17 days / 16 nights

• The best of India’s north and south
• Spectacular scenery of the coast
• Forts, palaces & the quaint architecture of Kochi’s old quarter
• Discover palm-fringed backwaters by private rice barge
• Rajasthan’s colourful, exotic fairytale palaces & rugged fortresses
• Sunset & sunrise visits to the Taj Mahal
• Travel in the company of just 14 others
• A&K professional Escort

A & K Insider Access

Kerala is renowned for its variety of spices. Visit a private spice farm where you wander through the different sections of the plantation and learn how pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla and nutmeg are cultivated. Later you are joined by the plantation owners for a sumptuous south Indian meal in their private home.

Itinerary

Day 01 Australia-Kochi-Kumarakom
Arrive by Singapore Airlines or Silkair to your A&K welcome. Transfer to your hotel with your A&K escort.
Kumarakom Lake Resort

Day 02 Kumarakom
This morning visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary on Vembanad Lake. Later visit a local Spice Plantation where the owners will host you to lunch. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Enjou a welcome dinner this evening (B,L,D).
Kumarakom Lake Resort

Day 03 Kumarakom-Backwaters
An unforgettable experience awaits. Board your houseboat and immerse yourself in the rural life of Kerala’s backwaters, where daily happenings have changed little over the centuries. See children fishing, women washing clothes at the waterside, brightly painted houses, boats laden with coir and copra and smiling faces everywhere. The converted rice boats in Kerala offer two cabins with a small sitting room, a crew of two and a chef. The food is authentic Kerala cuisine, purchased fresh along the way. For most of the journey, the boat is poled, sailing only between dawn and dusk. Although the accommodation on board is basic, you will have your own private room and be assured an incredible experience (B,L,D).
Houseboat

Day 04 Backwaters-Kochi
Your backwaters cruise finishes in Alleppy. Transfer to Kochi where the remainder of your day is at leisure. This evening take in an exclusive performance of Kerala’s Kathakali dance (B,L).
Taj Malabar / Brunton’s Boatyard

Day 05 Kochi
This morning tour Kochi. Visit the old quarter, Fort Kochi, Raja’s Palace, the Jewish Synagogue and St. Francis Church. One of the oldest European churches in India, St. Francis was constructed in 1503 by the Portuguese. Finish your day of discovery with a relaxing afternoon cruise (B,L).
Taj Malabar / Brunton’s Boatyard

Day 06 Kochi-Mumbai-Udaipur
Bid India’s tropical south goodbye and fly to Northern India and the colourful state of Rajasthan. Transfer to one of the most romantic lake cities, Udaipur (B).
Taj Lake Palace

Day 07 Udaipur
Today you are introduced to this romantic city on a morning tour. Explore the City Palace complex with its exquisite inlaid work, mirrored walls and marble balconies. See the Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens and the Crystal Gallery Museum. Time to shop or to relax in your palace surrounds. Late this afternoon finish your day with a leisurely sunset cruise on Lake Pichola aboard the Gangaur boat, an antique royal barge owned by the house of Mewar. Your evening finishes with dinner at the Lake Palace on the Mewar Terrace (B,D).
Taj Lake Palace

Day 08 Udaipur-Jaipur
An early start as you fly to the pink city of Jaipur. A&K will show you the sights of this fabled pink city with visits to the City Palace, the Palace of the Winds (a pink sandstone facade built for the ladies of the harem) and the Jantar Mantar Observatory. Finish with a visit to the magnificent fortress palace of the Amber Fort (B,L).
Le Meridien Jaipur / Taj Rambagh Palace

Day 09 Jaipur
This morning stretch your legs with a walk through the spice and vegetable market of the Old City. Your afternoon is at leisure for shopping. This evening return to the City Palace for a behind the scenes visit of the private residence of the royal family with cocktails and dinner(B,D).
Le Meridien Jaipur / Taj Rambagh Palace

Day 10 Jaipur-Agra
Today continue your journey to the 16th century sandstone fortress of Fatehpur Sikri, an extraordinarily well preserved abandoned Moghul city. Arrive in Agra this afternoon in time to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunset. India’s most famous monument, this glistening marble tomb was built for Shah Jahan’s beloved Mumtaz Mahal (B,L).
The Oberoi Amarvilas

Day 11 Agra
Rise early and return to the Taj Mahal again at sunrise as the morning light bathes the marble dome and minarets with softness. Following breakfast visit Agra Fort with its imposing gates and sandstone walls. Your afternoon is at leisure for spa treatments (optional) (B,D).
The Oberoi Amarvilas

Day 12 Agra-Delhi-Varanasi
Travel by road to Delhi, visiting the tomb of the great moghul Emperor Akbar at Sikandra en route. Fly to the spiritual heart of India, Varanasi. One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi is also a holy centre for Hindus who aspire to visit the city at least once in their lifetime to bathe in the waters of the Ganges. At sunset take a cruise on the river to witness the Aarti ceremony, followed by a special Thali (vegetarian) dinner at Peshwa Haveli on the banks of the Ganges (B,D).
Taj Ganges

Day 13 Varanasi-Sarnath-Delhi
Up early as the sunrises over the Ganges, cruise the river and watch daily life unfold along the ghats. Following breakfast, visit the Buddhist centre of Sarnath and walk around the giant stupa where it is believed Buddha preached his first sermon. Fly back to Delhi (B).
The Oberoi Delhi

Day 14 Delhi
This morning tour New Delhi. Drive along Rajpath and past India Gate to visit Parliament House and the President’s residence. A stop will be made at the Qutab Minar minaret and the 16th century Tomb of Humayun. This afternoon is at leisure. This evening visit the impressive Red Fort for the Son et Lumiere performance (B,L).
The Oberoi Delhi

Day 15 Delhi
This morning foreign correspondent and author, Satish Jacob introduces you to his Old Delhi on a morning walking tour. Explore the narrow lane ways and bustling markets with exotic spices and fruits. Your afternoon is at leisure. A farewell dinner is hosted this evening (B,D).
The Oberoi Delhi

Day 16 Delhi-Australia
Your day is at leisure to relax or for perhaps squeeze in a last minute shop. Day use of your hotel room has also been arranged. This evening fly with Singapore Airlines back to Australia (B).
In flight

Day 17 Return Australia
Accommodation Note: March 2008 departures stay at Taj Malabar, Kochi and Le Meridien, Jaipur. All other departures stay at Brunton's Boatyard, Kochi and Rambagh Palace, Jaipur.

Optional Extensions
Combine your journey with A&K’s fantastic Indian extensions below.

Indian Extensions
Tour Extensions are available, please call us on +61 2 92990088 for more information.

Departure Dates & Prices – Passage to India

Tour Departs:

Daily