Backpacking India Adventure (32 Days)

After taking some rest, visit Laxmi Narayan Temple, Government buildings like President House, Parliament House (from outside), India Gate (War Memorial), and Jama Masjid or the Grand Mosque in the old city of Delhi.
After visiting Jama Masjid, embark on a walking tour of narrow lanes of Old Delhi with the addition of the Spice market. Overnight stay will be in Delhi.

On this day morning is free. In the afternoon, we will be boarding an overnight train for Varanasi. It will take approximately 12 hours.

We will be reaching Varanasi (Spiritual Capital of India) early in the morning. Transfer to Hotel.

We will be undertaking a walking tour of this beautiful city to explore the intrigue and various aspects of spirituality along with the Cremation Ghat for Hindus. People from distant parts of India bring the bodies of their loved ones to get cremated in Varanasi. Hindus believe that creating a body in Varanasi will absolve the soul from the circle of life and death. In the evening, we will again visit Ghat to witness the Aarti. Overnight night stay will be in Varanasi.

Early in the morning, we will take a boating tour on the river Ganges to witness the exciting sunrise. After that day, we will be free, and in the evening, we will board a train for an overnight journey to Khajuraho, which will take around ten hours.

Arrive early in the morning at Khajuraho and transfer to the hotel for some rest.
Here we will visit the Eastern and the Western Group of temples. In the Western group of temples, the main deity is Lord Vishnu, Creator of this universe. The Eastern group of temples is Jain temples. The grandeur of the Western Group is much more than the Eastern Group. Overnight stay will be in Khajuraho. Overnight stay will be in Khajuraho.

We will start in the morning for Jhansi. On the way, we will visit Orchha, the hidden fort. From Jhansi, we will board a train for Agra. After taking some rest, we will visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in Agra. The night stay will be in Agra.

Early in the morning, we will proceed for Jaipur, and on the way, we will visit Fatehpur Sikri (The Ghost City). Here we will see various palaces with intricate carvings, Panch Mahal and Buland Darwaza. Emperor Akbar had vowed to raise the height of the Southern Gate of the mosque if he could crush the rebellion in the south, and it would be the highest gate of the world. The southern entrance of the mosque became the highest gate of the world after Emperor Akbar crushed the rebellion in the south. At Fatehpur Sikri, we will visit the royal residence of queens and ministers with exquisite architecture.

On reaching Jaipur, transfer to the hotel for rest. Vidyadhar Bhattacharya a Bengali architect planned the city of Jaipur. Raja Sawai Jaisingh founded it. Because all the government buildings, crossroads, residential complexes, and bazaars are painted pink, it is known as The Pink City. We will visit Hawa Mahal or Wind Palace, used by the Royal Ladies, to observe the victory and festive processions.

We will visit City Palace, the administrative headquarters of erstwhile Jaipur State, for its impressive palaces and pavilions and the Observatory. You will find people in colorful attire, shops selling traditional textiles and various wares. Roads will be full of several types of transport like rickshaws, cars, camel carts, and buses while taking a walking tour of the markets of Jaipur. Overnight stay will be in Jaipur.

On this day, you have the perfect opportunity to undertake a fabulous hot air ballooning optional experience over Jaipur, which will cost USD extra but be a lifetime experience. The forts, bazaars, villages, and desert will be an electrifying experience from the high sky.
Maharaja Man Singh built Amer Fort, an enchanting complex of beautiful gardens, Halls, Pavilions, and royal mansions. It is an excellent example of Indo-Mughal architecture. The view from the upper story of Amer Fort is just out of the world. While returning to the hotel, we will visit Jal Mahal, the summer retreat of Maharaja, for a photographic session. After that, we will undertake a walking tour of the market with great shopping opportunities, learn about the culture, art, and understand the life of the simple citizens of Jaipur. Overnight stay will be in Jaipur.

Today we will proceed towards the Shekhavati region of Rajasthan to visit Nawal Garh and Mandawa. It will take around six hours to reach Nawal Garh. It is also known for its most significant concentration of mural paintings and frescoes in the world. It was a crucial trading post connecting China to the seashore and part of the ancient Eastern Silk Route.

