Tour Bazaars & Backwaters In India

Meals

All breakfasts, three lunches and four dinners are included If you are a vegetarian, India is an easy destination to travel through Where meals are not included, our tour leaders always encourage people to try local restaurants and will arrange a group dinner for those who would like to meet up with their fellow travellers.

Transport

We use a private minibus/coach for our journey. Road journeys: Air-conditioned private minibus/mini-coach Domestic Flights: Please note the domestic flight from Delhi to Cochin has the following baggage allowance which can be subject to change so please double check if you have any concerns (this may be lower than your international flight allowance). Hand baggage: One bag up to 7kg and 115 cm (L+W+H : dimension: 55cm x 35cm x 25cm) per person Check-in baggage: 15kg allowance per person (one piece only) Please note, electronic devices, power packs and batteries should be packed in hand luggage as these are not permitted in your hold/main luggage. Excess baggage charge: Approximately 500 – 1000 rupees (US$6 – 12) per 1 kilogram over 15kg The cost of a taxi is likely to be about £10 (approx. US$15) should you decide to make your way independently. Exodus offers free airport arrival transfers on any flight into Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) for this trip. Unless specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers may be shared with other Exodus customers on the same flight, or on a flight with similar arrival times. All those taking advantage of the free airport transfers must provide full flight details for arrival in advance.

Flights

International flights are not included (including one internal flight)

Others

Yoga in front of the Taj Mahal

Guide

Tour leader throughout

Accommodation

Swati Deluxe, Delhi Spacious and well-equipped rooms within easy reach of local shops and entertainment. Howard Plaza - The Fern, Agra This hotel is close to the iconic Taj Mahal. Along with comfortable rooms and excellent facilities, it’s got top eco-credentials. KK Royal, Jaipur Close to Amer’s palaces, the KK Royal has spacious and elegant rooms with views of the forts and hills. Neemrana Fort, Neemrana An exceptional and experiential place to stay, this medieval Fort-Palace is now a spectacular hotel with grandly furnished rooms. Bloom Boutique Waterfront Fort Cochin, Cochin Smartly finished guestrooms fill this colonial building with beautiful views facing the backwaters and walkable to sightseeing around Fort Cochin. Cardamom County, Thekkady A glorious nature resort nestled in the verdant Keralan landscape. Its various facilities include a butterfly garden, Ayurveda and spa. Houseboats, Alleppey Stay on-board a simple and authentic crewed houseboat to journey through the waterways of Alleppey. Indriya Beach Resort, Cherai Occupying a sublime spot between Cherai beach and lagoon, this is the ultimate resort for unwinding.

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Others

— Travel insurance — Visas and vaccinations — Tips for leaders and staff — Departure transfer

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive In Vibrant Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive In Vibrant Delhi

On arrival in Delhi, you’ll transfer to a hotel in the popular Karol Bagh area, known for its eclectic and colourful market. Depending on your arrival time, you may have a little while to start to explore this cacophonous place. Hotel: Amrapali Grand
Day 2 Day 2: Get Under The Skin Of Old Delhi (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Get Under The Skin Of Old Delhi (Breakfast,Lunch)

This morning is dedicated to exploring the sights and sounds of Delhi in ways that support local communities and charities. First there’s an off-the-grid walking tour, exploring Old Delhi with true experts – ex-street children. They’ll show you a side of Old Delhi not seen on standard tours. Curious and enthusiastic, they’re just as likely to ask questions as to answer them as you make your way around the hectic streets and bustling alleyways. Next, you’ll visit the kitchens of a Sikh Temple to meet the people who serve food to thousands of Delhi’s most impoverished citizens every day. You’ll eat alongside the diners before leaving Delhi and taking the expressway to Agra, home of the alluring Taj Mahal. Hotel: Howard Plaza Fern
Day 3 Day 3: Sunrise Yoga At The Taj Mahal (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Sunrise Yoga At The Taj Mahal (Breakfast)

A yoga class at dawn, with the Taj Mahal bathed in the morning light as your backdrop, will surely be a seminal moment of your trip. Breakfast is back at the hotel before you return to the Taj Mahal for a tour of this beautiful and majestic building. Later, you’ll put your dancing shoes on for a lesson in the most energetic moves on the planet -- Bollywood style. Hotel: Howard Plaza Fern
Day 4 Day 4: On To Jaipur For A Bazaar And Street Food Tour (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: On To Jaipur For A Bazaar And Street Food Tour (Breakfast)

Today you’ll travel to the enthralling city of Jaipur, stopping at Abhaneri Stepwell en route. Not your ordinary water well, this architectural gem is a real marvel and is one of the oldest and deepest stepwells in Rajasthan. You’ll arrive in Jaipur with plenty of time to explore the colourful bazaars with your tour leader on a foodie walking tour, feasting on delicious pre-dinner street food snacks. Hotel: KK Royal
Day 5 Day 5: A Day With Locals (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: A Day With Locals (Breakfast)

