ghats and temples around Pushkar Lake and watch as the devout worship by the holy waters and at the Brahma Temple. At dinnertime, share a meal with a local family and learn about their life living in this desert city. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore further.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Dinner
- Pushkar - Leader-led walking tour
- Pushkar - Home-cooked Dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Due to animal welfare concerns, we will no longer be including a camel ride in Pushkar on this trip.
Early risers can hike up to the Savitri Temple this morning for amazing sunrise views over the town. If you'd prefer, you can soak up a leisurely morning. This afternoon, you’ll board the Shatabdi Express train for the trip back to Delhi, arriving late in the evening. You’ll then transfer to the hotel for your final night of the trip.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Pushkar - Sunrise at Savitri Temple - Free
There are no activities planned for the final day and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time.
There are no meals included on this day.
Inclusions and activities
7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners
4x4 Safari Vehicle, Auto rickshaw, Boat, Bus, Cycle rickshaw, Ferry, Jeep, Metro, Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Shuttle Bus, Taxi, Train, Van, Plane
Deluxe permanent tent (1 night), Heritage Property (3 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (16 nights), Jungle resort (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Resort (2 nights)
- Kochi - Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
- Kochi - Dutch Palace
- Kochi - Kathakali performance
- Ooty - Nilgiri Mountain Railway & Tea Plantation visit
- Bandipur - National Park Safari
- Mysore - Home cooked lunch & family visit
- Mysore - Maharaja's Palace
- Mysore - Leader-led walking tour
- Mysore - Keshava Temple
- Mysore - Chamundi Hill & Temple
- Mamallapuram - Shore Temples guided tour
- Puducherry - Leader-led French Quarter walking tour
- Madurai - Sri Meenakshi Temple
- Periyar - Spice plantation visit
- Periyar - Home cooked meal
- Periyar - National Park
- Periyar - Guided nature walk
- Kerala Backwaters - Pole boat ride
- Kerala Backwaters - Village walk
- Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
- Agra - Taj Mahal
- Agra - Agra Fort
- Agra - Red Fort guided tour
- Madhogarh - Leader-led village walk
- Madhogarh - Dinner at Fort Madhogarh
- Jaipur - Amber Fort
- Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour
- Ranthambhore National Park - Evening wildlife safari
- Bundi - Stepwell
- Bundi - Bundi Palace
- Bundi - Market visit & Chai tasting
- Bijaipur - Countryside jeep safari
- Udaipur - Leader-led walking tour
- Udaipur - City Palace
- Pushkar - Leader-led walking tour
- Pushkar - Home-cooked Dinner
- Kochi - Jewish Synagogue - INR5
- Ooty - Botanical Gardens - INR50
- Ooty - Boat ride - INR200
- Mysore - Cinema - INR200
- Mysore - Tipu Sultan's Mausoleum - INR200
- Madurai - Gandhi Museum - Free
- Periyar - Boat trip - INR650
- Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
- Old Red Fort - INR600
- Agra - Additional entries to Taj Mahal - INR1300
- Jaipur - City Palace - INR1200
- Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
- Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
- Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
- Jaipur - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind) - INR200
- Bijaipur - Henna tattoo - INR150
- Udaipur - Cultural performance - INR250
- Udaipur - Lake boat ride - INR500
- Pushkar - Sunrise at Savitri Temple - Free
This trip generates 76 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- Trains are a great way to see the countryside and get you away from the busy road system. Keep in mind that delays and cancellations are common, so a little patience will go a long way during your tour. This trip involves some long journeys by train, including overnight, so please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
- From December to February, delays are more common, especially in the north of the country due to fog. It’s not uncommon for trains to be delayed for up to 12 hours. Your tour leader in conjunction with our local office will advise any changes to the itinerary.
- Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned. Beds are padded berths with sheets, pillow, and blanket provided (although some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet). Please note that you may be sharing with locals of the same or opposite gender.
- Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.
- It’s important to prepare for hot sticky temperatures during the day and cooler climates in the evening, particularly in Ootacamund (AKA Ooty), Mudumalai, and Periyar National Parks. Packing layers is one of the best ways to tackle this disparity in weather.
