Day 1
Arrive in Delhi
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Welcome to New Delhi, India’s capital city and home to approximately 17 million inhabitants. The city divides into Old Delhi near the River Yamuna and New Delhi, seat of the national government and the imperial city created by the British Raj. It fuses ancient and modern elements, painting a perfect picture rich with culture, architecture, human diversity, deep history, monuments, museums, galleries, and gardens.
Upon arrival at Delhi airport, our representative will meet and greet you before transferring you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to settle into your home-away-from-home experience.
Day 2
Delhi
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This morning, will take you to Old Delhi. We will start the day traveling byrickshaw past colorful bazaars, sacred temples, and colonial monumentsthrough the winding streets of Old Delhi. Visit India's largest mosque, thewhite marble Jama Masjid or “Friday Mosque.” Rising from between the crowded medieval streets of Old Delhi, the Jama Masjid is the largest mosquein India. Enjoy a photo opportunity of the iconic Red Fort (drive past), built bythe Mughal emperor Shah Jahan before leaving Old Delhi.
Later explore New Delhi. The city was designed and built by the British in the1920s and is made up of well-composed and spacious streets under theshade of beautiful trees and beautiful colonial government buildings. As younavigate the city, you will drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House.
Visit the Gandhi Museum showcasing the life and principles of MahatmaGandhi, Father of the Nation who led the nation against British colonial rule.(closed on Mondays)
You will also see Humayun's Tomb, which was built by the wife of MughalEmperor Humayun, Haji Begum, in the mid-
16th century. This red sandstone structure is considered to be thepredecessor of Taj Mahal and one of the best examples of Mughal architecture.
Drive to the famous Qutab Minar, a tall tower built by conquering Mughal leaders which is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in 1199 by Qutbuddin as a tower for his victory against a Rajput King and is considered a great example of Indian-Islamic architecture.
Later you will be taken back to the hotel for you to enjoy the facilities – theevening being at your own leisure.
Day 3
Delhi to Agra (4.5-Hour Drive)
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This morning, transfer by private vehicle to Agra, the city of love and home to the Taj Mahal. This scenic drive winds from the foothills back to the plains, offering a fascinating glimpse of the countryside. Upon arrival, check into your hotel.
In the afternoon, visit Agra Fort, a grand red sandstone monument dominating a bend in the Yamuna River, constructed by the Mughals from 1565 to 1571. Emperor Akbar laid its foundation in 1565, and it was completed by 1571 during Shah Jahan’s reign. The crescent-shaped fort features colossal double walls rising 69 feet high, spanning 2.5 kilometers, encircled by a moat, and housing a maze of mosques and palaces in red sandstone and white marble built across generations.
Decorate your hands with mehendi (henna). Mehendi (Lawsonia inermis), from a small tropical shrub, produces a rusty-red paste from its dried leaves for intricate designs on palms and feet, offering cooling properties with no side effects and a painless alternative to tattoos.
Optional: Taj-Facing Yoga
Before sunset, enjoy a 1-hour yoga session with stunning Taj Mahal views from a lush green mound 150 meters away, covering basic asanas, dhyana, and pranayama to rejuvenate body and soul.
Day 4
Agra to Jaipur (4.5-Hour Drive)
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Rise early for a special sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal, glowing white through the morning fog. A guide leads you to admire its perfect architectural symmetry, wonderful proportions, sheer scale, and exquisite marble details. Explore Shah Jahan’s monument to love, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, built as the final resting place for his favorite queen, Mumtaz Mahal.
This perfectly symmetrical structure took 22 years (1630-1652 AD) of hard labor by 20,000 workers, masons, and jewelers, designed by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Verses from the Holy Quran are inscribed on it, and the gate’s 22 small domes signify the years of construction. The elegant dome measures 60 feet in diameter, with Mumtaz Mahal’s tomb directly beneath, adorned by fantastic inlay work of semi-precious stones on the exterior and interior (closed Fridays).
