Explore the diverse cultural influences that have created the fascinating heritage of India. This tour encompasses holy cities, the resplendent Taj Mahal, Jodhpur’s blue-washed houses, and the beautiful lakes and palaces of Udaipur. Go in search of the elusive Royal Bengal tiger and extend your journey in the idyllic backwaters of Kerala.

16 Days & 14 Nights

Day 1: Fly to Amritsar via Delhi

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Amristar via Delhi with Jet Airways. (N)

Day 2: Amritsar

On arrival, transfer to RanjitVilas (or similar) for 2 nights. Welcome dinner and evening visit to the Golden Temple for the auspicious Palki Sahib night ceremony. The temple is profusely lit and the lights are beautifully reflected in large water tanks surrounding the sanctum. (D)

Day 3: Amritsar • Wagah

Morning visit to the Golden Temple and the community kitchen called Langar. Weave your way through Qila Ahluwalia, a fort replete with colonial architectural features, before arriving at the Jalebiwala Chowk with its jalebi shop selling delicious sticky sweets. Late afternoon visit to Wagah, for the unmissable Changing of the Guard ceremony. (B)

Day 4: Fly to Varanasi via Delhi

Morning flight to Varanasi for an overnight stay at the Hotel Madin (or similar). This evening, visit the Dasaswamedh ghats to witness the magical Ganga aarti ceremony from a boat on the Ganges

Day 5: Fly to Delhi

Serene early morning boat ride on the Ganges, followed by breakfast at Brijrama Palace overlooking the river. Walking tour of the Bengali Tola. Take the afternoon flight to Delhi for a 2-night stay at the Trident Gurgaon (or similar). (B)

Day 6: Old & New Delhi

Morning tour of Old Delhi, including a drive past the Red Fort, a visit to the Jama Masjid, and a walking tour of Old Delhi. Afternoon tour of New Delhi including a drive past India Gate and the viceregal residence before visiting Qutb Minar and the tomb of the Mughal Emperor, Humayun. (B)

Day 7: Agra

Take the Gatimaan Express train to Agra for an overnight stay at Trident Agra (or similar). Visit the huge Agra fort and enjoy the highlight of sunset at the Taj Mahal. (B)

Day 8: Fatehpur Sikri • Ranthambore

Morning drive to Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted 16th-century sandstone city. Continue to Bharatpur and take the train to Sawai Madhopur. Transfer to Swai Villas (or similar) for 2 nights. (B, D)

Day 9: Ranthambore

Early morning and late afternoon wildlife viewing. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Jaipur

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur and stay at the Trident Jaipur (or similar) for 2 nights. (B)

Day 11: Jaipur

Optional early morning yoga session*. Morning tour of the ancient palace of Amber fort. Afternoon visit to the City Palace and Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory. (B)

Day 12: Jodhpur • Rohet

Full-day drive to Rohet via Jodhpur. Visit the magnificent Mehrangarh fort and the imposing Jaswant Thada cenotaph. Continue to Rohet and stay at Rohet Garh (or similar) for 2 nights  (B,D)

Day 13: Bishnoi tribal villages

Morning at leisure. After lunch, take a 4×4 safari to visit the Bishnoi tribal villages. (B, D)

Day 14: Ranakpur • Udaipur

Drive to the lake city of Udaipur, visiting the exquisite Jain temples at Ranakpur en route. Arrive at the Trident Udaipur (or similar) for a 2-night stay. Or upgrade to the Taj Lake Palace (luxury Lake View room) from £440 for 2 nights. (B)

Day 15: Udaipur

Morning tour of the City Palace, Jagdish temple and a miniature painting studio. Afternoon at leisure. Evening Bagore-ki-Haveli cultural show. Holi festival departures will witness the celebrations at the Maharajah’s Palace. (B)

Day 16: Fly to London via Mumbai

Transfer to the airport and fly to Mumbai (Bombay) to connect with the Jet Airways flight to London. (B)

Extension : Tour + Kerala 5 Days & 4 Nights

Day 16: Fly to Kochi via Mumbai

Fly to Mumbai (Bombay) to connect with the Jet Airways flight to Kochi. Drive to the backwater region of Kerala for a 2-night stay at the Vasundhara Sarovar Premiere (or similar). (B)

Day 17: The backwaters

Day at leisure. (B)

Day 18: Kochi

Enjoy a backwaters cruise before travelling to Kochi for a 2-night stay at the Forte Kochi (or similar). (B)

Day 19: Kochi

Visit the remarkable, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, explore the 16th-century Mattancherry Palace, the Church of St Francis and the world’s oldest active Jewish synagogue. Later, visit the Kathakali dance studio.

Day 20: Fly home

Transfer to the airport for the return flight to London with Jet Airways. (B)