North India, Rajasthan, Kerala, South India & Goa, India
Iconic India: Delhi to Goa Grand Explorer
37 Day Small Group India Adventure with Rajasthan, Taj Mahal, Varanasi, Kerala Backwaters, Hampi & Goa
Package Highlights
- Travel across India from Delhi to Goa on a 37-day explorer-style adventure
- Discover Old Delhi by metro, walking tour and cycle rickshaw
- Visit Jama Masjid and Sheeshganj Gurudwara in Delhi
- Explore Rajasthan’s classic cities including Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Pushkar and Jaipur
- Camp under the stars in the Thar Desert
- Wander through Jaisalmer’s golden fort lanes and desert architecture
- Explore Jodhpur, Rajasthan’s famous Blue City
- Experience Udaipur’s lake city atmosphere and colourful markets
- Visit Pushkar, one of India’s sacred pilgrimage towns
- Discover Jaipur’s bazaars, palaces and optional Amber Fort experience
- See Abhaneri’s impressive Chand Baori stepwell
- Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra
- Experience spiritual Varanasi and the ancient lanes near the Ganges
- Fly south to Trivandrum for the Kerala and South India section
- Relax on the coastal cliffs and beaches of Varkala
- Cruise through the Kerala Backwaters by pole boat
- Stay in a local Kerala backwaters guesthouse
- Explore Fort Kochi and its heritage streets
- Visit a spice plantation in Periyar
- Watch a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts performance
- Discover Madurai, Mysore and Hampi
- Finish with free time on the beaches of Goa
What’s Included
- 36 nights accommodation
- 18 nights in selected hotels
- 5 nights in guesthouses
- 2 nights in heritage properties
- 1 night Kerala homestay or local guesthouse
- 1 night basic desert camping experience
- 3 nights on overnight sleeper trains
- 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners
- Internal flight from Delhi to Trivandrum as per itinerary
- Transport by metro, cycle rickshaw, auto rickshaw, local bus, private vehicle, train, overnight sleeper train, taxi, boat and plane
- Delhi Old Delhi walking and rickshaw tour
- Visit to Jama Masjid Mosque
- Visit to Sheeshganj Gurudwara Sikh Temple
- Jaisalmer leader-led walking tour
- Jodhpur leader-led walking tour
- Udaipur leader-led walking tour
- Pushkar leader-led walking tour
- Jaipur leader-led walking and market tour
- Abhaneri Chand Baori stepwell visit
- Abhaneri Harshat Mata Temple visit
- Taj Mahal visit in Agra
- Varanasi 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 martial arts performance
- Madurai leader-led walking tour
- Mysore leader-led walking tour
- Services of local group leaders
- Travel Ezy booking assistance
Not Included
- International flights unless added separately
- India visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Optional tours and entrance fees
- Camera fees where applicable
- Personal expenses
- Tips and porterage
- Airport transfers unless specified
- Single supplement unless added and confirmed
- Additional accommodation before or after the tour
- Any services not listed under inclusions
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and meet your tour leader and fellow travellers at the evening welcome meeting. If you arrive earlier, you may choose to explore nearby markets or settle in before the adventure begins.
Old Delhi and overnight train
Travel by metro into Old Delhi and explore the busy streets by walking tour and cycle rickshaw. Visit Jama Masjid and Sheeshganj Gurudwara before boarding an overnight train to Bikaner.
Bikaner
Arrive in Bikaner, a historic Rajasthan city known for red sandstone forts, palaces and old city streets. Join your leader for a walk through the old city, with free time later to explore or visit Junagarh Fort.
Bikaner to Jaisalmer
Travel by train to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan’s golden desert city. After arrival, settle into your guesthouse and join a leader-led walk through the city.
Jaisalmer
Enjoy a free day in Jaisalmer. Explore the living fort, Jain temples, carved havelis, winding lanes and desert-style markets at your own pace.
Thar Desert camp
Travel by jeep into the Thar Desert. Meet local guides, enjoy a simple Rajasthani-style dinner and spend the night in a basic desert camp under the stars.
Thar Desert to Jodhpur
Wake early for sunrise over the desert before travelling by train to Jodhpur. Arrive in the Blue City and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Jodhpur
Join a leader-led walk through Jodhpur. Optional activities may include Mehrangarh Fort or a visit to nearby Bishnoi villages for insight into rural Rajasthan.
Jodhpur to Udaipur
Travel by local bus to Udaipur, a romantic lake city set among the Aravalli Hills. On arrival, enjoy a guided walk through the old city, bazaars and narrow lanes.
Udaipur
Spend a free day exploring Udaipur. You may choose to visit City Palace, take a seasonal Lake Pichola boat ride, join a cooking class or visit Monsoon Palace.
Udaipur to Pushkar
Travel by train to Ajmer and continue by private vehicle to Pushkar. Join a walking tour through the bazaar and around Pushkar Lake, one of India’s sacred pilgrimage sites.
Pushkar
Enjoy a free day in Pushkar. Rise early for an optional walk to Savitri Temple, visit Brahma Temple or explore the town’s markets and cafes.
Pushkar to Jaipur
Travel by local bus to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s Pink City. Explore the markets and streets with your leader, then enjoy a free evening to try local food.
