City Extensions
India
Visit the must-see sights and the hidden depths of India's most vibrant cities.
Intro
Given India’s extraordinarily diverse cultures, if time permits we always suggest an extension to India itineraries. This might simply involve a relaxing ‘acclimatisation’ on arrival or a more immersive and in-depth city walking tour or bolting on an exciting detour. Below are just a few ideas to make the most of your Indian adventure. Contact us for further details.
Delhi
Colonial sights of New Delhi and Mughal architecture in Old Delhi, rickshaw/walk in Chandni Chowk bazaar. Lesser-known experiences: walk centred on life of Sufi saint, Nizamuddin, Salam Balak Trust walk led by former slum children, visit spice market and cook/dine at family home, visit Akshardham & Bahai temples.
Kolkata
Former capital of British Raj has India’s most impressive colonial architecture, bustling flower market, clay-idol makers in Kumartuli, ride India’s only tram, life on the Hooghly river, cycling tour of the city, learn about Kolkata’s literary heritage, street food walk.
Varanasi
One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities - take a sunrise/sunset boat ride on River Ganges, witness the aarti (fire) ceremony on ghats (banks), visit Hindu temples, meander through hidden alleys, meet the city’s famous sari weavers, and visit nearby Sarnath where Buddha gave his first sermon.
Mumbai
A city of immense contrasts, Mumbai fizzes with energy and optimism. Home to distinctive architecture and many historic buildings, meet the famous dabbawalas who deliver 250,000 lunches daily around the city, witness the industry that exists within Asia’s largest slum (Dharavi), take a boat excursion to 6th-century cave temples on Elephanta Island and enjoy some of the best nightlife and
restaurants in India.
Ahmedabad
Capital of Gujarat and India’s first UNESCO ‘World Heritage City’, Ahmedabad is blessed with sublime ancient architecture, including centuries-old stepwells, temples and mosques. A tour of the city will take in these sites plus the Sabarmati Ashram (Gandhi's former headquarters) and the impressive Calico Textile Museum.
Cochin
For over 600 years Cochin has attracted traders and settlers from all over the world in search of Kerala’s exotic spices. Explore Fort Cochin on foot with its impressive collection of Portuguese- and Dutch-style buildings, and visit one of India’s last surviving synagogues. Take a sunset harbour cruise and marvel at the giant Chinese fishing nets, and watch a traditional Kathikali dance performance at the theatre.
Chennai
Chennai is the gateway to Tamil Nadu on the eastern coast of India. Parts of the city date back nearly 2000 years. A walking tour will reveal tales of Gods & Demons passed on through generations. Meander through its chaotic bazaars, bustling streets and food markets.
Jaipur
Enjoy a more interactive approach to discovering Rajasthan’s vibrant capital. Take an early morning or evening walk with an expert and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the ‘Pink City’ visiting temples, havelis, bazaars and antiquities while discovering its arts, crafts and cuisine.
Lucknow
Often overlooked, Lucknow is one of the most historically significant cities in India. Visit the Lal Pul, Tila Mosque, Bara Imambara, Chowk Bazaar and Phool Wali Gali. A culinary-themed walk will also reveal the secrets behind the city’s famed cuisine including biryani.
Hyderabad
Stroll by the famous Charminar and explore the Chowmahalla, monuments which evoke the spectacular era of Hyderabad’s Nizams, or kings, who ruled from 1591 to 1948. Wander through the pigeon-filled courtyard of the Mecca Masjid and the city’s thronged bazaars in which you’ll find everything from colourful bangles to tasty Hyderabadi snacks.
For more info please get in touch by clicking the Ask a question button below.
Places Visited
Delhi - Kolkata - Varanasi - Mumbai - Ahmedabad - Cochin - Chennai - Jaipur - Lucknow - Hyderabad
On The Tiger Trail (9 days)
On the tiger trail through Bandhavgarh and Kanha
The Golden Triangle (5 days)
Marvel at India's most incredible forts and palaces
Kolkata & Sunderbans (6 days)
Discover colonial Kolkata and the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve
Wildlife of Tadoba & Pench (9 days)
A real life Jungle Book.
Kolkata & Darjeeling Snapshot (7 days)
Ideal extension to Bhutan
Himalayan Extension: Ladakh to Kashmir (5 days)
Travel across the spectacular Himalayan Highway
Beaches (1-7 days)
After exploring the busy cities, there's no better place to relax than one of India's paradisiacal beaches
Treks & Walks (1-12 days)
Himalayan treks, village walks and more
Hill Stations & Mountains
Escape the city and unwind among some of the most breathtaking mountain and hill scapes the world has to offer.
City Extensions (1-4 days)
Visit the must-see sights and the hidden depths of India's most vibrant cities.
Monks, Tribes & Rhinos (20 days)
Himalayan mountains, unseen tribes & amazing wildlife
Journey through the Indian Himalayas (20 days)
Travel through the Himalayan foothills via Shimla & Amritsar to Ladakh
Classic Bhutan & Assam Cruise (18 days)
Experience Bhutan's rich culture, colonial Kolkata and rural life in Assam
Glimpse of India & Nepal (16 days)
Golden Triangle and the Himalayas
The Himalayan Silk Road (16 days)
Travel India's Silk Road from Kashmir to Ladakh
Textile Tour of India (16 days)
Textile tour of Gujarat & Rajasthan including the Mewar Festival
Taste of South India (15 days)
Experience the flavours and exotic spices of South India
Treasures of Maharashtra (15 days)
Mighty sea fortresses, rock-cut cave temples, and verdant hill stations
Kerala Calling (15 days)
Tropical mountains, tea & spice plantations, and backwaters
Best of Bhutan & Bengal (15 days)
Experience the culture and landscapes of India & Bhutan
Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival (15 days)
Wildlife, tribes & rural life in Assam and Nagaland
Journey Through Rajasthan (15 days)
Discover Rajasthan's forts, palaces and rural villages
Big Six of India (15 days)
Spot tigers, lions, leopards, buffalo, rhino & elephants
Best of Assam & Meghalaya (14 days)
Wildlife, diverse cultures & rural life in hidden North East India
Birds & Wildlife of Rajasthan (14 days)
Uncover the regal wildlife of Rajasthan
Hampi and Beyond (14 days)
Discover Karnataka's stone temples, wildlife and coffee farms
Taj, Tigers & Temples (14 days)
Perfect mix of classic sights and off-beat places for first-timers to India
Spirit of South India (14 days)
Temple towns of Tamil Nadu to backwaters of Kerala
Big Cats of India (14 days)
Experience the thrill of the Indian jungle ...
Himalayan Wildlife of Ladakh (14 days)
Track the Himalayan brown bear & snow leopard on a once-in-a-lifetime trip
Heart of India (14 days)
Take in the highlights of central India
Delicacies of North India (14 days)
Discover the huge diversity of North India's cuisine
Wildlife of North East India (14 days)
Diverse wildlife in Assam and the Sunderbans
Tribes of North East India (14 days)
Remote tribal cultures in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Nagaland
Kerala & Karnataka Explorer (14 days)
Idyllic backwaters, tropical forests & ancient temple towns
Tribes & Temples of Eastern India (14 days)
Visit remote tribal villages of Orissa & Chhattisgarh
Roof of the World - Ladakh to Kashmir (14 days)
Experience dramatic Himalayan scenery, Buddhist and Islamic cultures
Best of Bengal & Sikkim (14 days)
Colonial Kolkata, Darjeeling toy train & Buddhism
Kerala - Trekking the Western Ghats (13 days)
Explore this UNESCO biodiversity hotspot on foot
Maha Kumbh Mela Festival (13 days)
Once in 12 years - the largest gathering of humanity on earth
Gujarat's Tribes & Wildlife (13 days)
Gujarat's Asiatic Lions, Salt Flats & Textile Villages
Glories of Gujarat (13 days)
Tribal villages, temples, salt flats & the world's last Asiatic lions
Hidden Rajasthan (13 days)
Rural villages, grand forts & wildlife
High Indus Valley of Ladakh (12 days)
Attain lofty heights over soul-soothing Ladakh
Glimpse of India (12 days)
Golden Triangle, tigers & exotic Kerala
Markha Valley Trek (12 days)
Set foot in Ladakh's hidden Himalayan valleys
Essential Rajasthan (10 days)
Discover the forts, palaces, villages and desert of Rajasthan
Living Bridges of Meghalaya (7 days)
Waterfalls, hills and living bridges in North East India
Classic Kerala
Tea, spices, backwaters & beaches
Hazel Fairall , Tribes of North East India, IndiaThanks for organising such a great trip to NE India Rahul - everything went seamlessly! We loved the fact that we could book an individual tour but still have flexibility with our itinerary once we were there, enabling us to take in the Si Donyi Festival at Daporijo and also be the first guests to stay overnight in a local village hut with our hosts in Papi, which was fantastic. Our guide was super. He had a wealth of knowledge and a great sense of humour! It’s hard to pick a highlight as the whole trip was both fascinating and at times, humbling. We’ll never forget the amazing people, scenery & culture we experienced whilst there and are glad we had the opportunity to visit such an intriguing part of the world. We would certainly consider travelling with you again in the future.
