India – from North to South

Your Indian adventure begins today with a private flight to Delhi, where you'll be greeted with a warm welcome to India early tomorrow morning! Upon arrival, you'll be met at the airport by a member of staff and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and recover from your journey.

The capital city of Delhi is a melting pot of diverse Indian cultures, creating a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern life. The Red Fort exudes an aura of worldly power and strength, even from the outside, while the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, which can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers, testifies to divine power. The bustling activity in the alleyways of the old city leads you into an overwhelming array of traditional handicrafts and modern everyday objects, colorful clothing, and a diverse array of aromas from spices, tea, and street food to satisfy every appetite, before you continue on to India Gate, erected in memory of those who fell in World War I, and through the government district. Finally, the Sikh faith welcomes you to its largest temple in Delhi, the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. During a final stroll through the Lodhi Garden, you will explore not only the enchanting green park landscape but also some of Delhi's oldest tombs.

Numerous architectural treasures still bear witness to Agra's former prosperity and power. The legendary Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) rises radiantly above the sacred Yamuna River and, like few other monuments, is considered a symbol of all India. It is said that it displays its own unique charm at every time of day and in every kind of weather, as the white marble and countless semi-precious stones captivate you in the ever-changing light. The imposing Agra Fort, also known as the Red Fort of Agra, is, like its namesake in Delhi, a demonstration of the power and strength of the former rulers.

Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar as a new capital and a tolerant center for diverse religions and cultures, but water scarcity and poor planning soon led to its abandonment. A regal atmosphere also prevails in the Ranthambore Nature Reserve, home to one of India's most renowned tiger sanctuaries. In the small town of Sawai Madhopur, bordering the reserve, you can spend the afternoon strolling through a typical vegetable market: marvel at the variety of fruits and vegetables attractively displayed by the vendors, experience the trade, buying, and selling, and immerse yourself in rural life.

Twice today you'll set out to follow in the footsteps of the king of the jungle. Early in the morning, you'll be picked up from your hotel and depart for your first shared safari (depending on availability, by jeep [up to 6 people] or canter/open safari bus [up to 20 people]) in Ranthambore National Park. In the early morning light, numerous animal and bird species may cross your path. In the afternoon, another shared safari (depending on availability, by jeep [up to 6 people] or canter/open safari bus [up to 20 people]) offers yet another chance to observe the unique natural landscape and its inhabitants in a different light.

Rajasthan's capital, Jaipur, is a blend of history and modernity, where countless cars, tuk-tuks, and motorcycles, alongside bicycle rickshaws, camel carts, and elephants, navigate the streets and squares, weaving their way through daily life past historic buildings, colorful market stalls, and shops. A visit to a local family for tea offers a wonderful opportunity to chat with your hosts and exchange stories. At the Raj Mandir Palace Cinema, you can experience the vibrant world of Bollywood with a current film screening – a truly special experience that is an integral part of everyday Indian life.

The golden Amber Fort, with its magnificent palaces and halls, offers royal splendor. From its elevated hilltop location just outside Jaipur, one can gaze upon the surrounding hills and the Maotha Lake below. The Jantar Mantar, the largest stone observatory in the world, testifies to profound scientific knowledge that remains valid to this day, while the magnificent City Palace, in the heart of the Pink City, is still partly inhabited by the descendants of the former Raja. The famous Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, with its countless windows and bay windows, is one of India's most photographed landmarks and served as a special platform for the ladies of the court to observe the parades and processions on the street below unseen.

We're heading to Jaipur airport today in good time – we're flying to Kochi in southern India. Kerala's natural beauty is famous, which has earned the region the nickname "God's Own Land".

In Kochi, the "Pearl of the Arabian Sea," as this multicultural port city is also known, the Portuguese heritage is still very much alive, but other influences are also readily apparent. In the old town, you will visit, among other sites, Fort Cochin, the Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, and the tomb of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in St. Francis Church. The famous Chinese fishing nets in the harbor seem to belong to a bygone era. The colorful spice and antique markets are full of aromas and fascinating sights. In the evening, the traditional Kathakali dance awaits you – let the dancers' movements and vibrant costumes bring ancient stories from Indian mythology to life.

Thekkady in the Periyar Wildlife Reserve is today's destination. The route leads through the Cardamom Mountains, past green hills and forests. A boat trip (depending on the water level) on Periyar Lake is a relaxing way to end the day in the Periyar Wildlife Reserve.

A morning hike along the borders of the national park (outside the park) offers a relaxing break and a wonderful nature experience. In the afternoon, a drive through the Spice Mountains of Periyar awaits, where seemingly endless tea, pepper, and cardamom plantations await you. You will visit one of the spice plantations and learn more about the cultivation of the various spices. Can you identify which spices are grown by their aroma? The Kalaripayattu martial art is considered one of the oldest in India and even the world. An evening demonstration reveals the impressive elegance and physical skill of the fighters.

Authentic, tranquil living in harmony with nature unfolds along the banks of the backwaters, the famous backwater rivers, and is best enjoyed on a houseboat. In Alleppey, you board directly and begin your tour through the fascinating waterways, an exotic labyrinth of palm-fringed lagoons, rivers, and canals. On board these former rice boats, you'll find everything you need for a comfortable journey: a bedroom with a comfortable bed, a modern bathroom with shower, an airy lounge on deck, and a small galley where traditional dishes are freshly prepared for you.

Sunrise in the backwaters – enjoy the enchanting morning atmosphere on board. Fishermen come to the water to fish, and the villages along the banks awaken to bustling activity. After breakfast, you disembark, and your journey continues to Marari, where one of India's most beautiful beaches awaits you. Enjoy the idyllic atmosphere with sun, sand, and sea, and tailor your stay to your own preferences! (No vehicle or tour guide will be available upon arrival.)

Depending on your departure time, you will be picked up from your hotel today and taken to Kochi International Airport, from where you will depart for your flight home, filled with wonderful new memories. We wish you a pleasant journey home and hope to welcome you back to India soon. Or extend your holiday with a relaxing break on the idyllic beach of Marari – we would be happy to send you a corresponding offer upon request!