Overview:

Multihued cities, palaces, temples and forts give way to the lush Kerala Coast on this tour. Drifting through the peaceful tropical backwaters on your deluxe houseboat contrasts with time spent in the megacity of Mumbai. The one constant is the exemplary service, opulent hotels and unrivalled care provided throughout this Luxury Gold itinerary. • Learn how to express emotions with the raise of an eyebrow at a vibrant performance of traditional Kathakali dance • Stay at the Taj Lake Palace, set in a majestic location on Lake Pichola • In Kochi, cooking instructor Nimmy Paul unveils her secrets of traditional cooking techniques

Countries Visited

India

Be escorted by the crème de la crème of Insight Travelling Concierges - handpicked for every departure. This skilled guide will act as consummate organiser and be your 'friend in a foreign land'.

Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight's luxury air-conditioned 40-seat coach, with extended leg room and an on-board restroom. It's Business Class comfort, complete with complimentary bottled water for you to enjoy during your luxury coaching tour. (Alternate coaches and vehicles, without on-board facilities or 40 seats, may be used on occasion).

Personal radio headsets, gives you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any of your local expert’s fascinating insights and commentaries (Available on groups for 8 or more).

At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling with prompt delivery to inside your door.

Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. Plus, we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

With Insight Flourishes, from time to time, your Tour Director will enchant you with local tidbits, each representing authentic food or beverages unique to the destination.

Included airport transfers between the airport and your Insight tour hotels.

Delhi: Enjoy a taste of Jalebi, the favourite sweet and learn about its production from the one of the best candy wallahs in the old town.
Jaipur: Spend some time with the Meena tribe, before continuing on to Dera Amer where your Highlight Dinner awaits.
Jaipur: Savour a delicious Celebration Dinner with wine.
Mumbai: Showcasing the best of Indian cuisine, our mouth-watering Gala Dinner with drinks in the nation's largest city is the perfect environment to celebrate your time in India.
Kochi: Meet Nimmy a local cookery instructor as she demonstrates traditional Kerala home recipes. Then feast on some of the delicious treats you've seen being made during our included lunch.
14 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 5 Lunches (L), 1 Highlight Lunch (HL), 1 Afternoon Tea (AT), 3 Dinners (D) and 1 Highlight Dinner (HD); plus 1 Welcome Dinner (WD), 1 Dinner (DW) and 1 Celebration Dinner (CD) all with wine, beer or soft-drinks. 23 Dec: This departure has a Christmas Highlight Dinner included
Delhi: Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets.
Agra: Visit the Taj Mahal, a monument of love, built by a king in memory of his beloved queen.
Agra: Walk through a village in the shadow of the Taj Mahal with one of the villagers to discover the way of life as agriculturists next to India's most famous monument. Enjoy tea and pakoras on a rooftop with exceptional views. Money generated from the tour is used for sanitation in the village and education for women.
Jaipur: Experience a typical morning for most Hindus with a puja at one of the most important Krishna Temples in the country, Govind Dev Ji temple. Then, visit the vegetable market and try your hand at bargaining with the stall holders. All food items purchased will be donated to a local orphanage.
Agra: Inside Agra’s red sandstone fortress, witness the fairytale palaces, audience halls and mosques of the Mughal rulers.
Ranthambore: Venture inside this former royal hunting ground and enjoy three game safaris with a naturalist.
Amber Fort: Ascend by jeep to stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Enjoy the shimmering mirrored walls and ceilings, the airy rooms that housed queens and concubines, and the wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.
Vaikom: Guided by boat, explore the narrow canals of Vaikom village, one of the oldest townships in Kerela and with many spots untouched by modernity.
Kochi: Attend a performance of traditional Kathakali dance.
Kumarakom: Rise early for a fascinating bird watching experience at the Bird Sanctuary.
Alleppey: Cruise the glorious backwaters and spend the night on a traditional houseboat.
Mumbai: Cruise to Elephanta Island, the glorious abode of Lord Shiva and visit the complex of ancient cave temples.
Delhi: Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the lanes of the Chandni Chowk Bazaar. Stop for a photo of the Red Fort. Visit the Gandhi memorial at Raj Ghat. See the Qutub Minar tower. Drive along the Rajpath to see the India Gate and Parliament House. Visit the Tomb of the Emperor Humayun.
Agra: Group picture taken at the Taj Mahal.
Jaipur: Enjoy a Jaipur city tour including a visit to the City Palace Museum housing traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. Visit the Jantar Mantar the Royal observatory built in 1726. See the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds).
Agra: The Trident by Oberoi is the perfect base to experience this city steeped in history. The hotel features tastefully appointed rooms which overlook the central courtyard and gardens and offers a superb range of facilities.
Ranthambore: The luxurious Nahargarh lies nestled at the foot hills of Aravalli Range neighbouring the Ranthambore National Park. The hotel boasts luxurious rooms, modern facilities and a superb restaurant offering global cuisine.
Jaipur: Located close to the famous Amber Fort, the Trident by Oberoi offers stunning views of the Mansagar lake and Jal Mahal. The rooms are tastefully appointed and offer all the modern amenities.
Kumarakom: Winner of the World Travel Award as India's Leading Resort for four years, the Lake Resort exudes the charm of Kerala's true heritage while offering a complete range of New Age amenities for a luxuriously comfortable stay