India to Sri Lanka: The Taj Mahal & Beach Bar Crawls Adventure Tour

Day 1 Delhi

Arrive at any time and welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi!

Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!

Please note this tour departs Delhi early on Day 2, so book pre-accommodation if you would like to explore the city more in depth. Opt to wander through the heart of India's capital city and explore Old and New Delhi. Travel by the new metro or auto rickshaws and visit the famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) where you can climb the minaret for a bird's eye view of the old city. Explore Chandni Chowk, one of India's oldest and busiest markets or head to the colourful spice market -- a great photo opportunity.

Day 2 Delhi/Agra

Relax on the morning train to Agra while admiring the arid terrain and small towns. On arrival, check the famous Taj Mahal world wonder off your bucket list as you marvel at the iconic Mughal architecture. Immerse yourself in a guided tour and learn of the mausoleum's unique history. Opt to visit Baby Taj and the Agra Fort, the Taj's less famous-but no less impressive-sister monument, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 3 Agra/Jaipur

Today we take a bus (always an adventure itself in India) to the capital of Rajasthan - Jaipur. Clothed in sandstone pink stucco, Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" and is one of the most important heritage cities in India. It's home to India's second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Ride a cycle rickshaw to the markets and enjoy an orientation walk through the stalls. In your free time, opt to visit the City Palace, the observatory, or check out a song-and-dance Bollywood film in India's largest movie theatre.

Day 4 Jaipur

Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your list. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details. Afterward, head back to Jaipur and spend the free afternoon exploring with your fellow travellers and see where the night takes you.

Admire the city from above by pre-booking the Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour.

Day 5 Jaipur/Tordi Sagar

Ride to peaceful Tordi Sagar and dive into rural life by visiting local potters, cobblers, and markets on a guided walk through the village. If you're feeling athletic, join in on a cricket match with some local players. For lunch, get a taste of rural village life over a traditional lunch. In your free time, opt to bounce around with your new friends during a jeep safari or camel cart ride to the dunes for sunset. Head out for a hike in the hills or get a henna tattoo from local women. Tordi Sagar is your oyster!

If you want to see more of Jaipur before departing, pre-book the Cycle Tour and explore the city from a morning perspective.

Day 6 Tordi Sagar/Pushkar

Travel to Pushkar, often called Tirth Raj or the king of pilgrim centres. Cruise through Ajmer and over Snake Mountain to Pushkar - the site of the world's only temple to the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. After settling into your accommodation, get your bearings on an orientation walk around the colourful city with cascading architecture and capture a group photo on the lake.

Day 7 Pushkar

Before dawn, climb to the hilltop Savitri Temple and catch the sun rising over the towering Thar Desert mountains. Afterward, reflect on the serenity at one of the many cafés in town, stretch and meditate during a calming yoga session, or scour the markets. Opt for an unforgettable evening by dressing in traditional Indian clothing and partake in an authentic dinner cooked by cameleers in the desert, all with live entertainment!

Day 8 Pushkar/Udaipur

Continue south to Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. It certainly lives up to its reputation as India's most romantic city (wink, wink). With its own famous style of painting and plenty of artisans, Udaipur is a great place to stroll through. After the orientation walk, opt to take a boat ride on Lake Pichola with your fellow travellers.

Day 9 Udaipur

Free time to explore "Venice of the East" with its plethora lakes, palaces, and narrow lanes. Wander around solo or see who wants to join you on an adventure.

Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School class.

Day 10 Udaipur

Free time to explore "Venice of the East" with its plethora lakes, palaces, and narrow lanes. Wander around solo or see who wants to join you on an adventure.

Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School class.

Day 11 Udaipur/Ahmedabad

Take a local bus to Ahmedabad and explore the famous Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati. Immerse yourself in the peaceful environment of the riverside home that played an important role in India's freedom and learn of the sites unique history.

