From the Golden Temple and hill station in the north, the Ganges and the temples of Tamil Nadu to the backwaters of Kerala and colonial heritage of Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta
Flight - 1 night
Amritsar - 2 nights
Shimla - 2 nights
Delhi - 2 nights
Jaipur - 2 nights
Agra - 1 night
Delhi - 1 night
Varanasi - 1 night
Kolkata - 2 nights
Mahabalipuram - 2 nights
Madurai - 2 nights
Periyar - 1 night
Houseboat - 1 night
Cochin - 2 nights
Mumbai - 1 night
This arrangement encompasses the mesmerising variety of India, travelling from north to south by road, rail, river and air.
Explore the colonial legacy of the British including Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta (Kolkata) and Shimla hill station, once the summer capital. Discover the great homes of Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and the architectural heritage of the Mughals and Maharajas.
From the epic to the intimate, from the Himalayas to the Keralan backwaters, from the sacred Ganges to the tropical coasts of the Arabian Sea, this is truly a grand tour of India.
Culture & Natural Wonders
Jules Verne Sightseeing
10 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Local Expert Guides
Group Size: 4 – 18
Learn more about India at the Palki, Aarti and Border ceremonies. Breakfast at Brijrama Palace, overlooking the Ghats.
Enjoy a Kathakali classical dance performance. Enjoy a cocktail and dinner at Rambagh Palace.
Day 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Amritsar via Delhi.
Day 2 Two nights at the 5-star Hyatt Hotel. Palki ceremony at the Golden Temple.
Day 3 Visit the Golden Temple, volunteer kitchens and Jallianwala Bagh. Optional Wagah border (£14, bookable locally). (B)
Day 4 Early morning train to Ambala (4 hrs), by road to Kandaghat and ‘Toy Train’ to Shimla (6 hrs). Two nights at the 5-star Oberoi Cecil Hotel. (B, D)
Day 5 Visit the Vice Regal Lodge, museum and the Mall. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 6 Travel to Kalka (5 hrs) and board the Shatabdi Express to Delhi (5 hrs) with light dinner on board. (March 2020 - Travel to Chandigarh (5 hrs) and fly to Delhi). Two nights at the heritage Maidens Hotel. (B, D)
Day 7 Full-day sightseeing of Old and New Delhi including Jama Mosque, Raj Ghat, Gandhi Smriti, Qutub Minar, India Gate and drive past the Red Fort, parliament and Viceroy’s House. (B, D)
Day 8 Visit the Transport Museum. Continue to Jaipur (5 hrs) for two nights at the 5-star ITC Rajputana. (B)
Day 9 Optional morning balloon ride in the Jaipur area (£180, bookable locally, weather dependent). Visit Amber Fort. Visit the Observatory, City Palace and view the ‘Palace of the Winds’. Cocktail and dinner at Rambagh Palace. (B, D)
Day 10 Drive to Fatehpur Sikri (4 hrs) and continue to Agra to visit the ‘Baby Taj’ and Mughal gardens with views across to the Taj Mahal. Overnight at the 4-star Trident. (B)
Day 11 Sunrise at the Taj Mahal. Visit Agra Fort then continue to Delhi (5 hrs) for overnight at the 5-star Taj Mahal. (B)
Day 12 Fly to Varanasi for overnight at the 4-star Radisson Hotel. Evening Aarti ceremony. (B)
Day 13 Early morning boat ride on the Ganges and breakfast at Brijrama Palace. Fly to Kolkata for two nights at the 5-star Oberoi Grand. (B)
Day 14 Visit Dalhousie Square, Victoria Memorial and St. John’s Church. Take a short tram ride and enjoy a panoramic drive around colonial Calcutta. (B)
Day 15 Fly to Chennai and transfer to Mahabalipuram for two nights at the 4-star Radisson Temple Bay. (B)
Day 16 Visit the Shore Temple, the five Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, and Krishna Mandapam. (B)
Day 17 Return to Chennai to visit the Government Museum, Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church and Marina Beach. Fly to Madurai. Two nights at the 4-star Taj Gateway. (B)
Day 18 Visit Meenakshi Temple, a rickshaw ride, Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Gandhi Memorial. (B)
Day 19 Drive to Periyar (5 hrs) for overnight at the ‘CGH Earth’ Spice Village. Visit a spice plantation and afternoon boat ride in Periyar National Park. Kalaraipayattu local martial art performance. (B)
Day 20 Travel to Alleppey for an overnight backwaters cruise. Canoe on the smaller canals. (B, L, D)
Day 21 Visit Kumbalanghi fishing village. Continue to Cochin for two nights at the 4-star boutique ‘CGH Earth’ Eighth Bastion. Kathakali classical dance performance. (B, L)
Day 22 Walking tour of Fort Cochin. Enjoy a cooking demonstration and dinner with a local family. (B, D)
Day 23 Fly to Mumbai. Overnight at the 5-star Oberoi. Visit Marine Drive, Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus, Dhobi Ghat and Prince of Wales Museum. (B, D)
Day 24 Return direct flight. (B)
Notes
This is a full itinerary with visits on foot and some uneven surfaces and inclines.
