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Days
25
Price from
4735USD
Map of Wonders of India including India

Journey north to south through the heart of spectacular India.

Immerse yourself in the wonders of India on this unforgettable journey from New Delhi down to Kovalam. Discover the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, witness the Mughal splendours of Delhi and Agra, safari through Ranthambhore National Park in search of tigers and soak up the ambience of holy Varanasi. Travel on to Chennai, and to the depths of the lush, tropical south, exploring quaint fishing villages and scented spice plantations. Stroll the French Quarter of Pondicherry, learn Ghandi’s story in Madurai, discover traditional dance in Kochi, cruise the backwaters of Kerala and finish in the beautiful seaside town of Kovalam.

Start
Delhi, India
Finish
Kovalam, India
Destination
India
Style
Peregrine
Code
PIWIC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 18
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover the man-made beauty that lies across the north of India – from Jaipur’s ‘Palace of the Winds’ and Royal City Palace, Agra’s Red Fort and iconic Taj Mahal, to the palaces of Orchha and the carved steps leading down to the river in Varanasi

  • Be immersed in the spirituality of India – the Jama Masjid mosque in Delhi, the ghats of Varanasi, ancient bathing rituals and candle flower ceremonies on the Ganges, Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites, and evening prayer ceremonies

  • Experience the many splendours of the south, from spice bazaars and verdant tea plantations to the tranquil waters of the south west coast

  • Join expert local guides out on safari in Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, and search for tigers in Periyar National Park, nestled high in the Western Ghats

  • This is an excellent way to see the full spectrum of northern and southern India without sacrificing too many creature comforts

  • In Kochi enjoy the trendy 1960' themed Art Deco feature stay hotel at the Grand Kochi Hotel

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip is a combination of two of our most popular India itineraries.

  • This is a long trip in India (25 days), and on several days long distances are covered.

  • Between December and February, delays are common for trains in North India due to fog.

  • The drive to Munnar on Day 20 is on windy roads in the mountains. Motion sickness can be an issue for some, but the scenery is stunning and regular stops will be made to break up your journey.

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Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jan 2019 to 31 Dec 2019.
 View the 2020 itinerary

Welcome to India. On arrival at the airport you’ll be transferred to the hotel. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel, to organise the transfer. There will be a Welcome Meeting in the hotel at 6pm on Day 1. Please ask reception to confirm the time and place of your meeting. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. You can use any free time before the meeting to explore this excitingly chaotic capital city. Filled with historical sites from different eras, museums and galleries, shops and endless bazaars, there’s plenty to see.
Accommodation
  • Jaypee Siddharth Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Get your first experience of Indian rail travel with an express train into Rajasthan and on to its capital, Jaipur (approximately 5 hours). Then take a walking tour through the crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles, past traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches. Walk to the city's crowded bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art, and the local specialty of semi-precious stones, then make a photo stop at India's most photographed building (after the Taj Mahal), the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds'. There’s also the option to visit one of India’s finest palaces – Jaipur's Royal City Palace – or the astronomical instrument sculptures of the Observatory. This evening, continue to indulge in the wonders of Indian culture by watching a Bollywood blockbuster.
Accommodation
  • Lemon Tree Premier or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jaipur - Walking & market tour
  • Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema
Optional Activities
  • Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
  • Jaipur - City Palace - INR600
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Visit the opulent Amber Fort, the jewel of Jaipur. It is quite a sight, with its soft shades of red sandstone and white marble, and elaborate Hindu style flourishes. Explore the legacy of a fallen empire – ornate rooms of lavish murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. After spending some time here, the remainder of the day is free for you to explore parts of Jaipur that you might have missed yesterday.
Accommodation
  • Lemon Tree Premier or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
Optional Activities
  • Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD260
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Drifting high over the pink city while it’s bathed in early morning sunlight is a highlight for many visitors to Jaipur, so consider a hot air balloon ride this morning. Flights operate from September 1st to April 31st. For additional information see the Important Notes section of your Essential Trip Information. Today you drive to Kanota (approximately 1 hour). Your accommodation here is the beautiful Castle Kanota feature stay. Set on 8 acres and built in 1972, this heritage hotel is one of Rajasthan's finest.
Accommodation
  • Castle Kanota 'feature stay' or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Drive from Castle Kanota to Ranthambhore National Park (approximately 5 hours). In the evening enjoy a safari through the park. Ranthambore National Park is one of the original Project Tiger reserves, a place where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples, and that is teeming with wildlife. In 4WD safari vehicles take game drives to search for animals and the majestic tigers which stalk through the jungle. You may also have the chance to explore the 1000 year old Ranthambore Fort, where two pavilions that have survived the ravages of war and time - Badal Mahal and Hammirs Court - give an idea of its old grandeur.

