Itinerary
- Day 1
Delhi
You'll be picked up at Delhi Airport and taken to your hotel. Before the 6 pm welcome meeting, there's time to walk around and see Delhi's historical sites, museums, galleries, and bazaars on your own. After meeting your leader and fellow travelers, head out for dinner at one of Delhi's oldest and most well-known restaurants.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner at iconic restaurant credited with introducing India to ice cream and fine dining)
Included Activities
- Welcome dinner at iconic 80+ year old Delhi restaurant
Optional Activities
- Explore Delhi's historical landmarks, museums, galleries and bazaars
- Day 2
Delhi
Your leader takes you through Old Delhi's ancient streets and helps you navigate the metro. You'll explore Mughal architecture on foot, ride in a traditional rickshaw around Chandi Chowk marketplace, visit Jama Masjid (India's oldest and largest mosque), and see the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara. The evening is yours to relax and explore based on what your leader suggests.
Included Activities
- Leader-led tour of Old Delhi
- Metro navigation guidance
- Traditional rickshaw ride around Chandi Chowk
- Visit to Jama Masjid (India's oldest and largest mosque)
- Visit to Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh temple)
Optional Activities
- Free evening exploration with leader recommendations for food and activities
Landmarks Chandi Chowk Jama Masjid Sheeshganj Gurudwara - Day 3
Delhi to Jaipur
Travel to Jaipur and check into Hotel Narain Niwas Palace, a heritage property run by the same family since 1928. The hotel has traditional charm with chandeliers, stained glass, and peacocks on the grounds. Later, your leader walks you through this pedestrian-friendly city, showing you bazaars with handcrafted textiles, folk art, and semi-precious stones. End with a home-cooked dinner at a local family's home.
- Meals
- Dinner (Home-cooked dinner at local family's home)
Included Activities
- Leader-led walking tour of Jaipur
- Exploration of bazaars with handcrafted textiles, folk art and semi-precious stones
- Home-cooked dinner at local family's home
- Day 4
Jaipur
After breakfast, visit Amber Fort on a guided tour to see ornate rooms, murals, frescoed arches, and delicate jali work. Head to City Palace in the Pink City to see the blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The rest of the day and evening are free to explore on your own, with options like Jantar Mantar Observatory or a hot air balloon ride.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Amber Fort
- Visit to City Palace
Optional Activities
- Visit Jantar Mantar Observatory (one of the world's most accurate pre-modern observatories dating to 1729) - INR200
- Hot air balloon ride over the city - USD280
- Sample Rajasthani street food like pyaaz kachori
Landmarks Amber Fort City Palace Jantar Mantar - Day 5
Jaipur to Agra
Drive to Agra and settle into your hotel. Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Your guide explains the history as you walk the grounds at sunset, sharing how Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned it in 1632 as a tribute to his late wife. For dinner, your leader can suggest a local restaurant with great curries.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Taj Mahal at sunset
Optional Activities
- Dinner at recommended local restaurant
Landmarks Taj Mahal 
- Day 6
Agra to Lucknow
This morning you'll visit Agra Fort, the seat of the Mughal Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site built by Akbar on the Yamuna River's eastern banks. Then drive to Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh. Your leader guides an orientation walk when you arrive. Dinner is at a restaurant supporting and empowering acid attack survivors who work there.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at restaurant supporting acid attack survivors)
Included Activities
- Visit to Agra Fort (UNESCO World Heritage site)
- Orientation walk in Lucknow
- Dinner at restaurant supporting acid attack survivors
Landmarks Agra Fort 
- Day 7
Lucknow
Your leader shows you Lucknow's highlights, including the intricate Bara Imambara built in 1784 with its maze-like layout that needs local guidance to navigate. Later, join a cooking class where you'll learn the culinary secrets of Lucknowites and pick up skills to use at home.
Included Activities
- Morning tour of Lucknow
- Visit to Bara Imambara
- Awadhi cooking class
Landmarks Bara Imambara - Day 8
Lucknow to Varanasi
An early start for a scenic train ride to Varanasi gives you views of the Indian countryside from your seat. After checking into your hotel, join a walking tour of this spiritual capital. In the evening, take a sunset cruise on the Ganges with local musicians playing as you watch the flower and candle ceremony.
Included Activities
- Scenic train ride to Varanasi
- Walking tour of Varanasi
- Sunset cruise on the Ganges with local musicians
- Flower and candle ceremony (Ganga aarti)
Landmarks Ganges River - Day 9
Varanasi
Early risers can take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges where your leader explains the sacred river's significance while you pass ghats and temples. Afterward, jump in rickshaws to explore Banaras' famous eateries and street food stalls, trying chaat, samosas, jalebi, lassi, and sweet paan. Later, visit Sarnath, one of four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites where Buddha preached.
