Day 01 • Arrival at Delhi
Welcome to India! On arrival at Delhi’s international airport, you will be greeted by our representative and assisted to your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, the remainder of the day is at leisure to rest and recover from jet lag. If time permits, take a short orientation drive through New Delhi’s tree-lined avenues or simply relax at the hotel. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Today’s sightseeing covers both historic Delhi and the cosmopolitan capital. Begin in Old Delhi:

• Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India.

• Take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a bustling bazaar filled with spice shops, sweet sellers, and silk merchants.

• Stop at Raj Ghat, Gandhi’s memorial, a simple black marble platform surrounded by gardens.

In the afternoon, discover New Delhi:

• Drive past India Gate, Parliament House, and the Presidential Palace.

• Visit the Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret.

• Explore Humayun’s Tomb, a Mughal masterpiece that inspired the Taj Mahal.

Evening free to enjoy Delhi’s dining scene — from street food to fine-dining restaurants. Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast, drive to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. On arrival, check in at your hotel. Afternoon sightseeing includes:

• Agra Fort – a massive Mughal fortress with palaces, audience halls, and mosques. From its ramparts, you can spot the Taj Mahal in the distance.

• Mehtab Bagh – enjoy a romantic sunset view of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River, an ideal spot for photography.

Evening free to explore Agra’s marble inlay workshops and handicraft bazaars. Overnight in Agra.

Start early with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, the eternal symbol of love, glowing golden in the first rays of sunlight. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Drive towards Jaipur, stopping en route at:

• Fatehpur Sikri – the abandoned Mughal capital built by Emperor Akbar, with stunning red sandstone palaces and courtyards.

• Chand Baori at Abhaneri – one of India’s deepest stepwells, famous for its geometric symmetry and cinematic beauty.

Arrive in Jaipur, the “Pink City.” Evening free to relax at your heritage hotel or explore Jaipur’s vibrant night bazaars. Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast, explore the royal city of Jaipur:

• Ascend to the Amber Fort, a Rajput stronghold with ornate courtyards, mirror palaces, and sweeping views of the Aravalli hills. You can ride a jeep or take an elephant ride to the fort gates.

• Visit the City Palace, still a royal residence, housing a museum of costumes, manuscripts, and weapons.

• Stop at Jantar Mantar, the 18th-century astronomical observatory with giant instruments still used for star-gazing.

• Take photos at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), an intricately latticed pink façade once used by royal ladies to observe street life.

Evening free to explore Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, famous for gemstones, textiles, and handicrafts. Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast, drive back to Delhi airport for your flight to Cochin (Kochi). On arrival in Kerala, transfer to your hotel in Fort Kochi. Evening free to stroll along the seaside promenade where Chinese Fishing Nets stand silhouetted against the sunset. You may also enjoy an optional Kathakali dance performance, showcasing Kerala’s vibrant performing arts. Overnight in Cochin.

A day to discover the mix of cultures that shaped Cochin:

• Visit Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace) with its exquisite murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana.

• Stop at the Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town, with Belgian chandeliers and hand-painted Chinese tiles.

• Explore St. Francis Church, the oldest European-built church in India where Vasco da Gama was originally buried.

• See the famous Chinese Fishing Nets, still in use by local fishermen.

Later, take a walk through Fort Kochi’s colonial lanes lined with antique shops, cafes, and art galleries. Overnight in Cochin.

Leave the coast and drive into the lush Western Ghats, with winding roads and tea-clad hills. En route, stop at Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls. Arrive in Munnar, a hill station at 1,600 m above sea level, once a British summer retreat. Evening at leisure — enjoy the cool climate and scenic views of tea gardens. Overnight in Munnar.

After breakfast, explore Munnar’s natural beauty:

• Visit a tea estate and the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea cultivation in the region.

• Explore Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, rolling grasslands, and panoramic views.

• Visit Mattupetty Lake & Dam, where boating is possible.

• Stop at Echo Point, famous for its natural acoustic phenomenon.

Evening free to relax at your resort or enjoy a spice-flavored Kerala dinner. Overnight in Munnar.

Drive through spice-growing villages to Thekkady. Afternoon activities:

• Boat ride on Periyar Lake inside Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary — you may spot elephants, deer, bison, and exotic birds along the forested shores.

• Spice plantation tour – learn about cardamom, pepper, vanilla, and cinnamon.

• Optional evening performance of Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s ancient martial art.

Overnight in Thekkady.

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey. Board a traditional Kerala houseboat (Kettuvallam) for a memorable cruise through the palm-fringed backwaters. Watch village life unfold on the banks — children rowing to school, farmers working in paddy fields, fishermen casting their nets. Enjoy freshly cooked Kerala cuisine served on board. Sunset over the backwaters is magical. Overnight on houseboat.

Disembark from your houseboat and transfer to Marari Beach, a serene fishing village on the Arabian Sea. Spend some time relaxing on golden sands or enjoying an Ayurveda massage. Later, transfer to Cochin airport for your onward flight.