Days 1–2
Delhi
Arrival, then Old Delhi by cycle-rickshaw, Humayun's Tomb and the Lodhi gardens.
2 nights in Delhi
India · Sample journey
Grand India: three weeks from Rajasthan to Kerala
The forts and palaces of Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal, the Ganges at Varanasi, then south to the backwaters and beaches of Kerala: north and south India in one long journey.
- Length
- 21 nights
- Best time
- November to February
- Price
- On request
Lake Pichola, Udaipur
The journey
Two Indias in three weeks
North and south India feel like different countries: the dry, dramatic forts and desert cities of Rajasthan, and the green, slow world of Kerala's coconut groves and backwaters. Three weeks lets you see both without rushing.
The journey begins with the busiest days and ends with the quietest. After Varanasi, you fly south to Kochi and finish with a houseboat, a lake and a few days on a beach.
Route: Delhi · Jaipur · Jodhpur · Udaipur · Agra · Varanasi · Kochi · Kumarakom · Marari
Day by day
How the days run
A sample plan. Driving times are approximate.
Days 3–5
Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur. The Amber Fort, the City Palace, the bazaars, and a day in the countryside or a block-printing workshop.
3 nights in Jaipur
Days 6–7
Jodhpur
Drive to Jodhpur, the blue city. Mehrangarh Fort, the old town and a village visit with a local guide.
2 nights in Jodhpur
Days 8–10
Udaipur
Drive to Udaipur by way of the Jain temple at Ranakpur. The lake, the City Palace and quiet time by the water.
3 nights in Udaipur
Days 11–12
Agra
Fly to Delhi or Jaipur and drive to Agra. The Taj Mahal at sunrise and the Agra Fort.
2 nights in Agra
Days 13–14
Varanasi
Fly to Varanasi. The evening aarti, a dawn boat on the Ganges and Sarnath.
2 nights in Varanasi
Days 15–16
Kochi
Fly to Kochi. The old quarter of Fort Kochi, the Chinese fishing nets, and a Kathakali performance.
2 nights in Kochi
Day 17
Backwaters
A night on a private houseboat on the backwaters near Alleppey, with your own crew and cook.
1 night on a houseboat
Days 18–19
Kumarakom
A lakeside hotel on Vembanad lake. Canoe through the canals at dawn, or do nothing at all.
2 nights in Kumarakom
Days 20–21
Marari
Two days on a quiet beach with fishing villages on either side.
2 nights on the beach
Day 22
Departure
Fly from Kochi to your international connection.
Included
- All hotels in the room category you choose, with breakfast
- A private air-conditioned car and driver for the whole trip
- English-speaking local guides for the sightseeing in the itinerary
- Entrance fees for guided visits
- Airport meet and greet, and all transfers
- A contact who knows your trip, reachable day and night
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance (essential)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers
Make it yours
- Add Munnar for the tea hills (2 nights)
- Add Ranthambore for tigers between Jaipur and Agra
- Replace the beach with an Ayurvedic retreat
- Stay in palace hotels throughout Rajasthan
The destination
Before you go to India
Best time to visit, visas, money and local customs.
Plan my journey
Request a quote for this journey
Every trip is priced for your dates, hotels and group size. Tell us when and who is travelling, and we reply within 24 hours.