Nawal Garh: Thakur Naval Singh founded Nawal Garh. Here we will visit Poddar Haveli (Mansion), which is very well restored and famous for its frescoes and mural paintings, and Roop Haveli, another remarkably restored haveli of a wealthy merchant.

Mandawa: There was an agreement between the merchant community and Thakurs in Mandawa that Thakurs (Marshal Caste) shall protect the caravans loaded with a precious cargo of merchants. In return of small fees were paid by the merchant community to Thakurs. Due to this understanding, the regions prospered. It is a quaint town dotted with ornately decorated Havelis (Mansions) of wealthy merchants. During the British Rule, merchants migrated to Kolkata and Bombay, the port cities. If some made a fortune in those cities, one should return to Mandawa and build one Haveli, temple, step well, and one Dharamshala (Inn for travelers). It is dotted with so many artistically ornamented mansions and called the open gallery of art. We will visit some of these Havelis. Overnight stay will be in Mandawa.

Today we will proceed to Bikaner, which is around a five-hour journey. After taking some rest, we will start our sightseeing of Bikaner.
Bikaner: This was an important trading post on the ancient silk route and a massive Junagarh fort built by Maharaj Karni Singh. It is a well-maintained fort with a stunning flight of stairs, front elevation, overlooking towers and balconies. The most important and exciting places to visit are Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), sandalwood inherited throne, and Anoop Chowk. Specifically speaking, the windows with intricate work of art is worth admirations.
After that, we will visit Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple), where the local population worships thousands of rats. People search for the white rat to fulfill all their wishes. Overnight stay will be in at Bikaner.

In the morning, we will proceed to Jaisalmer or the Golden City founded by Maharaja Jaisal. It will take around 7 hours to get there.
On arrival at Jaisalmer, transfer to hotel for some rest.
Jaisalmer: The desert city of Rajasthan is also famous as the Golden City situated in the Golden Sands of the Thar desert has the charisma of its own. The name of the founder Rawal Jaisal and Mer means hill. It is how came the name of the fort, Jaisalmer. The use of Golden sandstone in its construction is widespread, and when it comes in contact with the early morning sun rays, it shines. It is because of this fact it is called the Golden Fort.
We will visit Patwon Ki Haveli with elaborate carving work, a museum of exemplary cultural artifacts, and Jain Temple in Jaisalmer Fort. Overnight stay will be in Heritage property in Jaisalmer.

In the morning, we will undertake a walking tour of the market to get the feel of this beautiful and extraordinary city dotted with colorful shops selling textiles, sweets, and handicrafts. One can witness ladies in colorful skirts and blouses and men with world-famous rich mustaches and colorful turbans.
In the afternoon, embark on the adventure of camel safari, the landmark adventure activity of this tour. Leave your luggage at the hotel and proceed for an overnight camel safari and a night stay in the desert. The jeep will take us 20 km inside the desert, and after that, we will take a one-hour camel safari. During travel, we will halt at Kalbelia Village (The desert tribe). One can interact with them regarding life in the desert, traditions, and priorities. Watch stunning sunset in the desert and take dinner under the stars, overnight stay in the desert.

Please note: The population, as well as tourists visiting Jaisalmer, has blown off. It is too old to cater to the ever-increasing population of residents and tourists preferring to stay inside the fort due to which it is crumbling, and the primary source of income for the people is tourism. If anything goes wrong with this magnificent work of art and craftsmanship, the life of the local population of this Golden City will be affected.
Hence, deliberately, we have kept our night stay at the heritage property outside the fort.

Watch the sunrise early in the morning in the Thar Desert. After freshening up and taking breakfast in the desert camp and we will proceed for Jodhpur, The Blue city of Rajasthan. It will take around six hours. After taking some rest, we will visit Mehran Garh Fort, Toor Ji ki Jhalra, and will take a walking tour of the market at Ghanta Ghar (Local bazaar).

Mehran Garh Fort: Rao Jodha Ji built Mehran Garh Fort. It has got a superb structural design. Palanquins pavilion is a must-visit. As there was no motor transport at that time, Palanquins were carried by the men to transport royal ladies from one place to another. The armory section of bygone days is well preserved. The museum of this fort is also very well maintained. From this fort, one can observe why Jodhpur is called the Blue City of India.

