Imperial Rajasthan with South India Extension

What's Included

• Meals

  Meals are included as detailed in the itinerary.

• Additional Services

  Personal radio headsets are provided for freedom during visits to famous highlights, available on departures with 15 or more guests. Hotel Wi-Fi is available where possible.

• Airport Transfers at Destination

  Complimentary airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold.

• Fully Guided

  You will be escorted by a Travel Concierge, serving as your expert guide and organizer.

• Dining Summary

  The tour includes 12 dinners, 19 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 1 afternoon tea.

• Additional Included Highlights

  Enjoy seamless personal assistance, Local Expert Guides, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and complimentary hotel Wi-Fi.

• Curated Experiences

  Experience a bird-watching tour at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

• Founder’s Collection

  On select departures, enjoy an intimate dinner with historian Rana Safvi.

• Magnificent Stays

  Stay at The Leela Palace in Udaipur, evoking the mystique of a bygone age.

• Passport Moments

  Experience various cultural and historical sites across India, including the Red Fort, Taj Mahal, and more.

• Personalise your day

  Choose from activities like culinary exploration, visiting Qutub Minar, Mughal Heritage Walk, and more.

What's Not Included

• International Travel

  International travel to and from the destination is not included.
  
  

• Ayurveda Massage

  The Ayurveda Massage in Kumarakom is available on direct payment.
  
  

Dining Summary

• 12 Dinner (D)
• 19 Breakfast (B)
• 10 Lunch (L)
• 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)

Additional Included Highlights

• Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.
• In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.  ?
• Included at all hotels.
• Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.?
• Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.
• On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.
• Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.
• Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city as the itinerary, may be requested.

Curated Experiences

• Backwater Ripples: Start the day early with a bird-watching tour at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary where you will be given the chance to view some of the fantastic migratory birds which flock to the Himalayas and find home in the acres of woodland.

Founder's Collection

• Delhi: If you are travelling on a Founder's Collection departure, on Day 2 historian Rana Safvi invites you to an intimate dinner at Sana-Di-Ge to learn about her studies of Indian culture and how they relate to present day life in India.

Magnificent Stays

• Udaipur: Built in the style of a grand Maharaja's palace, The Leela Palace evokes the mystique of a bygone age where refined service and regal majesty meet to present an unparalleled experience.