Notes: Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. On those trips affected, we'll visit nearby Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary. Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary is located approx. 16 km from Ranthambhore and, due to its hilly terrain, isn't as affected by the monsoon. Tigers inhabit this area also and spottings are more favourable at this time of year as they move away from flooded areas of Ranthambore.
Accommodation
  • Pugmarks Resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ranthambhore National Park - Evening wildlife safari
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Peregrine requires a scanned copy of your passport bio page at time of booking to secure a permit for your Ranthambore National Park visit. Authorities at Ranthambhore NP follow a strict booking process whereby permits are issued on a first come first serve basis. If we do not receive correct passport details in time we cannot guarantee you on the tiger safari.

Awake early for a morning safari, a second chance to spot tigers. Even if the tigers are too stealthy to see, the park is filled with other animals like gazelle, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, three types of antelope (nilgai, sambar and chital) and leopards to watch out for. Afterwards, enjoy free time at the resort. Later, in the afternoon, spend some time relaxing or take a stroll around town.



Accommodation
  • Pugmarks Resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ranthambhore National Park - Morning Safari
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Drive to Agra (approximately 5 hours). Here you visit Agra Fort, and India's most famous icon – the spectacular Taj Mahal. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th century Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife and is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Agra is also home to one of the finest looking forts in India. Stop at the nearby Agra Fort, a fortress, palace and prison built of red sandstone by Akbar in 1565 and partially converted into a palace during the time of Shah Jahan.
Accommodation
  • Jaypee Palace or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Agra - Agra Fort
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel from Agra to Delhi. Explore the bustling city streets on a walking tour. Also travel in the local style, by cycle rickshaw, to get another perspective on this frantic metropolis. Visit the Sisganj Gurudwara, one of the nine historic gurdwaras (Sikh temples) in Delhi, first constructed in 1783. Stop in at the awe-inspiring Red Fort, which is considered to be the peak of Mughal creativity. Also pay a visit to the 73 metre high Qutab Minar and about learn some of its history.
Accommodation
  • Jaypee Siddharth or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Delhi - Jama Masjid
  • Delhi - Old Delhi tour
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Optional Activities
  • Delhi - Red Fort - INR500
  • Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR500
  • Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR500
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Fly from Delhi to Varanasi. Awash with shrines and temples, this is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel from far and wide to experience such a spiritual city. Varanasi is not known for its cleanliness, but it is recognised as one of India’s most inspiring cities. Take a walking tour of the old city, through narrow laneways packed with stalls and shops, past the dhobi wallahs, burning ghats, and the endless temples that echo with bells and the pungent aroma of incense. Witness pilgrims performing ancient bathing rituals and ceremonies as your first day in this sacred city comes to an end.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Hindustan International or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Varanasi - Old City tour
  • Varanasi - Sunset candle ceremony
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
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Today starts early with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, where you can watch the light gradually illuminate the many ghats and temples along the river as you pass. There is an option to take a trip to nearby Sarnath, one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The site is where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment and features a number of stupas and museums to explore. Alternatively the day can be spent exploring the laneways and alleys behind the ghats, or picking up some examples of the excellent local silk industry. Perhaps finish the day with an optional Ganges river cruise at sunset.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Hindustan International or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Varanasi - Sunrise boat trip
Optional Activities
  • Varanasi - Sarnath day trip (entry only) - INR250
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning will be free for you to soak up the atmosphere of Varanasi during your final time here. Maybe brows through the incredible bazaars or merely wander through the ghats. Then you return to Delhi by plane (approximately 1.5 hours). Enjoy a bit of free time before saying farewell to those in your group who are finishing their trip today. Share an (optional) group dinner organised for those interested.
Accommodation
  • Jaypee Siddharth Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Delhi - City Food Crawl Urban Adventure - INR3500
  • Delhi - Home-Cooked Experience Urban Adventure - INR4000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Fly to Chennai for the second half of your trip. This flight is included in the cost of the trip. On arrival in Chennai, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Chennai, formerly Madras, is the fourth largest city in India. It was the first major settlement of the East India Company in 1639. With the rest of your free time today, take the chance to walk around India’s fourth largest city and perhaps visit the local marketplaces and temples. In the evening, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner.
Accommodation
  • Lemon Tree Hotel Guindy or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

