India Experience

Intrepid Travel · 18 days

5.0

1 Reviews

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Duration

18 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Experience the real India on this comfortable introduction to the cultures of the north and the natural beauty of the south.

Highlights

Explore the Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and learn about its poetic history from a local expert in the surrounding gardens.
Embark on two safaris at the Ranthambore National Park for the best chance of spotting a Royal Bengal Tiger in action.
Take a nature walk in the acclaimed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, looking out for tiger tracks with your local village guides (and unwind after with an optional Ayurveda massage).
Discover how to make local cuisine during a cooking class in Periyar and savour Keralan favourites at a restaurant that provides training and employment to local women.
Visit a tea museum in Munnar to learn about the region’s tea-making history, walk among the rolling hills of tea bushes and enjoy a boat ride on Mattupetty Dam, known for wildlife sightings.

Trip Details

Duration

18 days

Transportation

Auto rickshaw,Boat,Cycle rickshaw,Metro,Private vehicle,Ferry,Train

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Delhi, India

Finishes

Departure , India

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India. When you arrive at Delhi Airport, you’ll be collected by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After, feel free to explore lively Delhi at your own pace, perhaps by heading to the Red Fort, the Lotus Temple or Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, why not get your new group together to sample of this country’s famed food?

Included Activities:

Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Delhi

Get your bearings in Delhi by starting your day with a leader-led tour of the oldest part of the city – aptly called Old Delhi. Your leader will help you navigate the metro system so you can explore the impressive Mughal architecture on foot. It’s not Delhi without a traffic jam, so hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandi Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Cheraman Jama Masjid, before heading into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara to observe the capital’s spiritual side. Enjoy a traditional Thali lunch with your group before a free evening to wander the city as you wish. Tap into your leader’s local expertise for food and activity recommendations that match your mood.

Included Activities:

Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
Delhi - Thali Lunch at Suruchi
Delhi - Jama Masjid (Shoe Keeper)

Optional Activities:

Delhi - Urban Adventure - Free

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Agra

Board the Agra Express and journey to the city best known for housing one of the Seven Wonders of the World. After you settle into your hotel, head out for lunch in a cafe run by women who have survived acid attacks. After, take in the sights as you head to the Taj Mahal in a rickshaw. A tribute to his belated wife, Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this famous monument in 1632 to house her remains. Stroll through the gardens and learn more about its history at the Museum. You can also sign up to an optional demonstration on hand knotted carpets – a craft that dates to the Mughal era – or explore Agra at your own pace.

Included Activities:

Agra - Taj Mahal
Agra - Sheroes Cafe Visit

Optional Activities:

Agra - Demostration on Hand knotted Carpets - Free

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Agra/ Ranthambore NP

If you fell in love with the Taj Mahal yesterday, you can opt to visit again today. There is plenty more to see, like the mosque and its symmetrical jawab building on either side of Main Mausoleum. Then, you will visit Agra Fort. Learn how Akbar built a fortress and prison out of red sandstone in 1565, and then Shah Jahan converted and added to the fort to transform it into a palace. In the afternoon, take a private transport to your next location, the Ranthambore National Park, where you’ll stay for two nights. As this is the longest journey on the trip, your leader will help you secure some snacks and drinks for the ride.

Included Activities:

Agra - Agra Fort

Optional Activities:

Agra - Additional entries to Taj Mahal (1300 INR)

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Ranthambore NP

Begin your day with an adrenaline rush by embarking on a morning safari. As one of the biggest national parks in northern India, Ranthambore is home to a huge variety of mammals, birds and reptiles. Although it’s primarily known for housing the Royal Bengal Tigers, you might also be able to spot leopards, sloth bears and crocodiles when you’re cruising along. Enjoy a free afternoon before setting out on safari again in the evening for more wildlife watching.

