Circle India
Trip Details
- Duration: 51 day(s)
- Visited Areas: India
Circle India on this epic cross-country journey, taking the time to discover the sounds, sights and smells of this remarkable nation. The subcontinent is a fascinating region pulsing with the life and culture of over a billion people. Here religion is lived and breathed each day in a thousand ways and glimpses of history are found on every corner. From jam-packed cities to chilled out beaches, explore the major sights and off-the-beaten-track delights of colourful India.
Itinerary
Day 1 Mumbai
Discover Mumbai's bustling markets and bazaars. Perhaps check out the Gateway of India or take stroll along Chowpatty Beach at sunset, sampling delicacies from street stalls along the way.
Days 2-3 Aurangabad
Nearby Ellora Caves are home to the magnificent Kailasa Temple? Carved out of a single rock, it is the largest monolithic structure in the world.
Day 4 Jalgaon
The caves at Ajanta, en route to Jalgaon, conceal exquisitely detailed rock-hewn chapels and monasteries.
Days 5-6 Omkareshwar
Take a jeep to Omkareshwar, a holy place of great importance to Hindus. See steep fort walls, ancient palaces and colourful bathing ghats.
Days 7-8 Mandu
Go on an optional bike ride out to the Jahaz Mahal - built between two lakes, this phenomenal four-storey structure has a deep pool with an ingenious filtration system that looks like a coiled snake.
Day 9 Ujjain
Spend the night in an ashram located on the banks of a river. Culturally this a great pilgrimage spot for Hindus from all over the world.
Day 10 Sanchi
A melting pot of Buddhist architectural wonders, expect to see fine examples of creative art and sculpture along with temples, monasteries and stupas on an exploration of Sanchi.
Days 11-13 Orchha
Bursting with temples and palaces, Orchha is a lovely town in which to relax. In free time, take a stroll by the river, visit a local community project, or perhaps watch a puja ceremony?
Days 14-16 Delhi
There's plenty to see in vibrant Delhi as the tour ends for some passengers. Haggle for a souvenir in the bazaars of Old Delhi, marvel at the Qutb Minar, explore India's largest mosque or escape the chaos at the Indira Gandhi Museum.
Days 17-19 Jaisalmer
Embark on a camel safari.
Days 20-21 Jodhpur
Shop at one of the oldest markets in India.
Days 22-24 Udaipur
Fall in love with Udaipur's Lake Palace and cluttered book shops.
Days 25-26 Pushkar
See India's only Brahama temple or shop up a storm in the bazaar.
Days 27-28 Jaipur
Gaze up at the honeycomb facade of the Hawa Mahal or catch a Bollywood film.
Day 29 Bharatpur
Escape the city in the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary.
Days 30-31 Agra
Travel to Agra, home of the majestic Taj Mahal.
Days 32-34 Varanasi
Discover daily religious rites on the ghats of Varanasi.
Day 35 Kolkata
See a thousand contrasts in the 'City of Joy'.
Day 36 Chennai
Experience an eclectic mix of traditional and modern culture.
Day 37 Mamallapuram
Peruse exquisite rock carvings or relax by the beach.
Days 38-39 Madurai
The heart of Tamil Nadu, Madurai hums with pilgrims, cycle-rickshaws and street markets.
Days 40-41 Varkala
Unwind in a cliff-top cafe overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Day 42 Kerala Backwaters Homestay
Boat the canals and experience local culture during a homestay.
Days 43-44 Kochi
Unwind in this atmospheric melting pot of cultural influences.
Days 45-46 Mysore
Don't miss the Maharaja's Palace, adorned with colourful mosaics and mirrors.
Days 47-48 Hampi
See this ancient temple town, nestled among strange rock formations.
Days 49-51 Goa
With palm-fringed beaches and a laid-back vibe, Goa is made for relaxation.