Passport Moments

• Delhi: View the monuments of Old and New Delhi when you drive out to Red Fort, the former home of the Mughal emperors. Cruise down the Rajpath to see India Gate and Parliament House.
• Delhi: Take a tour of Jama Masjid with your Travel Concierge. Feel the majesty of the largest mosque in India with its three great gates, 40-metre-high minarets, and a courtyard large enough for 25,000 devotees.
• Delhi: Jump into the hustle and bustle of Old Delhi by taking an exhilarating rickshaw ride through the busy streets of Chandni Chowk. Let the city’s sights and sounds swirl around you as you’re transported in traditional style.
• Delhi: Visit a Sikh temple and community kitchen, where meals are given out to locals and travellers. Those of the Sikh faith regularly open their place of worship to those in greater need.
• Agra: Visit the impressive fortress in Agra and delve into the history of the Mughal Dynasty, who ruled their empire for over 300 years. See the glorious mosques and fairytale palaces such as the Sheesh Mahal within its protected walls.
• Agra: Rise in the morning light to view one of the greatest monuments in the world, the grand Taj Mahal. With the light of dawn and fewer visitors, you can fully appreciate its grandeur in peace, accompanied by only the birds and monkeys.
• Jaipur: Ascend by jeep to stroll through the intricately designed complex of courtyards and halls of Amber Fort. Enjoy the shimmering walls and ceilings and wonderful views of the surrounding countryside and receive a special blessing at this 16th-century residence.
• Jaipur: Enter the towering gates to the City Palace Museum for a look back through time at chandeliers, cannons, chariots and incredible murals. Built between 1729 -1732, this glorious complex is still home to the Jaipur royal family and young king.
• Jaisalmer: Set off to explore the sights of Jaisalmer, in particular the serene Gardisar Lake, built by the founding Rajput ruler of the city over 600 years ago. Visit the historic fort, where a quarter of the city's population still resides.
• Jaisalmer: Wander through the local markets of the Golden City of Jaisalmer and uncover the heartbeat of life in the desert. Peruse the fine silks and intricate silver jewellery in the bazaars of this medieval trading city.
• Kochi: Discover the city of Kochi with an orientation tour which takes in Paradesi Synagogue, the largest in the Commonwealth, before visiting the 16th century Portuguese Mattancherry Palace, renowned for its beautiful murals of Hindu mythology and legends.
• Kochi: Delve deeper into the cultural heritage of Kochi by attending a Kathakali performance. This colorful show is one of the world’s oldest forms of theater and the vibrant costumes, transformative make up, amazing dancing and vocal acrobatics make it unmissable.
• Jodhpur: Zip through the ancient streets of Jodphur on an invigorating tuk-tuk ride and visit Sadar Market to browse the traditional craft and food stalls which sprawl through the narrow city lanes in the shadow of the famous clock tower.
• Jodhpur: Follow the winding road to Mehrangarh Fort, the imposing sandstone structure which dominates the skyline above Jodphur. The building, so colossal it was described by Rudyard Kipling as ‘the work of giants,’ houses one of the best-stocked museums of Rajasthan.
• Alappuzha: Cruise the backwaters of Alleppey on a waterwheel houseboat to get an inside view of life on its shores. Journey past lush rice paddies and coconut plantations where people work daily, and enjoy a wonderful lunch onboard as you make your way to your luxury resort.
• Vaikom Village: Guided by boat, explore the narrow canals of one of the oldest townships in Kerala and with many spots untouched by modernity.
• Ranakpur: Explore the intricately carved Jain temples of Ranakpur. Built in the 15th century by Seth Dharna Sah, the vast structure comprises almost 1500 white marble pillars across its twenty-nine halls and is considered the most spectacular of its kind in India.
• Udaipur: Visit the architectural marvel of the City Palace complex that towers over the banks of Lake Pichola. This amazing blend of styles is a wonder to explore, with unique paintings and magnificent antiques, a testimony to the Rajput passion for art.
• Udaipur: Climb the stairs to visit the magnificent Jagdish Temple in the center of Udaipur Old Town and explore the many statues and carvings before stepping into the peaceful surroundings of the Garden of the Maids of Honour at the edge of town.
• Mumbai: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage protected ancient cave temples with depictions of Lord Shiva hewn from basalt rock. These extraordinary carvings date back as far as the 5th century and were recently restored. Human settlements from 2 BC have been recovered here.
• Mumbai: Take a cruise from Mumbai to Elephanta Island to see the six metre statue of Sadhashiva and the warren of carved cave temples which date back to AD 450, earning the island UNESCO World Heritage status.
• Mumbai: Meet the Dabbawalla in Mumbai to learn more about the intricate details of the magnificent tiffin service that keeps the city going! Without any technology, these delivery men have been providing home cooked food to the masses for over 130 years.

Personalise your day

• Delhi: Join a well-known chef for a culinary exploration of Delhi streets where you will tantalise your taste buds. Experience a wide variety of foods and learn the effect that mixing different flavours has on the palate as you sample Indian delicacies from local stallholders.
• Delhi: Visit the 12th century Qutub Minar, and see the tallest brick minaret in the world before enjoying lunch.
• Agra: Meet the community living in the shadow of the Taj Mahal when you take a Mughal Heritage Walk. Discover hidden gems of the area and learn about daily life in the ancient village with impressive vistas of India’s most famous monument. Through this initiative the community is supported from tourism to improve their living conditions.
• Agra: Visit a private colonial bungalow for high tea, meet the host family and listen to their stories about the British Raj and today's Indian culture and society.
• Jaipur: Visit the colourful cavalcade of the fresh flower and spice market.
• Jaipur: Visit the white marble Birla Mandir, a Hindu temple and witness aarti, a traditional prayer ceremony.
• Kumarakom: Indulge in a rejuvenating massage. Please note - the Ayurveda Massage will be on direct payment.
• Kumarakom: Harmonise your mind and body by taking part in a yoga class.
• Lake Pichola: Cruise the serene waters of Lake Pichola and relax as you take in the city views from the water.
• Udaipur: Explore the colourful bazaar in the old city.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with complimentary airport transfers on start and end dates, and enjoy seamless transportation organized by your Travel Concierge. Experience local culture with rickshaw rides in Delhi and tuk-tuk rides in Jodhpur, enhancing your journey through India's vibrant landscapes.

Accommodation

Experience luxury at its finest with stays at The Imperial in New Delhi, ITC Mughal in Agra, and The Leela Palace in Udaipur, among other prestigious hotels. Enjoy the serene Coconut Lagoon in Kumarakom and the opulent Oberoi in Mumbai, ensuring comfort and elegance throughout your journey.