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

15 days from £8,800 for 2025 per person

This comprehensive itinerary is one of our absolute favourites. It effortlessly combines the fascinating historical and natural gems of the northern regions of Rajasthan, Agra and 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.

Your Indian adventure begins in the in the peaceful city of Udaipur with a stay at the beautifully romantic Taj Lake Palace, a serene 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 Rajasthani forts and palaces, elephants and phenomenal shopping. A stay at the former the residence of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his queen, Rambagh Palace, will ensure the utmost comfort and luxury at this wistfully romantic hotel. Next to the Indian jungle where you will have a chance to see tigers in their natural habitat; SUJÁN Sher Bagh in Ranthambore National Park is globally acknowledged to be the most charming and authentic place to stay. And then to the greatest monument to love, the Taj Mahal, a truly magnificent sight to behold, before ending your journey in northern India with a stay at the glorious Imperial Hotel in New Delhi.

The remaining 5 nights of your trip will be in the serene tropical state of Kerala. Spend two nights cruising the backwaters on a beautifully converted houseboat; shaded by a woven bamboo canopy and fanned by cool breezes, sit back and relax as your crew attentively conjure up delicious food in these lovely surroundings. Continue on to the Malabar Coast and spend a couple of nights at the Marari Beach Resort. Hidden away between two fishing villages on a beautiful golden beach, this charming hotel is a firm Ampersand favourite. Your Essential India Tour ends in one of India’s most charming cities, Cochin, the perfect blend of buzzing city life with traces of Kerala’s relaxed essence.

For more information, or to start planning your luxury holiday to India, please get in touch with us. Or if you'd like to see similar holidays, take a look at our Epic Journey and Honeymoon collections; as well as our favourite Family-Friendly, Boat and Beach itineraries.

Itinerary details

15 days from £8,800 for 2025 per person

Day 1 - Taj Lake Palace - Udaipur
Arrive in Udaipur and 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 at leisure or 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
Morning sightseeing 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
Morning train to Agra. Explore the Agra Fort and view the Taj Mahal from Mehtabagh Gardens.
Day 8 - The Imperial Hotel - Delhi
Morning visit to Taj Mahal for sunrise. Later drive to Delhi.
Day 9 - The Imperial Hotel - Delhi
Morning sightseeing tour of the highlights of Old and New Delhi, and Gudwara. Afternoon visit Humayun's Tomb.
Day 10 - Spice Coast Cruises - Vembanad Lake
Fly to Cochin and transfer to your houseboat on the Keralan backwaters.
Day 11 - Spice Coast Cruises - Vembanad Lake
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 - Old Harbour Hotel - 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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Client Testimonials

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

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

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

Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India

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

We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket

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

I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India

Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines

We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma

Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland

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

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

I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand

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 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

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

15 days from £8,800 for 2025 per person

Itinerary details

15 days from £8,800 for 2025 per person

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Client Testimonials

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