Premium North & South India - 23 Days

Namaste! Welcome to India! When you arrive at Delhi Airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Until then, you can explore this exciting capital city at your own pace. Filled with historical landmarks, museums, galleries and endless bazaars, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. After your meeting, head out for dinner at one of Delhi’s oldest restaurants. Having opened its doors more than 80 years ago, the iconic restaurant is credited with introducing India to ice cream and fine dining.

To get your bearings of Old Delhi, start today with a leader-led tour of the most ancient part of the city. Your leader will help you navigate the metro system so you can then explore the impressive Mughal architecture on foot. It’s not Delhi without a traffic jam, so hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandi Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, before heading into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara to observe the capital’s spiritual side. You have a free evening ahead to relax and recharge. Tap into your leader’s local expertise for food and activity recommendations that match your mood.

Journey to Jaipur – the capital of Rajasthan. When you arrive, you’ll head to your Feature Stay at the Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. This heritage hotel, managed by the same family since its opening in 1928, has the charm of a traditional family home with regal touches at every turn – think chandeliers, stained-glass windows and peacocks roaming the grounds. Later, join your leader on a walking tour in one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in India as you stop by bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art and the local specialty of semi-precious stones. End the evening with a home-cooked dinner in the home of a local family and make the most of your time with your hosts, learning about their way of life.

After breakfast, take a guided tour of the iconic Amber Fort, learning stories of a fallen empire as you explore ornate rooms, murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Head to the City Palace in the heart of the Pink City – constructed by Jaipur’s founder in a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. This afternoon is free to spend as you wish. Maybe visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory – one of the world’s most accurate pre-modern observatories – or float over the city in a hot air balloon. This evening, join your group for an Exclusive Experience at Kishore Niwas – a sixth-generation haveli with deep ties to Jaipur’s royal past. Your hosts will share personal stories and family traditions as you sip heritage liqueurs on the rooftop while the city glows below. After, you’ll probably want to sample some Rajasthani street food, like pyaaz kachori (a crispy pastry filled with spiced onion).

Today, you’ll head to Agra. After a scenic drive, settle into your new hotel before visiting India’s most iconic landmark – the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A tribute to his belated wife, Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this famous monument in 1632 to house her remains. Your local guide will tell you its history as you stroll the grounds at sunset. For dinner tonight, your leader can recommend a great local spot to try the best curries.

This morning, you’ll visit Agra Fort – the seat of the Mughal Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The present structure was built by Akbar as the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. After, you’ll head off to Lucknow – the capital of India’s largest region, Uttar Pradesh. When you arrive, your leader will guide the group on an afternoon walk to help you get your bearings. This evening, head out for dinner at a restaurant that supports and empowers acid attack survivors. These courageous women, once too scared to leave their homes due to the physical and emotional scars of their attacks, have found refuge and a source of income through their work at the cafe.

Seize the day with a morning tour of Lucknow, where your leader will show you some of the city’s best spots. This might include a stop at the intricate Bara Imambara – a hall built in 1784 for Shia Muslims. Its labyrinthine layout of narrow passages and staircases is best navigated with the help of a knowledgeable local. If you were impressed by Lucknow’s cuisine last night, you’ll be delighted with this afternoon’s cooking class. Discover the culinary secrets of Lucknowites, gaining skills that you can hopefully put to good use at home!

Wake up early today for a unique slice of Indian life aboard an air-conditioned train. With more than 21 million people travelling by train across India each day, the rail network is one of the busiest in the world, so you can expect a lively and bustling atmosphere. Although you will have your breakfast packed with you, don’t miss out on an opportunity to interact with the local vendors who board the train at various stops to sell snacks and Indian Chai tea. The ride to Varanasi offers a unique glimpse of the countryside from the comfort of your seat. When you’ve checked into your hotel, join the group for a walking tour of the city widely known as India’s spiritual capital. In the evening, set sail on a sunset cruise on the Ganges. You’ll be joined by local musicians on board, who will play as you watch the flower and candle ceremony – an experience that will surely stay with you long after your time in India is over.

Early risers, this one’s for you – embark on a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, where your leader will explain the significance of India’s most sacred river while gliding past the many ghats and temples on its banks. After, hop into an e-rickshaw, saying ‘Namaste’ to your female driver from Holy City Rickshaws, and weave through the bustling streets of Banaras. Stop at iconic eateries and street food stalls to try chaat, crispy samosas, golden jalebis, refreshing lassi and sweet, aromatic chai served in earthen cups – you’ll quickly understand why Banaras is known as the ‘city of breakfasts’. This afternoon, visit Sarnath – one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations and where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon on the path to enlightenment. The site features several stupas and museums to explore. 

It’s the penultimate day today and time to return to Delhi. When you land, the afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. There are plenty of sites you may have missed the first time around, like Humayun’s Tomb – a garden tomb dating back to 1570 – or Qutb Minar, the highest tower in India. Your leader can help you book any activities you wish to do before your final group dinner. You’ll head to a beautiful haveli dating back to 1887. Tuck into a feast of Mughlai cuisine, street food dishes and kebabs in a historical setting – the perfect finale to your Indian adventure.

This morning, take a flight to Chennai, India’s cultural heart and fourth-largest city, to begin the second half of your trip. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel when you arrive. Meet your new group and trip leader at a second group meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you may like to visit the market stalls of the Georgetown Bazaar. After your meeting, join your group for a welcome dinner at Chennai’s first chain restaurant, serving an iconic array of south Indian vegetarian dishes like idly, dosa and poori.