This morning you will leave the city behind and drive along the scenic East Coast Road (approximately 2 hours) to the fishing town of Mamallapuram, home to sprawling, relaxed beaches. Visit the 8th-century Shore Temple and its mandapams (carved pillars) and watch locals pay their respects to the deity Shiva. Later in the afternoon continue the drive to Pondicherry (approximately 3 hours) where your evening is free.
Accommodation
  • The Windflower Resort & Spa or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mamallapuram - Shore Temple
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you will visit Auroville, which sits just outside Pondicherry and is an experimental township dedicated to the concept of human unity. With more than 80 rural settlements and home to over 1,500 residents, half of the town’s population are foreign nationals. Auroville is also home to the world’s largest solid crystal, which you can examine. Back in Pondicherry you'll take a walking tour to see local temples, the French Quarter and the spiritual community of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, one of the most affluent and most popular ashrams for tourists and ex-pats alike. You’ll see evidence of French colonial influence in Pondicherry's architecture, sprawling town squares and even in the uniforms of the police. The city is also a duty free zone, reputed for its quality leather and hand crafted paper products. You'll notice the French influence of the area extends to the European feel of the shopping
Accommodation
  • The Windflower Resort & Spa or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Auroville - Experimental township
  • Puducherry - Walking tour & Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today continue by private a/c vehicle to Madurai. Its a six hour journey and will take up most of the day. there are plenty of bathroom and chai stops along the way. After arriving in the city, maybe head out on a guided orientation walk of the local area. Madurai’s recorded history dates back to third-century BC and has a fascinating story, with your guide being able to help you understand it. Venture out in the evening for some authentic Indian food.
Accommodation
  • Poppy's Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Continue your walking exploration of Madurai today, wandering the tailors markets and bazaars before visiting the Sri Meenakshi Temple in the city’s centre. Still in use today, this ancient temple is a maze of lamp-lit corridors leading to shrines where traditional rituals take place. Take a trip to the National Gandhi Museum, dedicated to the life and achievements of the 'Father of the Nation' and the leader of India's fight for independence. This evening is free for you to use as you wish.
Accommodation
  • Poppy's Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Madurai - Sri Meenakshi 1000 Pillar Entrance
  • Madurai - Sri Meenakshi Temple
  • Madurai - Gandhi Museum
  • Madurai - Walking tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel into the countryside this morning as you drive past rubber and pineapple plantations to Thekkady (approximately 4 hours). Thekkady is the gateway to Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, perched high in the ranges of the Western Ghats. The sanctuary surrounds a picturesque lake, which was formed as result of a dam that was built in 1895. It ambles through the contours of the wooded hills, and is a permanent source of water for local wildlife. This afternoon, take a tour of a local spice plantation
Accommodation
  • Rangerwood Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Periyar - Spice plantation visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, take a guided nature walk in the acclaimed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Encounters with animals in the wild are never guaranteed, and this is more of a jungle walk than an animal spotting tour, but look out for tiger tracks, spotted deer, Indian elephants or gaur – the world's largest species of buffalo. You are more likely to see Bonnet macaques who are often found near the entrance to the reserve, or the Malabar giant squirrel, a species native to India. In your free time, you can enjoy an ayurvedic massage (optional) or attend an exciting demonstration of Indian martial arts (kalaripayattu) at the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre.
Accommodation
  • Rangerwood Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Periyar - Guided nature walk
Optional Activities
  • Periyar NP - Ayurvedic Massage - INR700
  • Periyar - Kalaripayattu (Indian Martial Art) performance - INR200
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
please note the optional Ayurvedic massage price starts at INR700. The range is INR700 to INR4000

This morning drive north to Munnar (approximately 4 hours), an old British Hill Station cradled in a picturesque valley. At 1,525 metres above sea level, there’s likely to be dramatic drop in temperature here so be sure to pack warm clothing. You'll take a tour of a nearby tea garden where you can soak up the luscious green surrounds and, if its erratic scheduling allows, you will visit the tea museum. Relax for the evening in your accommodation in the mountain resort.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Eastend or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Munnar - Tea Garden visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning take a guided walk around the lush hills of Munnar, India’s largest tea-growing region, which still retains some of its colonial charm from when it was a favourite summer retreat of the British. In the afternoon, journey out to the scenic Mattupetty Dam where you can take an optional motorboat ride. The town of Mattupetty is known for its Indo-Swiss livestock project devoted to cattle development. Your evening is then free.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Eastend or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Munnar - Mattupetty Dam
  • Munnar - Town Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

In the morning, drive from the tea covered hills to Kochi (approximately 5 hours). Cochin, as it was formerly known, is spread over several islands and is a melting pot of Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and British influences. On arrival, take some time to relax after a long drive.
In the early evening you will also witness a Kathakali dance performance, a classical, powerful, and dramatic dance style that combines symbolic storytelling with physical technique. It is one of the most vibrant and extraordinary theatre forms in the world, and requires incredible commitment and rigorous training physically, as well as incredible emotional sensitivity to properly express the nuances of expression required.
Accommodation
  • The Grand Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kochi - Fort Kochi walk
  • Kochi - Kathakali performance
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that Kerala is officially a dry state, with alcohol sales and consumption limited to bars in 5 star hotels.