Later, drive to Jaipur, known as the “Pink City” for its many pink sandstone monuments. Jaipur’s vibrant culture dazzles in its streets and bazaars; it is one of the great Rajput cities with historic forts, palaces, and gardens.
Day 5
Jaipur
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This morning, visit Amber Fort, a spectacular complex of palaces, temples, and apartments offering stunning city views. Amber Fort exemplifies Rajput architecture, with terraces and ramparts reflected in Maota Lake below. Ascend by jeep; the interiors feature royal halls adorned with intricate ivory, mirror, and glasswork, complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you explore the rooms, sense the history and envision the pomp of a kingdom never conquered.
Next, tour City Palace, a former royal residence in the old city’s center, blending Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Then, see Jantar Mantar, the largest of five observatories built by Jaipur’s founder, showcasing medieval Indian astronomy through its scientifically designed instruments.
Afternoon and Evening Activities
In the afternoon, stroll through local markets like the Textile, Spices, Vegetable, and Fruits Bazaars. Each offers unique charm, making Jaipur a premier shopping destination for jewelry, textiles, puppets, and more.
Later, participate in turban-tying for men and saree-draping for women at your hotel.
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Day 6
Jaipur
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This morning, go off the beaten path in Jaipur! The ancient Hindu pilgrimagesite of Galtaji is accessed through a scenic drive past hills and thick vegetation, making this an expedition well worth your while. Enjoy an hourlong tour of the picturesque locale and stroll by exquisitely crafted abandonedhavelis (traditional houses). Climb the steps to the famous temples with thearea’s friendly little monkeys for company! Stop at the temple’s pavilions for breathtaking views of the distant city and head to the main attraction, the seven holy kunds (tanks) that are still popular with pilgrims
who bathe in them. Galta Kund has reportedly never run dry due to the natural water springs that supply these kunds.
​Late this afternoon drive to nearby village called Dera Amer, a preserved wilderness of natural beauty creating a sanctuary for animals to live in. Theelephants and camels are adopted from Amer Fort and rescued from a life ofhard labour. On arrival, enjoy a friendly interaction with elephants. You’ll tour the nearby forest area and be greeted by elephants. You will take the elephants for their evening walk along the treks conducted in the original Aravalli forests surrounding the camp. Follow a route passing traditional homes, agricultural fields, hills and ancient monuments. Panthers do inhabitant jungles and it is a very rare sighting, however, occasionally the hyena and wolf have been seen by guests along with antelopes and jackals. End your day with an intimate jungle dinner at Dera Amer under the stars and later in the evening we will drive back to hotel.
Day 7
Jaipur to Mumbai
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Early this morning, check out and drive to Jaipur airport for your flight to Mumbai, named by the original inhabitants, the Kolis, after their goddess Mumba Devi. Mumbai was once seven islands given to the British as a dowry when Charles II married Catherine of Braganza; the British leased them to the East India Company, which initiated city development. Today, this cosmopolitan hub serves as one of India’s key centers for commerce, foreign trade, and Bollywood’s thriving film industry, drawing migrants nationwide and fostering diverse communities and cultures. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Afternoon Bollywood Tour
This afternoon, embark on a scintillating Bollywood tour with a professional guide. Drive past star homes to a studio, where you watch ongoing shoots of films, television serials, and ad-films, gaining insight into production mechanics, behind-the-scenes happenings, and the glamour of the nation’s dream factory.
Tour Highlights
• Sound post-production session with dubbing your own voice.
• Studio tour featuring live shooting, mainly for TV serials and ad-films.
• Bollywood gallery.
• VFX and special effects demonstration.
• Visit to a Bollywood cafe.
Day 8
Mumbai
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This morning, discover Mumbai at dawn to experience its true spirit through a personalized city tour. Your guide picks you up from your hotel, starting at the local marketplace and exploring streets on foot.
Dawn Tour Highlights
Begin with the newspaper vendor sorting publications for the day. Cross to the fruit and vegetable wholesalers engaged in negotiations and sales.
