Highlights of India - From the Golden Triangle to Kerala

After your overnight flight, you’ll arrive in Delhi, and be welcomed by your friendly, local tour manager.  

Check into your hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure, perhaps exploring the surrounding area or taking advantage of the outdoor swimming pool.  

Following breakfast, set off on a morning sightseeing excursion of Old Delhi, where you’ll witness its vibrant culture and rich history. This enlightening tour encompasses all the city’s major historical landmarks, including the Jama Masjid Mosque, one of the largest in India, Raj Ghat, the majestic Humayun's Tomb, a stunning example of Mughal architecture Gandhi’s cremation site, and Agrasen-Ki Baoli, a centuries-old step well. An exhilarating rickshaw ride around Chandni Chowk, known for its markets and street food, will provide another memorable highlight.   

Later, you’ll pass by the UNESCO-listed Red Fort, known as the Lal Qila, deriving its name from the red sandstone that embellishes its soaring walls. This historic fortress is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. The journey then takes you to the India Gate, modelled after the grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It serves as a memorial dedicated to the soldiers who fought during World War I. Lastly, you'll drive by the grand government buildings, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, and the impressive Parliament House. These colonial-era architectural marvels blend British and Indian design influences.   

 After a full day, join your fellow travellers for dinner at the hotel.  

Breakfast will be followed by a journey by express train to Chandigarh. Rail travel in India is always a colourful and entertaining experience! You’ll be met on arrival in Chandigarh and driven to Shimla, set in the foothills of the Himalayas. You’ll then arrive at the next hotel, a landmark colonial-era property dating from 1884. 

Given Shimla’s hillside location, this is the perfect place to stretch your legs, and maybe make a loop around the town’s streets, scattered with relics of the past and colonial-style buildings.  

When you’ve had your fill of wandering, return to the hotel for dinner, further enhanced by an arresting vista of the Shimla Valley. 

A hearty breakfast is up for grabs before you embark on your day of sightseeing in Shimla. Serving as the former summer retreat for the British colonial government, this hill station is where they would escape to, avoiding the sweltering Delhi heat in the 1860s. Shimla’s cool climate meant it became their ‘Summer Capital’, and it still exudes quintessential British charm as seen in the architecture today.  

You'll then head for Shimla Railway station, where you'll board the 'toy train' for a one-hour ride through stunning mountain scenery to Tara Devi station. Here, you’ll visit the famous Tara Devi Temple – a holy Hindu temple constructed within the Himalayan peaks in the 18th century and inspired by a vision of the goodness of Tara before heading back into the city to continue your sightseeing. 

The Viceregal Lodge is next, and this former British summer retreat of teak-panelled interiors was where the map of the Indian Partition was drawn up in 1947 by Lord Mountbatten. You’ll then stop over at the Indian Institute of Advanced of Studies, a research institute housed in a historical building of Indo-Gothic style. 

Later in the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll to Scandal Point, which is positioned on the western edge of Shimla where two of the city’s roads meet – The Ridge and Mall Road. This traditional meeting place for locals features a small square with a mock-Tudor state post office. You’ll then pass the Gaiety Theatre, boasting colonial architecture and have a chance to browse an assortment of handicraft shops along the Mall, a pedestrian avenue.  

Later in the evening, return to the hotel for dinner.  

After breakfast, you'll be driven to Chandigarh airport to board your flight for Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’. Once you've landed, you’ll be picked up and driven to the hotel, which is located across from Man Sagar Lake and backed by the Aravalli Range.  

There will be time to settle in before dinner.  

Rise this morning and head for the former Rajput capital, Amber. Board your Jeep and climb to the city's vast sixth-century hilltop fort as part of a captivating tour of its Royal Halls. You can then take in the magnificent views over Maota Lake from the ramparts.   

In the afternoon, head off to the City Palace, a red-hued intricate complex of temples, courtyards, pavilions and gardens, and a major heritage landmark. The Jantar Mantar, an observatory constructed in 1724 is the following highlight. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located outdoors and features expansive geometric ‘toys’, the world’s largest sundial and an assortment of 19 astronomical instruments.  

