Highlights
- Spend a day exploring beaches in Northern Goa with watersports and markets
- Go on a full-day tour of Mumbai and have cocktails with a view on a rooftop bar
- Try your hand at block printing using traditional Rajasthani wooden blocks
- Get up close to elephants by washing and decorating them using natural paints
- Enjoy a sunrise walking tour of the famous Taj Mahal before transferring to Delhi
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Goa, Optional Activities: Beach Time or River Cruise | Goa |
Day 2 | Full-Day Beach Hopping Tour in Northern Goa | Goa |
Day 3 | Full-Day Tour of Goa's Churches & Capital City | Goa |
Day 4 | Jeep Safari to Dudhsagar Falls in Mollem National Park | Goa |
Day 5 | Boat Tour to Grand Island, Food-Themed Walking Tour in Old Goa | Goa |
Day 6 | Fly to Mumbai, Experience the City's Nightlife | Mumbai |
Day 7 | Boat Tour to Elephanta Island | Mumbai |
Day 8 | Full-Day Tour of Mumbai | Mumbai |
Day 9 | Fly to Jaipur, Bazaar Tour, Block Printing Workshop & Spiritual Walk | Jaipur |
Day 10 | Sightseeing Tour or Visit Elefantastic, Market Visit & Cooking Class | Jaipur |
Day 11 | Transfer to Agra via Chand Baori, Explore Agra Fort | Agra |
Day 12 | Sunrise at the Taj Mahal, Transfer to Delhi, Heritage Walk in Lodhi Garden | Delhi |
Day 13 | Depart Delhi |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Goa, Optional Activities: Beach Time or River Cruise
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Welcome to Goa, a state on the southwestern coast of India known for its unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, pristine beaches, and rich history. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can stay to enjoy the amenities or venture out to explore the area on your own. You could relax on one of the many beaches, such as Palolem Beach, or go on a sunset river cruise on the Mandovi River. In the evening, head to one of the restaurants overlooking the river for a delicious Indian dinner.
Day 2: Full-Day Beach Hopping Tour in Northern Goa
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Get ready for a day in the sun as you set off on a tour of some of the best beaches in northern Goa. You may start at Baga Beach, renowned for its lively atmosphere and water sports, like parasailing and jet skiing. Then, head to Calangute Beach, often called the "Queen of Beaches." Go for a leisurely stroll along the expansive shoreline, stopping at the stalls selling everything from beachwear to souvenirs and local delights. Just south of Calangute is Candolim Beach, known for its serene and less crowded environment.
Day 3: Full-Day Tour of Goa's Churches & Capital City
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The churches and convents of Old Goa have collectively been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you'll spend the morning exploring them with a guide. Start at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, built in 1605 and home to the remains of St. Francis Xavier, a revered missionary. Admire the Baroque architecture, with its ornate facade and intricately carved interiors, then continue to Sé Catedral, one of the largest churches in Asia. Look up at the towering bell tower before stepping inside to discover the vaulted ceilings, gold-embossed altars, and gilded reredos depicting the life of Saint Catherine.
Day 4: Jeep Safari to Dudhsagar Falls in Mollem National Park
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After breakfast, set off on a Jeep safari through Mollem National Park, nestled in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO-listed mountain range. Traverse the dense forests and rolling hills, looking out for wildlife like leopards, Indian bison, deer, and monkeys. After 45 minutes to an hour, you'll arrive at Dudhsagar Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in India at 107 feet (310 m). It's nicknamed the "Sea of Milk" as the flowing water looks like frothy milk cascading down the rocky terrain. Go for a refreshing swim in the natural pool below or relax on the shores before returning to the park's entrance by Jeep.
Day 5: Boat Tour to Grand Island, Food-Themed Walking Tour in Old Goa
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Today, you'll explore the Goan coast on a scenic boat ride, starting with a morning cruise to Grand Island from the Sinquerim Boat Jetty. Enjoy views of Goa's palm-fringed beaches and pristine coastline, stopping before you arrive at the island to try your hand at fishing mid-sea. Then, get a close-up look at what's below the water as you don your snorkeling gear and jump in. Your guide will accompany you to point out marine life like angelfish, parrotfish, and even reef sharks and dolphins. When you arrive at the island, disembark at Monkey Beach, named after its resident troops of monkeys.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Fly to Mumbai, Experience the City's Nightlife
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Say goodbye to Goa this morning as you head to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight north to Mumbai, known as India's financial and entertainment capital. Meet your driver outside and transfer to your hotel to freshen up. Then, make your way to Colaba, a lively neighborhood at the southern tip of the city, to grab dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants. Indulge in local delights like vada pav, a deep-fried potato fritter sandwiched in a bun with chutneys, or a hearty fish curry. Then, head to a rooftop bar, such as Radio Bar, to enjoy a drink overlooking the city and Arabian Sea.
Day 7: Boat Tour to Elephanta Island
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Set off on a boat tour to Elephanta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures dating back to the fifth to eighth centuries. Meet your driver outside the hotel after breakfast and transfer to Mumbai Habour. On the way, you'll pass the Gateway of India, built in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. When you arrive at the harbor, board the long boat and enjoy a one-hour ride to the island.
