Compare Delhi to Goa by Intrepid Travel vs Icons of India: The Taj, Tigers & Beyond with Udaipur & Southern India by Globus
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days | 17 days |
| Price From | $ 1,105 | $ 5,429 |
| Price Per Day | $ 74 | $ 319 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
From spice-filled bazaars to white sandy beaches, opulent palaces to spice plantations, discover India in all its glory on this well-balanced 15-day adventure. Delve into a world of delicious street food, ride rickshaws through narrow alleyways, stroll by beautiful lakes and forested hills, mingle with Mumbai merchants, and explore centuries-old icons. Finish up on the shores of easygoing Goa, where yoga, cocktails, and golden sands are all you need to chill out after the bustling big towns of India. Now that’s an idyllic Indian adventure. |
How do you express your eternal devotion to the love of your life? Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan enlisted the help of more than 20,000 workers and 1,000 elephants to erect a towering white marble mausoleum dedicated to his wife who died during childbirth. A sunrise visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the New7Wonders of the World, is just the beginning of your love affair with India. Beyond India’s most sparkling jewel lies a priceless gem mine of experiences you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Hop in a rickshaw for a ride through Delhi’s centuries-old Chandni Chowk bazaar, sit down for traditional Indian cuisine in the home of a noble family in Jaipur, and embark on three thrilling open-air safari game drives through Ranthambore National Park in search of marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and the elusive Bengal tiger. In Udaipur, explore the Jagdish Temple and take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola. Tour bustling Mumbai and witness its tiffin lunch box delivery system and visit the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Tour the highlights of Kochi and cruise the backwaters of Kerala to witness life along the scenic and serene waterways. A mosaic of memories awaits on this radiant tour of India. |
Day 1 Delhi
Welcome to India! Arrive in the fun and frenetic capital of Delhi and settle into your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and travel pals. After your meeting, take an orientation walk to get your bearings and perhaps head out for an optional dinner with your group.
Day 2 Delhi
Start your day with a ride on the metro. Your tour heads first to Old Delhi – the heart of the city. Inch your way through the streets around the Chandni Chowk marketplace in true local style – by cycle rickshaw! Visit the Jama Masjid – Delhi's oldest (and India’s largest) mosque – and then stop by the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple). Learn about the Sikh guru who, in the 17th century, stuck to his religious beliefs and paid the ultimate price in this very spot. This afternoon is free to explore more of Delhi's sights at your own pace!
Day 3 Agra
Agra itself may not be the world’s prettiest city, but the minute you see its iconic sights, that won’t matter one bit. You will arrive by one of India's express air-conditioned trains (approximately 3 hours), then head straight to the most recognisable sight in India. The Taj Mahal may well exceed your expectations as the light shimmers off its white marble surface. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th century Taj is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, surrounded by trimmed English gardens. The highlights keep coming as you take a motorised rickshaw tour around town – a great way to see the monuments of Agra. You can also visit Akbar's Mausoleum, a beautiful sandstone and marble tomb built for the greatest of the Mughal emperors. Stop off for an optional meal at Sheroes Hangout, a cafe that supports victims of acid attacks.
Day 4 Jaipur
Travel by public bus to Rajasthan’s colourful capital, Jaipur. Settle into your hotel, then enjoy a walk through the streets and markets of this ‘Pink City’. Use the rest of the day to explore the city on your own, perhaps visiting Jaipur’s ornate Royal City Palace. Your accommodation for tonight is a family-run heritage hotel. In the evening, perhaps take the opportunity to see a Bollywood film. Jaipur is home to one of the world's great cinema halls – the grand art-deco Raj Mandir.
Day 5 Jaipur
For many travellers, an optional hot air balloon experience is one of the highlights of Jaipur, and today would be the ideal day to book in on one. In the afternoon, visit the hilltop Amber Fort, an excellent example of Rajput architecture, and see the red stone palace of the Hawa Mahal (The Palace of the Winds). Take in its dazzling coloured glass work and learn its interesting history.
Day 6 Pushkar
Travel to Pushkar by public bus and then private vehicle via the town of Ajmer. Pushkar is one of India's holiest towns and a market centre for the surrounding villages. Head out to explore the town on a walking tour, stopping in at the main bazaar along the way. Here you'll come across anything from 1960s fashion and glass lamps to jewellery and traditional Rajasthani puppets. Then, take a walk around Pushkar’s lake, which is considered sacred in Hindu culture and has an interesting mythology behind it. Wander past the bustling ghats and temples, observing the devout as they worship at the city’s holy waters.
Day 7 Pushkar
Early morning risers may like to hike up the hill to the Savitri Temple for sunrise views over the town. If the chai wallah is there, enjoy a steaming cup of tea at the top! Later in the day, you will pay a visit to the colourful Brahma Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu god-creator Brahma. If you’re lucky enough to be in town for the Pushkar Camel Fair, you can experience one of India’s most famous festivals. It's held every November.
Day 8 Udaipur
Continue on to your next destination today, travelling by private vehicle back to Ajmer and then day train to Udaipur. Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, this white city is often regarded as the most romantic in India. Set amid the Aravalli Hills, Udaipur curls around a huge lake. On arrival, take a leader-led city walk to get your bearings around town. Explore twisting alleyways filled with shops and bazaars selling things like silver jewellery, shoes, bags, leather goods, and miniature paintings.
Day 9 Udaipur
Enjoy a free day to explore the sights of Udaipur. Season depending, why not take a short boat ride on the famous Lake Pichola and see the palaces of Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas rise out of the water. Take a guided tour of the lakeside City Palace complex, the largest palace in Rajasthan. While inside, check out vivid murals and royal antiques, and pop into the impressive Jagdish Temple that’s dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Alternatively, you could learn the secrets behind making the perfect Indian thali during a half-day cooking class.
Day 10 Udaipur – Overnight Train
Enjoy another free day in Udaipur before your overnight train to Mumbai. You might like to spend the day exploring Shilpgram – an interesting artistic neighbourhood just a few km away from town. Here, you can see a range of village houses from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra with exhibitions on display (season depending). Board your train to Mumbai from Falna station and settle in for your night travelling like the locals.
Day 11 Mumbai
Wake up in Mumbai, perhaps the most cosmopolitan city in India. You will take a short walk through the heritage quarter of Mumbai, the nearby Gateway of India, and the famous Taj Hotel. Discover some of the beautiful old colonial and art deco buildings, treat yourself to a meal in one of the country's best restaurants, or shop ‘til you drop in the bazaars and malls. Later in the day, visit Chowpatty Beach where colourful crowds mill about in the cooler evening air. Palm readers, balloon sellers, magicians, and acrobats all compete for your attention. A great optional activity is to visit Elephanta Island. Easily accessible by ferry from Mumbai, it's about 10 km from the south-east coast of the island city. Boats leave daily from the Gateway of India (approximately 1 hour each way).
Day 12 Mumbai – Overnight Train
While away the day in Mumbai, with a full day free to explore at your own pace. You might like to wander through the Hanging Gardens or take a half-day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Elephant Caves. Take a walk along Marine Drive beside the Arabian Sea or hang out by the picteresque Bombay High Court. Your leader will also have some great suggestions, including the best spots for a good feed! Keep in mind, you’ll board an overnight sleeper train bound for Goa tonight.
Day 13 Goa
Arrive in Goa nice and early and check into your hotel. Take a walk to acquaint yourself with Goa and its relaxed tropical atmosphere. You're bound to see the Portuguese influence that is ever so present in the city's whitewashed churches. There's an optional visit to a local spice farm today, which gives you a fascinating look behind the rich aromas and flavours of some of India's essential ingredients. Goa's dense forested areas and favourable climatic conditions make it a perfect location to grow the spices liberally used in its cuisine, and all the spice farms use organic methods of cultivation. A tour of the plantation culminates in a mouth-watering Goan buffet lunch – so what’s not to like?
Day 14 Goa
The day is yours to spend as you please, and there's no shortage of things to do in this unique coastal spot. A bicycle trip to the countryside is a great option. For a more spiritual kind of exertion, spend the day seeking a little enlightenment with a touch of yoga. Otherwise, take this opportunity to relax on the beach or sip a cocktail at a local bar. Tonight, why not join your group for an Indian feast – the local seafood is definitely a winner.
Day 15 Goa
As there are no activities planned today, your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. You are welcome to leave at any time, provided you comply with the accommodation’s internal check-out procedures.
Day 1: ARRIVE IN DELHI, INDIA
Hello, Delhi! Welcome to Delhi, India’s capital city. Hotel check-in available mid-afternoon.
Day 2: DELHI
Delhi Delights Today’s sightseeing starts with an orientation to see the Red Fort, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Then, visit Jama Masjid and take a [LF] rickshaw ride through a local bazaar. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a bit of free time. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner that includes a cooking demonstration and talk on Indian cuisine with a local chef. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITEMARKET HIGH Hop on a rickshaw and explore Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling a variety of goods and souvenirs—from silver and saris to spices and electronics.
Day 3: DELHI–AGRA
Remembrance & Worship This morning, visit Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in for the evening. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTA RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE As Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship), Gurudwara Bangla Sahib has religious significance and splendid architecture. The grand edifice is built in the Sikh architectural style, while this magnificent house of worship is made using stunning white marble below its commanding golden dome.