Jaipur
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Jaipur. Optional experiences may include Amber Fort, City Palace, a Bollywood movie at Raj Mandir Cinema or a seasonal hot air balloon flight.
Abhaneri
Travel to the rural town of Abhaneri and visit Chand Baori, a striking ancient stepwell. Also visit Harshat Mata Temple before an included dinner.
Abhaneri to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri
Continue towards Agra with the option to stop at Fatehpur Sikri. On arrival in Agra, visit the Taj Mahal, one of India’s most famous landmarks.
Agra and overnight train to Varanasi
Enjoy free time in Agra. Optional visits may include Agra Fort or Akbar’s Mausoleum before boarding an overnight sleeper train to Varanasi.
Varanasi
Arrive in Varanasi and transfer to your hotel. Join a guided walk through the old city’s narrow lanes, then consider an evening experience along the Ganges.
Varanasi
Spend the day exploring Varanasi at your own pace. Optional experiences may include a sunrise boat trip on the Ganges, Sarnath or walks along the ghats.
Varanasi and overnight train to Delhi
Enjoy a final morning in Varanasi before boarding an overnight train back to Delhi.
Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and enjoy a free day to rest, shop or continue exploring the city before the southern India stage of the journey begins.
Delhi to Trivandrum
Transfer to the airport for the included flight to Trivandrum. Meet your new leader and travellers in the evening, then enjoy an orientation walk.
Trivandrum to Varkala
Travel along the Kerala coast to Varkala. Settle into your resort and enjoy free time by the beach, clifftops and local restaurants.
Varkala
Enjoy a relaxed day in Varkala. Swim, surf, walk the cliffs or simply unwind by the Arabian Sea.
Kerala Backwaters
Travel by train to Alappuzha and continue into the Kerala Backwaters. Stay in a local guesthouse, explore the canals by pole boat and join a guided village walk.
Kerala Backwaters to Kochi
Cross the backwaters by private boat and continue by local bus to Kochi. Arrive around midday and explore Fort Kochi, with an optional Kathakali performance in the evening.
Kochi
Join a leader-led walk through Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Explore the old trading quarter, local heritage streets and the area around the Dutch Palace.
Kochi to Periyar
Travel inland by private vehicle to Periyar. After arrival, visit a local spice plantation and learn about cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.
Periyar
Enjoy free time in Periyar. Optional nature walks may be available, and an included Kalaripayattu martial arts performance gives insight into traditional Kerala culture.
Periyar to Madurai
Travel to Madurai, a lively temple city filled with bazaars, pilgrims and rickshaws. Join a leader-led walk and consider visiting Sri Meenakshi Temple.
Madurai and overnight train to Mysore
Spend the day at leisure in Madurai. Visit museums, explore markets or discover temple architecture before boarding an overnight sleeper train to Mysore.
Mysore
Arrive in Mysore and transfer to your hotel. Join a walk with your group and enjoy time to see the city’s palace heritage and relaxed atmosphere.
Mysore and overnight train to Hampi
Enjoy a free day in Mysore. Optional activities may include Chamundi Hill or nearby temples before boarding an overnight train to Hampi.
Hampi
Arrive in Hampi, a remarkable town surrounded by boulders, temples and ancient ruins. Enjoy free time or choose an optional visit to Vittala Temple.
Hampi and overnight train to Goa
Continue exploring Hampi’s ruins and dramatic landscapes before travelling by private vehicle to Hubli and boarding an overnight train to Goa.
Goa
Arrive in Goa and transfer to your hotel. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, exploring Portuguese-influenced streets or enjoying a final dinner with your group.
Depart Goa
Your Iconic India journey ends in Goa. Depart at any time or extend your stay for extra beach time and relaxation.
Important Notes
- Package price is per person in Australian Dollars.
- Price is based on twin share accommodation and subject to availability.
- This is a small group tour with group size from 1 to 16 travellers.
- Minimum recommended age is 15 years.
- This trip uses a mix of local and private transport, including trains, overnight sleeper trains, local buses, rickshaws, boats and an internal flight.
- This is an explorer-style itinerary with some early starts and long travel days.
- Accommodation is simple and comfortable, with some basic stays, shared-style arrangements and local guesthouses.
- Single supplement may be available on request but excludes selected overnight sleeper trains, camping and shared accommodation nights.
- Internal flight from Delhi to Trivandrum is included as per itinerary.
- Please provide your full name exactly as shown on your passport at the time of booking, including middle names.
- Name changes or late amendments may incur ticketing fees.
- Desert camping is basic and may be changed due to weather conditions.
- Pushkar Camel Fair dates vary and may affect accommodation, pricing, itinerary order or transport arrangements.
- Jaipur hot air ballooning is seasonal, weather dependent and subject to availability.
- Major festivals such as Holi and Diwali may affect the itinerary.
- Itinerary, accommodation and transport may change due to local conditions, weather, public holidays, operational requirements or safety concerns.
- Optional activities and entrance fees are payable locally unless stated as included.
- India visa requirements are the traveller’s responsibility.
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended and may be required by the tour operator.
- Flights from Australia can be added from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide.
- Final pricing and availability will be confirmed before payment.
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