Experience Overview
Now's the time to explore India on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Embrace the the hectic pace of Delhi before balancing it out with the beaches of Goa in the first leg of this epic subcontinental journey. Then, finish it off in the southern half of Sri Lanka, a culture-loving backpacker’s dream. Here you’ll discover beautiful ruins, hike through tea plantations, and chill out on Hikkaduwa Beach. And the best part? You’ll do it all with travellers of a similar age and state of mind.
Highlights
- Tour the famous Taj Mahal
- Explore the Pink City and Amber Fort
- Get a taste of village life with a traditional lunch
- Climb to the spiritual temple of Savitiri
- Explore bustling Mumbai
- Check out the catch of the day at Kollam’s fishing docks
- Learn about local plants uses at a Spice Garden
- Visit a tea plantation
Trip Details
Product Code: 1518
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private vehicle, walking, train, metro, local bus, charter bus, jeep, tuk tuk, boat, plane.
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: AHDS
Starts: Delhi, India
Finishes: Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
Duration: 32 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project, Alleppey Your G for Good Moment: Breakfast at Sthree Craft Shop and Café, Kandy Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends 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 Your Big Night Out Moment: Hikkaduwa Beach Bar, Hikkaduwa
- Entrance and guided tour of the Taj Mahal
- Rural Tordi Sagar tour with local guide
- Allepey Homestay
- Sunrise at Savitri Temple
- Gandhi Ashram visit
- Morning ferry cruise on Kollam's backwaters
- Neendakara Fishing Harbour visit
- Orientation walks in Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur, Mumbai, Kochi, and Kollam
- Internal flights
- Spice plantation visit
- Kandyan cultural dance performance
- Temple of the Tooth visit
- Tea plantation visit
- Little Adam's Peak Trek
- Udawalawe NP safari
- Galle City and Fort tour
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Simple hotels/guest houses (30 nts), overnight train (1 nt).
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Transport
- Private vehicle, walking, train, metro, local bus, charter bus, jeep, tuk tuk, boat, plane.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $2,999 ($94 /day)
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!
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
Day 6: Tordi Sāgar/Pushkar
Have a final taste of rural village life over a traditional lunch before travelling 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.
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!
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.
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.
Day 11: Udaipur/Mumbai
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. From here, get some rest on an overnight train as you cruise to Mumbai.
Day 12: Mumbai
Arrive in Mumbai and stretch your legs on an orientation walk of Colaba and the Fort district. Enjoy a free day to uniquely explore the bustling metropolis; be sure to capture a group photo under the Gateway to India. Opt to take a boat to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Elephanta Island, famous for intricate cave temples carved in rock walls.
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.
Day 13: Mumbai/Goa
Hop on a short morning flight to North Goa. Head to the white sand beaches, visit the many Portuguese-built monuments, wander around the churches of Old Goa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and discover Panjim, the capital. In the evening, opt to sample tasty treats at the night market and take in the nightlife of this coastal state.
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. Enjoy a drink on us and cut a rug.
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.
Day 16: Kochi/Alleppey
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 20: Varkala/Kochi
Return to Kochi by train and 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. 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. Enjoy a drink on us and reminisce about the life-changing adventures you've shared.
Day 21: Kochi/Negombo
Fly from Kochi to the stunning island country of Sri Lanka, landing first in Negombo. Spend the evening at the beach relaxing under a leaning palm tree and toast to the sun a goodnight.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure (yay! more friends). You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening followed by an optional dinner.
Day 22: Negombo/Sigiriya
Travel to the centre of the island to explore the UNESCO World Heritage City, Sigiriya. Opt to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple or the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Day 23: Sigiriya
Spend the day freely exploring more of this ancient yet luscious region. Opt to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, view elephants on a safari drive in Minneriya national park, or go back in time at the Anurhadhapura historical site.
Day 24: Sigiriya/Digana
Visit a medicinal spice garden en route to Digana. After, enjoy lunch before embarking on a guided village walk for insight into rural daily life. Maybe stop at the home of a crafter who hand-makes delicate Kandyan jewellery or the cottage of a local woman making incense. Later, learn how to cook Sri Lankan bread or sweets while helping out with dinner.
Day 25: Digana/Kandy
Enjoy breakfast and soak in the views of the Victoria Reservoir over tea before departing for Kandy. Have an afternoon of free time to explore the sweet city, opting to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, view a traditional Kandyan cultural show, or root for a team at a cricket match.
Day 26: Kandy/Nuwara Eliya
Enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared by women and youth living with disabilities at G Adventures-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Café. Travel on to the rolling hills and luscious forests of Nuwara Eliya. Visit a tea plantation and opt to explore the beauty on foot.
