15-Nights Essence of India with South India Extension

15 nights from: $9,750

Essence Of India With South India
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.


Dining Summary

• 9 Dinner (D)
• 15 Breakfast (B)
• 7 Lunch (L)
• 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)

• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Delhi: Visit the 12th century Qutub Minar, and see the tallest brick minaret in the world before enjoying lunch.
• 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.
• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• 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 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 today's Indian culture and society.
• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Jaipur: Focus on the art of block printing and blue pottery as you visit a workshop.
• 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.
• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Jaipur: Visit the colorful cavalcade of the fresh flower and spice market.
• Jaipur: Visit the white marble Birla Mandir, a Hindu temple and witness aarti, a traditional prayer ceremony.
• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Kumarakom: Indulge in a rejuvenating 30-minute body massage.
• Kumarakom: Indulge in a rejuvenating 15-minute foot massage.

• 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.
• In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.
• Included at all hotels.
• Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.
• Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.
• On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.
• Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.
• 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 requested.

• 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.

• 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 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.
• 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 you’ve had and memories you’ve made along your amazing journey.
• 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 by René La
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