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19-Nights Uncover India: Delhi to Kerala from $5,332
Trafalgar
OFFER ID 1494581
Uncover India: Delhi To Kerala
All the treasures of India on one epic trip. From the captivating energy of Delhi and Mumbai to the tranquil backwaters and lingering spice aromas of Kerala. Journey to the jungles of Ranthambore, crisscross the Golden Triangle and admire India’s legendary palaces, forts and monuments along the way.
Dining Summary
- 2 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 19 Breakfast (B)
- 7 Lunch (L)
- 11 Dinner (D)
- 2 Be My Guest (BMG)
- Jaipur: Savor dinner with a local family at their home in Jaipur.
- Kochi: Visit and have dinner with a local family in their home in Kochi and gain a fascinating insight into their lifestyle.
- Delhi: Take a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi.
- Jaipur: Visit a local market in Jaipur.
- : Travel on a meter-gauge train in the countryside.
- Udaipur: Visit a local market in Udaipur.
- Mumbai: Visit a Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai.
- Periyar National Park: See an Indian martial arts performance.
- Kumarakom: Discover rural life on a walking tour with a local market visit.
- Kochi: See the unique Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi.
- Delhi: See Old Delhi's Red Fort.
- Jama Masjid: Admire the red sandstone and marble details of Jama Masjid during your visit to one of the largest mosques in the country.
- Delhi: Visit Agrasen Ki Baoli and take in the arched niches of this citybound step well.
- New Delhi: During your orientation of New Delhi, visit Humayun's Tomb, and see India Gate and the Qutub Minar complex.
- Taj Mahal: View the Taj Mahal, known as one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.
- Agra: Inside Agra’s red sandstone fortress, witness the fairytale palaces, audiences halls and mosques of the Mughal rulers.
- Agra: See the imposing gate to the Jama Masjid and gain insight into life in Fatehpur Sikri, now a deserted 'ghost town.'
- Ranthambore National Park: Tour Ranthambore National Park for a chance to glimpse the resident animals and birdlife.
- Jaipur: Learn the traditional art of block-printing with a Local Specialist.
- Jaipur: During an orientation of Jaipur, visit the Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory.
- Udaipur: Enjoy an evening cruise on Lake Pichola at the heart of Udaipur.
- Udaipur: Visit the City Palace complex, a testimony to the Rajput passion for art and architecture.
- Udaipur: Stroll through Saheliyon Ki Bari, also known as Garden of the Maidens. Admire the exquisite design of its fountains, pavilions and lotus pools.
- Mumbai: Start your visit of Mumbai at the Gateway of India. Continue past the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Churchgate Station, and take time to explore the Mani Bhavan museum.
- : Join a Local Specialist on a visit to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park.
- Kumily: Learn about time-tested customs and the cultural significance of spice cultivation during your visit to Kumily Spice Garden.
- Kerala Backwater Day Tours: Cruise the backwaters of Kerala on a traditional houseboat. Get an insider's look at the day-to-day activities of locals as you journey along Kerala's waterways.
- Delhi: The Delhi City Walk tour explores lesser-known attractions around Paharganj and New Delhi Railway Station, guided by a teenager at the Trust who once lived and worked on the streets of Delhi. This personal touch makes the tour special and gives you a view of the tour guide's world through their eyes. City Walk is an example of how a volunteer's creativity can translate into a unique and enduring program, which is both popular and economically viable.
- Explore Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai and Kochi
- Visit Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar in Delhi, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in Agra, Ranthambore National Park, the Amber Fort and City Palace in Jaipur, the City Palace and Garden of the Maids in Udaipur and Mani Bhavan in Mumbai and Kumily Spice Garden and St Francis Church in Kerala.
- View the Palace of Winds in Jaipur
- See the Red Fort, Parliament House and India Gate in Delhi, the Gateway of India and the Chhatrapati Shivaji historic railway station in Mumbai
- Scenic Cruise across Mumbai Harbor to Elephanta Island and the Kerala backwaters on a houseboat
- Deogarh: Stay in a beautifully maintained heritage resort in Deogarh, which was once a magnificent fort.
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- Flights from Udaipur to Mumbai and Mumbai to Kochi.
19 nights from $5,332 per person
Trafalgar Tours: Uncover India: Delhi to Kerala
Day 1 - Welcome to Delhi
India's vibrant capital extends a lively welcome, launching an unforgettable journey through northern India’s most exquisite sights. On arrival in Delhi, you'll be transferred to your hotel where you'll meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and local appetizers this evening.
