India North to South — 28 Days
Delhi to Kerala: Taj Mahal, Varanasi, Rajasthan's villages, and Kerala's backwaters
This 28-day overland journey spans India from the Mughal monuments of the north to the spice plantations and waterways of the south. The route moves through Delhi's old markets and colonial remnants, Rajasthan's forts and rural villages, the sacred ghats of Varanasi, and the temple complexes of central and southern India before concluding in Kerala's backwaters. The itinerary balances structured sightseeing—Taj Mahal at sunrise, Mysore Palace, the Shore Temple—with substantial free time in each region. Accommodation ranges from hotels to a tented camp in Dhula Village and a village homestay in Kerala.
Highlights
- Taj Mahal at sunrise in Agra, followed by exploration of Agra Fort and Baby Taj
- Sunrise and sunset boat journeys along the Ganges in Varanasi, including the evening candle-lit flower ceremony
- Block printing workshop with women artisans near Jaipur and cycling excursion through Dhula Village
- Medieval temple complex of Khajuraho, known for its 10th-century carved sculptures
- Mysore Palace and ascent of Chamundi Hills near Mysore
- 7th-century Shore Temple at Mamallapuram, viewed at sunrise
- Sri Meenakshi Temple in Madurai and cycle-rickshaw exploration of the temple city
- Spice plantations in Thekkady's Cardamom Hills
- Village homestay and sunset boat journey through Kerala's backwaters
- Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) in Jaipur and Amber Fort
Day by day
1Arrival in DelhiDelhi
Arrive in Delhi at any time. An airport transfer to the hotel is included via the Women With Wheels project. Guests arriving early may add a half-day culinary tour of Delhi as an optional activity.
2Delhi: Old City and MarketsOld Delhi · Jama Masjid · Chandni Chowk · Gurdwara · Connaught Place · Jama Masjid minaret
A morning walk through Old Delhi, led by the City Walk project, offers perspective on local neighborhoods while supporting at-risk youth. The day continues with visits to Jama Masjid, the historic Great Mosque; climbing the minaret provides views over the old city. Chandni Chowk, one of India's oldest and busiest markets, follows, with stops at the Gurdwara to learn about Sikh history. The route ends at Connaught Place, a prominent colonial-era architectural remnant from British rule.
3Delhi to Jaipur: Block Printing WorkshopDelhi to Jaipur · Anoothi Project · Jantar Mantar · Raj Mandir cinema
The drive to Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, takes most of the day. En route, a stop at the Anoothi Project provides an opportunity to try block printing with local women artisans. Optional activities upon arrival include the Jantar Mantar (Royal Observatory) or an evening screening at the Art Deco Raj Mandir cinema.
4Jaipur: Hawa Mahal and Amber FortJaipur · Amber · Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds)
The day begins at Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), known for its intricate sandstone lattice work. A visit to the ruined city of Amber follows, with exploration of the fortress complex. An optional cycle tour of Jaipur is available for pre-booking.
5Dhula Village: Rural Rajasthan and Tented CampDhula Village · Jaipur
A cycling excursion through rural Rajasthan leads to Dhula Village, a base for the night. Accommodation is in spacious tents outfitted with beds, lamps, and en suite bathrooms. The evening offers time to relax by a fire and view the night sky. An optional hot-air balloon ride over Jaipur can be arranged when booking.
6Dhula Village to Agra via Abhaneri StepwellAgra · Abhaneri stepwell
En route to Agra, stop at the intricately carved Abhaneri stepwell, a striking example of medieval architecture. Arrive in Agra by afternoon.
7Agra: Taj Mahal and Agra FortTaj Mahal · Agra Fort · Baby Taj
An early departure allows a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal and time to visit its grounds. The afternoon includes visits to Agra Fort, a walled complex of palaces and courtyards, and Baby Taj, a smaller marble structure from the same era.