While returning to the hotel, you’ll pass by another poignant palace, Hawa Mahal. Also known as the ‘Palace of the Winds’, this 18th-century building is constructed from red and pink sandstone and lined with ornate windows and screened balconies.  

This evening will be free to visit one of the many atmospheric local markets in the heart of Jaipur before dinner at the hotel.

Following breakfast this morning, you’ll be driven to Ranthambore – one of the largest and most famous national parks in Northern India. This former royal hunting ground is now a key centre for ‘Project Tiger’, and its grasslands, streams and pools are home to striped hyenas, sambar deer, sloth bears and of course, the elusive and still endangered tigers of Ranthambhore.  

Lunch will be served upon arrival at the jungle resort, which is surrounded by lush green forests and a natural water lake. The afternoon will be free to enjoy the resort’s amenities including an outdoor swimming pool and spa.

Wake early this morning and board your vehicle to explore the wilderness of Ranthambore National Park, an opportunity to explore the untamed landscapes alongside your knowledgeable naturalist guide. 

As the sun rises over the treetops, you’ll venture off to witness the park’s incredible biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for the Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, jackals, wild dogs, and hyenas that call Ranthambore National Park home. Your naturalist will share their expertise, providing insights into the behaviour, habitats, and unique characteristics of the animals you encounter. 

Breakfast will then be served back at the resort followed by some time to relax, perhaps by the swimming pool before lunch. 

In the afternoon, gear up for a safari, another chance to spot more animals on your wish-list and survey more of the prey-rich woodlands and bird species before dinner in the evening.

After breakfast, board the coach for Agra, taking in the Indian countryside as you go. On the way, you’ll pass the Chand Baori Stepwell in Abhaneri, which was built over 1,000 years ago and is one of the biggest stepwells in the world. With intricately geometrically designed staircases, this architectural wonder serves as a source of water and a place of respite in the desert heat.   

A stop for lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant before you arrive at the hotel, situated close to the Taj Mahal. The rest of the day will be free for you to unwind, perhaps by the outdoor swimming pool.  

Dinner will be served at the hotel. 

Start your day in a truly unforgettable way by visiting the Taj Mahal at dawn, a chance to get to see the famed monument of love up close, glistening as the sun rises. This ivory-white marble mausoleum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, encircled by expansive Mughal gardens, is one of the greatest architectural achievements and a wish-list spectacle. Completed in 1648 and built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, it’s renowned for its Mughal design and elements, including a central dome, minarets, and a reflecting pool. The guide will bring to life the love story which resulted in the Taj being built.  

Later, the group will be taken to the Agra Fort, a grand red sandstone fortress that served as the residence of Mughal emperors for over three centuries. Here, you can explore the intricate maze of courtyards, palaces, and mosques within the fort as your tour manager shares stories and historical insights about this impressive monument. 

You’ll then return for breakfast at the hotel and afterwards, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing before dinner. 

Once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll journey to Delhi airport for the flight to Kochi, a port city in Kerala known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’.  

After you’ve settled into your hotel, a tropical oasis near the harbour, you can take the evening to relax and have dinner.

Today, after breakfast, you’ll get to discover the highlights of Kochi with a guided tour. The Dutch Palace, also known as Mattancherry Palace, is the first stop. Originally built by the Portuguese in 1555 as a gift to the Raja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma, this double-storied structure was later renovated by the Dutch in 1663. You’ll observe its Kerala architecture mixed with colonial influences, as well as a collection of mural paintings illustrating scenes from local legends and artefacts belonging to the Kochi royal family.  

The Jewish Synagogue or Paradesi Synagogue is next and one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth dating back to 1568. Inside, the interior is decorated with hand-painted Chinese porcelain tiles, a gold pulpit, and Belgian crystal chandeliers. Your tour manager will also point out the ancient Torah scrolls and the clock tower, which was built in the mid-18th century.  

