The Highlights of North & South India (15 days)

It is impossible to take in all corners of India in one trip. If you have just a couple of weeks to play however, it is possible to cover the most prominent areas of both North and South, explore both rural and urban surrounds, and capture aspects of history, culture, wildlife, and food. This compact itinerary offers just that, whilst still travelling at a relaxed pace and building in ample time at leisure to relax or explore independently. After opening in Delhi the tour continues to cover Agra and the Taj Mahal, completing the ‘Golden Triangle’ in Jaipur. A taste of Rajasthan follows with stops en route at Ranthambore National Park and a stay in the former home of royalty in lesser visited Karauli. You then fly down to tropical Kerala to explore bubbling Fort Cochin, take an overnight cruise through the serene backwaters, and round off with time to kick back on Marari Beach.

Guide Price

From £3,760 per person.

Day by Day Itinerary

Click on each day to expand the itinerary detail. Or click on the print itinerary button above to preview the tour in full.

Day 1: Fly from London Heathrow to Delhi, via Abu Dhabi

Flight: EY20 London Heathrow - Abu Dhabi 14.50 - 00.55 (overnight)

Day 2: Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel

Flight: EY228 Abu Dhabi - Delhi 02.45 - 07.55

Meet & greet: Welcome to India! You will be met on arrival in Delhi by a local representative, and introduced to your private driver. Together, they will take you to your city hotel to check in.

Time to recover: Once arrived, you have the remainder of the day at leisure to recuperate from your long flight. Please note you will usually be able to access your room on arrival, but an early check-in is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at The Claridges (Deluxe Room)

India Gate, Delhi

India Gate, Delhi

Day 3: Full day guided tours of Old & New Delhi

Guided tour of Old & New Delhi: This morning, meet up with your guide and set out to explore Old Delhi. Start at Jama Masjid which is the largest mosque in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. Its construction started in 1644 and it ended up the final act of architectural extravagance of legendary ruler Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who also built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Head outside the mosque and into the surrounding bazaars (closed on Sundays), which can be explored on foot or by rickshaw. Here you can witness centuries-old arts and crafts, where present owners may be of the 6th or 7th generation to ply the family trade. There are many typical and fascinating businesses here, including a marvellous old-fashioned shop where you can test Indian perfume (attar) from cut-glass bottles. You may also saunter through the main bridal street of Old Delhi, Kinari Bazaar, with its dazzling display of embroidered silk wedding sarees, beautiful bangles and colourful turbans for the bridegroom. Move on to the Khari Baoli, which is all about spices, and where dealers of rice, dal, dry fruits, nuts, and saffron have traded for more than 150 years. The smell of the spices will remain with you even after you have left the market.

A stop for lunch (payable locally) will be made and in the afternoon you will explore New Delhi taking in Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and a drive through Lutyens’ New Delhi. Humayun's Tomb is yet another magnificent Mughal building built in 1565-66 and set in a square enclosed garden. This finely proportioned sandstone and marble structure served as a model for the Taj Mahal. Dominating the ruins of the earliest existing settlement of Delhi is the city's famous landmark - the Qutab Minar. This imposing victory tower (73 m) has five storeys, each marked by intricately carved projections or balconies. Elaborately carved pillars embellish the courtyard of the nearby mosque, at the centre of which is the amazing Iron Pillar (4th-5th century A.D). Round out the day with a drive or walk through Lutyens’ New Delhi, taking in the India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's House), and Parliament House. After the sightseeing you will return to the hotel for some time at leisure

Accommodation: Stay tonight at The Claridges (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Jama Masjid, Old Delhi

Jama Masjid, Old Delhi

Day 4: Drive to Agra; afternoon tour of the Taj Mahal

Road journey to Agra: After breakfast, you will be collected from the hotel by your driver, and transferred south from Delhi on the Yamuna Express Toll Road to Agra, a journey of approximately 3.5 hours.

