Delhi – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Agra (Taj Mahal) – Cochin – Kumarakom – Houseboats – Mararikulam.
About This Trip
Do you enjoy staying in unique, charming, and especially small hotels? Then India is the perfect destination for you! We’ve selected boutique hotels for this trip, allowing you to experience India in all its luxury. During this varied, personalized tour, you’ll discover the differences between North and South India. You’ll experience the vibrant culture of Rajasthan, go on a tiger safari, visit the world-famous Taj Mahal, explore the old world of Cochin, spend the night on a boat, and relax on the beautiful backwaters and beaches of Mararikulam. In short, there’s something for everyone!
Why this trip?
- A unique journey with hand-picked luxury, unique, atmospheric, and often small boutique hotels.
- Stay on a houseboat in the backwaters.
- A wonderful mix of culture, nature, and beaches, allowing you to experience the diverse offerings of India.
- Plenty of rest stops along the trip.
- Car transportation with a private driver.
- Includes entrance fees and a local (English-speaking) guide to the sights.
Today, you embark on your journey with "Best Travel Agents in India". Upon arrival, our representative will welcome you and take you to your hotel in the heart of Delhi (Connaught Place).
Today, you'll take a city tour of New Delhi and Old Delhi with an English-speaking guide. The British settled New Delhi, which sets it apart from the other parts of the city. The result gives this part of the city a British character and a systematic layout, unlike Old Delhi. During the city tour, you'll see the towering Qutub Minar pillars, the Red Fort (outside), India Gate, Rajghat (Mahatma Gandhi's memorial), the tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun, and the bustling Chandni Chowk market (the market is closed on Sundays).
After breakfast, you'll travel approximately 5–6 hours to Jaipur, the capital of the vibrant state of Rajasthan. Once you arrive, you'll have time to relax for the rest of the afternoon/evening. If time permits, you can visit the Art Museum, Govinda Dev Ji Temple, or shop at Johari Bazaar (which features cotton and jewelry). Jaipur is also known as the "Pink City" because of the pink color of its buildings.
In the morning, you'll visit Fort Amer, located on a hill outside the city, with a guide. A jeep will be waiting at the bottom of the hill to take you to the fort. You'll have plenty of time to explore.
Later today, you'll take a tour of Jaipur city. Among other things, you'll see the Observatory and, of course, the famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). This five-story pink sandstone facade was built in 1799 so that wealthy women could observe the street life below from behind its 593 small windows without being seen. Be sure to visit the small Textile Museum in the City Palace. Here you'll see clothes worn by the former Maharajas of Jaipur, one of which weighed nearly 250 kg!
Note: We deliberately chose to travel to Amer by jeep. The elephants are treated badly. Additionally, elephant wait times are long, and vendors can be a hassle.
After breakfast, you'll arrive at Ranthambore National Park in approximately 4 hours. Ranthambore covers an area of approximately 410 km² and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. This park is one of the best places in the world to see wild tigers and is one of northern India's most beautiful. In addition to tigers, the park is also home to a wide variety of deer, birds, and reptiles. After arriving, the afternoon is yours to relax. You'll spend the night in a tranquil, natural setting, enjoying stunning views. Here, you can relax after the busy cities you've visited earlier.
Note: Ranthambore is (mostly) closed from July to September each year.
Today, we have a morning and afternoon safari program in Ranthambore National Park.
Note: For this trip, we have chosen a shared jeep for the safari. Up to six people can share this quick and flexible ride through the park. If we choose an open all-terrain vehicle (up to 20 people), you will receive a slight discount.
Today you will reach Agra in approximately six hours. On the way, you will visit Fatehpur Sikri, the "abandoned city." The lack of water has left this former capital of the Mughal Empire deserted. Once you reach Agra, your itinerary includes a visit to the Red Fort. You will stay in a luxurious guesthouse just a few minutes' walk from the world-famous Taj Mahal. You will visit it the next morning.
Tip: Visit Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) at sunset for a romantic view of the Taj Mahal. These gardens are located across the Yamuna River. This area is a great place to enjoy the sunset over the Taj Mahal without the crowds.
