Colours of India: Northern discovery to Goan beachesold - Novoto

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Overview

Catch the majestic Taj Mahal, track the Royal Bengal Tiger in Ranthambore, visit an NGO reforming the lives of street kids, learn how to make Indian food, take part in a crab fishing activity in Goa, and learn about various social movements in India. This 15-day tour offers a culturally immersive adventure from the diversity of Rajasthan to the beaches of Goa. Unwind this ancient mystical land on a tour that’s all about authentic cultural experience and social impact.

Trip Highlights

Old Delhi tour with food and visit to an NGO

A guided tour to The Taj Mahal

Track the world-famous Royal Bengal Tiger in Ranthambore

Fish crabs with local fishermen in Goa

Witness an authentic Rajasthani folk dance

What’s Included?

Accommodation: 13 nights (1 overnight train)

Attractions & experiences: 24 included

Tour leader, 24X7 backup & pre-departure support

Meals: 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 4 dinners

All domestic transport and trasnfer

Exclusions

  • 15 days, 8 stops
  • Is this for you?
  • Max group size: 12
  • Difficulty Level: Light
  • Age Requirement: Designed for 18-35s

Where does your money go?

Read More..

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Namaste!

Welcome to Delhi, the capital of India! A monumental city with a vibrant mix of old and new, teeming bazaars, stately British boulevards, powerful Mughal palaces and forts, ethereal towers, temples, and tombs. You will be met on arrival at the international airport and escorted by private vehicle to your hostel where you will meet your tour group. After Meet Your Crew Session, an orientation talk by your tour leader, we will head for Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh shrine, which feeds thousands of people each day. This will be followed by a Crew Bonding Night Out including a stopover at the India Gate, a majestic sight whose beauty is amplified at night and everything crazier that you wish to do with your fellow mates. Head back to the hostel for a good night’s sleep. The next two weeks are going to be the best in your life and there is a lot to do! 

NOTE – The trip starts with a full-day program early morning on Day 2. Make sure you arrive anytime on Day 1 latest. If you are arriving a day before, please let us know in advance so that we can arrange your accommodation.

What’s included

  • Transfer from Airport
  • Meet Your Crew Session
  • Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and India Gate visit 
  • Crew Bonding Night Out
  • Dinner
  • Twin Accommodation: The Hosteller

Impact inclusions

Sikhism is a religion that is all about giving. Meet the volunteers who feed thousands of people every day!

Day 2: Delhi

Champions!

After a well deserved good night’s sleep and a fresh breakfast, we start the day with a guided tour of Old Delhi. This will be fuelled by some delicious food from the ancient alleyways to bless your bellies for lunch. You will also be indulging in Your Responsible Activity at Salaam Baalak Trust, an organisation which is championing the art of transforming the lives of former street kids. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace with your gang!

What’s included

  • Old Delhi tour with food
  • Your Responsible Activity: Salaam Baalak Trust visit
  • Breakfast & Lunch
  • Twin Accommodation: The Hosteller

Impact inclusions

Engage in a discussion with Salaam Baalak Trust and learn how they are transforming the lives of thousands of street kids!

Day 3: Agra

Off the bucket list!

You’ll wake early for your train to Agra, all set to tick some things off your bucket list! This is the moment you have all been waiting for. Catch the greatest tribute to love, the Taj Mahal with a guided tour. You will get free time to grab lunch as we continue exploring the secrets of the Old City of Agra, including Agra Fort. In the evening, you will visit the Sheroes Cafe, a joint run by acid attack survivors. The rest of the day is free for you to take it at your own pace.

What’s included

  • Taj Mahal & Agra Fort guided tour
  • Agra old city walk
  • Breakfast
  • Twin Accommodation: Village Homestay

Impact inclusions

Meet the women who have fought to survive after receiving a debilitating blow to their appearance and self-esteem by some members of the society

Day 4: Ranthambore

Into the wild!

Wave goodbye to Agra early this morning and catch a train to Ranthambore National Park, one of the largest national parks in India and our home for the night. On arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation where you will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the locals. Following lunch, make your way to Dhonk Craft Centre, a cooperative that was set up to support the local community and then visit the Ranthambore Fort. Feel the tranquillity of nature and end the day with a tasty group dinner set against a back drop which none of us will be forgetting any time soon. Get an early good night’s sleep for your safari early the next morning.

What’s included

  • Dhonk and Ranthambore Fort visit
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Twin Accommodation: Shergargh

Impact inclusions

Visit Dhonk Craft Centre, a cooperative empowering locals with skills in handicraft and artistry!

Day 5: Ranthambore/Jaipur

Safari time!

Wake up early for sunrise and a safari adventure as we try to spot the magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger, as they should be seen – in the wild. Safari trucks will pick you up from your accommodation before we head out into the forest for some diverse wildlife watching. After your safari, head back to your accommodation for breakfast before boarding your train to Jaipur. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy your leisure time while grabbing some lunch. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the local bazaars.

What’s included

  • Ranthambhore National Park Safari
  • Breakfast
  • Twin Accommodation: Rawla Mringiyani Palace

Day 6: Jaipur

A city so pink!

Today, you will head for Jaipur orientation walk which will include the enclosures of the royal family at the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, and one of the finest forts in India, Amer Fort. Hear stories about this city which for centuries have been home to the Rajputana. You will have most of the day to explore the city at your own pace and explore Jaipur’s mouth-watering delicacies. 

What’s included

  • Pink City orientation walk
  • Amer Fort guided tour
  • Breakfast
  • Twin Accommodation: Rawla Mringiyani Palace

Day 7: Pushkar

Oasis in the desert!

Today you will make your way to Pushkar, a true oasis in the desert. What makes it unique is that it is the only place on the planet that has a temple dedicated to Brahma, the creator god of Hinduism. On arrival, check into your accommodation and then head for an orientation walk of the city. The rest of your day is for you to Explore With Your Crew in the historical town with its vibrant markets and bazaars at your own pace.

What’s included

  • Pushkar orientation walk
  • Explore With Your Crew
  • Breakfast
  • Twin Accommodation: Shaanu’s Raanch

Impact inclusions

Stroll through the bazaars where you will meet local entrepreneurs. Support them by doing some shopping for your loved ones back home!

Day 8: Pushkar

Village life

This morning, you will hike up the Savitri Temple for a stunning view of the sunrise. In the afternoon, you will have Your Rural Experience when we visit our local guide Himangshu and his family. At the age of 12, when his father passed away, Himangshu gave up his education to drive a tuk-tuk full-time and help his four sisters throughout their schooling. At 16, he supports his family, keeping a positive attitude and friendliness. You will be greeted with a delicious lunch prepared by his family and engage in a rich cultural exchange. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy independent activities.

What’s included

  • Savitri Temple hike
  • Your Rural Experience: Pushkar Village Tour
  • Breakfast & Lunch
  • Twin Accommodation: Shaanu’s Ranch

Impact inclusions

Visit Himangshu and his family and take part in a culturally immersive afternoon where you will learn about village life in India

Day 9: Udaipur

Venice of the East

Today, after breakfast, you will board your train to Udaipur, the Venice of the East. On arrival, check into a guest house and grab some lunch in your free time. We will then head for an orientation walk followed by a boat ride at Lake Pichola and watch a Rajasthani cultural show in the evening.

What’s included

  • Your Authentic Stay
  • Udaipur orientation walk
  • Lake Pichola boat ride
  • Bagore Ki Haveli cultural show
  • Breakfast
  • Twin Accommodation: Jagat Villa Guest House

Impact inclusions

 Authentic stay with a local family through which you will be helping a local business!

Day 10: Udaipur

Making the perfect Indian Roti!

Enjoy the morning exploring Udaipur with stops at City Palace, Monsoon Palace, and Saheliyon Ki Bari. In the afternoon, you can opt to visit an animal sanctuary. You will have the option to either volunteer there for a few hours or just visit them. Although most of you will have minimal to no experience in animal care, the sanctuary welcomes people to help them with their daily operations. Later in the evening, you will participate in an authentic cooking class provided by your host in Udaipur. During your free time, simply Explore With Your Crew to have a great time!

