India's North & South - Premium Adventure
India's North & South - Premium Adventure
India's North & South - Premium Adventure
15 Days Starting in Delhi and ending in Kovalam
Visiting: India
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AIR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience the astonishing diversity of India on this highlight-packed adventure that encompasses both the pulsating North and chilled-out South. We start by exploring the three cities that form the Golden Triangle: frenetic Delhi; Agra, home to the Taj Mahal; and the Pink City of Jaipur. We then fly south to gaze over vast tea estates, cruise the Kerala backwaters and spot wildlife with an indigenous guide. A hand-picked selection of accommodations and off-the-tourist-track adventures make this trip ideal for anyone who wants to experience everything India offers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In The Bustling City Of Delhi
Meals Included: Dinner
The adventure begins in Delhi, one of the three cities that comprises the Golden Triangle. There are free arrival transfers available for any flight, provided you have supplied your sales representative with your flight details in advance and have requested one.
Relax this evening and get to know your guide and travel companions over a welcome dinner in the hotel or at a local restaurant before a restful night’s sleep.
Accommodation: Ambassador, New Delhi (or similar)
Day 2 : Delhi; New To Old, Experience The Delights Off The Beaten Path. Afternoon Visit Humayun’S Tomb
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey through India starts with a jam-packed tour around the frenetic city of Delhi. We start in Old Delhi this morning, exploring the sights and sounds of Delhi in ways that support local communities and charities. You’ll see a side of Old Delhi few tourists get to visit on a walking tour led by guides who lived on the street as children. Curious and enthusiastic, they’re just as likely to ask questions as to answer them as you make your way around the hectic streets and bustling alleyways.
We then visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, a Sikh place of worship, before stopping at their community kitchen to meet the people who serve food to thousands of the most impoverished Delhi citizens every day. We then see the Raj Ghat (the cremation ground of Mahatma Gandhi) before finishing the morning at Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Old Delhi.
This afternoon we drive past fine colonial buildings, including the official residence of the President of India, Parliament House, and India Gate, a memorial to soldiers who died in the First World War. We end the day visiting Humayun’s Tomb, this World Heritage site was built by Hamida Banu Begam, the widow of Mughal emperor Humayun.
Accommodation: Ambassador, New Delhi (or similar)
Day 3 : To Agra; Afternoon Visit Of Agra Fort
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we drive (four to five hours, traffic dependent) to Agra, our second point in the Golden Triangle, and arrive at our hotel to freshen up. This afternoon, we visit Agra Fort, which was built by the third Mughal emperor Akbar. Its mighty red sandstone walls protect the white-marble Pearl Mosque within, plus the palace, courtyards and gardens.
Accommodation: Trident Hotel (or similar)
Day 4 : Sunrise At The Taj Mahal Before Travelling To Jaipur, Stopping At The Abhaneri Step Well En Route
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The day starts with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This beautiful white-marble monument was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Please note, if there is morning fog expected, then instead of sunrise, we visit the Taj Mahal after an early breakfast. Late morning, we complete the Golden Triangle, driving to the 18th-century city of Jaipur (approximately five to six hours’ drive). Along the way, we’ll stop at Abhaneri Step Well. Not your ordinary water well, this architectural treasure is one of the oldest and deepest stepwells in Rajasthan.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, we take the Royal Grandeur tour, an exclusive exploration of the Chandra Mahal, the seven-storey private residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, which sits within the City Palace complex. During the visit you will see various royal residential areas.
Please note: If we are short on time when arriving in Jaipur, this tour will be moved to the evening of Day 5. This evening, we have a special dinner arranged at Baradari, a restaurant within the City Palace.
Accommodation: Narain Niwas Palace (or similar)
Day 5 : Jaipur's Amer Fort, Bazaars And Foodie Tour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we visit the splendid Amber Fort, which rises above a lake a few miles from the main city. Descending from the fort, we reach the City Palace building in the centre of Jaipur. Formerly the residence of the Maharaja, it is now a museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments and weapons.
