Itinerary
- Day 1
Delhi
You'll arrive in Delhi and have a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you're getting in earlier, there's an optional urban adventure tour available to check out hidden gems most visitors skip.
Optional Activities
- Hidden Gems of Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4100
- Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR3350
- Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
- Day 2
Old Delhi to Bikaner
Take the metro to Old Delhi and walk through Chandni Chowk marketplace by cycle rickshaw. You'll visit the ancient Jama Masjid and Sheeshganj Gurudwara to learn about Sikh traditions. Later, head to the railway station to catch an overnight train to Bikaner, so grab some snacks for the trip.
Included Activities
- Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
- Cycle rickshaw tour of Chandni Chowk marketplace
- Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
- Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) visit
Optional Activities
- Humayun's Tomb - INR600
- Qutub Minar - INR600
- Red Fort - INR600
Landmarks/POIs Chandni Chowk Marketplace Jama Masjid Sheeshganj Gurudwara - Day 3
Bikaner
You'll arrive in Bikaner this morning. After freshening up at your hotel, take a walking tour through the old city to see red sandstone palaces and forts. In the afternoon, you can relax or join an optional visit to Junagarh Fort, a 16th-century structure with elaborate courtyards and marble details.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led walking tour of old city
Optional Activities
- Junagarh Fort - INR600
Landmarks/POIs Junagarh Fort - Day 4
Bikaner to Jaisalmer
Have breakfast and then travel by train to Jaisalmer. When you arrive, either settle into your hotel or join an optional tour of the Jaisalmer Folklore Museum, which displays printing blocks, musical instruments, and traditional decorations showing local cultural heritage.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Jaisalmer Folklore Museum - INR500
Landmarks/POIs Jaisalmer Folklore Museum - Day 5
Jaisalmer
This is a free day to explore Jaisalmer. Wander through the twisting alleyways and markets inside the fort walls, check out the Jain temples from the 15th and 16th centuries with their detailed carvings, and see the ornate havelis showcasing desert architecture.
Landmarks/POIs Jaisalmer Fort Jain Temples of Jaisalmer - Day 6
Thar Desert
You'll drive by jeep into the Thar Desert and meet local guides. Relax and watch the sunset while a traditional Rajasthani dinner with chapati, dal, rice, and vegetables is prepared. Spend the evening stargazing and sharing stories under the desert sky.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional Rajasthani dinner with chapati, dal, rice and vegetables)
Included Activities
- Jeep drive to Thar Desert
- Traditional Rajasthani dinner (chapati, dal, rice, vegetables)
Optional Activities
- Overnight Desert Camp - Free
Landmarks/POIs Thar Desert - Day 7
Thar Desert to Jodhpur
Get up early to catch the sunrise over the sand dunes. After a simple breakfast, head by vehicle to the railway station for a 6-hour train ride across the desert to Jodhpur. Once you arrive, settle in and try one of the city's famous lassis.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Simple breakfast)
Included Activities
- Sunrise over sand dunes
Landmarks/POIs Thar Desert - Day 8
Jodhpur
You can choose between two experiences today: visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of India's largest fortresses still run by the Jodhpur royal family, or take a tour to nearby Bishnoi villages to experience rural Rajasthani life and learn about local cultural traditions.
Included Activities
- Leader-led walking tour
Optional Activities
- Mehrangarh Fort - INR600
- Elevator for Mehrangarh Fort - INR50
- Bishnoi villages day trip - INR750
Landmarks/POIs Mehrangarh Fort - Day 9
Jodhpur to Udaipur
Take an auto-rickshaw to the bus station and board a local bus for an 8-hour journey to Udaipur. This romantic city sits in the Aravalli Hills around Lake Pichola, a man-made lake created in the 14th century. On arrival, walk through twisting alleyways filled with shops selling silver jewellery, shoes, and miniature paintings.
