12 Days Eternal India

The one that gives you a fusion of Indian culture, spirituality and spice over 12 days, from Delhi to Goa

Old and new, colour and chaos, sticky cities and sunny beaches… India is a wonderful cacophony that blazes a trail in your memory long after you get home. Ready to have your senses awakened in Delhi’s buzzing bazaars, Jaipur’s pink palaces, Mumbai’s historical streets and Goa’s heavenly beaches? This is officially the trip for you.

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DAY 1 ARRIVE DELHI

Delhi

What’s up Indian explorers! Who’s ready for an intoxicating dose of spice, flavour, yoga, beauty, colour, culture, and everything else wonderful that India can provide? The next 12 days are likely to be some of the best of your life so get ready for some serious memory making, starting off with meeting your new travel fam this evening.

Hotel The Ashtan Sarovar Portico (or similar)

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DAY 2 DELHI

Delhi

Today we’ll explore one of the world’s most hustling, bustling cities (home to a cool 25m people!) With a local guide, we’ll discover Old Delhi, travel by rickshaw, eat street food for lunch, and marvel at the Gurdwara Sikh Temple. Afterwards, the afternoon is yours to explore Delhi your way. Dinner tonight is a DIY vibe, tasting the best of Delhi with your new crew.

Meals Breakfast

Hotel The Ashtan Sarovar Portico (or similar)

Included Experiences

Experience Delhi’s Delights - Here’s your chance to tick the Raj Ghat, Sikh Temple and a rickshaw ride off your to-do list. All in one day. 

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DAY 3 DELHI TO AGRA

Delhi 

Today’s the day peeps (you know what we’re talking about). After stocking up at breakfast we’ll jump on the bus with Agra in our sights. Agra Time for two of India’s finest. Today we’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Agra Fort, and then the main event – the Taj Mahal. We’ll hook you up with an entry ticket too, so you can spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace. Tonight, we’ll head out with the gang for another DIY dinner, Agra style.

Meals Breakfast

Hotel The Retreat (or similar)

Included Experiences

Walk the Marble Halls of Agra Fort - This majestic building is one of India’s star aractions. And it feels like you’ve stepped onto a Bollywood film set.

Marvel at the Taj Mahal - This one needs no introduction. Epic in the pictures. Out-of-this-world IRL.

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DAY 4 AGRA TO RANTHAMBORE

Agra

Still living off the Taj dream we’ll wave goodbye to Agra early this morning with eyes firmly on the wild horizon.

Ranthambore

Welcome to Ranthambore, one of the largest National Parks in Northern India (and our home for the night.) After lunch, we’ll visit the Dhonk Craft Centre, a cooperative that preserves traditional artistry, empowers women and also prevents Bengal Tiger poaching. Later tonight, we’ll tuck into a tasty group dinner — set against an unforgettable backdrop.

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel Ranthambore Regency Hotel (or similar)

Included Experiences

Support the Dhonk Centre MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience - A cra project with a mission: teaching locals to make a living from a new skill. Plus, it helps to stop tiger poaching.

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DAY 5 RANTHAMBORE TO JAIPUR

Ranthambore

Tiger time. This morning, we’ll head out on a sunrise safari adventure to try and spot these magnificent predators in the wild. Wild animals and an epic sunrise before breakfast, with Jaipur next on the agenda? Pretty perfect, right?

Jaipur

On arrival to Jaipur, head straight into town to discover the traditional craftsmanship of high quality Rajasthani rugs, using age-old local techniques unique to the Pink City. Maybe even get a tailor made garment at a local tailor? You’ll then check in to your hotel and have the chance to cook and dine with a local family before the next day ’s adventure begins at the Amer Fort.

Meals Breakfast

Hotel Sarovar Portico Jaipur (or similar)

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

See Bengal Tigers at Sunrise - The early bird catches the worm... or a rare view of a Bengal tiger in the wild! Head into the heart of Ranthambhore National Park on your purpose built 'canter' to see the park come to life. Tigers, water buffalo, crocodiles, birds, antelope... the list goes on. Make sure you've got plenty of space on the memory card - this is one time you can't afford to take mental images.

*Note: This Optional Experience must be pre-booked before your trip via the reservations team as availability cannot be guaranteed once on the trip.

Cook & Dine with a Local Family - Be welcomed with open arms into the home of Himanshu & his family to learn about the cooking traditions passed down from generation to generation. Himanshu will show you how to make a family favourite or two, asking for your help along the way. It's customary to spend time as a family while a meal is prepared so Himanshu and his wife will entertain with stories of growing up in India and their daily lives. Feast on home cooked curries and freshly made naan bread & chapati, washed down with some of the local wine or Kingfisher beer. Guaranteed to be a memorable evening.

Adult: 2800.00 INR

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DAY 6 JAIPUR

Jaipur

Today you’ll discover Jaipur your way – with helpful insider tips from your Trip Manager of course. Want a real slice of India? Amer Fort should be high up on the agenda. Built from red sandstone and marble, comprising multiple palaces, pavilions, temples and more, this fort boasts both Hindu and Muslim architectural influence (and is a true must-see.)

