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20-Nights North to South India: The Taj Mahal & Goa Good Times - 18-to-Thirtysomethings

India
20-Nights North to South India: The Taj Mahal & Goa Good Times - 18-to-Thirtysomethings
India
G Adventures
Vacation Offer ID 1533048
Reference this number when contacting our travel specialist.
Overview

G Adventures

North to South India: The Taj Mahal & Goa Good Times
Now's the time to explore India on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Get the best bits of a semester abroad without any of the studying on this epic three-week journey through the subcontinent’s highlights. Embrace the hectic pace of northern Delhi before balancing it out with the beaches of Goa. Then watch the sunrise at Savitri temple in Pushkar and explore the canals of Alleppey on your way to a cozy homestay with a local family. Our Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) handle all the logistics, so you can pack your trip with everything you want - and nothing you don't. Lush hills, bustling cities, and mouth-watering curries are just a taste of the moments and memories that await.

Highlights
Admire the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort, capture colourful Rajasthan in your viewfinder, lounge on beaches in Goa, connect with the locals at a homestay, savour delicious Indian cuisine

Accommodation
Simple hotels or guesthouse (twin-share) (18 nts), overnight train (1 nt), homestay (1 nt).

Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

Group Size Notes
Max 18, avg 14.

Meals Included
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project, Alleppey Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Discover Moment: Udaipur Your Big Night Out Moment: Dance the Night Away, Goa Your Local Living Moment: Alleppey Homestay, Alleppey Your Big Night Out Moment: Kochi Nightlife, Kochi. Entrance and guided tour of the Taj Mahal. Rural Tordi Sagar tour with local guide. Sunrise at Savitri Temple. Gandhi Ashram visit. Guided Kerala boat tour and homestay. Morning ferry cruise on Kollam's backwaters. Neendakara Fishing Harbour visit. Orientation walks in Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur, Mumbai, Kochi, and Kollam. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Featured Destinations

Varkala
Kollam

Kollam

Kollam, India, is usually seen by travelers as the starting point for a boat trip down tropical inland waterways to the town of Alappuzha. Located 760 mi/1,220 km south of Mumbai, Kollam is an ancient city with traces of Portuguese, Dutch and British influence. There's a nice government rest house available for overnight stays.

Founded by a Syrian merchant in the 9th century, Kollam was one of the most important trade centers during the 12th century. It was there that Christianity first gained a foothold in India.

Kollam sits in a unique location, with the Lacadive coast of Kerala to its west and a huge network of canals and backwaters to its east. Ashtamudi Lake is the perfect starting point for a day-long backwater cruise where you can see life as it exists on these fragile yet ancient ecosystems.

Another attraction is the Thangassery Lighthouse: Built in 1902, the lighthouse is 144 ft/44 m tall, and can be climbed for a nice view of the area. The beautiful old British Residency is another site worth visiting for its pretty architecture. Close to the lighthouse is the Portuguese cemetery, built in 1519, and the remains of the St Thomas Fort.

Destination Guide
Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Also known as Alappuzha, Alleppey is considered a network of waterways. There are over 1000 houseboats, canoes and toddy shops located within the city; because of this many consider Alleppey to be the “Venice of the East”. About 2 miles west of the chaotic city center you will find Alleppey Beach, a beach not known for swimming, but known for the daily picturesque sunset.
Destination Guide
Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad

Aslo known as Amdavad, Ahmedabad is the major city in Gujarat. This is a common stop for many travelers en route to Rajasthan or Mumbai. The city is divided by the old city, east side of the Sabarmati River; and the new city, west of the river. Many people come to Ahmedabad to see Sabarmati Ashram, Ghandhi’s former headquarter.
Pushkar

Pushkar

Pushkar is located in the Indian state of Rajasthan on the shores of Pushkar Lake. Pushkar is a sacred pilgrimage site for devout Hindus and is one of the oldest cities in India. The many temples are famous attractions when visting Pushkar, as well as the Pushkar Camel Fair every November.
Tordi Sagar
Kochi (Cochin)

Kochi (Cochin)

Kochi (Cochin) is the great, old Keralan spice city. It consists of mainland Ernakulam, islands of Willingdon, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbor, Fort Cochin and Mattancheri on the southern peninsula and Vypeen Island north of Cochin. Because of the area’s dense tropical forests, extensive ridges and ravines, it has been sheltered from invaders and the rest of India. This encouraged Keralites to welcome maritime contact, and therefore influence from the outside world. In Cochin there is still a small community of descendants from Jewish settlers who fled Palestine 2,000 years ago. When the Portuguese arrived here some 500 years ago, they were surprised to find Christianity already established along this coast. People from far-off lands have been coming to Kerala since ancient times in search of spices, sandalwood and ivory. Such long contact with people from overseas has resulted in the blending of various cultures and has given Keralites a cosmopolitan outlook.
Destination Guide
Goa

