North & south India: Rajasthan & Kerala

Embark on a captivating journey through the vibrant streets of Old Delhi, where the rich tapestry of food and faith intertwines harmoniously. From iconic dishes to significant places of worship, this experience offers a delightful fusion of flavours and a deeper understanding of the faiths that inhabit the city. Later in the afternoon, you will go on a guided tour to explore the best of New Delhi, home to Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, India Gate and a plethora of Imperial-era buildings.

Leave Delhi in good time this morning to travel south to Agra. You can travel by road with your private driver, or take the train. The rail journey can take longer than driving, depending on the train times, but it offers a great experience. You are assisted onto the train and met at the other end by an Audley representative. In the afternoon, take a private guided tour around Agra's sights, such as the impressive Mogul Red Fort. The Red Fort is a great preview to visiting the Taj Mahal in the morning; the two were built during the same period and have a lot of shared history.

Get up early this morning for the best views of the Taj Mahal as the sun rises with a private guided tour. Spend time in the Taj's beautiful gardens before returning to your hotel for breakfast. You will then continue your journey to Jaipur with your private driver.

Your local guide is on hand to help you explore the magnificent Amber Fort Palace. Built in the 16th century, the fortress comprises hundreds of now empty chambers, dungeons, servants’ quarters, halls and delightful enclosed gardens with simple but charming water features. After a bit of rest in the afternoon, you will enjoy a guided food walk through the bustling old city of Jaipur.

This morning you will visit some of Jaipur’s most famed sites, including the City Palace and museum, the fascinating Jantar Mantar observatory and Hawa Mahal ('Palace of the Winds').  The remainder of the day will be at leisure. You may choose to enjoy a dip in the pool or visit the markets, one of the best in North India. Each bazaar has its own characteristics — sometimes spices and fresh produce dominate, while others feature specific groups of artisans, from silversmiths and textiles to leather workers.

Travel into rural Rajasthan today to the sleepy town of Barli. Spend this afternoon walking around the village, soaking up the atmosphere, or simply relaxing at your hotel.

You have a full day at leisure at Fort Barli. The property can arrange various experiences locally, so you could choose to explore the surrounding villages on foot, do some yoga, go birdwatching or just have a relaxing day by the pool.

Continue onward to Udaipur today. Travel through the Aravalli Hills, which is a picturesque drive; do ask your driver if you'd like to stop to take photos. Upon arrival in Udaipur, relax and enjoy the lake views after checking in to your hotel. Alternatively, just before sunset, you can book a gentle cruise around Udaipur’s largest lake to see the City Palace complex before you make a short stop on tiny Jag Mandir Island, where you’ll get views right across Udaipur, the white-marbled Taj Lake Palace, and the Aravalli Hills rising beyond.

After breakfast, with the help of your guide, explore the main sites of Udaipur, including visits to the City Palace, Tripolia Gate and the Saheliyon-ki-Bari gardens. Later this afternoon, a cookery experience will be arranged for you at a local home. It is a wonderful way to interact with a local family, learn cooking tips and enjoy an Indian meal together.

Your driver drops you at the airport in time for your flight to Cochin this morning. There are no direct flights to Cochin, so you may fly via Hyderabad or Mumbai. On arrival, you will be met by our local representative, who will welcome you to Kerala. You will then be shown to your private driver and transferred to your accommodation.

Cochin is a delightful city and has been a home to Portuguese, Dutch and British settlers. One can enjoy the colonial architecture and the Chinese fishing nets while walking around the old port city. You will discover the historical aspects of this oldest European settlement. However, the plan for today sees you explore the undiscovered elements of this charming city that is rich in various art forms. This evening you will take part in a cookery experience in the comforts of your hotel. You will learn how to make some of the traditional Cochin recipes passed down through the generations. After learning all about the ingredients, techniques, and methods, you can enjoy the fruits of your labour with your friendly hosts.

Your driver will take you inland today, up into the lush hills that surround your next destination of Munnar. The remainder of the day will be at leisure.

Today you will have a fun and adventurous trip, as you ditch your car for a few hours and get into a tuk-tuk, like the locals would, and explore through the tea estates and settlement colony. After visiting the plantations, enjoy a private tea-tasting experience — learn about the plucking and processes before enjoying a cup. The rest of the day will be at leisure.

Have a morning at leisure in Munnar before continuing by road to Periyar. This afternoon, discover the villages of Kumily with a 4x4 tour. A highlight, and a large part of the tour, is a visit to a completely organic spice farm that has received an award for sustainable farming.

This morning, you will drive to the Backwaters near Alleppey, where you will board your traditional private houseboat, a converted rice barge. Enjoy lunch after boarding and a relaxing afternoon cruising down the waterways.

Disembark your houseboat this morning after breakfast. Then drive further north to Marari Beach by private transfer, where you can relax on the coast for the next couple of nights. Take a walk along the long stretch of golden beach, or take a dip in the hotel pool.

Today is at your leisure to relax on the beach and unwind.

To make the most of your time at leisure, the hotel offers local activities and spa treatments if you want to book something locally.

Transfer to Cochin Airport this morning. Your driver will drop you off in ample time for your onward flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.