North to South India on a Shoestring

From the hectic pace of northern Delhi to the beaches of Goa and the fishing nets of relaxed Kochi, this epic journey packages the subcontinent’s highlights into three well-paced weeks.

Watch the sunrise at Savitri temple in Pushkar and explore the canals of Alleppey on your way to a homestay with a local family. With your accommodation and transport arranged by our CEOs, you can concentrate on choosing your own adventure. Pack your trip with everything you want – and nothing you don't. What are you waiting for? Lush hills, bustling cities, and mouth-watering curries await!

Itinerary

Day 1 Delhi
Arrive any time.

Day 2 Delhi/Āgra
Take a morning train to Agra, then a guided tour of the impressive Taj Mahal. Opt to visit Agra Fort and Baby Taj.

Day 3 Āgra/Jaipur
Take an orientation walk around town, then enjoy free time to explore other sites around town. Opt to see a Bollywood film.

Day 4 Jaipur
Enjoy a guided tour of the Amber Fort before having a free afternoon in Jaipur to explore the city.

Day 5 Jaipur/Tordi Sāgar
Dive into rural life by visiting potters, cobblers, and markets. Opt to take 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.

Day 6 Tordi Sāgar/Pushkar
Enjoy a local lunch prepared by traditional methods at a village hamlet. Go on an orientation walk upon arrival to Pushkar.

Day 7 Pushkar
In the morning, climb Savitri Temple, perched atop a hill, and catch the sunrise. Enjoy some free time for shopping or yoga. Opt to partake in a traditional dinner in the desert cooked by cameleers, with local entertainment.

Day 8 Pushkar/Udaipur
Take an orientation walk and an optional boat ride.

Days 9–10 Udaipur
Free time to explore the "Venice of the East" with its lakes, palaces, and narrow lanes.

Day 11 Udaipur/Mumbai
Take a local bus to Ahmedabad and explore the famous Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati. Overnight train from Ahmedabad to Mumbai.

Day 12 Mumbai
Arrive to Mumbai and take an orientation walk of Colaba and Fort Area. Enjoy free time to explore the bustling metropolis of Mumbai.

Day 13 Mumbai/Goa
In the morning, hop on a short flight to Goa. Head to the beaches of North Goa, sample tasty treats at the night markets, and take in the nightlife of this coastal state.

Day 14 Goa
Enjoy a free day to wind down in North Goa. Visit nearby beaches, scour the markets, and be sure to try to some delicious Goan cuisine and fresh seafood.

Day 15 Goa/Kochi
Fly to southern India and explore this major port city.

Day 16 Kochi/Alleppey
Check out the Jewish Quarter and the spice markets before continuing to Alleppey. Explore Alleppey with an orientation walk. Experience local life at a homestay, and enjoy a guided walk along the lagoon.

Day 17 Alleppey/Kollam
Explore the backwaters and its unique ecosystem on a ferry cruise. Transfer to Kollam.

Day 18 Kollam/Varkala
Enjoy lots of free time to explore the town, relax with an Ayurvedic massage, get treated by local healers, or visit the Varkala Temple.

Day 19 Varkala
Spend time wandering the peaceful gardens of an ashram devoted to Kerala's most eminent spiritual and social reformer and the mystical Janardhana Swamy Temple, or just head to the beach to relax and watch the Arabian Sea.

Day 20 Varkala/Kochi
Return to Kochi. Take an orientation walk to Fort Kochi, St Francis Church, and the Chinese fishing nets. Opt to take in a local Kathakali dance performance.

Day 21 Kochi
Depart at any time.

Trip Specifics