North to South India: The Taj Mahal & Goa Good Times
Experience Overview
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.
Highlights
- Admire the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort
- Capture colourful Rajasthan in your viewfinder
- Lounge on beaches in Goa
- Connect with the locals at a homestay
- Savour delicious Indian cuisine
Trip Details
Product Code: 1513
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Train, metro, local bus, charter bus, jeep, tuk tuk, boat, plane, private vehicle.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
18 - 35 Year Olds Only
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: AHDC
Starts: Delhi, India
Finishes: Kochi, India
Duration: 21 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project, Alleppey Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Discover Moment: Udaipur Your Big Night Out Moment: Dance the Night Away, Goa Your Local Living Moment: Alleppey Homestay, Alleppey Your Big Night Out Moment: Kochi Nightlife, Kochi
- Entrance and guided tour of the Taj Mahal
- Rural Tordi Sagar tour with local guide
- Sunrise at Savitri Temple
- Gandhi Ashram visit
- Guided Kerala boat tour and homestay
- Morning ferry cruise on Kollam's backwaters
- Neendakara Fishing Harbour visit
- Orientation walks in Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur, Mumbai, Kochi, and Kollam
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Simple hotels or guesthouse (twin-share) (18 nts), overnight train (1 nt), homestay (1 nt).
- 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Transport
- Train, metro, local bus, charter bus, jeep, tuk tuk, boat, plane, private vehicle.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,799 ($86 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
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!
Day 2: Delhi/Āgra
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.
Day 3: Āgra/Jaipur
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.
Day 4: Jaipur
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.
Day 5: Jaipur/Tordi Sāgar
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. For lunch, get a taste of rural village life over a traditional lunch. 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.
Day 6: Tordi Sāgar/Pushkar
Travel 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.
Day 7: Pushkar
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!
Day 8: Pushkar/Udaipur
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.
Day 9-10: Udaipur
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.
Day 11: Udaipur/Mumbai
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.
Day 12: Mumbai
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.
Day 13: Mumbai/Goa
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.
Day 14: 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.
Day 15: Goa/Kochi
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.
Day 16: Kochi/Alleppey
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.
Day 17: Alleppey/Kollam
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.
Day 18: Kollam/Varkala
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.
Day 19: Varkala
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.
Day 20: Varkala/Kochi
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.
Day 21: Kochi
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.
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Laura M - Traveled, November 2023
This was my first group travel. Normally I traveled alone or by friends and I was really surprised about the nice experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/25/2023
Frederik N - Traveled, November 2023
Overall, the trip was very efficient in seeing many things in a short time
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/25/2023
Emily H - Traveled, November 2023
Easy to travel, everything Is sorted
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/25/2023
Holly B - Traveled, October 2023
The itinerary we had was great - covered a lot in the 21 days we had. Felt very at ease and safe travelling around. Massive thanks to our two tour guides Raghu and Muttu for their brilliant knowledge and service they provided. The only negative was some of the accommodation we stayed at.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/11/2023
Matthew R - Traveled, October 2023
The tour itself was brilliant. 2 very good guides in Raghu and Mutthu. India is very interesting, culturally we have not been anywhere like it. Lots of hustle and bustle and amazing attractions. The food was great and very catering to dietary requirements, our guides knowledge on local eateries was perfect and we successfully avoided Delhi belly! Our only negative was in regards to some accommodation and locations in some places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/11/2023
Elise T - Traveled, October 2023
Especially traveling to India, I would highly likely recommed G Adventures to them, but sometimes you will not be as free as you maybe would like.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/11/2023
Julia K - Traveled, October 2023
Well Organized, good value for money
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Maria S - Traveled, October 2023
The leader ran the trip to the best of his ability with the sources he had. The accommodation was horrendous, it could have been better for budget
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Kylie N - Traveled, October 2023
The guides are exemplary, i like that you practice sustainable tourism, and also it's great value for money
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Abbie B - Traveled, October 2023
I find it's just the best way to travel, so easy, you see amazing things and meet the best people
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Sarah B - Traveled, November 2023
Really good way of seeing india
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/13/2023
Katie B - Traveled, October 2023
I have had an amazing experience. So many activities and great memories to look back on with new friends. The trip was so great for getting to experience the local culture, without the hassle of having to plan everything yourself. The CEOs of both trips were lovely, and always willing to help.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2023
Alexandra M - Traveled, September 2023
good value, great tour leaders - amazing time!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2023
Victoria C - Traveled, September 2023
Brilliantly organised tours, packing in as much as possible
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2023
Lisa V - Traveled, September 2023
Ease that everything is arranged for you
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
Celine v - Traveled, August 2023
Love all the trips I have done so far!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
Freddie H - Traveled, August 2023
Very helpful guides
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Mary S - Traveled, August 2023
It depends on the friend or family member',s ability to adjust to this particular style of travel. Furthermore individuals expectations and levels of flexibility varies so therefore I would highly recommend this style of travel for those with a high level of flexibility and patience, where's not to those who are higher maintenace.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Shannon P - Traveled, August 2023
The entire tour ran so smoothly, it was also great having a CEO with us to gain the extra knowledge and recommendations. For the more difficult countries to visit, I'd definitely recommend a G Adeventures trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2023
Georgia M - Traveled, August 2023
It was a fast pace tour that showed all the highlights of each destination - it was made much easier by having all the transport included so nothing to worry about
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2023
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