Contrasts of India: Northern Cities and Kerala Backwaters
Contrasts of India: Northern Cities and Kerala Backwaters
Contrasts of India: Northern Cities and Kerala Backwaters
18 Days
Visiting: Delhi, Ranthambore, Agra, Jaipur, Bangalore, Mysore, Ooty, Cochin, Alleppey, Marari
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LINGT1
Tour Overview
This is the ultimate tour of India, taking you from the Golden Triangle in the north to Kerala's backwaters in the south. You'll tour Old Delhi in the company of former street children, who will introduce you to the India that few travellers get to see. You'll visit the stunning Taj Mahal and head off on two safaris in Ranthambore National Park in search of tigers. In Jaipur you'll discover the Amber Fort and the magnificent City Palace, and in Karnataka, tour a plantation and explore fascinating temple towns. The pace slows as you enjoy a cruise on Kerala's idyllic palm-fringed lakes and lagoons. And your tour ends with a relaxing stay at a spa hotel located on a beautiful stretch of beach in Marari.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 Uk - Delhi
Depart for your flight to Delhi today.
Day 2 Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Okhla
Meals Included: D
On arrival in Delhi we'll transfer you to your hotel. Your sightseeing starts in the 17th century walled city of Old Delhi. Here you'll delve into a maze of crowded streets and vibrant markets, and stroll through the fabled street bazaar of Chandni Chowk. We'll stop to admire the marble domes of Jama Masjid Mosque before visiting the Gandhi Smriti Museum and Humayun's Tomb.
Day 3 Delhi - Ranthambore
Location: Ranthambore
Accommodation Name: Abhyaran Hotel
Meals Included: B, D
Your day is filled with wonderful experiences, starting with a short tour of Paharganj, in central Delhi. You'll do this in the company of former street children, who now work with the Salaam Baalak Trust. This charity, supported by Travelsphere Cares, equips the youngsters with a range of skills and helps them to better their lives. They are also provided with a warm bed at night and a hot meal each day.
Next we travel onto Ranthambore National Park where we stay for two nights.
Day 4 Ranthambore
Location: Ranthambore
Accommodation Name: Abhyaran Hotel
Meals Included: B, L, D
An exciting day is on the cards, with morning and afternoon safaris in Ranthambore National Park, said to be the best game reserve in India. We'll make our way through thick forest interspersed with pretty waterfalls, which provides the perfect habitat for more than 300 species of birds. With the help of a Local Guide we'll look for wildlife including crocodile, hyena, jackal and more. If you're lucky you may spot the elusive tiger or the even rarer leopard.
Day 5 Ranthambore - Agra
Location: Agra
Accommodation Name: Grand Mercure
Meals Included: B, D
Today we'll drive to Agra. If you want to this evening you could join our sunset excursion to Mehtab Bagh, a centuries-old garden complex, which sits on the other side of the river to the Taj Mahal and is exactly aligned with this iconic masterpiece. You'll get to see an alternative view of the Taj Mahal from here before our sunrise visit in the morning.
Day 6 Agra - Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation Name: Ramada Jaipur
Meals Included: B, L, D
Today is the day that you'll see one of India's most famous landmarks, the incredible Taj Mahal. This mausoleum on the banks of the Yamuna River was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz, and it's a sight that will take your breath away. You're also going to visit the red-sandstone Agra Fort.
Later we travel onto Jaipur, en-route we stop at the incredible sight - Abhaneri stepwell and we have an included lunch stop.
Day 7 Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation Name: Ramada Jaipur
Meals Included: B, D
Your grand tour continues this morning in the 'Pink City' of Jaipur. A morning of discovery takes you to the Amber Fort, a 17th century stronghold set high on a hill above the parched desert. Step inside to see the Temple of Kali, the Palace of Mirrors and the Hall of Pleasures. You'll also visit Jaipur's City Palace this morning, with the elaborate façade of the Palace of the Winds just one highlight.
This evening we experience the mastery of the local cuisine by joining a local family for a delicious home cooked meal.
Day 8 Jaipur - Bangalore
Location: Bangalore
Accommodation Name: Fortune Jaypee Celestial Bangalore
Meals Included: B, D
In the morning we'll fly to Bangalore, the capital of the state of Karnataka. The city is an important centre for business and technology but despite its cosmopolitan feel, it still retains many traces of its British colonial past in its grand architecture.
If you head out to explore, look out for the grand Tudor-style Bangalore Palace and its beautiful gardens, or head to one of the many lovely parks - Bangalore is known as the 'Garden City'. You'll also find plenty of Western-style bars and restaurants if you want to stop for refreshments.
Day 9 Bangalore - Mysore
Location: Mysore
Accommodation Name: Fortune Jaypee Palace
Meals Included: B, D
Before we leave Bangalore we take a city sightseeing tour including the 16th century Bull Temple and the summer palace of British military adversary Tipu Sultan.
Next in our journey we will visit Sri Rangapatnam located on an Island in the Cauvery River. In Sri Rangapatnam you will visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tipu’s Death Place, Daria Daultabad and Gumbaz.
