Grand Tour of India from North to South

Overview

From the capital city of New Delhi to the sublime Taj Mahal in Agra , Ranthambore National Park, the Pink city of Jaipur, tea plantations in Munnar, a houseboat stay in the Backwaters, and the stunning beaches of Kerala, your grand tour of India takes in all the icons and off the beaten track gems.

Your 21 day tour of India begins in New Delhi, India’s capital with its tree lined avenues and bustling bazaar, from there you will travel to Agra to see the Red Fort and the iconic Taj Mahal, and in Jaipur immerse yourself in the forts and palaces of the Pink City. A peaceful stay in the lush jungle and Lotus filled lakes of the Ranthambore National park will include game drives and a bush walk. The park is renowned for its abundant wildlife including tigers, hyenas, wild dogs, deer and gazelles and many species of birds and reptiles. You will get off the beaten track and visit the sleepy rural village of Barli before heading for Udaipur the city of interconnecting lakes, where the Lake Palace appears to float on the water. In Kochi (Cochin) a centuries old trading port you will marvel at the palaces, spice warehouses, churches and synagogue influenced by Portuguese, Dutch and British who traded here. In Munnar the hills are covered in a dense carpet of tea, some of the highest tea plantations in the world. Here you can see the pickers at work and relax in the beautiful scenery and undulating hills. You’ll visit the spice plantations of Kerala and in Alappuzha, the hub of Kerala’s Backwaters, your houseboat stay will be one of the highlights of this amazing trip. Finally you will have chance to relax and enjoy the pristine beaches and warm Malabar sea of Kerala’s coast.

This tour starts from £5145 pp – please enquiry for prices for your travel dates and party size.

Wednesday 30 Jan - Arrival in Delhi

Established in 1,000 BC, Delhi has a rich history reflected in its many monuments and historical sites.In Old Delhi, which dates from the 1600s, stands the imposing Mughal-era Red Fort, a symbol of India, and the sprawling Jama Masjid mosque, whose courtyard accommodates 25,000 people. Nearby is Chandni Chowk, a vibrant bazaar filled with food carts, sweets shops and spice stalls.New Delhi is characterised by the wide tree lined boulevards of the colonial era and the gorgeous Sunder Nursery and Lodi Garden provide calm, flower-filled oases for picnicking.

On arrival, at Indira Ghandi Airport you will be greeted and assisted by your hosts’ representative and transferred to the hotel.

On arrival in hotel, check in (Rooms will be available from 1200 hrs)

In its 3000 years of existence; seven cities have risen where the present capital of India stands. Here you’ll encounter a fascinating blend of the ancient and the contemporary. Where government buildings, medieval palaces and bazaars exist beside a modern metropolis. Delhi is a city waiting to be explored.

Accommodation : The Imperial Hotel, Heritage Room

The Imperial is a luxury hotel located away from the city’s hustle and bustle, an oasis of calm and comfort, offering guests a peaceful atmosphere. The accommodation is elegant and spacious, with rooms and suites fitted with minibars, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi and ensuite bathrooms. Delicious dishes and drinks at several on-site restaurants and bars and there is a gym, spa and salon.

Meals – Breakfast

Thursday 31 Jan- From Delhi to Agra

After Breakfast at the hotel your guide will meet you for a guided tour of Old & New Delhi. You will explore the legacy of the Mughal Empire at the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid Mosque of Old Delhi before getting a feel for colonial India with the vast boulevards of New Delhi.

Visit the Raj Ghat on the banks of the river Yamuna is Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948. The memorial lies in the midst of landscaped gardens and made of a simple square platform of black marble inscribed with his last words “Hey Ram”. An eternal flame burns 24 hours.

Drive past Red Fort the 17th century imposing fortress built in red sandstone is surrounded by a huge 33m high boundary wall. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens.

Visit Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) made of red sandstone and white marble. It is India’s largest mosque where 25.000 people can kneel in prayer at one time. The interior of the prayer hall is divided into aisles by arches. The walls and floors are of exquisite marble inlay panels.

Then you will hop on a rickshaw and get around like a local immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the city.

You will see the India Gate also known as the Delhi Memorial, built in commemoration of the 80 000 Indian soldiers who died representing their country in World War One , and whose names are inscribed on the structure. Its distinctive arch is reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and is one of the trademark sights of New Delhi. Rashtrapati Bhavan is the presidential residence designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. The H shaped building covers an area of about 5 acres on a 330-acre estate.