8Agra to Alipura via Train and Village TransferAgra · Alipura
A morning train departs Agra toward central India. A private vehicle then transfers across rural roads to Alipura, a village base for two days. Accommodation is in a heritage property, with time to walk around the town and meet local residents.
9Khajuraho: Medieval Temple ComplexKhajuraho
A day trip to Khajuraho takes guests to one of India's largest groupings of medieval temples, built in the 10th century. The temples are known for their carved sculptures depicting daily life and religious imagery. A guided tour covers the historical context and artistic significance. An optional evening dance performance is available.
10Alipura to Orchha: Paper-Making Project and Temple CeremonyOrchha · paper-making facility · Ram Raja Temple
The journey to Orchha includes a stop at a paper-making facility established to support tribal women artisans; paper is produced from recycled fabric and wood pulp. Orchha, set on the banks of the Betwa River, is a small town considerably quieter than India's major cities. An orientation walk covers its layout and history. In the evening, a puja ceremony at Ram Raja Temple provides introduction to daily religious practice.
11Orchha to Varanasi by Overnight TrainOrchha to Varanasi · Orchha Palace complex · a local school
The morning includes exploration of Orchha Palace complex before an overnight train journey to Varanasi. An optional cooking class at a local school is available for pre-booking.
12Varanasi: Holy City and Ganges GhatsVaranasi · the ghats · the Ganges
The train arrives in Varanasi early morning. Varanasi is the holiest city in Hinduism and one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities; millions visit annually for pilgrimage, worship, or to perform final rites. An orientation walk covers the narrow streets and oldest neighborhoods. The afternoon and evening are unstructured, allowing time to wander markets and absorb the atmosphere of the ghats—the stepped riverbanks where pilgrims bathe and ceremonies occur. An evening boat trip along the Ganges provides views of the ghats and includes a candle-lit flower ceremony performed on the water. An optional guided Heritage Walk focuses on local philosophy and cultural significance across Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
13Varanasi: Sunrise on the Gangesthe Ganges · Sarnath
A sunrise boat journey along the Ganges allows observation of morning rituals and pilgrim activity. The remainder of the day is free. An optional visit to nearby Sarnath, a Buddhist pilgrimage site where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, is available.
14Varanasi to Delhi by FlightVaranasi · Varanasi to Delhi
The morning is unstructured, allowing continued exploration of Varanasi. An afternoon flight returns to Delhi.
15Delhi to Kochi: Port City ArrivalKochi · the harbor
A flight takes the group south to Kochi, Kerala's main port city on the Arabian Sea. The remainder of the day is free for rest or independent exploration. Sunset viewing from the harbor, framed by traditional fishing nets, is optional. An evening welcome meeting is held for any new travellers joining the group at this stage.
16Kochi: Fort District and Overnight TrainFort Kochi · Fort Kochi to Bangalore
A guided walk through Fort Kochi covers the district's cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. The afternoon is free for independent exploration. An overnight train departs in the evening toward Bangalore.
17Bangalore: Botanical Garden and City OrientationLal Bagh Botanical Garden · central Bangalore
The train arrives in Bangalore in the morning. After breakfast, the group visits Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, a large green space with greenhouses, flowering plants, and sculptures. The remainder of the day is unstructured. An evening orientation walk covers the commercial streets of central Bangalore.
18Bangalore to Mysore: Temple and PalaceSri Ranganathaswamy Temple · Tipu Sultan's tomb · Devraja Market
The drive to Mysore includes a stop at Srirangapatna to visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and Tipu Sultan's tomb, an 18th-century monument. Arrival in Mysore is mid-afternoon, allowing free time. The evening includes an orientation walk through Devraja Market and an optional group dinner.
19Mysore: Palace and Sacred HillsChamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hills · Mysore Palace · St. Philomena Cathedral
The day includes visits to Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hills, Mysore Palace, and St. Philomena Cathedral. The palace is a 19th-century structure known for its ornate architecture and historical significance. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration of the city.
