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Get the best of both the North and South of India on this eye-opening two-week family holiday

Travelling through India is like turning up everything in your life – the volume with the throbbing streets of Delhi, the colour with the markets and spice bazaars, and the brightness with the sight of the white Taj Mahal. Take the family on an adventure through the north and south of India, through the unique cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, then fly to the relaxed south to float worries away on the waters of Kerala and Kovalam. Live out the ‘Jungle Book’ life in the forests and jungles of Periyar and Ranthambore. From landmarks to national parks, this adventure has it all.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Delhi, India
Finish
Kovalam, India
Destination
India
Style
Original
Theme
Family
Code
HHFA
Physical rating
Ages
Min 5
Group size
Min 2, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Act like Mowgli on the hunt for Shere Khan in your own real life version of ‘The Jungle Book’

  • You’ve not truly seen the Taj Mahal until you’ve got up at the crack of dawn and watched the sun rise above it. Seeing the building glow in the early morning light is truly magical

  • Cruise around the Malabar backwaters onboard a traditional Keralan houseboat, complete with carpets – have fun with locals, and maybe try your hand at fishing

  • Get back to nature as you safari for rare animals in Periyar National Park – a prize for the one that spots the tiger or leopard!

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip involves some longer journeys, which can be tiresome but offer a quintessential experience of the Indian landscape and people.

  • It’s important to prepare for hot sticky temperatures during the day and cooler climates in the evening. Layers are the best way to tackle this difference in weather. Please also ensure that you bring and use sun protection, and drink plenty of water.

  • We visit a number of temples on this trip, which requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.

Map of India Family Holiday including India
Kerala, local children
India, traditional dress
India, holy cow

Itinerary
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Namaste! Begin your Indian adventure in one of the oldest cities in the world, Delhi, a suprising city of magic and mayhem. There’s a Welcome Meeting today at 1pm. You can arrive any time beforehand as there are no activities planned until then. India's capital is an exciting and often chaotic city packed with historical sites, museums, galleries, shops and endless bazaars. Take a guided sightseeing tour to explore the contrasts of Old and New Delhi. Squeeze through Old Delhi’s fortified walls on the way to visiitng Jama Masjid mosque. Then, leave the crowds behind and breathe a little easier in New Delhi with its broad, tree-lined avenues filled with monuments to former British rule. 
Accommodation
  • Florence Inn or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Delhi - Jama Masjid
  • Delhi - Old Delhi walking tour
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Delhi - India Gate
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Rise early to catch the morning sun and a train to Agra (approximately three hours). The city once alternated with Delhi as the capital of the Moghul Empire, and it still grips to its glory days linked with the most famous of India’s rulers. On arrival, take some time to relax after the early start until mid-afternoon, before heading out to see the city’s big attractions. Agra’s not just about the Taj Mahal, it’s also home to one of the finest looking forts in India, a Friday Mosque and royal tombs.
Accommodation
  • The Retreat or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Agra - Red Fort guided tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This is one very early morning start that will be worth the effort. Get up before the sun to see it rise over the Taj Mahal. Watch the iconic building bathed in early morning light. Many people believe it to be the most perfectly proportioned building ever constructed. At first glance it appears to be simply white marble, but closer inspection reveals that the surface is inlaid with semi-precious stones that form stylised flowers and bowers. Next, head east and pass the Kos Minar medieval milestones, which point the way to the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri (approximately two hours). Deserted after only a few years because there wasn’t enough water, the incredibly well preserved 16th century royal complex is a haven of courtyards, pavilions, ornamental gardens, the striking Jama Masjid mosque, and home to the intricately carved Rumi Sultana palace. Continue on to Sawai Madhopur and Ranthambhore National Park (approximately two hours) – the 'Jungle Book' brought to life!
Accommodation
  • Shegarh resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Fatehpur Sikri
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Ranthambhore National Park is one of the premier national parks of India – a place teeming with wildlife where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples. You’ll make a couple of game drives during your stay here, with hopes of getting a sighting of the majestic Bengal tigers that survive among the ruins, stalking through the jungle. Game drives take place early in the morning and in late afternoon, as this is when animals are most active. Even if the tigers are being too stealthy, the park is filled with other animals like gazelle, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, three types of antelope (nilgai, sambar and chital) and leopards to watch out for.

