North and South India: Rajasthan and Kerala

Spend the morning exploring Lutyens-designed New Delhi and learn about the city’s British heritage. Visit the gracious tomb of Humayun and Qutb Minar – one of the earliest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. Then, drive through the wide tree-lined avenues with photo-stop visits to India Gate – the War Memorial Arch; the Parliament House as well as the Vice Regal Palace – the official residence of the President of India. In the afternoon, visit the 17th-century Jama Masjid – one of the largest mosques in Asia and complete your tour of Delhi with a rickshaw ride that allows you to get under the skin of Old Delhi whilst exploring its bustling alleyways filled with spice merchants and jewellers.

Set off this morning for Agra, once the capital of the Mughal Empire and home to the inimitable Taj Mahal. En route, visit Sikandra – Emperor Akbar’s splendid red sandstone tomb. In the afternoon, visit Hessing’s Tomb, inspired by the Taj Mahal and known locally as the ‘Red Taj’. Continue to the striking tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, popularly referred to as ‘Baby Taj’ and believed to be the first monument in India to be built entirely of white marble. The day concludes with a stroll through Mehtab Bagh, a classic Mughal Garden that offers outstanding views of the Taj Mahal at sunset.

Rise early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Built as a monument to eternal love and described by poet Rabindranath Tagore as “a teardrop on the cheek of time”, this magnificent 17th-century mausoleum made of milk-white makrana marble was created by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz. Next, visit the imposing Agra Fort, which provides an insight into the 16th-century Mughal court as well as the lifestyle of the Mughals. Then, continue to Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital city of the Mughal emperor Emperor Akbar, before boarding the train to Sawai Madhopur – the gateway to Ranthambore National Park – India’s premier tiger reserve.

Set off on an early morning game drive (shared jeep*) accompanied by a naturalist in search of the Bengal tiger, sloth bear, nilgai, hyena and crocodile. Then following a leisurely breakfast and time to relax, drive to picturesque Ranthambore Fort for a picnic lunch. Late this afternoon, return to Ranthambore with your naturalist (shared jeep **).

Return to the Ranthambore National Park for a final safari. Next, a scenic drive through the countryside will bring you to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, the pulsating capital of Rajasthan.

Spend the morning exploring the yellow-hued Amer Fort that served as the medieval capital of the Kacchwaha Rajputs until the 18th century. One of Rajasthan’s finest hilltop forts, Amer is particularly noted for the stunning Sheesh Mahal pavilion (Palace of Mirrors). The remainder of the day will be at leisure.

Visit Jaipur’s City Palace this morning, where we have included privileged access to the royal quarters of Jaipur’s royal family to see their private collections. Next, view the façade of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), a high screen wall with nearly 900 jharokhas (latticed windows), then explore the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The afternoon will be at leisure.

Rise early and fly from Jaipur to Cochin via Ahmedabad. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel in the heart of the Fort Cochin district. The remainder of the day will be at leisure.

Spend the morning visiting the ancient spice emporium of Fort Cochin, where you will witness a melange of cultures and architectural styles. Sightseeing will include visits to the Dutch Palace with its murals of the Ramayana, the Jewish Synagogue, and the Church of St Francis – the oldest church in India (built 1503) and a stroll through Cochin’s bustling spice market. Enjoy a scenic private cruise exploring Cochin’s harbour with its landmark Chinese fishing nets this afternoon.

Set off on a scenic meandering drive through the roads of the hill to the alluring verdant Keralan backwaters, where you will check in at your beautifully located hotel. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to relax and enjoy your idyllic tropical surroundings.

Today is at leisure to relax by the pool, pamper yourself with an Ayurvedic massage at the Spa and enjoy the leisure facilities at your hotel. Alternatively, take an optional excursion to visit the nearby bird sanctuary that provides shelter to migrant birds during the winter, or borrow a bicycle from the resort and explore the backwaters (supplement applies).

This morning, board a converted traditional houseboat (air-conditioned) for a private cruise along Lake Vembanad before entering the enchanting backwaters near Alleppey. Fed by a network of rivers and linked by man-made and natural canals, a cruise through Kerala’s Backwaters is a scenic treat and also offers a superb opportunity to observe rural lifestyles and customs at a relaxed pace. After lunch, explore the exceptionally picturesque narrow sections of the waterways by canoe before returning to your houseboat before sunset for dinner on board.

On disembarking from your houseboat, drive through the lush tropical Keralan countryside to the village of Mararikulam on the tranquil shores of the Indian Ocean. After checking in at your hotel, the remainder of the day will be at leisure to relax on a virtually empty beach. Alternatively, you might like to visit the village of Mararikulam independently and gain an insight into village life.

Today will be at leisure.

Transfer to Cochin International Airport and check in for your onward flight.