Discover the laidback side of India with a cultural adventure in the tropical south. Over two weeks, we explore the distinct states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, finding idyllic coastlines, spirituality, lush mountains and culture-rich cities. The highlights are plenty: discover the verdant Munnar tea plantations, meet local people on an immersive village walk and cruise the serene backwaters of Kerala on a traditional converted rice barge. It ends with a relaxing stay on the old hippie trail beach town of Kovalam.

HIGHLIGHTS

•Discover the historic landmarks of Kochi, an old spice town
•Walk through vivid tea plantations in Munnar
•Marvel at the multicoloured Sri Meenakshi Temple in Madurai
•Spot animals on a nature walk in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
•Immerse yourself in local life with an interactive village walk
•Cruise the Keralan backwaters on a traditional houseboat

Discover the Golden Triangle – a classic route linking Delhi, Agra and Jaipur – on a pulsating tour that takes in world-famous landmarks, energetic cities and a culinary scene to rival any. This trip is an ideal introduction if you're a first-time visitor or tight on time yet keen to immerse yourself in the best of northern India. You will, of course, visit the major landmarks, including a sunrise trip to the Taj Mahal, and the bustle of the must-see cities, but that's well-balanced with time in the countryside, where you'll see rural life steeped in traditional, simple living.

HIGHLIGHTS

•Watch sunrise over the Taj Mahal
•Experience village life outside the hustle of the big cities
•Marvel at the Maharaja’s Palace in the Pink City of Jaipur
•Special festival departures for Holi and Diwali
•Entrances fees to monuments in Jaipur and Agra (as per itinerary)
•Jeep tour to local village

Experience the astonishing diversity of India on this highlight-packed adventure that encompasses both the pulsating North and chilled-out South. We start by exploring the three cities that form the Golden Triangle: frenetic Delhi; Agra, home to the Taj Mahal; and the Pink City of Jaipur. We then fly south to gaze over vast tea estates, cruise the Kerala backwaters and spot wildlife with an indigenous guide. A hand-picked selection of accommodations and off-the-tourist-track adventures make this trip ideal for anyone who wants to experience everything India offers.

HIGHLIGHTS

•Experience the diverse cultures of North and South India
•Explore the Delhi backstreets with people who lived within them as children
•See architectural wonders, including the Taj Mahal
•Enjoy a nature walk and afternoon boat cruise in Periyar National Park
•Cruise the Kerala backwaters from the comfort of a traditional houseboat
•Eight nights in premium hotels, three nights in heritage stays, two nights in epic stays, one night on a houseboat
•Walking tour of Delhi's back streets supporting Salaam Baalak Trust
•Tea plantation walk with picnic lunch
•Nature walk and boat cruise (sharing basis) in Periyar
•Free arrival and departure transfers

Bengal tigers are a highly seductive class-A predator; they are also desperately endangered. Seeing one in the wild is intoxicating, which is why this comprehensive safari visits three of the best tiger parks in India. Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh national parks are all ideal for viewing both predator and prey, and with 15 game drives included the chances of seeing the magnificent Bengal tiger are greatly increased. There are many other animals to see, too, but tigers remain top of the agenda throughout.

HIGHLIGHTS

•Embark on 15 game drives
•Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal
•Support the TOFTigers campaign to protect biodiversity and restore habitats
•Free arrival and departure transfers

WILDLIFE INFORMATION
Game drive regulations – book early!
The management of national parks by the Indian authorities and the system for booking game drives is very rigid. The number of 4x4s that can enter national parks has been reduced, and all game drives need to be booked and paid for well in advance.

We must provide a list of client names and passport details at the time of booking each game drive. Once game drives are booked, they are non‐refundable and name changes are not permitted. If you renew your passport after the game drives are booked, you must travel with both your old and new passports so the authorities can ascertain the authenticity of the previous passport mentioned in the booking.

You cannot change or swap 4x4s during the trip. It is four people per vehicle, so please let us know at the time of booking if you are a group of five or more travelling together with separate bookings to ensure you are seated appropriately.

Cycle through Rajasthan, so rich in magnificent forts and palaces that it’s nicknamed the Land of Kings. Led by an expert tour leader, you will explore the largest state in India by bike, enjoying a group adventure that balances time on the saddle with immersive cultural stops. Along the way, visit Mehrangarh Fort at Jodhpur, the lakeside palace of Udaipur, the holy town of Pushkar and the superb pink city of Jaipur. Finish your journey at the Taj Mahal, watching the sun set over a New Wonder of the World.

* Pushkar, Holi and Diwali festival departures available

HIGHLIGHTS

•Cycle the rural backroads of Rajasthan, welcomed by villagers as you go
•Marvel at the Taj Mahal as the sun sets
•Explore the magnificent Amber Fort, an old Maharaja residence
•Pedal through the UNESCO-listed Bharatpur National Park
•Take a game drive through Sariska National Park

CYCLING DETAILS
•12 days of cycling (including optional rides) with full vehicle support
•Pace: Moderate: 8mph-10mph (13kph-16kph)
•Terrain: Low altitude; 100 percent paved
•Average distance: 29mi (47km) per day with full vehicle support
•Terrain and route: Mostly cycling along backroads with some traffic in parts. All roads are surfaced. Our route is a mixture of rolling hills and flat plains. There are two steeper optional climbs: to Mehrangarh Fort on Day 3 and Kumbhalgarh Fort on Day 6. The support vehicle is there for anyone who decides to stop riding.

Journey among towering peaks to discover Tibetan culture and fantastic trekking routes, many off the beaten track with trekking leader, Exodus Adventure Travels. Ladakh is also the best place to conquer your first 6,000m (19,685ft) Himalayan peak – and if one summit isn’t enough, try two peaks and seven passes! After acclimatisation time in Leh, we begin trekking from Mankarmo. The trail ascends spectacular gorges and crosses mountain passes to reach a high-altitude plain at Nimaling. This is inhabited by Ladakhi shepherds and their huge flocks. Vatseri Peak is a good warm up before summiting our highest peak, Dzo Jongo East, which offers breath-taking views over the Karakorum and Indian Himalaya. This optional climb is tough but technically easy and a much quieter summit than Stok Kangri. We trek out to the roadhead via a remote pass and beautiful valley with fantastic rock formations.

The 13 July 2024 and 23 August 2025 departures with Exodus Adventure Travels are led by Valerie Parkinson, winner of Best Tour Leader in the prestigious Wanderlust World Guide Awards in 2021.

HIGHLIGHTS

•Embark on an off-the-beaten-track Himalaya adventure visiting remote villages
•Discover colourful Buddhist monasteries
•Climb Dzo Jongo East
•All breakfasts, nine lunches, nine dinners included
•Free arrival and departure transfers

HIKING INFORMATION
This is a demanding full-service wild camping trek involving 10 days of point-to-point walking at high altitudes. The maximum altitude on the trek is 17,455ft (5,320m), average 14,765ft (4,500m). The optional peaks are Vatseri (18,505ft/5,640m) and Dzo Jongo (20,305ft/6,189m). Most days involve five to eight hours of walking, although there are a few longer days. There are five passes over 16,075ft (4,900m). The two peaks are entirely optional – there are alternative treks offered to those not wishing to climb them. While this is an incredible lifetime experience, please talk with your agent to make sure this is the right hiking adventure for your experience.

•10 days of point-to-point walking
•Altitude maximum: 20,305ft (6,189m); average: 14,765ft (4,500m)
•Six nights in hotels, nine nights of full-service camping
•Golden Triangle extension available
•Terrain: High altitude; mostly good trails on sandy paths with a few river crossings