India Encompassed
28 days
From
$ 2799
Duration28 days
From the white marble of the Taj Mahal to the unforgettable backwaters of Kerala, your camera's shutter will be snapping nonstop throughout this comprehensive Indian journey. Sail along the sacred Ganges River in Varanasi and explore Abhaneri’s carved stepwells in the North before flying south to search for tigers in the wild and exotic spices in relaxed hill stations. With an intriguing combination of included activities and free time, city streets, and rural spirit, you're sure to gain an understanding of the people and some insight into this fascinating land.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 28 daysService level: Standard
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included through the G Adventures-supported Women on Wheels project.
Day 2: Delhi
Enjoy a youth-led walking tour of Delhi with G Adventures-supported project, City Walk. This tour offers a unique perspective of Delhi while supporting at-risk youth.
Later, visit Delhi’s famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) and climb the minaret for a bird’s eye view of the Old City. Walk through Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest and busiest markets, and learn the history of the Sikh religion at the important Gurdwara, (Sikh place of worship) Gurdwara SisGanj. Stop for photos at the colourful market before finishing at the Victorian Connaught Place, one of the most prominent architectural remnants of British rule.
Later, visit Delhi’s famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) and climb the minaret for a bird’s eye view of the Old City. Walk through Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest and busiest markets, and learn the history of the Sikh religion at the important Gurdwara, (Sikh place of worship) Gurdwara SisGanj. Stop for photos at the colourful market before finishing at the Victorian Connaught Place, one of the most prominent architectural remnants of British rule.
Enjoy a youth-led morning walk through Delhi by G Adventures-supported City Walk project. Later, visit Old Delhi, explore the markets, and visit Jama Masjid and Connaught Place.
Day 3: Delhi/Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and start exploring. Opt to visit the Jantar Mantar, or Royal Observatory. Don't miss the opprtunity to see a Bollywood film at the famous Art Deco Raj Mandir cinema.
Arrive in Jaipur and explore this gorgeous 'pink city'.
Day 4: Jaipur
Head out to visit the ruined city of Amber, the former capital of Jaipur state. Stop and take a photo of the Hawa Mahal palace complex, elaborate formal gardens, and a small lake. Opt to see the city by bicycle by pre-booking the Jaipur Cycle Tour extra.
Stop and take a photo of the 'Palace of the Winds' and wander the organized streets of the 'Pink City'. Later, enjoy a visit to the Amber Fort, famous for its mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture.
Day 5: Jaipur/Dhula Village
Tonight's accommodation is in spacious and comfortable tents outfitted with beds, lamps, and simple en suite bathrooms.
Travel to Dhula Village and get a closer look at rural life in Rajasthan during a cycling excursion. Tonight opt to relax by the fire and take in the starry night sky.
Meals: D
Day 6: Dhula Village/Āgra
Stop by the impressive Abhaneri stepwell en route to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.
Meals: B
Day 7: Āgra
Visit the sparkling Taj Mahal for sunrise then stick around to explore (if the light is better around sunset, we may visit later in the day instead). Later, visit the walled city of Agra Fort by cycle-rickshaw and the I'timad-ud-Daulah, or the Baby Taj.
Visit the famous Taj Mahal, Baby Taj, and Agra Fort.
Day 8: Āgra/Alīpura
Leave early and travel along typically rough Indian roads to Alipura, a friendly village which will be our base for two days.
Here, stay in a heritage property with time to wander the town and interact with locals.
Here, stay in a heritage property with time to wander the town and interact with locals.
Travel to Alipura and stay in a heritage property in the village.
Day 9: Alīpura
Travel 1.5 hrs to Khajuraho, one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Learn the history of these world-famous temples on a guided tour and enjoy a taste of a little erotica from the Middle Ages.
After, opt to visit a nearby waterfall (seasonal) or watch an evening dance performance.
After, opt to visit a nearby waterfall (seasonal) or watch an evening dance performance.
