This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Small group tour, up to 24 guests only
✓ Incredible sightseeing including Old and New Delhi, the stunning Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s hilltop citadel - Amber Fort and Palace of Winds, Fort Kochi, the serenity of the Kerala backwaters and a tea factory visit in Munnar
✓ 9 nights in central accommodation
✓ 1 night in a deluxe backwaters houseboat
✓ Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
✓ Internal flights from Jaipur to Kochi with airport transfers
✓ Fully escorted by professional English-speaking tour guides
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Namaste and welcome to Delhi!
If you’re arriving into Delhi today, consider pre-booking an arrival transfer to your joining hotel. Otherwise a taxi or rideshare costs approx R400.
Check in to your hotel after 3pm and enjoy a free day to explore this mighty Mughal city.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and proceed on a guided tour of Old and New Delhi.
Arriving in Old Delhi, drive past the Red Fort and visit Raj Ghat, the simple but moving memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. A short walk in the narrow bylanes is full of legends and unfolds many historic tales of Shahjahanabad. Visit quaint shops with incredible wares, selling everything from local food to jewellery.
Later in the afternoon, explore imperial Delhi. Drive past the imposing India Gate (War Memorial Arch), Parliament buildings and Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President’s residence). End the tour with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage listed tomb of Emperor Humayun. The tomb was the first garden tomb in the Indian subcontinent, a wonderful example of early Mughal architecture.
After breakfast, drive to the Mughal city of Agra (205 kms / approx. 5 hours).
On arrival in Agra, check into your hotel to freshen up before enjoying a guided tour of this compact city. No visit is complete without the Taj Mahal (closed on Friday), built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, a masterpiece in marble and one of the world’s most famous landmarks.
Explore the red sandstone Agra Fort with the services of a local guide. Rebuilt in 1573, Agra Fort served as the residence of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. This tour begins at 15:30 and will take approximately 2 hours. Includes return transfers, services of a local guide and entry ticket
After breakfast, proceed to the royal city of Jaipur (260 kms / approx. 7 hours).
En- route, stop at the ancient town of Abhaneri to visit a spectacular step-well and take a short walk around the village before continuing your drive to Jaipur. On arrival in Jaipur, check into your hotel for the following two nights. This evening is free to further explore Jaipur or relax at your hotel.
After breakfast this morning, head out for your first excursion of the day to the fabulous hilltop citadel of Amber Fort. On the way, enjoy a brief photo stop at the intriguing red sandstone Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied wonder with an incredible pyramidal facade, overhanging windows with lattice screens, domes and spires.
Crowning the crest of a hill, the Amber Fort offers a view of Maota Lake and the historic old town located at the base of the hill, which formed the early seat of the Amber kings before the fort was made their capital.
Following your sightseeing tour, return back to the hotel where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Enjoy a guided tour of Jaipur's impressive city Palace and Museum. With additions over the centuries, this complex is a striking blend of Ragastani and Mughal architecture. Includes return transfers, services of a local guide and entry ticket
Enjoy a sound and light show projected onto the walls of the Amber Fort. The show is accompanied with local and traditional music. Includes return transfers, services of a local guide and entry ticket
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before check-out and before proceeding to Jaipur airport for the flight to Kochi. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you as you exit the arrival terminal building, after which you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to unwind and relax.
After breakfast this morning, drive to Munnar (130km / approx 4 hours).
Stop along the way to enjoy some of the many vantage points along this scenic road.
Upon arrival in Munnar, visit local tea gardens and a tea factory for an insight into Indian tea production. The rest of the day is free to explore this Raj era Hill Station town. Dotted with local tea plantations, it's cooler in the hills and a scenic spot to spend the evening.
After breakfast, drive to mesmerising Kumarakom (approx 140 kms / 4 hrs).
Kumarakom is an unbelievably beautiful paradise. Vembanad Lake reflects the azure sky and is surrounded by amazing shades of green from the mangroves, coconut palms and paddy fields that cover the verdant countryside. Houseboats are commonly seen floating through the winding channels and waterways.
Arrive at Kumarakom and check in. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy the scenic beauty of the backwaters region or try an ayurvedic treatment (optional).
