Delhi to Goa: Palaces, Lakes & Coastal Retreat — 15 Days
From Delhi's bazaars through Rajasthan's palace cities to Goa's beaches, with stops at the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Mumbai
This 15-day journey moves across India's central and western regions, beginning in Delhi's walled Old City before shifting south through Rajasthan's historic cities and onward to the Arabian coast. The route traces a path through Agra (home to the Taj Mahal), Jaipur's Pink City and Amber Fort, the pilgrimage town of Pushkar, the lakeside palaces of Udaipur, the colonial quarters of Mumbai, and finally the coastal state of Goa. Travel occurs by metro, cycle rickshaw, express train, private vehicle, and overnight sleeper train. Accommodation spans heritage hotels, standard hotels, and two overnight train journeys. Local guides lead walking tours of Old Delhi, Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur, and Mumbai; free time is built into most days for independent exploration. Optional activities include hot air ballooning over Jaipur, spice farm tours in Goa, boat rides on Lake Pichola, cooking classes, and visits to museums and temples. The itinerary is structured to move progressively from urban centers to smaller towns and finally to a coastal beach setting.
Highlights
- Cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk marketplace in Old Delhi, with visits to the 17th-century Jama Masjid and Sheeshganj Gurudwara
- The Taj Mahal in Agra — 17th-century Mughal monument set within English gardens, accessed by express train from Delhi
- Amber Fort near Jaipur — hilltop Rajput palace with views across the Pink City and surrounding landscape
- Lake Pichola in Udaipur with views of Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir palaces rising from the water
- Walking tour of Mumbai's heritage quarter and the Gateway of India, plus evening visit to Chowpatty Beach
- Organic spice farm tour in Goa with traditional Goan buffet lunch
- Pushkar's sacred lake, bazaars, and the Brahma Temple, one of India's few temples dedicated to the creator god
- Overnight train travel between Udaipur and Mumbai, and between Mumbai and Goa
Day by day
1Arrival in Delhithe city center
Arrival in Delhi and check-in to the hotel. A welcome meeting is held in the evening where travelers meet the group leader and fellow participants. An orientation walk follows to establish bearings in the city center.
2Old Delhi by Metro and Cycle RickshawOld Delhi · Chandni Chowk marketplace · Jama Masjid · Sheeshganj Gurudwara
The day begins with a metro ride to Old Delhi. A cycle rickshaw navigates the narrow streets around Chandni Chowk marketplace — the historic commercial hub of the walled city. The route includes stops at the Jama Masjid, Delhi's largest mosque and the oldest in the city, and the Sheeshganj Gurudwara, a Sikh temple with historical significance tied to a 17th-century martyr. The afternoon is free for independent exploration of Delhi's additional monuments and neighborhoods.
3Agra: The Taj Mahal and Mughal MonumentsAgra · Taj Mahal · English gardens · Akbar's Mausoleum · Sheroes Hangout
Arrive in Agra by one of India's air-conditioned express trains, a journey of approximately three hours. Head directly to the Taj Mahal, the country's most well-known sight. This 17th-century monument to love and loss is a masterwork of Mughal architecture, its white marble surface catching the light beautifully as you walk through the surrounding English gardens. The experience often exceeds expectations.
The afternoon unfolds via motorized rickshaw tour, a practical way to navigate Agra's monuments. Visit Akbar's Mausoleum, a striking sandstone and marble tomb built for one of the greatest Mughal emperors. The structure exemplifies the architectural ambition of its era.
For an optional meal, Sheroes Hangout offers both refreshment and purpose—the cafe actively supports acid-attack survivors, providing employment and dignity to its staff.
4Jaipur and the Pink CityJaipur · Agra to Jaipur · Royal City Palace · Raj Mandir cinema
Private vehicle travel from Agra to Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital, known for its pink-painted buildings and regular street grid. A walk through the city's streets and markets provides initial orientation. Accommodation is in a family-run heritage hotel. The remainder of the day is free for exploration, with the option to visit the ornate Royal City Palace or take in a Bollywood screening at the art-deco Raj Mandir cinema.
5Jaipur: Amber Fort and Hawa MahalJaipur · the hilltop Amber Fort · the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) · the surrounding landscape
The morning is free to visit Jaipur further. In the afternoon, a visit to the hilltop Amber Fort — an example of Rajput palace architecture — is followed by a stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), recognizable by its red sandstone and intricate colored glasswork. An optional hot air balloon experience over the surrounding landscape is available.
6Pushkar by Public Bus and Private Vehiclethe main bazaar · Pushkar's sacred lake · the ghats · temples · Ajmer to Pushkar
Travel to Pushkar via public bus through the town of Ajmer, then by private vehicle. Pushkar is a pilgrimage center and market town for surrounding villages. A walking tour visits the main bazaar, where textiles, jewelry, and traditional Rajasthani puppets are sold alongside 1960s fashion and glass lamps. A circuit around Pushkar's sacred lake includes stops at the ghats and temples where worshippers gather at the holy waters.
