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 Saturday 27 September, 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.

Kochi - First Full Tour Day

An easy settling in day. After a late start, tour with Sarah around some key Kochi sites 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.

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

Kochi - Alleppey Backwaters

After breakfast we will travel down the Keralan coast for an hour or so. Board your kettavallum (houseboat) for lunch and start your exploration of the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey. It's the experience of a life time. Traditional Keralan houseboats offer a relaxing and luxurious stay onboard with freshly prepared traditional delicacies. Make the most of the intriguing Alleppey backwater heaven from up close.

Accommodation: 5-star Houseboat (Air conditioned)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Alleppey Backwaters - Munnar

Today we leave the humid, coastal region of Kerala 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. Munnar is surrounded by rolling hills dotted with tea plantations established in the late 19th century. After checking into our accommodation, enjoy a short guided walk with a local 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

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

Munnar - Delhi

After an early breakfast we'll head back down to the coast for Kochi Airport. A midday flight will have us in Delhi mid-afternoon. 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, Lunch (on plane)

Delhi

This morning we will visit the Qutab Minar (one of the oldest remaining landmarks in Delhi). We'll have lunch at Khan Market and 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 dinner at one of the best restaurants in India!

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

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 our group.

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

Delhi - Agra

It's an early start to catch the train to Agra. We'll arrive mid-morning and after checking in, we will head to the Agra Fort for your first glimpse of the Taj Mahal! After lunch with a view, we'll visit the famed 'Baby Taj' and then get even closer for another fantastic vantage of this incredible symbol of love. Be prepared to be blown away! Enjoy a local Thali dinner tonight.

Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Agra
Meals: Breakfast (packed), Dinner

Agra - Jaipur

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 out of Agra, stopping to see the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. We will have lunch nearby in an old palace now operating as a hotel and then we are on to Jaipur. We are staying in an old haveli and you'll have the chance to settle in with free time tonight.

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

Jaipur

Today we have a private guided tour of the Amber Fort and the Panna Meena Kund Stepwell. You’ll have free time to explore this wonderful city this afternoon. There’s so many gorgeous local shops and bazaars to explore – handicrafts, jewellery, you name it. Don’t get lost! 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, Pink City
Meals: Breakfast

Jaipur

There's the option to start today with a guided 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. How about a visit the City Palace 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, Pink City
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Jaipur

More exploration of Jaipur today. Perhaps it's time to get creative? For those inclined, there’s the option of a fabulous textiles workshop in a nearby village to learn the artwork of traditional block printing from master artisans. How about lunch at an elephant rescue sanctuary? ​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, Pink City
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Jaipur - Delhi

After breakfast we will head back to Delhi. Tonight we will celebrate our time in India with a final meal together (Dinner at own cost).

Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Delhi Airport

Meals: Breakfast

Depart Delhi

You will be transferred to Delhi International Airport for your flight. A morning departure from Delhi back to Singapore (SQ401 Delhi - Singapore) 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 🙋🏻‍♀️

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

• Daily Breakfast

• 3 x Lunches

• 6 x Dinners

• Activities (including Guides and Tips as needed):

  • Overnight Houseboat experience

  • Humuyan’s Tomb

  • Qutab Minar

  • Old Delhi Tour

  • Agra Fort

  • Baby Taj

  • Sunset Viewing Taj

  • Taj Mahal

  • Fatehpur Sikri

  • Panna Meena Ka Kund Stepwell

  • Amber Fort

  • Jaipur Cooking Class

• All airport transfers in India

• Domestic car/coach/air transport for full duration of itinerary

• Train transport from Delhi to Agra

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

• 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