Next, visit Sassoon Docks, Mumbai’s oldest dock, where sights and sounds awaken your senses. Traditional Banjara fisherwomen in colorful saris buy fresh sea catch to sell across the city.
Daily Life Glimpses
Conclude by observing everyday Mumbai activities: flowers traded in bundles, freshly baked bread from bakeries, and milk deliveries to doorsteps.
Day 9
Fly from Mumbai to Kochi, then drive to Kumarakom (2-hour drive)
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Today, fly to Kochi. Upon arrival, drive to Kumarakom, where the famous backwaters—a complex network of lakes, canals, and rivers—support a beautiful, fragile ecosystem. This quiet village is tucked away on the banks of the picturesque Vembanad Lake.
Day 10
Kumarakom
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(Optional) This morning, start the day with a yoga and meditation session. After sampling some of India’s most exotic foods, enjoy time for relaxation and rejuvenation. Ancient India’s gem, Ayurveda—a specialty of Kerala—is available at Coconut Lagoon’s specialised Ayurvedic facility, offering massages and other treatments (at your own expense).
Ayurveda literally means the science of life (Ayur = Life, Veda = Science). This ancient medical science, developed in India thousands of years ago, draws from Vedic literature written by sages, providing clear instructions to maintain health and fight illness through therapies, massages, herbal medicines, diet, and exercise.
Enjoy free time this morning to relax before departing for an afternoon boat cruise through the Kerala Backwaters on one of the region’s trademark houseboats. These shallow barges are built without a single nail, with planks tied together using strong coir rope. From your comfortable vantage point, observe village life rituals: farmers tilling fields with buffaloes, women washing laundry, and children splashing in the water.
You will see shallow, palm-fringed lakes studded with Chinese fishing nets and shady canals where coir (coconut fibre), copra (dried coconut meat), and cashews are loaded onto dugouts. A Keralan lunch will be prepared and served on board.
Day 11
Kumarakom
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This morning, explore the nearby backwater villages by country boat. Visitors love the lifestyle of people living in the village, who lead a laid-back and scheduled life unlike the fast pace in the city. These village people live a simple, hassle-free life and seem happy with whatever they have.
Experience local village activities like coir yarn processing—made from coconut fibre found between the hard inner shell and the smooth outer surface of the coconut—and witness copra processing, Kerala’s oldest industry. Later, walk through the paddy fields to meet local people or take a ride to the nearby village market.
Day 12
Kumarakom to Kochi
This morning, drive to Kochi (Cochin), also known as Ernakulam, the commercial capital of Kerala. The word Ernakulam derives from the Tamil word Erayanarkulam, which means “Lord Shiva’s abode.” Be ready to experience India at its most exotic form!
This afternoon, join the vivacious Anu Mathew and her mother at Philipkutty Farm to learn Keralan cooking.
Day 13
Kochi
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This morning, discover Kochi with an easy walking tour through Willingdon Island and the historic areas of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, featuring picturesque tiled roofs and pastel-coloured buildings. Kochi boasts the best natural harbour in the country, set amidst picturesque lagoons and backwaters famous worldwide. Enjoy the breeze amid the romantic backdrop of swaying coconut and palm trees.
Traders from the West arrived around the 3rd century seeking spices, ivory, and teak. Much later, in the 15th century, the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British came as merchants but often remained as colonial rulers. Later, stroll around the historic parade ground while watching locals play football—a true Kochi ritual—and observe the local economy at the fish harbour, where the fresh catch is unloaded and auctioned by local auctioneers.
View the fascinating Chinese fishing nets, and engage in Kochi’s main enterprise, commerce, by visiting markets selling tea, jute, chilies, turmeric, cashew, ginger, cardamom, and pepper. The tour includes the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue built in 1568, and St. Francis Church—the oldest church built by Europeans in India.
Day 14
Kochi - Departure
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Today, transfer to the airport to connect with your international flight back home.
We wish you safe travels back home and look forward to welcoming you back to continue exploring Incredible India in the near future.