Meals Breakfast

Hotel Sarovar Portico Jaipur (or similar)

Included Experiences

See the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur Rose-tinted buildings. Extravagant décor. Bustling bazaars. Don’t forget to snap that bang-on pic of the swanky City Palace.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Get the Best View of Jaipur - An early start guarantees you the best view of Jaipur known only to some savvy locals. A guided walk through the hills upon which the Amer Fort is built will reward you with insta-worthy scenery shots & the most magical morning tea you've ever had. Visit the 'baoli' (step well) before making your way via jeep to the Amer Fort where your guide will unlock the secrets of one of the most well preserved Mughal monuments in India.

Adult: 3300.00 INR

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DAY 7 JAIPUR TO UDAIPUR

Jaipur

Jaipur you’ve been glorious, but the lush green hills and lavish marble palaces of Udaipur are calling us today as we jump on the coach for a full day of cross country travelling. Watch from the window as the landscape changes from flat dry lands to gorgeous green, and prepare yourself for an entirely different Indian experience. Udaipur You have a free evening to relax and rest up. Get ready for a full day of exploring tomorrow.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel Hotel Rajdarshan (or similar)

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DAY 8 UDAIPUR

Udaipur

Welcome to Udaipur. Today, our locally guided city tour will see us exploring the majestic City Palace and the Jagdish Temple. After lunch, the day is yours to continue your city wanderings. Don’t miss the fantastical palaces, tranquil boat rides, bustling bazaars and endless eateries.

Meals Breakfast

Hotel Hotel Rajdarshan (or similar)

Included Experiences

Feel the Love in Udaipur - Tour India’s most romantic city – famous for its lavish buildings and serene lakes. Don’t forget your camera.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Do Yoga in a Historic Seing - What beer way to get in touch with your inner yogi than on a terrace in historic Udaipur. Cast your eyes over the rooops & stretch away any tension whilst the city comes alive around you. This is the ultimate relaxation - Contiki Style.

Adult: 1400.00 INR

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DAY 9 UDAIPUR TO MUMBAI

Udaipur

With some free time in Udaipur this morning, you'll have a chance to say your goodbyes to the land of lakes. This afternoon, we’ve got a plane to catch and a certain Bollywood beauty to crack open. Mumbai, we're coming.

Mumbai

Mumbai is a sensory overload where workers, artists, celebrities, servants and fishermen all walk the same walk. This afternoon, you'll have a chance to experience the city with an optional Khau Gully Food Tour, which celebrates the seismic street food of Mumbai.

Meals Breakfast

Hotel Hotel Suba Palace (or similar)

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Explore Mumbai’s Street Food Selection - You'll need an empty stomach for this foodie experience! Immerse yourself in the street food culture of Mumbai as you learn how food relates to the history, geography & seasons of India. Feast on Mumbai Burgers, Pani Puris & Dosas before finishing the experience with dessert. Yum!

Adult: 3400.00 INR

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DAY 10 MUMBAI

Mumbai

Wanna see Mumbai differently? Rise with the locals for our optional ‘Mumbai at Dawn’ tour, where we’ll watch the city as it starts its day. After breakfast, our local guide will take us on a sightseeing tour of India Gate, the Hanging Gardens, the Dhobi Ghat and more. Tonight, you'll have the option to hit the dancefloor Bollywood style, with a truly unique dance class.

Meals Breakfast

Hotel Hotel Suba Palace (or similar)

Included Experiences

Feel the Magic of Mumbai - Can your imagination handle it? From India Gate to Chhatrapati Shivaji. No other city on Earth has this many sights and flavours.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Take a Bollywood Dance Class - Get a firsthand experience at one of the largest businesses in the entertainment industry – Bollywood! You'll get the hang of the basics, like Hastas & Mudras, before learning a full dance routine. This is the perfect chance to bond with your Contiki fam while you get your groove on. Between the traditional movements & facial expressions, there's sure to be plenty of moments to laugh over.

Adult: 3600.00 INR

Tour Mumbai at Sunrise - Want to see Mumbai like a local? Get up at dawn & check out the famous fish markets where everything is manually processed & auctions consist of a flurry of activity around a basket of fresh fish. Then there's the daily distribution of newspapers, milk & the largest fruit & vegetable markets in India. As the sun rises, the flower markets are the hot spot to get your flower garlands for morning prayer & with over 80% of the country following Hinduism, you can bet there's a lot of flowers to go around! See Mumbai through the eyes of locals & don't forget to try the Indian version of an espresso - cuing chai.

Adult: 3400.00 INR

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DAY 11 MUMBAI TO GOA

Mumbai

This morning we'll make tracks for the airport. Feeling those butterflies at the prospect of golden Goa? Goa And welcome to Goa – home to a relaxed (and sensationally sunny) beachside atmosphere. Today is yours to do as much (or as little) as you like. Tonight is our final night together, so let's make sure we do it right… Who's for sunset drinks by the sea??

Meals Breakfast

Hotel Park Inn by Raddison (or similar)

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DAY 12 GOA

Goa

Even the biggest and best adventures have to end at some point, and this morning sees the finale of ours. After a final breakfast together it’s time for the long (and possibly teary) goodbye. Sure you’ll be sad, but remembering all of the massive moments and seemly insignificant giggles in-between will see you smiling your whole journey home.

Meals Breakfast