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Essential India... Our Comprehensive Tour of North & South India
15 days from £8,800 for 2024 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 2024 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.
Places of Interest
AccommodationThe first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.
Rudyard Kipling