After working up an appetite from our morning sightseeing, we journey through broad pink avenues of sandstone to explore the colourful bazaars of Jaipur for a walking light lunch. Let your Tour Leader guide you on a foodie adventure, feasting on delicious local snacks and street food. The walk ends at Lakshmi Misthan Bhander, popularly known as LMB, one of the most famous sweet shops in Jaipur. Savour mouth-watering Rajasthani snacks and delightful treats.
The rest of your afternoon and evening is free to relax at the hotel or continue roaming around the old city markets. Jaipur is a centre of many handicrafts, including durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherwear. It will be difficult to leave without buying a small memento.
Accommodation: Narain Niwas Palace (or similar)
Day 6 : Feel Like Royalty At Neemrana Fort-Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We say goodbye to Jaipur and head to the glorious 15th-century Neemrana Fort-Palace, a sprawling resort that extends over nine palace wings. Try not to get lost as you relax and recharge from the first half of your trip.
Neemrana Fort-Palace is not just a hotel though; steeped in more than 500 years of history, it has hanging gardens, pools with views over the hillsides, and dromedaries (Arabian camels) that will take you on an unforgettable ride around the area (optional activity).
As the sun sets over the Aravalli hills, enjoy the magical atmosphere as hundreds of lights sparkle across the resort.
Accommodation: Neemrana Fort-Palace Hotel (or similar)
Day 7 : Fly South To Kerala
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend a relaxed morning at the Fort-Palace Hotel as your journey in North India is coming to an end. We leave the palatial surroundings and head to Delhi Airport for a late afternoon flight to Cochin (or Kochi as it’s otherwise known) in the southern state of Kerala. There’s a wild mix of history and culture in Kerala, influenced by more than 600 years of traders and travellers. The Cochin of today is a centre of Keralan arts and wandering the quaint lanes, which are lined with cafes, galleries and handicraft shops, reveals traditional and contemporary art scenes.
If you’re not too tired from the travel, you can join your leader for a waterfront dinner this evening. Enjoy local seafood specialities and curried dishes while gazing over the meeting point of the backwaters and the Arabian Sea.
Accommodation: CGH Casino (or similar)
Day 8 : Morning Exploring Fort Kochi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kochi (Cochin) has been a main port for centuries and although it is blossoming into a cosmopolitan city it still holds a deep-rooted history and old-world charm, particularly on the small coastal islands of Willingdon and Fort Kochi. After an early breakfast, we cross over the harbour for a walking tour of the Fort Kochi district. Stopping first at the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was later renovated by the Dutch and is now a museum for the area. Walking along the seafront, we pass many fisherman stalls selling the day’s catch. Stop to try your hand at working the Chinese fishing nets, imposing cantilevered contraptions that are a legacy of ancient traders.
We end the morning tour with a visit to the Jewish Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, situated down a quaint street full of local embroidery and craft shops.
This afternoon you are free to continue roaming Fort Kochi shops and waterfront area or perhaps head back to the hotel to relax by the pool.
Accommodation: CGH Casino (or similar)
Day 9 : Drive To Munnar; Walk Through Hillside Tea Plantations
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we will drive to the tea hills of Munnar (approximately four to five hours’ drive). The drive to Munnar winds up from the lowlands and backwaters through spice and tea plantations towards the Western Ghats. Entering Munnar, we marvel at the endless rolling hills covered in tea plants. This afternoon we stretch out after the journey and walk among the beautiful hillside tea plantations. Watch the pickers working and learn the local history and tea-making process from your local guide.
Accommodation: The Munnar Queen (or similar)
Day 10 : On To Thekkady; Afternoon Spice Plantation Visit And Cooking Demonstration With A Local Family
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we head to Thekkady, driving through the Kerala countryside out of the tea hills and into the spice plantations (approximately four to five hours). Enroute, your leader will arrange lunch stop at a local restaurant.
