Delhi to Kochi: Hampi Ruins & The Taj Mahal

Arrive at any time and welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi!



Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!

Additional Information: Please note this tour departs Delhi early on Day 2, so book pre-accommodation if you would like to explore the city more in depth. Opt to wander through the heart of India's capital city and explore Old and New Delhi. Travel by the new metro or auto rickshaws and visit the famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) where you can climb the minaret for a bird's eye view of the old city. Explore Chandni Chowk, one of India's oldest and busiest markets or head to the colourful spice market -- a great photo opportunity.

ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

ACTIVITY: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

Relax on the morning train to Agra while admiring the arid terrain and small towns. On arrival, check the famous Taj Mahal world wonder off your bucket list as you marvel at the iconic Mughal architecture. Immerse yourself in a guided tour and learn of the mausoleum's unique history. Opt to visit Baby Taj and the Agra Fort, the Taj’s less famous—but no less impressive—sister monument, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

ACTIVITY: We will aim to experience the Taj Mahal at either sunset or sunrise, depending upon our train tickets and travel schedule.

Today we take a bus (always an adventure itself in India) to the capital of Rajasthan — Jaipur. Clothed in sandstone pink stucco, Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" and is one of the most important heritage cities in India. It's home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Ride a cycle rickshaw to the markets and enjoy an orientation walk through the stalls. In your free time, opt to visit the City Palace, the observatory, or check out a song-and-dance Bollywood film in India's largest movie theatre.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

TRANSPORT: There will be a stop around the half-way point for snacks and toilets.

Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your list. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details. Afterward, head back to Jaipur and spend the free afternoon exploring with your fellow travellers and see where the night takes you.

Admire the city from above by pre-booking the Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour.

ACTIVITY: Explore this magnificent fort overlooking an artificial lake, famous for its unique mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy free time to relax, shop, visit landmarks like the Palace of the Winds or the Jaipur Observatory, or soak up some pop culture at a Bollywood movie.

Ride to peaceful Tordi Sāgar and dive into rural life by visiting local potters, cobblers, and markets on a guided walk through the village. If you're feeling athletic, join in on a cricket match with some local players. For lunch, get a taste of rural village life over a traditional lunch. In your free time, opt to bounce around with your new friends during a jeep safari or camel cart ride to the dunes for sunset. Head out for a hike in the hills or get a henna tattoo from local women. Tordi Sāgar is your oyster!

If you want to see more of Jaipur before departing, pre-book the Cycle Tour and explore the city from a morning perspective.

ACTIVITY: Take a tour of this tiny, tranquil village far from the maddening crowds and enjoy its pastoral settings and local hospitality. Also look at its magnificent red sand dunes.

TRANSPORT: Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.

Travel to Pushkar, often called Tirth Raj or the king of pilgrim centres. Cruise through Ajmer and over Snake Mountain to Pushkar — the site of the world’s only temple to the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. After settling into your accommodation, get your bearings on an orientation walk around the colourful city with cascading architecture and capture a group photo on the lake.

TRANSPORT: Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.

ACTIVITY: Join your CEO for an orientation to explore key parts of this desert city, including beautiful lakes and ghats. Visit the famed Brahma temple, meet a local pandit and understand/take part in the ancient rituals

Before dawn, climb to the hilltop Savitri Temple and catch the sun rising over the towering Thar Desert mountains. Afterward, reflect on the serenity at one of the many cafés in town, stretch and meditate during a calming yoga session, or scour the markets. Opt for an unforgettable evening by dressing in traditional Indian clothing and partake in an authentic dinner cooked by cameleers in the desert, all with live entertainment!

ACTIVITY: Climb a hilltop to get to this temple honouring Savitri, the wife of the Hindu god, Brahma. Witness a gorgeous sunrise over this holy place while drinking a warm cup of chai.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy free time to explore town after returning from the sunrise temple climb. Opt to take a yoga class, scour the markets, or relax with a massage.

Continue south to Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. It certainly lives up to its reputation as India's most romantic city (wink, wink). With its own famous style of painting and plenty of artisans, Udaipur is a great place to stroll through. After the orientation walk, opt to take a boat ride on Lake Pichola with your fellow travellers.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

ACTIVITY: Go on a guided orientation walk and get to know local markets and key places.

Free time to explore "Venice of the East" with its plethora lakes, palaces, and narrow lanes. Wander around solo or see who wants to join you on an adventure.

Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School class.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Do as much or as little as you want today. Visit one of the local palaces or enjoy a cooking demonstration.

Free time to explore "Venice of the East" with its plethora lakes, palaces, and narrow lanes. Wander around solo or see who wants to join you on an adventure.

Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School class.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Do as much or as little as you want today. Visit one of the local palaces or enjoy a cooking demonstration.

Take a local bus to Ahmedabad and explore the famous Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati. Immerse yourself in the peaceful environment of the riverside home that played an important role in India's freedom and learn of the sites unique history.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

ACTIVITY: Explore the famous Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati, once home to Mahatma Gandhi for nearly 12 years.

Rise and shine early to catch a train to Mumbai. Upon arrival choose to grab lunch with your CEO and explore the city.

In the evening, opt for a cup of tea at the famous Taj Hotel and people-watch on Chowpatty Beach or visit Crawford Market, one of South Mumbai's most famous. Sample some local specialties at one of Mumbai’s many top-notch restaurants as you go out on the town with your fellow travellers and sample the city’s famed nightlife firsthand.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Opt to go on a taxi tour around town, visit Elephanta Island.

TRANSPORT: MORNING Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.

Mumbai is your oyster today. Tour the impressive Elephanta caves or continue exploring the city at leisure. This evening, regroup with your CEO and fellow travelers for an overnight train to Goa.

FREE TIME: Enjoy free time to explore Mumbai on your own.

TRANSPORT: Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

Enjoy a free day to wind down in the paradise that is Goa. Relax on the beaches with your favourite drink in hand or mingle in the many beach bars. Scour the markets, and be sure to try some delicious Goan cuisine and fresh seafood. Get ready to dance the night away for your big night out as a group. Enjoy a drink on us and cut a rug.

ACTIVITY: Goa is overflowing with prime nightclubs and bars. Your CEO will take you to the best one to enjoy a drink on us and dance the night away.

FREE TIME: Explore the beaches and markets of charming Goa at leisure. Chow down on seafood, relax at the beach-bliss!

Goa is a town with endless options for fun. Continue exploring the beaches, city life and exciting nightlife that Goa has to offer!

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Continue to explore the fun beach town of Goa!

Head inland to Hampi on a train this morning. Then jump into a tuk-tuk to the hotel for the next two nights. With free time this evening, opt to catch the sunset or explore Hampi.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery as you journey to your next destination.

FREE TIME: Enjoy a free evening in Hampi.

Explore the ancient ruins of Hampi. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built in the mid 1300's. Rome through the ruins and royal structures. In the afternoon, visit the local women's initiative, Kishkinda Foundation. Meet the women, shop in their handicraft store and have a delicious lunch together.

ACTIVITY: Explore the spectacular ruins of Hampi Palaces, Hazararama Temple, and the boulders on the river on this walking tour.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Explore the ruins of the ancient city of Hampi how you wish.

ACTIVITY: Visit the Kishkinda Foundation, an organization dedicated to the development of local children's education, and women's employment. Browse through their handicrafts, meet the local women and buy some beautifully handmade souvenirs.

ACTIVITY: Visit the temple on top of the hill, the Anjaneya Temple. Enjoy a perfect sunset view and explore the complex.

This morning, opt to rise early for a hike up Mantanga Hill and enjoy a stunning sunrise over the rocky hill. Spend the day at leisure exploring of Hampi what you might have missed the day before. This evening, take a tuk-tuk to the train station for an overnight train to Mysore.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a free day in Hampi to explore the bazaar or the other sites you missed yesterday.

TRANSPORT: Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

Pull into Mysore this morning as you wake up on the train. Then drop your bags, freshen up and head out for an adventure in Mysore. Walk through the Devaraja Market, Chamundi Hills and the Monolithic Bull. In your free time, opt to visit the extravagant Mysore Palace. In the evening, you won't want to miss the chance to see a Bollywood movie in your free time.

ACTIVITY: Visit the Devaraja Market and wander through the bazaar. Shop through the stalls of local flowers, herbs and spices, and vegetables.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a visit to the gorgeous temple devoted to the Hindu goddess, Chamundi, located on Chamundi Hill.

ACTIVITY: Visit the giant Nandi Bull of Mysore, considered one of the most impressive Nandi figures in India. This icon, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is over 350 years old. Sitting atop Chamundi hills, visit the Monolithic bull and learn about Hindu mythology.

Take a tuk-tuk to the bus station this morning and join the locals on a public bus south to Ooty. Take an orientation walk with your CEO after arrival and then enjoy some free time in the beautifully green town of Ooty.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

FREE TIME: Enjoy a free evening in Ooty.

Feel a sense of accomplishment this morning as we rise early for a picturesque sunrise hike up Dodapetta Peak with a view of the lush green surrounding forrest. Enjoy some free time today and opt to ride the famous toy train. In the afternoon, visit the Dodabetta Tea Factory.

ACTIVITY: Hike up the highest mountain in the Nilgiris mountain range, Dodapetta Peak, for a perfect sunrise view.

ACTIVITY: Visit the Dodapetta Tea Factory and learn about the intricate process of tea manufacturing and history in Nilgiri. Admire the beautiful tea plantation and see how its picked. Learn about the process of drying and grinding the tea then have a chance to try some black or chai tea.

ACTIVITY: Grab a drink on us and get to know your new best friends better at a fun local bar in Ooty!

A bus, a train and tuk-tuk ride brings us to the beautiful port town of Kochi! Your tour ends upon arrival to Kochi, so opt to explore Kochi Fort or depart at the train station for your next destination.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

TRANSPORT: Ride like the locals from Ernakullam Railway Station to Fort Kochi.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy your stay in charming Fort Kochi, which evokes an era long gone. Walk through the cobblestone streets, visit delightful tea houses, and have a relaxing drink while sitting by the water. Be sure to check out Vasco de Gama's tombstone and the famous blue synagogue.