Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Accommodation

Hotels/guesthouses (24 nts), comfortable tented camp (1 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), homestay (1 nt, multi-share).

Hygieneprotocol

As of October 1, 2021 G Adventures’ Vaccinated Tours Policy applies:  All travelers must meet the G Adventures requirements for joining their tours.  The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour.  There are some tours and departures that are only ‘Travel-Ready’ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours before the first day of the tour.  Please, double check with the G Adventures Support Team about the requirements of your tour and departure date. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 below** Travel with Confidence & Vaccinated Tours As we continue to see vaccine mandates shifting and countries evolving COVID-19 policies, we have continued to monitor and adjust our policies in line. Based on this, we will be making some adjustments to our Vaccinated Tours and Travel with Confidence policy in 2023. Tours departing on or after March 31, 2023 we will no longer be requiring all travellers to be vaccinated to travel with G Adventures. However, we still strongly recommend that all travellers are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to travelling. As per our existing policy, it is the travellers responsibility to ensure they are aware of and adhere to the regulations of the country they are visiting. Please remember to ensure that your travellers have adequate travel insurance to protect them should their travel plans change, this should include trip disruption and COVID-19 coverage. Our National Geographic Journeys, National Geographic Family Journeys and G Expedition will remain fully vaccinated for all departures . You can read more about these policies here: https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  Leading up to March 31, 2023 our tours will continue to be Vaccinated Tours and you can look for the Vaccinated Tours icon to indicate which departures are vaccinated and which will not require a vaccination as we move forward with this change. You can find more information on our Travel with Confidence landing page https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  or as well as on Sherpa.  Thank you for your continued support as we navigate these updates. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 above**

Others

Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport Your G for Good Moment: City Walk, Delhi Your G for Good Moment: Anoothi Block Printing Experience, Jaipur Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project, Alleppey Your Welcome Moment: 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, Baby Taj and 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 Tea Plantation and Factory visit. 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.

Transport

Train, local bus, private vehicle, auto-rickshaw, boat, plane.

Meals

3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

Not included:

Optional

Delhi - Kitchen with a Cause Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Visit (200INR per person, 1000INR per group) - Raj Mandir Cinema and Movie (200-400INR per person) - City Palace Visit (700INR per person) - Jaipur Balloon Ride - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) Visit (200INR per person) Fatehpur Sīkri - Fatehpur Sikri Visit (500INR per person) Orchha - Cooking Class (1000INR per person) Varanasi - Sarnath Visit (200INR per person, 5000-9000INR per group) Madurai - Meenakshi Temple Night Visit (50INR per person, 1000INR per group) Periyār Lake - Periyar Lake Boat Ride (500INR per group)

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here ( https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance ).

Others

1. CULTURE India is a country which is very different to anything you will have experienced before. Although this means it is not the easiest place to travel, this is also what makes it so special. Pollution, poverty and the crowds can result in initial culture shock but should be seen as an exciting new challenge. During our time here we have come to love this large and wonderfully different country but we know that we should always expect to encounter some difficulties along the way. In India there are very different attitudes to time keeping, public cleanliness, privacy and service. Trains will sometimes be late, plumbing can sometimes be temperamental and power will often just vanish. Optimistic menus turn out to have only one dish available and everyone, just everyone, will want to know your name. If you are able to travel with a lot of patience and a healthy sense of humour, then we know that you - like all of us - will be captivated by what India has to offer. 2. BANDHAVGARH NP CLOSURE Bandhavgarh NP is closed between 1 July - 30 September each year. During this time an alternative program will operate. 3. COMBO TRIP Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes. 4. Please Note: Only 1 piece of luggage that weighs up to 15kgs will be permitted on our internal flights in India. For any extra weight the airline may charge an additional fee at the time of check-in. 5. ACCOMMODATION NOTE: Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Visit (200INR per person, 1000INR per group) - Raj Mandir Cinema and Movie (200-400INR per person) - City Palace Visit (700INR per person) - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) Visit (200INR per person) - Jaipur Cycle Tour - Jaipur Balloon Ride Fatehpur Sīkri - Fatehpur Sikri Visit (500INR per person) Orchha - Orchha Cooking School Varanasi - Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old Benaras - Guided Tour of Sarnath Madurai - Meenakshi Temple Night Visit (50INR per person) Periyār Lake - Periyar Lake Boat Ride (1050INR per person)

Flights

International flights are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Delhi

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project.

Included Activities:
- Women With Wheels Transfer
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Day 2 Day 2: Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Delhi

Enjoy a youth-led morning walk through Delhi by G Adventures-supported City Walk project offering 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 Old City. Walk through Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest and busiest markets, and learn the history of the Sikh religion at Gurdwara. Stop for photos at the colourful market before finishing at Connaught Place, one of the most prominent architectural remnants of British rule.

