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
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