India Road Trip, North by Northwest Experience
Journey into India and explore seven vastly distinctive regions of this exotic and diverse country by experiencing the perfect road trip of a lifetime!
The trip takes you from the capital city to the foothills of the Himalayas and to the beaches in Goa. Experience Buddhist culture, visit Golden Temple and Taj Mahal. An adventurous camel safari coupled with a night camping in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan and UNESCO heritage sites. Participate in community engagement projects in Goa.
This is an Eco-tourism travel program that gives you the opportunity to visit 7 different Indian states in 28 days! Experience everything from its amazing nature, culture and beautiful monuments, to its sublime cuisine by travelling through a cross-section of this vast sub-continent. Keeping with the values of our organisation, this program is environmentally friendly.
Once you arrive at New Delhi, you will be received by our tour leader. After checking in to your hotel, you will receive an in-depth orientation of your travel program. Early morning on Monday, you will travel to Shimla by train, with the “Himalayan Queen”, which is also recognized by UNESCO. Experience this wonderful heritage train as it journeys through the Himalayan landscape with beautiful views of the Himalayan mountains. During your time in Shimla, experience hiking in the mountains, absorb breathtaking views, taste the local food with local people, stay in a beautiful guest house located in the midst of the mountains, experience mountain village lifestyle and walk around Shimla town to view temples, monuments and museums.
On the next part of your journey, go on a bus journey through the Himalayan mountains to dive into Tibetan culture in Dharamshala, the home of the Dalai Lama. Go on a walking tour through the monasteries, experience a holy walk the way the locals do, visit a marvellous waterfall, and learn Buddhist teachings and their way of life.
Further, travel by train to Amritsar, to visit the charismatic Golden Temple which is not only a religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of caste, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance here. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs. Admire the beauty of its architecture in gold and soak into the ambience of this wonderful place.
You will then travel to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal to witness its amazing grandeur. Walk into the Taj Mahal at sunrise which is the best time to visit. Spend your time marvelling at this beauty. You will also be taken to the ghats of the Yamuna river to relax in the beautiful garden with the Taj Mahal at its backdrop.
You are just at the beginning of this real adventure! Further, you will be encompassed into the colourful and vibrant culture of Udaipur. Witness an energetic cultural dance show and visit the beautiful Udaipur palace which is the second-largest palace in India. Travel into the Thar desert, go on a camel safari for an amazing camping experience under the starlight sky and experience a caravan lifestyle.
You then travel into Mumbai, to visit its crowded streets, take the Bollywood film city tour, go on a boat ride into the Arabian sea to visit an ancient island temple called the Elephanta caves and explore the city of Mumbai. You will also have some time on your own in the evenings.
Your adventure does not end here, travel to one of the most exotic locations of Goa where you will meet other participants taking part in various community engagement programs. In Goa, you will be introduced to various UNESCO sites and taken to some of the most famous beaches of Goa to unwind. We will introduce you to yoga and an Ayurvedic massage which will relax your body and prepare you for the project phase.
On the last week of your travel, you will have this splendid opportunity to take part in a variety of community engagement projects. You will have the opportunity to work alongside local people at our women empowerment project or at the community school or at renovation projects or animal shelter or even participate to interact with senior citizens at an old aged home. The choice will be yours to suite yourself into the best project to become a part of an ever-expanding community.
What’s included
- Airport transfers as per the policy – Airport Pickup in New Delhi
- Presence of a dedicated program coordinator throughout your travel, at the projects and facilities – logistical management support in case of emergencies
- Authentic Indian and European meal (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for the duration of the entire program as per the meal plan
- Accommodation at hotels, homestays, and at our accommodation facility – shared single-gender accommodation.
- Local transportation to all venues
- Entry fees to all places
- Extensive pre-departure information
What’s Excluded
- Personal expenses such as table drinks, room service items, laundry, telephone calls, tips, porterage at hotels or airport, bottles of water during your road travel etc.
- Any additional expenses caused by or liability for disturbance in trip program due to circumstances, weather conditions, sickness, natural disasters, riots etc.
- Liability for or insurance against injury, loss of life, accidents or loss of goods
- Our program does not cover any liability and does not insure participants. Participants must have appropriate insurance before joining the program
- Any camera fee where applicable
- Any service not specified above
Few things to consider while you are with us
- Request to be back at the accommodation by 22:30 everyday
- Participants will not be entertained to hire any vehicles on their own
- Consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited at all our Centers
- Respect and adhere to our code of conduct
- Our staff are there to support you and to guide you and make your trip memorable, we request you to kindly follow their instructions at all times.
- You will not be allowed to bring outsiders inside our centres, guest houses or hotels
- Please provide your mobile phone number during the time of booking, as this will be useful for us to contact you at the Delhi Airport as this is quite a crowded airport, and we would not want to lose you!