We stay at CGH Spice Village, a unique property modelled on the villages of the indigenous Manan community from this region. A representative from CGH Spice Village will take you on a short tour around the hotel’s spice plantation, farm and paper-making station, where you can also try to make paper. During your stay in Thekkady, you may also want to take in a Kathakali (traditional dance form of Kerala) or Kalaripayattu (oldest martial art form of Kerala) live performance if time. Please speak to your Leader on when the best time to book these in will be.
Late afternoon, we head to a local spice plantation for a tour and insight into the variety of spices and plants grown in the region. Kumily is known as the heartland of spices due to the large number of plantations spread across the region. You can’t help but feel nature’s power walking between the cardamon leaves, pepper vines, turmeric roots and many more, smelling the aromatic air. This will give an insight into the growing, harvesting and processing of spices.
To finish the day, we are welcomed into a family home with a special cooking demonstration and dinner.
Accommodation: CGH Spice Village
Day 11 : Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary; Morning Jungle Walk; Free Afternoon Or Optional Activities
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It’s an early start today. We join an indigenous guide at Periyar National Park for a nature walk through the evergreen and moist deciduous forests, which are interspersed with marshy grasslands. On this gentle trek, we come across many different species of birds and butterflies, while looking for some of the rarer wildlife here, including elephants, sloth bears and elusive leopards and tigers. After our walk, there is free time to wander through the shops and stalls in Thekkady.
This afternoon, you have some free time to explore Thekkady village, or consider optional activities like a relaxing Auyvedic massage or return to Periyar National Park for a boat cruise (sharing basis) on Periyar Lake, an opportunity to see the wildlife that comes near to the lake for water and fodder.
Dinner this evening will be at 50 Mile, a restaurant in the CGH Spice Village where all ingredients are sourced within 50mi (80km) of the property.
Accommodation: CGH Spice Village
Day 12 : Wake Up With Yoga; Continue To Alleppey And Overnight On A Houseboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early risers can join a yoga session within the hotel grounds to wake up and feel ready to start the day.
After a relaxed breakfast, we head to Alleppey (approximately four to five hours’ drive), where we cruise the Kerala backwaters on a houseboat. These enchanting boats, built of anjili (wild jack) wood and bamboo, transported goods for hundreds of years. Now they have been decorated and made into comfortable cruise boats.
As you meander through tropical vegetation while relaxing on deck, you can observe the daily activities of people living beside the backwaters. There is also a prolific display of bird life, including kingfishers, kestrels and herons. Lunch and dinner are served on board; in the evening, the boat is anchored by a bank and we watch the sun set over paddy fields.
Accommodation: Deluxe houseboat
Day 13 : Leave The Houseboat And Drive To Kovalam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We enjoy breakfast on board before we arrive back in Alleppey and it’s time to leave our houseboat and start the drive along the scenic Malabar Coast to the beachside destination of Kovalam (approximately four to five hours’ drive). Passing through Quilon for a tea break en route, we make it to our last destination of this epic journey.
Once a relaxing hideaway on the old hippie trail, Kovalam has now been discovered, but the influx of tourism has not diminished this beautiful setting.
Your afternoon is free to relax at the hotel, spend time at the beach or rejuvenate with an Ayurvedic massage. This evening, your leader invites you to join him for a farewell dinner as the sun sets at your hotel with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Gokulam Grand Turtle On The Beach (or similar)
Day 14 : Free Day To Relax On The Beach Or Optional Day Trip To Kanyakumari
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free to unwind after a whirlwind journey through India. Walk along the soft, sandy beach or visit the shops for last-minute souvenirs. This is a great chance to enjoy fresh seafood from one of the many small beach restaurants. Try tandoori dishes – the clay ovens add an exquisite taste to bread and curries.
Alternatively, if you still have some energy left you could choose the optional day trip to Kanyakumari, the end point of India where 3 oceans meet, the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Take a ferry over to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, visit the Gandhi Memorial where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were kept before immersing them into the waters and finally see the Kumari Amman temple. Spend some time at the Kanyakumari beach and witness confluence of Indian Ocean, bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. This is a full day trip, usually leaving the hotel after an early breakfast and returning between 6pm and 7pm traffic dependent.
