Discover a land of contrasting wonders in one thrilling trip
This trip includes eight nights in premium hotels, three nights in heritage stays, two nights in epic stays and one night on a houseboat.
The hotels used are premium or heritage quality (four to five-star, local rating). Our heritage stays have original features and offer a unique step back in time. We include two epic stays, one in the north and one in the south: the medieval Neemrana Fort-Palace and CGH Spice Village. It's worth noting that in Neemrana Fort-Palace, no two rooms are alike due to the building's ancient and protected history. The property layout is unchanged and keeps it's charm from when it was once an active Fort-Palace.
The deluxe houseboats have spacious air-conditioned bedrooms with en suites, plus a sundeck and separate dining area, although the style/layout can vary from boat to boat. Accompanying you on board will be a cook, driver and assistants. Expect traditional Keralan meals prepared for you using local produce. Houseboats have two to five twin-bedded rooms. Larger groups may be split over several boats; however, the group will come together for riverside stops and the overnight anchor point where your leader will be on-hand.
Please note, the gas water heaters on some houseboats are open-flued systems, as used in many parts of India. While this complies with Indian law, it does not meet UK standards and therefore we must inform travellers that there is a risk (while minimal) of carbon monoxide emissions. We have asked our leaders, where applicable, to install a carbon monoxide alarm, and to brief your group about keeping their rooms ventilated at night (ie window open) to ensure sufficient air circulation.
This 8-day tour will take you to some of India’s most iconic destinations on private transportation. Travel to the Indian Golden Triangle to discover the fascinating markets of Old Delhi, explore Jaip
From the 'first people' tribes to the temples and monasteries of the Buddhist eras and relics from the time of the Raj, travelling through Orissa is like journeying back in time