The Unesco Wold hERITAGE site of Qutub Minar is a minaret intricately carved with inscriptions and seen as the earliest and best example of a fusion of Hindu-Muslim traditions. With the height of 72.5 metres Qutub Minar is the second tallest monument of Delhi.

Humayuns Tomb, another Unesco sight, was built in 1570, and is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, including the Taj Mahal.

After a very busy day relax at the hotel

Accommodation: The Imperial Hotel, Heritage Room

Meals : Breakfast

Thursday 1 Feb - Train from Delhi to Agra

After breakfast you will be transferred to the train station for your journey to Agra.The new Gatimaan Express can cover the trip in just 1 hour and 40 minutes, and has the accolade of India’s fastest train.

Most famous as the home of the Taj Mahal, Agra is set on a bend in the sacred Yamuna River and has held a strategic defensive position throughout its history. Both the Taj and the highly impressive city fort overlook the river, as do a number of significant tombs and mausoleums from the Mughal period. The Taj is the undoubted highlight, a magnificent structure that easily lives up to its exalted reputation.

Check-in at the hotel and unwind, and then in the afternoon your guide will take you to visit Red Fort of Agra, this walled imperial city was founded in 1565 by the Emperor Akbar and is a well-deserving UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Taj Mahal is considered the pinnacle of Mughal art in India, built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. When declaring it a world heritage site, UNESCO described it as “the jewel of Muslim art in India”. Marvel as light and colours transform this stunning monument in the soft twilight or in the beautiful dawn glow.

Your hotel is just a short walk from the entrance to the Taj Mahal gate.

Having visited the Taj Mahal, learn more about the love story of Emperor Shajahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal in the Mohabbat The Taj show. Taking place in the Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Centre, in comfortable Silver Class seating, you will be transported by this romantic story performed by over 80 talented singers and dancers.

During the performance, lasting an hour and a half, this story of the Mughal Empire is brought to life in a colourful spectacle of lights and music.

Accommodation: Ekaa Villa, Grand King Room

Ekaa Villa is ideally located in Agra just a few minutes walk from the Taj Mahal.

This stylish boutique hotel is family run and you can expect a very warm welcome. The hotel was designed to reflect the city of the Taj — from the rooms where you will find hints of the delicate inlay work, to the kitchen serving food inspired by the homes of Agra, Ekaa is all about the city it inhabits.

Each of the 13 beautifully curated rooms offers a glimpse to the city where millions come every year to admire the icon each is equipped with air-conditioning, TV and ensuite bathrooms. There is an on-site restaurant and an outdoor patio and terrace where guests can relax and unwind.

Meals : Breakfast

Friday 2 Feb -Ranthambore National Park

After Breakfast you will begin your drive to Ranthambore National Park.

You’ll arrive in the early afternoon and have lunch at Khem Villas.

The park was one of the first to be included in Project Tiger, an Indian-government-run initiative to conserve this critically endangered species and now supports a healthy population of tigers as well as leopards, hyena, wild dogs and jungle cats, sambar and spotted deer, Indian gazelles and blue bulls. A multitude of bird species, wildfowl, crocodiles and tortoises are also present and your best chance of spotting one is when you go out on a game drive. Morning drives set off in the cool dawn before sunrise, you’ll head back to the lodge for breakfast and to relax before you go out again in the afternoon.

Accommodation : Khem Villas, Standard Room

A very welcoming property with a strong environmental ethos, sustainability is at the heart of the property which has been built using locally sourced materials. Its wildlife friendly location makes it a great spot for nature enthusiasts and there is the opportunity for guided bush walks.

Meals: Breakfast

Saturday 3 Feb -Game drives in the park

Today you will be up bright and early for morning game drive in Ranthambhore National park, breakfast and lunch will be served at the lodge and you will have time to relax and take in the wonderful views before heading out a gain in the afternoon.

You will be back in time for a sundowner at the bar and dinner of freshly prepared local dishes.

Accommodation: Khem Villas Standard Room

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sunday 4 Feb -Journey to The Pink City

In the morning you will take a shared game drive in the National Park and after Breakfast and check out you will begin your journey to Jaipur, around 3 hours drive.

Translated from Hindi, Rajasthan means ‘the land of kings’, and its capital, Jaipur, is defined by royalty. The 18th-century Maharaja Jai Singh designed the city to meet his every whim, with royal palaces, gardens and pavilions taking up almost a quarter of its footprint. Streets were designed as parade routes and a busy craft bazaar flourished, selling wares almost exclusively to decorate royal buildings.

