Journey Through India

15 days from £652 (was ~~£869~~)

Outside panoramic view of the Amber Fort.

Travellers walking along the river in Pushkar.

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Trip Photos

Travellers laughing at sunset in the Tordi Sagar desert.

Travellers posing in front of the Tordi stepwell.

Travellers laughing whilst running through the sand in Tordi.

Travellers watching the sun set over Tordi.

Outside the Taj Mahal through an archway.

Travellers taking part in a cricket match in Tordi.

Travellers taking part in a Pushkar desert dinner.

Travellers riding on a tuk tuk through Jaipur.

Women trying on traditional Indian clothes.

Travellers taking part in a colourful powder throwing festival.

From Delhi to Goa over 15 unforgettable days

A mind-blowing, magical blast of colour, spirituality, and soul, India is the kind of place you can find yourself, and lose yourself, all over again. This small group trip takes an authentic dip into India’s culture, history, and show-stopping natural splendours. We’ll go where the locals go, taking public transport, and staying in traditional accommodation that’ll give you a taste of the real India. Walk the rose-coloured streets of Jaipur, take a deep dive into rural life in Tordi Sagar, experience the dazzling majesty of the Taj Mahal, and lay back in sun-kissed bliss on Goa’s golden shores.

Highlights include

Taj Mahal

Tharu village homestay

Sunrise temple hike

Delhi city tour

Momo cookery class

Night train experience

Amber Fort

Pink City of Jaipur

Pokhara lakeside bar

Pushkar guided tour

Varanasi ghats tour

Chitwan National Park

Itinerary

Group of travellers arriving at New Delhi city walk.

Day 1: Welcome to Delhi

Arrive in the charmingly chaotic capital and weave your way through streets bustling with rickshaws, street traders, and the occasional cow! Your guide will lead a welcome meeting ahead of your first night out. Grab a thali plate and a cold Kingfisher with the group and start getting excited.

Women traveller sat under the arches looking at the Taj Mahal.

Day 2: Taj Mahal Tour

Take the morning train to Agra, where we'll tick off a bucket list biggie with a tour of the incomparable Taj Mahal. For another dose of history, opt to visit Baby Taj and Agra Fort. Agra has some of India's best street food, so after dark, head out for some Mughlai delicacies.

Group of travellers smiling whilst walking through the Patrika Gate.

Day 3: The Pink City

Hop on a local bus to beautiful Jaipur today. Take a cycle rickshaw to the city's vibrant bazaars, piled high with jewellery, textiles, and handicrafts. Then explore the flamboyant Rajhastani architecture of the rose-coloured old quarter. Tonight, how about a Bollywood film in India's largest movie theatre?

Landscape view of the Amber Fort in Jaipur.

Day 4: Amber Fort Tour

Take a guided tour of the majestic Amber Fort today. Marvel at the unique mix of Hindu and Muslim architecture and the views over the lake, before an afternoon in Jaipur. Opt to visit the Observatory and City Palace, dine in a community restaurant, or take a hot air balloon over the ancient city.

Locals doing traditional activities in Tordi, India.

Day 5: Village Life

Hop in our 4x4 and drive to the peaceful village of Tordi Sāgar. Take a deep dive into rural life, visiting local artisans, and markets, joining a game of cricket, and getting a henna tattoo from the local ladies. An optional camel cart ride or 4x4 safari take your experience to the next level.

Group of travellers meditating at sunset in front of Pushkar Lake.

Day 6: Pushkar

Enjoy a traditional lunch in the village before travelling over Snake Mountain to the Hindu pilgrimage town of Pushkar. Take a tour of the scenic holy lake, bathing ghats, bohemian bazaars, and milky-blue temples, with the constant hum of puja (prayers) and devotional songs as your soundtrack.

Travellers dancing with the locals in the Pushkar dessert.

Day 7: Sunrise Temple Hike

Climb the hill to Savriti Temple in time for sunrise today. Sip a fragrant chai, and feel one with the universe, as the Thar Desert Mountains light up with the sun's rays. Back in town, keep the Zen flowing with a massage or yoga session, followed by an optional desert dinner cooked by cameleers.

Long boat sailing past traditional buildings in Udaipur.

Day 8: Train to Udaipur

Stock up on snacks and board the train to Udaipur today. Take a guided tour on arrival, marvelling at the city's romantic setting on the shores of Lake Pichola, fantastical palaces, and colourful bazaars. An optional boat ride on the lake is the perfect way to round off the day.

The landscape view of the Udaipur arches.

Days 9 - 10: Explore Udaipur

Spend the next couple of days exploring the city's winding lanes, grand temples, and traditional havelis at your own pace. We've got some great optional activities on offer, from a sunrise cycle tour and temple visits to a Rajasthani cultural show and a cooking class at the Udaipur Cooking School.

The statue of Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram.

Day 11: Gandhi Ashram

We're hitting the road to Ahmedabad on a local bus this morning, where we'll visit the tranquil former riverside home of Gandhi. Soak up the zen vibes and learn all about the ashram's role in India's liberation. This evening, take an overnight train to buzzing Mumbai.

The landscape view of the gateway of India at sunset..

Day 12: Discover Mumbai

Wake up as the train arrives in the charming chaos of Mumbai city. Take a guided stroll round Colaba and the Fort district, then spend the rest of the day exploring on foot or on an optional driving tour. Must do's include the Gateway to India, tea at the Taj Hotel, and sunset on Chowpatty Beach.

Day 13: Flight to Goa

Take the short flight south to gorgeous Goa. With golden sands, swaying palms, and beautiful colonial buildings, it's every bit as gorgeous as you thought. Chill by the pool, hit those famous beaches, or join an optional trip to Old Goa for Portuguese culture and grand architecture galore.

Day 14: Party in Paradise

Soak up the sun on the picture-perfect beaches today, practice your haggling skills in the markets, and sip a cocktail or two in the sun in the laidback beach bars. Tonight, tuck into the freshest seafood of your life, before heading to the best bars and clubs and dancing the night away.

Day 15: Goodbye India

It's time to travel home or continue your adventure in India. Say your goodbyes and head off at a time that suits you. See you next time.

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Accommodation & Meals

We’ve chosen a selection of simple hotels and guesthouses in great locations for this trip. Accommodation does vary but you may have the opportunity to stay in a traditional haveli in Jaipur, a resort in a palm grove in Goa, and a turreted 18^th Century hotel in Tordi Sagar. All rooms are on a twin share basis (apart from the night on the sleeper train which is multi-share), but single room upgrades are available at an additional cost.

Lots of our travellers are solo travellers, so when you book with us, we’ll pair you up with a like-minded roommate of the same sex. Our trips are great for couples or friends as well - just let us know you’re together, so we can be sure to put you in the same room.

Please note: Accommodation is subject to change, depending on availability. Accommodation in India can be different to what you are used to at home, with rustic facilities and power cuts commonplace.

Meals

1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner are included on this trip. You’ll have the freedom to eat wherever and whenever you like the rest of the time.

Food in India is cheap and delicious. While most people living outside of India think of rich, saucy curries when Indian food is mentioned, it’s so much more than that. From paratha to dosa, and pakora to biryani, the options are endless. If you’re plant-based you’ll be well catered for, with more veggie options than just about anywhere in the world.

Dates & Prices

Flights

To get a flight quote use the buttons below or call our fantastic flights team on 01892 277037.

Extra information

Arrive in New Delhi Airport, also known as Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), on day 1 of your trip or earlier. Airport transfers are not included, but you can book a pick up on arrival at an extra cost. This transfer will be provided by the Women With Wheels project, a program that provides safe transport for travellers while offering a livelihood for women in a field in which they were not traditionally accepted. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the airport.

There are no activities planned for day 1 apart from a short welcome meeting in the evening. We’ll leave a welcome note at the hotel so you know where and when to meet. If you arrive late in the evening, your tour guide will leave you a message at reception, with details of joining arrangements for the morning. The tour leaves Delhi on Day 2 in the morning.

The trip ends on day 15 in Goa. You’ll need to arrange your own return airport transfer as well, but your tour guide can help with this. Goa Dabolim Airport (GOI) offers international flights, as well as connecting flights back to Delhi if you have a return flight from there. Please ensure you leave plenty of time to make your flight.

Maximum group size on this tour is 18, but the average group is usually 14.

This trip is the perfect blend of affordability, adventure and authenticity. Designed for intrepid travellers aged 18 - 39, it's a wallet-friendly experience where you'll mix with the locals, travel on local transport, and stay in rustic accommodation in the style of the region. As well as included activities, there are lots of optional add-ons, so you can tailor the trip to your budget and preferences while immersing yourself in each captivating locale.