Day 01
Arrive in Delhi, transfer to your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.
Hotel: Hotel Emarald (Deluxe Room)
Meals: None
Day 02
Old Delhi sightseeing including visits to the Jama Masjid grand mosque, and climb up the minaret for the best views of the old city. Explore the busy Chandni Chowk markets, enjoy a food walk at lunch time and a walk around India Gate later in the day.
Hotel: Hotel Emarald (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 03
Visit World Heritage site of Qutub Minar, then enjoy the buzzing neighbourhood feel of Hauz Khas Market (for lunch) which has many boutique shops favoured by the city youth. After lunch, visit Humayun’s Tomb.
Transfer to the train station and board the express evening train to Agra – NZM JBL SF Express 1745 hrs / 1953), 01st Class AC
Arrive Agra and transfer to your hotel
Hotel: Hotel Golden Tulip (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 04
Visit the Taj Mahal at dawn. Return to hotel for breakfast, then visit Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah. Finish the day with a visit to the Mehtab Bagh to view the Taj Mahal from across the river.
Late evening drive to Mathura (01 hour) to celebrate Holi, which on 14th March 2025, and 04th March 2026
Arrive Mathura and check in at your hotel
Hotel: Hotel Brijwasi Lands Inn (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 05
Celebrate Holi (Festival of Colours) in Mathura & Vrindavan
Hotel: Hotel Brijwasi Lands Inn (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast (a Vegetarian Hotel)
Day 06
After an early breakfast drive to Delhi airport (04-05 hours)
Visit the Wildlife SOS elephant rescue centre enroute, where you will meet these gentle giants being treated for their injuries, or being fed by carers. You will be able to observe them at close quarters and your visit will help the charity. A simple yet deliciiious home style lunch will be provided as part of your tour.
Arrive Delhi and connect flight AI 503 to Kochi (1620 hrs / 1930 hrs)
Arrive Kochi and drive to Thrissur (1.5hrs)
Hotel: Park Inn & Suites by Radisson (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast (a Vegetarian Hotel), lunch at elephant centre.
Day 07
Full day Thrissur sightseeing – see the grand old temple at the centre of the city, and its old churches in the market streets. The Cathedral is worth visiting and its belfry is the tallest in India, with sweeping views of the countryside. Later end your day with a visit to the samle but engrossing District museum.
Evening drive to Kochi (2.5 hours)
Arrive Kochi and check in at your hotel
Hotel: The Old Court House by Abad (Boutique Room or Heritage Classic Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 08
Full day sightseeing in Fort Cochin on bicycles – visit the Mattancherry Palace, Jew town, Chinese nets, churches etc. The colourful markets are full of antique shops, perfect for photography.
In the evening, watch the famous classical Indian dance-drama Kathakali in the dance centre.
Hotel: The Old Court House by Abad (Boutique Room or Heritage Classic Room)
Meals: Breakfast at your hotel
Day 09
After breakfast drive to Kothamangalam (70 kms / 01 hour and 30 minutes)
Arrive Kothamangalam and check in at Jose & Daisy Home Stay (Mundackal Home Stay)
Enjoy cooking session with Daisy (she is a world-renowned cooking expert for Kerala Cuisines)
Hotel: Jose & Daisy Home Stay (Mundackal Home Stay) Plantation Room
Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch during the village tour & dinner at Jose & Daisy home stay
Day 10
After a relaxed breakfast enjoy the day visiting Tea Gardens, Rubber Plantations and Spice Gardens with Mr. Jose
Check out and drive to Kumarakom (80 kms / 2 hours)
Arrive Kumarakom and embark your overnight houseboat, enjoy the backwaters of Lake Vembanad
Hotel: AC Deluxe House Boat (Deluxe House Boat) Full time AC
Meals: Breakfast at home stay, lunch & dinner at Houseboat
Day 11
Disembark from the houseboat and drive to Marari Beach (01 hour)
Arrive Marari Beach (Mararikulam) and check in at your resort. Enjoy rest of the day at leisure.
Hotel: Abad Turtle Beach Marari (Beach Villa)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12
Day at leisure at Marari Beach
Hotel: Abad Turtle Beach Marari (Beach Villa)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13
Departure transfer to Kochi International airport, connect flight back home
Meals: Breakfast