7Pushkar: Savitri Temple and Brahma TempleSavitri Temple · Brahma Temple
An early-morning hike to the Savitri Temple on the hillside offers sunrise views over the town; tea is available from a local seller at the summit if present. The Brahma Temple, one of India's few temples dedicated to the Hindu creator god, is visited later in the day. The Pushkar Camel Fair, one of India's most famous festivals held each November, may coincide with the tour depending on travel dates.
8Udaipur by Day TrainUdaipur · Ajmer
Travel by private vehicle back to Ajmer, then by day train to Udaipur. Known as the Venice of the East, Udaipur is set in the Aravalli Hills around a large lake and is regarded as one of India's most romantic cities. A leader-led city walk upon arrival covers the twisting alleyways filled with shops, bazaars selling silver jewelry, shoes, leather goods, and miniature paintings.
9Udaipur: Lake Pichola and City PalaceLake Pichola · Jag Mandir · Jag Niwas
A full day free for independent exploration. Options include a short boat ride on Lake Pichola to view the Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas palaces rising from the water (seasonal availability). The City Palace complex, the largest palace in Rajasthan, sits on the lakeside and features vivid murals, royal antiques, and the Jagdish Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Alternatively, a half-day cooking class offers instruction in preparing traditional Indian thali dishes.
10Udaipur to Mumbai by Overnight TrainShilpgram · Falna station to Mumbai
Another free day in Udaipur, with the option to visit Shilpgram, an artistic neighborhood a few kilometers outside town. Shilpgram displays village houses from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa, and Maharashtra with seasonal exhibitions. Departure from Falna station in the evening for an overnight sleeper train to Mumbai — travel by train provides a local perspective on long-distance transit across the region.
11Mumbai: Heritage Quarter and Coastal Viewsheritage quarter · Gateway of India · Taj Hotel · Chowpatty Beach · Gateway of India to Elephanta Island
Arrival in Mumbai early in the morning. A walking tour covers the heritage quarter, the Gateway of India, and the Taj Hotel, all featuring colonial and art-deco architecture. The afternoon includes Chowpatty Beach, where crowds gather in the cooler evening air; street entertainers including palm readers, balloon sellers, magicians, and acrobats are part of the scene. Fine dining options and bazaar shopping are available throughout the day. An optional ferry trip to Elephanta Island (approximately 1 hour each way) departs from the Gateway of India and features ancient carved temples.
12Mumbai: Exploring the City Before the Overnight Train to GoaGoa · the Hanging Gardens · the UNESCO World Heritage Elephant Caves · Marine Drive · The picturesque Bombay High Court · the station
You have a full day to visit Mumbai at your own pace. Wander through the Hanging Gardens, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Elephant Caves, or take a leisurely walk along Marine Drive beside the Arabian Sea. The picturesque Bombay High Court is worth seeing too. Your leader can point you towards the best local restaurants and hidden corners of the city. This evening, you'll board an overnight sleeper train bound for Goa, so plan your day accordingly and make your way to the station in time for departure.
13Goa: Arrival, Colonial Streets and Organic Spice FarmsGoa · a local organic spice farm
Arrive early in Goa and settle into your hotel. A walk through town introduces you to the city's relaxed tropical atmosphere and Portuguese colonial heritage, evident in the whitewashed churches that punctuate the streets. If you choose, visit a local organic spice farm to understand how Goa's dense forests and favourable climate support the cultivation of cardamom, pepper, cloves, cinnamon and other essential ingredients that define the region's cuisine. The farms employ traditional organic methods, and your tour culminates in a generous Goan buffet lunch, where the spices you've just learned about reveal themselves in every dish.
14Goa: Your Day, Your PaceGoa · the countryside · the beaches here · a local bar
This is your day to shape. Goa's unique coastal character invites exploration at whatever rhythm suits you. Cycle into the countryside, or ground yourself in a yoga session for something more introspective. The beaches here are made for unhurried time—find a stretch of sand that calls to you, or settle into a local bar with a cold drink and watch the day move past. As evening arrives, consider joining your group for an Indian feast. The local seafood, caught fresh from these waters, is genuinely worth the gathering.
15Departure from Goa
No activities are scheduled. Departure occurs after breakfast at a time chosen by the traveler, subject to the accommodation's check-out procedures.
Where you go
- 1Old Delhi
- 2Agra
- 3Taj Mahal
- 4Sheroes Hangout
- 5Jaipur
- 6Savitri Temple
- 7Brahma Temple
- 8Udaipur
- 9Lake Pichola
Included
- What's Included
- Accommodation
- Hotel (12 nights), Overnight train (2 nights)
- Meals
- Breakfasts: 0, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 0
- Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
- Vegetarian options available
- Local Guide
- Guided
- This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
- Wifi
- Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.