This morning, leave the city behind and drive along the scenic East Coast Road to the fishing town of Mamallapuram. Visit the 8th-century Shore Temple and its mandapams (carved pillars) and watch locals pay their respects to Shiva. Later, continue to Puducherry. A French colony until 1954, the old parts of town retain a distinctly European feel, with leafy boulevards lined with houses and boutiques. When you arrive, the evening is free to explore. Puducherry has a varied food scene with Indian and classic French influences, so ask your leader where to grab dinner.

This morning is free, then head out for a walking tour with your leader to see local temples and the French Quarter. Stroll past mustard-coloured buildings draped with vibrant bougainvillea as your leader shares stories of the revolutionaries, generals and kings who once walked these streets. Stop by the pastel pink Church of Notre Dame, then at a cafe in White Town to try local snacks, then enjoy a free evening to explore at your own pace.

Continue to Madurai today, with plenty of chai stops along the way. Arrive in the late afternoon and head out on a short orientation walk to get acquainted with one of India’s oldest cities. When you’ve got your bearings, join your leader on a tour of the city’s Tamil cuisine. Madurai is bursting with street food stalls, family-owned restaurants and regional delicacies, and your leader will show you dishes that aren’t on the tourist menus. Taste mutton dosa or fish gravy as your leader shares stories of centuries-old recipes, then round out the night with Jigarthanda, Madurai’s celebrated dessert.

Continue your exploration of Madurai today. Your leader will guide you through the Tailor’s Market, local bazaars and Sri Meenakshi Temple. Still in use today, this ancient temple is a maze of lamp-lit corridors leading to shrines where traditional rituals take place. Next, visit the National Gandhi Museum, dedicated to the life and achievements of India’s independence leader, then stop by the 17th-century Thirumalai Nayak Palace. This evening, immerse yourself in Tamil culture during a visit to a local family for a traditional home-cooked dinner featuring dishes like chettinad chicken, egg paratha and vegetable korma.

Make your way to the countryside town of Thekkady today, driving past pineapple and rubber plantations. Thekkady is the gateway to Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, sitting high in the Western Ghats. Stop at a spice plantation, where a local expert will help you taste, smell and learn about the spices that colour and flavour India’s cuisine. Put your new knowledge to good use during a flavoursome lunch made with spices from the plantation. The evening is yours to enjoy in Thekkady – maybe wander the spice and tea shops or relax by the palm-fringed pool at your resort.

This morning, take a guided nature walk in the acclaimed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Your expert guide will help you look for tiger tracks, spotted deer, Indian elephants and gaur – the world’s largest buffalo species. You’re most likely to encounter bonnet macaques and the Malabar giant squirrel, a species native to India. You’ll have some free time before unwinding with a traditional Keralite Ayurvedic massage, learning the fundamentals of Ayurveda – this ancient holistic healing method restores harmony between mind and body through natural therapies and herbal oils. In the evening, attend a demonstration of kalarippayattu at the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre. Originating in Kerala, it’s believed to be India’s oldest surviving martial art and the high-energy fighters are a thrilling sight.

This morning, drive north to Munnar – an old British hill station sitting in the surrounding valley. At 1525 m (5003 ft) above sea level, there’s likely to be a dramatic drop in temperature. When you arrive, tour a tea plantation, where a resident expert will guide you through the tea-making process. Follow narrow pathways, see workers picking the best leaves, learn how the leaves become one of the world’s most popular beverages and sample different varieties. There may be an opportunity to visit the tea museum, though opening hours are irregular and cannot be guaranteed. This evening, relax at your mountain resort.

This morning, take a guided walk around the lush hills of Munnar, often shrouded in clouds. Have your camera ready as the landscape unfolds in front of you. In the afternoon, journey to the scenic Mattupetty Dam, where you’ll find a man-made lake and spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. Here, you can take an optional motorboat ride around the lake. After some time to appreciate the scenery, return to Munnar for a free evening.

Drive to Kerala’s backwaters this morning and discover Alleppey’s palm-shaded waterways. Once a trading port, the town is now famed for its snake boat races. The backwaters were once busy with kettuvallams – wooden boats used to transport rice and spices. Today, these traditional vessels have been transformed into houseboats, allowing you to explore the lagoons in total comfort during your Feature Stay. Conversions use natural materials, with bamboo roofing, coir flooring and beds crafted from coconut-tree wood. These floating cottages include western toilets, private bedrooms, a dining area and an open deck where you can watch rural Kerala drift by.

Enjoy a peaceful morning on the Kerala waters before driving to Kochi in the afternoon. Cochin, as it was formerly known, is spread over several islands and is a melting pot of Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and British influences. Join your leader on an orientation walk to see how these influences appear in the city’s architecture, restaurants and daily life. Later, take time to enjoy the city – maybe head to Princess Street for a coffee. Tonight, watch a Kathakali dance performance, a classical Indian dance from Kerala combining symbolic storytelling and physical technique.

Today, take a tuk-tuk sightseeing tour of Fort Kochi. Wander antique shops and spice bazaars as your leader shows you how to haggle. Stop by the famous Chinese fishing nets, then visit Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese and later claimed by the Dutch. Continue to the Paradesi Synagogue, India’s oldest existing Jewish synagogue, then try sweets at Shantilal S. Mithaiwala, open since 1953. In the early evening, meet an Ayurvedic doctor, learn about Satvik Bhojan – the Ayurvedic diet – and join a cooking demonstration followed by dinner using the methods and recipes discussed. Kerala is widely regarded as the heartland of Ayurveda, where this ancient healing tradition has been practised and preserved for centuries.

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay in India, speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation or transfers.