Goa

Goa is the smallest state of the republic of India. It lies on the country's west coast, about 250 miles south of Bombay. The state covers an area of 1,429 square miles. Long, sandy beaches, fringed with coconut palms, make Goa a tropical paradise for visitors. Other tourist attractions are the colonial buildings from the 1500's, built when Goa was headquarters of Portugal's Asian empire. Today, Old Goa is half-hidden in jungle. Its population was severely affected by plague in the 1600's, and a new city was set up at Panaji, which contains the main government buildings. Margao is Goa's biggest commercial center. Mormugao, Goa's major port, has a fine harbor - one of the best on the west coast of India. The harbor is the focus of economic activity in Goa.
Destination Guide
Mumbai

Mumbai

About 300 years ago, the area of Bombay was nothing more than seven islands occupied by small fishing settlements. Today this bustling city offers a seemingly endless array of sights and cultural activities. Mumbai is the glamour of Bollywood cinema, cricket on the maidans on weekends, bhelpuri on the beach at Chowpatty and red double-decker buses. It is also the infamous cages of the red-light district, Asia's largest slums, communalist politics and powerful mafia dons. This pungent drama is played out against a Victorian townscape more reminiscent of a prosperous 19th-century English industrial city than anything you'd expect to find on the edge of the Arabian Sea. Mumbai has vital streetlife, India's best nightlife, and more bazaars than a visitor could ever explore.
Destination Guide
Udaipur

Udaipur

One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the city of lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert. The founder of Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh, was overcome by the misfortunes that his old capital of Chittaurgarh had to face due to repeated attacks by the Mughal armies. On the advice of a holy man, Udai Singh shifted his capital to the banks of Lake Pichola- the city was named Udaipur after him.
Destination Guide
Jaipur

Jaipur

Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, was founded in 1727 AD by one of the greatest rulers of the Kachhawaha clan, the astronomer king Sawai Jai Singh. The pink color was used at the time of making to create an impression of red sandstone buildings of Mughal cities - and repainted in 1876, during the visit of the Prince of Wales. The city is best explored on foot and the adventurous visitor willing to go into the inner lanes can discover a whole new world not visible to the tourist-in-a-hurry.
Destination Guide
Agra

Agra

In the mid 16th century and early 17th century, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality which is still reflected in what ever monuments remain in Agra. The narrow lanes of Agra filled with aroma of Mughlai cuisine, the craftsman who are busy creating masterpieces with their skill all remind of the Mughal royalty which this city had once experienced. Today whatever remains, has become a major tourist attraction which has taken Agra again to the heights of glory but this time as a major tourist destination of India. Main shopping areas include Taj Mahal complex, Kinari Bazaar, Raja Mandi, Sadar Bazaar. the Gangotri at Taj Mahal Complex and the Up Handlooms, UPICA at the Sanjay place are two UP Government emporiums.
Destination Guide
Delhi (New Delhi)

Delhi (New Delhi)

Delhi is the third largest city and consists of Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of India Between 17th and 19th centuries and now contains many mosques, monuments and forts relating to India's muslim history. The other Delhi is the imperial city created as the capital of India by the British. In addition to its historic interest and role as government center, Delhi is a major travel gateway. The architectural designs and sophistication that buildings in Delhi like Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, Connaught Place and various administrative buildings like the South and North blocks along the breathtaking view available from Raj Path, show British influence. Modern Delhi has a cosmopolitan culture that nurtures festivals of all faiths and religions. Theatre, drama and entertainment of all sorts including discotheques are there.
Destination Guide