Accommodations: The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi
Meals: Welcome Reception
Day 2 - Discover the Delights of Old Delhi Dive Into Culture
Dive Into Culture as you embark on an exhilarating rickshaw ride, navigating the busy streets of Old Delhi. See the Red Fort, a sandstone fortress which once housed the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for centuries. Next, ride through the colorful Chandni Chowk market and watch it come to life as the day's trading begins amidst the sounds of enthusiastic salesmen and endless traffic. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Admire its ornate façades before boarding a waiting vehicle to drive to Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Pay tribute to this beloved figurehead, who led the campaign for India’s independence from Britain. You’ll come face-to-face with the site where he was cremated following his assassination in 1948. Today the simple square platform of black marble is surrounded by a tranquil park, befitting of its status as a place of contemplation. Your next stop is Agrasen Ki Baoli, one of the most noteworthy stepwells in Delhi. Hidden amidst the cacophony of Delhi’s streets and business towers, this ancient water reservoir rises from the depths of the earth to stand atop 103 stone steps. Spend a few moments of serenity amidst its centuries-old ornate arches before returning to your hotel for an afternoon of leisure or consider one of our Optional Experiences.
Accommodations: The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - See the Sights of Delhi Make Travel Matter Dive Into Culture
This morning, embark on a guided walking tour to discover the work done by the Salaam Baalak Trust, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This non-profit organization that aims to provide a caring environment for street children. Later, we'll walk through the bazaar of Paharganj, rubbing shoulders with the locals who flock to the market to shop everyday. Escape the noise and head to New Delhi, designed and built by the British in the 1920s. Your first stop here is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Humayun's Tomb, the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former glory, you’ll see first-hand why it served as the inspiration for the design of the famous Taj Mahal. Enjoy local flavors for lunch at a local restaurant near India Gate, then head to the Qutub Minar complex, also a UNESCO listed site. This fluted ‘Victory Tower’ is decorated with elaborate inscriptions, geometric carvings and elegant balconies. Returning to your hotel later, drive past Lutyens' Delhi to view the elegant colonial façades leading British architect Edwin Lutyens left behind on the cityscape. You'll have the rest of the afternoon at leisure, or perhaps join one of our Optional Experiences.
Accommodations: The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 - Sunset at the Taj Mahal
It’s time to leave Delhi behind, bound for the Uttar Pradesh city of Agra. There are many reasons to love Agra and its own ‘monument to love’, the Taj Mahal, is perhaps the most captivating of all. Marvel at its elegant marble façades awash with the sunset's rose and golden hues. Admire this well-preserved landmark from all sides, stepping away from your fellow travelers for a moment to contemplate the magnificence of this man-made wonder. This evening, you could choose to end a memorable day at an optional sound and light show prior to dinner.
Accommodations: Double Tree by Hilton
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - From the Taj to the Tigers
There’s more to Agra than the Taj Mahal as you’ll discover the morning during your visit to the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort. Stroll through the chambers of a 17th-century royal residence which served as the principal residence of the influential Mughal emperors until the capital was moved to Delhi. Continue to the long-deserted ‘Ghost Town’ of Fatehpur Sikri, built at great expense by Emperor Akbar in 1569 only to be abandoned soon afterwards due to a lack of water. The city remains beautifully preserved, albeit with an air of melancholy – a rusty-red sandstone masterpiece devoid of inhabitants. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Bharatpur. Then, appreciate first-hand a quintessential travel experience in India as you board a train bound for Ranthambore, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.
Accommodations: Anuraga Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Roam Ranthambore in Search of Tigers
Start the day with an early morning visit to Ranthambore National Park, which was once the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Before the heat of the day sets in and the wilderness awakens, keep a keen eye out for the resident animals and birdlife that find sanctuary here. Have your camera ready in case the park’s tigers make a brief appearance. Return to your hotel for a late breakfast, followed by some time to relax or to join an Optional Experience. After lunch there’s another opportunity to explore the park for a glimpse of the various species of bird and wildlife on your second game drive of the day. Dinner is served at your hotel.
Accommodations: Anuraga Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Onwards to Jaipur Dive Into Culture Connect with Locals
Continue your journey to Jaipur, the Pink City. After some free time for lunch, join a workshop on hand-block printing, one of the most famous traditional art forms of Rajasthan. A Local Specialist will show you the tricks of the trade as you observe how the prints are handmade using small wooden blocks and hone your own block-printing skills. Later, Dive Into Culture and see the talents of local craftspeople on display during a visit to a local market. Admire the colorful textiles and perhaps buy a memento or two to take home. Jaipur is particularly renowned for its embroidery and blue pottery. This evening, join a local family for an exclusive Be My Guest dinner in their home. Connect With Locals and savor some of the regional delicacies.
