North to South India: The Taj Mahal & Goa Good Times

G Adventures · 21 days

4.5

20 Reviews

Duration

21 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Now's the time to explore India on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Get the best bits of a semester abroad without any of the studying on this epic three-week journey through the subcontinent’s highlights.

Includes

Activities

Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project, Alleppey Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Udaipur Your Big Night Out Moment: Dance the Night Away, Goa Your Local Living Moment: Alleppey Homestay, Alleppey Your Big Night Out Moment: Kochi Nightlife, Kochi
Entrance and guided tour of the Taj Mahal
Rural Tordi Sagar tour with local guide
Sunrise at Savitri Temple
Gandhi Ashram visit
Allepey Homestay
Morning ferry cruise on Alleppey's backwaters
Neendakara Fishing Harbour visit
Orientation walks in Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur, Mumbai, Kochi, and Kollam
Internal flight
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Simple hotels or guesthouse (twin-share) (18 nts), overnight train (1 nt), homestay (1 nt).

2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Train, metro, local bus, charter bus, jeep, tuk tuk, boat, plane, private vehicle.

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Highlights

Admire the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort
Capture colourful Rajasthan in your viewfinder
Lounge on beaches in Goa
Connect with the locals at a homestay
Savour delicious Indian cuisine

Trip Details

Duration

21 days

Transportation

Train, metro, local bus, charter bus, jeep, tuk tuk, boat, plane, private vehicle.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Delhi, India

Finishes

Kochi, India

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi

Arrive at any time and welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi!

Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!
Arriving early with a free day in Delhi? Opt to add the "Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi" extra to your tour.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Hotel Metropolitan

Day 2: Delhi/Āgra

Relax on the morning train to Agra while admiring the arid terrain and small towns. On arrival, check the famous Taj Mahal world wonder off your bucket list as you marvel at the iconic Mughal architecture. Immerse yourself in a guided tour and learn of the mausoleum's unique history. Opt to visit Baby Taj and the Agra Fort, the Taj's less famous—but no less impressive—sister monument, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - We will aim to experience the Taj Mahal at either sunset or sunrise, depending upon our train tickets and travel schedule.Accommodation - Hotel Anand Villa

Day 3: Āgra/Jaipur

Today we take a bus (always an adventure itself in India) to the capital of Rajasthan — Jaipur. Clothed in sandstone pink stucco, Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" and is one of the most important heritage cities in India. It's home to India's second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Ride a cycle rickshaw to the markets and enjoy an orientation walk through the stalls. In your free time, opt to visit the City Palace, the observatory, or check out a song-and-dance Bollywood film in India's largest movie theatre.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Transport - There will be a stop around the half-way point for snacks and toilets.Accommodation - Rawla Mrignayani Palace

Day 4: Jaipur

Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your list. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details. Afterward, head back to Jaipur and spend the free afternoon exploring with your fellow travellers and see where the night takes you.
Admire the city from above by pre-booking the Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Explore this magnificent fort overlooking an artificial lake, famous for its unique mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details.Free_time - Enjoy free time to relax, shop, visit landmarks like the Palace of the Winds or the Jaipur Observatory, or soak up some pop culture at a Bollywood movie.Accommodation - Rawla Mrignayani Palace

Day 5: Jaipur/Tordi Sāgar

Ride to peaceful Tordi Sāgar and dive into rural life by visiting local potters, cobblers, and markets on a guided walk through the village. If you're feeling athletic, join in on a cricket match with some local players. For lunch, get a taste of rural village life over a traditional lunch. In your free time, opt to bounce around with your new friends during a jeep safari or camel cart ride to the dunes for sunset. Head out for a hike in the hills or get a henna tattoo from local women. Tordi Sāgar is your oyster!
If you want to see more of Jaipur before departing, pre-book the Cycle Tour and explore the city from a morning perspective.

