About this trip
This is a long, full-length crossing of India, from the desert forts of the north down to the palm-lined backwaters and beaches of the south. It covers a huge amount of ground, so expect the country to shift around you constantly, in landscape, climate and pace.
You will spend real time on trains and buses, including sleeper trains shared with locals, which is as much a part of the trip as the sights themselves. Between the travel days, there is a mix of guided activities and free time, with a local leader on hand throughout.
It suits travellers who want depth over a single region and don't mind a demanding schedule to get it. By the end you'll have gone from desert bazaars to temple ghats to tropical coastline, all in one continuous journey.
What you'll do
- Explore the desert around Jaisalmer
- Wander the bazaars of Jodhpur
- Watch pilgrims and ceremonies on the ghats of Varanasi
- See the Taj Mahal in Agra
- Cruise the Kerala Backwaters
- Relax on the beaches of Goa
- Long bus and sleeper train journeys are a core part of the trip, including early starts and shared compartments with locals
- Temple visits require modest dress — arms and knees covered, plus a scarf for shoulders
- Runs year-round, so northern India can be very hot or very cold depending on when you travel
Worth it if you want comprehensive North-South coverage with a strong guide and don't mind rough edges. Think twice if you need comfort, value certainty, or prefer slower pacing.
- Tour leaders consistently praised; Soorya and others made the 37 days feel well-guided and culturally immersive.
- Camel rides non-negotiable despite animal welfare concerns; frayed nose ropes caused genuine distress to travellers.
- Hotel cleanliness inconsistent with dirty laundry issued; no AC or WiFi in some; dead time after arrivals wastes hours.
- Three consecutive sleeper trains in South felt excessive; safety concerns raised about mixed-gender compartments with strangers.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.
Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and availability come from our own daily tracking.
Departing in Sep is cheapest — from £1,495, about 18% below the priciest month (Oct).
Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Delhi · 10 Sept – 11 Sept
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