From Cultural North to Sizzling South

Itinerary

Itinerary:
Delhi - Jaipur - Agra (Taj Mahal) - Delhi - Cochin - Periyar National Park - Backwaters - Marari Beach
Duration:
15 days / 14 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 2,034.- per person (excluding flights)

India is a vast country and you're not going to see it all in one trip (unless you have a year or two on your hands!) This itinerary journeys from the cultural north to the sizzling south, ticking off just some of the highlights of this epic country in two weeks. From the bustling bazaars of Old Delhi, you'll travel onto the pink city of Jaipur, and marvel at the Taj Mahal. Then fly down to the south to discover a more tropical side of India….. backwaters, fertile paddies and rugged coasts. We guarantee this trip will leave you wanting to return and explore more of India.

Day 1 – Welcome to India!

Settle gently into colourful and chaotic India, a riot on the senses. Touching down amidst the commotion of Delhi can be something of a culture shock, so this trip is designed to give you a softer landing. You’ll spend just one night in a comfortable, well-located Delhi hotel before beginning your journey …

Days 2-4 – The pink city of Jaipur

Delhi can be quite a shock to the system when you first arrive in India, so early the next morning you’ll be driven to Jaipur (approximately 5 hours). Jaipur is also known as the ‘pink city’ because many of the buildings are painted in pink-orange tones. It’s a jumble of colours, camel carts, elephants, beggars, rickshaws, temples, forts and palaces.

You’ll stay in a friendly, family-run hotel with lots of character and Rajasthani style. Enjoy the peace and quiet of your surroundings and cool off with a dip in the hotel pool. The following day we’ll arrange a guided tour of this remarkable city, including a visit of the magnificent Amber Fort that’s perched high on a hilltop overlooking the city and surrounding rugged hills.

Days 4-6 – Sunrise at the Taj Mahal

Time to leave Jaipur for Agra – home of the iconic Taj Mahal. It’s a 5-hour journey but along the way you can stop at a few interesting sights including the Monkey Temple at Galta, and the fortified ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri.

The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan out of love for his deceased wife. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the most visited places in India, so we recommend to get up extra early so that you’re at the Taj Mahal before the tourist crowds. A real wonder of the world, it’s a building that will take your breath away. After visiting the Taj Mahal by yourselves, spend time exploring some of Agra’s (other) historic monuments with a guide. You’ll visit Agra Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive Mughal forts in the country. You’ll also visit Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, a.k.a the Baby Taj, and the gardens of Mehtab Bagh.

Days 6-7 – Overnight in Delhi

Back to Delhi for a night. Now you’ve settled into the sights, sounds (and smells) of India, you’ll probably feel less overwhelmed with the capital city. You’ll have time to wander around the old town, try some street food and test your haggling skills at one of the markets. If you wish, we can arrange a guided exploration of Old Delhi – just ask your Travel Specialist to include this in your travel plan.

This morning you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport in time for your domestic flight to Cochin in the south of India. Cochin (or Kochi) is a colourful coastal town with Portuguese and Dutch influences. It’s a melting pot of cultures and religions, and still an important seaport for trade in gold, textiles, fish and spices. The spice market here is one of the best in Kerala. Down by the water, you can see the legendary Chinese fishing nets in action. We’ll arrange a guided tuk-tuk tour as a fun introduction to Cochin. As you buzz through the lanes, your knowledgeable guide will share tales of the city’s rich history, cultural heritage, and architectural wonders.

Days 9-11 – Wildlife spotting in Periyar National Park

Time to leave the coast behind and travel inland to Thekkady, the base for exploring Periyar National Park. This protected park is home to an abundance of deer, Indian bison, monkeys, birds and reptiles. But it’s best known for its wild elephants. You’ll spend a morning in the park, trekking through the forest with one of the park’s patrolmen who is an expert on the flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for wild elephants grazing in the tall grass.

During your stay in Thekkady, we’ll also arrange a cooking class at a local restaurant, to introduce you to the spicy cuisine of Kerala. The restaurant’s experienced chef will show you how to prepare a traditional Keralan meal which you’ll tuck into at the end of the class.

Days 11-12 – Explore the Keralan backwaters by boat

Time to head back down to the coast as you transfer to Alleppey – the hub of Kerala’s famous backwaters. Here you’ll board a traditional houseboat to explore this picturesque region from the water. The labyrinth of tiny canals is fringed by palms on all sides and as you float along you’ll pass small villages, hidden temples, lush paddy fields and rice barges. Tonight you’ll sleep aboard your houseboat. Just like hotels, houseboats come in different styles and comfort levels. We’ve selected an affordable but charming boat with all the necessary comforts. But if you’d like a bit more space and luxury, then just let us know and our India travel specialists will arrange an upgrade.

Days 12-15 – Relax on palm-fringed shores

After disembarking your houseboat, your driver will be waiting to drive you to Marari – a friendly fishing village, lined with palm trees and an idyllic beach. It’s the perfect place to end your India trip, so kick back and take it easy. Spend your days relaxing in a hammock, taking a refreshing dip in the pool or just lazing on the beach.

Your India trip comes to an end after your time in Marari. On your final day your driver will transfer you to Cochin airport (about one hour’s drive) in time for your homebound flight.