Guided tour of Agra Fort & the Taj Mahal: After checking in, you will be taken for a tour of Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. Many of the events which led to the construction of the Taj Mahal took place in the famous Agra Fort. Construction of the Fort was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, with embellishments continually added until the time of his grandson Shah Jehan. The magnificent palaces, towers, bastions, ramparts and gateways symbolise the power of the mighty Mughals, and with its red sandstone wash Agra Fort is a striking partner to the Red Fort in Delhi.

The Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) has been described as a 'tear on the face of eternity', and is an enduring monument of love. The unique beauty of Taj Mahal is its blend of grandeur: a massive overall design, matched with immaculately intricate execution. Built by Mughal Emperor Shan Jehan in the memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal complex took 22 years to be completed and is today counted among the Seven Wonders of the World. Coated in shimmering white marble, the Taj is a mirror of daylight conditions and in the late afternoon it is bathed in delicate hues of amber and cream, giving way to a rich golden red as the sun falls. After time to look around and take pictures, you will return to the hotel.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Trident Hotel (Deluxe Garden View Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal, Agra

Day 5: Drive to Karauli, via Fatehpur Sikri

Road journey to Karauli, via Fatehpur Sikri: After breakfast, you will set out on the 4 hour drive to Karauli. En route you will stop off to visit the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri which was built by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire. Although Akbar had many wives he did not have an heir, which led him to consult many holy men and finally to visit the renowned Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti, who lived in an isolated cave near Sikri. The saint blessed Akbar and soon a son was born to him. The grateful emperor named his son Salim after the saint, erected the grand Jami Mosque near the saint's dwelling and vowed to build a great city on that place. Thus emerged the great city of Fatehpur Sikri; a citadel of grand courts, palaces, mosques and gardens that rivalled the splendours of Delhi and Agra. However, destiny had other things in store for the city. Shortage of water and un-rest in the north-west made Akbar abandon the city only 13 years later. Today, even after the passage of 400 years, the magnificence of this royal city has not faded and remains immaculately preserved. After the sightseeing, continue on to Karauli, arriving late afternoon.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Bhanwar Vilas Palace (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

City Palace gate, Karauli

City Palace gate, Karauli

Day 6: Day to relax or explore Karauli

Day at leisure: Today, you may spend the entire day at leisure or choose to participate in any of the activities and excursions organized by the hotel.

Some of the optional activities in Karauli:

• A guided tour of the town and its City Palace
• A jeep safari in the stunning countryside
• A boat ride on the nearby Chambal River where one can see crocodiles
• A bird watching trip to Kaila Devi National Park
• A cooking class at the palace

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Bhanwar Vilas Palace (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

City Palace, Karauli

City Palace, Karauli

Day 7: Drive to Ranthambore; afternoon safari in the National Park

Road journey to Ranthambore: Depart Karauli this morning, heading further south to Sawai Madhopur, the gateway to Ranthambore National Park. This will be a journey of approximately 2.5 hours. On arrival in Ranthambore, head straight to your accommodation and check in.

Afternoon safari drive: In the afternoon, you will head into the park for a jeep safari, attempting to catch a glimpse of the elusive tiger and other wildlife that inhabits the park. Besides tigers, Ranthambore has large number of sambhar, chital and nilgai. Wild boar and an occasional gazelle can also be seen, along with the Indian hare, mongoose and monitor lizards. Among other local fauna that you may see are the leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cats, sloth bear and marsh crocodile. The lakes and pools at the park are where deer tend to congregate, and from where it is easiest to see the animals. The drive will be conducted in a private open jeep with a local naturalist, lasting around 3 hours, after which you will return to the hotel.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Ranthambore Kothi (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tiger, Ranthambore National Park

Tiger, Ranthambore National Park

Day 8: Early morning safari, then drive to Jaipur

Morning safari drive: This morning, rise early and board your jeep once more for a final safari into Ranthambore National Park. If you haven't already see tigers, this might be the opportunity to do so! After the safari, return to camp for breakfast and then check out.

