The Best of India: Treasures of the North and South
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Overview
Highlights
- Walking is the best way to get to know a new place
- I’m energetic and enjoy a good physical challenge, so I’m always ready to spend the day on the move
- Whether it’s public transit, city streets or village cobblestones, I’m game
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
The first program hotel is available from 2:00pm today for any participants arriving early.
The first program hotel (Suryaa Hotel New Delhi) is available today for early arrivals. Refer to the Arrivals and Ground Transportation sections in your Final Information...
Hotel check-in. The program starts in the early evening with Orientation followed by our Welcome Dinner.
Orientation is at 6:00pm. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and resp...
Inside the Sikh Temple, socks are not allowed and it is obligatory for men and women to cover their heads. Scarves are provided by the temple, but you are welcome to bring your own full-sized scarf.
At the hotel, we will be joined by a local expert to discuss "T...
When visiting Jama Mosque, gowns are provided for females. Shoes and shorts are not allowed inside. To enter the mosque there are around 30-40 steep, wide steps without handrails. Walking sticks are recommended for those who have difficulty walking and climbing. The b...
Two-hour train ride from Delhi to Agra. The visit to Agra Fort involves long periods of standing, walking and a few small steps.
We check out of the hotel and transfer by private motorcoach to the train station. Today we will experience the Indian railway system...
Early morning wake up call, to depart for sunrise at the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal visit involves long periods of standing, walking, and a few small steps. The drive from Agra to Gadoli is approximately 103 miles / 4 hours, with rest stops along the way. Walking around...
Walking approximately half a mile today on mainly flat, level surfaces.
To understand life in an Indian village, we set out in small carts pulled by camels (subject to availability) to a nearby village belonging to the colorful Meena tribal group. The Bhil Meena...
The drive from Gadoli to Jaipur is approximately 63 miles / 3 hours, with rest stops along the way. The afternoon walk through the crowded market is approximately half a mile on uneven ground with some small, stone steps.
After checking out of the Retreat, we de...
Participants will ride in Jeeps to access the main entrance of the Amber Fort. The fort is located on a hill and has several flights of stairs with uneven walkways. Walking around the fort for approximately half a mile.
We will be joined by a local expert for an...
Early morning wake up call. The flight from Jaipur to Bangalore takes approximately 2 hours 40 minutes. The flight from Bangalore to Mysore takes approximately 50 minutes.
After an early morning check-out from the hotel, we depart for Jaipur airport with a packe...
Shoes need to be removed in Chamundeshwari Temple and Mysore Palace.
This morning we join our Group Leader for an introduction to Indian mythology. Afterwards, we board our motorcoach and set out for the nearby Chamundi Hills where Chamundeshwari Temple is locat...
Shoes need to be removed at the Temple.
We begin our exploration of the south of India in the towns of Somnathpur and Srirangapatnam. Somnathpur is a small village renowned for its splendid and grand Keshava temple, built on an elevated star-shaped platform in H...
The drive from Mysore to Vythiri is approximately 93 miles / 7 - 8 hours, with lunch and rest stops along the way. En route we drive through Bandipur National Park and spice plantations.
After checking out of the hotel, we depart on a full-day drive by motorcoac...
The drive from Vythiri to Calicut is approximately 50 miles / 3.5 hours, with rest stops along the way.
After a restful morning, we depart for Calicut (also known as Kozhikode), near the Coast of Andaman Sea in the state of Kerala. En route we learn more about K...
Walking around Calicut is an easy walk of approximately 1 mile.
We will set out via tuk tuks with our Group Leader and explore the city to learn about its history and importance during the spice trade. We will explore the beaches, lighthouse, colonial buildings,...
Early morning wake-up call. Our train ride begins at around 6am and takes approximately 6.5 hours, followed by a drive of approximately 1 hour to board the boats. Depending on the size of the group, different styles of traditional Keralan houseboats may be used. All w...
Enjoy rural India at its most idyllic.
We enjoy a full day of cruising today. The backwaters in the countryside take us along tranquil waterways and give us a view into rural life. Look out for skiff-fishermen in their cockleshell boats; large flotillas of ducks...
The drive from Thottapally to Kochi is approximately 3 hours with rest stops along the way. Shoes need to be removed at St. Francis Church. Fort Kochi walking exploration is approximately 1 mile, mainly on flat surfaces.
Disembark the houseboats and board a moto...
Participants will leave around midnight tonight to transfer to the airport. The official program end is on Day 21 with departures at 12:30am to the airport for flights home early in the morning (typically departing for the USA around 4:30am). Tonight is a free evening...