- Meals
- Lunch (Chaat, samosas, jalebi, lassi and sweet paan with glimpse into the city's rich culinary heritage)
Included Activities
- Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges
- Rickshaw food tour through Banaras eateries and street food stalls
- Lunch featuring chaat, samosas, jalebi, lassi and sweet paan
- Visit to Sarnath Buddhist pilgrimage site
- Sarnath stupas and museums exploration
Landmarks Sarnath - Day 10
Varanasi to Delhi
Return to Delhi today. After landing, the afternoon is yours to explore sites you may have missed, like Humayun's Tomb from 1570 or Qutb Minar, India's highest tower. Your leader can help you book activities before the final group dinner at a beautiful 1887 haveli serving Mughlai cuisine, street food, and kebabs.
- Meals
- Dinner (Farewell dinner at haveli featuring Mughlai cuisine, street food dishes and kebabs)
Included Activities
- Farewell dinner at haveli dating back to 1887 featuring Mughlai cuisine, street food and kebabs
Optional Activities
- Visit Humayun's Tomb (garden tomb dating to 1570)
- Visit Qutb Minar (highest tower in India)
- Other activities with leader assistance booking
Landmarks Humayun's Tomb Qutb Minar - Day 11
Delhi to Chennai
Fly to Chennai, India's cultural heart and fourth-largest city. You'll be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Meet your new group and trip leader at a 6 pm group meeting. If you arrive early, check out Georgetown Bazaar. After the meeting, have a welcome dinner at Chennai's first chain restaurant serving iconic south Indian vegetarian dishes.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner featuring iconic array of south Indian vegetarian dishes like idly, dosa and poori)
Included Activities
- Welcome dinner at Chennai's first chain restaurant with south Indian vegetarian dishes
Optional Activities
- Visit Georgetown Bazaar market stalls (if arriving early)
Landmarks Georgetown Bazaar 
- Day 12
Chennai to Puducherry
Drive along the scenic East Coast Road to the fishing town of Mamallapuram. See the 8th-century Shore Temple and its carved mandapams, watching locals pay respects to Shiva. Continue to Puducherry, a former French colony with leafy boulevards, European houses, and boutiques. The evening is free to explore the varied food scene blending Indian and French influences.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Shore Temple in Mamallapuram
Optional Activities
- Explore Puducherry's food scene with leader recommendations
Landmarks Shore Temple - Day 13
Puducherry
Your morning is free, then your leader takes you on a walking tour to see local temples and the French Quarter. You'll pass mustard-colored buildings with vibrant bougainvillea as your leader shares stories of revolutionaries, generals, and kings. Stop by the pastel pink Church of Notre Dame from the French colonial period and grab local snacks at a cafe.
- Meals
- Snack (Local snacks at cafe in White Town)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of local temples and French Quarter
- Visit to Church of Notre Dame
- Snack stop at local cafe in White Town
Optional Activities
- Free evening exploration
Landmarks Church of Notre Dame - Day 14
Puducherry to Madurai
Head to Madurai with plenty of chai stops along the way. You'll arrive in the late afternoon for a short orientation walk around one of India's oldest cities. Your leader takes you through the city's Tamil cuisine, exploring street food stalls and family restaurants to find regional dishes not on tourist menus. End the night with Jigarthanda, Madurai's celebrated dessert.
- Meals
- Dinner (Leader-led Tamil cuisine tour including mutton dosa, fish gravy and Jigarthanda dessert)
Included Activities
- Orientation walk in Madurai
- Leader-led tour of Tamil cuisine and street food
- Day 15
Madurai
Your leader guides you through the Tailor's Market, local bazaars, and Sri Meenakshi Temple with its maze of lamp-lit corridors and active shrines. Visit the National Gandhi Museum and the elaborate 17th-century Thirumalai Nayak Palace. This evening, join a local family for a traditional home-cooked dinner with chettinad chicken, egg paratha, and vegetable korma.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional home-cooked Tamil dinner at local family's home with dishes like chettinad chicken, egg paratha and vegetable korma)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Tailor's Market and local bazaars
- Visit to Sri Meenakshi Temple
- Visit to National Gandhi Museum
- Visit to Thirumalai Nayak Palace
- Local family visit with traditional home-cooked Tamil dinner
Landmarks Sri Meenakshi Temple National Gandhi Museum Thirumalai Nayak Palace - Day 16
Madurai to Thekkady
Drive to the countryside town of Thekkady through pineapple and rubber plantations. Thekkady is the gateway to Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghats. Stop at a spice plantation to talk with a local expert and learn about the spices that color India's cuisine. Enjoy a flavorful lunch made with spices from the plantation.
- Meals
- Lunch (Flavoursome lunch made with spices from the plantation)
Included Activities
- Expert-guided spice plantation visit
- Lunch made with spices from the plantation
Optional Activities
- Shop for fragrant spices and organic tea
- Relax in palm-fringed pool at resort
Landmarks Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve - Day 17
Thekkady
A guided nature walk this morning in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary has your expert guide looking for tiger tracks, spotted deer, Indian elephants, and gaur. You'll likely see Bonnet macaques and Malabar giant squirrels. The afternoon is free for activities like an ayurvedic massage. In the evening, watch a kalarippayattu demonstration at Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, India's oldest martial art.
Included Activities
- Guided nature walk in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kalarippayattu (Indian martial art) performance demonstration
Optional Activities
- Ayurvedic massage
Landmarks Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Day 18
Thekkady to Munnar
Drive north to Munnar, a former British hill station at 1525m elevation where temperatures drop significantly. Tour a tea plantation where a resident expert shows you the tea-making process from leaf picking to final product. Sample different tea varieties. There may be time to visit the tea museum, though hours vary. Relax at your mountain resort this evening.
Included Activities
- Tea plantation tour with expert guide
- Tea tasting of different varieties
Optional Activities
- Tea museum visit (subject to irregular opening hours)
Landmarks Munnar Tea Plantation 
- Day 19
Munnar
Take a guided walk through Munnar's lush hills, often covered in clouds, so have your camera ready. In the afternoon, go to scenic Mattupetty Dam where you'll find a man-made lake and valley views. There's an optional motorboat ride around the lake. Afterward, return to Munnar for a free evening.
Included Activities
- Guided walk around lush hills of Munnar
Optional Activities
- Optional motorboat ride at Mattupetty Dam
Landmarks Mattupetty Dam - Day 20
Munnar to Alleppey
Drive to Kerala's backwaters this morning and discover Alleppey's palm-shaded waterways, now famous for 'snake boat' races held yearly in August. Transform into a traditional houseboat for tonight, a kettuvallam converted using traditional materials with bamboo roofing, coir flooring, and coconut wood beds. These floating cottages offer hotel comforts including private bedrooms, dining areas, and open decks.
Included Activities
- Experience of traditional houseboat Feature Stay on Kerala backwaters
- Day 21
Alleppey to Kochi
Enjoy a peaceful morning at the Kerala waters before driving to Kochi in the afternoon. Cochin spreads across several islands and shows Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese, and British influences. Your leader takes you on an orientation walk to see these influences in architecture, restaurants, and daily life. In the evening, watch a Kathakali dance performance, a classical Indian dance form from Kerala combining symbolic storytelling with physical technique.
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk in Kochi
- Kathakali classical dance performance
Optional Activities
- Coffee at Princess Street
Landmarks Princess Street 
- Day 22
Kochi
Take a tuk-tuk sightseeing tour of Fort Kochi, wandering antique shops and spice bazaars while your leader teaches haggling tips. See the famous Chinese fishing nets, perhaps Kochi's most photographed sight. Visit the Mattancherry Palace from the 16th century and the Paradesi Synagogue, India's oldest existing Jewish synagogue. Lunch at Shantilal S. Mithaiwala, open since 1953. Meet an ayurvedic doctor in the evening to learn about Satvik Bhojan diet and cooking.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at Shantilal S. Mithaiwala featuring famous sweets open since 1953), Dinner (Keralan cooking demonstration dinner using Satvik Bhojan (ayurvedic diet) methods and recipes)
Included Activities
- Tuk-tuk sightseeing tour of Fort Kochi
- Visit to Chinese fishing nets
- Visit to Mattancherry Palace
- Visit to Paradesi Synagogue
- Lunch at Shantilal S. Mithaiwala sweet shop
- Ayurvedic doctor consultation on Satvik Bhojan diet
- Keralan cooking class and demonstration dinner
Optional Activities
- Shopping at antique shops and spice bazaars
Landmarks Chinese Fishing Nets Mattancherry Palace Paradesi Synagogue 
- Day 23
Kochi
Your adventure ends after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay in India, contact your booking agent ahead of time to arrange additional accommodation or transfers.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Extended stay arrangements (speak to booking agent)
