Description

Circle India on this epic cross-country trip, soaking up the sounds, sights and smells of this remarkable nation. Travel from the bustle of Mumbai to the mellow shores of Goa, via Delhi, Varanasi and Udaipur to name a few, and see how India pulses 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. Travelling in India is an out-of-this-world experience, so let us guide you not only through the major sights but also to some off-the-beaten-track delights.

Highlights

• Uncover Hindu spirituality in Omkareshwar temple.
• Relax by the river in easy-going Orchha.
• Bargain up a storm in a chaotic Delhi city market.
• Visit the Udaipur Lake Palace for some old world romance.
• Travel deep into the Jaisalmer Desert by camel.
• Admire the Taj Mahal in Agra.
• Be humbled by spiritual ceremonies on the ghats of Varanasi.
• Explore eclectic Chennai.
• Travel to Madurai and witness religious rituals .
• Check out Varkala's nightlife.
• Live rural life in the backwaters of Kerala.
• See the impressive Kochi fort.
• Shop for silk in Mysore or take a tour of the Maharaja's Palace.
• Explore ancient ruins in Hampi.
• Experience India's beach culture in idyllic Goa.

Itinerary

Day 1 Mumbai

A city of contradictions and never dull, Mumbai has truly wonderful sights vs the hard to see; incredible cultural depth vs rampant consumerism; immense riches vs crippling poverty.

Days 2-3 Aurangabad

Known around India for its fine silk and cotton fabrics, Aurangabad also has some fine buildings and is close to the spectacular Ellora Caves.

Day 4 Jalgaon

A big producer of bananas, Jalgaon is the gateway to the Ajanta Caves and has a modern infrastructure with a small town feel.

Days 5-6 Omkareshwar

A sacred site for Hindi pilgrims, Omkareshwar is said to resemble the shape of the Om symbol and is a small town located in the Narmada River.

Days 7 Mandu

Founded in the 6th century, Mandu was an important military outpost for many centuries and is now the site of some remarkable and well-preserved ruins.

Day 8 Sanchi

Sanchi is a small village with a large number of remarkable Buddhist monuments, some dating back to the 3rd century BC.

Days 9-10 Orchha

Meaning 'hidden', Orchha is a small village with a grand history and is covered with 16th-century temples and buildings still standing proud.

Day 11 Chanderi

Known for the quality of their handwoven saris, Chanderi is an enchanting town with a fascinating history, a stunning old fort and a strong Jain culture.

Days 12-13 Agra

Famed for the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, Agra is a city with a fascinating history and is rich in Mughal heritage, lush gardens and exquisite buildings and temples.

Days 14-16 Delhi

It's big, it's bold, it's busy - and there is nowhere in the world quite like it. Delhi's sights and sounds are sure to engage and intrigue.

Days 17-19 Jaisalmer/Thar Desert

Like a city risen from the desert sands, Jaisalmer's sand-coloured buildings, busting bazaars and fascinating living fort all help give the city a wonderful old-world feel.

Days 20-21 Jodhpur

India's enigmatic 'Blue City', Jodhpur, has a captivating Old Town with palaces, heritage buildings, colourful streets and the Mehrangarh Fort shining like a jewel high above the city.

Days 22-24 Udaipur

With dusty hills in the background and tranquil lakes its centrepiece, Udaipur is a truly beautiful city with fabulous heritage buildings, restaurants and narrow laneways.

Days 25-26 Pushkar

The holy city of Pushkar is a place of beauty with its whitewashed buildings, serene lake, rooftop restaurants and impressive temples.

Days 27-28 Jaipur

Jaipur was designed by royalty and has delighted visitors for centuries with its pink-hued buildings, wonderful bazaars and rainbow of bright colours dancing along hectic streets.

Day 29 Bharatpur

The legacy of once being a strong military stronghold is a good fort, and Bharatpur's is pretty impressive. It's also home to the wonderful Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary.

Days 30-31 Agra

Sitting on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra is a hectic city with many gems shining grandly in among the buzz of everyday Indian life.

Days 32-34 Varanasi

The holy city of Varanasi, sitting on the River Ganges for thousands of years, attracts scores of pilgrims and travellers wanting to discover something divine.

Days 35 Kolkata

With its colonial architecture, mouth-watering cuisine and celebrated intellectual and arts scene, Kolkata confronts in so many ways but surprises in just as many.

Day 36 Chennai

Located in India's Bay of Bengal, Chennai is a Tamil cultural centre and home to India's second largest film industry, known as Kollywood.

Day 37 Mamallapuram

Mamallapuram (also Mahabalipuram) is a town with ancient origins. It has nice beaches, good restaurants and the intricately carved Shore Temple, still standing from the 9th century.

Days 38-39 Madurai

With incredible temple complexes and a recorded history going back to the 3rd century BC, Madurai has some wonderful buildings and heritage sites to discover.

Days 40-41 Varkala

Blessed by dramatic cliffs falling into the Arabian sea, Varkala is an unassuming town with a relaxed feel and some great temples, beaches and eateries.

Day 42 Kerala Backwaters Homestay

Swaying palm trees, lush rice paddies, winding waterways, Ayurvedic massage and welcoming locals all await on this amazing Kerala Backwaters homestay.

Days 43-44 Kochi

As a centre for the spice trade for centuries, cosmopolitan Kochi has an intriguing mix of cultural influences from both the Indian continent and overseas.

Days 45-46 Mysore

The peaceful city of Mysore has a score of lovely parks, grand buildings, well-regarded yoga centres and an incredible palace, the product of its Wodeyar Dynasty heritage.

Days 47-48 Hampi

Hampi is a relaxed village awash with captivating ruins and temples of the 15th-century city Vijayanagar, now a World Heritage site.

Days 49-50 Goa

Tinged with a Portuguese flavour, the state of Goa is blessed with lovely beaches, rich traditions, mouth-watering cuisine, World Heritage buildings and a wealth of attractions.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities), Guesthouse, Homestay, Hotel, Overnight sleeper train

Transport

Auto rickshaw, Boat, Bus, Camel, Jeep, Overnight sleeper train, Train

Important notes

1.Internal flight from Kolkata to Chennai NOT included. Please see important notes for details. 2. This trip starts in Mumbai on day one at 1pm AMENDMENT TO PRINTED BROCHURE: Due to a recent change in train timetables, instead of catching a day train from Hampi to Goa on Day 49 (approx. 11 hours), we will instead drive to Hubli (approx 3 hours) and catch an overnight train (approx 8-9 hours) on Day 48. This change begins from the 19th Jan 2013. We apologise for any inconvenience.