Early morning departures at around 12:30am for flights booked by Road Scholar, leaving at around 4:30am. Departure transfers to the airport will be grouped. If leaving later on this day, hotel check-out is at 11:00am. Participants who book their own flights can choose...
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Tour Operator
Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975, offers 5,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. Alongside local and renowned experts, experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural tours and study cruises to walking, biking and more.
Programs For Whatever You Love to Do:
Much more than a tour, a Road Scholar program is a true learning adventure. Whether you join us in Seattle or Santiago, Beijing or Berlin, Road Scholar programs all share four unique attributes:
--Exceptional opportunities for learning and exploration through special behind-the-scenes access to the world's most fascinating treasures, led by our passionate and knowledgeable instructors.
--The shared fellowship of learning and warm camaraderie, whether a solo traveler or with a companion.
--Comfortable accommodations and appetizing meals.
--Excellent value.
Explore Your Mind and the World:
There are no grades or tests on Road Scholar programs. All that's needed is an inquiring mind, an adventurous spirit, and the belief that learning and discovery are lifelong pursuits.
Established in 1975, Road Scholar offers participants once-in-a-lifetime experiences delivered by local and world-renowned experts. Experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural excursions and study cruises to walking, biking and more.
Our Most Popular Tours:
Adventures Afloat Cruises: On these educational cruises, you’ll traverse some of the world's most spectacular waterways, offering you a convenient and rewarding way to learn and explore aboard ocean liners, riverboats and small ships.
Independent City Discoveries: Combine structured learning with independent discovery — each program includes hotel accommodations and some meals, lectures, expert-led field trips and detailed outlines for four self-guided excursions.
Grandparent Travel: Discover and explore together with your grandchild through interactive learning experiences and field trips. Both you and your grandchild will share the joy of learning with other grandparents and their grandchildren, bridging generations and opening doors to discovery and friendship.
National Parks: From Denali to the Everglades and countless beautiful, historic places in between, field trips to America’s National Parks reveal what tourists can’t see on their own, with specialized experts showing you how to track wildlife or lead you to the spot with the most awe-inspiring view.
Outdoor Adventures: From hiking in the Grand Canyon to exploring France by barge and bicycle, to sharpening your golf or tennis skills, these active programs exercise the body and the mind.
Service Learning: From tutoring school children or helping restore a crucial forest habitat for wildlife, to assisting with artifact restoration and museum curatorial work, Service Learning adventures are an opportunity to make a difference in the world.
Small Groups: Love to learn in a small-group setting? Check out this collection of programs that have 10-24 participants.
Why Road Scholar?
You Can't Beat Road Scholar's Remarkable Value: Our all-inclusive prices have no hidden costs. Compare the price of one of our programs to what it would cost to duplicate the experience on your own (if that's even possible) and you'll see what we mean by "remarkable value."
Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Friends: When you participate in a Road Scholar program, you will not only expand your mind, you will be in the company of other people who believe that learning is one of the best parts of life.
Instructors Who Inspire: Road Scholar instructors are both experts in their field and lifelong learners themselves who are excited to answer your questions, hear your opinions and share in your experience.
Solo Participants Love Our Programs: Road Scholar programs are renowned for being inclusive, warm and welcoming for solo participants. We can either match you with a roommate or, on most programs, you can choose to room on your own.
Think Outside the Tour: The educational focus of Road Scholar programs makes us completely different from a commercial travel tour. Road Scholar programs offer educational experiences that answer the what's, the why's and the how-to's.
You Go Where Others Can't: We've been offering educational experiences since 1975 and we've made connections with educators and other local "insiders" all around the world, creating learning opportunities that show you the world in a way that just can't be done on your own or on a "tour."
We've Covered All the Bases: From expert-led lectures and field trips to comfortable lodgings and meals, we handle all the details, including the ones you might not anticipate. We've taken the worry out of the planning, so you can focus on your learning experience.
Peace of Mind Through the Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan: The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, which is purchased on behalf of every participant, provides 24-hour emergency assistance in the unlikely case of a medical emergency.
Scholarships for Those in Financial Need: Each year, Road Scholar awards $250,000 in scholarships toward programs in North America for those who do not have the financial means to participate.
Our Donors: Each year, thousands of donors contribute to our Annual Fund, helping to cover the gap between the tuition we charge and the actual cost of our programs.
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- Number of Breakfast: 17
- Number of Lunch: 17
- Number of Dinner: 14
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