Today, you will explore the antique shops and spice bazaars, visit Fort Kochi and see the Chinese fishing nets that line the coast. You will also stop at the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), which was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese and later claimed by the Dutch in 1663. The Dutch improved upon the existing palace before presenting it to the rajas of Cochin. Continue on to visit the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest existing Jewish synagogue in India, built in 1568.
Maybe ask your tour leader to make a booking at the excellent restaurant at the Grand Hotel.
Accommodation
  • The Grand Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tour
  • Kochi - Jewish Synagogue
  • Kochi - Dutch Palace
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Drive to the backwaters of Kerala this morning (approximately 3 hours) and discover Alleppey’s sleepy, palm-shaded waterways. Once a significant trading port, the town is now famed for the long ‘snake boats’ races that take place in August every year. Alleppey is a common starting point for journeys through the backwaters. Tonight, you'll sleep on a traditional Kettuvallam (houseboat). These floating cottages have western toilets, private bedrooms, a dining area and sundeck for you to relax on.
Accommodation
  • Pickadaley Houseboat (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

A morning drive takes you to Kovalam via the capital of Kerala, Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) (approximately 4 hours). Kovalam was once a quiet coastal village known for its export of fresh fish and coconuts, but is now one of India’s most popular beach resorts. If you have free time, explore the old signalling station of Anchuthengu Fort or the 16th-century Koyikkal Palace. Your evening is then free to do as you wish. Perhaps head out with the group for a farewell meal.
Accommodation
  • Uday Samudra Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kovalam - Walking tour
Optional Activities
  • Kovalam - Anchuthengu Fort - INR50
  • Kovalam - Koyikkal Palace - INR50
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

No activities are included today and your trip ends after breakfast.
Kovalam is a lovely place to spend some extra days on the beach. Peregrine can organise a departure transfer to the airport in Trivandrum otherwise your leader will assist you in booking a taxi.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

23 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

Transport

Auto-rickshaw, Bicycle rickshaw, Boat, Plane, Private vehicle, Train

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (16 nights), Houseboat (1 night) Kochi Feature stay (2 night), Heritage Feature Stay (1 night), Resort (4 nights)

Included Activities

  • Jaipur - Walking & market tour
  • Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Ranthambhore National Park - Evening wildlife safari
  • Ranthambhore National Park - Morning Safari
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Agra - Agra Fort
  • Delhi - Jama Masjid
  • Delhi - Old Delhi tour
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Varanasi - Old City tour
  • Varanasi - Sunset candle ceremony
  • Varanasi - Sunrise boat trip
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Mamallapuram - Shore Temple
  • Auroville - Experimental township
  • Puducherry - Walking tour & Sri Aurobindo Ashram
  • Madurai - Sri Meenakshi 1000 Pillar Entrance
  • Madurai - Sri Meenakshi Temple
  • Madurai - Gandhi Museum
  • Madurai - Walking tour
  • Periyar - Spice plantation visit
  • Periyar - Guided nature walk
  • Munnar - Tea Garden visit
  • Munnar - Mattupetty Dam
  • Munnar - Town Walk
  • Kochi - Fort Kochi walk
  • Kochi - Kathakali performance
  • Tour
  • Kochi - Jewish Synagogue
  • Kochi - Dutch Palace
  • Kovalam - Walking tour

Dates & availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available for purchase and is available for all nights of the trip.
2. Please note that this trip is made up of two of our most popular India trips. As such the make up of your group and your leader may change on day 12 when you fly to Chennai.
3. The flight from Delhi to Chennai is unaccompanied.
4. Hot air balloon flights in Jaipur are operated by Sky Waltz in Jaipur. Flights operate from September 1st to April 31st and last approximately 60 mins. Return transfers, tea and coffee plus light refreshments and a certificate of flight are included in the cost. You can register your interest and pay your tour leader at your joining meeting on day 1 of your trip. Payment must be made by cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP only and is USD$260pp (subject to change). Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions (tickets are fully refundable in case of bad weather).

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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