Day 27: Nuwara Eliya/Ella
If you want to experience morning mist flowing through the valley, wake early and trek the serene trails of Horton Plains National Park. In the afternoon, cruise to the laid-back village of Ella and enjoy a free evening to explore or relax.
Day 28: Ella
Spend the morning trekking Little Adam's Peak to get a 360-degree view of Sri Lankan countryside encompassing the giant Ella Rock and textured green mountains. For the rest of the day, enjoy the freedom to explore scenic Ella more in-depth. Opt to trek Ella Rock, venture to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, or hunt for some waterfalls with your fellow explorers.
Day 29: Ella/Hikkaduwa
Set off towards the southern coast stopping en route to explore the indestructible Galle Fort. Finish the day's journey oceanside on the white sand beaches of Hikkaduwa.
Day 30: Hikkaduwa
Enjoy a free day to bliss out on the beach sipping your favourite drink or jump on a boat in search of whales and dolphins. For your big night out, follow your CEO to the best beach bar in town, enjoy a drink on us, and dance under the stars. Perhaps take a night swim, who knows, see where the night takes you.
Day 31: Hikkaduwa
Another day in paradise to recover from last nights fun. Relax on the beach, snorkel with sea creatures, or wander through the bustling beach town. Pick a local restaurant with your buds and reminisce about all the awesome adventures you've experienced over a farewell dinner.
Day 32: Hikkaduwa
Wow! What a trip, right? Luckily there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange social medias, and depart at any time.
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Simone H - Traveled, November 2023
With G Adventures you can see deeply into the way of how locals life.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/22/2023
Sophie B - Traveled, November 2023
Fun tours that feel safe in a group, especially for a solo traveller. Well organised.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/22/2023
Stephanie K - Traveled, September 2023
G Adventures is a great group to travel with they keep you right and make you feel safe and every questions and activity you need informational
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/10/2023
Tamara G - Traveled, September 2023
A lot of options and good travels.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/27/2023
Andre M - Traveled, August 2023
while the sri lanka part could be rated 10/10, india did not feel as authentic. prices for additional activities were not up-to-date (higher).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/27/2023
Selina G - Traveled, August 2023
There are so many optional activities to do as well as being able to make suggestions on other activities that may not be listed. It is a way to see a lot without having to organise it yourself and doing it with like minded people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/27/2023
Anna B - Traveled, August 2023
it's a great way to explore new countries safely and meet like minded people that you can call friends very quickly. I would recommend that more activities should be included though, even if that means putting the initial proce up a little bit.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Mohsin K - Traveled, August 2023
Some CEOs were great. Others not so much
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Isabella S - Traveled, August 2023
I really enjoyed the tours! It enabled me to see a country that I would never have travelled on my own and the tour guides did their best to make it an unique experience to everyone! It is a 9/10 for me because the communication in between the receptive tours from G Adventures was not very good.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
Thomas K - Traveled, August 2023
Great tour guides, felt very looked after. Felt like I saw the best of each of the places I went to, felt very easy and secure
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2023
Daisy D - Traveled, July 2023
I had a fantastic first trip with G Adventures and would recommend the company to anyone!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/01/2023
Kimberley T - Traveled, June 2023
Variety of destinations, durations and itinerary content.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/18/2023
Emily C - Traveled, June 2023
The tour was extremely well organised and varied. I don't feel like I would have been able to put together an itinerary as comprehensive and enjoyable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/18/2023
Georgia L - Traveled, June 2023
Shaz was an incredible CEO, but the others fell short. I would travel again- for Shaz
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/18/2023
Linda R - Traveled, June 2023
The whole trip was amazing, the only con is the accommodation. Hotels were below than the budget standard. Some of the hotel were dirty and uncomfortable. It would be great if breakfast were included all hotel because we spend a lot on on food ourselves and activities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/18/2023
Denise D - Traveled, June 2023
Because ye come up with an excellent itinerary with great options of activities... You seem to have timed pace and places of destinations very well. However, it's important that travellers are well aware of the pace and the needed energy and stamina to keep up before booking. This kind of travel is not for everyone but definitely a youthful group would be more able for it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/18/2023
Louisa M - Traveled, May 2023
Great tour guides, great tour
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/18/2023
Natasha B - Traveled, April 2023
Takes the stress out of planning!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/12/2023
Alexandra M - Traveled, March 2023
The pace of the trip was great for me as a 30 something, but might not be good for those that are older.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/12/2023
Imogen - Traveled, March 2023
Everything was so organised! I had 100% trust in G Adventures just from how easy it was to book, before I even arrived in India. Our CEOs were always on time, able to answer every question, and they were always incredible at getting us wherever we needed to be, whenever we needed to be there.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/28/2023
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