From the beautiful symmetry of the Taj Mahal to the unforgettable backwaters of Kerala, this comprehensive Indian journey is a photographer's delight. Walk along the sacred Ganges River in Varanasi and explore Abhaneris carved stepwells in the north before flying south to search for tigers in the wild and exotic spices in relaxed hill stations. With an intriguing combination of included activities and free time, city streets and rural spirit, you're sure to gain an understanding of the people and insight into this fascinating land. This month-long adventure will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

What's Included

Walk in Old Delhi, Spice markets and Jama Masjid, Entrance to Taj Mahal, Entrance to I’timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj), Guide and entrance to Red Fort, Entrance Fatepur Sikri, Hawa Mahal - palace of the Winds, Guided Amber Palace Tour, Orchha Palace Complex, Entrance and guide Western Temple complex, River Ganges boat trip at sunrise and sunset (including candle flower ceremony), Dutch (Mattencherry) palace, Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Kathakali performance, Safari into Madumalai National Park and Wynad (Muthunga) National Park, Mysore Palace, Chaumundi Temple, Excursion to Somnathpur, Mamallapuram Shore Temples, Pondicherry, Brihadeeswara Temple (Tanjore), Cycle rickshaw tour of Madurai and Sri Meenakshi Temple, Tour of Spice Garden, Excursion and local guide for Backwaters Homestay
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners (Allow USD445-590 for meals not included.)
Hotels/guesthouses (25 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), homestay (1 nt, multishare)
Train, local bus, charter bus, auto-ricksaw, small river boat, plane.
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides
Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 10

Day 1 Delhi
Arrive in Delhi at anytime.
Day 2 Delhi
Visit old Delhi by subway, spice markets, Jama Masjid and Connaught Place.
Days 3-4 Jaipur
Visit to Palace of the Winds and Amber Palace. Options to watch a Bollywood movie in the classic art deco Raj Mandir cinema.
Day 5 Abhaneri
Visit to Abhaneri stepwells and Harshat Mata Temple.
Days 6-7 Agra
Visit to Taj Mahal, Baby Taj, Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri
Day 8 Orcha
Visit to Orcha Palace Complex.
Days 9-11 Alipura/Khajuraho
Visit to western temple complex.
Days 12-13 Varanasi
Orientation walk along ghats and old city and River Ganges boat trip at sunrise and sunset.
Day 14 Varanasi/Delhi
Free morning to wander the ghats and perhaps some last-minute shopping before boarding our afternoon flight to Delhi.
Days 15-16 Kochi (Cochin)
Fly to Kochi. Orientation walk to Dutch Palace, Jewish synagogue/town and see a kathakali performance.
Days 17-18 Wayanad (Kalpetta)
Morning train followed by a scenic drive to Kalpetta. Nature trails in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Eddakal Pre historic Caves.
Day 19 Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Private bus drive to spend the night and enjoy a safari at the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
Days 20-21 Mysore
Included visit to Chaumundi Temple and Somnathpur. Overnight train to Chennai on Day 20 and private bus to Mamallapuram.
Days 22-23 Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Visit Shore Temple.
Day 24 Pondicherry/Madurai
Continue our journey to Madurai via Pondicherry—former French territory; learn about Sri Aurobindo Ghose at the Ashram. In the afternoon catch the day train to Madurai.
Day 25 Madurai
Enjoy a cycle rickshaw tour of Madurai and Sri Meenakshi temple.
Day 26 Thekkady (D)
Drive to Thekkady ( 4 hours) Guided tour of Spice Plantation in the Cardamom Hills.
Day 27 Kerala Backwaters Homestay (L,D)
Private bus to Alleppey and riverboat to our homestay. Experience local life and enjoy guided walk along the lagoon.
Day 28 Kochi (Cochin) (B)
Travel to Kochi where trip ends upon arrival. Onward travel can be booked for 4pm or later.