Included Activities:
- City Walk
- Jama Masjid Visit
- Gurdwara Sis Ganj Visit
- Connaught Place Visit
- Chandni Chowk Visit
Day 3 Day 3: Delhi/Jaipur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Delhi/Jaipur

Drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, to start exploring the Pink City. Along the way, try your hand at block printing with the women of the Anoothi Project. Later, opt to visit the Jantar Mantar, or Royal Observatory. Don’t miss the opportunity to see a Bollywood film at the famous Art Deco Raj Mandir cinema.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 05:00 - 06:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Anoothi Block Printing Experience
Day 4 Day 4: Jaipur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Jaipur

Stop and admire the intricate architecture of Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) before venturing to the ruined city of Amber to explore the famous Fort.
Opt to see the city on bicycle by pre-booking the Jaipur Cycle Tour.

Included Activities:
- Amber Fort Visit

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Jaipur Cycle Tour
Day 5 Day 5: Jaipur/Dhula Village (1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Jaipur/Dhula Village (1D)

Travel to Dhula Village and get a closer look at rural life in Rajasthan during a cycling excursion. Tonight, settle in to your cozy tent, relax by the fire, and take in the starry night sky.
Before saying farewell to the Pink City, admire it from above by pre-booking the Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour.

Tonight’s accommodation is in spacious and comfortable tents outfitted with beds, lamps, and simple en suite bathrooms.

Meals Included:
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 02:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Village Cycling Excursion

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Jaipur Balloon Ride
Day 6 Day 6: Dhula Village/Āgra (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Dhula Village/Āgra (1B)

Stop by the impressive Abhaneri stepwell en route to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Dhula Village to Āgra 04:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Abhaneri Stepwell Visit
Day 7 Day 7: Gra
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Gra

Visit the sparkling, iconic Taj Mahal for sunrise with time to explore the picturesque grounds. Afterward, take a ride to the walled city of Agra Fort and Baby Taj.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle

Included Activities:
- Taj Mahal Visit
- Agra Fort Visit
- Baby Taj Visit
Day 8 Day 8: Gra/Alīpura
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Gra/Alīpura

Board a morning train then transfer to a private vehicle for a ride across rough Indian roads to Alipura. This friendly village will be our base for two days where you’ll stay in a heritage property with time to wander the town and interact with local people.

Transport:
- Train 03:00 Hr(s)
- Private Vehicle 02:00 - 02:30 Hr(s)
Day 9 Day 9: Alīpura
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Alīpura

Enjoy a day trip to Khajuraho, where India’s largest group of medieval temples reside, known for their Kama Sutra statues. 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 or watch an evening dance performance.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Khajurāho to Alīpura 01:30 - 02:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Khajuraho Temples Guided Tour
Day 10 Day 10: Alīpura/Orchha
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 embark on 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.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Alīpura to Orchha 02:30 - 03:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Tarragram Visit
- Puja Ceremony

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Orchha Cooking School
Day 11 Day 11: Orchha/Varanasi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Orchha/Varanasi

Visit the Orchha Palace complex and enjoy free time before the overnight train to Varanasi.
Opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Orchha Cooking School extra when booking your tour.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Orchha to Jhānsi 00:15 - 00:30 Hr(s)
- Basic Overnight Train (beds) 13:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Orchha Palace Visit
Day 12 Day 12: Varanasi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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. Take an orientation walk through the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. There is time here to shop, wander, and absorb the atmosphere of this unique city. Marvel at the ghats from the River Ganges as you enjoy an evening boat trip to witness a mesmerizing candle-lit flower ceremony.
Pre-book the Varanasi Heritage Walk and enjoy a guided tour that focuses more on the local life in Varanasi and its philosophical and cultural values. Witness pilgrims singing and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of Varanasi in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Included Activities:
- Evening Ganges Boat Tour

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old Benaras
Day 13 Day 13: Varanasi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Varanasi

Watch the sunrise from a boat along the Ganges. Spend the rest of the day getting to know this holy city. Opt to visit the monasteries and ruins of nearby Sarnath, the site of the Buddha’s first sermon.

Included Activities:
- Morning Ganges Boat Tour

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Guided Tour of Sarnath

Additional Notes: Pre-book the Guided Visit of Sarnath and learn about the life of the Buddha. Discover the archeological ruins of the monastery. Explore the museum at Sarnath and the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Visit temples constructed by the buddhist people of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan and stop to admire the Buddha statue during the three hours of guided exploration.
Day 14 Day 14: Varanasi/Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Varanasi/Delhi

Soak up some free time this morning and continue exploring Varanasi. Later, cut out the travel time with a flight back to bustling Delhi.
Day 15 Day 15: Delhi/Kochi (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Delhi/Kochi (1B)

Fly to the port city of Kochi. Settle into your hotel and enjoy free time to relax the rest of the day. Opt to catch the sunset over the Arabian Sea, framed by hundreds of boats and fishing nets.
In the evening, there will be a welcome meeting for new travellers joining the group.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Plane: Delhi to Kochi 03:00 - 03:30 Hr(s)

Additional Notes: 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.
Day 16 Day 16: Kochi/Sultan Bathery
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Kochi/Sultan Bathery

Take a morning train followed by a scenic drive to reach Sultan Bathery, in the Wayanad district.

