15 days tour
Essence Of India (Small Groups, End Mumbai, With South India
Meals
9 Dinner (D) 14 Breakfast (B) 7 Lunch (L) Delhi: Visit the 12th century Qutub Minar, and see the tallest brick minaret in the world before enjoying lunch. 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: Dine in the elegant surroundings of 1135 AD, one of Jaipurโs 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: Savor an exquisite Highlight Dinner created by head chef Kuldeep Rajvanshi using expertise developed over 30 years of dedicated service at Jai Mahal Palace hotel at its pan-Indian restaurant, Cinnamon. 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. 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. 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 youโve had and memories youโve made along your amazing journey. 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.
Hygieneprotocol
All guests travelling with Luxury Gold through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. For guests travelling with Luxury Gold from 1 January 2023, Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters are highly recommended, but no longer required. Please note that regardless of time of travel guests will need to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destination visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than above. It is guestsโ responsibility to ensure that they comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if guests are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to their failure to comply with these requirements.
Others
Choose between two carefully selected activities 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 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 Indiaโs 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 todayโs Indian culture and society. 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. Jaipur: Focus on the art of block printing and blue pottery as you visit a workshop. Kumarakom: Indulge in a rejuvenating massage. Kumarakom: Harmonise your mind and body by taking part in a yoga class. You will be escorted by one of our fine Travel Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas. See booking conditions for exemptions. Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expertโs fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests. At every hotel, youโll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room. Hotel and restaurant tips are included - youโll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels. Stay connected with friends and family with hotel Wi-Fi (where available). Truly experience India by traveling during one of its famed festivals. On select departures, in the fall you can experience Diwali, which means โrow of lightsโ and is honored by all Indians, regardless of faith. Truly experience India by traveling during one of its famed festivals. On select departures in spring, experience the ancient Hindu celebration of Holi, known for its colorful parades. 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-meter-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 cityโs sights and sounds swirl around you as youโre transported in traditional style. 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. 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 maharajahsโ 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. Jaipur: Meet the ladies of Pink City Rickshaw who will take you on a tour of Jaipur. Hear their stories from growing up in the slum to becoming part of this unique initiative where they have become shareholders in their own company. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTERยฎ Experience advances SDG 5: Gender Equality. The ladies of Pink City Rickshaw got the chance to rise from the slums and turn their lives around ultimately becoming shareholders in their own company. 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. 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. Jaipur: Explore Hawa Mahal alongside your Traveling Concierge and marvel at its incredible 953 windows. The unusual faรงade of this Palace of the Winds was designed to allow ladies of the court to look out on the street below while hidden from view. 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 worldโs oldest forms of theater and the vibrant costumes, transformative make up, amazing dancing and vocal acrobatics make it unmissable. 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. 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 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: 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: Enjoy a private access tour around Jaipur City Palace including the maharajahโs 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 by Renรฉ Lalique. We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues. Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Guide
Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Concierges, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
Accommodation
New Delhi: Old world charm blended with contemporary style, the Taj Mahal Hotel is an established hotel with a prime address in the leafy Lutyensโ diplomatic quarter. Situated amidst 6 acres of landscaped grounds and featuring modern Indian-style decor, perfect for city exploration. Agra: A luxury hotel, which lies a whisper away from the breath-taking Taj Mahal. Only a short walk away from the Eastern Gate of this fabled monument this hotel offers the perfect place to relax and take in views of the Taj from the infinity pool. Ranthambore: The Nahargarh Ranthambhore lies nestled at the foot hills of Aravalli Range neighbouring the Ranthambore National Park. The hotel boasts modern facilities and a superb restaurant offering global cuisine. Jaipur: Set in 18 acres of Mughal style gardens, Jai Mahal Palace showcases Rajasthanโs stunning heritage. Savour authentic flavours of royal Indian cuisines at Cinnamon restaurant or unwind with a relaxing treatment at Jiva Spa. Kumarakom: Kumarakom Lake Resort, a collection of low-slung villas with red tile roofs, surrounded by palm trees, clustered around a long and winding 250-meter, free-form swimming pool. At the coastal end of the resort, an infinity pool seems to reach out into Lake Vembanad itself. Mumbai: Situated in Mumbai, Indiaโs financial captial, the elegant Oberoi hotel offers magnificent views of the ocean and โQueenโs Necklaceโ lights along the shoreline. With its striking modern architecture, fitness facilities and exquisite restaurants, it presents an idyllic getaway in the centre of a vibrant, must-visit city.
Transport
Complimentary airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travelers that arrive on the same flight. Complimentary, private train station transfers are included when train travel is included within the itinerary. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city of the itinerary, may be requested but are not guaranteed. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Start planning your experience
Itinerary of your trip Essence Of India (Small Groups, End Mumbai, With South India
- Day 1 Day 1: Delhi, A Rich Melting Pot
Day 1: Delhi, A Rich Melting Pot
- Day 2 Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing
Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing
- Day 3 Day 3: An Agra Adventure
Day 3: An Agra Adventure
Experience Style
Mixed
There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโre also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.
Accomodation level
Medium
This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.
Experience Type
Small Group
Youโll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.
Physical Rating
Average
There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโre not sure this applies to you.
Age range
Min: 5 / Max: 99
Age range allowed for this experience.
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