Premium North & South India


enquire now 22 Days From NZD $8,015 pp twinshare
Small group
Terms & Conditions apply

Unveil the mysteries of India from Delhi to Kochi

Discover the best of north and south India on a 22-day Premium adventure, from bustling Delhi to multicultural Kochi. Experience the magic of the heritage-rich north at the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, and immerse yourself in local culture as you meet the owner of a royal haveli and cruise down the Ganges. Take in the natural charms of the south while looking for elephants in Periyar National Park, walking through the tea plantations of Munnar and cruising the Kerala backwaters. Travel with local leaders who will show you the vibrant heart of a country that delights, surprises and intrigues.

Why you’ll love this trip

PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

PREMIUM EXPERIENCES

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

PREMIUM KNOWLEDGE

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • Enjoy accommodation like no other – an opulently decorated heritage stay in Jaipur, a beautiful converted houseboat on the Kerala backwaters and a suave heritage hotel in Kochi are your Feature Stays on this trip.
  • Find out what makes Indian cuisine so special during Exclusive Experiences, including local-lead food tours in Agra and Madurai, home-cooked meals with local families, and an ayurvedic cooking demonstration and dinner.
  • Embark on safaris through Ranthambore National Park in search of the elusive tigers that call the park home and track footprints in search of wild elephants in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Discover the beauty in buildings that lie across India, from Jaipur’s Amber Fort and Royal City Palace to Agra’s Red Fort and iconic Taj Mahal, and see architectural influences from a multicultural past in Puducherry and Kochi.
  • Take part in Exclusive Experiences to remember – visit a royal haveli in Jaipur and hear the stories of its owner’s ancestors, cruise down the Ganges with local musicians, and witness a lively performance of kalarippayattu.

Itinerary

Map of Premium North & South India including India

Day 1: Delhi

Day 2: Agra

Day 3: Ranthambhore National Park

Day 4: Ranthambhore National Park

Day 5: Jaipur

Day 6: Jaipur

Day 7: Varanasi

Day 8: Varanasi

Day 9: Delhi

Day 10: Chennai

Day 11: Puducherry (Pondicherry)

Day 12: Puducherry (Pondicherry)

Day 13: Madurai

Day 14: Madurai

Day 15: Thekkady

Day 16: Thekkady – Periyar National Park

Day 17: Munnar

Day 18: Munnar

Day 19: Kerala Backwaters

Day 20: Kochi

Day 21: Kochi

Day 22: Kochi

 

Inclusions

Meals

21 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 10 dinners

Transport

Auto rickshaw, Boat, Cycle rickshaw, Metro, Plane, Private vehicle, Jeep, Ferry

Accommodation

Hotel (16 nights), Jaipur Feature Stay (2 nights), Houseboat Feature Stay (1 night), Kochi Feature Stay (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Delhi – Welcome dinner
  • Agra – Taj Mahal
  • Agra – Expert-led street food tour (as dinner)
  • Agra – Agra Fort
  • Ranthambhore National Park – Morning Wildlife Safari
  • Ranthambhore National Park – Evening wildlife safari
  • Jaipur – Home-cooked dinner
  • Jaipur – Leader-led orientation walk
  • Jaipur – Amber Fort
  • Jaipur – City Palace
  • Jaipur – Private Royal Haveli visit with owner
  • Jaipur – Rooftop drinks overlooking old walled city (one drink included)
  • Varanasi – Sarnath
  • Varanasi – Sunrise Ganges boat trip
  • Varanasi – Sunset candle flower ceremony
  • Varanasi – Leader-led Old City walking tour
  • Varanasi – Sunset Ganges boat trip (musicians on board)
  • Delhi – Jama Masjid
  • Delhi – Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
  • Delhi – Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Delhi – Final dinner
  • Chennai – Welcome dinner
  • Mamallapuram – Shore Temples guided tour
  • Auroville – Experimental township
  • Puducherry – Leader-led French Quarter walking tour
  • Puducherry – Sri Aurobindo Ashram
  • Madurai – Leader-led street food tour
  • Madurai – Sri Meenakshi 1000 Pillar
  • Madurai – Sri Meenakshi Temple
  • Madurai – Gandhi Museum
  • Madurai – Leader-led walking tour
  • Madurai – Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace
  • Madurai – Local family visit and home-cooked Tamil dinner
  • Thekkady – Expert-guided spice plantation visit and lunch
  • Periyar – Kalaripayattu (Indian Martial Art) performance
  • Periyar – Guided nature walk
  • Munnar – Tea plantation
  • Munnar – Tea Museum
  • Munnar – Mattupetty Dam
  • Munnar – Leader-led town walking tour
  • Kochi – Kathakali performance
  • Kochi – Jewish Synagogue
  • Kochi – Ferry to Mattancherry
  • Kochi – Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
  • Kochi – Dutch Palace
  • Kochi – Ayurveda-inspired dinner
  • Kochi – Converstation with an expert on Satvik Bhojan (Ayurvedic food)

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Images courtesy of Intrepid Group 

INT – HHPWC