Travel from Delhi to Shimla:
Soon after your arrival and overnight stay at New Delhi on Sunday.
On Monday morning, your first day in India, hop into a UNESCO heritage train ride to Shimla. On this vibrant train journey, observe the beautiful and ever-changing Indian landscape, regular day to day life on the streets, and finally, a 5 hours ride into the amazing Himalayan mountain landscape. After reaching Shimla, you will check into a guesthouse located with a great view of Shimla.
- New Delhi to Shimla – Train (Air-conditioned with recliner seats Delhi to Kalka, Toy Train Kalka to Shimla)
- Travel Time: 10 hours of travel time
- Distance 370 km
The day begins early with an orientation session with our tour leader. This session also includes a briefing on aspects such as culture, safety and health precautionary measures, transportation, money, etc. Visit the famous monkey temple also called as “Hanuman Temple” which is situated atop a hill, it is a 30-minute uphill walk and brings you to the highest point of Shimla city set at 2250 m. Spend your afternoon, soaking into the views of the beautiful hill town, visit the local market and get acclimatized to the Himalayan environment. Late afternoon, we proceed for a 2-hour bus ride deeper into the misty mountains of the Himalayas for an overnight stay at a local Himalayan village. A local family in the mountains will host you for the night.
Carry an extra set of clothes and drinking water in a light backpack. The tour leader will arrange for you to leave your bigger backpacks that you may be travelling with at a safe place from where you can collect them after the hike.
Take a hike into the Himalayan mountains which is also quite a challenging element of your trip which culminates atop a hill at 3100 meters offering an amazing picturesque view of the Himalayan ranges. You will rest here while having your lunch in the ambience of the outdoor Himalayan setup. Head back down to the village and drive back to Shimla, overnight stay at a guesthouse at Shimla.
The coordinator will help you get safe drinking water at the start of the trek. Packed lunch will be provided during the trek. The trek through the mountains will be approximately 7 hours long.
Trek Distance: 7 Km Trek
Difficulty Level 2 – Uphill and downhill
Altitude: Approximately 3100 meters
Terrain: Rocky, gravel, river crossing and winding tracks.
Duration of Trek: 7 hours.
Our tour leader will take you on a beautiful heritage walk through the Deodar forests to visit historical monuments and temples. In the afternoon, you will take a bus to Dharamshala, the abode of Buddhist monks. Arrive late in the night at Dharamshala and check into a cosy hotel for a night’s stay in Dharamshala.
Shimla to Dharamshala Bus ride: 9 hours
Dharamshala – Experience Tibetan culture, visit the traditional Tibetan market.
After a relaxed breakfast, visit McLeod Ganj and walk into the beautiful Buddhist monastery and go on a 20-minute walk to a wonderful waterfall located in the mountains. Your walk through the markets will give you an insight into traditional Buddhist shops selling various interesting traditional ornaments and cultural clothing. The evening will be spent around McLeod Ganj and treat yourself for a traditional Tibetan dinner. Night stay in Dharamshala.
Today begins with an early breakfast, after which you will travel by bus to Amritsar. After arrival at Amritsar and check into a hotel to refresh. In the evening, visit the charismatic Golden temple of Amritsar to get a splendid view of the temple at sunset. The Golden Temple is the most prominent heritage site that has made an impact in the world. Overnight stay at Amritsar.
Travel to Agra
Today you will have an early start, you will take the morning train from Amritsar to Agra. Arrive in the evening at Agra and check into a hotel just next to the Taj Mahal. This evening you can choose to explore a bit of Agra on your own or just choose to relax for the evening.
Train journey by the famous Indian railways: 11 hours, A/C sleeper coaches
Taj Mahal (Agra)
The highlight of the India Road Trip is today, witnessing one of the Seven Wonders of the World – The Taj Mahal. Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and spend the day by the river Yamuna to marvel at its beautiful architecture and its surroundings. Later in the evening, hop into an overnight train to Udaipur, “the city of lakes” in Rajasthan.
- Agra to Udaipur (Air-conditioned Indian Railways)
Experience Rajasthan – Udaipur “the city of lakes”. While in Udaipur, you will be hosted at our house. Fans of The Jungle Book and James Bond films may recognize Udaipur as the birthplace of Bagheera and the location for the Roger Moore starrer Octopussy. Spend the next 2 days visiting India’s second-largest state, visit the beautifully architectured palace, enjoy a boat ride in Lake Pichola, and watch a traditional Rajasthani dance and music concert. Overnight stay in Udaipur.
Your day will begin with a relaxed morning. Shop at the local markets for vegetable for Indian authentic culinary class to sharpen your cooking skills. After lunch, you will proceed to visit a model desert village setup called Shilpgram where you will witness traditional Rajasthani art and handicraft shops and music. A nice spread of Indian dinner awaits you back at our centre. Overnight stay in Udaipur.
