Days 1-2 KochiWelcome 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 OotacamundTravel 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 ParkTry to spot tigers, elephants and spotted deer on a safari in Mudumalai National Park. Days 6-7 MysoreTravel to Mysore to view the Maharaja's Palace, dine with a local friend of Intrepid and visit the Keshava Temple. Day 8 MamallapuramCycle to the Shore Temple and view incredible carvings. Day 9 PondicherryFollow the scenic coast of India to Pondicherry and visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Day 10 MaduraiWitness mysterious rituals in the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, a labyrinth of lamp-lit corridors. Days 11-12 Periyar National ParkTravel 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 HomestayShare a traditional feast with a local family and take a sunset cruise through the backwaters of Kerala. Day 14 KochiReturn to Kochi for a relaxing day of shopping or sightseeing. Days 15-16 DelhiArrive in colourful Delhi, a chaotic mixture of museums, bazaars and businessmen. Take a walking tour of the magnificent Old City and visit Jama Masjid. Day 17 AgraBe enchanted by the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra and the majestic Red Fort. Day 18 Rural Rajasthan Heritage StayMeet villagers and local craftspeople, then sleep in a converted fort in rural Rajasthan. Days 19-20 JaipurVisit Jaipur, the 'Pink City', and explore the halls of the Amber Fort. Day 21 Ranthambore National ParkSearch for Bengal tigers among the lakes and ruined palaces of Ranthambore National Park. Day 22 BundiSee the murals of Bundi Palace. Days 23-24 BijaipurStay in a fortified mansion in Bijaipur and visit tiny villages. Days 25-26 UdaipurVisit City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India. Days 27-28 Pushkar/Camel SafariTravel through the desert near Pushkar on camelback to watch the sun set over the golden dunes. Day 29 DelhiTravel back to the bustle of Delhi, India's chaotic capital, where the tour ends.
|