Ultimate India

  India

Jaipur

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: please inquire for dates

Description: India is so incredibly huge and diverse there is a reason why it's called the subcontinent! On this Ultimate India tour you will get to see the best of everything! Your trip starts up north in magical Jaipur. Be dazzled by the pink city and then head deep into the desert by camel. You will stay out under the stars and fall asleep to a silence more profound than anything you have ever felt before. Next its on to see the greatest homage to love ever built, the world famous Taj Mahal. Once you've taken in the northern highlights you will jump on board a train and head south to Mumbai. You will have some time to explore this bustling metropolis before you move onto more tranquil surroundings. These come in the form of sandy beaches, Portuguese colonial architecture and warm Goan hospitality - not forgetting the highly spiced Goan food! As you continue your journey south, the pace slows even further as the temperature climbs higher and higher! In Kerala you will chill out on an amazing cruise through the backwaters and visit with children in need. From North to South, deserts to forests, beaches to rivers, and cities to villages, the Ultimate India tour really leads you through the very best of India!

*Day 1: Arrive
Welcome to India. You will be met at the airport and taken to your guest house in Jaipur.

*Day 2: Jaipur
Take a tour of the magical Pink City". Visit the many forts and monuments including the white marble Amber Fort, the impressive Jaigarh Fort, the Jantar Mantar observatory and the stunning City Palace, right in the heart of Jaipur. Enjoy spectacular views of the city from the top of Nahargarh Fort and then spend the evening enjoying the surprisingly modern nightlife in this ancient city.

*Day 3: Jaipur and Jaisalmer
Today you will have the day to explore Jaipur. Visit the local market for some great deals on&everything! Then you will take the midnight express train on to the exotic desert fortress of Jaisalmer.

*Day 4: Jaisalmer and camel safari
You will arrive in Jaisalmer in the afternoon and then meet your camel shortly after. You will board your camel and start your bumpy ride into the Thar Desert in the late afternoon. Feel like you've travelled back in time as you pass sand dune after sand dune. Breathe in the fresh, dry desert air and watch the golden crests and troughs rise and sink into the distance. Spend the night counting stars from the comfort of your mattress, nestled gently in the sand.

*Day 5: Camel safari and Jaisalmer
Enjoy a tasty breakfast in the serene backdrop of the Thar Desert. Board you camel and head back to Jaisalmer in time to explore this impressive city. Jaiselmar, the golden city" was founded way back in 1156 A D and boasts incredible history, architecture and mystique. The city has many attractions including stunning Jaiselmar Fort and several impressive havelis (ancient mansions). You will travel back to Jaipur on the late afternoon overnight train.

*Day 6: Jaipur
Welcome back to Jaipur. You will have some time to visit any places you might have missed and spend one more night in this precious city.

*Day 7: Agra
Today you will board the train to Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal. Agra is famous for the Taj but there are also plenty of other monuments worth a look. The forts and gardens built by the great Mughal rulers are fascinating or even simply taking a break on the banks of the Yamuna river. You will also find many restaurants serving international cuisine, in case you want to take a break from Indian food for the day! However, make sure you try the local Petha (sweet) of Agra - it won't disappoint.

*Day 8: Taj Mahal
See what all the fuss is about when you visit the Taj Mahal. This grand symbol of love truly is a world wonder. You will not be disappointed by the incredible carvings, glistening white marble and serene tranquility of the mausoleum and surrounding gardens. Agra is also known for its beautiful arts and crafts. Marble works, precious and semi precious stones, carpets and rugs are all available at rock bottom prices, as long as you don't take the salesman's first or second offer (or even third or fourth!).

*Day 9: Mumbai
Today you will start your descent towards the steamy south of India. Your first stop is Mumbai, the vivacious city striking for its mix of traditional culture and modernity.

*Day 10 to 11: Mumbai
Take a tour of Mumbai and visit all the great landmarks including the Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Hotel and Chowpatty Beach. Indulge in world class nightlife at one of the many new trendy bars, clubs and restaurants which are quickly turning Mumbai into the new 'hot' destination city.

*Day 12: Goa
Get ready to enjoy some fresh air, white sand and mellow atmosphere as you head by train to Goa. Take in the gorgeous views as you traverse this massive subcontinent.

*Day 13: Goa
You will be met at the station and taken to your guest house. Once you are settled in, its time to set off to the beach for some R & R (rest and relaxation).

*Day 14: North Goa
See the sights in colonial north Goa. Infuse your beach time with a little culture by visiting the Saligaon church, Shri Bodgeshwar temple and Mapusa market.

*Day 15: Goa
Spend today however you please. Relax on the beach or run around, splashing in the waves. Visit some local shops and chat with the locals.

*Day 16: South Goa
Take a stroll through the lovely churches and temples of South Goa. Not to worry, there are also some beautiful beaches on today's itinerary. After an afternoon under the sea, experience the waves from above on a spectacular evening boat cruise!

*Day 17: Goa
Sadly its time for more beach time. Don't you just hate spending the day lying in the warm sun shine, letting your stress drip away with your sunscreen? It's a tough job but we think you can handle it.

*Day 18: Kerala
Today you board the train and journey on down to Kerala, home to some of the hottest food and weather in all of India. After a scenic ride along the coast, you will arrive in time to settle in and get to know your new temporary home. Visit the local shops, take a swim at the beach and taste the curry, if you dare!

*Day 19: Kerala - Cherai beach
Meet your home stay family and settle in. Learn about traditional India life from your new family. Visit Cherai beach, your new neighbours, go fishing or just relax.

*Day 20: Fort Kochi tour
Explore the magic of Fort Kochi. See the lovely Santa Cruz Basilica, Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis Church and don't forget to spend some time at the amazing Chinese fishing nets - one of the most famous symbols of Kerala. Be sure to shop around and look for deals at the many antique shops and you can take home a piece of India's colonial history!

*Day 21: Backwater cruise
Today you will travel to sleepy Allepey, the port town where you will board your very own house boat. Cruise through the canals and drifts down the idyllic backwaters. Enjoy a scrumptious evening tea on board. Watch the fisherman cast their nests as the sun sets silently behind the lush hills. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

*Day 22: Kochi
After a magical cruise through the canals you will return to Kochi and your newly jealous host family. Tonight is sure to be special when you attend a traditional Kerala dance performance.

*Day 23 to 27: Work with special needs children
For the next few days you will be working at a school for special needs children. Your main task will be to keep the children happy, healthy and learning. Sing songs, play games and smile a lot- you cant go wrong with that!

*Day 28: Kochi
Enjoy your last day in Kochi picking up last minute souvenirs, saying goodbye to new friends and taking one final dip in the warm Indian Ocean.

*Day 29: Departure
The tour sadly finishes here. It's time to head home or, if you're lucky, onto your next adventure.

Highlights:
* Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the seven world wonders!
* Camel safari and sleeping under the stars deep in the Thar Desert
* Cruise down the backwaters of Kerala by houseboat
* Visit ancient temples in Jaipur, the pink city
* Relax on the golden beaches of Goa
* Work with smiling children with special needs in Kerala

Cost in US$: USD 2195.00 for 4 weeks

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

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