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Treasures of Northern India + Enchanting Kerala & Southern India

From the golden triangle temples of the north, to the tropical beaches and backwaters of the south, join us for the ultimate tour of India.

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Itinerary

The Taj Mahal
A typical houseboat on Kerala's backwaters
Mahabalipuram
Red Fort, Delhi
Old Delhi
Meenakshi Temple, Mahabalipuram
Kerala's backwaters
Jama Masjid, Delhi
Part of the Junagarh Fortress, Bikaner
Colourful Kerala costume
Kerala's lush interior
Jaisalmer Fort
A camel in the Rajastan desert near Jaisalmer
Ooty
Mysore Palace
Jaisalmer Fort
Pushkar Lake
Mysore
Trichi Purum
The Amber Fort, Jaipur
The incomparable Taj Mahal

DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Delhi.

On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights. The capital of modern India, Delhi is a magnetic blend of old and new boasting a fascinating array of sights, from elegant shops and lively bazaars to impressive forts and mosques. This afternoon is free for you to relax or start exploring.

DAY 3: Delhi.

Your day starts with a tour of Old Delhi, gazing at landmarks such as the majestic three-domed Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia, and the splendid 17th century Mughal Red Fort before visiting Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana, the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. This afternoon, enjoy New Delhi's major sights, including the towering Qutab Minar, the ancient tomb of the Emperor Humayun, the grandiose India Gate war memorial, and a drive past the President's House and Parliament. (B)

DAY 4: Delhi - Mandawa.

Leave for Mandawa, a busy market town famed for its intricately painted havelis - the ornate mansions of India's merchants and temples. Admire the splendid views over Mandawa from its fortress-topped hill, before an afternoon visit to its havelis and monuments. Later, visit Fateh Pur, a nearby 15th century town. (B)

DAY 5: Mandawa - Bikaner.

Say farewell to Mandawa and travel to Bikaner in northwestern Rajasthan. Surrounded by desert, this royal walled city was a major trading centre on the ancient caravan routes between central Asia and India. At the heart of the temple-filled city is the massive Junagarh fortress, a formidable complex housing courtyards and palaces. This afternoon take a tour of this amazing edifice, with its 37 pavilions and exquisitely decorated balconies and mirrored palaces. (B)

DAY 6: Bikaner - Jaisalmer.

Strategically located on camel trade routes and often dubbed the 'Golden City', the exotic desert city Jaisalmer, is a feast for the senses. Filled with intricately latticed, beautifully preserved 19th century havelis, it is best known for its impressive fort, standing 80 metres above the city. (B)

DAY 7: Jaisalmer.

This morning, enjoy a tour of Jaisalmer's fort, built in the 12th century and where a fourth of the city's population now lives. This afternoon brings a highlight of your trip - an excursion to Sam Sand Dunes. Enjoy a short camel ride over the dunes as the sun dips behind the horizon, casting a radiant glow over the desert. (B)

DAY 8: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur.

Set in the sand dunes of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur's mesmerising old city is ringed by a 10-kilometre, eight-gated wall outside of which the new city stands. Brimming with enchanting palaces, temples, havelis and a beautiful fort, this imperious city exudes grandeur and warm hospitality. (B)

DAY 9: Jodhpur.

Look forward to an absorbing morning at Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort. Marvel at its grand palaces and admire the splendid Jaswant Singh II memorial - beautifully constructed from thin marble sheets to let sunlight filter in. In the afternoon, experience a jeep safari to visit the local Bishnoi tribes of the desert - communities of nature lovers protecting endangered plant and tree species and prohibiting poachers from killing animals. (B)

DAY 10: Jodhpur - Udaipur.

This morning travel to Udaipur, visiting the spectacular Jain temples at Ranakpur en route. Known as the 'City of Lakes', Udaipur is built around three lakes and is made up from a maze of narrow lanes, exquisite palaces, pavilions and gardens. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

DAY 11: Udaipur.