Our final destination of the day is Mysore. According to legend, the city of Mysore was ruled by Mahishasura, a buffalo-headed demon who was slayed by the goddess Chamundeshwari on top of Chamundi Hill, where devotees still worship her to this day.
Day 10 Mysore
Location: Mysore
Accommodation Name: Fortune Jaypee Palace
Meals Included: B, D
Today we include a visit to Chamundi Hills and a city tour to uncover Mysore's highlights. The opulent City Palace is the star of the show - it's one of the largest monuments in India and is surrounded by a large garden.
In the afternoon we take in the sights of the local vegetable and flower market.
Day 11 Mysore - Ooty
Location: Ooty
Accommodation Name: Fortune Sullivan Court
Meals Included: B, D
Today's journey includes incredible scenery, during the drive we will pass through Bandipur National Park, through lush green landscapes and with a bit of luck elephants, deer and peacocks by the roadside.
On arrival in Ooty we will visit the botanical gardens, church and the local market.
Day 12 Ooty
Location: Ooty
Accommodation Name: Fortune Sullivan Court
Meals Included: B, D
We make our way to the railway station to join the toy train from Ooty to Coonoor. Here we will tour a tea plantation and see the tea plucking in action, and visit Sims Park. Later in the day we will return to Ooty and have a little time this afternoon to relax.
Day 13 Ooty - Cochin
Location: Cochin
Accommodation Name: Trident Cochin
Meals Included: B, L, D
It is time to head to South India to Kerala, we drive to Coimbatore where we will join a train headed for Cochin.
Day 14 Cochin
Location: Cochin
Accommodation Name: Trident Cochin
Meals Included: B, D
Our tour this morning will take us to the exquisite murals at Mattancherry Palace, the ancient Jewish synagogue and enchanting Fort Cochin, where Chinese fishing nets line the shore.
This afternoon you could join our optional excursion - a spice trail walking tour which will take you through the story of the international spice trade since the 1400s.
In the evening we will experience a traditional Kathakali dance performance - a colourful spectacle with elaborate costumes and references to literature, music, painting and dance.
Day 15 Cochin - Alleppey
Location: Alleppey
Accommodation Name: Houseboat
Meals Included: B, L, D
Today is the day that we will experience the incredible backwaters of Kerala. We travel to Alleppey to board our traditional, thatch-roofed Kettuvallam houseboat for a lazy cruise through the labyrinthine canals past coconut groves, rice fields, hidden temples and tiny islands. We will stay on board overnight.
Day 16 Alleppey - Marari
Location: Marari
Accommodation Name: Abad Turtle Beach Resort
Meals Included: B, D
After breakfast aboard our houseboat we travel on to the beach resort of Marari. As with many hotels in India our hotel has a bring your own policy and doesn't serve alcohol on site so we stop along the way at the perfect place to pick up some drinks to enjoy whilst there.
Day 17 Marari - At Leisure
Location: Marari
Accommodation Name: Abad Turtle Beach Resort
Meals Included: B, D
You might choose to enjoy some 'me' time today on the beach, which is just steps away from your spa hotel. You can laze on its golden sands under the shade of a palm tree, or take a dip in the enticing waters of the Arabian Sea. Perhaps you'll have the chance to watch as the fishermen haul in their traditional nets.
Day 18 Marari - Uk
Meals Included: B
Today we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
What's Included
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Return flights from London
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37 meals: 16 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 16 dinners and welcome drink
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16 nights in 4 and 5-star hotels and a lodge plus 2 night in flight
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All highlights included
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Travelsphere Holiday Director
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Overseas transfers, internal flights, other transportation and porterage
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16 nights in 4 and 5-star hotels and a lodge plus 2 night in flight
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37 meals: 16 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 16 dinners and welcome drink
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Travelsphere Holiday Director
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Overseas transfers, internal flights, other transportation and porterage
Check out our Q&As
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Travelsphere’s Flexibility Promise has been created to give you complete peace of mind and make you feel confident when booking your holiday with us. We have also been awarded the WTTC safe travels stamp which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Travelsphere has been operating escorted touring holidays for 60 years
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travelsphere, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You will receive Holiday conformation upon booking, and then several documents detailing any adddiotnal information and the optional excursions that you can book before you travel. The final information covering your flights, hotels and itinerary will be sent to you around 14 days before your departure date.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, we do not offer single share options
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, Im afraid not
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If we can accomadate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - and make sure you have your booking number to hand.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Our Travelsphere Cares programmes, in partnership with the Planeterra Foundation, support local projects and social enterprises by helping them earn an income from tourism. We simply donate a portion of the funds from our tours, so it’s great to know that when you travel with us you are helping to change lives and turn travel into real impact.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like minded travellers
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Travelsphere allows you to make 4 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Travelsphere allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform travelsphere, 75 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Travelsphere requires a minimum deposit of 21% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travelsphere charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Book with Confidence
When you book your holiday with Just You, you can have complete peace of mind. Your money is 100% protected through our Independent Trust Fund, any money you pay to us is held by them & governed by 3rd?party trustees. It is also a condition of our ATOL license and is regularly monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority. We don’t receive any money until after you’ve come back from your holiday – so your money is 100% protected no matter what. If you have any questions you can speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable holiday advisors.