Delhi to Kochi: Hampi Ruins & The Taj Mahal Adventure Tour

Experience the absolute best of India on this epic, budget-friendly adventure designed for travellers eager to get out into the world. From the iconic Taj Mahal in the north to the golden beaches of Goa in the south, this trip hits all the must-sees while leaving plenty of room for spontaneous moments. Wander the bustling streets of Mumbai, sip chai at a roadside stall, and soak up the chill vibes of beach bars along the Arabian Sea. Explore the ancient ruins of Hampi, feast on mouthwatering local eats, and connect with incredible people along the way. It's an adventure packed with history, culture, and endless fun - so what are you waiting for?

Max Pax  

18

A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

What's Included  

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 Big Night Out Moment: Ooty. Guided tour of the Taj Mahal and the Amber Fort. Orientation walks in Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur, and Mumbai. Visit to Gandhi Ashram. Village walk in rural Tordi Sagar. Sunrise at Savitri temple. Free time in Hampi, Ooty. Hampi Ruins Walking Tour. Kishkinda Foundation Visit. Anjaneya Temple Sunset. Devaraja Market Visit. Chamundi Hills Visit. Monolithic Bull Visit. Dodapetta Peak. Dodapetta Tea Factory. Fort Kochi Visit. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Group Size Notes  

Max 18, avg 14.

Accommodation  

Simple hotels or guesthouse (twin-share) (20 nts), overnight train (1 nt).

Group Leader Description  

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.

Meals Included  

1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Highlights  

Explore the impressive Taj Mahal, Visit a desert Village, Discover Temples and holy places, Walk through the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, Chill out on the beaches of Goa, Explore the ancient wonders of the Hampi Ruins, Catch breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from Dodapetta Peak and Anjaneya Temple, Wander off the beaten path in Mysore with visits to Devaraja Market and Chamundi Hills

Optional Activities  

Agra
- Agra Fort Visit (650INR per person)
- Baby Taj Visit (310INR per person)

Jaipur
- Movie at Raj Mandir (200-400INR per person)
- The Jaipur Observatory Visit (202INR per person)
- City Palace Visit (1000INR per person)
- Jaipur Balloon Ride
- Jaipur Cycle Tour

Tordi Garh
- Tordi Sagar Jeep Safari (600-700INR per person)
- Tordi Sagar Camel Cart Ride (600-700INR per person)

Pushkar
- Massage
- Yoga Class
- Traditional Dinner in the Desert (1200INR per person)

Udaipur
- Boat ride on Lake Pichola (500INR per person)
- Jagdish Temple Visit
- Shopping
- City Palace Visit (450INR per person)
- Monsoon Palace Visit (505INR per person)
- Udaipur Sunrise Cycle Tour
- Rajasthani Cultural Show (250INR per person)
- Udaipur Cooking School

Ranakpur
- Ranakpur Jain Temples Visit (200-300INR per person)

Mumbai
- City Tour (2000-4000INR per group)

Hampi
- Matanga Hill Hike

Mysore
- Mysore Palace Visit (200INR per person, 1500INR per group)

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.

Finishing Point Instructions  

Your tour ends upon arrival to Kochi, so opt to explore Kochi Fort or depart at the train station for your next destination. Your flight must depart no earlier than: 19:00 on Day 8.

Packing List  

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Light Hiking:
• Hiking boots
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)

Train Travel (Optional):
• Slip-on shoes
• Small container with lid
• Travel cutlery
• Travel or camp cup

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Transport  

4x4, Basic Overnight Train (beds), Local Bus, Plane, Train, tuktuk, taxi.

Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.