Essence of India with South India
Essence of India with South India
$9034
Tour Overview
Embark on a luxurious journey through the vibrant landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of India with the "Essence of India with South India" tour. This exquisite adventure begins in the bustling capital of New Delhi, where you'll explore iconic landmarks and savor local delicacies. Discover the majestic Taj Mahal at sunrise in Agra and delve into the history of the Mughal Empire. Experience the thrill of a tiger safari in Ranthambore and immerse yourself in the artistic heritage of Jaipur, the Pink City. In South India, unwind on a serene houseboat cruise through the Alleppey backwaters and enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine. Conclude your journey in the dynamic city of Mumbai, exploring ancient cave temples and the vibrant local culture. With personalized experiences, exceptional dining, and luxurious accommodations, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of India's diverse beauty and heritage. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi, a Rich Melting Pot
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: The Leela Palace, Delhi.
Accommodation Name: The Leela Palace, Delhi.
Meals Included: Dinner
Your luxury tour from Delhi begins with a traditional welcome scarf, before your private chauffeur whisks you to your elegant hotel. Tonight, dine on fine cuisine as the sun sets over Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing
Location: Delhi, Red Fort, Delhi, Jama Masjid, Delhi, Qutub Minar, Delhi, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, President Palace, Delhi, India Gate, Delhi, Parliament House, Delhi
Accommodation: The Leela Palace, Delhi.
Accommodation Name: The Leela Palace, Delhi.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
See Delhi’s Red Fort and Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Curate your day and join a renowned chef for a foodie walk in Old Delhi or visit the 12th-century Qutub Minar. Take an exhilarating rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, visit a Sikh temple and its community kitchen, and view the President Palace, India gate and Parliament House.
Day 3: An Agra Adventure
Location: Agra
Accommodation: Taj Hotel and Convention Center, Agra.
Accommodation Name: Taj Hotel and Convention Center, Agra.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Arrive at Agra’s historical fort and elegant Musamman Burj. Personalize your day with an eye-opening Mughal heritage walk or visit a private colonial bungalow for an intimate high tea with a local family.
Day 4: The Taj Mahal and Ranthambore
Location: Taj Mahal, Bharatpur, Ranthambore National Park
Accommodation: Nahargarh Ranthambhore.
Accommodation Name: Nahargarh Ranthambore.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bask in the majesty of the Taj Mahal, framed in the warm hues of sunrise. Travel to the historic town of Bharatpur for lunch before boarding the Jan Shatabdi Express, the Express Train to Ranthambore, and taking in the views. Arrive at your hotel nestled in the foothills of the Aravalli Range.
Day 5: In Search of Tigers in Ranthambore
Location: Ranthambore National Park
Accommodation: Nahargarh Ranthambhore.
Accommodation Name: Nahargarh Ranthambore.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience the beauty of Ranthambore National Park, the former private hunting grounds of the maharajahs of Jaipur. Join a Local Expert on a quest for the elusive tiger. Explore the lakes and palace ruins of the park with an Expert Naturalist, including traditional Chhatri dome-shaped pavilions, old fortifications and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort.
Day 6: Jaipur, the Pink City
Location: Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur
Accommodation: Taj Devi Ratn, Jaipur.
Accommodation Name: Taj Devi Ratn, Jaipur.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After a relaxed morning at your hotel, wind through the countryside to the Rajasthan capital of Jaipur, the Pink City. Tonight is free for independent activities.
Day 7: Jaipur Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Location: Jaipur, Amber Fort
Accommodation: Taj Devi Ratn, Jaipur.
Accommodation Name: Taj Devi Ratn, Jaipur.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Curate your morning seeing highly skilled artisans or focus on the art of block printing and blue pottery at a workshop. Attend a special blessing ceremony at Amber Fort. Toast to your travels with a dinner tonight.