What’s included

  • Explore With Your Crew
  • Animal shelter visit
  • Indian Cooking class 
  • Breakfast & Dinner
  • Twin Accommodation: Jagat Villa Guest House

Impact inclusions

Learn how to make various Indian dishes such as roti, sabji and daal taught by the most amazing host

Day 11: Mumbai

The city that never sleeps!

Today after a quick flight, you will be arriving in Mumbai, the city that never sleeps! India’s biggest city, home to Bollywood and the powerhouse of India’s rapid economic growth. You will be struck by its overwhelming energy. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hostel. After a lot of guided activity, it’s time to Explore With Your Crew and see if you can get your way around this bustling city on your own. Not to mention, it’s the glam capital of India and there are plenty of clubs to hit with your gang. Finally, it’s some party time!

What’s included

  • Explore With Your Crew
  • Breakfast
  • Dorm Accommodation: Hebbar’s Heritage

Day 12: Mumbai

Slumdog millionaires

You are in the home of Bollywood. So, let’s explore the city like it’s a movie. Today, we will take you on a cinematic tour of the city. Explore Fort and Colaba area, Mumbai’s Manhattan. Visit Dhobi Ghat, a popular open-air human laundry, an age-old Mumbai speciality. You will also be treated with Mumbai’s awesome Marathi cuisine for lunch. Also, visit the famous slums but make sure you learn about the community and not make a spectacle out of poverty. In the evening, you will board an overnight train/coach to your last destination, Goa.

What’s included

  • Mumbai city guided tour with street food
  • Breakfast & Lunch
  • Overnight train to Goa

Impact inclusions

Educative visit to the Dharavi slums where you will learn about the community in an ethical way

Day 13: Goa

Are we in India?

Welcome to Goa! Beaches. Trance parties. Hippies. But, Goa is so much more than that. On arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation. Run to the beach and let the waves from the Arabian Sea do their magic. This day is free for you to Explore With Your Crew so take it as it comes. There are plenty of shacks on the beach for you to choose from, which serves top rage seafood! It is the party capital of India so there are plenty of bars and clubs for you to choose from.

What’s included

  • Explore With Your Crew
  • Breakfast
  • Twin Accommodation : Queen of Queen’s Calangute

Day 14: Goa

Reminiscence

In the morning, the group will head for Your Impact event that marks closure of the trip. You will have the opportunity to reflect upon and discuss your journey, which started two weeks ago. You saw a lot. You experienced a lot. Do you feel that you made a difference? Did you leave a mark? Share your experience with us. We would love to hear any ideas and suggestions you think may be able to help us. Tell us how we can make a bigger impact. We value your views. In the evening, we will head for crab fishing with local fishermen which will be followed by dinner prepared by them. Tonight is your last night in India so an End With A Bang Night awaits you and your fellow mates.

What’s included

  • Your Impact Event
  • Crab fishing experience
  • End With A Bang Night
  • Breakfast & Dinner
  • Twin Accommodation : Queen of Queen’s Calangute

Impact inclusions

Visit local fishermen cove and participate in a crab fishing activity in which the money goes to the local community

Day 15: Exit Goa

Goodbye 🙁

The last 15 days have been a roller coaster! You have experienced Indian culture, relished the food, conversed with locals, made a lasting impact on local businesses and have a lifetime of memories to take back! However, just like all good things, this too has to come to an end. This is going to be the toughest part! Bidding goodbye to the new experiences and getting back home. Your friends and family will be waiting for you, undoubtedly jealous of your adventure! 

NOTE: You can book your return flights via Goa’s airport itself. Also, you can also choose to spend a few extra days in this beautiful country! And if that is the case, please let us know in advance so that we can make arrangements accordingly.

