Description

Experience the real India on this comfortable introduction to the cultures of north India and the lush beauty of southern India. Travelling from Delhi in the north to Trivandrum in the south, discover everything that India has to offer. The highlights and hidden jewels are revealed against a backdrop of green on a Kerala tour and in the vibrant towns of Rajasthan. Visit India's flamboyant major cities and the quiet repose of tiny fishing villages, along with tea gardens, tribal homes and colonial enclaves. Discover the culinary delights of each region and stay in colourful hotels, heritage accommodation and even a palace!

Highlights

• Spot exotic creatures on a safari in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Witness traditional dance performances in Kochi.
• Unwind at the Kovalam Beach.
• Cruise the waterways of Kerala.
• Visit India's sacred sites in holy Varanasi.
• Visit India's splendid palaces at Jaipur.
• Discover the delights of bustling Delhi.
• Admire Khajuraho's erotic temple carvings.
• See the dazzling Taj Mahal of Agra and its majestic Red Fort.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Delhi

Visit India's capital Delhi and explore the labyrinthine streets and savour the fragrant aromas of the spice market.

Days 3-4 Jaipur

Jaipur was designed by royalty and has delighted visitors for centuries with its pink-hued buildings, wonderful bazaars and rainbow of bright colours dancing along hectic streets.

Day 5 Agra

Famed for the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, Agra is a city with a fascinating history and is rich in Mughal heritage, lush gardens and exquisite buildings and temples.

Days 6-7 Orchha

Meaning 'hidden', Orchha is a small village with a grand history and is covered with 16th-century temples and buildings still standing proud.

Day 8 Khajuraho

Khajuraho is a small, friendly city that is best known for its Hindu and Jain temples that are adorned with erotic carvings depicting the Kama Sutra.

Days 9-10 Varanasi

Varanasi, with its twisting alleys and colourful inhabitants, is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and a place that has been held sacred since its inception.

Day 11 Delhi

Delhi has been an important city in India for well over 2000 years, and its cultural richness and diversity radiates from every corner.

Days 12-13 Chennai

Jet into India’s fourth largest city, Chennai. The site of the East India Company’s first settlement, the city is full of interesting historic buildings – such as Fort St George – that are ripe for exploration.

Day 14 Mamallapuram

Watch fishermen at work in the gorgeous fishing village of Mamallapuram. Visit stunning Shore Temple, and marvel its numerous mandapams - intricately carved pillars.

Day 15 Pondicherry

Travel to Pondicherry and relish the charming French atmosphere. Visit local temples, Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the French Quarter on a walking tour.

Days 16-17 Madurai

Wander through the bazaars and ancient temple complexes of Madurai. Witness fascinating rituals within the shrines of historic Sri Meenakshi Temple.

Days 18-19 Munnar

Tea plantations, pristine valleys, winding lanes and villages make Munnar a pleasure to visit.

Days 20-21 Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Periyar is an area of Kerala famed for its spice plantations and wildlife sanctuary, which is home to tigers and elephants, among other creatures, and beautiful scenery.

Day 22 Alleppey/Kerala Backwaters

With numerous canals linking the countryside and being the gateway to the gorgeous Kerala backwaters, life in Alleppey centres around the water.

Days 23-24 Kochi

View the glorious murals of Mattancherry Palace and enjoy a traditional Keralan dance performance.

Days 25-26 Trivandrum/Kovalam Beach

Incredibly, the history of Trivandrum (now Thiruvananthapuram) dates back to 1000BC, and its lovely coastline and quaint town centre are fascinating places to explore. With three lovely beaches, Kovalam is a little slice of Indian paradise with coconut trees swaying in the breeze and cerulean waters lapping the shores.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Heritage Property, Hotel

Transport

Auto rickshaw, Boat, Cycle rickshaw, Metro, Plane, Private vehicle, Train

Important notes

1. The internal flight from Delhi to Chennai is NOT included. Please see important notes for details. 2. A single supplement is available on this trip. See under the Single Traveller section of your Trip Notes for more information. 3. An airport arrival transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking.