India's North & South - Premium Adventure

15 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Experience the astonishing diversity of India on this highlight-packed adventure that encompasses both the pulsating North and chilled-out South. We start by exploring the three cities that form the Golden Triangle: frenetic Delhi; Agra, home to the Taj Mahal; and the Pink City of Jaipur. We then fly south to gaze over vast tea estates, cruise the Kerala back...
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$7,088
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • Experience the diverse cultures of North and South India
    • Explore the Delhi backstreets with people who lived within them as children
    • See architectural wonders, including the Taj Mahal
    • Enjoy a nature walk and afternoon boat cruise in Periyar National Park
    • Cruise the Kerala backwaters from the comfort of a traditional houseboat

What's this trip about?

    Experience the astonishing diversity of India on this highlight-packed adventure that encompasses both the pulsating North and chilled-out South. We start by exploring the three cities that form the Golden Triangle: frenetic Delhi; Agra, home to the Taj Mahal; and the Pink City of Jaipur. We then fly south to gaze over vast tea estates, cruise the Kerala backwaters and spot wildlife with an indigenous guide. A hand-picked selection of accommodations and off-the-tourist-track adventures make this trip ideal for anyone who wants to experience everything India offers. This itinerary is valid for departures from 1 Jan, 2024 to 31 Dec, 2024. For other departure dates, please contact us.Discover a land of contrasting wonders in one thrilling trip

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityDelhi
End CityKovalam

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Attractions

  • Delhi
  • Jaipur
  • Kerala

Activities

  • Culture
  • Nature

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, four lunches, seven dinners (2025 Itinerary: All breakfasts, three lunches, seven dinners)
    • All transport and listed activities (including one internal flight)
    • Entrances fees to monuments (as per itinerary)
    • Walking tour of Delhi's back streets supporting Salaam Baalak Trust
    • Tea plantation walk with picnic lunch
    • Nature walk and boat cruise (sharing basis) in Periyar
    • Tips for local staff
    • Named tour leader, chosen for their expertise and great customer feedback
    • Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in the bustling city of Delhi. Afternoon visit Humayun’s Tomb

The adventure begins in Delhi, one of the three cities that comprises the Golden Triangle. There are free arrival transfers available for any flight, provided you have supplied your sales representative with your flight details in advance and have requested one. Make...

Day 2 Delhi; New to Old, experience the delights off the beaten path

Your journey through India starts with a jam-packed tour around the frenetic city of Delhi. We start in Old Delhi this morning, exploring the sights and sounds of Delhi in ways that support local communities and charities. You’ll see a side of Old Delhi few tourists g...

Day 3 To Agra. Afternoon visit of Agra Fort

After breakfast, we drive (four to five hours, traffic dependent) to Agra, our second point in the Golden Triangle, and arrive at our hotel to freshen up. This afternoon, we visit Agra Fort, which was built by the third Mughal emperor Akbar. Its mighty red sandstone w...

Day 4 Sunrise at the Taj Mahal before travelling to Jaipur, stopping at the Abhaneri Step Well en route

The day starts with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This beautiful white-marble monument was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Please note, if there is morning fog exp...

Day 5 Jaipur's Amer Fort, bazaars and foodie tour

After breakfast, we visit the splendid Amber Fort, which rises above a lake a few miles from the main city. Descending from the fort, we reach the City Palace building in the centre of Jaipur. Formerly the residence of the Maharaja, it is now a museum containing rare ...

Day 6 Feel like royalty at Neemrana Fort-Palace

We say goodbye to Jaipur and head to the glorious 15th-century Neemrana Fort-Palace, a sprawling resort that extends over nine palace wings. Try not to get lost as you relax and recharge from the first half of your trip. Neemrana Fort-Palace is not just a hotel thoug...

Day 7 Fly south to Kerala

Spend a relaxed morning at the Fort-Palace Hotel as your journey in North India is coming to an end. We leave the palatial surroundings and head to Delhi Airport for a late afternoon flight to Cochin (or Kochi as it’s otherwise known) in the southern state of Kerala. ...

Day 8 Cochin sightseeing, drive to Munnar

Cochin has been a main port for centuries and although it is blossoming into a cosmopolitan city it still holds a deep-rooted history and old-world charm, particularly on the small coastal islands of Willingdon and Fort Kochi. After an early breakfast, we cross over ...

Day 9 Morning walk through the tea plantations to a hilltop station

Waking up to peaceful views and fresh air, we walk among the beautiful hillside tea plantations this morning. Watch the pickers working and learn the local history and tea-making process from your local guide. After our walk, we stop to visit the Madupetty Dam, a hyd...

Day 10 On to Thekkady. Afternoon spice plantation visit and cooking demonstration with a local family

We Head to Thekkady, driving through the Kerala countryside out of the tea hills and into the spice plantations (approximately four to five hours). Reach Thekkady and we will have a lucnh at local restaurant. We stay at CGH Spice Village, a unique property modelled on...

Day 11 Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary; morning jungle walk followed by afternoon boat cruise on the lake

It’s an early start today. We join an indigenous guide at Periyar National Park for a nature walk through the evergreen and moist deciduous forests, which are interspersed with marshy grasslands. On this gentle trek, we come across many different species of birds and ...