Jaipur has retained its flair for royal celebration: the entire city was painted pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales (it was refreshed to celebrate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II and, later, Diana, Princess of Wales.) Today, Jaipur’s prolific royal architecture is fiercely protected. It’s worth slipping into the side streets too: you’ll find the artisans, traders and shopkeepers who keep the city ticking.

In the afternoon and evening relax and unwind, take part in a traditional Indian cooking class with your hosts and learn about the mysteries and secrets of Indian Cooking

Accommodation: Dera Mandawa Hotel, Suite

Combining the warm hospitality of a homestay with the comfort of a small boutique hotel, Dera Mandawa is a charming family run heritage haveli which not only offers a fantastic base for exploring the highlights of Jaipur but also a wonderful opportunity to participate and learn the age old traditions of Rajasthan from your charming hosts.

Meals: Breakfast

Monday 5 Feb -Guided tour of Jaipur

After breakfast, enjoy the full day visit of Jaipur City

Visit the Amber Fort, was built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, is one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. It gives extensive views over a deep narrow valley and the wider plains beyond. The Fort was completed in the early 18th century; it was once, the capital of the Mina tribes, believed to be the original inhabitants of this region. The fort, sprawled along the Maotha Lake, boasts of a massive complex gateways, courts, stairways and pillared pavilions, and palaces that recall the glory and wealth of Amber’s association with the Mughals

Visit the palace of wind (Hawa Mahal) with 953 windows and niches, which were made so that ladies of royal family could see the procession and events in the city without being visible to the people.

Every surface of Jaipur’s 18th-century City Palace is adorned with carvings, silverwork or opulent textiles. The majority of the decoration was created in Jaipur’s Old Bazaars, and similar pieces of work are still made there today, the traditional techniques unchanged. If you Delve into some of the oldest streets of Jaipur with your guide you can see the craftsmen at work. Zardozi embroidery, intricate designs created with gold and silver thread, is a particular speciality of the region.

The Royal Observatory of Jantar Mantar houses the most significant and best preserved set of fixed monumental instruments built in India in the 18th century; some of them are the largest ever built, constructed with stone and marble each still gives an accurate reading.

Free time for shopping in the evening

Accommodation: Dera Mandawa Hotel,Suite

Meals: Breakfast

Tuesday 6 Feb Travel to Rajasthan - Fort Barli

After breakfast, you will drive to Fort Barli. Steeped in the history of the majestic past of the legendary Rajputana, here guests can immerse themselves with the rich history of this magnificent palace property. Experience of living in a fort, where your host will give you a warm welcome.

Dating back to 1675, Fort Barli has been owned by the family descendants of legendary Rajput warriors for 16 generations, and has been brought back to its former glory. The family creates a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and are on hand to explain the history of the property and show you around.

The pretty gardens and swimming pool are ideal for relaxing and the local village is fascinating to explore — wandering around is a great way to absorb rural day-to-day life.

The hotel has large appointed rooms with big windows and excellent views of the countryside. All the rooms are comfortably furnished with modern bathrooms and have AC, Minibar, Tea/Coffee making facility.

There are activities on offer such as Bullock cart ride, Wellness program, Birding tour,s , Yoga, Cooking Demonstrations, Traditional massage, Fort tour, Alfresco dining,

Accommodation: Fort Barli, Super Deluxe room

Meals: Breakfast

Wednesday 7 Feb- Off the beaten track in Fort Barli

Enjoy today relaxing in tour charming hotel and immerse yourself in the peaceful countryside way of life in Rajasthan.

Fort Barli offers outings, tours and activities for you to take part in if you wish.

Accommodation: Fort Barli, Super Deluxe room

Meals: Breakfast

Thursday 8 Feb -Travel to Udaipur

After breakfast drive to Udaipur.

Still ruled by a much-respected Maharaja whose magnificent City Palace forms the heart of the city, Udaipur is one of the most impressive cities in Rajasthan.The relaxed nature of its residents and lakeside location make Udaipur a wonderful city to visit.

Accommodation : Amet Haveli, Super Deluxe room

Set on the banks of Lake Pichola, this small heritage property set away from the hustle and bustle of Udaipur’s main town, though still only a 20-minute walk away.

