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Premium North & South India

22 Days | Unveil the mysteries of India from Delhi to Kochi

4.7 out of 5 based on 6 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
ZAR  121,505
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Discover the best of north and south India on a 22-day Premium adventure, from bustling Delhi to multicultural Kochi. Experience the magic of the heritage-rich north at the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, and immerse yourself in local culture as you meet the owner of a royal haveli and cruise down the Ganges. Take in the natural charms of the south while looking for elephants in Periyar National Park, walking through the tea plantations of Munnar and cruising the Kerala backwaters. Travel with local leaders who will show you the vibrant heart of a country that delights, surprises and intrigues.

Trip overview

Map of Premium North & South India including India
Start
Delhi, India
Finish
Kochi, India
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
India
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Premium
Ages
Min 18
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
HHPWC
This trip generates 86 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.
Premium accommodation
Premium experiences
Premium knowledge

Why you'll love this trip
  • Enjoy accommodation like no other – an opulently decorated heritage stay in Jaipur, a beautiful converted houseboat on the Kerala backwaters and a suave heritage hotel in Kochi are your Feature Stays on this trip.
  • Find out what makes Indian cuisine so special during Exclusive Experiences, including local-lead food tours in Agra and Madurai, home-cooked meals with local families, and an ayurvedic cooking demonstration and dinner.
  • Embark on safaris through Ranthambore National Park in search of the elusive tigers that call the park home and track footprints in search of wild elephants in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Discover the beauty in buildings that lie across India, from Jaipur’s Amber Fort and Royal City Palace to Agra’s Red Fort and iconic Taj Mahal, and see architectural influences from a multicultural past in Puducherry and Kochi.
  • Take part in Exclusive Experiences to remember – visit a royal haveli in Jaipur and hear the stories of its owner’s ancestors, cruise down the Ganges with local musicians, and witness a lively performance of kalarippayattu.

Is this trip right for you?
  • In the summer months, India can get very hot. Be sure to drink lots of water, pack light cotton clothing and use adequate skin protection. It can also get foggy between December and February, which can put a new spin on the already spectacular scenery. However, it may cause traffic congestion and delays.
  • There are several early mornings on this trip, as many parts of India really come alive in the dawn light.
  • There are a number of long travel days on this trip. Some journeys take up to six hours, but are a great opportunity to get to know locals, fellow travellers and the diverse scenery. The drive to Munnar is on windy roads into the mountains. Motion sickness can be an issue for some, but the scenery is stunning and regular stops will be made to break up your journey.

Itinerary

Map of Premium North & South India including India

Inclusions

Meals

20 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 10 dinners

Transport

Auto rickshaw, Boat, Cycle rickshaw, Metro, Plane, Private vehicle, Jeep, Ferry

Accommodation

Hotel (16 nights), Jaipur Feature Stay (2 nights), Houseboat Feature Stay (1 night), Kochi Feature Stay (2 nights)

Premium Inclusions
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support
Activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Delhi - Welcome dinner
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Agra - Expert-led street food tour (as dinner)
  • Agra - Agra Fort
  • Ranthambhore National Park - Morning Wildlife Safari
  • Ranthambhore National Park - Evening wildlife safari
  • Jaipur - Home-cooked dinner
  • Jaipur - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Jaipur - City Palace
  • Jaipur - Private Royal Haveli visit with owner
  • Jaipur - Rooftop drinks overlooking old walled city (one drink included)
  • Varanasi - Sarnath
  • Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
  • Varanasi - Sunset candle flower ceremony
  • Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
  • Varanasi - Sunset Ganges boat trip (musicians on board)
  • Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
  • Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Delhi - Final dinner
  • Chennai - Welcome dinner
  • Mamallapuram - Shore Temples guided tour
  • Auroville - Experimental township
  • Puducherry - Leader-led French Quarter walking tour
  • Puducherry - Sri Aurobindo Ashram
  • Madurai - Leader-led street food tour
  • Madurai - Sri Meenakshi 1000 Pillar
  • Madurai - Sri Meenakshi Temple
  • Madurai - Gandhi Museum
  • Madurai - Leader-led walking tour
  • Madurai - Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace
  • Madurai - Local family visit and home-cooked Tamil dinner
  • Thekkady - Expert-guided spice plantation visit and lunch
  • Periyar - Kalaripayattu (Indian Martial Art) performance
  • Periyar - Guided nature walk
  • Munnar - Tea plantation
  • Munnar - Tea Museum
  • Munnar - Mattupetty Dam
  • Munnar - Leader-led town walking tour
  • Kochi - Kathakali performance
  • Kochi - Jewish Synagogue
  • Kochi - Ferry to Mattancherry
  • Kochi - Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
  • Kochi - Dutch Palace
  • Kochi - Ayurveda-inspired dinner
  • Kochi - Converstation with an expert on Satvik Bhojan (Ayurvedic food)
Add on activities
  • Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
  • Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Please provide a scanned copy of your passport bio page at time of booking to secure a permit for your Ranthambhore National Park visit. Authorities at the park follow a strict booking process whereby permits are issued on a first come first serve basis. If we do not receive your passport scan in time we cannot guarantee you will be able to join the safari. Your full name will need to be provided exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for flight tickets. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket if an amendment occurs.
4. This trip includes domestic flights. The luggage allowance is 15kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on. You can store excess luggage at the start point hotel.

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 based on 6 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Tamara · Traveled November 2023
Just a perfect introduction to the north. Our tour guide Yaddhu was great, good time management, avoided crowds, was always calm, had a lot of knowledge and we were always safe on the road. Highly recommended!
Review submitted 22 Nov 2023

Meg · Traveled November 2023
Excellent organisation, I couldn’t have asked for a more helpful guide Shakti, who managed to accommodate the needs of a diverse but extremely cohesive group. I have made new friends. Thank you
Review submitted 12 Nov 2023

Eugenia · Traveled October 2023
This premium North / South trip was nothing short of incredible. We experienced such diverse cultures and were immersed in the true essence of life in India. A truly amazing adventure that one can not describe accurately— it must be experienced first hand. Our guides were wonderful and made this trip one that we will cherish for a long time.
Review submitted 26 Nov 2023

MAUREEN · Traveled September 2023
Premium India North and South will totally blow your mind. You will see and taste experiences you would not get on your own. Leaders know the hidden treasures AND take you there. Their knowledge of the greatest restaurants are amazing. Loved it 🤩🥳
Review submitted 10 Oct 2023

Laura · Traveled February 2023
I wish I could rate the North and South segments of the trip separately. First off, there is nothing 'premium' about the hotels. There was ALWAYS something broken. They may have been selected for having premium amenities, but if the amenities don't work then who cares? I would have preferred to spend less. Our guide in the North was unacceptable - CONSTANTLY talking or browsing on his cellphone and not invested. I was hit by a motorcycle and he was so far ahead of the group he was clueless. When I told him he seemed completely unconcerned. On the contrary, our guide in the South was excellent.
Review submitted 21 Aug 2023
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