Arrive Kochi

If coming directly from New Zealand or Australia, you are able to connect through Singapore with Singapore Airlines arriving at 10.00pm each evening into Kochi (SQ534). If you arrive earlier than today, additional accommodation can be arranged for you at our hotel. There's plenty to explore nearby - Fort Kochi is a lovely seaside town with a lot to see. Alternatively, just enjoy the hotel, spa and it’s lovely swimming pool.

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Hotel, Fort Kochi

Meals: No meals included today

Kochi - First Full Tour Day

An easy settling in day. After a late start, tour with Sarah around some key Kochi sites on a Heritage Walk and enjoy a seafood platter lunch together at Malabar House. Kochi is an historic Portuguese town with a very interesting history. See the Chinese fishing nets, the murals and antiquities at the Dutch Palace, indulge your senses browsing traditional spice and antique markets, visit the Jewish quarter and the original grave of Vasco da Gama. There's the option in the late afternoon to see a traditional Kathakali performance.

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Hotel, Fort Kochi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Kochi to Munnar

Today we leave the humid, tropical lowlands and climb the Western Ghats mountain range to the cooler climes of the town of Munnar, a hill station and former resort for the British Raj elite. We will explore a spice farm before we ascend to Munnar, surrounded by rolling hills dotted with tea plantations established in the late 19th century. After checking into our accommodation, you have the option to enjoy a short guided walk with a nature guide through a cardamom plantation. It's cool, quiet and very peaceful here.

Accommodation: Estate guest house on a working tea plantation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Munnar

Wake up in the clouds...make sure you don't miss the stunning view as the sun rises this morning and the valley below the plantation awakens. After breakfast, you have the option to head out on a trek with a local nature guide through the tea plantations. You'll cover a good distance and climb to see some magnificent views - reasonable fitness is required. If that's not your cup of tea, that's ok...because there is plenty of just that! Take the chance to learn more about the many varieties of tea with a tea tasting.

Accommodation: Estate guest house on a working tea plantation

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Munnar to Alleppey Backwaters

Today we descend back down the Western Ghats and head to the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, a vast, interconnected network of 11 natural lakes, lagoons, rivers, and canals. The backwaters offer a calm and scenic look at rural Kerala, with palm-lined canals, quiet villages and everyday life unfolding along the water's edge. As we slowly cruise on our spice boat, you will see fishermen, local homes and lush green landscapes passing by. You'll enjoy delicious traditional food, freshly prepared by the onboard chef.

Accommodation: Kettuvallum Houseboat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Alleppey Backwaters to Jaipur

After breakfast we will disembark and head to Kochi Airport. We will travel this afternoon to Jaipur, arriving this evening. 

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Haveli
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (on plane)

Jaipur

This morning we will start with a tour of the stunning City Palace and then settle in for a bit of retail therapy - shopping in Jaipur is a highlight for many - jewellery, shoes, textiles, rugs, homewares, antiques - you name it, Jaipur is the spot! Tonight we’ll do a hands-on cooking class where you will learn about local cuisine, spices and cooking techniques followed by dinner, hosted by an enthusiastic cook and instructor at their home, now operated as a guest house.

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Haveli
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Jaipur

There's the option to start today with a colourful tour of the local fruit and vegetable market, the chance to see morning pooja (worship), a visit (without the crowds) to the famed Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and taste some local street food breakfast delicacies. After this early start, there's more free time today for continued exploration of Jaipur with Sarah. How about a visit to some fabulous Cotton Wholesalers, a wander through the bright bazaars or the Jantar Mantar (stunning observatory). Tonight we'll do a Street Food Walking tour in Jaipur…it’s a lot of fun!

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Haveli
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Jaipur

Today we have a guided tour of the Amber Fort and the Panna Meena Kund Stepwell. Enjoy lunch at an Elephant Rescue Sanctuary close to to the nearby village of Amer. You'll learn about these rescued gentle giants, their care, and will even have the opportunity to feed and interact with them. Tonight, for those keen, we’ll have dinner at the fabulous Bar Palladio...you'll want to move in... it's stunning!

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Haveli
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Jaipur to Agra

Today we will drive across rural Rajasthan to Agra. Along the way we will stop at the astounding Chand Baori step well at Abhaneri. This engineering marvel, built in the 8th and 9th century, is 30 metres deep. It's incredible. We will have lunch in an old royal retreat, now operating as a hotel, and then we are on to Agra. You'll have the chance to settle in with free time tonight after our day of travel.

Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Agra

This morning we’ll visit the Agra Fort for your first glimpses of the Taj Mahal. Agra Fort is a fortified palace and fort complex which was completed in 1573 and it has a very rich history. Most notably, Shah Jahan, responsible for the Taj Mahal, was imprisoned here. It’s a fascinating story. We will enjoy a taste of local flavours for lunch, visit a local zardozi artisan and finish the day with stunning sunset views of the Taj. We'll have an early night as we are up early tomorrow!

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Haveli, Pink City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Agra to Delhi

This is it…an early morning guided dawn visit to the Taj Mahal! You'll have the chance to explore the gardens, go inside and hear the fascinating love story behind the most romantic building on earth. After breakfast, we will head to Delhi, arriving in time for a late lunch. Once settled into our hotel, you’ll have the evening free to explore the nearby Cottage Industry Emporium (traditional crafts), Tibetan Markets and Connaught Place. Alternatively, just enjoy the hotel, spa and it’s lovely swimming pool.

Accommodation: A superb Raj-era 5-star heritage hotel (it is stunning!)
Meals: Breakfast

Delhi

This morning we will visit Old Delhi. We will venture inside Jama Masjid Mosque (one of India's largest), wander through the 'Wedding Market', visit bustling Chandhi Chowk on bicycle rickshaw and explore Asia's largest spice bazaar, Khari Baoli. This is real India energy! We'll have a break for lunch and then this afternoon we will visit the famed Humayun's Tomb (inspiration for the Taj Mahal) followed by a guided visit to one of Delhi’s most intriguing, oldest and interesting neighbourhoods - Nizamuddin Basti - followed by a cultural Sufi performance and traditional Mughal dinner cooked specially for us.

Accommodation: A superb Raj-era 5-star heritage hotel (it is stunning!)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Delhi

This morning we will visit some of the key landmarks in Delhi before we head to Khan Market, a favourite stop for many, for some last minute shopping and lunch. You'll have free time to stroll the shops and boutiques of the area. Don't miss favourites Faqir Chand Bookstore and Good Earth! For those who want to explore, there's time to visit any number of sites including Gandhi Smriti, the Lodhi Art District, Lodhi Gardens, the Jantar Mantar, Lotus Temple, Red Fort or Akshadarm Hindu Temple. Tonight, join Sarah for our farewell dinner at one of the best restaurants in India!

Accommodation: A superb Raj-era 5-star heritage hotel (it is stunning!)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Delhi

You will be transferred to Delhi International Airport for your flight. A morning departure from Delhi back to Singapore (SQ401 Delhi - Singapore at around 9.30am) connects with overnight flights to New Zealand or Australia. Alternatively, talk to Sarah about trip extensions - maybe a couple of days in Goa on the beach or exploring the palaces of Udaipur?
Meals: Breakfast

• Fully escorted by VERY experienced guide 🙋🏻‍♀️

• Airport meet and greet and departure assistance

• 14 night’s 5-star accommodation (twin share; single supplement and part share available for additional cost)

• Daily Breakfast

• 9 x Lunches

• 7 x Dinners

• Activities / Monument and Temple entrances as per programme (including English-speaking Guides and Tips as needed):

  • Kochi Sites Tour and seafood platter lunch

  • Overnight Houseboat experience with full board

  • Spice garden guided visit and lunch in Munnar

  • Tea plantation guided walk in Munnar

  • Tea tasting

  • Humuyan’s Tomb

  • Sufi Performance and Dinner

  • Qutab Minar

  • Old Delhi Bicycle Rickshaw Tour

  • Agra Fort

  • Sunset Viewing Taj

  • Taj Mahal

  • Amber Fort with Jeep ride

  • Jaipur early morning walking tour

  • Jaipur Street Food Walking Tour

  • Jaipur Cooking Class

  • SO MUCH MORE!

• All airport transfers in India

• Air conditioned coach transport for full duration of itinerary

• 1 x Domestic Flight (Kochi-Jaipur) with 25 kilos luggage limit

• Unlimited mineral water in coach and hotels

• All applicable taxes

• Pre-departure advice and support - detailed planning information, Visa application support, additional travel advice, lots of insider tips & knowledge!

• 24/7 support in India from local representative if required

• International Flights

• Departure taxes (if required)

• Health & Travel Insurance (you are required to have travel insurance)

• Meals not listed

• Additional tips (mainly hotel porters)

• Spending Money

• Indian entry visa

• Vaccinations (if required/desired)

• Additional travel arrangements/activities not noted on itinerary