India • 16–30 Jan. 2026 (subject to minor changes)
An adventure through India’s diverse culture – from north to south
Would you like to experience the full diversity of Indian culture? Join us on an adventure where we explore both people and nature – and also give something back along the way. We travel from north to south, through big cities and small villages, coastal landscapes and tea plantations. Among other things, we will visit children’s homes supported for decades by Friends of India.
North India: Delhi • Jaipur • Agra • Taj Mahal • Darjeeling
Delhi
The journey begins in the Indian capital, Delhi, where we will receive guidance and insight into Indian cuisine and culture. We also explore the city itself, its markets, temples, and palaces. Accommodation: 2 nights.
The Golden Triangle
From Delhi, we drive the so-called Golden Triangle: Delhi – Jaipur – Agra, where the incomparable Taj Mahal stands. For centuries this region has been one of India’s major tourist attractions. Accommodation: 1 night in Jaipur and 1 night in Agra.
Darjeeling
From there we fly to Darjeeling, famous for its tea plantations, mountain scenery, and its historic role as a summer retreat for British officials. We will learn about tea production and take a ride on the legendary Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Accommodation: 2 nights.
South India: Chennai • Mahabalipuram • Pondicherry • Tranquebar • Ramanathapuram • Madurai
Chennai and Mahabalipuram
We fly to Chennai, the largest city of Tamil Nadu, and spend one night there before driving south along India’s east coast. Along the way we will see many temples, including the most famous ones at Mahabalipuram, with 8th-century sculptures. The site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Pondicherry
Next we continue to Pondicherry, where the atmosphere still reflects its French colonial past, lively and colorful. We stay at a beach hotel, relax, wander through markets, receive a blessing from the elephant Sally, and perhaps taste French pastries. For those interested, there will also be an opportunity to experience yoga or meditation in Auroville, founded in the 1960s. Accommodation: 3 nights.
Tranquebar
On our way further south, we visit the historic Danish fort of Tranquebar (built in 1620), where the Icelander Jón Indíafari stayed between 1622 and 1624. Accommodation: 1 night nearby.
Ramanathapuram
The next stop is the Mudukalahur children’s home in Ramanathapuram, run by the couple Rexline and Chinnamaratu and supported by Friends of India. Here we will meet the children and experience rural India far from the tourist routes. Part of the trip fee goes directly as a donation to the home.
Madurai
The final destination is the city of Madurai, famous for its many colorful temples. We will visit the most renowned, the Meenakshi Temple, and enjoy the vibrant city life. Accommodation: 2 nights before the return journey.
Practical information
Tour leaders: Sólveig Jónas, Albert Ólafs, and our wonderful Indian guide John Amalraj from Tours with John.
Price: 720,000 ISK per person (based on double occupancy).
Included: All flights, hotels with breakfast, excursions, Icelandic and Indian tour guidance, donations to children’s homes, carbon offset.
Accommodation: Comfortable 4-star hotels throughout.
Transport: Air-conditioned coaches.
Weather: In northern India expect around 20°C (about 15°C in Darjeeling). In southern India 20–30°C.
We emphasize keeping the price reasonable, traveling responsibly, and supporting the communities we visit.