View Full Itinerary

Valid Date Ranges

October 2024
10/29/2024 11/18/2024 $2,099 per person
November 2024
11/05/2024 11/25/2024 $2,179 per person
11/19/2024 12/09/2024 $2,179 per person
December 2024
12/03/2024 12/23/2024 $2,299 per person
12/17/2024 01/06/2025 $2,299 per person
12/31/2024 01/20/2025 $2,299 per person
January 2025
01/07/2025 01/27/2025 $2,299 per person
01/14/2025 02/03/2025 $2,299 per person
01/21/2025 02/10/2025 $2,299 per person
01/28/2025 02/17/2025 $2,299 per person
February 2025
02/04/2025 02/24/2025 $2,299 per person
02/11/2025 03/03/2025 $2,299 per person
02/18/2025 03/10/2025 $2,299 per person
02/25/2025 03/17/2025 $2,299 per person
March 2025
03/04/2025 03/24/2025 $2,299 per person
03/11/2025 03/31/2025 $2,299 per person
03/18/2025 04/07/2025 $2,299 per person
03/25/2025 04/14/2025 $2,299 per person
April 2025
04/01/2025 04/21/2025 $1,999 per person
04/08/2025 04/28/2025 $1,999 per person
July 2025
07/15/2025 08/04/2025 $1,999 per person
07/29/2025 08/18/2025 $1,999 per person
August 2025
08/12/2025 09/01/2025 $1,999 per person
08/26/2025 09/15/2025 $1,999 per person
September 2025
09/02/2025 09/22/2025 $1,999 per person
09/09/2025 09/29/2025 $1,999 per person
09/16/2025 10/06/2025 $1,999 per person
09/23/2025 10/13/2025 $1,999 per person
09/30/2025 10/20/2025 $1,999 per person
October 2025
10/07/2025 10/27/2025 $2,179 per person
10/14/2025 11/03/2025 $2,179 per person
10/21/2025 11/10/2025 $2,179 per person
10/28/2025 11/17/2025 $2,179 per person
November 2025
11/04/2025 11/24/2025 $2,179 per person
11/11/2025 12/01/2025 $2,179 per person
11/18/2025 12/08/2025 $2,179 per person
December 2025
12/02/2025 12/22/2025 $2,299 per person
12/16/2025 01/05/2026 $2,299 per person
12/23/2025 01/12/2026 $2,299 per person
12/30/2025 01/19/2026 $2,299 per person
January 2026
01/06/2026 01/26/2026 $1,999 per person
01/13/2026 02/02/2026 $1,999 per person
01/20/2026 02/09/2026 $1,999 per person
01/27/2026 02/16/2026 $1,999 per person
February 2026
02/03/2026 02/23/2026 $1,999 per person
02/10/2026 03/02/2026 $1,999 per person
02/15/2026 03/07/2026 $1,999 per person
02/17/2026 03/09/2026 $1,999 per person
02/22/2026 03/14/2026 $1,999 per person
02/24/2026 03/16/2026 $1,999 per person
March 2026
03/01/2026 03/21/2026 $1,999 per person
03/03/2026 03/23/2026 $1,999 per person
03/08/2026 03/28/2026 $1,999 per person
03/10/2026 03/30/2026 $1,999 per person
03/15/2026 04/04/2026 $1,999 per person
03/17/2026 04/06/2026 $1,999 per person
03/24/2026 04/13/2026 $1,999 per person
03/31/2026 04/20/2026 $1,999 per person
April 2026
04/07/2026 04/27/2026 $1,999 per person
July 2026
07/14/2026 08/03/2026 $1,999 per person
07/21/2026 08/10/2026 $1,999 per person
07/28/2026 08/17/2026 $1,999 per person
August 2026
08/04/2026 08/24/2026 $1,999 per person
08/11/2026 08/31/2026 $1,999 per person
08/25/2026 09/14/2026 $1,999 per person
September 2026
09/01/2026 09/21/2026 $1,999 per person
09/08/2026 09/28/2026 $1,999 per person
09/15/2026 10/05/2026 $1,999 per person
09/20/2026 10/10/2026 $1,999 per person
09/22/2026 10/12/2026 $1,999 per person
09/27/2026 10/17/2026 $1,999 per person
09/29/2026 10/19/2026 $1,999 per person
October 2026
10/04/2026 10/24/2026 $1,999 per person
10/06/2026 10/26/2026 $1,999 per person
10/11/2026 10/31/2026 $1,999 per person
10/13/2026 11/02/2026 $1,999 per person
10/20/2026 11/09/2026 $1,999 per person
10/27/2026 11/16/2026 $1,999 per person
November 2026
11/03/2026 11/23/2026 $1,999 per person
11/10/2026 11/30/2026 $1,999 per person
11/17/2026 12/07/2026 $1,999 per person
December 2026
12/01/2026 12/21/2026 $1,999 per person
12/15/2026 01/04/2027 $1,999 per person
12/20/2026 01/09/2027 $1,999 per person
12/22/2026 01/11/2027 $1,999 per person
12/27/2026 01/16/2027 $1,999 per person
12/29/2026 01/18/2027 $1,999 per person
Pricing is per person, land only, in US dollars and based on double occupancy. For specific validity dates, discount amount and tour information, please return to the promotion in question. Promotion valid on G Adventures small group tours excluding Independent, MS Expedition or National Geographic Journeys, unless otherwise stated. Promotion applicable to new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Does not apply to airfare (unless otherwise stated), pre-/post-accommodation, 'My Own Room' or 'My Own Tent', transfers, theme packs, insurance, polar kayaking & camping excursions or other in-country services. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw this offer from sale at any time. Itinerary and map subject to change.  Please click here for a description of the travel style options provided by G Adventures. 
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Please Note: Only 1 piece of luggage that weighs up to 15kgs will be permitted on our internal flights in India. For any extra weight the airline may charge an additional fee at the time of check-in.

Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
 

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.