India Encompassed

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

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.

Your G for Good Moment: City Walk3-5km
Explore the streets of Delhi with a youth-led tour guide from the G Adventures-supported City Walk project. As a former at-risk youth, your local guide will have a unique perspective on the city and can provide more information on the life of a child in India. The guided tour helps support the guide's college or university tuition.

Please note that City Walk is closed on Sundays and holidays and this activity will not run on those days.

Jama Masjid VisitDelhi30m-1h
Travel through the winding roads of Old Delhi to visit the gorgeous Jama Masjid, the Great Mosque of Delhi. Commissioned by Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who also commissioned the Taj Mahal, it is the best-known and largest mosque in India. Explore the stately structure, which was completed in 1656, and enjoy its massive courtyard, which can hold 25,000 worshippers.

Gurdwara Sis Ganj VisitDelhi30m-1h
Learn the history of the Sikh religion at this historically significant Gurdwara, which is a Sikh place of worship.

Connaught Place VisitDelhi1h3km
Explore the Victorian architecture of Connaught Place, which is a giant circle at the centre of any map of Delhi. Buy trinkets and textiles at the market on Janpath, which came into being when refugees from Pakistan began peddling their wares on this road after Partition in 1947. It remains one of Delhi's most colourful markets, and is very popular with tourist and locals alike.

Chandni Chowk VisitDelhi1h-2h
Enjoy a stroll through Chandni Chowk, one of India's oldest and busiest markets. Be sure to stop and try one of the many types of paranthas (stuffed Indian bread) sold in stalls lining the streets.

Drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, and start exploring the Pink City. 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.

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. Or choose to visit Kitchen With A Cause and have a delicious meal that allows you to give back to the community.

Amber Fort VisitJaipur
Take in the Hindu and Muslim architecture of the beautiful Amber Fort. 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.

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.

Private VehicleJaipur – Dhula Village2h50km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Village Cycling ExcursionDhula Village
Set off to discover quaint Dhula on two wheels. Take in the peaceful rhythm of village life and Rajasthan's scenery as you cycle along.

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

Private VehicleDhula Village – Āgra4h250km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Abhaneri Stepwell VisitAbhaneri30m-1h
Walk around the amazing Chand Baori, a tenth century water tank that's an impressive 6.1m (20 ft) deep. Learn about ancient Indian environmentalism—a "baori" is a unique Indian invention for harvesting rainwater.

Visit the sparkling, iconic Taj Mahal for sunrise with time to explore the picturesque grounds. Afterward, jump on a cycle-rickshaw for a rustic ride to the walled city of Agra Fort and Baby Taj.

Taj Mahal VisitTāj Mahal – Āgra
Cross one off your bucket list as you visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the gorgeous white marble mausoleum, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a testament of his love for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Cycle RickshawĀgra
Visit the Agra Fort by human-powered cycle-rickshaw.

Agra Fort VisitĀgra1h-3h
Enjoy a visit to this impressive Mughal fort made of red sandstone and white marble.

Baby Taj VisitĀgra
Visit this mausoleum that looks like a jewel box, built before the Taj Mahal by Queen Nur Jahan for her father. Enjoy the intricate details of the structure; it was the first Mughal building faced with white marble and where "pietra dura" (precious stones inlaid into marble) was first used.

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.

TrainĀgra – Jhānsi2h30m
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Private VehicleJhānsi – Alīpura3h30m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free TimeAlīpuraAfternoon
Enjoy some free time to meet the locals and check out village life.

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.

Private VehicleAlīpura – Khajurāho1h30m-2h96km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Khajuraho Temples Guided TourKhajurāho
Get ready to be impressed by the beautiful temples of Khajuraho during this guided tour. Not intended for the bashful, these erotic carvings are similar to style of the Kama Sutra. These Hindu temples were build over a span of a 100 years, and while originally there were more than 80 of them, only 22 currently remain.

Private VehicleKhajurāho – Alīpura1h30m-2h96km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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.

Private VehicleAlīpura – Orchha2h30m-3h96km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Tarragram VisitOrchha1h
Enjoy a visit to this unique paper-making plant, set up to assist tribal women from the area. All the paper is made from recycled clothing and wood pulp.

Puja CeremonyOrchha1h
Experience a Hindu prayer ceremony presenting flowers, incense, and food to an image or idol representing a deity.

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.

Orchha Palace VisitOrchha1h-2h
Visit the three separate palaces, or "mahals," in this complex: the Raj Mahal, Jehangir Mahal, and Rai Parveen Mahal. Enjoy the medieval architecture and learn about its rich history.

Free TimeOrchhaAfternoon
Enjoy free time to check out the local markets.

Private VehicleOrchha – Jhānsi15m-30m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Basic Overnight Train (beds)Jhānsi – Varanasi13h
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

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.

Evening Ganges Boat TourVaranasi1h-2h7km
Enjoy a boat ride on the sacred Ganges River, where Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to wash away their sins and cremate their loved ones. Participate in a candle and flower ceremony while on the water.

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.

Morning Ganges Boat TourVaranasi1h
Catch the sunrise from a boat cruising the sacred Ganges River, where Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to wash away their sins and cremate their loved ones. Witness locals participating in dawn rituals of bathing and burning at the river.