Road journey to Jaipur: You will then set out on the drive to Jaipur. The journey will take around 3.5 hours and on arrival in the 'Pink City' you will be transferred to your hotel to check in and relax.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Dera Mandawa (Suite)

Meals: Breakfast

Amer Fort, Jaipur

Amer Fort, Jaipur

Day 9: Full day sightseeing in and around Jaipur

Guided tour of Jaipur: Start today with a visit to Jaipur’s intriguing milk market, where dairy farmers from across the region congregate to trade on a wholesale basis. Observe the intriguing ways by which the buyers judge the purity of milk, and take a front row seat as negotiations unfold. Afterwards continue to Amber Fort – a stunning fort which holds a hilltop position above the city. ‘Amer’ was the former capital of Jaipur state; construction of this key fort began in 16th century, with embellishments continually added by successive rulers. A comprehensive look around the Fort should include the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience, and the beautiful manicured gardens.

In the afternoon you will continue uncovering Jaipur’s highlights with visits to visit the City Palace, Jantar Mantar (a medieval observatory) and a drive past Hawa Mahal (palace of winds). The City Palace is situated in the heart of the city. The whole complex is wonderfully laid out with large courtyards, balconies, cupolas, arched entrances and gardens, which are a combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The museum here displays the rich heritage of the Jaipur family in miniature paintings, textiles, garments, books & manuscripts, carpets, palanquins and weapons dating back to the 15th century. Moving on to Jantar Mantar, this medieval observatory has a curious collection of sculptures which were used to calculate astronomical and astrological events. Each of these structures were built following relentless study of books, manuscripts and discussions with scholars from all over the world. Finally, you will take a quick look at Hawa Mahal. Constructing in 1799, the Palace of Winds is a landmark of Jaipur city, although it is little more than a façade. The five-storey structure, built to enable the women of the harem to observe of the comings and goings of the outside world, without being seen themselves.

End the day with a walking tour of old Jaipur. The bazaars between the Badi (Large) and Chhoti (Small) Chaupar (Square) in the old city of Jaipur feature some of the best sights that the city has to offer. You will be taken through the labyrinth of colourful alleys where artisans make puppets, bangles, and other local handicrafts. You will visit the jewellery market or Johari Bazaar, explore architecturally interesting havelis (mansions), and stop by bangle shops in Maniharonka Rasta and the flower sellers near Choti Chaupar.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Dera Mandawa (Suite)

Meals: Breakfast

Hawal Mahal, Jaipur

Hawal Mahal, Jaipur

Day 10: Morning at leisure, then afternoon flight down to Kochi

Morning at leisure: This morning is at leisure to relax at the hotel, or potter around central Jaipur unaccompanied.

Private transfer: In the early afternoon, you will be met at the hotel and transferred to Jaipur Airport in time to check in for your onward flight.

Flight: AI492 Jaipur - Mumbai 16.05 - 16.55

Flight: AI48 Mumbai - Kochi 18.05 - 21.25

Private transfer to your Hotel: You will be met on arrival in Kochi by a local representative, and together with a local driver you will transfer to your hotel in the Fort Kochi area to check in. This will be a journey of just over an hour.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Eighth Bastion (Bastion Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Chinese fishing nets, Kochi

Chinese fishing nets, Kochi

Day 11: Guided tour of Kochi

Guided tour of Kochi: After breakfast, you will set out to explore Kochi. Start at Mattancherry Palace which was built by the Portuguese in 1555 for the Maharaja of Kochi. Later renovated by the Dutch, it came to be known as the Dutch Palace. It has a large central courtyard and a temple depicting scenes from the Ramayana and other legends. The little museum at the palace has a collection of costumes, palanquins and other articles from the royalty. Adjacent to the palace is the Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568. This simple building has marvellously rich interiors with clusters of coloured glass lamps hanging from the ceiling, and a floor of blue willow-patterned tiles, none of which are identical.

Although 'Jew Town', as the area around the synagogue is known, has lost much of its earlier glory, it has retained its status as an important centre of the spice trade. An exotic odour of the finest ginger, cloves, cardamom, turmeric and pepper - also known as black gold - emanates from the spice warehouses lining the street. From here move on to St. Francis Church, which was built in 1503 at Fort Cochin, making it one of the oldest churches in the subcontinent. It was built by the Portuguese, but became a Protestant church with the arrival of the Dutch and an Anglican church after the British occupation. Vasco da Gama – perhaps the father of the spice trade – is buried in its churchyard. After visiting St Francis Church take a short walk to see the Chinese fishing nets along the shoreline, then return to your hotel to relax.