March 2020 Departure:
Day 6: Travel to Chandigarh (5 hrs) and fly to Delhi.
Dinner will not be provided on Day 7 and will be on Day 6.
A 4-star hotel with restaurants, bar, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 248 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
A celebration of the elegance and grace of the Colonial era in the Queen of Hill Stations, located amidst the majestic Himalayan ranges, The 5-star Oberoi Cecil, a Grand Heritage hotel, is a part of Shimla's rich colonial history. Restaurant, bar, indoor pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 75 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar, safe, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
Established in 1903 as one of the first hotels of Delhi and recognized as a Heritage Hotel in 1994. Its architecture is the most glorious illustration of old-world European charm with its colonial impressions. Restaurants, bar, pool, gym and WiFi (free). 55 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar, safe, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
A 5-star hotel with regal-influence design and gardens that echo the city's history. Restaurants, bar, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (chargeable). 218 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
The 4-star Trident, Agra, set amidst beautiful gardens, fountains, landscaped central courtyards, is built of red stone reminiscent of the Mughal era. Restaurant, bar, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (chargeable) with 135 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
The 5-star Taj Mahal hotel is one of the most distinguished addresses in Delhi. Restaurants, bar, pool, gym and WiFi (free). 294 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
This 4-star hotel boasts modern architecture, warm hospitality and a convenient location. Restaurants, bar, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 116 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar, safe, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
A 5-star heritage hotel with a fusion of classical Victorian and traditional Indian style architecture. 209 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Restaurants, bar, indoor pool, gym and WiFi (free).
Spread across 44 acres on the Bay of Bengal, this 5-star hotel offers restaurants, bar, outdoor pool, gym, sauna and WiFi (free). 144 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
This colonial style 4-star hotel is perched atop the Pasumalai hill, amid 62 acres of peaceful, landscaped gardens with picturesque views of the Temple City and Kodai hills. Restaurant, bar, fitness centre, outdoor pool and WiFi (free). 63 air-conditioned chalet style rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
A 4-star property resembling a traditional tribal village. Restaurants, colonial bar, pool, spa and WiFi (free). 52 rooms with private facilities, fan, hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge and tea/coffee making facilities.
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Located on the backwaters of Kerela with 1-4 air-conditioned bedrooms with private facilities.
A 4-star boutique hotel located at Fort Cochin. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 18 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities.
Located on Mumbai's Marine Drive, the 5-star hotel boasts wonderful views of the Arabian Sea and Queens Necklace - the golden curve of lights that decorates the shoreline after dark. Restaurants, bars, spa, outdoor pool, WiFi (free) and 287 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, satellite TV, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
We offer a wide variety of pre- and post-tour extensions, click here for more information.
Pre/post tour extra nights and transfers are available.
2020
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
| March 7 | £4395 |
| September 19 | £4345 |
| October 10 | £4545 |
| November 7 | £4645 |
2021
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Double for sole use £1295
(2020 £1195; Sept 2021 £1195)
Flight Options
London-Amritsar/Mumbai-London
British Airways World Traveller Plus from £395
British Airways Club World from £1795
Accommodation Upgrades
Upgrade to Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra £645
Double for Sole Use £595
Extension Options
We offer a wide variety of pre- and post-tour extensions, click here for more information.
Pre/post tour extra nights and transfers are available.
Privately Guided
2 guests - £1295 per person
3-4 guests - £645 per person
5-9 guests - £285 per person
10+ guests - No extra charge
Independent Arrival
Save £500
Arrival transfer add £24
Departure transfer add £24
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 22 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 7 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, overseas airport taxes, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
© 2020 Jules Verne - 96 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BE
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