Palaces and Palms: Rajasthan and Kerala

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart and fly to Delhi.

DAY 2 Delhi

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

DAY 3 Delhi

An exciting experience exploring locally with one of the ex-street kid guides from the Salaam Baalak Trust,  they'll give you a brilliant and fun tour of the streets where they grew up, tell you eye-popping stories and provide a fantastic insight into another side of Delhi. The cost of this tour goes directly to the trust and helps other street kids.

After lunch, you will see both sides of Delhi – the historic city and its modern face. Old Delhi is the ancient walled city, capital of the Mughal Empire. Explore by cycle rickshaw and see the formidable Red Fort. Make your way through Chandni Chowk, filled with twisting lanes and crowded bazaars. Return to New Delhi by the very modern Delhi Metro system, a marvel of advanced engineering in one of the most congested parts of India. In the evening we can suggest some superb restaurants for you to try.

DAY 4 Delhi to Agra

After breakfast, your chauffeur will arrive to drive you down the excellent new highway to Agra. On arrival, after lunch and checking in at your hotel you will be able to visit the Taj, the premier iconic site in the whole of India and deservedly so. 

Day 5 Agra to Jaipur

This morning you’ll be driven to Jaipur, via a stop at the incredible ruined city of Fatehpur Sikri. This fairy tale city in the desert is still in pristine condition, despite being wholly abandoned 100’s of years ago.

On from there to Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’ and the third point of the famous Indian ‘golden triangle’ of tourist sites. Check into your beautiful hotel in a converted Haveli (aristocratic mansion) and there is time to relax or explore if you are keen. ,  

Day 6 Jaipur

Jaipur is a riot of colour, and as the capital of Rajasthan, it's a hectic place with buzzing spice markets and streets filled with multicoloured saris and rampaging rickshaw drivers. Today you’ll have a full day with a local guide to explore the city's Hindu and Mughul heritage and the many palaces and forts, home to intricate and exquisite Indian art and architecture, including the extraordinary Palace of the Winds.

Day 7 Jaipur to Udaipur

A 7-hour journey today with stop-offs and lunch on route to lovely Udaipur, on the banks of Lake Pichola. You’ll take a boat trip across the lake to get the best view of the famous Taj Palace Lake Hotel (you can stay here too if you wish of course).

Day 8 Udaipur

A full day exploring the sights and sounds of Udaipur, including the City Palace complex and the markets and bazaars of the old city.

Day 9 Udaipur to Cochin

Wave goodbye to your chauffeur today and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cochin via Mumbai. Arrive and check-in before exploring Cochin and perhaps sampling some of the local food for which the region is famous.

Day 10 Cochin

Your tour of Cochin focuses on the fascinating blend of architectural styles for which the town is associated. There are Portuguese churches, Chinese fishing nets, colourful Hindu temples and even a synagogue, built in the 1560s in the old Jewish Quarter.

The day will finish with a sunset cruise around Cochin harbour, a fun way to end your first full day in the south.

Day 11 The Backwaters

A day cruise today on the backwaters of the Kuttanad region reveals the expanse of village life alongside the waterways. You will pass Vembanad Lake, Kerala's largest lake and the longest in India. The day boat can access the small canals that larger overnight trips miss. You'll stay in a beautiful hotel overlooking the lake.

Day 12 The Backwaters

A free day today to soak up the sleepy atmosphere of Kumarakom: a small cluster of palm-fringed islands set against the backdrop of the vast Vembanad Lake. The area is home to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which keen bird watchers might like to explore.

Days 13, 14 & 15 Mararikulam

Off to one of Kerala’s best beaches today for a few days R&R, you'll have plenty of time to soak up the sun and unwind after our adventure exploring two completely different regions of India.

Days 15 fly home (or stay!)

 Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.