Embark on a fabulous journey from north to south India, from the majestic monuments of the Rajasthan plains to the beautiful backwaters of tropical Kerala. The beguiling diversity of this vibrant and colourful country will unfold along this captivating classic tour. Historic forts, holy temples, verdant landscapes and the opportunity to spot a tiger or two!

DAY 1
Fly Jet Airways from Heathrow to Delhi, arriving the next day.

DAY 2
Arrive late morning in Delhi and transfer to Maidens Hotel, New Delhi for two nights. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or embark on an optional 'Glimpse of Delhi’ tour visiting Lodhi Garden, Gandhi Smiriti and Birla Temple. The next day enjoy a fascinating orientation of bustling Delhi. Discover chaotic yet mesmerising Old Delhi with its narrow bustling streets and teeming colourful bazaars, and the imperial architectural masterpiece of Lutyen’s New Delhi. Visit Gandhi’s memorial Raj Ghat and drive past the incredible Red Fort. This evening enjoy dinner with a local family.

DAY 4
Drive to the historic city of Agra and transfer to Trident Agra for one night. This afternoon visit the impressive 16th-century red stone Agra Fort, home to the fairytale Jahangir Palace. There's also an optional visit to the tomb of Itmad Ud Daulah, dubbed Baby Taj because of its resemblance to the famous marble monument. (130 miles).

DAY 5
Today make an early start to take in the breathtaking sight of the legendary Taj Mahal at sunrise (subject to weather conditions). Twenty thousand craftsmen laboured for 20 years to build this exceptional monument, which symbolises eternal love and is one of the world’s finest pieces of architecture. After breakfast drive to Ranthambore, stopping en route to see the perfectly preserved deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Continue to Ranthambore National Park and check in at Vivanta by Taj - Sawai Madhopur Lodge for two nights. (185 miles).

DAY 6
Ranthambore National Park boasts one of the country’s leading tiger conservation efforts and is renowned as one of the best parks in India to spot this elusive animal. You may be lucky enough to spot one during your morning and early evening open-top canter safaris into the park. In addition, look out for leopards, crocodiles and over 300 species of birds.

DAY 7
Morning at leisure before driving to ‘Pink City’ Jaipur, built in 1728 and capital of Rajasthan, for two nights at Trident, Jaipur. Later enjoy leisure time to wander the many bazaars at your own pace. (110 miles) The next day leave Jaipur and visit the ancient and imposing Amber Fort. In the afternoon return to Jaipur for a city tour, visiting City Palace, the Royal Observatory and the unique Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) from outside.

DAY 9
This morning drive to ‘Blue City’ Jodhpur, which is home to majestic palaces and vibrant bazaars. Check in at Ajit Bhawan for one night. Enjoy an afternoon tour of the city, including a visit to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort – described by Rudyard Kipling as ‘the creation of angels, fairies and giants’ – and Jaswant Thada, a beautiful white marble cenotaph featuring intricately carved gazebos. (205 miles).

DAY 10
This morning drive to Udaipur with its fairytale Rajput-era palaces and romantic lakeside setting. Stop en route to visit the striking Jain Temples of Ranakpur, an important pilgrimage site. Check in at Trident Udaipur for two nights. (160 miles).

DAY 11
This morning enjoy a city tour of Udaipur, visiting City Palace; Jagdish Temple, a stunning architectural wonder flanked by two huge stone elephants; and Saheliyon ki Bari, a picturesque ornamental garden with a pretty courtyard, fountains and lotus pool. Take an optional boat ride at Lake Pichola (subject to water levels) and spend the afternoon at leisure.

DAY 12
Depart Udaipur on a morning flight to Mumbai and take a connecting flight to the stunning city of Cochin. On arrival, transfer to the Trident Hotel for one night. This evening enjoy an optional traditional Kathakali dance show.

DAY 13
Enjoy a morning city tour of Cochin, reputed to be the oldest European settlement in India. Your leisurely tour includes the Dutch Palace, Jew Town, St Francis church, the historic Fort Cochin harbour area and a stop to view the immense Chinese fishing nets. In the afternoon drive to Kumarakum, the gateway to Kerala's gorgeous backwaters and lakes. Overnight at Coconut Lagoon. (35 miles).

DAY 14
Spend a relaxing morning at leisure before boarding a traditional Keralan houseboat for a backwater cruise. Known as a kettuvallum, each thatch-roofed boat has been converted from an original cargo boat, complete with two or three bedrooms (shared with other members of the group), air-conditioning (available 9pm-7am), en suite toilet, separate kitchen and sit-out area. A three strong crew cater for all your meals and peacefully glide your boat along the labyrinthine network of lakes and canals that dissect the lush paddy fields, coconut groves and occasional rustic dwellings. Overnight on board.

DAY 15
Disembark the houseboat and drive to Marari, a traditional fishing village that boasts endless white-sand beaches. Spend two nights at Marari Beach Resort. The next day is at leisure. (21 miles).

DAY 17
Transfer to Cochin airport to board your Jet Airways flight via Mumbai, arriving at Heathrow later the same day.


MEAL PLAN • Price includes breakfast throughout, lunch on Days 6, 7 and 14 and dinner on Days 5, 6 and 14.

ACCOMMODATION • The hotels used for this itinerary are 4 star. GROUP SIZE • Maximum 30 passengers.

MINIMUM NUMBERS • This tour is subject to a minimum number of passengers (please call for details).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION • Tour escorted from arrival in Delhi to departure from Udaipur by a professional, English-speaking local tour manager. • Tipping is a way of life in India; we recommend tipping local guides and drivers at the end of your holiday. Porterage and tips for meals are included. • This is a comprehensive tour of India so be prepared for some long days. • Local conditions and religious festivals may necessitate slight variations to the itinerary and timings.