After an early breakfast, drive to New Delhi airport; you will arrive at Delhi Airport in approximately 5 hours. Here, you will check in for your domestic flight to Cochin, which departs in the evening (approximately a 3.5-hour flight). Your hotel in the historic Fort Kochi district, the old part of the city, awaits your arrival. You will immediately notice the (essential) differences between North and South India! Due to its strategic location on India's southwest coast, this port city has been an important trading center for spices and other commodities for centuries. The Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have all had a major influence on the city's development and left their mark. You'll find many spice warehouses still in full use throughout the city. Chinese fishing nets are also common in the city.
In the morning, you'll take a guided city tour of Cochin. This city has a rich colonial past. You'll see many remnants of the Portuguese, British, and Dutch periods. Among other things, the spice trade was carried out through this iconic port city. Chinese fishing nets are also a common sight in the city. The historic heart of the city is the Fort Kochi district. During the tour, you'll visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, where you'll see murals depicting events from important Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The palace was originally built by the Portuguese, but was renovated by the Dutch in the 17th century. You'll also visit India's oldest synagogue (closed to visitors on Fridays and Saturdays). You'll also see the city's many spice warehouses, which are still used for the vibrant trade.
In the evening, you can also watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance. The story and challenging trail may seem overwhelming, but the actors' costumes, masks, and colorful makeup alone make it worth the trip.
Today's approximately one-and-a-half-hour drive will take you to Kumarakom, located within the beautiful Backwaters Nature Reserve. Once there, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing. From there, you can stroll around. You'll see all sorts of activities along the waterfront: children cross bridges to school, women wash dishes and chat happily on the shore, and men form teams to practice for the annual boat race. Very long rowing boats called "snake boats" are used for this event. The winners are considered true heroes for a year.
You'll have a relaxing day at your accommodation and enjoy the surroundings. If desired, we can also add a local boat trip through the narrow canals of the backwaters. During this trip, you'll see much of the local waterside life. Birdwatchers will also have a blast here.
In the morning, you'll be taken to the Alleppey Jetty, less than an hour's drive away. Your houseboat will be waiting for you there, and you'll set off to explore the Kerala Backwaters Nature Reserve. You'll pass through nearby villages and enjoy the beautiful scenery. A unique experience! Along with the captain, you'll also have a cook who will prepare delicious meals in a small kitchen on the boat. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the views. In the evening, you'll dock at a quiet spot. You'll dine on the boat under the stars. You'll also spend the night on the houseboat, listening to the sound of the gurgling waters.
After breakfast on the boat, you'll be taken to Mararikulam, just a half-hour's drive from Alleppey. Marari is a relatively lesser-known beach resort, where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing. You'll spend the last few days on the beach, allowing you to relax and unwind.
A day of your leisure. For example, enjoy an Ayurvedic treatment or sample Mararikulam's local cuisine. Yes, you can also relax on the beach. A beautiful beach, comfortable accommodations, a friendly atmosphere, and delicious food—what more could you ask for? This town isn't (yet) known for mass tourism, but it's designed to be low-key. Many people still make a living by fishing, but now people are renting out rooms as so-called "homestays." Nature lovers can enjoy 97 species of butterflies, over 350 plants, three species of turtles, and 10 species of frogs. You'll also find the Mararikulam Mahadevar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The people there call Lord Shiva Marari; this is how the city gets its name.
After breakfast your driver will drop you at Kochi International airport, board onward flight. End our services.
Included
- Assistance during your trip (available 24/7)
- Traditional welcome on arrival at New Delhi & Kochi airports.
- Local flights Delhi - Cochin (economy class)
- Transfers and transportation during your excursion by car with a private driver
- English-speaking city guide in Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, & Kochi (Cochin)
- All nights' stays as per the program
- Meals as per the program
- Specified sightseeing monuments, national parks, etc., and their associated entry fees
- Two jungle safaris in Ranthambore (in shared jeeps)
- Jeep ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur
- Enough mineral water in the car.
Excluded
- International flights.
- Visa cost for India.
- Transportation by day (excluding daytime excursions)
- Optional excursions and related entry fees
- Upgrade to SUV (for one or more people) (2 people)
- Early check-in/late check-out available
- Other meals
- Tips to drivers, hotel or restaurant staff, temples, houseboat staff, etc.
- Travel and cancellation insurance.