Day 12 Ahmedabad/Mumbai

Rise and shine early to catch a train to Mumbai. Upon arrival choose to grab lunch with your CEO and explore the city.

In the evening, opt for a cup of tea at the famous Taj Hotel and people-watch on Chowpatty Beach or visit Crawford Market, one of South Mumbai's most famous. Sample some local specialties at one of Mumbai's many top-notch restaurants as you go out on the town with your fellow travellers and sample the city's famed nightlife firsthand.

Day 13 Mumbai

Mumbai is your oyster today. Tour the impressive Elephanta caves or continue exploring the city at leisure. This evening, regroup with your CEO and fellow travelers for an overnight train to Goa.

Day 14 Goa

Enjoy a free day to wind down in the paradise that is Goa. Relax on the beaches with your favourite drink in hand or mingle in the many beach bars. Scour the markets, and be sure to try some delicious Goan cuisine and fresh seafood. Get ready to dance the night away for your big night out as a group. Enjoy a drink on us and cut a rug.

Day 15 Goa

Goa is a town with endless options for fun. Continue exploring the beaches, city life and exciting nightlife that Goa has to offer!

Day 16 Goa/Hampi

Head inland to Hampi on a train this morning. Then jump into a tuk-tuk to the hotel for the next two nights. With free time this evening, opt to catch the sunset or explore Hampi.

Day 17 Hampi

Explore the ancient ruins of Hampi. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built in the mid 1300's. Rome through the ruins and royal structures. In the afternoon, visit the local women's initiative, Kishkinda Foundation. Meet the women, shop in their handicraft store and have a delicious lunch together.

Day 18 Hampi/Mysore

This morning, opt to rise early for a hike up Mantanga Hill and enjoy a stunning sunrise over the rocky hill. Spend the day at leisure exploring of Hampi what you might have missed the day before. This evening, take a tuk-tuk to the train station for an overnight train to Mysore.

Day 19 Mysore

Pull into Mysore this morning as you wake up on the train. Then drop your bags, freshen up and head out for an adventure in Mysore. Walk through the Devaraja Market, Chamundi Hills and the Monolithic Bull. In your free time, opt to visit the extravagant Mysore Palace. In the evening, you won't want to miss the chance to see a Bollywood movie in your free time.

Day 20 Mysore/Ooty

Take a tuk-tuk to the bus station this morning and join the locals on a public bus south to Ooty. Take an orientation walk with your CEO after arrival and then enjoy some free time in the beautifully green town of Ooty.

Day 21 Ooty

Feel a sense of accomplishment this morning as we rise early for a picturesque sunrise hike up Dodapetta Peak with a view of the lush green surrounding forrest. Enjoy some free time today and opt to ride the famous toy train. In the afternoon, visit the Dodabetta Tea Factory.

Day 22 Kochi

A bus, a train and tuk-tuk ride brings us to beautiful port town of Kochi! Spend the afternoon exploring this super cute city, wandering through the cobblestone streets and vibrant culture. Some new travellers may be joining you this evening. Join your CEO to help welcome everyone this evening.

Day 23 Kochi/Alleppey

Travel to Alleppey, a golden streak of land woven with rivers, lakes, lagoons, and canals. Enjoy an empowering lunch before checking out the island along the lagoon with a local guide and learn about the way of life here. Settle into a homestay and get to know your hosts.

Day 24 Alleppey/Kollam

Explore the unique ecosystem of Alleppey backwaters on a morning ferry cruise. Afterward, travel down the coast by bus to the port city of Kollam. On arrival, choose to relax on the beach, climb Thangassery Light House, or peruse the nightlife.

Day 25 Kollam/Varkala

Visit the Kollam Harbour and experience the importance of fishing for the community. Afterward, settle into a private vehicle and see who can count the most palm trees as you cruise down the coast to tropical Varkala. Enjoy lots of free time to explore the town, get treated by local healers, or visit the Varkala Temple.

