Essence of India with South India Extension
Tour Type: Luxury Gold
Brochure Type Luxury Gold Worldwide 2026 v1
Admire the Red Fort of the Mughal dynasty in Delhi, cruise the tropical waters of Kumarakom and uncover the desert forts of Rajasthan on this all-immersive tour. In Mumbai, meet the army of Dabbawalla delivery men who have provided meals to the masses for over 130 years using the tiffin service. Explore India's capital your way with the choice to tour the UNESCO world Heritage Site at Qutub Minar or treat your taste buds to the Delhi Street Food Tour, joining a well-known local chef for a sojourn through the famous street snacks of the old city. After seeking out the wild tigers of Ranthambore, ascend by Jeep to the royal halls of Amber Fort?decked out with intricate ivory designs of times gone by and exquisite paintings. In Kochi, learn the art of home cooking with lessons from a local instructor?showcasing how to prepare the region's traditional recipes. Continue the culinary delights in Jaipur where a VIP afternoon tea unlocks the private living room of the Maharaja, with a menu of traditional Indian sweets.The Activity Level of this tour is Balanced, meaning there is 1 to 3 miles of walking per day which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Additional Included Highlights
Brochure Type Luxury Gold Worldwide 2026 v1
Admire the Red Fort of the Mughal dynasty in Delhi, cruise the tropical waters of Kumarakom and uncover the desert forts of Rajasthan on this all-immersive tour. In Mumbai, meet the army of Dabbawalla delivery men who have provided meals to the masses for over 130 years using the tiffin service. Explore India's capital your way with the choice to tour the UNESCO world Heritage Site at Qutub Minar or treat your taste buds to the Delhi Street Food Tour, joining a well-known local chef for a sojourn through the famous street snacks of the old city. After seeking out the wild tigers of Ranthambore, ascend by Jeep to the royal halls of Amber Fort?decked out with intricate ivory designs of times gone by and exquisite paintings. In Kochi, learn the art of home cooking with lessons from a local instructor?showcasing how to prepare the region's traditional recipes. Continue the culinary delights in Jaipur where a VIP afternoon tea unlocks the private living room of the Maharaja, with a menu of traditional Indian sweets.The Activity Level of this tour is Balanced, meaning there is 1 to 3 miles of walking per day which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Additional Included Highlights
- Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.
- Included at all hotels.
- In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level. ?
- On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.
- Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.
- 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.
- 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 reques
- Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.?
- 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 in
- 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 flavors has on the palate as you sample Indian delicacies fro
- Delhi Visit the 12th century Qutub Minar, and see the tallest brick minaret in the world before enjoying lunch.
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Kumarakom Indulge in a rejuvenating 15-minute foot massage.
- 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.
- Kumarakom Indulge in a rejuvenating 30-minute body massage.
- 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.
- 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.
- 15 Breakfast (B)
- 9 Dinner (D)
- 7 Lunch (L)
- Mumbai Say goodbye to Mumbai in style with a showcase of Indian cuisine at your Celebration Dinner. Enjoy your final feast as you share tales and make toasts to the experiences you've had and memories you've made along your amazing journey.
- Vaikom Village Have lunch with a local in Viakom Village. You will be introduced to village life and given the opportunity to try your hand at weaving with pineapple leaves or coconut husks before you are invited to share lunch in their home.
- Kochi Learn the art of home cooking, Kerala style, as you meet a local cooking instructor who will demonstrate the techniques of preparing traditional recipes of the region.
- Delhi Relax and acclimatise before your days in Delhi get underway with a delicious Welcome Dinner in the comfort of your hotel. Get to know your Travel Concierge and other travelers over superbly prepared local food and wine.
- Jaipur Enjoy a private access tour around Jaipur City Palace including the maharajah's personal living room, normally off limits to visitors. Savor an Indian inspired high tea on the regal terrace after viewing the spectacular handcrafted crystal table b
- Jaipur Dine in the elegant surroundings of 1135 AD, one of Jaipur's most revered local restaurants, offering fine Indian dining served amid opulent royal interiors with stunning sunset views. Hear traditional music playing as you indulge your palate.