Toor Ji Ki Jhalra: It is a stepwell built-in 1740 for the conservation of rainwater and can be called a reservoir for water harvesting as the state of Rajasthan is water deficient.

Ghanta Ghar: (The clock tower) It is situated right in the center of Jodhpur. Locals and foreigners frequent this place to get the feel of the city as one can find ladies in colorful fabrics bargaining for goods for daily consumption of household and tourists watching their skills and appreciating the overall scenario. Overnight stay will be in Jodhpur.

Early in the morning, we will proceed to Udaipur, the white city of Rajasthan, and on the way, we will visit the Jain temple at Ranakpur. On reaching Udaipur (The White City), transfer to hotel for rest. After taking a rest day, it is free to visit local markets and various cafes in Udaipur. Overnight stay will be in Udaipur.

Udaipur: It is also known as the White City of Rajasthan. It is a city temple, lakes, and palaces with intricate carvings and frescoes. Maharaja Udai Singh of Mewar founded it. It is renowned for its artificial lakes, Palaces, architecture, gardens, temples, and museums.
Visit City Palace very well maintained and one of the enormous Palaces of Rajasthan. Maharana Udai Singh shifted his capital from Chittaur Garg to Udaipur on the advice of an astrologer. The 22 generations have upgraded this palace as per their wishes to its present grandeur in the last 400 years. There are so many palaces and mansions inside the City Palace from where one can get the stunning views of Udaipur. The White City, Lake Pichola, and Lake Palace will undoubtedly be an enchantment for photography-loving people.

The following day we will take a boat ride. It will last for 25 minutes. It will take us to Jag Mandir and around City palace. After that, get on a walking tour of Udaipur, covering narrow lanes of Udaipur City. It will start from Jagdish Temple in the middle of the old city of Udaipur, and the last attraction will be the Rajasthani Folk Dance performance at the very well restored Dharohar Ki Haveli. Night Stay in Udaipur.

Early in the morning, we will proceed for Pushkar. Transfer to hotel for freshening up, and after that, we will begin our tour to Pushkar.

Pushkar: Pushkar has its very own rustic and serene charm, which differentiates it from the other places of Rajasthan and has great reverence for Hindus. The meaning of Pushkar is Lotus, the residence of Lord Brahma, the creator of this universe.
After loosening up, visit Brahma Temple, the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma, have lovely walks along various ghats of Pushkar Lake, observe people offering their daily prayers. In the evening, visit Savitri Temple. It is on the top of the mount, and from there, one can observe the mesmerizing view of the sunset.
There are 1000 stairs to reach Savitri temple, but the breeze and the view of the whole Pushkar are out of the world. Be careful regarding omnipresent monkeys at the shrine after visiting the hotel for a night’s stay.

On this day after breakfast, we will board a train from Ajmer. It will take around 8 hours to reach Delhi. On reaching Delhi, transfer to hotel. Overnight stay will be in Delhi.

On this day, we will catch a flight for Trivandrum to indulge in the South India odyssey. On arrival, you will be assisted and transferred to the hotel.

Trivandrum: It is the capital city of Kerala state and is an outstanding example of colonial and Kerala architecture. After taking some rest, later on, visit a museum and in the evening undertake a walking tour of Trivandrum to know about history, culture and the religious practices of the People of Kerala. Overnight stay will be in Trivandrum.

In the morning, transfer to Varkala. On arrival, check into the hotel. This day will be free of any activity from Adventure Delight at Varkala Cliff Beach.

Cliff Beach: It is among the ten best beaches of the world according to ratings by Discovery Channel, as gifted with brown sand and blue Arabian Sea. The uniqueness of the beach lies in the fact that a cliff hangs over the beach, which extends into the Arabian Sea and has lively surroundings. From the top of the cliff, the sight of the sea and the sand is quite electrifying. One can have a great experience watching the sunset.
After so much of a hectic schedule and barrage of history, culture, sights, sounds, and chaos of the North India tour, we will be staying at Varkala Cliff Beach for two nights, and it will be free of any activity and visits.

You will be provided a two-wheeler (Scooty) for two persons to roam around the beach and if you would like to visit some nearby attractions. The day will be free to indulge in activities you deemed fit no interference from Adventure Delights. We will stay overnight in Varkala.