- We've sourced our accommodation carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid style of travel. Service and accommodation in India may be different from western standards.
ACCOMMODATION:
Some of the accommodation along the way is basic or simple, staying in local guesthouses and homestays. Some may have shared bathroom facilities with cold water only. We use a mixture of air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
SHOWERS:
Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
ROOM ISSUES:
If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your tour leader right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.
SLEEPER TRAINS IN INDIA:
Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned (fan-cooled at times), a great way to travel long distances and still get maximum time in each place. Depending on the route, we travel 2AC or 3AC class as not all classes are available on all routes. Due to the complexity of the ticket purchasing system and high demand for tickets, we are unable to offer upgrades to other classes.
Second Class or 2 Tier AC (2AC) carriages have 4 berths in the compartment section and 2 berths in the aisle bay and individual reading lights. Third Class or 3 Tier AC (3AC) has 6 berths in the compartment and 2 in the aisle bay. There are a limited amount of sinks and charging points in these classes. During the day, bunks are folded away and serve as seats. Toilet facilities are located at either end of the carriage. There is usually an Indian style squat toilet at one end and a western-style toilet at the other. You will need your own toilet paper or tissues and cleanliness will depend on the number of people using them.
Beds are padded bunks, with sheets, pillow and blanket provided. Some people prefer to bring and use their own sleeping sheet. Your luggage travels with you on the train, so packing light will make your journey more comfortable.
Many trains have a dining carriage or a food/snack cart that is brought through the carriages. There are also plenty of vendors selling tea, coffee, water and snacks during the journey, although the hygiene may not be up to standards you are used to at home.
Please note you may be sharing with other members of your group or locals on a mixed gender basis. Tickets are booked on a real-name basis using your passport details. We book for all members of the group at the same time, but unfortunately, this is no guarantee that we will be accommodated all together on the train. Your leader will do their best to swap with other travellers to allow people who booked together to travel together, but please be aware that this is not always possible. We may at times ask male travellers to swap with solo female travellers for safety considerations.
Abad Fort Hotel
Moulana Azad Rd, Near Reliance Super Market, Panayappilly, Chullickal, Kochi, Kerala
Kochi
INDIA
Phone: +91 4844148888
Instructions
An arrival transfer from the airport is available if arranged at the time of booking. Transfers cannot be arranged on arrival. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre-tour accommodation booked through Intrepid. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 30 days prior to your departure.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer you will be met on arrival by an Intrepid representative. The Intrepid representative will be waiting for you as you get out of the customs hall and will be holding an Intrepid sign bearing your name. Please note that neither the driver nor any representative should ask you for additional payment. If you cannot find your pre-booked transfer, or you have any concerns about your transfer, please call the representative directly on
+91 95608 49444
+91 - 9999 00 5019
+ 91 - 9746479660
Taxi's from the airport to our starting point hotel take approximately 1.5 hours (depending on traffic conditions) and costs between INR 800 – 1000.
IMPORTANT: Please avoid taxi touts who tell you that they have a metered taxi parked outside the airport. Previous passengers have complained that they have been charged hefty amount for the transfers.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 5 (Mudumalai National Park) and Day 7 (overnight train) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Intrepid requires a copy of your scanned passport bio page at the time of booking to complete bookings for Ranthambhore National Park visit.
3. This trip travels back to Delhi on the afternoon of Day 28 arriving into the capital around 11 pm. Please do not book departure flights out until at least 4 am on Day 29 to allow for delays.
4. The Pushkar Camel Fair is held in late October or early November, please see the 'Climate and Seasonal Information' section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.
5. Hot air balloon flights are operated by Sky Waltz in Jaipur. Flights operate from September 1st to April 30th and last approximately 60 mins. Return transfers, tea and coffee plus light refreshments, and a certificate of flight are included in the cost. You can register your interest and pay your tour leader at your joining meeting on day 1 of your trip. Payment must be made by cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP or credit card and is USD 260pp (subject to change). Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions (tickets are fully refundable in case of bad weather).
6. As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change on Day 15.
7. 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. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
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.
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