20Mysore to Mamallapuram via Train and TransferMysore to Mamallapuram · Mamallapuram
A train journey toward the coast is followed by a private vehicle transfer to Mamallapuram in the late afternoon. This coastal town is known for its ancient temples and rock-cut sculptures. The free afternoon allows initial exploration.
21Mamallapuram: Shore Temple at SunriseMamallapuram · Shore Temple · beach
An early morning tour of the Shore Temple, a 7th-century structure carved from a single granite outcrop, is best viewed at dawn. The temple complex includes multiple shrines and is among India's oldest stone temples. After the guided walking tour, the remainder of the day is free; many visitors spend time at the beach or in yoga practice.
22Mamallapuram to Thanjavur: Bronze CityThanjavur · Chennai · Brihadeeswarar Temple · local markets
The route returns to Chennai by midday, then continues by train to Thanjavur, arriving mid-afternoon. Thanjavur is known globally for its bronze sculptures and metalwork. After settling into accommodation, a visit to the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a 11th-century structure over 200 feet tall, is followed by a walk through local markets.
23Thanjavur to Madurai: Chettinad Houses and Temple CityMadurai · Kanadukathan
The drive to Madurai includes a stop in Kanadukathan, known as the land of Chettiars—a collection of over 75 villages with traditional mansions famous for their spaciousness, opulence, and intricate tilework. Madurai, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, is historically associated with the goddess Meenakshi in Hindu tradition.
24Madurai: Nayakar Palace and Meenakshi TempleMeenakshi Temple · Thirumalai Nayakar Palace · Madurai's markets and local restaurants
The day includes tours of Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, a 17th-century structure, and the Meenakshi Temple, an active pilgrimage site with multiple gopurams (towers) and bustling daily rituals. The afternoon is free for independent exploration. The evening includes a guided food walk through Madurai's markets and local restaurants.
25Madurai to Thekkady: Spice PlantationsMadurai to Thekkady · Thekkady · spice plantations · Periyar Lake
The drive to Thekkady takes most of the day. Thekkady is adjacent to Periyar National Park in the Cardamom Hills and serves as the center of India's spice trade. A guided tour of spice plantations covers cardamom, pepper, and other crops. The remainder of the day is free; optional activities include a boat tour on Periyar Lake or an ayurvedic massage.
26Thekkady to Kerala Backwaters: Village HomestayAllepey · a village in the backwaters · the island village · the winding waterways
A drive to Allepey is followed by a private boat transfer to a village in the backwaters, where a homestay accommodation is based. The backwaters are a network of lagoons and lakes formed by the Arabian Sea. The afternoon includes a guided exploration of the island village with a local resident, offering insight into daily life, agriculture, and fishing practices. Just before sunset, a small country boat departs with local travelers to journey through the winding waterways. For this overnight stay, guests need only a small bag; main luggage is transferred directly to Kochi.
27Kerala Backwaters to Kochi: Women's Cooperative and KathakaliKochi · TWE, a local women's cooperative
The morning is spent with the host family before departure for Kochi. En route, the group stops at TWE, a local women's cooperative, for lunch. An orientation walk of Kochi follows arrival. The evening includes a performance of Kathakali, a traditional Kerala dance form characterized by elaborate costumes, makeup, and hand gestures.
28Kochi: Departure
Departure at any time.
Where you go
- 1Delhi
- 2Old Delhi
- 3Jantar Mantar
- 4Jaipur
- 5Agra
- 6Taj Mahal
- 7Agra Fort
- 8Agra
- 9Khajuraho
- 10Orchha
- 11Varanasi
- 12Sarnath
- 13Varanasi
Included
- What's Included
- Accommodation
- Hotels/guesthouses (24 nts), comfortable tented camp (1 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), homestay (1 nt, multi-share).
- Meals
- Breakfasts: 4, Lunches: 2, Dinners: 3
- 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.
- Airport Transfers
- Arrival Only
- An airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.
- Wifi
- Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.