Soak up some free time this morning and continue exploring Varanasi. Later, cut out the travel time with a flight back to bustling Delhi.

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.

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

TrainKochi – Kozhikode4h
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Private VehicleKozhikode – Kalpetta2h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Walk the nature trails through the forested areas 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.

Wayanad Nature WalkKalpetta5h
Enjoy a nature walk in beautiful Wayanad, which is home to many endangered species and has an amazing range of flora and fauna. The area boasts a long and influential history, with numerous ancient relics like the Edakkal Caves, which depict a Stone Age civilization. Get a taste of the region's culture as we visit a local tribal village.

Wayanad Tea Factory VisitKalpetta
Enjoy a visit to the tea factory in the picturesque Wayanad region. The factory offers fascinating insight into the world of tea production. Stroll through the rolling hills blanketed with vibrant green tea bushes, breathe in the aroma of freshly plucked tea leaves, and explore the factory where we will learn about the tea- making process. Witness the withering , rolling, drying, and grading of the tea leaves with an expert guide. Finish off the visit with a cup of tea from the area.

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.

Private VehicleKalpetta – Mysore
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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.

Chamundi Temple VisitMysore
Visit the gorgeous Chamundeshwari Temple, located on top of Chamundi Hills just outside Mysore. Enjoy its intricate architecture.

Mysore Palace VisitMysore2h
This stunning palace was the home of the Maharajas of Mysore, the former royal family, which ruled from 1399 to 1950. Learn about the rich history of Indian royalty and soak in the splendor of an era long gone.

Free TimeMysoreAfternoon
Explore on your own, opt to walk through the bustling markets.

Enjoy a full day of train travel to Chennai before a short bus ride to Mamallapuram. Visit the Shore Temple.

Arrive by train to Chennai before continuing south for a short ride to the small village of Mamallapuram. Visit the 7th century Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

TrainMysore – Chennai8h
Enjoy a scenic ride to the east coast aboard Indian's vast rail system. Play cards, meet your fellow passengers or let the landscapes soak in.

Private VehicleChennai – Māmallapuram1h-1h30m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Shore Temple VisitMāmallapuram
Explore this impressive group of monuments that were sculpted during the 7th and 8th century, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of these, the Shore Temple stands out for its a marvelous view of the Bay of Bengal's shore. Made of granite, it's actually a twin-temple dedicated both to the Hindu gods, Vishnu and Shiva.

Free time to explore Mamallapuram.

Free TimeMāmallapuramFull Day
Use some free time to explore all this city has to offer. Opt for a swim in the ocean or a jog along the beach, explore the monuments by bicycle or on foot, and take this opportunity to suss out all the shopping Mamallapuram is known for.

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.

Private VehicleMāmallapuram – Puducherry2h-2h30m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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

Private VehiclePuducherry – Madurai6h-7h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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.

Cycle-Rickshaw TourMadurai2h
Sit back and relax during this eco-friendly tour -- you'll be pulled along by a bicyclist! See the sights at a slower pace and form street level. Check out the fruit and vegetable market, watch the pressing of oil by bullocks, and the famous Gandhi museum and palace.

Meenakshi Temple VisitMadurai2h-3h
Visit the gorgeous Meenakshi Temple, considered to be the finest in South Indian religious architecture. This enormous temple complex is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvati, or Meenakshi. Even before you pass through the massive stone walls of the temple, the nine striking gopurams (monumental gateways covered with stucco figures of deities, mythical animals, and monsters all painted in vivid colours) loom high above.

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Optional Activities - Day 24
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Meenakshi Temple Night VisitMadurai1h-2h50INR per person1000INR per group
Visit the gorgeous Meenakshi Temple, considered to be the finest in South Indian religious architecture. Starting at 9pm, the temple is completely different than in the daytime. The nighttime rituals are filled with incense and lively people; it's truly a wonderful spectacle to behold.

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.

Private VehicleMadurai – Thekkady4h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Cardamom Hills Spice Plantation TourThekkady1h-2h
Enjoy a guided tour of the plantation and tea factory and learn more about spice and tea production and of this region. You might even get to enjoy a sample or two!

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.

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.

Private VehicleThekkady – Alleppey4h-5h30m145km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

BoatAlleppey – Kerala Backwaters15m
Climb aboard and get your float on.

Your Local Living Moment: Kerala Backwaters Homestay
Enjoy strolling under the palm trees, weaving in between the rice fields that cover the island, and learn more about the lifestyles of the locals. Watch the sunset on the winding backwaters with locals in a small country boat. There may even be time to kick back and enjoy a local toddy (alcoholic drink made from coconut).

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.

BoatKerala Backwaters – Alleppey1h30m
Climb aboard and get your float on.

Private VehicleAlleppey – Kochi2h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project
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!

Orientation WalkKochi1h-2h
Get to know the delightful city of Kochi through this guided walk. Visit the Dutch Palace and Jewish Quarter, with its 400-year-old synagogue. Explore St Francis Church, the oldest church in India.

Kathakali DanceKochi2h
Considered one of the oldest dance forms in India, Kathakali is a combination of drama, dance, music, and ritual. Characters with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes re-enact stories from the Hindu epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana. This dance drama is famous for amazing costumes, extensive makeup, and explosive body movements, and is performed exclusively by men.

Depart at any time.