Transport:
- Train 04:00 Hr(s)
- Private Vehicle 03:00 - 03:30 Hr(s)
Day 17 Day 17: Sultan Bathery
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Sultan Bathery

Walk the nature trails through the farm area in Wayanad. Also take a tour of a tea factory and plantation to learn about tea production in the area from a guide.
Wayanad region of the western Ghats in Kerala is renowned for its sprawling tea plantations and is known to produce some of the finest teas.

Included Activities:
- Wayanad Nature Walk
- Wayanad Tea Factory Visit
Day 18 Day 18: Sultan Bathery/Mysore
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Sultan Bathery/Mysore

Settle in for the drive to the ancient city of 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.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 04:00 - 05:00 Hr(s)
Day 19 Day 19: Mysore
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Mysore

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.
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.

Included Activities:
- Chamundi Temple Visit
- Mysore Palace Visit
Day 20 Day 20: Mysore/Māmallapuram
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Mysore/Māmallapuram

Enjoy a full day of train travel to Chennai before a short bus ride to Mamallapuram.
Arrive by train to Chennai before continuing south for a short ride to the small village of Mamallapuram.

Transport:
- Train 08:00 Hr(s)
- Private Vehicle 01:00 - 01:30 Hr(s)
Day 21 Day 21: Māmallapuram
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Māmallapuram

Visit the Shore Temple. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Mamallapuram.
In the morning, visit the 7th century Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Included Activities:
- Shore Temple Visit
Day 22 Day 22: Māmallapuram/Puducherry
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Māmallapuram/Puducherry

Continue to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry) and learn about Sri Aurobindo Ghose at the ashram.
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.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 02:00 - 02:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Orientation With CEO
Day 23 Day 23: Puducherry/Madurai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Puducherry/Madurai

Travel inland to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 06:00 - 07:00 Hr(s)
Day 24 Day 24: Madurai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 24: Madurai

Hop on a cycle rickshaw for a tour of the city before visiting the famous Meenakshi Temple.
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.

Included Activities:
- Cycle-Rickshaw Tour
- Meenakshi Temple Visit
Day 25 Day 25: Madurai/Thekkady (1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 25: Madurai/Thekkady (1D)

Drive to Thekkady. Take a guided tour of spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills.
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.

Meals Included:
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 04:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Cardamom Hills Spice Plantation Tour
Day 26 Day 26: Thekkady/Kerala Backwaters (1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 26: Thekkady/Kerala Backwaters (1L, 1D)

Travel to Alleppey for a local homestay. Experience local life and a guided walk along the lagoon.
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.

Meals Included:
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 04:00 - 05:30 Hr(s)
- Boat: Alleppey to Kerala Backwaters 00:15 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Kerala Backwaters Homestay

Additional Notes: 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.
Day 27 Day 27: Kerala Backwaters/Kochi (1B, 1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 27: Kerala Backwaters/Kochi (1B, 1L)

Spend the morning enjoying last moments with your host family. Learn to cook some local food, watch the toddy tappers at work, or wander around the village. Travel to a Planeterra project for lunch before returning to Kochi. Head out for an orientation walk, then enjoy an evening performance of kathakali, a form of traditional dancing from Kerala.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Transport:
- Boat: Kerala Backwaters to Alleppey 01:30 Hr(s)
- Private Vehicle 02:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project
- Orientation Walk
- Kathakali Dance
Day 28 Day 28: Kochi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 28: Kochi

Depart at any time.

Included Activities:
- Departure Day

+25

28 days tour

India Encompassed

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip India Encompassed

Day 1: Delhi

Day 2: Delhi

Day 3: Delhi/Jaipur

Day 4: Jaipur

Day 5: Jaipur/Dhula Village (1D)

Day 6: Dhula Village/Āgra (1B)

Day 7: Gra

Day 8: Gra/Alīpura

Day 9: Alīpura

Day 10: Alīpura/Orchha

Day 11: Orchha/Varanasi

Day 12: Varanasi

Day 13: Varanasi

Day 14: Varanasi/Delhi

Day 15: Delhi/Kochi (1B)

Day 16: Kochi/Sultan Bathery

Day 17: Sultan Bathery

Day 18: Sultan Bathery/Mysore

Day 19: Mysore

Day 20: Mysore/Māmallapuram

Day 21: Māmallapuram

Day 22: Māmallapuram/Puducherry

Day 23: Puducherry/Madurai

Day 24: Madurai

Day 25: Madurai/Thekkady (1D)

Day 26: Thekkady/Kerala Backwaters (1L, 1D)

Day 27: Kerala Backwaters/Kochi (1B, 1L)

Day 28: Kochi

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