Delhi, Taj & Kochi - 24 days

Why you'll love this trip

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  Delhi - Explore Old and New Delhi, from Gandhi’s cremation site at Raj Ghat to India Gate, the President’s House exteriors and the soaring Qutub Minar complex

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  Agra - Witness sunrise at the Taj Mahal, then learn about traditional marble craftsmanship in the city that showcases the pinnacle of Mughal art and architecture

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  Fatehpur Sikri - Discover Akbar’s short-lived Mughal capital, wandering through its deserted palaces, mosques and courtyards that reveal the empire’s architectural ambition and dramatic abandonment through water scarcity

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  Jaipur - Ascend to hillside Amber Fort, exploring its multi-level courtyards and defensive ramparts before returning to the Pink City’s distinctive rose-hued streets and bustling bazaars

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  Pushkar - Experience sacred Pushkar on foot, circling holy Pushkar Lake, visiting the rare Brahma Temple and joining a traditional pooja ceremony beside the atmospheric ghats

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  Udaipur - Roam through the lakeside City Palace complex, admire the crystal gallery, visit Jagdish Temple and wander Old City lanes lined with tailors and art stalls

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  Ranakpur - Contemplate the intricately carved marble columns and serene halls of Ranakpur Jain Temple, one of Jainism’s holiest sites set amid forested Aravali hills

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  Jodhpur - Survey Jodhpur from imposing Mehrangarh Fort, exploring its palaces and ramparts before viewing the marble cenotaphs of Jaswant Thada tucked beneath the cliffside

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  Jaisalmer - Wander through Jaisalmer’s living Golden Fort, visiting elaborately carved Jain temples and havelis before pausing at Gadi Sagar, the lake that first sustained the city

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  Bikaner - Step into Bikaner’s royal past at Junagarh Fort, admiring sandstone walls, richly decorated palaces and painted interiors that showcase the artistry of Rajput courts

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  Mandawa - Stroll Mandawa’s lanes beneath frescoed havelis, passing painted gateways and visiting Chokhani, Ladia and Saraf mansions that reveal the wealth of former merchant families

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  Mamallapuram - Uncover ancient Pallava rock-cut temples and sculptures in this UNESCO-listed coastal town, an open-air museum of shrines carved beside the Bay of Bengal

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  Pondicherry - Soak up Franco-Tamil Pondicherry, strolling its seaside promenade and boulevards of colonial villas, churches and cafés before visiting the spiritual community at Sri Aurobindo Ashram

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  Tanjore - Appreciate Tanjore’s UNESCO-listed Brihadeshvara Temple, studying thousand-year-old Chola inscriptions before watching skilled artisans demonstrate traditional bronze casting using the ancient lost-wax method

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  Madurai - Immerse in Madurai’s energetic streets, tracing its 2,500-year history as you navigate bazaars, pass historic palaces and museums, and encounter pilgrims along the River Vaigai

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  Periyar - Venture into the Cardamom Hills at Periyar, visiting spice plantations to see cardamom, pepper and other aromatic plants grown for cuisine and Ayurvedic remedies

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  Kumarakom - Drift through languid backwater life at Kumarakom, relaxing beside Vembanad Lake and watching fishermen, birdlife and houseboats glide along Kerala’s network of palm-fringed lagoons

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  Kochi - Meander through historic Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, admiring colonial-era churches, the mural-filled Dutch Palace, spice warehouses and the iconic Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront

Is this trip right for you?

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  There are some long travelling days on this trip, but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.

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  This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves some walking and swimming, allowing you to really get among nature. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit and comfortable clothing.

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  Multiple activities on this trip are subject to weather and water conditions and on occasion, may be cancelled for safety or operational reasons. In the case of cancellation, we will endeavour to find a suitable replacement activity.