Included Activities
- Leader-led walking tour of Udaipur
Landmarks/POIs Lake Pichola - Day 10
Udaipur
You have a free day to explore Udaipur. Take an optional boat ride on Lake Pichola to see palaces, tour the lakeside City Palace complex to see vivid murals and royal antiques, or join a cooking class. You could also visit Sajjan Garh for city views or explore Shilpgram, an arts and ethnographic hub.
Optional Activities
- Lake Pichola boat ride (seasonal) - INR500
- City Palace - INR400
- Cooking class - INR600
- Sajjan Garh Palace (Monsoon Palace) - INR300
- Shilpgram craft village - INR100
- Cultural performance - INR250
Landmarks/POIs Lake Pichola Jag Mandir Jag Niwas City Palace Sajjan Garh (Monsoon Palace) Shilpgram - Day 11
Udaipur to Pushkar
Head to the station and take a train for around 5.5 hours to Ajmer, then a 45-minute private vehicle ride to Pushkar. Walk through this holy town, exploring the main bazaar and around Pushkar Lake. Pass the bustling ghats and temples where pilgrims worship at the holy waters.
Included Activities
- Leader-led walking tour of Pushkar
Landmarks/POIs Pushkar Lake - Day 12
Pushkar
You have a free day in Pushkar. Early risers can hike up to Savitri Temple for sunrise views and tea at the top. Check out the colourful Brahma Temple or spend time observing Hindu traditions at this holy town. If your trip coincides with the Pushkar Camel Fair, the day will focus on experiencing this famous festival.
Optional Activities
- Sunrise at Savitri Temple - Free
- Brahma Temple - Free
Landmarks/POIs Savitri Temple Brahma Temple - Day 13
Pushkar to Jaipur
Head back to Ajmer and take a local bus to Jaipur (about 4 hours). Take an auto-rickshaw to your hotel, then join a guided walking tour to explore Rajasthan's capital. Visit the market and optionally see the Palace of the Winds built in 1799. Your evening is free to explore local dining.
Included Activities
- Leader-led walking tour and market visit
Landmarks/POIs Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) - Day 14
Jaipur
You have a free day in Jaipur with several optional activities available. Consider a hot air balloon experience for expansive views, visit Amber Fort for Rajput architecture and vistas, explore bazaars for artisan goods and semi-precious stones, or catch a Bollywood film at a classic cinema.
Optional Activities
- Amber Fort - INR500
- City Palace - INR1200
- Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
- Balloon Safari - USD280
Landmarks/POIs Amber Fort City Palace Raj Mandir Cinema - Day 15
Jaipur to Abhaneri
Travel by private vehicle to Abhaneri, a rural town offering a different pace from larger Rajasthani cities. Visit the Chand Baori, a remarkable 20-metre-deep stepwell built in the late 9th century. Next check out the mostly ruined Harshat Mata Temple, a 7th-8th century structure dedicated to the goddess of happiness.
Included Activities
- Chand Baori stepwell visit
- Harshat Mata Temple visit
Landmarks/POIs Chand Baori Harshat Mata Temple - Day 16
Abhaneri to Agra
Head east by private transport for 2-3 hours to Agra with an optional stop at Fatehpur Sikri. Once there, visit the Taj Mahal, the iconic white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan. Nearby is Sheroes Hangout cafe, run by acid attack survivors. The Mughal heritage city is known for gardens and temples.
Included Activities
- Taj Mahal visit
Optional Activities
- Fatehpur Sikri - optional visit
- Agra Fort - INR650
- Akbar's Mausoleum - INR300
Landmarks/POIs Taj Mahal Fatehpur Sikri Sheroes Hangout - Day 17
Agra
You have a free day before boarding an overnight train to Varanasi in the evening. Early risers can return to the Taj Mahal for sunrise. Visit the Red Fort on the Yamuna River banks, built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar. Continue to Akbar's Mausoleum, then board a 12-hour overnight train.
