India South & North
Trip Details
- Duration: 29 days days
- Visited Areas: India
This all-encompassing trip takes in the highlights of India - both north and south - revealing some of the country's wonderful secrets. Revel in the tropical climate, the food, the aromatic spices, the warm waters and the lush green landscapes of the south. Then be dazzled by the kaleidoscopic colours, the Mughal grandeur, the spiritual mysteries and powerful Rajput heritage of the north. Travel from Kochi to Delhi and combine the slower delights of Kerala and Tamil Nadu with the rush and jumble of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan for this incredible adventure.
Itinerary
Days 1-2 Kochi
Welcome to India! Kochi is where the South and North adventure gets underway, with a ferry ride to Fort Cochin, the aromatic spice bazaars and the beautifully restored Mattancherry Palace. In the evening, attend a Kathakali dance performance.
Days 3-4 Ootacamund
Travel to Ootacamund and ride the famous toy train through rolling plantations. Visit a tea garden, soak up the tranquil vibe and appreciate why many Indians choose to holiday in Ooty.
Day 5 Mudumalai National Park
Try to spot tigers, elephants and spotted deer on a safari in Mudumalai National Park.
Days 6-7 Mysore
Travel to Mysore to view the Maharaja's Palace, dine with a local friend of Intrepid and visit the Keshava Temple.
Day 8 Mamallapuram
Cycle to the Shore Temple and view incredible carvings.
Day 9 Pondicherry
Follow the scenic coast of India to Pondicherry and visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
Day 10 Madurai
Witness mysterious rituals in the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, a labyrinth of lamp-lit corridors.
Days 11-12 Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Travel through rubber, tea and coffee plantations and stop at a spice farm. Search for elephants and other wildlife with a guide at the Periyar Sanctuary.
Day 13 Kerala Backwaters Homestay
Share a traditional feast with a local family and take a sunset cruise through the backwaters of Kerala.
Days 14-16 Kochi/Delhi
Return to Kochi and fly to chaotic Delhi city for a tour of the old town.
Day 17 Agra
Be enchanted by the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra and the majestic Red Fort.
Day 18 Rural Rajasthan Heritage Stay
Meet villagers and local craftspeople then sleep in a converted fort in rural Rajasthan.
Days 19-20 Jaipur
Visit Jaipur, the 'Pink City', and explore the halls of the Amber Fort.
Day 21 Ranthambore National Park
Search for Bengal tigers among the lakes and ruined palaces of Ranthambore National Park.
Day 22 Bundi
See the murals of Bundi Palace.
Days 23-24 Bijaipur
Stay in a fortified mansion in Bijaipur and visit tiny villages.
Days 25-26 Udaipur
Visit City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India.
Days 27-28 Pushkar/Camel Safari
Travel through the desert near Pushkar on camelback to watch the sun set over the golden dunes.
Day 29 Delhi
Travel back to the bustle of Delhi, India's hectic capital city, where the tour ends.