Day 8: In Jaipur
Location: Jaipur, The City Palace, Jaipur, Birla Mandir, Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a city tour of Jaipur and luxuriate in a VIP Indian high tea at The City Palace. In the evening visit the Spice market and flower market during the Pink Rickshaw ride or visit Birla Mandir to witness the ‘Aarti’ - a traditional prayer ceremony. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight.
Day 9: Fly to Kochi via Mumbai
Location: Mumbai, Kochi
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Upon arrival for your India luxury tour in this port city of tiny islands and peninsulas along the Arabian Sea, check into your waterfront hotel on Bolgatty Island. Relax with a cocktail by the outdoor pool or at the poolside Thai Soul restaurant, tempting you with cuisine inspired by the vibrant streets of Bangkok.
Day 10: Kochi Sightseeing, Cooking School and Kathakali
Location: Kochi, Jewish Synagogue, Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Kochi
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
In Kochi, view the oldest Jewish synagogue in the commonwealth and marvel at the Hindu mythology and legends in the murals of the Portuguese Mattancherry Palace. Lunchtime brings a colorful feast of traditional Kerala home cooking. The day ends with a performance of traditional Kathakali dance.
Day 11: Kumarakom and the Alleppey Backwaters Relaxed Start
Location: Alleppey, Kumarakom
Accommodation: Coconut Lagoon - CGH Earth Resort
Accommodation Name: Coconut Lagoon - CGH Earth Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Take a private waterwheel houseboat cruise across the tranquil waters of Alleppey past picturesque villages, green paddy fields and a coconut plantation. Linger over a gourmet lunch before the day ends at Coconut Lagoon, your lakeside retreat built from preserved mansions of the nobility’s family homes.
Day 12: Kumarakom and Vaikom Village Relaxed Start
Location: Kumarakom, Vaikom
Accommodation: Coconut Lagoon - CGH Earth Resort
Accommodation Name: Coconut Lagoon - CGH Earth Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
View the area’s vibrant migratory birds on a tour at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Discover one of the oldest townships in Kerala cruising down the canals of Vaikom village. Meet the residents and try your skills at weaving from pineapple leaves or coconut husks before lunch at a local’s home.
Day 13: Relaxing Kumarakom Relaxed Start
Location: Kumarakom
Accommodation: Coconut Lagoon - CGH Earth Resort
Accommodation Name: Coconut Lagoon - CGH Earth Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Personalize your day in tranquil Kumarakom. Harmonise your mind and body in a rejuvenating body or foot massage. The day ends with a delicious dinner of fresh, local seafood.
Day 14: Magical Mumbai
Location: Kumarakom, Kochi, Mumbai
Accommodation: The Oberoi, Mumbai.
Accommodation Name: The Oberoi, Mumbai.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey north to Kochi for your flight to vibrant Mumbai. Settle into your deluxe hotel offering enticing views of the ocean and 'Queen’s Necklace' lights along the shoreline.
Day 15: Mumbai Sightseeing
Location: Mumbai, Elephanta Island
Accommodation: The Oberoi, Mumbai.
Accommodation Name: The Oberoi, Mumbai.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Uncover the alluring sites of Mumbai and learn the intricate details of the magnificent, 130-year-old Dabbawalla lunchbox delivery service. Cruise to Elephanta Island to visit the complex of cave temples before raising a glass to your journey over an elegant dinner.
Day 16: Depart Mumbai
Location: Mumbai
Accommodation: The Oberoi, Mumbai.
Accommodation Name: The Oberoi, Mumbai.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your luxurious journey comes to an end as you are escorted to Mumbai Airport for your onward flights.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in various locations such as Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Kumarakom.
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Delhi Sightseeing
Visit the 12th century Qutub Minar, enjoy a culinary exploration of Delhi streets with a well-known chef, and take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk.
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Agra Adventure
Meet the community living in the shadow of the Taj Mahal on a Mughal Heritage Walk and visit a private colonial bungalow for high tea.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional activities not listed in the itinerary, and other personal purchases are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included and may incur additional costs.