Notes: During the hot summer months, Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. Therefore, during this time, we alter our itinerary and take the opportunity to visit the nearby Swai Mansingh Sanctuary instead. A wide variety of interesting wildlife resides here, including hyena, sloth bear, wild boar, panther and cheetah. While there is the rare chance to spot a tiger, this should not be expected. An exciting wildlife walk and a game drive will be included here.
Accommodation
  • Shegarh resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ranthambore National Park - Morning Safari
  • Ranthambore National Park - Evening safari
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before heading northwest to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan (approximately 2 hours). Surrounded by a wall dripping in an earthy red colour in the style of the Mughal sandstone cities. Walk through the Pink City’s streets, busy with camels, motorbikes, rickshaws, and past traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches. Jaipur, like Delhi, has both old and new parts, although you will concentrate on the old. Your free time here is perfect for haggling to your heart's content at the many bazaars and backstreets filled with textiles, precious gems, and blue pottery. Cool off afterwards with a lassi from Lassiwala , Jaipur's oldest and most famous lassi shop.
Accommodation
  • Suryaa Villa or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
Optional Activities
  • Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Visit the sprawling City Palace, once home to the Maharaja, an amazing complex filled with fascinating museums and guards whose moustaches are almost as impressive as the building itself. Continue on to the Jantar Mantar observatory and the five-storied Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, with its detailed honeycombed façade filled with concealed windows. Royal maidens once watched the streets below through the fabulous lattice screens, which hid them from prying male eyes. Today snake charmers and fortune-tellers ply their trade below the same hideaway. Climb the twisting roads of the Aravalli Hills and round the final bend to see the massive Amber Fort loom into view (approximately 30 minutes). The opulent palace is packed with elaborate rooms of lavish murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Don’t miss the sparkling Mirror Palace, covered floor-to-ceiling in thousands of reflective tiles.
Accommodation
  • Suryaa Villa or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory
  • Jaipur - City Palace
Optional Activities
  • Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD250
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After the last few days of activity, today is a travel day. Say 'goodbye' to the North and jump on a plane to the more relaxing South. Your destination is Kochi, a once important spice-trading centre that’s split between the mainland and a group of islands just off the coast. Cochin, as it is more commonly known, is a fascinating melting pot of Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and British influences. Here see spice markets, Chinese fishing nets, a Portuguese palace, the first European church in India, and 17th century Dutch homes. In your free time you can wander down to the beach at sunset, or maybe seek out the best coconut curry in town.
Accommodation
  • Grand Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Take in some of the city’s most interesting sights today on an orientation tour. Hop on a local ferry to Mattancherry and drop by the 16th Century Dutch Palace. It was actually built by the Portuguese, but the Dutch took it over, improved on it, and then presented it to the Rajas of Cochin. Later, amble around the spice bazaars and antique stores of Fort Cochin. This evening you’ll experience a Kathakali performance. This Keralan dance is an ornately costumed display of storytelling, a vibrant and extraordinary form of theatre that requires complete control of the body.
Accommodation
  • Grand Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kochi - Kathakali performance
  • Kochi - Fort Kochi walk
  • Kochi - Dutch Palace
  • Kochi - Jewish Synagogue
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

From the swaying palm trees, lush rice paddies and winding waterways of the Kerala area, head inland to the thick jungle and spice plantations of Thekkady (approximately four hours). Take some free time to relax and settle into the hotel before exploring the local area. This region is well known for its spice growing, so in the evening prepare for a fragrant tour of a spice plantation and discover local ginger, cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, clove and more.
Accommodation
  • Ambadi Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Periyar - Kalaripayattu (Indian Martial Art) performance - INR200
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Venture into the acclaimed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for a guided nature walk, with hopes to encounter the park’s rich variety of wildlife. Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed, but if luck is on your side you may see some elephants, deer, tigers, leopards or gaur – the world's largest species of buffalo. You're more likely to see Bonnet macaques (who are often found near the entrance to the reserve), the Malabar giant squirrel (a species native to India), and of course the odd leech! (Don't worry, leech socks will be provided) For something extra, opt for a boat tour on the lake, where you may see elephants bathing playfully in the shallows. In your free time, maybe attend an exciting demonstration of Indian martial arts (kalaripayattu) at the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre.