Accommodations: Hilton
Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 8 - Explore Colorful Jaipur
A highlight today is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort. But first, stop to admire the red and pink façades of the Palace of Winds, whose latticed windows once revealed the outside world to the sheltered ladies of the royal household. Continue with a visit to the ornate City Palace, an impressive complex of buildings from different eras and gardens in the heart of the Old City. Enjoy some time for lunch before visiting the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Observatory, featuring the world's largest sundial. Later, perhaps join our optional Aarti ceremony, offering a blessing to one of the Hindu deities and hopefully receiving one in return. This evening, we'll toast to shared memories over a delicious local Farewell Dinner with those guests ending their journey in Jaipur.
Accommodations: Hilton
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Venture to Deogarh Stays With Stories
A brush with Rajasthan royalty awaits as you leave Jaipur and head to Deogarh. This small city is perhaps best known as home to the royal family of the Deogarh Thikana. Overnight in one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories properties, the Deogarh Mahal, once a magnificent fort at the center of an expansive territory. Tread in the footsteps of the Rawats (Rajas) of Deogarh and watch the world discreetly from behind the fort’s jali windows. This evening, a Local Specialist shares the captivating stories across the centuries as you relive the old tales of family feuds and innumerable legends.
Accommodations: Deogarh Mahal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - All Aboard a Rural Railway Dive Into Culture
Join the locals in their favorite commute when you board a meter-gauge train from Kambali Ghat to Phulad this morning. The rail connection was originally launched by the British to unite the regions of Mewar and Marwar, who didn’t enjoy the friendliest of relationships at that time. Today it is the lifeline of the local people. Dive Into Culture watching the rural landscapes flash past as you experience first-hand a typical experience of India. This afternoon, you could choose to take an optional village walk with a Local Specialist. Or simply enjoy some free time and relax at your historic hotel, soaking up its regal atmosphere. Join your fellow travelers for an enchanting cultural dance show followed by dinner.
Accommodations: Deogarh Mahal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Journey to Udaipur
Royalty behind, romance ahead. Your next stop is Udaipur, the City of Lakes. The historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar, Udaipur is dazzling with its many palaces, temples and Havelis (mansions). After lunch at a local restaurant, take a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola and admire the golden hues glinting off lakeside façades. Located at the heart of Udaipur, Lake Pichola and the beautiful Aravali Hills provide a mesmerizing backdrop for yet another glorious day in Rajasthan. There’s no better way to end the day than on the water.
Accommodations: Fateh Niwas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 - Uncover Udaipur's Treasures Dive Into Culture
Discover the history of the Mewar dynasty this morning when you visit Udaipur’s exquisite City Palace. Admire the panoramic views of the city and Lake Pichola from the palace’s ornate façades. No expense was spared in its construction. Its balconies, towers and cupolas are adorned with marble, murals, silver-work and colored glass befitting of the building's stature as the home of the Maharanas for many centuries. Take a leisurely walk past the 17th-century Jagdish Temple, then find sanctuary in the Garden of the Maidens, said to have been designed by Rana Sangram Singh himself to provide a tranquil space for his queen and her 48 maids. This garden is dotted with lotus pools, marble pavilions and elephant-shaped fountains. This makes it the perfect space to center yourself for a Dive Into Culture encounter with the city's lively markets and bazaars. Jostle for your spot in the liveliness of the locals’ day to day.
Accommodations: Fateh Niwas
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 - Fly to Mumbai
Say a fond farewell to Rajasthan and board your morning flight to Mumbai, India’s largest city. There’s nothing subtle or serene about this cosmopolitan metropolis. Expect larger than life, loud and high-spirited as you spend the next day discovering all it has to offer. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or join our optional experience to embark on a cruise across Mumbai Harbor to see the centuries-old rock-cut temples on Elephanta Island. This UNESCO-listed labyrinth of caves features ancient temple carvings, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Dinner this evening will be at your hotel.
Accommodations: Trident Nariman Point, (Mumbai, India)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14 - Explore Mumbai's Metropolis Dive Into Culture
Embrace the magnetism of Mumbai, starting with a visit to the iconic Gateway of India, an iconic archway on the water's edge that witnessed the first visit of a British Monarch to India in 1911 and the departure of the last British troops in 1948. Visit Dhobi Ghat, where you’ll Dive Into Culture exploring the world’s largest outdoor laundry. Every day, thousands of kilograms of clothes are brought here from all over the city for washing. See the UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a historic railway station built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Then, continue to Churchgate Station and see the Dabbawallas (Tiffin Carriers) who have been ferrying hot lunch boxes by bike across the city to office workers for over a century. Later, visit Mani Bhavan, a museum and historical building which was once Mahatma Gandhi’s residence. You’ll have some time at leisure this afternoon to relax or to join an optional Bollywood Tour that uncovers the captivating world of film-making in India.