Meals included: Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Take a tour of this tiny, tranquil village far from the maddening crowds and enjoy its pastoral settings and local hospitality. Also look at its magnificent red sand dunes.Transport - Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.Accommodation - Hotel Tordi Garh

Day 6: Tordi Sāgar/Pushkar

Travel to Pushkar, often called Tirth Raj or the king of pilgrim centres. Cruise through Ajmer and over Snake Mountain to Pushkar — the site of the world's only temple to the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. After settling into your accommodation, get your bearings on an orientation walk around the colourful city with cascading architecture and capture a group photo on the lake.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.Activity - Join an orientation to explore key parts of this desert city, including beautiful lakes and ghats. Visit the famed Brahma temple, meet a local pandit and understand/take part in the ancient ritualsAccommodation - Hotel New Park

Day 7: Pushkar

Before dawn, climb to the hilltop Savitri Temple and catch the sun rising over the towering Thar Desert mountains. Afterward, reflect on the serenity at one of the many cafés in town, stretch and meditate during a calming yoga session, or scour the markets. Opt for an unforgettable evening by dressing in traditional Indian clothing and partake in an authentic dinner cooked by cameleers in the desert, all with live entertainment!

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Climb a hilltop to get to this temple honouring Savitri, the wife of the Hindu god, Brahma. Witness a gorgeous sunrise over this holy place while drinking a warm cup of chai. Free_time - Enjoy free time to explore town after returning from the sunrise temple climb. Opt to take a yoga class, scour the markets, or relax with a massage.Accommodation - Hotel New Park

Day 8: Pushkar/Udaipur

Continue south to Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. It certainly lives up to its reputation as India's most romantic city (wink, wink). With its own famous style of painting and plenty of artisans, Udaipur is a great place to stroll through. After the orientation walk, opt to take a boat ride on Lake Pichola with your fellow travellers.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Go on a guided orientation walk and get to know local markets and key places. Accommodation - Hotel Ace Plaza

Day 9-10: Udaipur

Free time to explore "Venice of the East" with its plethora lakes, palaces, and narrow lanes. Wander around solo or see who wants to join you on an adventure.
Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School class.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Do as much or as little as you want today. Visit one of the local palaces or enjoy a cooking demonstration.Accommodation - Hotel Ace Plaza

Day 11: Udaipur/Ahmedabad

Take a local bus to Ahmedabad and explore the famous Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati. Immerse yourself in the peaceful environment of the riverside home that played an important role in India's freedom and learn of the sites unique history.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Explore the famous Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati, once home to Mahatma Gandhi for nearly 12 years.Accommodation - Treebo Ambassador

Day 12: Ahmedabad/Mumbai

Rise and shine early to catch a train to Mumbai. Upon arrival choose to grab lunch with your CEO and explore the city.
In the evening, opt for a cup of tea at the famous Taj Hotel and people-watch on Chowpatty Beach or visit Crawford Market, one of South Mumbai's most famous. Sample some local specialties at one of Mumbai's many top-notch restaurants as you go out on the town with your fellow travellers and sample the city's famed nightlife firsthand.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Opt to go on a taxi tour around town, visit Elephanta Island.Transport - Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.Accommodation - Hotel Manama

Day 13: Mumbai

Mumbai is your oyster today. Tour the impressive Elephanta caves or continue exploring the city at leisure. This evening, regroup with your CEO and fellow travelers for an overnight train to Goa.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.Free_time - Enjoy free time to explore Mumbai on your own.

Day 14: Goa

Enjoy a free day to wind down in the paradise that is Goa. Relax on the beaches with your favourite drink in hand or mingle in the many beach bars. Scour the markets, and be sure to try some delicious Goan cuisine and fresh seafood. Get ready to dance the night away for your big night out as a group.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Explore the beaches and markets of charming Goa at leisure. Chow down on seafood, relax at the beach-bliss!Activity - Goa is overflowing with prime nightclubs and bars. Your CEO will take you to the best one to dance the night away.Accommodation - Alor Holiday Resort

