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Taj Mahal at sunrise in Agra, India.

India Highlights

New Delhi to Cochin - Example 10 Day Tour
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Spend 10-days exploring India's most prominent attractions. Beginning in Old Delhi, visit the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Continue your rickshaw tour through the imperial capital city of the Mughal empire, where you may enjoy the fragrances of the bustling spice market. Visit the beautiful Taj Mahal and its exquisite gardens, lakes, and fountains on the Agra cultural trip. Learn the history of Jaipur's "Pink City" and the famous Amber Fort. Discover the bustling city of Cochin on the southwest coast and its cultural and historical tours. Take a backwater cruise through Kerala's network of lagoons, lakes, and rivers by heading to Alleppey and boarding a boathouse in Kumarakom.
Immerse yourself in incredible Indian cultureCochin CityKathakali Dance PerformerKerala Backwaters HouseboatCheenavala Fishing NetsJama Masjid Temple - New DelhiAmber Fort - JaipurCity of JaipurTaj Mahal in sunset light, Agra, IndiaTaj Mahal at sunrise in Agra, India.
Highlights
  • Explore the ruins of Old Delhi, the Mughal Empire's imperial capital
  • Marvel at the legendary Taj Mahal
  • Visit the Amber Fort, an iconic monument in Jaipur
  • Discover Kerala while cruising the backwaters
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Delhi

Delhi, the capital of India, is a city that offers a glimpse of both ancient and modern-day India. It is the third-largest city in India and one of the fastest-growing in Asia. This city is rich in culture, always changing with time but never hiding its splendid past. The various ancient ruins seen in the city are silent witnesses to its magnificent history.

Day 2: Delhi, India

After breakfastexplore the grandeur and subsequent ruin of the Mughal Empire. Tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and driving past Red Fort, once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. Walkthrough streets and markets of this 17th-century imperial capital city of the Mughal empire where once royalty descended. Savor the fragrances of the boisterous Spice Markets, one of Asia's largest, and be dazzled by the glitter of India's largest Jewelry markets with a mix of walking and rickshaw rides. Discover hidden gems while exploring the narrow alleys and 350-yr old markets of the city built at the acme of the Mughal Empire, India's most glorious monarchy. Later enjoy the rickshaw ride in one of the busiest markets.

Day 3: Delhi | Agra

After breakfast, take a 4-hours drive to Agra.

Agra - Badal Singh established the city of Taj in 1475 AD. Agra finds mentioned in the Mahabharat as Agraban. In the mid-16th century and earlier 17th century AD, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and, it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal, was built.

Sunset visit to the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh (Garden): Taj Mahal looks stunning from its grand entry. But Emperor Shahjahan booked the best view of the Taj Mahal from a grassy, crescent-shaped flood plain across the river Yamuna known as Mehtab Bagh. It is believed that this garden was built originally by Babur and, later, Shahjahan transformed it into a moonlit pleasure garden profuse with white plaster pathways, breezy pavilions, pools, and fountains. However, plaster pathways, pools, and fountains are not visible.

Sheroes Hangout Café: The Sheroes, are women who have fought to survive after receiving a debilitating blow to their appearance and self-esteem by some members of society. These women are on the way to becoming truly fighters who dare to live, work and walk in society and force society to revaluate its norms about beauty and appearance. 

Day 4: Agra | Jaipur, india

Rise early in the morning for a coffee and prepare for a truly spectacular sight visiting the legendary Taj Mahal at daybreak. Taj Mahal changes its colors by every minute depending on the sun's rays, and it is best seen either by sunset or sunrise. Sunrise is the best time for taking pictures of this monument under mild sunlight. 

Taj Mahal said is an architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist visiting Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, it is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens, and some of the best work ever seen.

After returning to your hotel for breakfast, drive to Jaipur (240 km/ 5 hrs).

Jaipur is the capital city State of Rajasthan, also known as "Pink City"; it is the foundation and planning by the great warrior astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city sits on a dry lakebed in a wild and somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by fortresses and crenelated walls. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and stay overnight.

Day 5: Jaipur

After breakfast, take a morning visit to the magnificent Amber Fort, the most iconic monument of Jaipur. Experience traveling by Jeep on top of the hill where the fort is situated, including palaces, halls, gardens, and temples. Including Sheesh Mahal, an elaborate mirror Palace work that adds to the grandeur of this historical part. A visit to amber is indeed well worth it. After visiting the fort, take a royal grandeur tour of the city palace.

Join on this memorable private guided tour to visit City Palace, the residence of the present Royal family, who has opened their gates to visitors and converted a part of their palace into a museum. The Palace of Jaipur is full of brilliant architecture and intricately carved walls and pillars. Visit the beautiful Chandra Mahal or Chandra Niwas, the most commanding building in the City Palace complex. It is a seven-storeyed building, and each floor has a specific name. It contains many unique paintings, mirrorwork on walls, and floral decorations. It includes a lovely peacock gate at the entrance, screened balconies, and a roof pavilion with a panoramic view of the city. It is well-laid out gardens and a decorative lake in the foreground.