Today, you will go on a temple tour in the morning. Visit the beautiful sculptured 8th and 10th-century ancient temples on the outskirts of Udaipur. You will return back to our centre and then in the evening, you will take an overnight bus to Jaisalmer which is approximately 12 hrs for the next highlight of our trip – The Desert experience.
“The experience of a lifetime” camping in the Desert. Once in Jaisalmer, you will have a bit of time to refresh at the guest house. You will then go on a sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer to an 11th-century fort and then take a jeep safari and a camel ride deeper into the Thar desert, where you will stay for the night. Please remember to pack your sleeping bags and water bottles for this part of the trip. Our tour leader will inform you of anything else that may be necessary. Tonight you will camp in the desert under the stars. Overnight stay in the desert which is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable moments in your life.
You will return from the desert to the guest house and spend time in the city of Jaisalmer, visiting a beautiful authentic Haveli and a lake which is considered to be the largest in Jaisalmer and other tourist attractions. Later this evening, you will take an overnight bus back to Udaipur.
- Udaipur to Jaisalmer to Udaipur – (Air-conditioned sleeper bus)
Arrive at our Udaipur centre and relax. There are no activities scheduled for the morning. You will have the entire morning to yourself and in the evening watch a Bollywood movie at the centre. Overnight stay in Udaipur.
You will spend the entire morning for yourselves and go out for shopping into the city of Udaipur. You will then take an overnight bus to Mumbai.
- Udaipur to Mumbai – Bus (Comfortable air-conditioned bus)
After arriving at Mumbai early in the morning, you will be taken to the guest house to freshen up. Visit Bollywood film city and popular streets of Mumbai. In the evening, spend the sunset at the famous marine drive just as the locals regularly do. Overnight stay in Mumbai.
After breakfast, visit the Gateway of India and go on a boat ride into the Arabian sea to visit the ancient Elephanta Caves. A good Indian lunch will be provided on the island. Return to the mainland and spend the remaining part of the day exploring the sights of Mumbai. Overnight stay at Mumbai.
Today, you will take an early morning superfast train to Goa. Arrive in Goa before noon. Check into our house where you will be hosted for the remaining days of your travel. Once at our centre in the afternoon, after a good Goan lunch, you can relax and freshen up and meet other participants at the house. Our project coordinator will brief you on the activities scheduled for your days in Goa. After dinner, you will be taken to the famous beach of Anjuna, where you can spend your time at the beach. Overnight stay at our centre in Goa.
Explore the rich history and impressive architecture of Old Goa, the former colonial capital of the state. The convents and churches are stunning, and the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which contains the relics of St Francis Xavier.
Visit the interesting spice plantations and get to know about various Indian spices, how they are grown before reaching your kitchens. After a sumptuous lunch at the plantation, spend some time at the plantation and on the way back visit a small but yet beautiful waterfall. Later in the evening, take time out on your own. Overnight stay in Goa.
Today, experience learning a few yoga postures and experience an authentic ayurvedic massage to relax your body. After lunch at our centre, spend your time in one of the beautiful beaches of Goa to return to the centre for dinner. Overnight stay in Goa.
- Goa – Sightseeing (our jeeps and cars)
This is a day off and you are free to spend it on the beach or spend time with other participants at the centre. Overnight stay in Goa.
During this week, participate at our community engagement program which consists of many projects such as the one for women’s empowerment, the community school, a renovation project, animal shelter or even to interact with senior citizens at an old aged home. The choice will be yours to suite yourself into a project to become a part of an ever-expanding community. During the second half of the day spend educative and quality time with migratory children at our outreach program. Overnight stay in Goa.
On this day you can go out shopping and get ready for your departure. Overnight stay in Goa.
Your departure can be planned on Sunday (28th Day) from Dabolim Airport in Goa or you can vacate the property and continue your travels from there.
We tend to have two start dates per month on the 1st and 3rd weekend but please contact us for a specific date.
We request you arrive on the Sunday between 06:00 and 23:00 to receive a free airport pick-up and transfer, ready to start the tour on the Monday.
Aims & Objectives
The aim of this program is to bring you closer to authentic India and to truly immerse you into the culture, customs and lifestyle. This program will also give an opportunity to take part in community engagement projects and activities to understand local community lifestyle.
Additional Requirements
- Due to the length and active nature of this program, a decent level of fitness is required.
- Participants below the age of 18 should have parental consent.
- Participants above the age of 65 should have medical clearance.
Additional Equipment
- Medicines you may require: if you have to take specific medicines on a regular basis, bring them along Otherwise, be aware that most basic medicines and even antibiotics are available in India for which you should have a doctor’s prescription.
