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Essential India... Our Comprehensive Tour of North & South India

15 days from £6,420 for 2023 per person

This comprehensive journey effortlessly combines the incredible forts and palaces of Rajasthan, a tiger safari at Ranthambhore National Park, the finest Mughal monuments including the Taj Mahal in Agra and Lutyen's and Baker's New Delhi with the the tranquil backwaters and lazy beaches of the tropical southern state of Kerala. Experience the true essence of this rich and diverse land, taking in some of its most exciting sights, hotels and adventures. 

Start your adventure in the in the fairy tale city of Udaipur with a stay at the Lake Palace which appears to float on Lake Pichola. Here surrounded by water one can enjoy the shimmering reflections of the impressive City Palace and Aravali Hills. Continue onto the bustling "pink city" of Jaipur with its massive forts and palaces, elephants and phenomenal shopping. Next off to the jungle to see tigers and then the greatest monument to love, the Taj Mahal ending your stay in the northern India with a stay at the glorious Imperial Hotel in New Delhi. But the trip is not over yet. Fly down to Kerala and spend two nights cruising the backwaters on a houseboat, then a couple of nights on the beach ending the trip with a visit to one of India's most charming cities Cochin

This is purely a suggested itinerary, so it can be booked as it is or used as a starting point for creating your own luxury tailor-made tour of India. If you'd like to see similar holidays, take a look at our Epic Journey and Honeymoon collections; as well as our favourite Active, Family-Friendly, Boat and Beach itineraries.


Itinerary details

15 days from £6,420 for 2023 per person

  • Day 1 - Taj Lake Palace - Udaipur
    Arrive into Mumbai and take a direct domestic flight to Udaipur. Transfer to your hotel. Sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola.
  • Day 2 - Taj Lake Palace - Udaipur
    Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Udaipur's City Palace and temples. Spend the afternoon shopping in the Old City bazaars with your driver.
  • Day 3 - Rambagh Palace - Jaipur
    Fly Udaipur to Jaipur. Afternoon walking tour of Jaipur Old City.
  • Day 4 - Rambagh Palace - Jaipur
    Take a tour of Jaipur City Palace and Amber Fort. This afternoon, visit Dera Amer Wilderness Camp for a walking safari with the elephants and dinner under the stars.
  • Day 5 - SUJÁN Sher Bagh - Ranthambore
    Morning drive to Ranthambore National Park. Enjoy an afternoon game drive.
  • Day 6 - SUJÁN Sher Bagh - Ranthambore
    Morning and afternoon game drives in the park.
  • Day 7 - The Oberoi Amarvilas - Agra
    Take a train to Agra. Explore the Agra Fort and view the Taj Mahal from Mehtabagh Gardens.
  • Day 8 - The Imperial Hotel - Delhi
    Re-visit the Taj Mahal for sunrise. Later drive to Delhi.
  • Day 9 - The Imperial Hotel - Delhi
    Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the highlights of Old and New Delhi, including Humayun's Tomb.
  • Day 10 - Houseboat - Kerala
    Fly to Cochin and transfer to your houseboat on the Keralan backwaters.
  • Day 11 - Houseboat - Kerala
    Full day sailing on the backwaters.
  • Day 12 - Marari Beach Resort - Mararikulam
    Drive to Mararikulam for a peaceful afternoon relaxing at this beachside resort.
  • Day 13 - Marari Beach Resort - Mararikulam
    Enjoy a day at leisure.
  • Day 14 - Brunton Boatyard - Cochin
    Morning drive to Cochin. Afternoon sightseeing with your guide.
  • Day 15 - In transit
    Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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Taj Lake Palace Udaipur North India Taj Lake Palace Udaipur North India
NORTH INDIA - Rambagh Palace NORTH INDIA - Rambagh Palace
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NORTH INDIA - Ranthambore Taj Safaris NORTH INDIA - Ranthambore Taj Safaris
Aman I Khas Ranthambore North India Aman I Khas Ranthambore North India
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Taj Mahal Yamuna River Agra India Taj Mahal Yamuna River Agra India
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Delhi Delhi
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SOUTH INDIA - marari beach, fish basket SOUTH INDIA - marari beach, fish basket
Mararikulam South India 3 Mararikulam South India 3
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Travel is the only thing that you buy that makes you richer.
Proverb

Client Testimonials

Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India

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