After lunch, continue your city tour to Bazaars, Crafts & Cuisine Walk. Jaipur offers a dazzling immersion into the riches of traditional India. Since its foundation in1727, the royal family and nobles of Jaipur had been patronizing various craftsmen and artisans in Pink City. Many of these traditions are still being practiced, making Jaipur a popular destination for those interested in learning about India's rich art and craft. Traditional methods are still employed to create valuable and highly sought-after products. On this fascinating evening walking tour, mingle and talk with locals with sampling some of the region's culinary delights. Meet a local family and experience Indian hospitality. A great way to explore Jaipur like locals and learn about the rich artistic traditions of this city. After a day of sightseeing, unwind and spend the night in Jaipur.

Day 6: Fly to Cochin

Transfer to the airport early in the morning to catch a flight to Kochi via Ahmedabad.

Cochin is a vibrant city situated on the southwest coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country. Its strategic importance over the centuries lives underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. 

In the evening, witness the live Kathakali Dance theatre for a live performance of the famous Kathakali Dance show. Kathakali is a traditional dance form of Kerala, and the impressive facial expressions, hand gestures, and dance moves will leave one spellbound. Kathakali Dancers apply make-ups made from various natural pigments which, are ground on a stone and mixed with coconut oil before the performance

Day 7: Cochin

After morning breakfast at the hotel, get ready for Muziris Heritage Tour. This tour offers an introduction to the many faiths and cultures of the Malabar Coast. Muzirisis the name of an ancient port city on the Kerala coast, an hour’s drive north of Cochin. The City traded in spices, silk, and precious stones with exports to Rome, Greece, Egypt, etc. Enriched by trade contacts, Muziris became a melting pot of world cultures. The earliest Jewish settlers in India landed on the Malabar Coast and flourished in Muziris. Muziris is where St. Thomas the Apostle is said to have first landed in 52AD, bringing Christianity to India, and where The first-ever mosque built in India is located. Old churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples attest to the confluence of cultures that Muziris was. In a world full of strife, the monuments, and bazaars of Muziris stand as beacons even today, a testament to the harmonious co-existence of multiple faiths on the Malabar Coast.

After lunch, take a tour of the highlights of the City of Kochi. The city tour begins with a visit to the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Friday & Saturday), built-in 1568 by the prosperous Jewish trading community. The oldest synagogue in India and partially destroyed in the war of 1662 and rebuilt by the Dutch.

Continue to the Dutch Palace, which is built in the middle of the 16th century by the Portuguese. The structure was taken over in 1663 by the Dutch, who added some improvements before presenting it to the Rajas of Cochin, who made further improvements. This palace is notable for some of the best mythological murals in India.

The next stop will be at St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, built-in 1503. The Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, died in Kochi in 1524 on his third visit to India. His body was buried in St Francis Church before his remains were returned to Lisbon 14 years later. Close by is the Santa Cruz Basilica, considered to be one of the finest and most impressive churches in India.

Day 8: Cochin | Kumarakom

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
After breakfast, take a 1-2 hour drive to Alleppey for the embarkation point for a day cruise in the houseboat. Locally called Kettuvallam–Fringing the coast of Kerala and winding inland is a vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers, and canals. These backwaters represent a unique geographical formation and are the basis of a distinct lifestyle. 

The Kettuvallam, literally ‘tied together boat,’ is a comfortable and traditional way to get around the Backwaters. Climb aboard and get bamboo and palm-thatched canopies to provide shelter from the sun, comfy cane chairs to watch the world go by, and a table to take your meals. 

Your houseboat is run by a crew of two or three local men who keep the engine chugging, steer it along the lagoon and arrange a canoe ride along a canal. A cook rustles up delicious meals in the impossibly small galley, and there’s nothing for you to do except sit back and enjoy the view, lie in the sun or catch up on that holiday reading you promised yourself. In the evening, disembark and drive to Kumarakom. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and stay overnight at Kumarakom.

Day 9: Kumarakom

After breakfast at the hotel, you are free to explore the property and surroundings. Stay overnight at Kumarakom.

Day 10: Cochin | Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Cochin airport in the morning to catch your flight for your onward destination.

Accommodations

The Claridges - New Delhi

The Claridges Hotels and Resorts - New Delhi
Hotel Interior
Ye Old Bakery

ITC Mughal Resort & Spa - Agra

Royal Mughal Suite Reception Area
Dining Experience at Taj Khema
Hotel Garden

Samode Haveli Jaipur

Kumarakom Lake Resort

Kumarakom Lake Resort
Kumarakom Lake Resort
Spa

Eighth Bastion - CGH Earth

Eighth Bastion - CGH Earth
Hotel Interior
Hotel Interior

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,300

Notes

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Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • 6 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi and Jaipur.
  • Mandatory Government Service Tax.
  • Live Kathakali Dance Performance in Cochin
  • Jeep ride at Amber fort, uphill.
  • Battery Van Ride at Taj Mahal.
  • Tea and Snacks at Sheores Café, Agra.
  • English Speaking Expert Guides During the City Tour
  • Day cruise by houseboat in Alleppey
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Internal and International Airfare
  • Electronic Visa upon Entry
  • Personal Expenses (such as laundry, telephone, tipping, etc.)

Map

When to Go

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Oct
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Dec
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