India Experience

The adventure

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 an 18-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 quiet 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 – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

At a glance

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

India

Showing Days 1-7

18-day itinerary

Day 1DelhiNamaste! Welcome to India. When you arrive at Delhi Airport, you’ll be collected by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After, feel free to explore lively Delhi at your own pace, perhaps by heading to the Red Fort, the Lotus Temple or Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, why not get your new group together to sample of this country’s famed food?

Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India. When you arrive at Delhi Airport, you’ll be collected by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After, feel free to explore lively Delhi at your own pace, perhaps by heading to the Red Fort, the Lotus Temple or Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, why not get your new group together to sample of this country’s famed food?

Day 2DelhiGet your bearings in Delhi by starting your day with a leader-led tour of the oldest part of the city – aptly called Old Delhi. Your leader will help you navigate the metro system so you can explore the impressive Mughal architecture on foot. It’s not Delhi without a traffic jam, so hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandi Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, before heading into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara to observe the capital’s spiritual side. Enjoy a traditional Thali lunch with your group before a free evening to wander the city as you wish. Tap into your leader’s local expertise for food and activity recommendations that match your mood.

Delhi

Get your bearings in Delhi by starting your day with a leader-led tour of the oldest part of the city – aptly called Old Delhi. Your leader will help you navigate the metro system so you can explore the impressive Mughal architecture on foot. It’s not Delhi without a traffic jam, so hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandi Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, before heading into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara to observe the capital’s spiritual side. Enjoy a traditional Thali lunch with your group before a free evening to wander the city as you wish. Tap into your leader’s local expertise for food and activity recommendations that match your mood.

Day 3AgraBoard the train and journey to the city best known for housing one of the Seven Wonders of the World. After you settle into your hotel, head out for lunch in a cafe run by women who have survived acid attacks. After, take in the sights as you head to the Taj Mahal. A tribute to his belated wife, Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this famous monument in 1632 to house her remains. Stroll through the gardens and learn more about its history at the Museum. You can also sign up to an optional demonstration on hand knotted carpets – a craft that dates to the Mughal era – or explore Agra at your own pace.

Agra

Board the train and journey to the city best known for housing one of the Seven Wonders of the World. After you settle into your hotel, head out for lunch in a cafe run by women who have survived acid attacks. After, take in the sights as you head to the Taj Mahal. A tribute to his belated wife, Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this famous monument in 1632 to house her remains. Stroll through the gardens and learn more about its history at the Museum. You can also sign up to an optional demonstration on hand knotted carpets – a craft that dates to the Mughal era – or explore Agra at your own pace.

Day 4Agra/ Ranthambore NPIf you fell in love with the Taj Mahal yesterday, you can opt to visit again today. There is plenty more to see, like the mosque and its symmetrical jawab building on either side of Main Mausoleum. Then, you will visit Agra Fort. Learn how Akbar built a fortress and prison out of red sandstone in 1565, and then Shah Jahan converted and added to the fort to transform it into a palace. In the afternoon, take a private transport to your next location, the Ranthambore National Park, where you’ll stay for two nights. As this is the longest journey on the trip, your leader will help you secure some snacks and drinks for the ride.

Agra

If you fell in love with the Taj Mahal yesterday, you can opt to visit again today. There is plenty more to see, like the mosque and its symmetrical jawab building on either side of Main Mausoleum. Then, you will visit Agra Fort. Learn how Akbar built a fortress and prison out of red sandstone in 1565, and then Shah Jahan converted and added to the fort to transform it into a palace. In the afternoon, take a private transport to your next location, the Ranthambore National Park, where you’ll stay for two nights. As this is the longest journey on the trip, your leader will help you secure some snacks and drinks for the ride.

Day 5Ranthambore NPBegin your day with an adrenaline rush by embarking on a morning safari. As one of the biggest national parks in northern India, Ranthambore is home to a huge variety of mammals, birds and reptiles. Although it’s primarily known for housing the Royal Bengal Tigers, you might also be able to spot leopards, sloth bears and crocodiles when you’re cruising along. Enjoy a free afternoon before setting out on safari again in the evening for more wildlife watching.

Ranthambore NP

Begin your day with an adrenaline rush by embarking on a morning safari. As one of the biggest national parks in northern India, Ranthambore is home to a huge variety of mammals, birds and reptiles. Although it’s primarily known for housing the Royal Bengal Tigers, you might also be able to spot leopards, sloth bears and crocodiles when you’re cruising along. Enjoy a free afternoon before setting out on safari again in the evening for more wildlife watching.

Day 6JaipurStop at a rural village in Sawai Madhopur on your commute to Jaipur and admire the ancient sacred temples erected around the vicinity. When you arrive in Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’ due to its pink buildings, join your leader on an orientation walking tour. The city has been ranked as one of the most pedestrian friendly cities in India so feel safe as you wander through the busy streets and colourful alleyways. After, immerse yourself in the culture by opting to go to a Bollywood movie screening or enjoy some free time this evening.

Jaipur

Stop at a rural village in Sawai Madhopur on your commute to Jaipur and admire the ancient sacred temples erected around the vicinity. When you arrive in Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’ due to its pink buildings, join your leader on an orientation walking tour. The city has been ranked as one of the most pedestrian friendly cities in India so feel safe as you wander through the busy streets and colourful alleyways. After, immerse yourself in the culture by opting to go to a Bollywood movie screening or enjoy some free time this evening.

Day 7JaipurYour leader will show you around more of Jaipur this morning, maybe starting with the City Palace – a building that wouldn’t look out of place in a Wes Anderson film. Although the royal family of Jaipur still occupy the palace, some gardens and courtyards are open to the public. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish. Perhaps visit Jantar Mantar – an observatory filled with instruments to track the stars, built by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Jai Singh. Or you can opt for a hot air balloon ride and watch the countryside below from a bird's eye view.

Jaipur

Your leader will show you around more of Jaipur this morning, maybe starting with the City Palace – a building that wouldn’t look out of place in a Wes Anderson film. Although the royal family of Jaipur still occupy the palace, some gardens and courtyards are open to the public. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish. Perhaps visit Jantar Mantar – an observatory filled with instruments to track the stars, built by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Jai Singh. Or you can opt for a hot air balloon ride and watch the countryside below from a bird's eye view.

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