Enjoy a day trip to Khajuraho to visit the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, India's largest group of medieval temples, known for their kama sutra statues.
Day 10: Alīpura/Orchha
En route to Orchha, visit a unique paper making plant, set up to assist tribal women from the area. All the paper is made from recycled clothing and wood pulp. Continue on to Orchha and enjoy an orientation tour of this small town. Set on the banks of the Betwa River, it is the perfect antidote to the chaos of India’s cities. Later, attend an evening puja ceremony at the Ram Raja Temple.
Visit Orchha, a quiet rural town along the banks of the Betwa River and enjoy a puja ceremony. Visit a unique paper-making plant en route, set up to assist tribal women from the area.
Day 11: Orchha/Varanasi
Opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Orchha Cooking School extra when booking your tour.
Visit the Orchha Palace complex and enjoy free time before the overnight train to Varanasi.
Day 12: Varanasi
Disembark the train in legendary Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindus visit for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die.
There is time here to shop, wander, and absorb the atmosphere of this unique city, while optional activities include the monasteries and ruins of nearby Sarnath, the site of the Buddha's first sermon.
There is time here to shop, wander, and absorb the atmosphere of this unique city, while optional activities include the monasteries and ruins of nearby Sarnath, the site of the Buddha's first sermon.
Take an orientation walk through the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. Marvel at the ghats from the River Ganges as you enjoy boat trips at sunrise and sunset.
Day 13: Varanasi
Watch the sunrise from a boat along the Ganges. Enjoy free time in this holy city.
Day 14: Varanasi/Delhi
Soak up some free time this morning and explore the city. Later, cut out the travel time with a flight back to Delhi.
Day 15: Delhi/Kochi
Transfer to the airport and fly to Kochi. In the evening, there will be a welcome meeting for new travellers joining the group.
Fly to Kochi. In the evening, meet your South India CEO and some new group members.
You may have one CEO for the North and one for the South. In this case you will be transferred to the airport in Delhi and fly unescorted to Kochi -- either on your own or with any other travellers who are continuing on for the south portion of the tour. Upon arrival to Kochi, there is free time to relax until the welcome meeting in the evening.
Meals: B
Day 16: Kochi
Enjoy a morning orientation walk of Fort Kochi. After, take some free time to explore before an evening performance of kathakali, a form of traditional dancing from Kerala.
Day 17: Kochi/Kalpetta
Take a morning train followed by a scenic drive to reach Kalpetta, in the Wayanad district.
Day 18: Kalpetta
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Western Ghat region of Kerala, it is spread over an area of nearly 345 sq km and has a variety of exotic flora and fauna. The sanctuary was declared as a site of Project Elephant in the year 1992.
Walk the nature trails through the forested areas in Wayanad. Also take a wildlife drive in search of elephants and bison.
Day 19: Kalpetta/Mysore
Travel to Mysore (formally Mysuru) located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947.
Settle in for the drive to the ancient city of Mysore.
Day 20: Mysore
Imagine life as a Maharaja on a guided tour of the Mysore Palace. Later, join the throngs of pilgrims at Chamundi Hills, with its temple on top, and Nandi the Bull (ridden by the Hindu god Shiva) a short walk below.
In your free time, visit the Devaraja fruit and vegetable market or join a yoga class at one of the many local institutes.
Opt to drive to Somnathpur, home to one of the most famous Hoysala Temples in India.
In your free time, visit the Devaraja fruit and vegetable market or join a yoga class at one of the many local institutes.
Opt to drive to Somnathpur, home to one of the most famous Hoysala Temples in India.
Explore the vibrant city of Mysore including visits to Chamundi Temple and Mysore Palace. After enjoy free time and opt to visit the Devaraja market or join a yoga class.