What’s included

  • Breakfast
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Enabling sustainable travel to be a regular practice

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Supporting local businesses dependent on tourism

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Promoting the exchange of culture, languages, ideas, and many more through conversation with locals

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Catering to your personal growth as travelling can be your best teacher

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Supporting rural communities through your experiences

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Be in touch 24x7

For any problems, we are available via our helpline number and social media
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Friendly Staff

Our staff is very friendly, and are there to make your experience comfortable!
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Authentic Service providers

We partner up with local accommodations and activity providers in destinations you visit
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Get the right information

From booking your tour to the end of your trip and beyond, we will be here to support you in every step!
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Efficient Safety and health facilities

Travelling to a new country can be daunting but don’t worry cause your health is our priority
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Homestays instead of hotels

Authentic homestays makeup for most of your staying accommodations. Live the local way!
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Interaction with local individuals

Nobody can provide you with an experience as authentic as the amicable locals. Through them, get to know a destination
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Experienced personnel

Your tour guide and hosts are extremely experienced, having served travellers like you for a long time
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Visiting off-beat destinations

Besides the popular destinations, we also run city tours, witnessing cultural performances, and visiting a cafe run by acid attack survivors
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Try Local food

Whether it is Chole Bhature in Delhi or fish curry in Goa; make sure that you try the local flavour. You’ve got travel experience, and so does your palate!

Look forward to what the day has to offer. Enjoy the breakfast provided at 8:30 AM. Freshen up, and get ready. By 9:30, join your fellow travelers for an exciting day. Get greeted by Novoto executives, as they take you sight-seeing as per the daily itinerary.

At noon, we make a stop for lunch and refreshments. After lunch, we continue with the sight-seeing with regards to the schedule. Enjoy your day as you come across well-known and new destinations.

After 5 PM, the evening is usually kept free for a range of independent activities with fellow travellers. Occasionally, there shall be organised social events in the evening.

Finally, dinner is provided. And then, rest and think about the fond memories created in North India!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are flights included in my trip?

International flights booked for arrival/departure have not been included in our travel fee. It must be purchased separately. However, in case of any inquiries, you can contact us. 

Which flight should I take?

There are multiple flights arriving at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. During Departure, you are welcome to take a connecting flight from Goa to Mumbai, and then another flight to your destination.

What do I do about the visa?

You will be required to obtain either an Indian E-Visa (you can check your eligibility here – https://www.visahq.co.uk/) or apply in person at your nearest Indian Embassy prior to your travels. 

What are the extra costs that I should keep in mind?

The itinerary has been curated with the most observant prior due diligence. Any additional expenses individuals incurred during the tour are at their own discretion, such as any shopping and souvenirs they might wish to purchase, additional meals and activities not mentioned in the itinerary and of course, the booze.

What do I carry?

For a trip of 15 days, you would be better off by a light packing. Carry comfortable foot wears and light clothes. Make sure you carry the essentials- your passport, VISA, and Indian currency. Oh also, leave some room in your suitcases. You never know what you might like to buy here.

Is tipping included?

No, tipping has not been included in your travel plan. It’s up to you to decide the amount for the same.We totally respect your discretion.

Who are my travel companions?

We very much believe in privacy. Hence, we are sorry that we cannot reveal their names. However, we have a wide range of travellers from all over the world who you will meet on your first day.

How do I contact in case of an emergency?

No need to worry! We have our on-ground team for your assistance. Besides that, you can get in touch with us through our social media handles on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can call us directly on our helpline.

Can I join a trip late, or extend my stay?

As much as we would LOVE you to join us, it will be difficult for us to accommodate you in an already on-going trip. Good news? You are more than welcome to extend your stay, but the expenses for the same have to be taken by you.

Is there any minimum age requirement?

Although our trips are designed for 18-35s, we don’t believe in limiting it to them. So, as long as you’re 18+, feel free to be a part of the tours!

Does Novoto provide me a travel insurance?

Unfortunately, no. We leave that to your discretion to book travel insurance of your choice.

Will there be any showcase?

Definitely! Your entire experience would be well-documented in the form of videos, and also in other means as approved by the group.

What’s the weather like?

April to September is summer in India where temperatures are generally soaring around 40 C at most destinations in this tour. From October onwards the temperatures start going down averaging around 22 C during the day at most locations. 

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