Our Price From
3,730
Per Person
Trip Style
Comfort
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
12
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
HHKZC
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 18 Day India Experience. Experience the real India on this comfortable introduction to the cultures of the north and the natural beauty of the south. Travelling from Delhi to Kovalam, see what India has to offer on an 18-day adventure. The country’s highlights and hidden jewels are revealed against a backdrop of green through the Western Ghats and in the vibrant towns of Rajasthan.
Visit India's bustling cities contrasted with quiet tiny fishing villages, along with tea gardens, tribal homes and historic enclaves. This wonderful...read more introduction to India includes lavish palaces, vibrant bazaars and the incomparable Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Visit India's bustling cities contrasted with quiet tiny fishing villages, along with tea gardens, tribal homes and historic enclaves. This wonderful...read more introduction to India includes lavish palaces, vibrant bazaars and the incomparable Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Itinerary
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?
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. (B)
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. (B)
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. (B/D)
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. (B)
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. (B)
Enjoy a free afternoon before setting out on safari again in the evening for more wildlife watching. (B)
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. (B/D)
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. (B)
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. (B)
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. (B)
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. (B/L)
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.
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. (B/D)
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. (B)
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. (B/D)
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. (B)
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. (B)
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). (B/D)
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. (B/D)
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast and you’re free to leave the accommodation at any time. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 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.
- Hotel (15 nights)
- Resort (2 nights)
- 16 Breakfasts included
- 1 Lunches included
- 6 Dinners included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
Intrepid Food Adventures (2024-25)
Uncover a world of experience-rich, flavour-filled food tours designed to suit any appetite and timeframe. By pairing the grassroots Intrepid travel style with a special food focus, our itineraries are able to take you behind the scenes and into the world’s most exciting food cultures – from Moroccan tajines to Peruvian ceviche.
Availability
USD
Flexible Deposit
Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.
Guaranteed Departures
Your Intrepid trip is guaranteed to depart as soon as one full paying traveler is booked!
Show more dates...
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
