Captivating India

Namaste! Welcome to India. On arrival at Delhi Airport this morning, you will be warmly welcomed by a local representative and assisted to your waiting private transfer to take you to your hotel for check in.

Accommodation in Delhi has been reserved at Suryaa New Friends Colony Hotel with a guaranteed early check-in. Facilities include two restaurants, swimming pool, spa, and wellness centre. Time to freshen up before exploring Old Delhi this morning with your local female guide. This afternoon is free to relax. This evening a welcome dinner is included at your hotel.

Continue your exploration of Old Delhi this morning on a walking tour and by rickshaw. Included on Saturday and Sunday are the iconic locations of Red Fort, and Chandani Chowk, Asia’s biggest Spice market to discover more of local cuisine, and the impressive diversity of Delhi city with a kaleidoscope of old mansions (Havelis), bazaars, colourful shops, temples, and mosques. Dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Following breakfast, embark on a journey to Jaipur visiting Akbar’s deserted capital Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri step well en-route.

Fatehpur Sikri, was the former capital of the great Mughal ruler - Emperor Akbar whose architectural genius can also be viewed in the forts, palaces and aesthetically laid out gardens - each one a silent witness to a grand style of a golden era. Continue to Abhaneri, a village featuring an amazing step well and an ancient Temple, reflecting the 10th century architectural and sculptural style. Arrive in the pink city of Jaipur, painted red (a lucky colour in Hindu culture) to welcome England’s Prince Alfred in 1853. Founded in 1727, it was the creation of Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of the Kuchwaha Rajputs. Your accommodation has been reserved for 3 nights at the 19th Century Palace, Shahpura House in a suite room.   Conclude the day with dinner at the hotel.

Embark on a visit to the Amber Fort, a classic romantic Rajasthani Palace (travel by jeep up to the rampart). Time to wander through this enchanting palace and gardens. Attached to the fort is the Artchill Galleries founded in 1994, it has become one of the largest modern art gallery in India and focuses on contemporary art from the Rajasthan region.

This afternoon explore this medieval walled city in an “Eco-pink rickshaw”, a unique local initiative, by a not-for-profit organisation, to provide employment for local women from low-income households. Then discover the art of ancient henna painting, practised for over 5,000 years. Afternoon Tea is included at the Taj Rambagh Palace (subject to local authorities). This evening attend a special dinner, including a local vibrant dancing display.  

This morning depart Jaipur. Enroute visit Puskar, including the opportunity to stroll near the holy lake and visit temples. Continue to Bijainagar for an overnight at the Bijay Niwas Palace. Some time to relax upon arrival before dinner at the hotel.

This morning a leisurely departure to the “Blue city” of Jodhpur, where you are reserved for two nights at the colonial style Ranbanka Palace. Facilities include a pool, spa, and wellness centre. Check into your hotel with time to relax before dinner this evening.

Begin your day by immersing yourself in the charm of this beautiful city, inspired by the oldest district buildings in blue. Venture to the massive Mehrangarh Fort, where you can relish the amazing view of the Blue city. A visit is also made to nearby Jaswant Thada.
In the afternoon visit a handicraft centre, a special initiative supporting local women. Proceed to the vibrant evening Sardar Market, immersing yourself in its vibrant atmosphere before savouring dinner in a local restaurant.

Embark on a journey to Udaipur this morning, stopping enroute to visit the Ranakpur Jain Temple. Revered as one of the five holiest sites in India, the temple boasts over 1,400 intricately carved marble pillars. Following this awe-inspiring visit, check in at the Sajjangarh Resort and Spa hotel, your haven for the next three nights. As the evening unfolds, relish spectacular views from the hotel's rooftop bar, whilst sampling a local speciality or refreshing mocktail, before dinner is served.

Embark on a journey this morning to explore Udaipur from the vantage point of an exclusive private boat on Lake Pichola, a location Rudyard Kipling mentioned in his “Letters of Marque” in 1899. In the afternoon delve into the rich cultural tapestry of Udaipur with visits to the City Palace, Shahelion-ki-bari and Jagdish Temple, followed by an exploration of a lively local evening Market. This evening dinner at a local restaurant in Udaipur overlooking the beautiful Lake Pichola.

