India Highlights

Upon arrival at the International airport in Delhi and clearing customs and immigration, a representative meets and escorts you to the hotel. Delhi, the capital, offers a glimpse of both ancient and modern-day India, where ancient ruins stand as witnesses to a magnificent history. Settle into the hotel to relax and enjoy its amenities.

Stay overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast, you set out to explore the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. The tour of Old Delhi entails a visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, and a drive past the Red Fort, once the most opulent palace of the empire. You walk through the streets of this 17th-century capital to savor the fragrances of the Spice Markets and the glitter of the jewelry markets. Next, a rickshaw ride through the bustling Chandni Chowk, one of Asia's largest wholesale markets, allows you to discover colorful shops and 350-year-old alleys.

Later, proceed to New Delhi, a city founded by the British in 1911. Sightseeing here includes a visit to Humayun’s Tomb and a drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath. You pass the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, and the President's Residence before a final drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. Stay overnight at Delhi.

Note: The Red Fort remains closed on Mondays.

After breakfast, drive to Agra, a trip of approximately 4 hours. Established in 1475 AD, the city served as the foundation of the Mughal Empire and witnessed the construction of the iconic Taj Mahal. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. In the late afternoon, visit Sheroes Hangout Café for a cup of tea or coffee. Run solely by acid attack survivors, this space serves as a center for activism and empowerment. To conclude the day, proceed for a sunset visit of Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh. From this crescent-shaped garden across the River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal looks stunning, offering what Shah Jahan considered the best view of the monument.

Stay overnight at Agra.

Rise early for morning coffee and prepare for a spectacular sight, the legendary Taj Mahal at daybreak. It is often said that the monument changes colors with every minute, depending on the angle of the sun, making sunrise the best time for photos under mild sunlight. Once you have taken in the views, return to the hotel for breakfast before you drive to Jaipur. This trip covers 240 km and takes approximately 5 hours. The capital of Rajasthan, also known as the "Pink City," sits on a dry lakebed surrounded by barren hills and fortresses. Upon arrival, check into Samode Haveli, a 175-year-old townhouse that serves as a quiet retreat with courtyards, fountains, and original heritage features. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel in Jaipur to rest or explore at your leisure.

Note: The Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays.

After breakfast, you begin with a morning visit to the magnificent Amber Fort, the most iconic monument of Jaipur. You travel by Jeep to reach the top of the hill where the fort stands to explore its palaces, halls, gardens, and temples. This includes the Sheesh Mahal, where elaborate mirror work adds to the grandeur of this historic site. Next, you visit the City Palace, the residence of the present Royal family who have converted part of the estate into a museum. You explore the commanding Chandra Mahal, a seven-story building where each floor bears a specific name such as the Sukh-Niwas and Mukut-Mahal. Through the beautiful peacock gate, you find unique paintings and floral decorations, while screened balconies offer panoramic views of the city and the decorative lake below.

After lunch, you proceed on a Bazaars, Crafts & Cuisine Walk to witness the rich art traditions of the city. You observe local artisans like silversmiths and bangle makers using traditional methods before mingling with locals to sample culinary delights such as Samosa Kachori, Kulfi, and Lassi. You also meet a local family to experience authentic Indian hospitality. Stay overnight at Jaipur.

You have an early morning transfer to the airport to board your flight to Kochi via Ahmedabad. Kochi, also known by its colonial name Cochin, acts as the gateway to Kerala and holds strategic importance as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea." Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you have the afternoon free at leisure to relax or explore the vibrant streets of this coastal city on your own.

In the evening, you witness a live Kathakali dance performance. This traditional art form of Kerala leaves you spellbound with impressive facial expressions, hand gestures, and dance moves. The performance is characterized by colorful costumes and elaborate makeup made from natural pigments ground on stone and mixed with coconut oil. You will see colors obtained from natural substances: red and yellow from powdered stones like Chaayilyam and Manayola, white from rice flour and lime, and green mixed from Manayola and Neelam. Even the black kohl is prepared by burning gingerly oil to complete the dramatic look. Stay overnight at Kochi.

After breakfast, you drive an hour north for the Muziris Heritage Tour. This ancient port was a melting pot of cultures, where early Jewish settlers, St. Thomas the Apostle, and Islamic traders all arrived centuries ago. You explore a landscape dotted with historic churches, synagogues, and mosques that testify to a harmonious co-existence of faiths, before walking through a colorful local bazaar.

After lunch, return to Kochi to visit the Jewish Synagogue, famous for its hand-painted Chinese willow tiles, and the Dutch Palace, known for its exquisite mythological murals. You then visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India and original burial site of Vasco da Gama, followed by the impressive Santa Cruz Basilica. On the drive back to the hotel, observe the iconic Chinese fishing nets lining the coast, a unique legacy believed to stem from the court of Kublai Khan. The tour concludes with a look at the Dutch and Portuguese architectural influences within the historic Fort Kochi district. Stay overnight at Kochi.

Note: The Jewish Synagogue is closed on Fridays and Saturdays. The Dutch Palace is closed on Fridays.

After breakfast, you drive to Alleppey to embark on a day cruise through the backwaters. This trip covers 50 km and takes approximately 1.5 hours. You board a Kettuvallam, a traditional houseboat built without using a single nail; instead, seasoned jackwood is lashed together with coir rope and sealed with boiled cashew shells. As you navigate the vast network of lagoons and canals, you relax under a bamboo canopy in comfortable cane chairs while the crew steers the vessel.

Lunch is served on board, and you may also enjoy a canoe ride to explore the narrower waterways. In the evening, you disembark and proceed to Kumarakom. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel in Kumarakom and relax at your leisure.

After breakfast, the entire day is free at leisure. You may choose to explore the property and its scenic surroundings or simply relax at the hotel. Stay overnight at Kumarakom.

After breakfast, you take a transfer to the Kochi airport to connect with the flight for your onward destination. This drive takes approximately 1.5 hours.