- Jaipur Visit the colorful cavalcade of the fresh flower and spice market. Alternatively, visit the white marble Birla Mandir, a Hindu temple and witness aarti, a traditional prayer ceremony.
- 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 pl
- 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.
- 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 u
- 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.
- 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
- 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 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.
- Vaikom Village Guided by boat, explore the narrow canals of one of the oldest townships in Kerala and with many spots untouched by modernity.
- 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
- Mumbai Take a cruise from Mumbai to Elephanta Island to see the six meter statue of Sadhashiva and the warren of carved cave temples which date back to AD 450, earning the island UNESCO World Heritage status.
- 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
- 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.
- 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-meter-high minarets, and a courtyard large enough for 25,000 devotees.
- 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 legend
- 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.
- Delhi Visit a Sikh temple and community kitchen, where meals are given out to locals and travelers. Those of the Sikh faith regularly open their place of worship to those in greater need.
- 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.
- 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 flavors has on the palate as you sample Indian delicacies fro
- 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.
- 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 in
- Delhi Visit the 12th century Qutub Minar, and see the tallest brick minaret in the world before enjoying lunch.
- Kumarakom Indulge in a rejuvenating 15-minute foot massage.
- Jaipur Focus on the art of block printing and blue pottery as you visit a workshop.
- Kumarakom Indulge in a rejuvenating 30-minute body massage.
- 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.
Call 410-638-5822 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18852735
- Tour Operator
- Luxury Gold by Insight
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2024
- Duration
- 16 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Delhi | Delhi, a Rich Melting Pot: 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. Accommodations: The Leela Palace, Delhi. |
| Day 2 | Delhi | Delhi Sightseeing: 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. Accommodations: The Leela Palace, Delhi. |
| Day 3 | Agra | An Agra Adventure: 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. Accommodations: Taj Hotel and Convention Center, Agra. |
| Day 4 | Ranthambore National Park | The Taj Mahal and Ranthambore: 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. Accommodations: Nahargarh Ranthambhore. |
| Day 5 | Ranthambore National Park | In Search of Tigers in Ranthambore: 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. Accommodations: Nahargarh Ranthambhore. |
| Day 6 | Jaipur | Jaipur, the Pink City: 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. Accommodations: Taj Devi Ratn, Jaipur. |
| Day 7 | Jaipur | Jaipur Sightseeing Relaxed Start: 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. Accommodations: Taj Devi Ratn, Jaipur. |
| Day 8 | Jaipur | In Jaipur: 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. Accommodations: |
| Day 9 | Kochi | Fly to Kochi via Mumbai: 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. Accommodations: Crowne Plaza |
| Day 10 | Kochi | Kochi Sightseeing, Cooking School and Kathakali: 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 colorful feast of traditional Kerala home cooking. The day ends with a performance of traditional Kathakali dance. Accommodations: Crowne Plaza |
| Day 11 | Kumarakom | Kumarakom and the Alleppey Backwaters Relaxed Start: 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. Accommodations: Coconut Lagoon - CGH Earth Resort |
| Day 12 | Kumarakom | Kumarakom and Vaikom Village Relaxed Start: 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. Accommodations: Coconut Lagoon - CGH Earth Resort |
| Day 13 | Kumarakom | Relaxing Kumarakom Relaxed Start: Personalise your day in tranquil Kumarakom. Harmonise your mind and body in a rejuvenating body or foot massage. The day ends with a delicious dinner of fresh, local seafood. Accommodations: Coconut Lagoon - CGH Earth Resort |
| Day 14 | Mumbai | Magical Mumbai: 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. Accommodations: The Oberoi, Mumbai. |
| Day 15 | Mumbai | Mumbai Sightseeing: 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. Accommodations: The Oberoi, Mumbai. |
| Day 16 | Mumbai | Depart Mumbai: Your luxurious journey comes to an end as you are escorted to Mumbai Airport for your onward flights. Accommodations: The Oberoi, Mumbai. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