Today is another highlight of your time in India. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we drive to Alleppey. Upon arrival, board your houseboat for the night and sail through the exotic backwaters on a traditional rice boat. While cruising, observe and experience local villagers’ lifestyles and the slower pace of this part of India.
Drop anchor for the evening and enjoy a stunning sunset with a quiet drink. This evening enjoy a tasty dinner prepared by your private chef onboard and cheers to a truly stunning day.
Wake to the many vibrant shades of greens and blues this morning as the backwaters come to life. After a delicious breakfast overlooking the waterways, disembark at Alleppey jetty.
Check-out and proceed on your drive to Kochi (60 kms / approx. 1 1⁄2 hours).
Proceed on a guided tour of Cochin to visit the Portuguese-built Mattancherry Dutch Palace and Fort Cochin area. Later, visit St Francis Church, which holds the palm-leafed title deed that the Raja handed to the occupying Portuguese in 1503. Also marvel at the intricate beauty of Cochin’s legendary Chinese fishing nets, unique to this part of Kerala and the testament to the Oriental influences that infuse this spice-trading coastline. Try your luck by helping the fisherman pull the catch of the day at a Chinese fishing net.
Following the tour, return back to the hotel where the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Kathakali represents a synthesis of all that is best in dance, drama and music and has been recognized by connoisseurs of art the world over as a `total art form of immense sophistication and power'. Includes return transfers and entry tickets.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of your hotel. We hope you’ve been inspired.
Make your own way to the airport for your onward flight (departure transfers are available to pre-book with Inspiring Vacations). Otherwise, extend your visit and continue to enjoy all that southern India has to offer.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognized and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and well-being of our guests are our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated
We are proudly 100% Australian-owned and now operating across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. Our head office is located in Melbourne, Victoria, with offices around the globe to provide you with 24/7 support while you travel. When you book with Inspiring Vacations, you'll receive the support of travel professionals who are committed to the mission of inspiring people everywhere to experience the world.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling-off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to support@inspiringvacations.com, including the reason for cancellation.
We offer two payment options – the choice is yours. Our advertised price is based on our 'Pay in Full' option, which includes a discount by making full payment at the time of booking. Alternatively, choose our 'Installment Payment Plan' option for the flexibility of incremental payments, beginning with a low deposit.
Please click 'Book Now' and proceed to the payment page to select your preferred option under the heading ‘Choose how to pay’. The total due will be reflected accordingly.
Pay In Full Option:
Installment Payment Plan Option:
Booking Process
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”3”
Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. At the commencement of your tour you will be asked to provide tipping to your guide towards a ‘kitty’, which is then used towards the guide tipping for the services of helpers, hotel staff, restaurants and airport porterage. We recommend AUD$3 per person, per day, to be paid in local currency. Please note that this tipping is not for the guide or driver, merely for the guide to tip the services of other local workers during your tour. While not made compulsory, if you choose not to contribute to the kitty it means that the guide is tipping for these services out of their own pocket. Your cooperation in this instance is most appreciated.
Further, tipping for your guide and driver will be collected at the conclusion of their services. To remove the uncertainty and stress of not knowing how much is appropriate to tip we recommend AUD$6-10 per person per day for your guide and AUD$3-5 per person per day for your driver to be paid in local currency. The amount you wish to contribute is dependent on the services received and at the complete discretion of the guest. Thank you for your understanding.
Any other tipping, such as tips for camera and video fees, bathroom attendants or hotel porters that are taking luggage to your room, is at your discretion as are gratuities for additional requested special services. We encourage passengers to have a supply of small denominations of local currency to distribute for personal tipping.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $349.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from your intended date of return.
An e-visa is required for entry into India. You will be able to obtain your E-visa when you have your tour documents indicating your date of entry into India, approximately 120 days prior to departure.
You can visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/Registration to purchase your visa online. The cost is US$80 per person. We can assist you over the phone as best as possible, however cannot submit the application on your behalf.
Please note, the ETA is limited to 60 days validity from the date of arrival.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
6-24 people
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre and post-tour accommodation
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
This package is sold as land only, however you do have the option of adding international airfares to your booking. Simply click on’ book now’, and under upgrades , you will be asked “Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?”
By selecting this option Inspiring Vacations will contact you to discuss adding flights to your chosen destination. We can assist with flying the airline of your choice to turn your booking into a flight inclusive package.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
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