Umaid Bhawan  Palace JODHPUR
Back to Listing

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, Cochinthe 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

Kerala backwaters, South India Banner.jpg
SOUTH INDIA Marari Beach 2
South India Boys Fishing
SOUTH INDIA - marari beach, fish basket
Kerala houseboat, South India Banner.jpg
Cochin, Kerala (3).jpg
Cochin, Kerala (1).jpg
2. Taj Lake Palace.jpg
Udaipur North India 2
Lake Pichola, Udaipur, North India.jpg
Jaipur, Rajasthan, North India (4).JPG
NORTH INDIA - Rambagh Palace
Jaipur, Rajasthan, North India (3).JPG
NORTH INDIA - Rajasthan, North India.jpg
NORTH INDIA - Ranthambore Taj Safaris
2. Taj Lake Palace.jpg
Udaipur North India 2
Lake Pichola, Udaipur, North India.jpg
Jaipur, Rajasthan, North India (4).JPG
NORTH INDIA - Rambagh Palace
Jaipur, Rajasthan, North India (3).JPG
NORTH INDIA - Rajasthan, North India.jpg
NORTH INDIA - Ranthambore Taj Safaris
Sher Bagh Ranthambore National Park North India 1
Aman-i-Khas, Ranthambore National Park, North India (18).jpg
Ranthambore, Rajasthan, North India (3).jpg
Ranthambore, Rajasthan, North India (16).jpg
Ranthambore, Rajasthan, North India (10).jpg
NORTH INDIA - Taj Mahal, view from The Oberoi
Kerala backwaters, South India Banner.jpg
SOUTH INDIA Marari Beach 2
South India Boys Fishing
SOUTH INDIA - marari beach, fish basket
Kerala houseboat, South India Banner.jpg
Cochin, Kerala (3).jpg
Cochin, Kerala (1).jpg
The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.
Rudyard Kipling

Client Testimonials

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
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
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

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences