Ultimate India Tour of Goa, Mumbai & the Golden Triangle - 13 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Goa, Optional Activities: Beach Time or River Cruise

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

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. 

Unwind on the golden sands, go for a refreshing swim, or explore the nearby Aguada Fort. If you're visiting on a Wednesday, head to Anjuna Beach to discover its weekly flea market and laid-back vibe. Your last stop may be Dona Paula Beach, famous for its dramatic cliffs and nearby viewpoint of the coastline. In the evening, immerse yourself in Goa's vibrant nightlife at Club Tito's, which has been a legendary hotspot since it opened its doors in 1971. Grab a drink or something to eat, then dance the night away under the colorful lights.

Day 3: Full-Day Tour of Goa's Churches & Capital City

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. 

In the afternoon, you'll stroll to the Donna Paula Jetty for panoramic views of Miramar Beach, the Arabian Sea, and the confluence of the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. Move on to Panjim next, Goa's capital, where Portuguese influence defines the squares, tree-lined avenues, and cobbled lanes. Visit the 16th-century Immaculate Conception Church, perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. This iconic whitewashed church is adorned with a striking bell tower and a grand double staircase leading up to its facade. After you climb the steps and explore the interior, transfer back to your hotel. 

Day 4: Jeep Safari to Dudhsagar Falls in Mollem National Park

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

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.

Enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch, then spend the rest of the day swimming in the clear blue sea, watching the monkeys, and just relaxing in the sun. In the late afternoon, you'll return to the jetty and transfer back to your hotel to freshen up for this evening's food walk. Head to Old Goa and follow your guide down the narrow streets lined with street food vendors to sample at least seven regional specialties, from sizzling meat cutlets to bebinca (a layered Goan dessert). While you eat, you'll learn more about Goa's fascinating heritage. After 2.5 hours, transfer back to your hotel with a full stomach.

Day 6: Fly to Mumbai, Experience the City's Nightlife

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

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. 

Disembark and follow your guide through the network of caves, starting in the main cave, Cave 1. It's the largest and most elaborate cave on the island, and it houses a 20-foot-tall (6 m) Trimurti, a three-headed bust representing Lord Shiva in his roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer. The cave's interior is also adorned with panels illustrating episodes from Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. As you explore the rest of the caves, you'll find smaller chambers and shrines dedicated to the gods. In the early afternoon, return to the mainland and continue discovering the city on your own.

Day 8: Full-Day Tour of Mumbai

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 

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

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.

Day 11: Transfer to Agra via Chand Baori, Explore Agra Fort

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.

When you're ready, join your guide on a tour to Agra Fort, a massive red sandstone and white marble fortress that was built in the 16th century by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Step through the towering gates to discover the complex of palaces, mosques, and audience halls. Highlights include the Jahangiri Mahal, a palace renowned for its intricate stone carvings and latticework, and the Diwan-i-Khas, where Emperor Shah Jahan once held private audiences. In the evening, your guide will take you to a viewpoint on the river to watch the sunset over the iconic Taj Mahal before you return to the hotel.

Day 12: Sunrise at the Taj Mahal, Transfer to Delhi, Heritage Walk in Lodhi Garden

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. 

Day 13: Depart Delhi

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!