Essence of India with South India
Essence of India with South India
Essence of India with South India
16 Days Starting in New Delhi and ending in Mumbai
Visiting: Delhi, Agra, Bharatpur, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, Mumbai, Kochi, Alleppey Backwater, Kumarakom
Tour Overview
Admire the Red Fort of the Mughal dynasty in Delhi, cruise the tropical waters of Kumarakom and uncover the desert forts of Rajasthan on this all-immersive tour. In Mumbai, meet the army of Dabbawalla delivery men who have provided meals to the masses for over 130 years using the tiffin service. Explore India’s capital your way with the choice to tour the UNESCO world Heritage Site at Qutub Minar or treat your taste buds to the Delhi Street Food Tour, joining a well-known local chef for a sojourn through the famous street snacks of the old city. After seeking out the wild tigers of Ranthambore, ascend by Jeep to the royal halls of Amber Fort—decked out with intricate ivory designs of times gone by and exquisite paintings. In Kochi, learn the art of home cooking with lessons from a local instructor—showcasing how to prepare the region’s traditional recipes. Continue the culinary delights in Jaipur where a VIP afternoon tea unlocks the private living room of the Maharaja, with a menu of traditional Indian sweets.The Activity Level of this tour is Balanced, meaning there is 1 to 3 miles of walking per day which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
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
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: Delhi, Agra
Accommodation: Taj Hotel and Convention Centre, Agra.
Accommodation Name: Taj Hotel and Convention Centre, Agra.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Arrive at Agra’s historical fort and elegant Musamman Burj. Personalise 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: Agra, 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: Agra, 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
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
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: Jaipur, 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
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 colourful 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 Backwater, Kumarakom
Accommodation: Kumarakom Lake Resort.
Accommodation Name: Kumarakom Lake 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
Accommodation: Kumarakom Lake Resort.
Accommodation Name: Kumarakom Lake 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: Kumarakom Lake Resort.
Accommodation Name: Kumarakom Lake Resort.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Personalise your day in tranquil Kumarakom and delve into one of the local nurturing practices. Harmonise your mind and body in a relaxing yoga class or enjoy a rejuvenating massage featuring Ayurvedic techniques. 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
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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Accommodations
Luxury hotels including The Leela Palace Delhi, Taj Hotel and Convention Centre Agra, Nahargarh Ranthambhore, Taj Devi Ratn Jaipur, Crowne Plaza Kochi, and The Oberoi Mumbai.
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Meals
Various meals throughout the tour, including breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with a focus on local cuisine.
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Transport
All in-tour ground transport, including private chauffeur service in Delhi and travel by the Jan Shatabdi Express train to Ranthambore.
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Sightseeing and Activities
Guided tours of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park, Kochi, Alleppey backwaters, Kumarakom, and Mumbai with entrance fees included.
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Special Experiences
Culinary exploration with a well-known chef in Delhi, block printing and blue pottery workshop in Jaipur, yoga class in Kumarakom, Kathakali performance in Kochi, and a cruise on the backwaters of Alleppey.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from the start and end points are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included but is highly recommended.
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, laundry, and tips are not included.
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Visa Fees
Any required visa fees are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.
Check out our Q&As
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What are the highlights of the Essence of India with South India Extension tour?
The highlights of the tour include visiting the Qutub Minar in Delhi, a culinary exploration with a well-known chef in Delhi, a block printing and blue pottery workshop in Jaipur, a yoga class in Kumarakom, viewing the Taj Mahal in Agra, dawn and dusk safaris in Ranthambore, a Kathakali performance in Kochi, and cruising the backwaters of Alleppey on a houseboat.
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What type of accommodations are included in the tour?
The tour includes luxury hotels such as The Leela Palace Delhi, Taj Hotel and Convention Centre Agra, Nahargarh Ranthambhore, Taj Devi Ratn Jaipur, Crowne Plaza Kochi, and The Oberoi Mumbai.
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Are meals included in the Essence of India with South India Extension tour?
Yes, various meals throughout the tour are included, focusing on local cuisine, including breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
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What type of transport is provided during the tour?
The tour provides all in-tour ground transport, including private chauffeur service in Delhi and travel by the Jan Shatabdi Express train to Ranthambore.
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What are the exclusions of the tour?
The tour exclusions include international flights to and from the start and end points, travel insurance, personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and tips, and any required visa fees.
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What is the starting location of the tour?
The tour starts in New Delhi.
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What is the ending location of the tour?
The tour ends in Mumbai.
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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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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
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
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We look after you every step of the way.