Andrew Martin , Tailormade North East IndiaI`m sure I could not have found a better operator for the type of complicated Indian tour I wanted to undertake on a limited budget. India is an intimidating country to visit, and I suspect that some operators look down on the first time visitor, or disparage their requirements. Travel the Unknown, by contrast, helped me all the way, and their local guides were superb.
Hazel Frost , Tailormade North East IndiaA fantastic trip to Arunachal Pradesh. Very well organised exactly to our requirements. Superb local guide. Would recommend this trip. Hazel and James.
Nigel & Margaret Turner , Tailormade India Wildlife & Birding tourThis trip was very well put together and ticked all the boxes that we had requested. The accommodation throughout the tour was of a high standard and our experiences in the national parks was wonderful spotting many different animals including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, lions, jungle cat plus countless number of birds. Thank you Rahul for tailoring this trip to our requirements.
Rachel , Spirit of South India, IndiaWe went on the Spirit of South India Tour and had a great time on our honeymoon. There was a good variety of places visited and the hotels, drivers and guides were all very good. We would definitely recommend this tour.
Tracey & Gary , Tailormade IndiaI would highly recommend Travel the Unknown to anyone visiting India. The service we received both prior to, during and following our travels was always timely and excellent. We were able to customize our trip to our liking and to enjoy a wide variety of activities. The guides in every location were outstanding! Honestly. Having travelled through much of the world I can truly say that we have never been more impressed with the quality of the guides arranged for us in each location, as well as the service we received. Similarly, the hotels were excellent and allowed us to live very comfortably while, at the same time, enjoy an authentic Indian experience. If you haven`t already booked your trip with Travel the Unknown, then either do so now....or at least give them a chance to show you what they can offer.
Keith Lewis , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, IndiaThis was my first experience of using Travel the Unknown having enjoyed small group adventure holidays for many years. I was attracted to the company because it seeks out the more unusual and lesser known areas of a country and I was not disappointed by my visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. There is a clear contrast between the people and the scenery of these two regions and we saw very few western tourists particularly in Arunachal Pradesh. The tour was well organised with plenty to see and do.
Richard Williams , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, IndiaThis was a very varied and interesting trip to a forgotten part of India. If you like off the beaten track travel it is definitely worth the effort but go with an open mind and keep a smile on your face.
Vik , Kerala Calling, IndiaThank you for organising our holiday in Kerala. I certainly wouldn`t have had the time or the knowledge to put together such a trip. Munnar was my favourite and the accommodation throughout was excellent.
Ann Holgate , Tailormade IndiaA really well planned trip. We experienced life in Northeast India in just the way we wanted to. We loved the game reserves and saw a rock python which thrilled our guides as it is even rarer than the tiger! We visited villages and were able to interact with local people and loved the busy markets in Delhi and Calcutta. A special highlight was the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland; shown to us by our very own Naga guide Kezo. Kezo accompanied us for 15 days of our trip and ensured that we had many very special experiences - even taking us to the home of one of his Aunts where we spent a couple of hours sitting by the bonfire chatting.
Penelope Smith , Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival, IndiaWhat an excellent service! Rahul adapted, extended and improved our trip so many times without a qualm and we ended up with the trip of a lifetime. The destinations are unusual and interesting but everything has been checked out by the team and works brilliantly. I can`t wait to do another trip.
Elaine & Neil Smith , Delicacies of North India, IndiaThe tour was an amazing experience for our first visit to India. The country, its people and its cuisine were friendly,delightful, colourful and exceeded all our expectations. Travel the Unknown have put together a superb unique package that we have no hesitation in recommending to anyone with an interest in food and culture.
