The Grand Indian Odyssey: North to South

Three weeks, three regions: the complete India experience

21 Days / 20 Nights North & South India from $3,800 per person
Misty green hills and valleys of India seen from a hilltop viewpoint

Tour overview

For the ultimate traveller, this 21-day epic journey covers the breadth of India's diversity. It combines the highlights of several tours into one seamless adventure. Start with the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), fly to Varanasi for a spiritual immersion, and then head south to experience the backwaters and spice hills of Kerala.

This comprehensive tour showcases the dramatic contrasts of India, from Mughal palaces and sacred rivers to tropical coastlines and serene waterways. Everything is arranged: 4- and 5-star hotels, all transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles, two internal flights, English-speaking guides, every monument fee and most meals. Special experiences include a cooking class in Jaipur, a houseboat stay in Kerala, sunrise at the Taj Mahal and the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi. With three built-in rest days and a maximum of one hotel change every two days on average, the pace stays comfortable despite the distance covered. This is the itinerary we recommend when you have the time to see India properly, once.

$3,800 USDper person, based on double occupancy
Book This Trip

Tour facts

Duration
21 Days / 20 Nights
Start / End
Delhi airport / Kochi airport
Hotels
4 and 5-star hotels, houseboat
Transport
Private AC vehicles + 2 internal flights
Group size
Private tour – 2 to 8 travellers
Best time
October to March
Pace
Moderate with 3 rest days
Highlights

What makes this tour special

Taj Mahal, Amber Fort and Humayun's Tomb
Ganga Aarti and sunrise boat ride in Varanasi
Houseboat night on the Kerala backwaters
Cooking class in Jaipur and a Keralan feast
Day by day

Detailed itinerary

The full plan of the tour. Every day can be adapted to your interests – select a day to see the details.

  1. Day
    1

    Airport pick-up and welcome briefing at your hotel.

  2. Day
    2

    Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk by rickshaw, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar.

  3. Day
    3

    Drive to Agra. Agra Fort and sunset at Mehtab Bagh.

  4. Day
    4

    Taj Mahal at sunrise, then drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri.

  5. Day
    5

    Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal.

  6. Day
    6

    Morning market visit and Rajasthani cooking class with lunch. Afternoon free.

  7. Day
    7

    Flight to Varanasi via Delhi. Evening Ganga Aarti from a private boat.

  8. Day
    8

    Sunrise boat ride, old city walk and Sarnath.

  9. Day
    9

    Free morning; optional yoga or silk workshop. Evening music recital.

  10. Day
    10

    Flight to Kochi (via Delhi or Bengaluru). Evening Kathakali performance.

  11. Day
    11

    Heritage walk: Dutch Palace, synagogue, St. Francis Church and the fishing nets.

  12. Day
    12

    Drive into the hills with waterfall stops.

  13. Day
    13

    Tea factory, plantation walk and Top Station viewpoint.

  14. Day
    14

    Spice plantation tour on arrival.

  15. Day
    15

    Boat safari and nature walk.

  16. Day
    16

    Overnight houseboat cruise with all meals.

  17. Day
    17

    Transfer to the beach resort. Afternoon at leisure.

  18. Day
    18

    Free day: cycling tour, Ayurveda or just the beach.

  19. Day
    19

    Free day. Farewell Keralan seafood dinner.

  20. Day
    20

    Transfer to Kochi. Last-minute shopping in Jew Town.

  21. Day
    21

    Transfer to Kochi airport.

Photo gallery

Scenes from the journey

Select any photo to enlarge it.

Price & inclusions

What the tour costs and what you get

$3,800 USD per person (based on double occupancy) · 21 Days / 20 Nights

Included in the price

  • 20 nights in 4/5-star hotels and 1 night on a houseboat
  • All transfers in private AC vehicles
  • 2 internal flights (Jaipur–Varanasi, Varanasi–Kochi)
  • English-speaking guides in every city
  • All monument entrance fees
  • Cooking class in Jaipur
  • Houseboat stay with all meals
  • Kathakali show, spice plantation tour, Periyar boat safari
  • Daily breakfast plus 9 lunches and 10 dinners as specified

Not included

  • International flights
  • Indian e-Visa fees
  • Meals not listed
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities
  • Tips and personal expenses

Price by group size

TravellersRoomPrice per person
1 (solo traveller)Single$5,130
2 – 3Double / twin$3,800
4 – 5Double / twin$3,610 -5%
6 and moreDouble / twin$3,496 -8%

Prices apply to the main season. Christmas, New Year and festival dates may carry a supplement. Ask us for an exact quote for your dates.

Trip cost calculator

Estimated total for 21 days
$7,600
Booking & FAQ

Questions about this tour

If you have three weeks, want to see both the north and the south, and prefer everything organised in advance, yes. If you dislike early mornings or hotel changes, consider two separate shorter tours.

Yes. We build the Odyssey around the Golden Triangle and Varanasi, and the third week can be Kerala, Goa or Rajasthan at a similar price.

Email or call us with your dates. We confirm hotel availability within 48 hours and send a written offer. A 20% deposit secures the booking; the balance is due 30 days before arrival. See our Terms of Use and the general FAQ.

Book: Grand Indian Odyssey

Send us your preferred dates and the number of travellers. You will receive a personalised offer within 48 hours – free and without obligation.