Accommodation: Gokulam Grand Turtle On The Beach (or similar)
Day 15 : Ends In Kovalam
Meals Included: Breakfast
The adventure ends today. Begin your return journey home or, if you’d like a bit more time to explore Kovalam, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Please note, airport security does not permit any spices/pepper to be carried in hand luggage so please pack these in your main luggage. Electronic devices and batteries should be packed in hand luggage as these are not permitted in your hold/main luggage.
What's Included
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All breakfasts, three lunches, seven dinners
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All transport and listed activities (including one internal flight)
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Entrances fees to monuments (as per itinerary)
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Walking tour of Delhi's back streets supporting Salaam Baalak Trust
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Tea plantation walk with picnic lunch
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Nature walk and boat cruise (sharing basis) in Periyar
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Tips for local staff
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Named tour leader, chosen for their expertise and great customer feedback
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Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Visas and vaccinations
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Tips for the Tour Leader
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Food
All breakfasts, three lunches and seven dinners are included in this trip.
India is famous for its food and there is ample opportunity to try various curries such as the familiar tandoori, biriyani and thali. If you are a vegetarian, India is a great destination. There are wonderful desserts and excellent beers, soft drinks and Indian specialities, such as lassi, a refreshing yoghurt drink.
You should allow at least 1,400-2,400 Indian rupees (US$20-US$35) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants most of the time, you will spend the top of the suggested amount. In most towns we visit, there is a good selection of restaurants and a choice between Indian and Western food. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap in the north, a (large!) bottle of beer is approximately 285 rupees (approximately US$4). However, due to Kerala state laws, alcohol licenses are limited to one or two bars in each area and not all hotels are permitted to serve alcohol. The first day of every month in Kerala and certain holidays in India are dry days, when no alcohol is permitted for sale.
Mineral water is widely available, but drinking water is provided in a large container on the bus to reduce our use of plastic, so please bring your own refillable water bottle.
Accommodation
Experience the best of Indian hospitality, staying in premium hotels. The properties we typically use are on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay on this trip.
Neemrana: Neemrana Fort-Palace (night 6)
Transport yourself 500 years into the past with a stay at the medieval Neemrana Fort-Palace, which sprawls over the Aravalli Hills. Built in 1464, the complex is fit for a royal, with 79 rooms spread over nine wings and 14 levels, an outdoor pool with valley views, plus a gym and spa. No two rooms are alike due to the ancient and protected history of the property.
Thekkady: CGH Spice Village (night 11)
Built to replicate a local village, this experiential resort was constructed with local materials and native artisans. They continue to work closely with the community, with produce supplied by local farmers, candles by a women’s group and honey by a co-operative. We stay in cottages inspired by the dwellings of the local Mannan community, the elephant grass roofs providing a natural form of temperature control. Other amenities include a swimming pool, locally focused food and drink offering, plus an Ayurveda center.
Alleppey: Houseboat (night 12)
The houseboats have spacious air-conditioned bedrooms with private bathrooms, plus a sundeck and separate dining area. Accompanying you on board will be a cook, driver and assistants. Expect traditional Keralan meals prepared for you using local produce. Houseboats have two to five twin-bedded rooms. Larger groups may be split over several boats; however, the group unites for riverside stops and the overnight anchor point where the tour leader is on-hand.
Worth knowing
In December and January, northern India can be quite cold in the mornings and at night. Hotels in India do not always have heating in the rooms, so extra blankets are provided. If you require more, speak with the hotel or tour leader.
The departures starting in Delhi on the below dates have a change of accommodation:
12 January, 23 February and 9 March 2025 departures: In Jaipur, we stay at Shahpura House instead of Narian Niwas Palace
9 February, 23 February and 9 March 2025 departures: In Agra, we stay at Tajview Hotel instead of Trident Agra
Check out our Q&As
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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