Note that Kollam Harbour is closed to visitors May through June.

Day 26 Varkala

Choose your own adventure today, exploring Varkala solo or with your new friends. Spend time wandering the peaceful gardens of an ashram devoted to Kerala's most eminent spiritual and social reformer at the mystical Janardhana Swamy Temple. Or head to the beach and relax while watching the Arabian Sea with a drink in hand.

Day 27 Varkala/Kochi

Return to Kochi by train and take an orientation walk visiting Fort Kochi, St Francis Church, the Dutch cemetery, and the Jewish Quarter with curio shops and a synagogue more than 400-years-old. In the late afternoon, continue to wander the streets or opt to catch a traditional Kathakali dance performance. For your big night out as a group, immerse yourself in the exciting Kochi nightlife. Enjoy a drink on us and reminisce about the life-changing adventures you've shared.

Day 28 Kochi/Negombo

Fly from Kochi to the stunning island country of Sri Lanka, landing first in Negombo. Spend the evening at the beach relaxing under a leaning palm tree and toast to the sun a goodnight.

Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure (yay! more friends). You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening followed by an optional dinner.

Day 29 Negombo/Sigiriya

Travel to the centre of the island to explore the UNESCO World Heritage City, Sigiriya. Opt to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple or the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Day 30 Sigiriya

Spend the day freely exploring more of this ancient yet luscious region. Opt to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, view elephants on a safari drive in Minneriya national park, or go back in time at the Anurhadhapura historical site.

Day 31 Sigiriya/Digana

Visit a medicinal spice garden en route to Digana. After, enjoy lunch before embarking on a guided village walk for insight into rural daily life. Maybe stop at the home of a crafter who hand-makes delicate Kandyan jewellery or the cottage of a local woman making incense. Later, learn how to cook Sri Lankan bread or sweets while helping out with dinner.

Day 32 Digana/Kandy

Enjoy breakfast and soak in the views of the Victoria Reservoir over tea before departing for Kandy. Have an afternoon of free time to explore the sweet city, opting to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, view a traditional Kandyan cultural show, or root for a team at a cricket match.

Day 33 Kandy/Nuwara Eliya

Enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared by women and youth living with disabilities at G Adventures-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Café. Travel on to the rolling hills and luscious forests of Nuwara Eliya. Visit a tea plantation and opt to explore the beauty on foot.

Day 34 Nuwara Eliya/Ella

If you want to experience morning mist flowing through the valley, wake early and trek the serene trails of Horton Plains National Park. In the afternoon, cruise to the laid-back village of Ella and enjoy a free evening to explore or relax.

Day 35 Ella

Spend the morning trekking Little Adam's Peak to get a 360-degree view of Sri Lankan countryside encompassing the giant Ella Rock and textured green mountains. For the rest of the day, enjoy the freedom to explore scenic Ella more in-depth. Opt to trek Ella Rock, venture to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, or hunt for some waterfalls with your fellow explorers.

Day 36 Ella/Hikkaduwa

Set off towards the southern coast stopping en route to explore the indestructible Galle Fort. Finish the day's journey oceanside on the white sand beaches of Hikkaduwa.

Day 37 Hikkaduwa

Enjoy a free day to bliss out on the beach sipping your favourite drink or jump on a boat in search of whales and dolphins. For your big night out, follow your CEO to the best beach bar in town, enjoy a drink on us, and dance under the stars. Perhaps take a night swim, who knows, see where the night takes you.

Day 38 Hikkaduwa

Another day in paradise to recover from last nights fun. Relax on the beach, snorkel with sea creatures, or wander through the bustling beach town. Pick a local restaurant with your buds and reminisce about all the awesome adventures you've experienced over a farewell dinner.

Day 39 Hikkaduwa

Wow! What a trip, right? Luckily there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange social medias, and depart at any time.

The Colombo airport can be reached by private taxi or bus. Your CEO can help you arrange a transfer.