After breakfast on this day, we will proceed for Munroe Island, named after a British officer who had excavated the canals to irrigate the farmers’ fields and make commuting easy for the local population. Here we will undertake the evening tour of backwaters and get acquainted with the flora, fauna, and various aspects of the daily life of an average villagers inhabitant of this exciting and tranquil, and picturesque destination. On this day, we will be staying at Munroe Island.

We start early in the morning to visit Alleppy, also known as ‘Venice of The East’, for a backwater adventure in Kayaks and learn this backwater destination’s irrigation and cultivation techniques. One can have a nice walk in the streets to get the natural feel of the place. Overnight stay will be in Alleppy.

We will take a local bus to Kochi, and it will take around two hours. We will be staying in the Fort Area of Kochi.

Kochi: Kochi is a Port town of Kerala. Merchants from the Middle East and Europe frequented this town to trade spices for the last 600 years. This town has influences of Dutch and Portuguese architecture. You can also find here the English settlement. Large Chinese fishing nets are found only in Kochi and used by the fishermen for centuries.
We will be undertaking a walking tour of Dutch Fort and, in the evening, will attend the Kathakali dance performance, an ancient dance form of Kerala. Overnight night stay will be in Kochi.

This day we will take a local bus to Munnar. It will take around 3.30 hours to reach Munnar.

Munnar: Munnar is the summer retreat of the British in their quest for coder places in colonial India. It is beautiful, Picturesque, and serene at 1630 meters. It is famed for its green cover, tea gardens, spice gardens, peaceful feel, and incredible waterfalls.
Cold Breeze, dancing clouds, green mountains, valleys, and the chirping of birds will take you to the next level.

One will be free to take a tea plantation walk at this beautiful destination, chit-chat with plantation workers and learn about the processes involved in Tea Plantation Estate. One can also indulge in tea leaves plucking activity. Overnight stay will be in Munnar.

On this day we will take a bus to Madurai, which will take around 4 hours to reach. Transfer to the hotel, after that visit Meenakshi Temple.

Meenakshi Temple: Goddess Parvati is the main deity of this temple, the soul mate of Lord Shiva. It is 52 meters high and built on 45 acres of land. Pandya King made it in the 7th century. People still offer their prayers at this temple. It is adequately maintained. Repainting of 3300 carvings takes place every year to preserve lively colors. Fifteen thousand worshippers visit daily to offer their prayers at this temple. It is visible from any part of Madurai city due to its lofty towers. It has got the water body right in the middle with steps to harvest rainwater. After the visit, an overnight stay will be in Madurai.

On this day, we will board a flight to Bangalore and transfer to Mysore. After taking some rest to undergo a walking tour of Mysore’s visit to Mysore Palace. Appreciate the beauty of architecture, 3D paintings, and various artifacts in Mysore Palace. Visit the market to be enthralled by sheer difference from the Northern Part of India. After dinner overnight stay will be in Mysore.

This day will be free to take any activity of one’s choice. In the evening, catch a train for an overnight journey to Hampi.

Arrive in Hampi early in the morning. With the help of Canoe, traverse the river to get into the Hippy island, our overnight stay will be there.
Hampi: The remains of Hampi, the capital of the Vijay Nagar Empire, are strewn over an enormous area of terrain and is World Heritage Site. The gripping actuality about Hampi is that it is distinct from any other place in the world, as the dexterous craftsmanship of ancient India is quite widespread at this destination and cloaked in mystery. It is an indigenous architectural grandeur. Centuries-old remains revive reminiscence from the open-air gallery through carving in stones.

It is the only place where the concentration of so many cultural artifacts is at one place. It is also referred to as an open art gallery.

One can visit as per their convenience Virupaksha Temple, famous for blessings from elephants. Badavalinga Temple, for floating Shiva Linga, Underground Siva Temple for dig up remains Kodabikalu Temple for mammoth Ganesh figure, etc. Overnight stay will be in Hampi.

Again full day will be free to visit various gems of artistry in Hampi, and in the evening, we will take a bus/train to Goa on an overnight journey.

Early in the morning, we will be arriving in Goa. After taking complete rest will be visiting the ancient churches and beaches of Goa. Overnight stay will be in Goa.

Tour Ends. If informed in advance, Adventure Delight will be more than happy to arrange any further arrangements.