Basix
Explorer
Iconic India
37 Days | Experience a kaleidoscope of colour and culture
4.6
Excellent
7 reviews
37 days
Start
Delhi, India
Finish
Goa, India
Trip Code
HHRCC
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - null
Physical Rating
Meals
5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Transport
Auto rickshaw, Boat, Bus, Car, Cycle rickshaw, local bus, Metro, Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Taxi, Train
Accommodation
Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night), Guesthouse (5 nights), Heritage Property (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (18 nights), Overnight sleeper train (6 nights)
From £1,891(37 days)
Trip Informations
Travel to the far-flung corners of India on this epic adventure. In the north, journey through Jaisalmer's desert, lose yourself in the electric bazaars of Jodhpur, witness pilgrims performing ancient ceremonies on the ghats of Varanasi and marvel at the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. Then bask in the tropical southern climate, cruise along the Kerala Backwaters, come face-to-face with local customs in small rural towns, and laze on the gorgeous beaches of Goa – India's idyllic holiday destination. Enjoy the freedom to be immersed in the diverse cultures of colourful, chaotic and enchanting India on this small-group adventure.
Why you’ll love this trip
Rajasthan is the India that many people imagine when they dream of travelling to this captivating country – ancient forts, palaces, rural villages and the colourful cities of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaipur.
Pushkar and Varanasi are among the holiest cities in India. Climb to hilltop temples at sunrise, dodge cows in the street, and observe pilgrims praying along the ghats of the sacred Ganges River during a boat cruise.
Explore the wonders of the Thar Desert. Feast on Rajasthani cuisine at sunset before bunking down to camp between the sand dunes.
Glide through the backwaters of Kerala on a pole boat, going ashore for a village homestay – a beautiful break and a perfect way to get close to local customs and culture.
The word ‘colourful’ gets thrown around a lot when people talk about India, but the gateway towers of Meenakshi Amman Temple truly are a technicolour dream.
Is this trip right for you?
This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary has a mix of included activities and free time when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in.
Part of travelling with Tuuur means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. We visit a number of temples on this trip, which requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.
Sleeper trains are a great way to travel long distances while still getting maximum time in each place. Beds are padded berths with sheets, pillow and blanket provided (although some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet). Please note that you may be sharing with locals of the same or opposite gender. More information can be found in the Transport section of the Essential Trip Information.
You will also be travelling by local bus on this trip. While conditions are basic, this is a great way to rub shoulders with the locals while enjoying the passing scenery.
This trip runs all year round, so it’s important to be aware of just how hot it can get in India in the summer months and choose the season that best suits you. Depending on the time of year, temperatures in northern India can get very hot and very cold. Please bring layers and a range of adequate clothing, including thermals and sun protection.
Itinerary
Inclusions
Meals
5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Transport
Auto rickshaw, Boat, Bus, Car, Cycle rickshaw, local bus, Metro, Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Taxi, Train
Accommodation
Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night), Guesthouse (5 nights), Heritage Property (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (18 nights), Overnight sleeper train (6 nights)
Activities
Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Jaisalmer - Leader-led walking tour
Thar Desert - Overnight Desert Camp
Jodhpur - Leader-led walking tour
Udaipur - Leader-led walking tour
Pushkar - Leader-led walking tour
Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour
Abhaneri - Chand Baori stepwell
Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
Trivandrum – Leader-led Orientation Walk
Kerala Backwaters - Pole boat ride
Kerala Backwaters - Guided village walk
Kochi - Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
Periyar - Spice plantation visit
Periyar - Kalaripayattu (Indian Martial Art) performance
Madurai - Leader-led walking tour
Mysore - Leader-led walking tour
Optional activities
Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
Delhi - Red Fort - INR600
Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR3350
Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
Delhi - Hidden Gems of Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4100
Bikaner - Junagarh Fort - INR300
Jaisalmer - Folklore Museum - INR10
Jodhpur - Bishnoi villages day trip - INR750
Jodhpur - Meherangarh Fort - INR600
Udaipur - Cultural performance - INR250
Udaipur - Sajjan Garh Palace (Monsoon Palace) - INR300
Udaipur - Shilpgram craft village - INR50
Udaipur - Cooking class - INR600
Udaipur - City Palace - INR300
Udaipur - Lake Pichola boat ride - INR600
Pushkar - Brahma Temple - Free
Pushkar - Sunrise at Savitri Temple - Free
Jaipur - Amber Fort - INR500
Jaipur - City Palace - INR1000
Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
Agra - Taj Mahal - INR1300
Agra - Agra Fort - INR650
Agra - Akbar's Mausoleum - INR300
Varanasi - Sunset candle flower ceremony - INR400
Varanasi - Sarnath - INR315
Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip - INR400
Kochi - Kathakali performance - INR500
Kochi - Dutch Palace - INR20
Periyar - Guided nature walk - INR1400
Madurai - Sri Meenakshi Temple - INR50
Madurai - Gandhi Museum - Free
Mysore - Keshava Temple - INR200
Mysore - Maharaja's Palace - INR200
Mysore - Chamundi Hill & Temple - INR100
Hampi - Vittala Temple - INR500
Dates and availability
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Important notes
1. This trip is a combination of North India Revealed (HHRR, group size max 16) and South India Revealed (HHSS, group size max 12). As such the makeup of your group and your tour leader may change on Day 22
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 2, 17, 20, 31, 33 and 35 (Overnight sleeper trains) and Day 3 (Camping) where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. The Pushkar Camel Fair is undoubtedly one of the most vibrant festivals in India, and can be a true highlight, but please note the fair is based on the lunar calendar, so the fair dates can vary and it can be hard to confirm the exact festival dates.
We will do all we can to ensure that travellers booked on departures that coincide with the fair will get an opportunity to see the best of the festival, but due to the uncertain and flexible nature of this festival we cannot take responsibility if the dates of the fair are changed resulting in your visit not coinciding with the fair.
Pushkar hotels typically raise their rates considerably during the fair so departures across this period will be subject to a surcharge. Unfortunately, although we make bookings months in advance, Pushkar accommodation tend to overbook at this time so we ask for a flexible approach from our travellers who choose to travel at this time.
4. Hot air balloon flights are operated by Sky Waltz in Jaipur. Flights operate from September 1st to April 30th and last approximately 60 mins. Return transfers, tea and coffee plus light refreshments, and a certificate of flight are included in the cost. You can register your interest and pay your tour leader at your joining meeting on day 1 of your trip. Payment must be made by cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP only and is USD$280pp (subject to change). Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions (tickets are fully refundable in case of bad weather).
5. Please note travelling during major festivals such as Holi and Diwali can, at times, cause disruption the the published itinerary. Please see the 'Safety' section for more details.
6. The trip begins with an important welcome meeting at 6pm.There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.
7. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for flight tickets. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
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