Best of North and South India

Welcome to Delhi! The capital of India is a bustling metropolis that successfully combines ancient and modern in its folds. Delhi can broadly be divided into two parts — Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Delhis Muslim rulers, notably the Mughals between the 17th and 19th centuries. New Delhi on the other hand is referred to as the Imperial City when the British decided to move their capital from Calcutta in 1911. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a non-alcoholic welcome drink.




Overnight in Delhi

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. From there you will head out to explore Old Delhi, the Mughal capital established by Shah Jahan in 1638. Drive past the famous Red Fort, where Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the flag of newly independent India on August 15th, 1947 and trade the vehicle for bicycle rickshaws. Weave through the warren of crooked, congested alleys off Chandni Chowk, one of Indias oldest and busiest bazaars, where you will see the traditional workmanship for which India is known for and continues to thrive. Visit Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhis serene and evocative cremation site and the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. The majestic Jama Masjid — meaning world reflecting mosque — is Old Delhis principal place of worship and the largest and most renowned of its kind in the country. Built-in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan — who also built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort — it is an elaborate structure featuring an expansive geometric base topped with globe-shaped minarets crafted from strips of red sandstone and white marble, and a massive courtyard that can hold up to 25,000 people. This afternoon you will visit the Qutab Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent structure is a breathtaking 240-foot minaret, the tallest in the world, surrounded by an elaborate complex built in the Indo-Islamic architectural tradition. 




Overnight in Delhi

In the morning you will drive to Agra, a medieval city home to the world-famous Taj Mahal. Agra is one of Indias prime tourist destinations for specifically this reason, although its attractions also extend to a wide range of other historical sites. The Taj, however, is in a league of its own and is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 15th century as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the structure stands as an architectural masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship and perfect proportions. Spend your afternoon at leisure or perhaps book an optional tour to the Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah.




Overnight in Agra

Visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). Considered the pinnacle of Mughal art in India, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. When declaring it a World Heritage Site, UNESCO described it as “the jewel of Muslim art in India”. Few words can describe the magnificence of this monument. Marvel over the transforming light and colors of this breathtaking monument under the sun's rays. Return to your hotel for breakfast. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or perhaps book an optional tour to the Agra Fort.




Overnight in Agra

After breakfast, you will drive to Ranthambore National Park. With a size of 150 square miles, this may be one of Indias smallest tiger reserves, but it boasts one of the largest tiger populations in the country with an impressive range of other animals and birdlife (over 270 species of birds have been documented). It is situated between the Aravalli and Vindhya Mountain ranges, forested with deciduous trees, dotted with natural and manmade lakes and spectacular ancient ruins. An abundance of wildlife can be found including leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, langur nilgais, sambars, and chital inhabiting the park. Crocodiles can be found in some of these lakes, which are also seasonally rich in water birds.




Overnight in Ranthambore

Your day will begin with pre-dawn coffee and biscuits before setting off on an early morning game drive, lead by a park guide, in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Return to your hotel for lunch. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or perhaps return to the park for an optional afternoon game drive.




Overnight in Ranthambore

In the morning we will depart for the “Pink City” of Jaipur. This magnificent city serves as Rajasthans capital, and the origin of Jaipurs nickname will become immediately apparent as we enter the old city walls and greet the pink-colored buildings rising at every turn. Jaipur is an excellent place to enjoy unparalleled shopping opportunities and people-watching. You may choose to spend time in the oldest and busiest markets in the walled city, a true feast for the senses. Aromatic spices fill the air, while oxcarts, rickshaws, cows, bejeweled women, and men with shocking pink turbans jostling through the labyrinthine streets. You will get an opportunity to watch Saree Draping and Turban Tying demonstrations. While Sarees are widely worn by women in India, Colorful Turbans are commonly worn by local forks of Rajasthan.




Overnight in Jaipur

After breakfast you will head on a half-day tour of the city, visiting the Maharajas City Palace where you will see the Mubarak Mahal, the Museums of Textiles, the Diwan-e-Khas, and Diwan-e-am. The City Palace forms one of the most famous tourist attractions and a major landmark in Jaipur. The beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign. Among the various forts and palaces of Jaipur, the City Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture. Afterwards, you will drive past the Hawa Mahal — an impressive beehive-like tower with a beautiful façade for a photo stop. Spend your afternoon at leisure or perhaps pre-book one of our optional tours.




Overnight in Jaipur

Today you will be transferred to Jaipur International Airport for your flight to Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala with its modern part Ernakulum and the old peninsular district of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry. Cochin is situated on the southwest coast of the Indian Peninsula. Upon arrival, depart for Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha. Alleppey is an easy-going market town surrounded by coconut plantations. With its large network of canals, it serves as a major center for backwater cruises and the venue for spectacular snake boat races. Also called the “Venice of the East”, the town serves as the headquarters for Keralas coir industry and is significant for cashew nut processing. 




Overnight in Alleppey

After breakfast you may enjoy your day at leisure; perhaps book one of our optional tours.




Overnight in Alleppey

In the morning we will drive back to Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin was an important spice-trading center on the Arabian Sea coast from the 14th century onwards. It was the first European colonial settlement in India. First, the Portuguese followed by the Dutch and the British ruled here until the 19th century. Visit the old part of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry. See the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Saturdays) at the heart of what is locally known as Jew Town. Discover the St. Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays) built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin King in the 16th century, the fish market, and the famous Chinese fishing nets, which are huge, cantilevered nets believed to have been brought to Kochi by Chinese traders from Kublai Khans court in China. In the evening you will enjoy an authentic South Indian dinner.




Overnight in Cochin

After breakfast, spend your day at leisure; perhaps book one of the following optional tours.




Overnight in Cochin

After breakfast, transfer back to Cochin International Airport for your return flight home.