Notes: The nature walk has a minimum age requirement of 12. For those with children under 12, an alternative activity will be arranged. Normally a traditional tribal dance.
Accommodation
  • Ambadi Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Periyar - Spice plantation visit
  • Periyar - Guided nature walk
  • Periyar - National Park
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Swap jungles for backwaters, leaving Periyar and heading back west to discover sleepy Alappuzha (approximately three hours). Once a significant trading port, the town is now famed for the long ‘snake boat’ races that take place in August every year. Here board a typical Keralan houseboat to cruise through the complex system of beautiful lagoons and canals known as the ‘Malabar Backwaters’. These floating cottages have western toilets, private bedrooms, a dining area and sundeck to relax on. The backwaters are best explored by boat as life revolves around the water here – children often learn to swim before they can walk and they row boats before they ride a bike. These waterways are the principal means of communication and trade for scores of homes and villages. Along the banks, at jetties and ferry stops, there's often a wonderful array of produce ready for market, with sacks of cashews piled high next to coconuts. You can learn about the unique culture of local Keralan life with a village tour.
Accommodation
  • Houseboat (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kerala Backwaters - Village walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Travel down the west coast of the continent to end the trip with a relaxing slice of royally sanctioned paradise. Head to Kovalam via Kerala’s capital, Trivandrum (approximately four hours). Move from sun lounger, to beach, to hotel pool, and then back again, perhaps squeezing in a traditional ayurvedic massage. 
Accommodation
  • Sagara Resort (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Take this final free day to do as you’d like. If you’re keen to explore, there’s plenty to do in and around this coconut tree oasis. Visit the old signalling station of Anchuthengu Fort or the 16th-century Koyikkal Palace, while the nearby town of Vinhinjam has a wide array of Hindu temples and churches. Perhaps hire bicycles and explore the streets, or take a traditional wooden boat ride out on the bay to go snorkelling. Something more? What about making a full day journey to the very south of India, to Kanyakumari, and look south towards Antarctica!
Accommodation
  • Sagara Resort (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This India Family Holiday comes to an end today, and you are free to leave your accommodation anytime after breakfast. For those booked on flight inclusive packages, you will be transferred back to the airport for your onward flight home.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Bus, Cycle rickshaw, Jeep, Mini coach, Plane, Shuttle Bus, Train

Accommodation

Hotels (11 nights), Housboat (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Delhi - Jama Masjid
  • Delhi - Old Delhi walking tour
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Delhi - India Gate
  • Agra - Red Fort guided tour
  • Fatehpur Sikri
  • Ranthambore National Park - Morning Safari
  • Ranthambore National Park - Evening safari
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory
  • Jaipur - City Palace
  • Kochi - Kathakali performance
  • Kochi - Fort Kochi walk
  • Kochi - Dutch Palace
  • Kochi - Jewish Synagogue
  • Periyar - Spice plantation visit
  • Periyar - Guided nature walk
  • Periyar - National Park
  • Kerala Backwaters - Village walk

Dates & availability

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Important notes

Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.

Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.

A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.

PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK - DAY 10. The nature walk on day 10 has a minimum age requirement of 12. For those with children under 12, an traditional tribal dance activity will be arranged.

TAJ MAHAL: Using mud pack therapy the Archaeological Survey of India is planning to clean the four small canopies around the main dome of the Taj Mahal from the start of April 2018. This will be followed by the cleaning of the main dome but that could take some time as ASI is yet to calculate its load bearing capacity. The ASI’s science branch officials have stated that cleaning the four canopies will take approximately 2 months while main dome cleaning will be completed in phases. We will continue to update as information becomes available.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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Reviews

Our India Family Holiday trips score an average of 5 out of 5 based on 4 reviews in the last year.

India Family Holiday , March 2018

Sinead McCarthy

Review submitted 12 Apr 2018

India Family Holiday , December 2017

Steven Brady

Review submitted 12 Jan 2018

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