Evening Kathakali Performance: This evening you will be collected from your hotel and taken to witness the spectacular Kathakali Dance Drama. Kathakali is Kerala’s very own classical dance-drama form which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and pantomime. Kathakali illuminates ideas and stories from the Indian epics and other story books. Presented in the temple precincts after dusk falls, Kathakali is heralded by the Kelikottu, or the beating of drums, which is accompanied by the Chengila (gong). The rich blend of colour, expressions, music, drama and dance are unparalleled in any other art form. If you are interested you can arrive a little early so as to see the artistes being made up, which is considered to be a full-blown art in itself and regarded as important as the dance-drama.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Eighth Bastion (Bastion Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Catholic church, Kochi

Catholic church, Kochi

Day 12: Transfer to the Backwaters for an overnight houseboat cruise

Road journey to the Vembanad Backwaters: After breakfast, you will be picked up and driven south of Kochi to the town of Allepey, a journey of around two hours. Allepey, at the southern end of the vast Vembanad Lake, is the jumping off point for most overnight houseboat cruises. You will arrive around lunchtime in time to check in for your cruise.

Cruise through the Keralan Backwaters: After boarding, you will set off from Allepey to enjoy a cruise through the backwaters of Kerala. Around an hour later, lunch will be served - a spread of delicious local cuisine - and after lunch your houseboat will continue meandering slowly through the tranquil network of water canals, dotted with busy hamlets and lush green paddy fields. A houseboat ride through these placid backwaters is a wonderfully relaxing experience, a perfect opportunity to put your feet up and watch the world glide silently by. Towards the end of the afternoon you will have the option of transferring to smaller rowboat, which will take you deeper into the narrow canals which are unnavigable for larger houseboats. Taking this route allows you to get deeper into the lush, bucolic scenes, passing through tranquil hamlets and observing the rural lifestyles.

You will return to the houseboat for another hour or so cruising, and as the sun falls you will draw over to the water's edge and moor up for the night. Dinner will be served on board, after which you will have an evening to relax on-board.

Please note: All Keralan houseboats must dock at night, so as not to disturb local fishing practices. Once night falls you will find yourself on the water in a rural, tropical environment; midges and mosquitos will be attracted to the lights of the houseboat, so we recommend retiring early to the comfort of your air-conditioned cabin and dining area.

Accommodation: Staytonight on a Premium Houseboat (Private Single Cabin boat)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Keralan backwaters, Vembanad

Keralan backwaters, Vembanad

Day 13: Leave the backwaters and transfer to Marari Beach

Morning backwater cruise: Early this morning, you will wake for a further hours' cruising, heading back to the dock at Allepey. Breakfast will be served on the way (the boat staff will discuss options - local or international - with you the previous evening), and you will arrive back in Allepey to disembark around 9.30am.

Road journey to Marari: On reaching the jetty in Alleppey, you will disembark to be met by your driver. You will then transfer to your beach hotel in Marari. The drive will take around 45 minutes and on arrival at the hotel you will check in and have the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Marari Beach Resort (Garden Villa)

Meals: Breakfast

Beach, Marari

Beach, Marari

Day 14: Day at leisure

Day at leisure: Today is at leisure to relax at the hotel and reflect on your adventures. The hotel has numerous activities which can be arranged locally, and a range of facilities to aid your relaxation.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Marari Beach Resort (Garden Villa)

Meals: Breakfast

Sunset, Marari

Sunset, Marari

Day 15: Fly back to London Heathrow, via Abu Dhabi

Road journey to Cochin Airport: After an early breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to Cochin International Airport in time to check in for your onward flight. The drive will take around 2 hours.

Flight: EY247 Cochin - Abu Dhabi 09.35 - 12.05

Flight: EY17 Abu Dhabi - London Heathrow 14.10 - 18.45

Meals: Breakfast