Marvel at Udaipur's mirage-like beauty on a tour of its City Palace and Museum, comprising of a series of enchanting palaces overlooking Lake Pichola. Later, admire the Jagdish Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the ornamental gardens of Sahelion ki Bari. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola (subject to water levels). (B)

DAY 12: Udaipur - Bijaynagar.

Journey to the small town of Bijaynagar; where the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of your hotel. (B)

DAY 13: Bijaynagar - Pushkar - Jaipur.

Today travel to Pushkar. Once a mighty Mughal residence, this holy city is famed for its colourful camel and cattle fair and is home to 400 temples and ghats. This morning is dedicated to Pushkar's 14th century Brahma temple - the only one in India - a vision of white, rising from the banks of the sacred Pushkar Lake, and unbelievably beautiful in the early morning or evening light. Afterwards travel to Jaipur, Rajasthan's quintessential royal city. (B)

DAY 14: Jaipur.

Following a photo opportunity at the intriguing red sandstone Hawa Mahal, the 'Palace of the Winds', arrive at the legendary Amber Fort, known as the 'Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan'. This fortress-palace has a sombre exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including a stupendous Chamber of Mirrors and alabaster Hall of Victory. Later enjoy the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons and costumes, followed by a visit to the Jantar Mantar Observatory and explore the bustling markets of the old city. (B)

DAY 15: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra.

An early morning departure for Agra, stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned city. Tour the elegant courtyards, sandstone palaces and victory gate of this ghostly place, deserted when the water ran out. In Agra, look forward to another highlight - your late afternoon visit to the Taj Mahal. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, this remarkable edifice was commissioned by Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Taking 22 years to build and completed in 1653, its breathtaking marble-inlaid interiors are a shrine to the emperor's passion and contain both his and his beloved's mausoleum. (B)

DAY 16: Agra - Gurgaon.

After breakfast, visit Itmad-ud-Daulah tomb, built in pure marble with its walls etched by translucent stones. Continue to Agra Fort, a colossal redstone monument stretching for 2.5 kilometres. Admire its forbidding battlements and spectacular Mughal palace with its chambers and room of mirrors. This afternoon, leave for Gurgaon (near Delhi). (B)

DAY 17: Delhi - Chennai.

After breakfast, transfer to Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport for your flight to Chennai. Upon arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. The capital of the south eastern state of Tamil Nadu, this beautiful city on the Bay of Bengal was formerly known as Madras and has grown from a small fishing village into India's fourth largest metropolis. (B)

DAY 18: Chennai - Mahabalipuram.

This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour, visiting Fort St George, San Thome Cathedral, the National Art Gallery and the Government Museum. Next, travel to Dakshinachitra - a unique heritage centre for the living traditions of art, craft and architecture of India. Afterwards journey to Mahabalipuram, once the main port of the Pallava Kingdom and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient city showcases some of India's finest rock-cut art and architecture. (B)

DAY 19: Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram.

Today's sightseeing begins with a visit to Kanchipuram. Featuring more than a hundred shrines, the Kanchipuram sky line features a stunning cluster of temple gopurams (ornate towers marking temple entrances). The city is also famous for its silk industry, with weavers making luxurious saris following designs which are hundreds of years old. Back in Mahabalipuram visit the Five Rathas, a monolithic temple complex, each carved from a single piece of pink granite. Next you will see Arjuna's Penance - one of the largest open-air rock canvases in the world; and Krishna's Butterball, a puzzling geological wonder. Your visit to this remarkable site concludes with the Shore temple, comprising two Shiva temples and a carving of Anantasayana Vishnu. (B)

DAY 20: Mahabalipuram - Kumbakonam.

Depart this morning for Kumbakonam, a holy city renowned for its many temples, art, brassware and handloom saris, stopping for lunch enroute. This afternoon visit Darasuram, famous for its Temple of Airavateshvara, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dedicated to the Lord Shiva and a well preserved example of 12th century Chola architecture. (B, L)

DAY 21: Kumbakonam - Karaikudi.