Included Activities:

Ranthambhore National Park - Morning Wildlife Safari
Ranthambhore National Park - Evening wildlife safari

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Jaipur

Stop at a rural village in Sawai Madhopur on your commute to Jaipur and admire the ancient sacred temples erected around the vicinity. When you arrive in Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’ due to its pink buildings, join your leader on an orientation walking tour. The city has been ranked as one of the most pedestrian friendly cities in India so feel safe as you wander through the busy streets and colourful alleyways. After, immerse yourself in the culture by opting to go to a Bollywood movie screening or enjoy some free time this evening.

Included Activities:

Jaipur - Leader-led orientation walk
Jaipur - Walk to a rural village (Sawai Madhopur) on the way to Jaipur

Optional Activities:

Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema (400 INR)

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Jaipur

Your leader will show you around more of Jaipur this morning, maybe starting with the City Palace – a building that wouldn’t look out of place in a Wes Anderson film. Although the royal family of Jaipur still occupy the palace, some gardens and courtyards are open to the public. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish. Perhaps visit Jantar Mantar – an observatory filled with instruments to track the stars, built by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Jai Singh. Or you can opt for a hot air balloon ride and watch the countryside below from a bird's eye view.

Included Activities:

Jaipur - Orientation walk with a local guide

Optional Activities:

Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory (200 INR)
Jaipur - Balloon Safari (280 USD)

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Jaipur/ Panna Meena Stepwell & Amber Fort

Explore a lesser-known side of Jaipur by visiting Panna Meena Kund Stepwell. Stepwells like this one were used to collect rainwater, as well as serve as spaces for rituals and gatherings. After, head to the nearby and more well-known Amber Fort, located on a hilltop, giving you a good view of the city. Take in the Rajput and Mughal architectural styles as you explore the various halls and palaces on the grounds with a local guide. Don’t miss the sparkling Mirror Palace – covered floor-to-ceiling in thousands of reflective tiles, the hall becomes a dazzling fantasy with the light of a single match. Then, enjoy the afternoon exploring more of Jaipur and discovering anything you may have missed yesterday. Finish your day with a cooking class in a local home and tuck into your traditional homemade food for dinner with your group.

Included Activities:

Jaipur - Cooking Class with Dinner
Jaipur - Amber Fort
Jaipur- Panna Meena Kund Stepwell Visit

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Delhi

Head back to Delhi this morning in a private transfer. The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. There are plenty of sites you may have missed the first time around, like Humayun’s Tomb – a garden tomb dating back to 1570 – or Qutb Minar, the highest tower in India. Your leader can help you book any activities you wish to do. In the evening, perhaps gather your group together for a farewell dinner, where you can reminisce about your Indian adventure.

Optional Activities:

Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure (3350 INR)
Delhi - Qutub Minar (600 INR)
Delhi - Humayun's Tomb (600 INR)
Delhi - Optional Farewell Dinner (1000 INR)

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Kochi

Today, take a flight from Delhi to Kochi to join the second stage of your trip. This flight is unaccompanied, but your leader will provide you all the details, plus where to meet a representative on arrival in Kochi to be transferred to your accommodation. Kochi (also known as Cochin) is a port city on the southwestern coast of India that has been a vibrant hub since 1341, shaped by the historic interactions with traders from Portugal, China and Britain. You'll have another welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm to meet the new members of your group.

Optional Activities:

Kochi - Optional Welcome Dinner - Free

Accommodation:

Grand Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Kochi

Begin your day with a tour of Kochi with your leader, exploring the city before heading to Fort Kochi on the coast. Look out for evidence of different cultures on Indian soil, like Santa Cruz Basilica, one of the country’s oldest Catholic Churches, and St. Francis Church, believed to be the first Church built by the Europeans. Explore the remnants of Portuguese influence at Mattancherry Palace, originally constructed in the 16th century and later renovated by the Dutch. Visit the oldest functioning Jewish synagogue nearby with insights from your guide, followed by a performance of Kathakali – a traditional form of dance based on Hindu legends that puts costume and colour centre stage. It can take students over a decade to perfect the movements necessary to perform the artform, so prepare to be impressed.

Included Activities:

Kochi - Kathakali performance
Kochi - Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour

Accommodation:

Grand Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Munnar

Today, journey west to Munnar – a picturesque town sitting among the mountains. Tea enthusiasts will find Munnar particularly fascinating for its integral connection to the beverage. Learn more about this on a visit to the Tea Museum, an institution that recalls the history of the plantations. This evening is free to spend as you wish – consider utilising your leader’s local knowledge by asking for recommendations on dining and activities.

Included Activities:

Munnar - Tea Museum

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Munnar

Armed with your new insights into Munnar’s tea industry, you’ll begin your day with a visit to a tea plantation to see the tea-making process first-hand. Stroll along the rolling hills of tea bushes, appreciating the harmony between human cultivation and the natural world. After, take in the view from a different angle during a boat ride on Mattupetty Dam – a reservoir that often attracts wild elephants and bison. Finish your group outing at Echo Point Hill for the best view of the dam before enjoying a free evening to unwind.

Included Activities:

Munnar - Echo point hill
Munnar - Mattupetty Dam
Munnar - Tea plantation

Optional Activities:

Munnar - Boating at Mattupati Dam - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Periyar

Munnar is not just known for its tea, it's also renowned for cultivating a wide range of spices. Dive deeper into this trade at the local spice plantation, where you’ll learn about the region’s diverse plant life, spices, herbs, fruits and flowers and their significance in Ayurvedic medicine. You can also enjoy an optional lunch here, where you’ll get to try the fresh spices. Later, watch a demonstration of Indian martial arts (kalarippayattu) widely believed to be the oldest surviving martial art in the world. After, continue your journey south to Periyar.

Included Activities:

Munnar - Martial Art Performance
Munnar - Spice Plantation

Optional Activities:

Periyar - Lunch at Spice plantation - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Periyar

Explore the heart of Periyar by beginning your day with a guided walk of its National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. This protected habitat sits within the Western Ghats so enjoy the view while searching for wild tigers and elephants. The afternoon is yours to explore – perhaps opt for an Ayurveda massage to soothe your body post jungle trek. In the evening, learn about Kerala cuisine at a cooking class and then enjoy your home-cooked meal with your group, discovering the flavours that define Kerala food.

Included Activities:

Periyar - Kerala cooking class
Periyar - Guided Nature Walk

Optional Activities:

Periyar NP - Ayurvedic Massage (700 INR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Kumarakom

Visit the renowned Kerala Backwaters with your group this morning – a serene set of lakes, canals and lagoons. After, immerse yourself in nature with a guided walk in Kumarakom. Located on the shores of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is teeming with diverse fish and bird species. Set sail on the backwaters and experience the sunset aboard. Finish your day with a group dinner at a restaurant that provides employment and training to local women, where you might try traditional dishes like fish curry, meen pollichathu (fish marinated with spices and wrapped in banana leaves) and avial (a vegetable dish with coconut).

Included Activities:

Kerala sunset cruise (1 Hour)
Kerala Backwaters - Guided walk around village

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Kovalam

This morning, continue your journey further south to Kobalam. Once a quiet coastal village known for exporting fresh fish and coconuts, Kovalam has transformed into one of India’s beloved beach resorts. In the afternoon, visit Positive Change for Marine Life – an NGO and Intrepid Foundation partner collaborating with locals to reduce plastic use. Maybe gather your group for a farewell meal together tonight – the local cuisine is known for its use of coconuts, curry leaves and fresh seafood, so dig in while you have the chance.

Included Activities:

Vizhinjam - Positive Change for Marine Life (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit

Accommodation:

Sagara Beach Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Departure

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast and you’re free to leave the accommodation at any time.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $5,160

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 18 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Experience the real India on this comfortable introduction to the cultures of the north and the natural beauty of the south.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 03 Jan 2027

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Anne

Traveled, March 2024

03/29/2024

I highly recommend the trip to South India. Our tour leader went above and beyond to make sure the trip was memorable.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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