Its serene spot by the water grants lakeside views to some of the rooms, which are an eclectic variety of size and character, yet come consistently well-appointed with a good range of amenities. The property also has a renowned onsite restaurant, which can be found in the quaint gardens besides the water’s edge.

Meals: Breakfast

Friday 9 Feb -Udaipur

After breakfast enjoy a visit to the City Palace is set at the southern end of the Aravalli Hills, Udaipur and overlooks Lake Pichola with the world-famous Lake Palace appearing to float on the water. Over 400 years, successive Maharajas have created an architectural gem in the City Palace, with the original structure overlaid with countless courtyards, balconies and halls.

The Sahelion-ki-Bari Garden was built in early 18th century AD as a retreat for ladies of the royal household to spend their time in leisure. The enchantingly beautiful Garden is famous for its lotus pool, fountains (in the shape of birds), lush green lawns, flowerbeds, and marble pavilions, offering a breathtaking view to visitors.

Jagdish Temple: was built in 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh and is the largest and the most beautiful temple in Udaipur. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is famous for its beautiful sculpted images and towering shikhara.

In the afternoon enjoy shared boat ride on the Pichola Lake. Fed by streams from the western mountains, the lake is 2¼ miles long and 1¼ mile wide surrounded by Palaces and temples. Lake Pichola is a divine sight in the early hours of dawn when the sun’s rays paint the Lake golden in colour.

The city is also a great place to practice haggling, with crafts, textiles and miniature paintings particularly good buys in Udaipur’s stalls and shops.

Accommodation: Amet Haveli Super Deluxe room

Meals: Breakfast

Sat 10 Feb- Travel to Kochi

After an early breakfast you’ll be collected for your transfer to the airport for your flight to Kochi ( Cochin)

Also known as Cochin, Kochi is a city in southwest India’s coastal Kerala state. This attractive city has served as a popular port for over 600 years and is known for its eclectic architecture and its array of religious monuments, museums, galleries, cafes and antique shops. The city stretches across a number of peninsulas and islands, which can be reached by a network of water taxis and bridges. The majority of Kochi’s visitor highlights can be found on the peninsula of Fort Kochi. These highlights include the St Francis Church, the oldest European-built church in India; and Mattancherry Palace, which dates back to 1557 and contains some exceptional Kerala murals and temple art. Other must-see attractions include the Kerala Folklore Museum, displaying more than 4,000 cultural and ethnic artefacts and the vibrant local market.

Still influenced by medieval Portugal, Holland and England, the city displays a blend of different people and architecture and it is one place where you can see a Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches, Dutch architecture, Mosques, Hindu temples and Chinese fishing nets all in one day. Cochin’s European influences are instantly apparent in this charming town picturesquely located on several islands squeezed between the Arabian Sea and the Kerala backwaters. The maritime history of Cochin is reflected in its blend of Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture.

Accommodation: Forte Kochi, Classic Room

Meals: breakfast

Sunday 11 feb - The unique melting pot of Kochi

After breakfast at your hotel we will take you for a tour of Cochin city where you will visit Jewish Synagogue built in 1568, magnificently decorated with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here.

Later you will visit Dutch Palace originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi. The Coronations of many Rajas of Kochi were held here and there is a fine collection of murals depicting scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana.

The Chinese fishing nets (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Oddly, Kochi is the only place outside China that these nets are found. Today many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using these massive nets. A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen is dotted with them.

Later you will enjoy a Tuk Tuk ride in the Fort area.

In the evening you will enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance

Accommodation: Forte Kochi Classic Room

Meals: Breakfast

Monday 12 Feb - Travel to Munnar

After an early breakfast at your hotel you will check out and begin your drive towards Munnar.

At 1600m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India.The surrounding hills are covered in a dense carpet of tea, which comprise some of the world’s highest plantations. You will see the local tea pickers at work and to enjoy the hill scenery that made Munnar such a popular colonial retreat.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

You will have the afternoon at leisure to walk and explore the estate.

The Windermere Estate is a plantation and retreat set on 55 acres of undulated slopes that consist of cultivated areas. The retreat sits on the slopes overlooking the Western Ghats and a feature of the estate is the View Point, views of the valleys and hills below it is an ideal spot for bird watching.

The plantation bungalow at Windermere was the long-term home of Captain Matthew, who for many years served as the chairman of the Cochin Port Authority. In the last few years, his son has added additional cottages resembling Swiss chalets, a new restaurant, a sitting and games room, and a tea hut.

