Essence of India with South India
Essence of India with South India
$7775
Essence of India with South India
16 Days Starting in New Delhi, India and ending in Mumbai, India
Visiting: Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, Kochi, Kumarakom, Mumbai
Tour operator:
Tour code:
A553AM19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Wellness Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
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 immersive experience takes you from the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene backwaters of Kumarakom, offering a blend of historical exploration, cultural encounters, and relaxation. Discover iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal at sunrise, explore the bustling markets of Jaipur, and enjoy a private high tea at the City Palace. Indulge in exceptional dining experiences, from a welcome dinner in Delhi to a farewell feast in Mumbai. Travel in style with private chauffeurs, express trains, and flights, ensuring a seamless journey. Stay in opulent accommodations, including The Leela Palace in Delhi and The Oberoi in Mumbai. With guided tours, cultural performances, and personalized activities, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of India's diverse heritage and natural beauty.
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in various locations such as Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Kumarakom.
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Exceptional Dining
Enjoy a variety of dining experiences including a Welcome Dinner in Delhi, fine dining in Jaipur, a cooking class in Kochi, and a Celebration Dinner in Mumbai.
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Accommodation
Stay in luxury accommodations such as The Leela Palace in Delhi, Taj Hotel and Convention Centre in Agra, and The Oberoi in Mumbai.
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Transportation
Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold.
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Guided Tours
Enjoy guided tours and experiences such as a Mughal Heritage Walk in Agra, a city tour of Jaipur, and a visit to the Elephanta Island in Mumbai.
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Cultural Experiences
Participate in cultural experiences such as a Kathakali performance in Kochi and a traditional prayer ceremony at Birla Mandir in Jaipur.
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Relaxation Activities
Indulge in relaxation activities such as a yoga class and a rejuvenating massage in Kumarakom.
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Dining Summary
The tour includes 9 dinners, 15 breakfasts, and 7 lunches.
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Additional Included Highlights
Enjoy seamless personal assistance, Local Expert Guides, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and complimentary hotel Wi-Fi.
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.
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Ayurveda Massage
The Ayurveda Massage in Kumarakom will be on direct payment.
Dining Summary
- 9 Dinner (D)
- 15 Breakfast (B)
- 7 Lunch (L)
- 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)
Additional Included Highlights
- Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.
- In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.  ?
- Included at all hotels.
- Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.?
- Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.
- On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.
- Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.
- Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city as the itinerary, may be requested.
Curated Experiences
- Backwater Ripples: Start the day early with a bird-watching tour at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary where you will be given the chance to view some of the fantastic migratory birds which flock to the Himalayas and find home in the acres of woodland.
Passport Moments
- Delhi: View the monuments of Old and New Delhi when you drive out to Red Fort, the former home of the Mughal emperors. Cruise down the Rajpath to see India Gate and Parliament House.
- Delhi: Take a tour of Jama Masjid with your Travel Concierge. Feel the majesty of the largest mosque in India with its three great gates, 40-metre-high minarets, and a courtyard large enough for 25,000 devotees.
- Delhi: Jump into the hustle and bustle of Old Delhi by taking an exhilarating rickshaw ride through the busy streets of Chandni Chowk. Let the city’s sights and sounds swirl around you as you’re transported in traditional style.
- Delhi: Visit a Sikh temple and community kitchen, where meals are given out to locals and travellers. Those of the Sikh faith regularly open their place of worship to those in greater need.
- Agra: Visit the impressive fortress in Agra and delve into the history of the Mughal Dynasty, who ruled their empire for over 300 years. See the glorious mosques and fairytale palaces such as the Sheesh Mahal within its protected walls.
- Agra: Rise in the morning light to view one of the greatest monuments in the world, the grand Taj Mahal. With the light of dawn and fewer visitors, you can fully appreciate its grandeur in peace, accompanied by only the birds and monkeys.
- Ranthambore: Sit back and relax on the express train from Bharatpur to Ranthambore. Enjoy the scenic vistas of northern India as you are transported door-to-door in just a few hours. Experience the quickest way to travel in India, as small villages and plantations whizz by.
- Ranthambore: With an expert naturalist, seek out a rare sighting of tigers in their natural habitat on your dawn and dusk safaris in the maharajahs’ former hunting grounds. Witness a wealth of local animals as you search for those elusive stripes.
