Iconic India Adventure Tour

From top to bottom, India is incredible. Explore both northern and southern regions on a 14-day journey to India's most iconic sites. Explore Rajasthan's grand forts and palaces, discover new depths of relaxation on a houseboat in Kerala's backwaters, and learn about traditional culture in the small village of Sawarda. Round out the experience with pilgrimages to the glorious Taj Mahal, the 'Pink City of Jaipur, and Kochi's fishing markets.

Highlights

Walk the backstreets of Delhi with a local guide, talk with a local historian and scholar of sociological studies, meet a local family, meet an expert and learn about the medicinal and culinary uses of local spices, enjoy a cooking demonstration and meal with a Kerala family

What's Included

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Meet a Local Historian, Jaipur Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Local Village Immersion, Sāwarda Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Spice Experience, Thekkadi Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Family Cooking Demonstration, Thekkadi Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Visit Vembanad Wetlands Conservation Program, Kumarakom Your G for Good Moment: Women on Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport Your G for Good Moment: City Walk, Delhi. Tour of Old Delhi. Tour the Taj Mahal, the Baby Taj, and Agra Fort. Visit Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri step wells. Explore Jaipur. Walking tour of old Kochi. Visit a tea factory. Wildlife viewing on Periyar Lake. Kalaripayatt performance. Walking and boat tour of rural villages. Houseboat trip on the Kerala backwaters. Kathakali cultural performance. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Accommodation

Hotels (12 nts), heritage hotel (1 nt).

Meals Included

13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private van/bus, auto
rickshaw, cycle
rickshaw, walking, plane, boat.

About our Transportation

Road Road travel in India is certainly not what people are used to in Western countries. Rules are not always followed, drivers appear to speed, do not stay in their lanes, overtake in seemingly dangerous situations, and rarely use their mirrors or driving lights at night. The horn however is used frequently and can range from the latest Bollywood tune to Britney Spears! Although the government is investing large sums of money to improve the road infrastructure, there is a lot more to be done. As a result some of the roads are poorly maintained, pot holed and uneven. This gets even more pronounced particularly during and after the monsoon. Travel time is very long in comparison to Western countries and short distances can take much longer than at home. You have the comfort of an air
conditioned Private vehicle, but be prepared to take an odd ride in a local transport for the experience.

Group Leader Description

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting
we think it's the best of both worlds. Please note that on this trip you may have different CEO's in the north and the south.

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi
share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

What to Take

What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15
20 mintues with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10
15kg/22
30lb. Hard suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. Standard luggage allowance for internal flights is 15kg (33lb) for checked luggage, and is 7kg (15lb) for carry
on luggage. Any charges for additional luggage or weight is the responsibility of the passenger.