Optional Activities
- Taj Mahal sunrise visit
- Agra Fort (Red Fort) - INR650
- Akbar's Mausoleum - INR300
Landmarks/POIs Taj Mahal Red Fort Akbar's Mausoleum - Day 18
Varanasi
You'll arrive in Varanasi this morning and transfer by auto-rickshaw to your hotel. Take a guided walk through the Old City, following your leader through narrow alleyways. The rest of the day is free. In the evening, choose between a sunset cruise on the Ganges or watching priests perform a fire ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Included Activities
- Leader-led Old City walking tour
Optional Activities
- Sunset candle flower ceremony - INR400
- Sunrise Ganges boat trip - INR400
- Sarnath - INR315
Landmarks/POIs Ganges River Dashashwamedh Ghat - Day 19
Varanasi
You have a free day to explore this holy city. Start very early with an optional sunrise boat trip on the Ganges, passing pilgrims bathing at the colourful ghats. Or head to the ghats on foot to watch clothes washers drying laundry. Visit the sinking Vishnu temple near Manikarnika Ghat or ask about visiting Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first speech.
Optional Activities
- Sunrise Ganges boat trip - INR400
- Sarnath - INR315
Landmarks/POIs Ganges River Manikarnika Ghat Vishnu Temple Sarnath - Day 20
Varanasi to Delhi
In the morning, explore more of Varanasi during free time. Visit the Vishwanath Temple, grab street food like chaat, or relax at the Kriti Gallery to see contemporary local art. In the afternoon, board an overnight train for a 15-hour journey back to Delhi.
Optional Activities
- Vishwanath Temple
- Kriti Gallery
Landmarks/POIs Vishwanath Temple Kriti Gallery - Day 21
Delhi
You'll arrive in Delhi in the late morning and transfer by taxi to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your own pace. Tonight, consider joining your group for dinner with recommendations from your local leader.
- Day 22
Delhi to Trivandrum
You have a free morning in Delhi before transferring to the airport for an included flight to Trivandrum. You'll be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel by a local representative. At 6 pm, there's a group briefing to meet your new leader for the next stage. After, take a walk around Trivandrum and consider joining an optional group dinner.
Included Activities
- Flight to Trivandrum
- Airport transfer on arrival
- Leader-led Trivandrum orientation walk
Optional Activities
- Optional group dinner
- Day 23
Trivandrum to Varkala
Head up the coast by private vehicle for around 2 hours to Varkala. Once settled, use free time to explore the Keralan coast and some of India's best beaches. Soaring cliffs protect Varkala's bay, and depending on the season, dolphins can be spotted from the rocks. In the evening, head into town for fresh seafood.
Landmarks/POIs Varkala Beach - Day 24
Varkala
You have a free day in Varkala. This is a great place to sit back and relax, though water activities like surfing and windsurfing are available if you want to get active. The beaches are quiet and laid-back despite being popular with Indian tourists. Take time to explore the area.
Optional Activities
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
Landmarks/POIs Varkala Beach - Day 25
Varkala to Alappuzha
Take a 3-hour train journey along the Keralan coastline to Alappuzha, a former trading port and home to the Snake Boat race. An auto-rickshaw takes you to the boat boarding point, then head to an island village guesthouse. Get settled and explore the Keralan Backwaters in a pole boat while your guide walks you through the village and paddy fields.
Included Activities
- Kerala Backwaters pole boat ride
- Guided village walk through paddy fields and canals
Landmarks/POIs Kerala Backwaters - Day 26
Alappuzha to Kochi
Cross the backwaters by private boat back to Alappuzha. Take a 2-hour local bus to Kochi, arriving around midday. Walk around the Fort Kochi area where you're staying for the next two nights. In the early evening, there's an option to attend a classic Kathakali dance performance.
Optional Activities
- Kathakali dance performance - INR600
Landmarks/POIs Fort Kochi - Day 27
Kochi
Head to Mattancherry in Fort Cochin to explore the old Jewish quarter, synagogue, and Dutch Palace on a guided 3-hour walking tour. The rest of the day is free to explore. Consider joining an Urban Adventure day tour for an in-depth look at the city's cuisine and culture.
