Palaces and Palms: Rajasthan and Kerala

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Delhi.

On arrival, meet your guide who will drive you to your hotel in the heart of New Delhi.

Experience a unique perspective of Delhi with an ex-street kid guide from the Salaam Baalak Trust. This eye-opening tour offers a brilliant insight into life on the streets, as your guide shares fascinating stories about their upbringing and takes you through the lanes where they grew up. The cost of this tour directly supports the trust and its work with vulnerable children.

 After lunch, explore the two sides of Delhi. Start in Old Delhi, the walled city and former capital of the Mughal Empire, where you’ll navigate the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk by cycle rickshaw and visit landmarks like the Red Fort. Then, return to New Delhi on the modern Delhi Metro, a feat of engineering that contrasts sharply with the old city. In the evening, we’ll recommend some superb restaurants for you to try.

After breakfast, your chauffeur will drive you along the excellent highway to Agra. After lunch and checking in at your hotel, you'll visit the Taj Mahal, India's most iconic monument. The breathtaking beauty of this marble wonder is a highlight of any visit to India.

This morning, you’ll drive to Jaipur, stopping en route to explore the incredible, abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. This fairy-tale desert city remains beautifully preserved, despite being abandoned hundreds of years ago.

 On arrival in Jaipur, check into your beautiful hotel, a converted Haveli (aristocratic mansion), and relax or explore. Jaipur, known as the Pink City, is a riot of colour. The streets are alive with buzzing spice markets, vibrant saris, and the clamour of rickshaws.

Spend a full day with a local guide exploring Jaipur's Hindu and Mughal heritage blend. Highlights include its opulent palaces and forts, adorned with exquisite Indian art and architecture, and the iconic Palace of the Winds, an extraordinary, intricate facade emblematic of the city.

 Today, embark on a 7-hour drive to Udaipur, stopping for lunch and sightseeing. Known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is set on the tranquil banks of Lake Pichola.

You’ll enjoy a scenic boat trip across the lake, offering picture-perfect views of the iconic Taj Palace Lake Hotel (where you can stay if you wish).

The following day, spend time exploring Udaipur’s charming sights, including the vast City Palace complex and the vibrant bazaars of the old city. Udaipur’s romantic atmosphere and picturesque setting make it one of Rajasthan’s most beloved destinations.

 Wave goodbye to your chauffeur today as you fly to Cochin via Mumbai. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy your first taste of Kerala’s famous cuisine.

Your tour of Cochin focuses on the city’s unique blend of architectural styles. Visit Portuguese churches, see the Chinese fishing nets in action, and explore colourful Hindu temples. Don’t miss the 16th-century Jewish Synagogue in the atmospheric Jewish Quarter, where spice markets and charming lanes await.

Enjoy a sunset cruise around Cochin harbour in the evening, a fun and relaxing way to end your first day in Kerala.

Travel from Cochin to the stunning Kumarakom Lake Resort on the serene banks of Vembanad Lake, Kerala’s largest freshwater lake. Kumarakom is a peaceful cluster of palm-fringed islands and home to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, where migratory birds like flycatchers, parrots, and the Siberian crane can often be spotted.

Embark on a 3-day journey through Kerala’s enchanting backwaters aboard a charming, refined houseboat with comfortable en-suite cabins and a sun deck for relaxing or dining.

On Day 1, sail through captivating canals and underwater cultivation areas in the afternoon. Enjoy the chance to paddle down narrower waterways in a canoe, revealing the hidden secrets of the backwaters as you pass charming villages like Kainagiri. End the day with a stunning sunset over Alleppey, followed by a delicious dinner on board.

On Day 2, immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of the backwaters. Cruise through the scenic canals of Karumandi and stop to explore tranquil riverside villages. Visit the historic Karumadi Temple and the impressive Karumadikuttan Statue before continuing to Champakkulam to admire its beautiful local church. The boat will anchor in a peaceful spot for the evening, where dinner will be served.

On Day 3, enjoy a leisurely breakfast while cruising back to Kumarakom Lake Resort, where you’ll check in for a further 3-night stay. The resort offers a perfect blend of relaxation and activities, including traditional Ayurvedic treatments, serene swimming pools, and stunning views over the backwaters. You can also explore the local villages, take a leisurely bicycle ride, or simply unwind in this idyllic setting.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight home, or extend your stay to relax on one of Kerala’s beautiful beaches. All our tours are tailor-made, so let us know how we can personalise your trip further!