Dining Summary
Additional Included Highlights
Curated Experiences
Passport Moments
Personalise your day
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private chauffeurs, an express train journey to Ranthambore, and flights to Kochi and Mumbai, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience throughout your journey across India.Accommodation
Experience luxury at its finest with stays at The Leela Palace in Delhi, Taj Hotel in Agra, Nahargarh Ranthambore, Taj Devi Ratn in Jaipur, Crowne Plaza in Kochi, Coconut Lagoon in Kumarakom, and The Oberoi in Mumbai, offering opulent amenities and stunning views.Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the Delhi portion of the tour?
In Delhi, you can choose between visiting the 12th-century Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, or joining a renowned chef for a culinary exploration of Delhi streets, where you will sample Indian delicacies from local stallholders.
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What activities are available in Agra during the tour?
In Agra, you can take a Mughal Heritage Walk to meet the community living in the shadow of the Taj Mahal and discover hidden gems of the area. Alternatively, you can visit a private colonial bungalow for high tea and listen to stories about the British Raj and today's Indian culture. ...more ...less
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What can I expect to see and do in Jaipur?
In Jaipur, you can focus on the art of block printing and blue pottery at a workshop, or explore the side lanes of old Jaipur to see skilled local artisans. You can also visit the fresh flower and spice market or the white marble Birla Mandir to witness a traditional prayer ceremony. ...more ...less
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What is included in the Kumarakom portion of the tour?
In Kumarakom, you can indulge in a rejuvenating 30-minute body massage or a 15-minute foot massage. You will also have the opportunity to take a private waterwheel houseboat cruise across the Alleppey backwaters and visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
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What cultural experiences are offered in Kochi?
In Kochi, you will visit the oldest Jewish synagogue in the commonwealth and the Portuguese Mattancherry Palace. You will also enjoy a traditional Kerala home-cooked lunch and end the day with a performance of traditional Kathakali dance.
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What is the highlight of the Mumbai segment of the tour?
In Mumbai, you will uncover the sites of the city and learn about the Dabbawalla lunchbox delivery service. You will also cruise to Elephanta Island to visit the complex of cave temples and enjoy an elegant dinner to celebrate your journey.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Absolutely! We are very selective in who we work with and choose to only use hotels that take the health and well-being of our guests as seriously as we do and agree to meet expected guidelines and specifications. We only work with establishments that we are confident will consistently adhere to our standards.
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Which countries does Luxury Gold visit?
We offer incredible luxury trips in Europe, North America, South America, Hawaii, South-East Asia, the Indian sub-continent (including India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka), Australia and New Zealand.
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What other modes of transport does Luxury Gold use?
A Luxury Gold tour will include touring on high-speed trains, alpine cable cars, hydrofoils, river cruisers and horse-drawn carriages, in addition to our high-deck luxury coaches with extra legroom.
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Who travels with Luxury Gold?
We are delighted to welcome guests who have a shared love of travel, adventure, entertainment and exploration. A mix of solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends and family join us from all over the English-speaking world.
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What is the role of the Well-Being Director?
Working closely together with your Travelling Concierge, the Well-Being Director* will help make sure all necessary protocols are followed to ensure the health and wellbeing of all our guests. This includes our enhanced screening and hygiene protocols, complying with distancing and other requirements set by government authorities. They are also there to support our guests & answer any questions.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Essence of India with South India
16 Days Starting in New Delhi, India and ending in Mumbai, India
Visiting: Delhi, Red Fort, Delhi, Jama Masjid, Delhi, Qutub Minar, Delhi, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, President Palace, Delhi, India Gate, Delhi, Parliament House, Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Bharatpur, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, Amber Fort, The City Palace, Jaipur, Birla Mandir, Jaipur, Mumbai, Kochi, Jewish Synagogue, Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Kochi, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Vaikom, Elephanta Island ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
A553ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 18
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours
Why book with Barrhead?
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Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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