Day 4: AGRA
Moghul Monuments Start your day with a sunrise visit to the captivating Taj Mahal. After a bit of down time, travel to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTLOVE REMEMBERED Explore the extravagant Taj Mahal, a marble monument to love. Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth.
Day 5: AGRA–FATEHPUR SIKRI–RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK AREA
By Road & Rail Today, stop at Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for merely 10 years before it was completely abandoned due to the lack of adequate water. After lunch in Bharatpur, board a train bound for Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park, one of the best places in India to spot the elusive Bengal tiger! (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
Day 6: RANTHAMBORE AREA
The Game is Afoot Today, explore Ranthambore National Park on morning and afternoon game drives in an open-air safari vehicle. Between game drives, enjoy free time to relax. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE In addition to Bengal tigers, Ranthambore National Park is home to leopard, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and more. Take the opportunity to spot them all on guided game drives today.
Day 7: RANTHAMBORE AREA–JAIPUR
Jaunt to Jaipur Today, travel to Jaipur. In 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales and known as the “Pink City” ever since. After lunch, visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar, consisting of 19 astronomical instruments used for measuring time and dates back to 1728. Next, visit the City Palace Museum, once the royal residence and now showcases a collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes from the past. (Breakfast,Lunch)
Day 8: JAIPUR
Jewels of Jaipur Today, visit the amazing Amber Fort in the morning. Lastly, visit a [LF] local vocational training program for children. Tonight, enjoy a home-hosted dinner with an Indian noble family, followed by a sari-and turban-tying demonstration. (Breakfast,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITECHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE Ladli is a training program teaching orphaned children valuable skills to keep them off the streets. Here, learn about the project while interacting with the children and helping them practice their English skills.TOUR HIGHLIGHTFORMIDABLE FORTRESS Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan,” built entirely of white marble and red sandstone. This fortress-palace has a somber exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including an alabaster Hall of Victory and a superb Chamber of Mirrors.
Day 9: JAIPUR–UDAIPUR
Radiant Rajasthan Today, fly to Udaipur, known as the “City of Lakes,” to continue your exploration of Rajasthan, India’s largest state. (Breakfast)
Day 10: UDAIPUR
Only You, Udaipur Your morning sightseeing tour with a Local Guide in this romantic City of Lakes starts with a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace in Rajasthan. Then, visit the Jagdish Temple and the Crystal Gallery. After some free time in the middle of the day, embark on a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. (Breakfast,Lunch)
Day 11: UDAIPUR–MUMBAI
City Slicker Today, fly to Mumbai, a multicultural metropolis with a vibrant history—now India’s premier seaport and home to the “Bollywood” movie industry. (Breakfast)
Day 12: MUMBAI
Magical Mumbai Join your Local Guide for an orientation of some of the city’s famous sites, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India. Then, witness Mumbai’s fascinating tiffin lunch box delivery system. Lastly, stop to see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. After lunch, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. (Breakfast,Lunch)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTLUNCH BOX HEROES At Churchgate Station, the dabbawalas (box carriers) transfer the lunch boxes onto a wooden cart on a local train as they have done since the late 1800s. This color-coded lunch delivery system began over 100 years ago as migrants moved to work in what was then Bombay. Board the train for the short ride to Mahalaxmi Station where you’ll disembark and watch the boxes being sorted by color for final delivery.
Day 13: MUMBAI–KOCHI
Headed South Today, fly to Kochi, the “Gateway to Kerala,” India’s southernmost state known for its natural beauty. (Breakfast)
Day 14: KOCHI
Diversity & Heritage Your Local Guide takes you to visit the Chinese fishing nets that are the livelihood of many fishermen in the area. You’ll also take a walk through the Jewish Quarter. Then, visit the Kerala Folklore Museum, which aims to educate people about the unique culture and heritage of South India. (Breakfast)
Day 15: KOCHI–KUMARAKOM
Just out for a Cruise Today, drive out of the city to embark on an unforgettable private afternoon cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. Afterward, continue to your lakeside resort. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTGOD’S OWN COUNTRY Explore the serene waters of Kerala – India's tropical paradise of waving palms and wide sandy beaches on the narrow coastal region below the mountains of the Western Ghats. Cruise through a world of lush green vegetation and paddy fields in a paradise that reaches to the Arabian sea. See why Kerala is named one of the “10 paradises of the world” and one of National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Places of a Lifetime.”
Day 16: KUMARAKOM
Free day, Yes! A full day at leisure to explore the area or enjoy resort amenities. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE A LITTLE, RELAX A LOT Consider a trip to visit a local village, relax by the pool, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. More optional excursions throughout your tour are available at MyGlobus.
Day 17: KUMARAKOM
Homeward Bound Your India exploration ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