Leaving the Jewish Quarter of Kochi, you’ll walk to Fort Kochi to get a clear view of the Chinese fishing nets in the sea below. These expansive, shore-operated nets require a team of people to lower them into the water and lift back with the catch. As you observe the fishermen at work, you’ll learn about how these nets are now an iconic symbol of the city dating back to the 14th century.  

As night falls, you’ll enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a classical Indian dance-drama that is over 300 years old. During this colourful showcase, the performers will wear elaborate costumes and headgear while enacting stories to the backdrop of live traditional music. 

When the performance is over, return to the hotel for dinner.

Take a relaxed breakfast before heading to a nearby spice plantation for a tour. Start with a walk through the plantation as the guide describes the different types of spices grown in the region, including popular varieties, such as black pepper, cardon and cinnamon. You’ll then learn about the cultivation techniques, and culinary and medicinal uses, and have a chance to taste and smell the fresh spices.  

In the afternoon, the tour will take to the waters of Periyar on a scenic cruise in search of the local wildlife. This is the perfect way to experience views of the Western Ghats and the surrounding forest landscape. As you float, keep your eyes peeled for elephants, wild boards and bison.  

Back on land, you’ll travel to the hotel in time for dinner.

Have breakfast and then head to the coastal city of Alleppey or Alappuzha, known for its labyrinth backwaters and houseboats. You’ll get the chance to board one of these charming vessels for a special one-night stay. Commonly known as kettuvallam, traditional houseboats are constructed from natural materials, like wood, bamboo and coconut fibre. Each boat has a gently curved roof made up of palm leaves and bamboo, with open sides and large windows, giving it a unique design.  

Embrace some time to settle in and unwind in-between lunch and dinner onboard. Your personal chef will provide a cookery demonstration before being on hand to prepare your meals. The vessel will cruise during daylight hours and moor at night. This allows you to take a seat at the front, and take in the peaceful backwaters, coconut groves, green paddy fields, and small villages with local fishermen casting their nets. 

After breakfast on the backwaters, you’ll return to shore and be driven to the coastal village, Marari with its beautiful beach.  

A stop along the way will include the Arthunkal Church or St. Andrew’s Basilica, a famous pilgrim centre known for its annual feast, which draws thousands of devotees. This church, with a traditional Christian design, was originally built by Portuguese missionaries in the early 16th century and is dedicated to St. Andrew.  

You’ll also get to see a nearby Hindu temple, with its towering gateway, large open hall, intricate carvings, and colourful paintings.  

Later in the day, check into a hotel in a beachfront resort in the centre of lush grounds.  

Spend the afternoon enjoying the outdoor infinity swimming pool, wellness centre and the sandy beach before dinner.

Check out of the resort after breakfast and travel to Kochi airport for a flight to Mumbai.  

Upon arrival, a coach will pick you up and take you to your final hotel as you drive through the heart of Mumbai, passing its major attractions.  

Dinner will be served at the hotel. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a free morning before a guided tour of Mumbai, visiting several of the city’s historical and cultural landmarks. You’ll begin with the Prince of Wales Museum, an ornate building with detailed lattice work, housing around 50,000 artefacts. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formally known as the Victoria Terminus Station, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another striking structure, with its Victorian Gothic Revival architecture built over 10 years.   

Mani Bhavan, a museum, and historical building dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, will follow. Serving as Gandhi’s headquarters for around 17 years, this mansion houses a library, a photo gallery, and a room where Gandhi stayed. You can view his spinning wheel and bed on the floor, as well as the terrace where he was arrested in 1932.   

As you move on, you'll experience the unique spectacle of Dhobi Ghat, an open-air laundry where skilled dhobis (laundry workers) wash, dry, and press clothes in a traditional manner. Originally constructed in 1890, the site is made up of more than 700 washing stations and from the sides, you can observe the massive scale of this age-old practice. The day’s exploration ends at the Gateway of India, a grand arch monument located on the waterfront of the city. It was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911 and served as the exit point for the last British troops leaving India.  

Tonight, there will be a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers, allowing you to reflect on your holiday.  

Continue to the airport to check in for your overnight flight to the UK