Indian Explorer

On arrival in Delhi, transfer to your hotel. Freshen up and get going to enjoy some free time to relax or experience the colourful chaos of the capital's narrow streets and bazaars. This afternoon, visit the India Gate, an icon honouring the brave soldiers who gave up their lives for the country. Drive past the President House and Parliament Building, amazing pieces of architecture from the colonial days. In the evening, get the chance to be introduced to fellow travellers of your group during a welcome dinner.

Overnight stay in the hotel.

Today you discover highlights of the city with a full day of sightseeing. The first stop of the tour is a visit to Qutub Minar, a UNESCO-listed victory tower that stands nearly 73 metres high. Proceed to Humayun's Tomb, the resting place of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Next, visit the Jama Masjid, a grand mosque built during the days of Mughal rule. Later, drive past the impressive Red Fort. The last but definitely not the least visit is to Raj Ghat. The memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of nation is set amid blessed nature. Lush landscapes, ponds, variety of birds makes, it an oasis in the otherwise fast-paced city.

Return for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Rise early to board the train to Agra. Arrive to the city and complete the check-in. Later, visit the 16th-Century Agra Fort. The ancient fortress has incredible sights such as Jahangir Mahal, Khas Mahal, Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Aam, etc. Proceed to your hotel to relax or try out the Mughal delicacies in the city restaurants. Later, continue with sightseeing. Itmad-Ud-Daulah, known as Baby Taj, is a beautiful marble tomb worth a visit. Continue to Mehtab Bagh, known as 'Moonlight Gardens'. Enjoy the views at sunset and admire the exquisite Taj Mahal. The gleaming white marble reflects the changing colours of the sky, creating a mesmerizing sight.

Overnight stay in hotel in Agra.

Rise early for another incredible delight. Watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal. The token of love built by Mughal Emperor for his wife, it is one of the finest pieces of architecture in the world. The view of the beauty as the sun rises is a very special experience. After breakfast, drive to Ranthambore National Park. En-route, stop to visit the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Arrive to the former hunting lodge of Rajput royalty in the evening.

Overnight stay in Ranthambore jungle lodge.

Today, embark on game drives in open-top jeeps in Ranthambore National Park. The sanctuary boasts of one of the country's leading tiger conservation efforts. Stay sharp to hear the ferocious roar and spot the majestic beasts in their natural habitat. A variety of birds and wildlife inhabit the former royal game park of Rajasthan.

Today you have the option of joining another game drive before breakfast. Later, depart for Jaipur. On the way enjoy a packed lunch. Jaipur, the Pink City is the capital of the royal state of Rajasthan. Renowned for beautiful palaces and forts, the city is apt introduction to the royal pleasures of Rajputs. On arrival in the city, check into the hotel. The evening is at leisure.

A full day of sightseeing in the 'Pink City' of Jaipur. Start the tour with a visit to the magnificent Amber Fort. Move on to the City Palace where the current royal family resides. Next stop is, the Royal Observatory, Jantar Mantar. Marvel at the scientific instruments of the olden days. Lastly, stop to admire the unique Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) from the outside. Do not forget to explore the markets. Jaipur is well-known for its jewellery, décor items, vibrantly coloured clothes and so much more.

Overnight stay in the hotel.

Today, check-out of the hotel to board the flight to Mumbai. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax or explore the beach or try out some street snacks. In the evening leave for a heritage walk which takes you into the heart of the historic fort area. Explore the European half of the old town. Admire the gothic masterpiece, Victoria Terminus. Stroll along the Heritage Mile of Mumbai which reflects the city's colonial history. Relax by the ornate Flora Fountain and later proceed to explore the historic art district of Kala Ghoda.

Overnight stay in the hotel.

Begin the day geared up for a day of sightseeing. Visit important sights of the city. Start the tour with the Gateway of India. Walk through the Marine Drive, the crescent shaped promenade facing the Arabian Sea, also known as the Queens' Necklace. The last stop is the Prince of Wales Museum. Observe the city's famous Dabbawalas (Tiffin meal delivery service) in action at one of the stations. Pay a visit to the Jain temple, Dhobi Ghat and Mani Bhawan where Gandhi once stayed. After you are done with the sights, you can go for independent exploration or relaxation in your hotel.

Overnight stay in the hotel.

Check-out in the morning and avail the transfer to the airport. Board a flight to Cochin, Kerala. The coastal city of Malabar is one of the entry ports of the country. On arrival, drive to Kumarakom, famously known as the gateway to the beautiful backwaters. Snuggled on the shores of Lake Vembanad, Kumarakom is one of the blessed regions of the country. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight stay in the resort.

The morning is a treat for nature lovers. Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary set along the Kerala backwaters. During your visit, spot a variety of species. The sanctuary is known as a haven of migratory birds, including egrets and Siberian cranes. Spend time with the feathery species. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in the hotel.

Today you embark on one of the most memorable experiences in India. Board a houseboat for an overnight cruise on the tranquil backwaters. Kerala is blessed with magical houseboat tours on the backwaters. Kettuvallams are the traditional means of transport on the backwaters. These age-old concept has been modified into a luxury experience. Houseboats have been revamped with 5-star luxuries. Enjoy bliss as you glide across canals, picturesque villages, sky full of stars and water as far as you can see.

Overnight stay in the houseboat.

Land in Alleppey after the overnight houseboat tour. Later, drive back to Cochin. En-route stop at Kumbalangi. The traditional fishing village is exciting highlight of your tour. The village is a good place to observe local activities such as crab farming and net making. After lunch, continue to Cochin. Check-in at the hotel and relax. In the evening, pay a visit to the Chinese fishing nets. Later, attend a dance performance. Admire the extravagant costumes, dramatic make-up and a combination of classical dance and drama during a traditional Kathakali dance show.

Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Today, leave for sightseeing. Visit the Dutch Palace known as Mattancherry Palace. Built by the Portuguese as a gift to the King of Cochin, renovated by the Dutch over a hundred years later, it is a heritage treasure hosing amazing works of art. Next, visit the Jewish Synagogue. One of the oldest in the world, the synagogue has an important position in the heritage of the city. Witness the mix of Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture during a walking tour of Fort Cochin. In the evening, enjoy a Keralan cooking demo followed by dinner with a local family.

Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Transfer to Cochin airport for your flight to onward journey.