This morning you’ll visit Amber Fort, a magnificent complex crafted from yellow and pink sandstone. Then it’s on to a Dhula village to meet local families and artisans such as potters and bangle makers. You’ll have the opportunity to get hands-on, helping farmers milk cows or plough fields and genuinely experience rural life. In the evening, there’s time to explore exotic Jaipur and the chaotic streets that thrum with camels, buses and motorbikes. Hotel: KK Royal
Day 6 Day 6: Feel Like Royalty At A Fort Palace Stay (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Feel Like Royalty At A Fort Palace Stay (Breakfast,Dinner)

Today you’ll head to the glorious 15th-century Neemrana Fort-Palace, now a spectacular hotel. It’s a sprawling resort that extends over nine palace wings. But before you wander the Fort-Palace’s hanging gardens or , swim in the pools that look out over the hillsides, you’ll take a dromedary (an Arabian camel) for an unforgettable ride around the local area. Then, as the sun sets, enjoy the magical atmosphere as hundreds of fairy lights sparkle across the resort. Hotel: Neemrana Fort Palace Hotel
Day 7 Day 7: Fly South To Kerala (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Fly South To Kerala (Breakfast)

Leaving your palatial surroundings behind, head to Delhi airport for a flight south to Cochin (or Kochi as it’s otherwise known) in Kerala. There’s a wild mix of history and culture here, curated from the influences of over 600 years of traders and travellers. The Cochin of today is a centre of Keralan arts and wandering the quaint lanes lined with cafes, galleries and handicraft shops give you a sense of this traditional and contemporary art scene. Dinner this evening is on a pier at a waterfront restaurant, serving seafood specialities. Hotel: Bloom Boutique Waterfront Fort Cochin
Day 8 Day 8: Cycle Around Historic Fort Cochin (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Cycle Around Historic Fort Cochin (Breakfast)

Arguably the best way to see Fort Cochin is by bike. So today you’ll take a leisurely cycle ride, stopping to try your hand at working the Chinese Fishing Nets, the imposing cantilevered contraptions that are a legacy of ancient traders. After, the time is your own to continue exploring Cochin. This evening there’s a private sundowner cruise to enjoy another blazing Indian sunset with drinks and snacks. Hotel: Bloom Boutique Waterfront Fort Cochin
Day 9 Day 9: Explore A Spice Plantation (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Explore A Spice Plantation (Breakfast,Dinner)

Today head inland to the misty, spice-scented valleys of Periyar National Park. There’s time to settle into the hotel after the journey before joining a local specialist on a spice garden walking tour to learn how spices grow, smell and taste. This evening there’s a mesmerising martial arts performance and dinner. Hotel: Cardamon County
Day 10 Day 10: Hike And Raft Through Periyar National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Hike And Raft Through Periyar National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

After breakfast, you’ll explore Periyar National Park. As you walk through the forest, your ranger will point out animal tracks, perhaps from bison, sambar, wild boar or elephants. Although elusive, there are tigers here too. Next, take to the lake on a bamboo raft for a serene and reflective look at the majesty of the park. There’s a picnic for lunch, and then the afternoon is free to indulge in the hotel’s spa and wellness facilities. Hotel: Cardamom County
Day 11 Day 11: Stay On A Houseboat In Alleppey (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Stay On A Houseboat In Alleppey (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Transfer to the glorious water-world of Alleppey. It’s the centre of Kerala’s backwaters and a maze of waterways. The houseboats here are a famous feature and you’ll stay onboard one of these basic but beautiful vessels tonight. Boarding in time for lunch you will see local village life unfold as we pass through green paddy fields and verdant countryside. Tonight, your houseboat crew will prepare a traditional Keralan dinner. Kerala Houseboat
Day 12 Day 12: Kick Back On Cherai Beach (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Kick Back On Cherai Beach (Breakfast)

Leaving your houseboat in Alleppey behind, you’re bound for Cherai Beach on Vypeen Island. The pace here is decidedly unhurried (a world away from your city experiences) and the day is yours to relax on the beach, lapped by the Arabian Sea. If you’re looking for more adventure, there are plenty of watersports to try. Or simply kick back and enjoy the sound of the waves as a fitting farewell to your Indian immersion. Hotel: Indriya Beach Resort
Day 13 Day 13: A Final Breakfast (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: A Final Breakfast (Breakfast)

Your Indian adventure comes to an end after breakfast.

+10

13 days tour

Bazaars & Backwaters In India

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Bazaars & Backwaters In India

Day 1: Arrive In Vibrant Delhi

Day 2: Get Under The Skin Of Old Delhi (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 3: Sunrise Yoga At The Taj Mahal (Breakfast)

Day 4: On To Jaipur For A Bazaar And Street Food Tour (Breakfast)

Day 5: A Day With Locals (Breakfast)

Day 6: Feel Like Royalty At A Fort Palace Stay (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 7: Fly South To Kerala (Breakfast)

Day 8: Cycle Around Historic Fort Cochin (Breakfast)

Day 9: Explore A Spice Plantation (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 10: Hike And Raft Through Periyar National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 11: Stay On A Houseboat In Alleppey (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 12: Kick Back On Cherai Beach (Breakfast)

Day 13: A Final Breakfast (Breakfast)

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