- First-aid kit should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, antihistamines, 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
- A sleeping bag, warm clothes and rain jackets (July to March & November to February)
- Mosquito repellents/mosquito nets
- Hiking shoes or trainers
- Please bring a rucksack (backpack), avoid trolleys and suitcase to make you travel comfortable
- Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders such as Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders
- Shawl or scarf for temple visits
- Cash, credit and debit cards
- Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
- Flashlight/torch
- Fleece top/sweater
- Locks for bags
- Outlet adaptor
- Toiletries – Preferably biodegradable
Location
This route takes you from Delhi to Shimla and then we head north towards Dharamshala. We travel down again to Delhi and Agra and move further to the Western India to the state of Rajasthan. Then we head down south to Mumbai and finally into Goa.
About Shimla
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh which translated means ‘The Land of snowy mountains’ is situated 2,205 metres (7,234 ft.) above sea level. The city is adorned with forests of pine, rhododendron and oak and is infamous for the monkeys that frequent it. Blessed with warm flowery summers and snowy winters, it was declared the summer capital of the British Rule in India in 1864. The city is famous for its Tudor and Neo-gothic architecture styles which date from the colonial era. However this does not rob it of its ‘Indianness’ as local markets and street vendors are present everywhere.
Shimla is home to Asia’s only natural ice skating rink. The handicraft of this area in the form of weaving, embroidery and regional jewelry is renowned not only throughout India, but the world over. Due to its pleasant climate, it attracts a favourable blend of Indian and International tourists throughout the year.
About Udaipur
Udaipur, commonly called the Venice of the East and nicknamed ‘the city of lakes’ is located in the princely state of Rajasthan. Primarily known for its art and architecture, it has temples dating as far back as 950 AD and palaces dating back to the Rajput era. The Lake Palace (Jag Niwas) located in the middle of Pichola Lake is an architectural and cultural marvel. The grand City Palace on the banks of the lake along with the Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh) on the hill above enhances the beauty of this magnificent city. Udaipur is also the centre for performing arts, crafts and its famed miniature paintings.
About Goa
Goa in south-west India enjoys a warm and humid climate throughout the year. It is known the world over for its pristine beaches, delectable cuisine, laid back lifestyle and it’s warm and friendly people. Consistently ranked among India’s top tourist destinations, it is the ideal place for first time travelers and adventurers alike to acclimatize to a different culture. From caves behind waterfalls to villages hidden in sandy coconut forests, there is always something more waiting to be rediscovered. The mountain ranges and spice plantations enhance the beauty of this glorious state.
Apart from its natural beauty, this former capital of Portuguese India and home to various UNESCO World Heritage sites has a lot to offer in terms of architecture with churches, cathedrals and forts abounding. Put together, it is all of these aspects and more that make Goa the ultimate travel destination.
Accommodation & Food
About the Accommodation
Along the route you will have overnight stays in hotels/guest houses, busses and trains. More information can be found inside the schedule.
Available Room Types
|
|
Standard Room |
|
All meals included |
Yes * |
|
Free beverages |
No |
|
Persons per room |
2-4 |
|
Wifi in public areas |
Yes ** |
|
Laundry facilities |
No |
|
Safety box |
No |
|
Lockable rooms |
Yes |
|
Hot shower |
No *** |
|
Private bathroom |
Yes |
|
Western toilet |
Yes |
|
Bed linen |
Yes |
|
Towels |
No |
|
Mosquito protection |
No |
|
Fan |
Yes |
|
Air conditioning |
No |
* 3 meals on weekdays, 2 on weekends
** In all hotels along the route
*** Might be available at same hotels. See schedule.
Food Arrangements
Mostly Indian style dishes (vegetarian and chicken) will be served during the trip.
Facilities
Along the route – but not at all times – there are ATMs and small local stores. Please make sure you have enough money with you before starting the trip.
Accommodation
You will be staying in various guest houses, homestays and backpacker accommodation throughout the tour. All accommodation is basic but comfortable.
Food
Three meals a day are included during the week and brunch and dinner at the weekend.
Airport Pick Up
You will be greeted at the airport by our friendly in-country team and transport is included to take you to a guest house in New Delhi overnight before starting you tour.
Transport
Transport will include public and private: taxi, bus, boat, bicycle. Participants will be expected to walk when travelling short distances.
Excursions and Activities
Entrance fees for a range of excursions are included (as per itinerary).
Support
Pre-departure help and advice; Local in-country team; 24 hour emergency support.
Flights; Travel Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Spending money; Laundry service; Extra activities not on itinerary; Departure transfer.
Pre-requisites
Participants must be reasonably fit due to trekking and physical activities as included in the itinerary.
Ideal for
Adventure tours in India; gap year India experience; holidays in India; trips to Asia.
Suitable for ages 17 to 70
Those under 18 will need parental consent.
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