Day 12 Wake up with yoga. Continue to Alleppey and overnight on a houseboat

Early risers can join a yoga session within the hotel grounds to wake up and feel ready to start the day. After a relaxed breakfast, we head to Alleppey (approximately four to five hours’ drive), where we cruise the Kerala backwaters on a houseboat. These enchanting ...

Day 13 Leave the houseboat and drive to Kovalam

We enjoy breakfast on board before we arrive back in Alleppey and it’s time to leave our houseboat and start the drive along the scenic Malabar Coast to the beachside destination of Kovalam (approximately four to five hours’ drive). Passing through Quilon for a tea br...

Day 14 Free day to relax on the beach or optional day trip to Kanyakumari

Today is free to unwind after a whirlwind journey through India. Walk along the soft, sandy beach or visit the shops for last-minute souvenirs. This is a great chance to enjoy fresh seafood from one of the many small beach restaurants. Try tandoori dishes – the clay o...

Day 15 Ends in Kovalam

The adventure ends today. Begin your return journey home or, if you’d like a bit more time to explore Kovalam, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay. Please note, airport security does not permit any spices/pepper to be carried in hand luggage ...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,250
Price per day$350
Last Updated: 11/8/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
08 Dec 2024
22 Dec 2024
$5,250
$6,675
12 Jan 2025
26 Jan 2025
$5,700
$7,170
19 Jan 2025
02 Feb 2025
$5,700
$7,170
26 Jan 2025
09 Feb 2025
$5,700
$7,170
09 Feb 2025
23 Feb 2025
$5,700
$7,170
16 Feb 2025
02 Mar 2025
$5,700
$7,170
23 Feb 2025
09 Mar 2025
$5,700
$7,170
02 Mar 2025
16 Mar 2025
$5,700
$7,170
09 Mar 2025
23 Mar 2025
$5,700
$7,170
16 Mar 2025
30 Mar 2025
$5,700
$7,170

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
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Other Exodus Travels Reviews

A

Annie O'Reilly Hughes

Nov 2024

Written on

Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

T

Trevor Butler

Nov 2024

Written on

Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

S

Sarah R

Nov 2024

Written on

India, the Tropical South

An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Visas and vaccinations
    • Tips for the Tour Leader
    • Single accommodation (available on request)

Accommodation

Experience the best of Indian hospitality, staying in premium hotels. The properties we typically use are on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay on this trip.  Neemrana: Neemrana Fort-Palace (night 6)  Transport yourself 500 years into the past with a stay at the medieval Neemrana Fort-Palace, which sprawls over the Aravalli Hills. Built in 1464, the complex is fit for a royal, with 79 rooms spread over nine wings and 14 levels, an outdoor pool with valley views, plus a gym and spa. No two rooms are alike due to the ancient and protected history of the property.   Thekkady: CGH Spice Village (night 11)  Built to replicate a local village, this experiential resort was constructed with local materials and native artisans. They continue to work closely with the community, with produce supplied by local farmers, candles by a women’s group and honey by a co-operative. We stay in cottages inspired by the dwellings of the local Mannan community, the elephant grass roofs providing a natural form of temperature control. Other amenities include a swimming pool, locally focused food and drink offering, plus an Ayurveda center.  Alleppey: Houseboat (night 12)  The houseboats have spacious air-conditioned bedrooms with private bathrooms, plus a sundeck and separate dining area. Accompanying you on board will be a cook, driver and assistants. Expect traditional Keralan meals prepared for you using local produce. Houseboats have two to five twin-bedded rooms. Larger groups may be split over several boats; however, the group unites for riverside stops and the overnight anchor point where the tour leader is on-hand.  Worth knowing  In December and January, northern India can be quite cold in the mornings and at night. Hotels in India do not always have heating in the rooms, so extra blankets are provided. If you require more, speak with the hotel or tour leader. From 2025, the departures starting in Delhi on the below dates have a change of accommodation: 12 January 2025, 23 February 2025 and 09 March 2025 departures: In Jaipur instead of Narian Niwas Palace, we stay at Shahpura House 09 February 2025, 23 February 2025 and 09 March 2025 departures: In Agra, instead of Trident Agra, we stay at Tajview Hotel
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, four lunches and seven dinners are included in this trip. India is famous for its food and there is ample opportunity to try various curries such as the familiar tandoori, biriyani and thali. If you are a vegetarian, India is a great destination. There are wonderful desserts and excellent beers, soft drinks and Indian specialities, such as lassi, a refreshing yoghurt drink. You should allow at least 1,400-2,400 Indian rupees (US$20-US$35) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants most of the time, you will spend the top of the suggested amount. In most towns we visit, there is a good selection of restaurants and a choice between Indian and Western food. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap in the north, a (large!) bottle of beer is approximately 285 rupees (approximately US$4). However, due to Kerala state laws, alcohol licenses are limited to one or two bars in each area and not all hotels are permitted to serve alcohol. The first day of every month in Kerala and certain holidays in India are dry days, when no alcohol is permitted for sale. Mineral water is widely available, but drinking water is provided in a large container on the bus to reduce our use of plastic, so please bring your own refillable water bottle.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 14 Premium nights (13 hotel, 1 houseboat)
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Travel by air-conditioned private bus and domestic flight
Trip ID
exodus-AIR

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