Day 21: Mysore/Māmallapuram
Arrive by train to Chennai before continuing south for a short ride to the small village of Mamallapuram. Visit the 7th century Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Enjoy a full day of train travel to Chennai before a short bus ride to Mamallapuram. Visit the Shore Temple.
Day 22: Māmallapuram
Free time to explore Mamallapuram.
Day 23: Māmallapuram/Puducherry
In the morning, drive to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry), formerly the the largest French Colony in India and an important trading town. There is a strong French influence in the city's layout, with wide boulevards and French-style houses, but the city is undoubtedly Indian.
Continue to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry) and learn about Sri Aurobindo Ghose at the ashram.
Day 24: Puducherry/Madurai
Travel inland to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Day 25: Madurai
After visiting the temple complex, opt to visit the handicraft shops or duck into the cool shade of the covered, stone tailor’s market where, for a few rupees, rows of expert tailors will whip you up a custom shirt in minutes, all done on antique foot-pump sewing machines. In the late evening, opt to visit the Meenakshi Temple again for a glimpse of the nighttime rituals.
Hope on a cycle rickshaw for a tour of the city before visiting the famous Meenakshi Temple.
Day 26: Madurai/Periyār Sanctuary
Thekkady, adjacent to Periyar National Park, is the spice capital of India. On arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the spice plantations and a tea factory.
Opt for a boat ride on the Periyar Lake.
Opt for a boat ride on the Periyar Lake.
Drive to Thekkady. Take a guided tour of spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills.
Meals: D
Day 27: Periyār Sanctuary/Kerala Backwaters
Travel down to the backwaters from Thekkady to catch a private boat for the short journey to the village homestay.
In the afternoon, explore the island with a local person to observe the different facets of local life — it's a great opportunity to meet and talk with the people who live in this unique location.
Just before sunset, hop on a small country boat and journey along with the locals to enjoy sunset on the winding backwaters.
In the afternoon, explore the island with a local person to observe the different facets of local life — it's a great opportunity to meet and talk with the people who live in this unique location.
Just before sunset, hop on a small country boat and journey along with the locals to enjoy sunset on the winding backwaters.
Travel to Alleppey for a local homestay. Experience local life and a guided walk along the lagoon.
For this homestay, you will only need to take a small overnight bag. Your main bags will be transferred directly to the hotel in Kochi.
Enjoy traditional Keralan homecooking at the homestay.
Enjoy traditional Keralan homecooking at the homestay.
Meals: L, D
Day 28: Kerala Backwaters/Kochi
The morning is spent enjoying the last of our host family's hospitality. Learn to cook some of the wonderful food, watch the toddy tappers at work, or wander around the village and explore more of the life on the backwaters.
Depart the homestay and travel back to Kochi. The trip ends on arrival to Kochi in the early afternoon.
Depart the homestay and travel back to Kochi. The trip ends on arrival to Kochi in the early afternoon.
Travel back to Kochi where the trip ends upon arrival.
Enjoy traditional Keralan homecooking.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Women on Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport Your G for Good Moment: City Walk, Delhi Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Kerala Backwaters Homestay, Alleppey
- Old Delhi walk
- Amber Fort tour
- Rajasthani rural village stay
- Dhula Village cycling excursion
- Taj Mahal and I’timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) entrance
- Agra Fort tour
- Orchha Palace complex visit
- Western Temple complex visit
- Ganges River boat trips at sunrise and sunset, including candle flower ceremony
- Fort Kochi orientation walk
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary walk and safari
- Chaumundi Temple and Mysore Palace visit
- Mamallapuram Shore Temple visit
- Pondicherry orientation walk
- Madurai cycle-rickshaw ride and Sri Meenakshi temple visit
- Cardamom Hills spice plantation tour
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Train, Local bus, Private vehicle, Auto-rickshaw, Camel cart, Boat, Plane -
Accommodation
Hotels/guesthouses (23 nts), Comfortable tented camp (2 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt), Homestay (1 nt, multi-share)