Day 8: Full-Day Tour of Mumbai
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Join your guide on a private tour of the city, starting with another look at the Gateway of India, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Continue to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, to peruse the exhibits dedicated to art, archaeology, and natural history. Your following stop is Mani Bhavan, a museum and memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and housed in his former headquarters. Escape into nature next with a visit to Kamla Nehru Park, a picturesque park offering panoramic views of the city skyline and sparkling sea.
Other highlights of the tour include the Flora Fountain, which is surrounded by impressive buildings, such as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the University of Mumbai, and the Rajabai Clock Tower. From there, you'll venture toward the UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a railway station that blends Victorian Gothic and traditional Indian architecture. Continue to the High Court of Bombay and Horniman Circle, a charming park surrounded by heritage buildings. End the tour at Nariman Point, the business district, where modern skyscrapers blend with historic landmarks.
Day 9: Fly to Jaipur, Bazaar Tour, Block Printing Workshop & Spiritual Walk
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Trade the coast for the Golden Triangle this morning, a popular route that connects three major cities in northern India: Jaipur, Agra, and Delhi. You'll visit Jaipur first to discover the terracotta-colored buildings that birthed the nickname the "Pink City." Transfer to the airport for your two-hour flight, then hit the ground running as you join your guide on a tour of Bapu Bazaar, famous for its array of textiles, traditional Rajasthani garments, and handicrafts. If clothing isn't your thing, don't worry. Your next stop is Johari Bazaar, a haven of jewelry and gemstones that can catch anyone's eye.
Day 10: Sightseeing Tour or Visit Elefantastic, Market Visit & Cooking Class
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Discover more of Jaipur's landmarks today, starting at Hawa Mahal, or the "Palace of the Winds," a five-story palace designed to resemble the crown of Lord Krishna. Continue to Amber Palace Fort, renowned for its blend of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles. Enter through the Sun Gate and look up at the facade's marble carvings, latticework, and frescoes. Wander through the complex to see highlights like Sheesh Mahal, known as the "Mirror Palace" for its walls and ceilings adorned with thousands of tiny mirrors and colorful glass.
After exploring the fort, continue to the 18th-century City Palace to learn more about Jaipur's royal legacy and the architectural splendor of Rajasthan. Stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings, each adorned with intricately carved marble and sandstone, vibrant murals, and delicate mirror work. Then, visit Jantar Mantar—a collection of 19 astronomical instruments crafted from stone and marble. If you're not up for a city tour, head to Elefantastic instead to spend the day washing, painting, and feeding elephants.
In the evening, you'll visit a local market to pick up and learn about essential Indian ingredients. Then, take your ingredients to a local family for a hands-on introduction to Jaipur's culinary traditions. Your hosts will walk you through the process of creating a typical Rajasthani meal, complete with chewy bread, two or three savory vegetarian dishes, and a couple of mouthwatering desserts. While the food is cooking, women will learn about the ancient art of applying henna, while men can try their hand at tying a turban. When everything is ready, sit down to enjoy it with your hosts, exchanging life stories.
Day 11: Transfer to Agra via Chand Baori, Explore Agra Fort
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Bid farewell to Jaipur as you head east to the second city in the Golden Triangle, Agra, nestled on the banks of the Yamuna River. Break up the 4-5-hour drive with a stop in Abhaneri to see the ninth-century Chand Baori, one of the deepest and largest step wells in India. It descends over 13 stories to a well where local people have harvested rainwater for centuries. After admiring the architectural marvel, complete the drive to your hotel in Agra to check in and freshen up.
Day 12: Sunrise at the Taj Mahal, Transfer to Delhi, Heritage Walk in Lodhi Garden
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Your penultimate day in India starts before dawn as you head to the Taj Mahal to watch the sunrise. Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this iconic monument in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Once you step through the imposing entry gate, you'll be greeted by the grand monument with its iconic white marble domes and minarets soaring into the sky. Enter the mausoleum to see the cenotaphs of the emperor and his wife adorned with precious gemstones that shimmer in the light filtering in. Then, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the meticulously manicured gardens to admire the Taj Mahal from every angle.
After exploring the mausoleum and enjoying breakfast, transfer four hours north to Delhi, India's bustling capital. When you arrive, go on a heritage walk through Lodhi Garden. This sprawling park, which is spread over 90 acres (36 ha), is home to the tombs of past Sayyid and Lodhi rulers, dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. As you walk down the tree-lined paths, your guide will share stories about the architectural marvels you encounter, like Bara Gumbad, a historic structure consisting of a large domed mausoleum, a mosque, and an adjoining three-arched entrance hall.
After a short stroll, stop for a cup of chai in a local teashop overlooking the gardens, giving you one last look at the manicured lawns, colorful flowers, and tranquil lake. If time allows, you can explore the nearby Lodhi Colony, a picturesque neighborhood home to the Lodhi Art District, India's first open-air public art gallery. Admire the artwork, ranging from abstract designs to socially poignant themes. Then, find a restaurant to enjoy your final dinner in India.
Day 13: Depart Delhi
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Unfortunately, after 13 days of exploring India's western coast and Golden Triangle, your journey comes to an end today. If you have time before your flight, you can explore a bit more of the capital on your own. Head to Chandni Chowk Market, which Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan established in the 17th century. Navigate the narrow lanes lined with shops selling everything from traditional Indian clothing and jewelry to electronics and spices. Pick up some last-minute souvenirs or grab one more kebab before meeting your driver and transferring to the airport in time for your flight. Safe travels!
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