Today journey to Karaikudi, the capital of the Chettinad region - well known for its cuisine, elaborate mansions and temples. Here you will have an included lunch at the much-revered Bangala, sampling the celebrated Chettinad cuisine. Later, learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Chettiar community on a visit to a tile making centre where patterned tiles are manufactured by a unique process. Also visit a sari weaving centre, where traditional hand looms are used to weave myriad coloured threads into metres of cotton sari fabric. Tonight you will experience real old colonial charm as your overnight is at The Bangala. (B, L, D)

DAY 22: Karaikudi - Madurai.

Travel to Madurai, which at 2500 years old, is one of south India's oldest towns. Visit the Thirumalanayak Museum, before getting a glimpse of Madurai's devout religious culture on a visit to the atmospheric Meenakshi Temple at prayer time. (B)

DAY 23: Madurai - Periyar National Park.

This morning drive to Periyar with the rest of the day at leisure. High in Kerala's Western Ghats this magnificent reserve boasts wooded hills, a picturesque lake and a cool climate, creating perfect conditions for exotic wildlife, including elephants, deer, boar, kingfishers and the elusive tiger, of which there are thought to be around 40 living in the park. (B)

DAY 24: Periyar National Park.

Visit a spice plantation, where you will learn more about the pepper and cardamom which famously grows in this area, as well as a host of other spices. The afternoon is yours to further explore Periyar. You may wish to walk through the lush green forest and search for wildlife or take a boat ride on Periyar Lake. Thekkady town is a short walk from your hotel and is brimming with locally run spice shops. In the evening, watch a thrilling Kalari Payatyu (local martial arts performance). Note: Optional activities are bookable and payable locally and subject to availability. (B)

DAY 25: Periyar National Park - Kumarakom. Backwater Houseboat cruise.

Head to Kumarakom this morning and board your houseboat for a cruise along the still backwaters. You'll pass a mosaic of palm plantations and local people swimming and washing their laundry on the riverbanks, giving you an enthralling insight into hidden Kerala. Overnight stay on Lake Vembanad. Note: Due to space restrictions, please plan to pack a small overnight bag for the houseboat stay. (B, L, D)

DAY 26: Backwater Houseboat cruise - Kochi.

Say goodbye to your houseboat this morning at Alleppey and drive to Kochi (Cochin), a hugely important spice trading port since the 14th century, and now a cosmopolitan business centre. This afternoon, see the city's Portuguese-built Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and St Francis Church, which holds the palm-leafed title deed that the Raja handed to the occupying Portuguese in 1503. Also, marvel at the intricate beauty and rhythm of Kochi's legendary Chinese Fishing Nets, unique to this part of Kerala. In the evening, enjoy a spectacular show of Keralan classic dance. (B)

DAY 27: Kochi - Ooty.

This morning we head to Ooty. Known as the 'Queen of Hill Stations', Ooty nestles in the slopes of the picturesque Nilgiri mountains and is encircled by lush vegetation and sweeping valleys. (B)

DAY 28: Ooty.

Today, board a miniature, narrow gauge 'toy train' for a wonderfully evocative journey meandering through green hills to Connoor, returning by road. This afternoon, soak up the delights of Ooty's famous Botanical Gardens with their exotic flora and fauna, and the 20 million year old fossilised tree trunk. Also visit the St Stephen Church. (B)

DAY 29: Ooty - Mysore.

This morning, drive to Mysore. Charming and peaceful, this historic town has hardly been touched by modernity and overflows with magnificent palaces, decorative gardens and sacred temples. This afternoon’s sightseeing takes you on a drive past Mysore’s colonial buildings to the stunning Mysore Palace. The former residence of the Wodeyar rulers, the palace is a fine example of the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. From there travel to Chamundi Hill, the site of a summer palace complex housing an ancient temple and the Nandi, a giant depiction of a sacred bull carved from a single boulder. (B)

DAY 30: Mysore - Bengaluru.

Today brings a visit to Srirangapatnam, a fortress built on a long island on the Cauvery River. Inside the fortress walls, visit the mosque and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, the summer palace of Tipu Sultan, the legendary 18th century ruler. In the afternoon, travel to Bengaluru for an overnight stay. (B)

DAY 31: Bengaluru - UK.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in a delightful beach resort in Goa. (B)

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