India in 2 weeks
Itinerary
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. Take time to relax and recover after your flight or step out and explore your local surroundings.
Day 2 – Delhi to Jaipur – the Pink City
Delhi can be quite a shock to the system when you first arrive in India, so this 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.
Day 3 – Explore Jaipur
Today you’ll take a private guided tour of this remarkable city, visiting the City Palace, the Observatory and the fairy-tale Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal). You will also visit Amber Fort. This ancient citadel made of red sandstone and white marble is perched high on a hilltop overlooking the rocky hills around Jaipur. One of the fort’s highlights is the mirror palace, covered with an intricate mosaic made up of thousands of tiny mirrors.
If you’re feeling active, or want to spend another day in Jaipur, we can arrange a guided bike tour through the narrow streets, stopping for a traditional meal with a local family. Or if you love Indian food and want to try your hand at cooking a traditional meal, we can book an authentic, hands-on cooking class in the home of a local lady. Ask your Travel Specialist for more details.
Do you want to see tigers in the wild?
Would you like the opportunity to spot tigers in the wild? We can add a two night visit to India’s famous Ranthambore National Park here – between Jaipur and Agra. Ranthambore is one of the most scenic national parks in northern India and one of the best places in the world to spot tigers in the wild. You’ll stay in a small scale hotel just outside the park, and we’ll include two jeep safaris. Ask your Travel Specialist to include Ranthambore in your travel plan.
Day 4 – Travel to Agra
Time to leave Jaipur for Agra – home of the iconic Taj Mahal. It’s a 5-hour journey but along the way there are a few interesting sights to stop and visit. The monkey temple at Galta is a pilgrimage site that attracts flocks of brightly-robed devotees every day. People bathe and sing on the steps of the ghats that lead down into the pools. You can also make a stop at Fatehpur Sikri – a former Mughal capital, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On arrival in Agra you’ll be warmly welcomed into the cosy homestay which is your base for the next two nights. We’ve found a handful of wonderful, small, family owned homestays that are less than 10 minutes stroll from the Taj Mahal.
Day 5 – Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
The iconic 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, you’ll spend time exploring some of Agra’s (other) historic monuments with a local 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. From here you’ll catch a picture-perfect view of the Taj Mahal across the river, especially at sunset when the marble glows softly in the fading light.
Day 6 – Overnight in Delhi
Today you’ll head back to Delhi – just for the 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. You’ll travel like the locals, taking the metro, an auto-rickshaw and a cycle-rickshaw. This way, you’ll get to know the real Delhi. If this sounds appealing just ask your Travel Specialist to include the tour in your travel plan.
Day 7 – Fly to Cochin in the south
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.
On arrival you’ll be met by your new driver and transferred to a colonial style, boutique hotel in the historic Fort Kochi district. From your hotel it’s easy to stroll down to the sea, and to the famous Chinese fishing nets and there are plenty of places to eat within walking distance.
Day 8 – Discover Cochin by tuk-tuk
Today, we will 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. You’ll see a mix of colonial influences and modern developments as you pass by iconic landmarks such as the Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, and the bustling spice markets. The rest of your day is free for you to explore independently
Alternative experiences in Cochin
There are so many things to see and do in Cochin – you could easily spend a week based in this charming town. Cochin is the home of Keralan dancing and we can arrange a two hour dance class if you want to experience classic Kathakali dancing first-hand. Or, if you’re a foodie and want to try your hand at cooking Keralan cuisine we can organise a hands-on cooking class in a local home. Ask your Travel Specialist for more details.
Day 9 – Travel to Periyar National Park
Time to leave the coast behind and travel inland to Thekkady, the base for exploring Periyar National Park. You will be staying in a cosy guesthouse and the rest of today is free to spend as you wish. Your accommodation is within walking distance of small shops (mainly selling spices) and places to eat. If you would like to do something more active, we can arrange bamboo rafting on Periyar Lake. Spot wildlife on the shore as you paddle through the water.
Day 10 – Wildlife spotting and cooking class
Today you will head on a trekking tour in Periyar National Park. This expansive protected park is home to several species of deer, Indian bison, wild boar, langur monkeys and an abundance of birds and reptiles. But it’s best known for its wild elephants. Periyar is also an important tiger habitat and the population is gradually growing here, although you’ll be very lucky to spot one. 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 tiger pug marks and wild elephants grazing in the tall grass.
In the evening, you will be introduced to the spicy cuisine of Kerala during a cooking workshop at a local Thekkady restaurant. The restaurant’s experienced chef demonstrates how to prepare a traditional Keralan dish, explains the important spices and local ingredients he uses and shares his tips. Once the dishes are prepared, it’s time to sit down and enjoy dinner.
Day 11 – Explore the Keralan backwaters by houseboat
This morning you’ll depart the hills and head to Alleppey, which is 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. You’ll see the local people go about their daily work, women in colourful saris washing their laundry, fishermen waiting patiently with their nets and children playing in the water and waving from the banks. Full board is included on the boat and the crew will conjure up delicious Indian dishes for you. Tonight you’ll sleep aboard your houseboat, moored alongside the river bank.
Just like hotels, houseboats come in different styles and comfort levels. We’ve selected an affordable but charming boat with all the necessary comforts (your cabin has an en-suite bathroom with a hot water shower). But if you’d like a bit more space and luxury, then just let us know and your Travel Specialist will arrange an upgrade.
Optional: Homestay in the Keralan backwaters
If you have time, we would highly recommend adding on two nights in our specially selected Keralan homestay. This family-owned and operated property is set in secluded gardens leading down to the famous backwaters. It’s a wonderfully peaceful, friendly and welcoming place to spend a few days, and will offer a real insight into local life on the backwaters. Check out our Country life on the Backwaters bite-sized trip.
Days 12 & 13 – Marari: relax on palm-fringed shores
After disembarking your houseboat, your driver will be waiting to drive you to Marari – the final stop on your India holiday. Marari is a friendly fishing village, lined with palm trees and an idyllic and tranquil 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.
Day 14 – Depart India
Take a final stroll along the beach and a dip in the pool before your driver arrives to take you to Cochin airport (about one hour’s drive) in time for your homebound flight. If two nights on the beach isn’t long enough, just ask your Travel Specialist to add an additional night or two to your travel plan.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
India in 2 weeks including Ranthambore
Would you like the opportunity to spot tigers in the wild? We can add a two night visit to India’s famous Ranthambore National Park into the above itinerary, between Jaipur and Agra. Ranthambore is one of the most scenic national parks in northern India and one of the best places in the world to spot tigers in the wild. You’ll stay in a small scale hotel just outside the park, and we’ll include two jeep safaris. Click below to request this 17 day trip.