- Jaipur: Ascend by jeep to stroll through the intricately designed complex of courtyards and halls of Amber Fort. Enjoy the shimmering walls and ceilings and wonderful views of the surrounding countryside and receive a special blessing at this 16th-century residence.
- Kochi: Discover the city of Kochi with an orientation tour which takes in Paradesi Synagogue, the largest in the Commonwealth, before visiting the 16th century Portuguese Mattancherry Palace, renowned for its beautiful murals of Hindu mythology and legends.
- Kochi: Delve deeper into the cultural heritage of Kochi by attending a Kathakali performance. This colorful show is one of the world’s oldest forms of theater and the vibrant costumes, transformative make up, amazing dancing and vocal acrobatics make it unmissable.
- Alappuzha: Cruise the backwaters of Alleppey on a waterwheel houseboat to get an inside view of life on its shores. Journey past lush rice paddies and coconut plantations where people work daily, and enjoy a wonderful lunch onboard as you make your way to your luxury resort.
- Vaikom Village: Guided by boat, explore the narrow canals of one of the oldest townships in Kerala and with many spots untouched by modernity.
- Mumbai: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage protected ancient cave temples with depictions of Lord Shiva hewn from basalt rock. These extraordinary carvings date back as far as the 5th century and were recently restored. Human settlements from 2 BC have been recovered here.
- Mumbai: Take a cruise from Mumbai to Elephanta Island to see the six metre statue of Sadhashiva and the warren of carved cave temples which date back to AD 450, earning the island UNESCO World Heritage status.
- Mumbai: Meet the Dabbawalla in Mumbai to learn more about the intricate details of the magnificent tiffin service that keeps the city going! Without any technology, these delivery men have been providing home cooked food to the masses for over 130 years.
- Jaipur: Enter the towering gates to the City Palace Museum for a look back through time at chandeliers, cannons, chariots and incredible murals. Built between 1729 -1732, this glorious complex is still home to the Jaipur royal family and young king.
Personalise your day
- Delhi: Visit the 12th century Qutub Minar, and see the tallest brick minaret in the world before enjoying lunch.
- Delhi: Join a well-known chef for a culinary exploration of Delhi streets where you will tantalise your taste buds. Experience a wide variety of foods and learn the effect that mixing different flavours has on the palate as you sample Indian delicacies from local stallholders.
- Agra: Meet the community living in the shadow of the Taj Mahal when you take a Mughal Heritage Walk. Discover hidden gems of the area and learn about daily life in the ancient village with impressive vistas of India’s most famous monument. Through this initiative the community is supported from tourism to improve their living conditions.
- Agra: Visit a private colonial bungalow for high tea, meet the host family and listen to their stories about the British Raj and today's Indian culture and society.
- Jaipur: Focus on the art of block printing and blue pottery as you visit a workshop.
- Jaipur: Step in the side lanes of old Jaipur and see the highly skilled local artisans who are passionate about passing their crafts on to preserve this slice of the cultural heritage.
- Kumarakom: Indulge in a rejuvenating massage. Please note - the Ayurveda Massage will be on direct payment.
- Kumarakom: Harmonise your mind and body by taking part in a yoga class.
- Jaipur: Visit the colourful cavalcade of the fresh flower and spice market.
- Jaipur: Visit the white marble Birla Mandir, a Hindu temple and witness aarti, a traditional prayer ceremony.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences can I expect during the tour in Delhi?
In Delhi, you can choose between visiting the 12th-century Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, or joining a well-known 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?
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.
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What cultural experiences are offered 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 highly skilled local artisans. You can also visit the colourful flower and spice market or witness a traditional prayer ceremony at the Birla Mandir.
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What relaxation activities are available in Kumarakom?
In Kumarakom, you can indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage or participate in a yoga class to harmonise your mind and body.
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What is the highlight of the Ranthambore experience?
In Ranthambore, you will join a Local Expert on a quest for the elusive tiger and explore the lakes and palace ruins of the park with an Expert Naturalist, including traditional Chhatri dome-shaped pavilions and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort.
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What can I expect during the Kochi sightseeing tour?
In Kochi, you will view the oldest Jewish synagogue in the commonwealth, marvel at the murals of the Portuguese Mattancherry Palace, and enjoy a performance of traditional Kathakali dance.
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What is included in the Mumbai sightseeing experience?
In Mumbai, you will learn about the Dabbawalla lunchbox delivery service, 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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Low Deposit
Luxury Gold requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of luxury gold charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions