From Cultural North to Sizzling South
Itinerary
- Itinerary:Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Agra - Delhi - Cochin - Periyar - Backwaters - Kovalam
- Duration:15 days / 14 nights (flexible)
- Price:From £ 2,859.- per person (excluding flights)
Days 1-4 – Authentic starter pack
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 one night in Central Delhi before driving on to the Pink City of Jaipur, crammed with fairy-tale palaces, historic splendour and heaving bazaars stuffed with beautiful textiles. Your driver will then transfer you to Sawai Madhopur the starting point of your trip to Ranthambore. The journey takes about 5 hours.
Days 4-6 – Tigers and turrets
Search for wild tigers in a tropical jungle scattered with crumbling forts and nostalgic hideouts made for Maharajas. Ranthambore National Park is one of the best places to see wild tigers in the world. Race across untamed jungle in the twilight, keeping your eyes peeled for tigers, wild boar, sloth bears and Indian gazelles. It’s a place packed with atmosphere and natural beauty.
Days 6-7 – Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
Visit mystical monkey temples and ghost cities en route to sunrise at the Taj Mahal. A real wonder of the world, it’s a building that will take your breath away. India’s Golden Triangle is the stuff of legend, with the ethereal Taj Mahal at its pinnacle. This trip will take you from Ranthambore National Park to Agra, where you’ll watch dawn break over the Taj Mahal. You’ll then be transferred back to Delhi which will take about 4 hours (depending on traffic!)
Days 7-8 – Delhi
You’ll spend one more night in Delhi before heading over to South of India. It’s a good time to wander around the old town, try some exciting street food and test your haggling skills at one of the markets. The next morning you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport in time for your domestic flight to Cochin in Kerala.
Days 8-10 – Classical dance in Cochin
You’ll stay in the colonial home of a local family in the historic Fort Cochin district (we can arrange a hotel instead if you’d prefer). The next day, your driver will take you around the sights of Cochin. You can visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue in the heart of the Jewish district, and the Saint Francis Church (the oldest European church in India). In the afternoon, we’ve arranged a Kathakali dance class for you.
Days 10-13 – Backwaters and wildlife
Sleep aboard a wooden houseboat as you drift through tropical backwaters and spot wild elephant in the untamed jungle of exotic Kerala. Trek into the forest to scout for sambar deer, wild boar and maybe even a mongoose or two. Kerala is India’s exotic, emerald heart, packed with lush scenery and a tangle over overgrown backwaters. During this trip, you’ll travel from Fort Cochin into Periyar National Park, where you’ll set off on a walking safari through the jungle. Next, you’ll spend a night aboard a classic Kerala houseboat, drifting through the tiny canals under starry skies.
Days 13-15 – Relax on palm-fringed shores
Marari is the place for an authentic beach break in India. It’s 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. Pure bliss!
Sadly, the time has come to wave India goodbye. You’ll be transferred to the airport where you’ll board your international flight home.