Accommodations: Trident Nariman Point, (Mumbai, India)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15 - Fly to Kochi
Dip more than your toes in the bountiful backwaters of Kerala, 'God's own country'. This slice of southern India is a lush garden filled with spices, brilliant colors and the enchanting sounds of nature. Relax on the tranquil shores of the Arabian Sea, let the freshest seafood melt in your mouth and sink into a more straightforward way of life – one where nature sets the pace for the day. But first, board your flight from Mumbai to Kochi Airport, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Later, join your local Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception with local appetizers.
Accommodations: Le Meridien Kochi
Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Reception
Day 16 - Nature and Relaxation in Periyar Dive Into Culture
Your love affair with Kerala’s lush landscapes begins today. Head to Periyar, named after Kerala’s longest river which winds its way deep through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, your first stop. You may wish to spend the afternoon soaking up the sounds of nature during an immersive Nature Walk with a Local Specialist. Tread lightly along the dense forest trails as you learn about the endemic flora and fauna. Banyan, Teak and Bamboo trees provide a serene backdrop for a lesson in Kerala wildlife. You may be lucky enough to see herds of wild elephant and bison seeking to quench their thirst along the quiet shores of Periyar Lake. Keep a keen eye out for hornbills, flycatchers and kites – some of the many species of local and migratory birds that flock to this pristine sanctuary. With your soul soothed after connecting with nature, head to your hotel to freshen up before an exhilarating Dive Into Culture Kalarippayattu performance. Watch as trained Kalari warriors show off this most ancient of martial arts, jumping and somersaulting in the ultimate coordination between mind and body. After a day of adventure, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Accommodations: Elephant Court
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 17 - Onwards to Kumarakom Dive Into Culture
The intoxicating scents of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves linger long after today’s encounter with Kerala’s famous spices. Your first stop today is a visit to Kumily Spice Garden. Here you’ll learn how the locals grow and share an astounding variety of flavourful spices, ranging from pepper and ginger to vanilla and cardamom, the 'Queen of Spices'. Gain in-depth insights into the process of spice cultivation and discover how Kerala’s international spice trade has shaped its culture and heritage. There’s more to experience as you head to Kumarakom, a tranquil village set on the peaceful banks of Lake Vembanad, the largest lake in Kerala. Embark on a walking tour and Dive Into Culture as you admire the vibrant day-to-day of village life in the regional market and lively streets.
Accommodations: Rhythm Kumarakom
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 18 - Cruise the Calm Backwaters
Kerala’s intrinsic relationship with water takes center stage today. Enjoy a leisurely start, then board a traditional houseboat for a cruise surrounded by Kerala’s iconic backwaters. Take a deep breath and enjoy the slow, sultry pace of life fringing the narrow canals as you wind your way to Alleppey. Watch villagers wave to each other from their wooden Shikaras (traditional boats), and see how life unfolds along the palm-fringed shoreline. Even your ride for the day is rooted in history. These houseboats, known locally as Kettuvalloms, were formerly old barges used to ferry rice and spices. Upon arriving in Alleppey, disembark and return to Kumarakom for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Accommodations: Rhythm Kumarakom
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19 - Explore Multi-Cultural Kochi Dive Into Culture Connect with Locals
The remnants of Kerala's colorful, centuries-old trading history are best explored in the old port city of Kochi. It was here that Chinese, Arab and European merchants came to buy the fragrant spices that found their way to tables all over the world. In turn, they left their mark on Kochi's architecture, cuisine and traditions. Colonial bungalows, Catholic churches, mosques and a European fort season the cityscape that was once known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. Enjoy time for lunch before embarking on a city tour to see first-hand this multicultural center, including views of the Mattancherry Dutch Palace and St. Francis Church, built by Portuguese traders. Visit the Fort Kochi area and see traditional cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, unique to this part of Kerala. See how these fixed land installations made on bamboo scaffolding are artfully lowered into the sea to catch the seafood for which Kochi is famous. This evening, Connect With Locals and enjoy a cooking demonstration with a local family followed by a delicious Be My Guest Farewell Dinner.
Accommodations: Le Meridien Kochi
Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 20 - Farewell Kochi
Your epic encounter with Kerala’s culture and natural wonders has come to an end, but your memories will last a lifetime. Say farewell to your travel companions and take an airport transfer for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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