North to South India: The Taj Mahal & Goa Good Times

$1.784,15 / Per Person

  • Duration

    21 Days

  • Min Age

    18 +

  • Country

    Indian Rupee, INR

  • Location

    India

  • Posted 2 days ago

  • 4,7 Super

Overview

Booking Type

G Adventures

Duration

21 days

Age Requirement

18-39 yrs

Max Group Size

20

Guiding Method

Festival & Events

Now's the time to explore India on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Get the best bits of a semester abroad without any of the studying on this epic three-week journey through the subcontinent’s highlights. Embrace the hectic pace of northern Delhi before balancing it out with the beaches of Goa. Then watch the sunrise at Savitri temple in Pushkar and explore the canals of Alleppey on your way to a cozy homestay with a local family. Our Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) handle all the logistics, so you can pack your trip with everything you want — and nothing you don't. Lush hills, bustling cities, and mouth-watering curries are just a taste of the moments and memories that await.

ITINERARY

Arrive at any time and welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi!

Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!


Accommodation:
- Hotel Metropolitan, New Delhi (or similar).

Included Activities:
- Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Connect With New Friends

Additional Notes: Please note this tour departs Delhi early on Day 2, so book pre-accommodation if you would like to explore the city more in depth. Opt to wander through the heart of India's capital city and explore Old and New Delhi. Travel by the new metro or auto rickshaws and visit the famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) where you can climb the minaret for a bird's eye view of the old city. Explore Chandni Chowk, one of India's oldest and busiest markets or head to the colourful spice market -- a great photo opportunity.

Relax on the morning train to Agra while admiring the arid terrain and small towns. On arrival, check the famous Taj Mahal world wonder off your bucket list as you marvel at the iconic Mughal architecture. Immerse yourself in a guided tour and learn of the mausoleum's unique history. Opt to visit Baby Taj and the Agra Fort, the Taj’s less famous—but no less impressive—sister monument, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Accommodation:
- Crystal Inn Agra (or similar).

Transport:
- Train 02:00 - 03:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Taj Mahal Guided Tour

Today we take a bus (always an adventure itself in India) to the capital of Rajasthan — Jaipur. Clothed in sandstone pink stucco, Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" and is one of the most important heritage cities in India. It's home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Ride a cycle rickshaw to the markets and enjoy an orientation walk through the stalls. In your free time, opt to visit the City Palace, the observatory, or check out a song-and-dance Bollywood film in India's largest movie theatre.


Accommodation:
- Rawla Mrignayani Palace (or similar).

Transport:
- Local Bus 07:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Orientation Walk

Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your list. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details. Afterward, head back to Jaipur and spend the free afternoon exploring with your fellow travellers and see where the night takes you.
Admire the city from above by pre-booking the Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour. Or choose to visit Kitchen With A Cause and have a delicious meal that allows you to give back to the community.

Accommodation:
- Rawla Mrignayani Palace (or similar).

Included Activities:
- Amber Fort Guided Tour

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Jaipur Balloon Ride

Ride to peaceful Tordi Sāgar and dive into rural life by visiting local potters, cobblers, and markets on a guided walk through the village. If you're feeling athletic, join in on a cricket match with some local players. In your free time, opt to bounce around with your new friends during a jeep safari or camel cart ride to the dunes for sunset. Head out for a hike in the hills or get a henna tattoo from local women. Tordi Sāgar is your oyster!
If you want to see more of Jaipur before departing, pre-book the Cycle Tour and explore the city from a morning perspective.

Accommodation:
- Hotel Tordi Garh (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Dinner

Transport:
- 4x4: Jaipur to Tordi Sāgar 03:00 - 04:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Tordi Sagar Local Village Tour

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Jaipur Cycle Tour

Have a final taste of rural village life over a traditional lunch before travelling to Pushkar, often called Tirth Raj or the king of pilgrim centres. Cruise through Ajmer and over Snake Mountain to Pushkar — the site of the world’s only temple to the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. After settling into your accommodation, get your bearings on an orientation walk around the colourful city with cascading architecture and capture a group photo on the lake.


Accommodation:
- Hotel New Park (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Transport:
- 4x4: Tordi Sāgar to Pushkar 04:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Pushkar Orientation Walk

Before dawn, climb to the hilltop Savitri Temple and catch the sun rising over the towering Thar Desert mountains. Afterward, reflect on the serenity at one of the many cafés in town, stretch and meditate during a calming yoga session, or scour the markets. Opt for an unforgettable evening by dressing in traditional Indian clothing and partake in an authentic dinner cooked by cameleers in the desert, all with live entertainment!


Accommodation:
- Hotel New Park (or similar).

Included Activities:
- Savitri Temple Sunrise Hike

Continue south to Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. It certainly lives up to its reputation as India's most romantic city (wink, wink). With its own famous style of painting and plenty of artisans, Udaipur is a great place to stroll through. After the orientation walk, opt to take a boat ride on Lake Pichola with your fellow travellers.


Accommodation:
- Hotel Royal Dezire Udaipur (or similar).

Transport:
- Train 07:00 - 08:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Udaipur Orientation Walk

Free time to explore "Venice of the East" with its plethora lakes, palaces, and narrow lanes. Wander around solo or see who wants to join you on an adventure.
Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School class.

Accommodation:
- Hotel Royal Dezire Udaipur (or similar).

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Udaipur Cooking School
- Udaipur Sunrise Cycle Tour

Free time to explore "Venice of the East" with its plethora lakes, palaces, and narrow lanes. Wander around solo or see who wants to join you on an adventure.
Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School class.

Accommodation:
- Hotel Royal Dezire Udaipur (or similar).

Take a local bus to Ahmedabad and explore the famous Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati. Immerse yourself in the peaceful environment of the riverside home that played an important role in India's freedom and learn of the sites unique history. From here, get some rest on an overnight train as you cruise to Mumbai.


Transport:
- Local Bus 05:00 - 06:00 Hr(s)
- Basic overnight train (beds): Ahmedabad to Mumbai 07:00 - 08:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Gandhi Ashram Visit

Arrive in Mumbai and stretch your legs on an orientation walk of Colaba and the Fort district. Enjoy a free day to uniquely explore the bustling metropolis; be sure to capture a group photo under the Gateway to India. Opt to take a boat to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Elephanta Island, famous for intricate cave temples carved in rock walls.
In the evening, opt for a cup of tea at the famous Taj Hotel and people-watch on Chowpatty Beach or visit Crawford Market, one of South Mumbai's most famous. Sample some local specialties at one of Mumbai’s many top-notch restaurants as you go out on the town with your fellow travellers and sample the city’s famed nightlife firsthand.

Accommodation:
- Hotel Fortune (or similar).

Hop on a short morning flight to North Goa. Head to the white sand beaches, visit the many Portuguese-built monuments, wander around the churches of Old Goa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and discover Panjim, the capital. In the evening, opt to sample tasty treats at the night market and take in the nightlife of this coastal state.


Accommodation:
- Alor Holiday Resort (or similar).

Transport:
- Plane: Mumbai to Goa

Enjoy a free day to wind down in the paradise that is Goa. Relax on the beaches with your favourite drink in hand or mingle in the many beach bars. Scour the markets, and be sure to try some delicious Goan cuisine and fresh seafood. Get ready to dance the night away for your big night out as a group. Enjoy a drink on us and cut a rug.


Accommodation:
- Alor Holiday Resort (or similar).

Included Activities:
- Dance the Night Away

Fly to Kochi and explore this major port city of southern India by wandering through the unique neighbourhoods and exciting markets. Opt to visit Fort Kochi, learn how to toss a fishing net, or catch a traditional dance performance, known as Kathakali, telling of mythological tales.
Don't fret if you can't fit all the excitement into one afternoon, you'll get a second chance to experience Kochi when you return in a few days.

Accommodation:
- Hotel White Rose (or similar).

Transport:
- Plane: Goa to Kochi 03:15 Hr(s)

Additional Notes: Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure (woo! new friends). You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening followed by an optional dinner.

Travel to Alleppey, a golden streak of land woven with rivers, lakes, lagoons, and canals. Enjoy an empowering lunch before checking out the island along the lagoon with a local guide and learn about the way of life here. Settle into a homestay and get to know your hosts.


Accommodation:
- Alasr Heritage Home (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Kochi to Alleppey 01:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Alleppey Guided Walk
- Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project
- Alleppey Homestay

Explore the unique ecosystem of Alleppey backwaters on a morning ferry cruise. Afterward, travel down the coast by bus to the port city of Kollam. On arrival, choose to relax on the beach, climb Thangassery Light House, or peruse the nightlife.


Accommodation:
- Hotel Sea Pearl (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Local Bus 03:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Alleppey Ferry Cruise
- Orientation Walk

Visit the Kollam Harbour and experience the importance of fishing for the community. Afterward, settle into a private vehicle and see who can count the most palm trees as you cruise down the coast to tropical Varkala. Enjoy lots of free time to explore the town, get treated by local healers, or visit the Varkala Temple.
Note that Kollam Harbour is closed to visitors May through June.

Accommodation:
- Nikhil Residence (or similar).

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 05:00 - 06:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Kollam Fishing Docks Visit
- Neendakara Fishing Harbour Visit

Choose your own adventure today, exploring Varkala solo or with your new friends. Spend time wandering the peaceful gardens of an ashram devoted to Kerala's most eminent spiritual and social reformer at the mystical Janardhana Swamy Temple. Or head to the beach and relax while watching the Arabian Sea with a drink in hand.


Accommodation:
- Nikhil Residence (or similar).

Return to Kochi by train and take an orientation walk visiting Fort Kochi, St Francis Church, the Dutch cemetery, and the Jewish Quarter with curio shops and a synagogue more than 400-years-old. In the late afternoon, continue to wander the streets or opt to catch a traditional Kathakali dance performance. For your big night out as a group, immerse yourself in the exciting Kochi nightlife. Enjoy a drink on us and reminisce about the life-changing adventures you've shared.


Accommodation:
- Hotel White Rose (or similar).

Transport:
- Train 03:30 - 04:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Orientation Walk
- Kochi Nightlife

Today is departure day, but do not fear, there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange contacts, and depart at any time.


Included Activities:
- Departure Day

Destinations

  • New Delhi / IN

  • Agra / IN

  • Jaipur / IN

  • Pushkar / IN

  • Udaipur / IN

  • Mumbai / IN

  • Goa / IN

  • Kochi (Cochin) / IN

  • Alleppey / IN

  • Kollam / IN

  • Varkala / IN

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Review Scores

4,7

Super

Services

92.0%

Operator

92.0%

Accommodation

86.0%

Transport

92.0%

Food

80.0%

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Price: $ 1784,15

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