India South & North Itinerary

Visit fragrant spice bazaars, antique shops, Mattancherry Palace and Fort Cochin. Enjoy an exciting Kathakali dance performance in the evening.

Ride the famous Ootacamund toy train through rolling plantations and learn the secret of making the perfect brew at a tea garden.

Stay in a jungle retreat at the foot of the Nilgiri Hills. Safari into the wilds of Mudumalai National Park, home to tigers, panthers, elephants and spotted deer.

View the illuminated stained glass windows of the ornate Palace of Mysore, once belonging to the Maharaja. Dine with a long-time friend of Intrepid and travel to the Keshava Temple - a great example of Hoysala architecture.

Travel to Mamallapuram, cycle around the Shore Temple and see the massive rock carving known as Arjuna's Penance.

Follow the scenic south coast of India to French-influenced Pondicherry and visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

Witness mysterious rituals in the Sri Meenakshi Temple, a labyrinth of lamp-lit corridors and shrines in the heart of Madurai.

Travel through rubber, tea and coffee plantations, and then breathe in the fresh aroma of spices on a visit to a spice farm. At Periyar National Park, join a forest guide and try to track herds of elephants.

Share a traditional feast with a local family and take a sunset boat tour through the Kerala backwaters.

Enjoy free time to explore the vibrant streets of Kochi and admire the medieval Portuguese, Dutch and British Raj architecture before wrapping up this southern Indian adventure.

Chaotic Delhi is awash with historical sites, museums and markets. Visit the wonderful walled city of Old Delhi and see one of its most impressive buildings, the Jama Masjid. Join the crowds to explore the bazaars; everything is for sale here from fireworks and silks to copper and spices.

Travel by train to the Mughal city of Agra. Learn the tragic love stories and mysterious legends of the Red Fort. Visit the iconic Taj Mahal - constructed from marble and inlaid with jade, crystal and sapphire, it must be seen to be believed.

Journey to rural Rajasthan to stay at a royal family residence. Explore the village, meet villagers and chat with traditional craftspeople for a unique insight into local life.

Visit the Amber Fort en route to Jaipur, Rajasthan's 'Pink City'. Jaipur is bursting at the seams with markets filled with jewellery, textiles and folk-based arts. After bargaining for souvenirs, there's an opportunity to laugh, shout and cheer with locals at a lively Bollywood film.

Safari into the heart of the Indian bush to discover lakes and ruined palaces. Keep an eye out for deer, monkeys and reclusive Bengal tigers.

Journey through rural Rajasthan to Bundi. Admire stunning murals at the palace that presides over the town's Brahmin-blue rooftops, explore the enchanting alleyways and experience life in remote Rajasthan.

Experience the best of both worlds in Bijaipur. Camp lakeside under the stars, then spend the next night in the luxurious Castle Bijaipur.

Rolling hills, white marble palaces and lakes come together to make Udaipur the most romantic city in Rajasthan. Visit City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India.

With India's only Brahma temple and a holy lake, Pushkar is the place to rub shoulders with pilgrims and sadhus (holy men). For a change of pace, take a camel ride into the desert and witness a magical sunset among the dunes. In free time, shop, explore or head to a hilltop temple for views over the town. A hot chai at the top makes the effort worthwhile!

Come full circle on return to the hum of Delhi.