Day 15: Goa/Kochi

Fly to Kochi and explore this major port city of southern India by wandering through the unique neighbourhoods and exciting markets. Opt to visit Fort Kochi, learn how to toss a fishing net, or catch a traditional dance performance, known as Kathakali, telling of mythological tales.
Don't fret if you can't fit all the excitement into one afternoon, you'll get a second chance to experience Kochi when you return in a few days.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Accommodation - Hotel Gama Heritage

Day 16: Kochi/Alleppey

Take an orientation walk visiting Fort Kochi, St Francis Church, the Dutch cemetery, and the Jewish Quarter with curio shops and a synagogue more than 400-years-old. Then travel to Alleppey, a golden streak of land woven with rivers, lakes, lagoons, and canals. Enjoy an empowering lunch before checking out the island along the lagoon with a local guide and learn about the way of life here. Settle into a homestay and get to know your hosts.

Meals included: Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Get to know the delightful city of Cochin through this guided walk. Walk through the fish market and the famous Chinese fishing net, believed to have been brought by traders from Kubla Khan's court in China.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Explore the area, known as the "Venice of the East," on foot with a local English-speaking guide and learn about the way of life here.Activity - Enjoy a stay with a local family in Alleppey and get a real taste of the culture and what life on the islands is like. Learn how to cook some delicious Kerala dishes and dig in and enjoy the meal after your lesson. Activity - Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch prepared by women of the Planeterra Theruvarom Empowerment Project, which provides women from rural areas an alternative source of income by honing their hospitality and culinary skills. Learn about the local cuisine and socio-economic fabric of the region as you get to know the women. All while taking in live entertainment!Accommodation - Greenpalm Homes

Day 17: Alleppey/Kollam

Explore the unique ecosystem of Alleppey backwaters on a morning ferry cruise. Afterward, travel down the coast by bus to the port city of Kollam. On arrival, choose to relax on the beach, climb Thangassery Light House, or peruse the nightlife.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a morning ferry ride through the backwaters, observing the unique ecosystem with blue-green stretches of water and coconut trees.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Accommodation - Hotel Sea Pearl

Day 18: Kollam/Varkala

Visit the Kollam Harbour and experience the importance of fishing for the community. Afterward, settle into a private vehicle and see who can count the most palm trees as you cruise down the coast to tropical Varkala. Enjoy lots of free time to explore the town, get treated by local healers, or visit the Varkala Temple.
Note that Kollam Harbour is closed to visitors May through June.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - See where all of the action happens in this busy port city and walk around Kollam's bustling fishing docks.Activity - Visit the largest wholesale fishing market and harbour on the Arabian Sea, dating back to the sixteenth century. Take in the sights and sound of a busy fish market at work, and check out the morning's fishing haul.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Nikhil Residence

Day 19: Varkala

Choose your own adventure today, exploring Varkala solo or with your new friends. Spend time wandering the peaceful gardens of an ashram devoted to Kerala's most eminent spiritual and social reformer at the mystical Janardhana Swamy Temple. Or head to the beach and relax while watching the Arabian Sea with a drink in hand.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Lots of free time to explore the town, relax with an Ayurvedic massage, get treated by local healers, or visit the Varkala Temple.Accommodation - Nikhil Residence

Day 20: Varkala/Kochi

Return to Kochi by train. In the late afternoon, continue to wander the streets or opt to catch a traditional Kathakali dance performance. For your big night out as a group, immerse yourself in the exciting Kochi nightlife and reminisce about the life-changing adventures you've shared.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Free_time - Visit any sites skipped on the first visit to Kochi.Activity - Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.Accommodation - Hotel Gama Heritage

Day 21: Kochi

Today is departure day, but do not fear, there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange contacts, and depart at any time.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
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 will do 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.

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 $2,549

(Tour only)

Per Person Standard

Duration: 21 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 28 Jul 2026

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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

Laura M

Traveled, November 2023

12/25/2023

This was my first group travel. Normally I traveled alone or by friends and I was really surprised about the nice experience.

4.0

Frederik N

Traveled, November 2023

12/25/2023

Overall, the trip was very efficient in seeing many things in a short time

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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