Today discover the intriguing behind-the-scenes stories of the famous book and movie, “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”, starring esteemed actors such as Dame Julie Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, and more. Relive some famous moments from the movie, where seven British retirees, convinced by the hotels imaginative marketing, relocate to India and encounter a surprise! As part of today's exploration, indulge in lunch at the location of the Best Exotic hotel. Later return to Udaipur, with the afternoon to relax at leisure.   Dinner own arrangements this evening.

This morning transfer to Udaipur Airport and fly to Cochin Airport. On arrival transfer to your hotel in the charming seaside town of Kochi, known for its Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture. Dinner is included this evening.

This morning visit Fort Kochi area, featuring the earliest European architecture in India. Discover Matancherry (Dutch) Palace displaying murals and portraits of the Rajas of Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets and St Francis Church, the original burial site of explorer Vasco de Gama. This evening, experience Indian heritage via music, story telling, arts and vibrant dancing, at a Kathakali Show.  

This morning a leisurely departure to Munnar. This afternoon attend an exciting Kalaripayattu Show, displaying traditional martial arts. This evening dinner is at your hotel.

Tea has been an integral part in the history of Munnar. This morning visit the Tata Tea Museum which chronicles the history of tea in the area and located in a working tea plantation. Later visit the demonstration room to sample exotic tea varieties. In the afternoon drive to Kumarakom and check-in for two nights at the Abad Whispering Palms, in lake view cottages.

After breakfast take the opportunity to relax and experience various Ayurveda spa treatments available at the resort. A one-hour Ayurveda massage is included. Further treatments are available upon request. Dinner at your own pace this evening.  

Transfer to Cochin Airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival transfer to the luxury Imperial New Delhi Hotel, reminiscent of a 19th Century Indian Palace, for your final night in style. White marble colonnades, verdant gardens, polished teak, and Persian hand knotted carpets, all display its rich heritage. The hotel is located near an outlet mall where there will be time for shopping this afternoon in your own time or relax in your surroundings.   English afternoon tea is served in the atrium.   This evening, dine in style for your farewell dinner, in the 1911 restaurant.

Transfer to the Airport for your onward flight

• Tour Host Colleen Doyle, ex Delhi
• Accommodation in special category hotels as specified
• Daily buffet breakfasts
• 15 dinners - including Cooking Class
• Rooftop cocktail or mocktail in Udaipur
• Lunch at the Exotic Marigold Hotel location
• Rickshaw ride in Delhi
• AC Executive class seat from New Delhi to Agra
• Jeep ride up the rampart of the Amber Fort
• Visit to the Artchill Art Gallery for emerging artists
• Henna painting, walking tours & High Tea at Taj Rambagh in Jaipur
• Eco rickshaw ride with women driver in Jaipur
• Morning textile and fashion tour in Jaipur
• Afternoon Bollywood Movie Show at Raj Mandir Cinema
• Walking tour of the blue city including visit to local initiatives supporting women
• Audio guide of Ranakpur Temple
• Private boat ride across scenic Lake Pichola
• Kathakali Dance Show
• Kalaripayattu - Martial Arts Show in Munnar
• One hour Ayurveda massage at Kumarakom Hotel and Spa
• High Tea at the Atrium in the Hotel Imperial, Delhi
• Farewell dinner in the 1911 Restaurant
• Daily mineral water on the coach
• All transfers, excursions, and sightseeing tours, by Air-conditioned coach
• Entrances fees to all the monuments visited in the itinerary
• English speaking guides for Northern & Southern India throughout the programme
• Assistance at the airport on arrival and departure and during check in/out at the hotels
• Domestic air flights within India
• Local taxes at 5%, but may be subject to change at any time
• Porterage at the hotels
• 24/7 local back-up in India
• India Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel

• Any meals/drinks other than specified
• Personal expenses
• Departure taxes
• Visa
• Travel insurance (compulsory) Please include a copy of your insurance at the time of full tour payment
• Early check-in/checkout, except where specified on Day 2
• Any other item not mentioned in the itinerary
• Local taxes/subject to change without notice at any time
• Tipping Kitty - USD100 for tipping will be pre-collected (at time of final payment) towards the tipping kitty