In the gardens there are designated areas for bonfires, barbecues and hammocks.

Accommodation: Windermere Estate Garden Room

Meals: Breakfast

Tuesday 13 Feb - Tea Tasting

After breakfast you will visit the Tata Tea Museum. Tata Tea established a Tea Museum in 2005, which has photographs and machinery which chronicle the journey of tea growing and exporting in the area. The museum set up at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea ensures tells the story of the development and the evolution of tea growing in India, and afterwards you will be invited to a tea tasting – try some of the most familiar alongside the most exotic varieties of tea from around the world.

Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Accommodation: Windermere Estate, Garden Room

Meals: Breakfast

Wednesday 14 Feb - Periyar Spices,Wildlife and Nature

After breakfast, you will drive out to Periyar where you will witness nature and wildlife at its glory. Apart from the breathtaking flora and fauna, you’ll also come across a famous spice plantation farm, an integral part of Kerala’s culture. Here, you can truly feel and savour the local spices.

After visiting the farm, check-in to your hotel and relax.

Accommodation: Lake Palace Resort, Lake View Room

The meandering waterways, lush green paddy fields and the genuinely hospitable people of this rustic paradise, makes Alleppey an alluring destination.

The Lake Palace Resort is nestled on a cosy bank of the pristine Vembanad Lake in Alappuzha. Built on an islet just 2 km away from Alappuzha town, Lake Palace Resort provides high standards of comfort and service, spicing it up with traditional Kerala flavour.

Meals: Breakfast

Thursday 15 Feb - Periyar National Park

In the morning, participate in yoga session if you would like.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and later take a guided nature walk in Pariyar National Park. There are several nature trails along Thekkady Periyar Nature Walk, most being four-to-five-kilometres long, starting at Periyar Lake. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the breathtaking sights and sounds of the forest from birds to butterflies, wildlife, and wildflowers.

In the evening witness the live performance of Kalaripayettu performed by the experts. Kalaripayettu is believed to be World’s first martial art form and Kerala is its birth place. This is your chance to experience the same first-hand and learn the various moves and weapons used by the Kalaripayettu practitioners.

Accommodation: Lake Palace Resort, Lake view room

Meals: Breakfast

Friday 16 Feb - Lakes and Lagoons of the backwaters.

After breakfast at your hotel check out and drive towards Alleppey / Kumarakom to embark on your houseboat.

The houseboats are large, slow moving, exotic barges used for leisure trips, and are refurbished kettuvallams of olden times. The original vessels were used to carry tons of rice and spices from Kuttanad to Kochi port. The kettuvallam or ‘boat with knots’- was so called because the entire boat was held together only with coir knots – not a single nail is used during the construction. The boat is made of planks of jack-wood joined together with coir. This is then coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. With careful maintenance, a kettuvallam can last for generations.

You will slowly sail on the Kerala backwaters, a network of lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Malabar Coast, a labyrinthine system formed by more than 900 kilometres of waterways. In the midst of this landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which are the starting and end points of backwater cruises.

The house boats are deluxe air-conditioned houseboats, the rooms have a sundeck, private balconies with comfortable chairs, kitchen and bathroom. Traditional lanterns are used as lights.

Accommodation : Houseboat

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Saturday 17 Feb- Relax at the Beach

After breakfast and check out, drive towards Mararikulam.

On arrival check in at your beautiful beach side hotel and relax.

Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort, Garden Villa

Marari Beach Resort is set in the coconut grove at the sandy Marari Beach surrounded by flowering plants and herb gardens.

Situated on a wide sandy beach,there with an outdoor pool and beachside dining available. The spacious and airy villas have authentic thatched roofing and come with full length windows, partly open air bathrooms and garden views. There is a choice of restaurants and you can even handpick fresh ingredients for your meal from the vast Organic Farm. There are traditional cooking classes and the in-house naturalist can take you through the rare flora and fauna at the butterfly garden. The resort has lawn tennis courts and yoga classes Ayurvedic massage is also available. Relax and enjoy your stay.

Meals : Breakfast

Sunday 18 Feb - Relax and Rejuvenate

Today is at leisure for you to enjoy the beach, the pool or the many treatments activities available at the resort, before you fly home tomorrow.

Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort

Meals: Breakfast

Monday 19 Feb- Departure Day

After breakfast and check out you will be collected for your transfer to Cochin airport for your flight home, taking with you many happy memories of your time in incredible India!