
Best of India Journey
New
Begin in Delhi and end in Kochi on a 16 days journey that blends big sights with colour. In the north you’ll roam New and Old Delhi by metro and rickshaw, sample street food and visit Jama Masjid. Expect sunrise at the Taj Mahal, a village stay in Suroth with a cooking demo, the mesmerising stepwell at Abhaneri and Jaipur’s Amber Fort, City Palace and bazaars. Then wing south to Kerala – explore Kochi’s historic quarters, wander tea clad Munnar, cruise Periyar’s lake, drift through Kumarakom’s backwaters and stay aboard a houseboat – rounding off with beach time near Kochi.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
16 daysHotel Rating
Starts
DelhiEnds
KochiMinimum Age
18 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in India that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
IndiaMeals Included
Breakfast: 15, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 2Passengers
$3,425.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 12
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 2 / Max 12Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Group ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, we assist with airport formalities and transfer you to your city hotel to settle in and prepare for the journey ahead. You have time to rest after the flight. Later, we meet for a briefing about the coming days.
Day 2 - New Delhi - Old Delhi
We tour New Delhi’s grand avenues, pausing at India Gate and the stately government buildings, and pass Humayun’s Tomb and Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. We ride the metro from Connaught Place to Old Delhi to reach its historic heart, then weave through Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazar, browsing brass, copperware and paper shops. With our guide we sample classic street snacks and uncover the flavours that made Delhi’s cuisine renowned. We rattle by cycle rickshaw through narrow lanes and finish at Jama Masjid to admire its vast courtyard and majestic Mughal architecture over Old Delhi.
Day 3 - Delhi - Agra
We leave Delhi for Agra, driving through rural Uttar Pradesh past fields and small towns. We stop at Sheroes Hangout Café for an included lunch that supports survivors of acid attacks and hear their stories. We join a guided heritage walk through Kachhpura village and surrounding farmland across the Yamuna, learning about local homes and cottage industries, then stroll Mehtab Bagh for atmospheric sunset views of the Taj Mahal.
Day 4 - Agra
At sunrise we visit the Taj Mahal, when soft light bathes the marble and the story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal truly resonates. We continue into rural Rajasthan to the small town of Suroth and a heritage palace hotel. We take a guided walk through lanes and markets – meeting residents, browsing tiny shops and pausing at a temple or a barber’s chair for a snapshot of daily village life. Back at Suroth Mahal we watch a cooking demonstration and enjoy dinner in the historic palace setting.
Day 5 - Suroth - Jaipur - Abhaneri
We travel towards Jaipur, stopping at Abhaneri to explore Chand Baori, a renowned stepwell with mesmerising symmetry and scale. On arrival in Jaipur, you have free time – relax at your heritage hotel or wander nearby streets and markets at your own pace.
Day 6 - Jaipur
We explore Amber Fort, the magnificent hilltop complex overlooking Jaipur, wandering through ornate courtyards and marble halls. We continue to Jantar Mantar and the City Palace to see how science, architecture and royal tradition intertwine. We roam the walled city to watch jewellers, silversmiths and textile artisans at work, then attend a gemstone demonstration to observe cutting and polishing and learn why Jaipur remains a major hub for the trade. You can browse colourful bazaars, and you may choose to join a block printing workshop to try stamping a simple design with carved wooden blocks.
Day 7 - Jaipur - Delhi
We leave Jaipur and drive back to Delhi across the broad northern plains. On arrival, you have free time to rest after the journey. Later, we meet our representative for a short briefing on the next stage.
Day 8 - Delhi - Kochi
We collect you from your Delhi hotel and transfer you to the airport for the flight to Kochi on India’s south west coast. On arrival in Kerala, we transfer you to your city hotel with time to settle in ahead of tomorrow’s explorations. You have the rest of the day free to unwind or wander at your own pace.
Day 9 - Kochi
We explore Kochi’s historic quarters, visiting the Synagogue, the spice market and the Dutch Palace to trace how centuries of trade shaped this multicultural port. Along the waterfront we pause at the Chinese Fishing Nets to learn about their origins and why they have become a defining symbol of the city.
Day 10 - Kochi - Munnar
We drive from Kochi into the hill country of Munnar, winding past rubber plantations, pineapple fields and scenic waterfalls. En route we stop to observe rubber tapping and pineapple cultivation and hear how these crops are processed in Kerala’s plantation belt. In wetter months we pause at Cheeyappara or Valara Waterfall to admire torrents spilling over forested rocks.
Day 11 - Munnar
We browse Munnar’s lively market, where stalls brim with spices, fresh produce and colourful textiles. You can wander at your own pace to shop and soak up the hill station atmosphere. Later, we visit a tea plantation to see the manicured slopes and watch tea pickers at work amid vivid green hills.
Day 12 - Munnar - Thekkady
We travel from Munnar to Thekkady, gateway to Periyar National Park, passing small towns, spice gardens and forested ridges. In the park we take a shared boat ride on Lake Periyar, watching for elephants, deer, birdlife and other wildlife along the shoreline. You have free time to explore Thekkady and its spice shops at a relaxed pace.
Day 13 - Thekkady - Kumarakom
We continue to Kumarakom and the serene backwaters, arriving amid palm lined waterways and tranquil lakes. We glide along narrow canals aboard a traditional shikara, taking in village life, coconut groves and calm backwater scenes. We visit local workshops to learn about coir making, mat weaving and toddy tapping that support village livelihoods. In your free time you can relax by the water or opt for an Ayurvedic treatment.
Day 14 - Kerala Backwaters
We check in to a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat for an overnight journey on the backwaters. We cruise unhurriedly through serene lagoons, quiet canals and winding rivers, watching birdlife on the wing and village life unfolding along the banks. We ease into the tranquillity of the water and savour a peaceful sunset.
Day 15 - Kochi
After breakfast we disembark the houseboat at a local jetty and drive back towards the coast near Kochi. We transfer to your beach hotel and arrive by the sea for a relaxed final evening. The remainder of the day is at leisure – you can unwind on the beach, stroll the shore or explore locally at your own pace.
Day 16 - Kochi
We collect you from your Kochi hotel and transfer you to the airport for departure. After your Kerala adventure we see you off for your onward journey, and the tour concludes in Kochi once the airport transfer is complete. If you wish to extend your stay, you can add extra nights – just let us know.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.



Prices & Dates
"Double/Twin" prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. "Shared" prices are for those solo travellers happy to share a room with another solo traveller of the same sex. Please note that for anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, a single supplement will apply. Please contact us for more information or a quote.
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