Highlights of India

On arrival in Delhi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Explore Old Delhi by rickshaw, visiting Chandni Chowk, the wedding market and Asia’s largest spice market. Continue to a Sikh temple, learning about this fascinating religion and seeing their impressive communal kitchen in action. Finish the afternoon at the beautiful gardens of the World Heritage-listed Humayan’s Tomb. (B)

After breakfast, travel to Agra. Spend the day touring this vibrant city, including the magnificent fort and a heritage walk that will give you a glimpse into India’s Mughal history. (B)

At sunrise, visit one of the wonders of the world – the Taj Mahal. After breakfast journey by road to the Pink City of Jaipur. Along the way stop at the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri and the beautiful stepwell of Chand Baoli at Abhaneri. There will be some free time on arrival in Jaipur before your culinary experience this evening, including dinner with relatives of the extended royal family. Learn about local Indian dishes, how to drape a saree, and understand the daily life of the family. (B)(D)

Start your morning at the observatory of Jantar Mantar and then continue to the City Palace, now a public  museum. Here you will step inside the residential areas of the royal family and sip tea in one of the living rooms. Drive past the Hawa Mahal, known as the ‘Palace of the Winds’, before delving into Jaipur’s chaotic bazaar. As you explore the market you will be introduced to a nomadic community of blacksmiths of Rajasthan. Finish the day’s touring with a visit to the spectacular Amber Fort. (B)

After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur. On arrival take some time to relax before your walking tour of the old city, famous for embroidered footwear and glass bangles. (B)

Today visit the spectacular Mehrangarh Fort along with the Jaswant Thada cenotaphs. Later, embark on a Bishnoi village safari. (B)

Travel by road to the rustic and beautiful village of Narlai. Settle in at your heritage hotel and then take a jeep safari to a nearby village and meet local craftsmen, see beautiful temples and a traditional working farm. This evening enjoy tea by the lake where many migratory birds nest. (B)

Today take a train safari – the best way to see the rugged beauty of the area. A special evening awaits, where you will taste the true flavor of Rajasthani hospitality as you dine at the 16th century-old Baori (stepwell) of Rawa Narlai. (B)(D)

After breakfast take a walking tour of Narlai village. Witness the traditional way of life and have the chance to interact with the community over a cup of tea. In the afternoon journey on to Udaipur, stopping en route at
the ornate white marble temples of the Jain religion at Ranakpur (B)

A city tour of Udaipur will take you to the City Palace and Jagdish Temple. You will also have the chance to witness the dying art form of Jal Sanjhi – painting on the water – at the home of a local priest. In the evening take a sunset
boat ride on Lake Pichola. (B) 

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (B)

Today explore the city on a full-day guided tour. See the famous Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Crawford Market, and one of the city’s famous outdoor laundries. (B)

This morning take a flight from Mumbai to Kochi. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in historic Fort Cochin. (B)

This morning explore this historic port town that was an important center of the spice trade. You will notice a unique mingling of Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese, Syrian, and British influences in the local culture and architecture. See the 16th-century synagogue and the Mattancherry Palace (note these are closed on Fridays). In the evening, visit a performance of the spectacular Kathakali dance, found only in Kerala. (B)

This morning drive to the sleepy town of Alleppey and board your kettuvallam, one of the famous Kerala houseboats, which will be your accommodation for the night. Relax on board and take in the beautiful scenery of the Backwaters of Kerala. (B)(L)(D)

Take a heritage walking tour of Alleppey before continuing on to Kumarakom by road. (B)(L)

Visit a local temple and pilgrimage center and learn more about the local form of Hinduism. Continue on to Philip Kutty’s farm, a tropical farm on the Backwaters, where lunch will be served. (B)(L)

This morning transfer to Kochi airport where your tour ends. (B)