Included Activities
- Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
Optional Activities
- Dutch Palace (Kochi Palace) - INR20
- Urban Adventure tours (e.g. Aromas of Kochi)
Landmarks/POIs Mattancherry Dutch Palace (Kochi Palace) - Day 28
Kochi to Periyar National Park
Travel by private vehicle to Periyar National Park (approximately 7-8 hours). After checking in, head out on a tour of a local spice farm. Walk through winding pathways enjoying the scents of cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Afterward, relax around your accommodation, perhaps settling in early.
Included Activities
- Local spice farm tour
Landmarks/POIs Periyar National Park - Day 29
Periyar National Park
After breakfast, you have a free day with an optional walk around Periyar National Park. Keep an eye out for tiger tracks, spotted deer, Indian elephants, or gaur, though animal encounters aren't guaranteed. This is more of a jungle walk than a dedicated animal-spotting tour. In the afternoon, unwind with an optional ayurvedic massage.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Guided nature walk around Periyar National Park - INR1400
- Ayurvedic massage
Landmarks/POIs Periyar National Park - Day 30
Periyar National Park to Madurai
Take a private transfer to Madurai (approximately 4-5 hours). This buzzing city is full of bazaars, pilgrims, and cycle rickshaws. After a walking tour, visit the Sri Meenakshi Temple, an ancient temple still in use with lamplit corridors leading to shrines.
Included Activities
- Leader-led walking tour of Madurai
Optional Activities
- Sri Meenakshi Temple - INR50
Landmarks/POIs Sri Meenakshi Temple - Day 31
Madurai
You have a free day in Madurai. Visit the Gandhi Museum to learn about India's independence, or wander through the 1000 pillars of Aayiram Kaal Mandapam. Haggle at bazaars and tailors' market. This evening, you'll board an overnight sleeper train to Mysore (approximately 14 hours), so bring extra snacks.
Optional Activities
- Gandhi Museum - Free
Landmarks/POIs Gandhi Museum Aayiram Kaal Mandapam - Day 32
Mysore
On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Mysore, an easygoing town with pleasant weather. Go on a walk with your group to see the ornate Mysore Palace. There's also an option to visit the Keshava Temple in Somnathpur, a stunning example of Hoysala architecture about 1 hour from town.
Included Activities
- Leader-led walking tour of Mysore
Optional Activities
- Mysore Palace - INR200
- Keshava Temple - INR200
Landmarks/POIs Mysore Palace Keshava Temple - Day 33
Mysore
You have a free day in Mysore with plenty of optional activities. Explore the countryside if you've seen what you need in town. Climb Chamundi Hill to the Sri Chamundeswari Temple dedicated to the goddess Durga. At around 7 pm, meet your group and board a 10-hour overnight train to Hampi.
Optional Activities
- Chamundi Hill & Temple - INR100
Landmarks/POIs Chamundi Hill Sri Chamundeswari Temple - Day 34
Hampi
In the morning, arrive in Hampi and travel to your hotel. Hampi is a temple town on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Once settled, make an optional visit to the Vittala Temple, a 16th-century architectural masterpiece with pillared pavilions, a pool, a palace, and the popular stone chariot.
Optional Activities
- Vittala Temple - INR500
Landmarks/POIs Vittala Temple Tungabhadra River - Day 35
Hampi to Hubli
After breakfast, explore the ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire and the huge boulders around town. In the early evening, drive for around 3 hours by private vehicle to Hubli, where you'll board a 9-hour overnight train to Goa.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Exploration of Vijayanagar Empire ruins and boulders
Landmarks/POIs Vijayanagar Empire Ruins - Day 36
Goa
Your train arrives in Goa and you'll head to the hotel to check in. Goa has Portuguese influences and sandy beaches lining its coast. The day is free to relax on the beach, sip a cocktail at a bar, or take a city walk. Tonight, celebrate with your travel crew at a beachside dinner.
- Day 37
Goa
There are no planned activities for the final day and you can depart at any time. Goa is a great place to end your trip. If possible, stay on for a couple of nights to relax and explore further. Additional accommodation can be arranged if you'd like to extend.
