LED BY THE HEART, GUIDED BY EXPERTS

60 Years Of Touring

Expert Direction & Local Flavours

A Service You Can Count On

Your Money is 100% Protected

Contrasts of India: Northern Cities and Kerala Backwaters

From £2,999
Duration 18 Days
Departures from: Feb 2025 - Nov 2026
Book now
From £2,999
Duration 18 Days
Departures from: Feb 2025 - Nov 2026

Tour Overview

This is the ultimate tour of India, taking you from the Golden Triangle in the north to Kerala's backwaters in the south. You'll tour Old Delhi in the company of former street children, who will introduce you to the India that few travellers get to see. You'll visit the stunning Taj Mahal and head off on two safaris in Ranthambore National Park in search of tigers. In Jaipur you'll discover the Amber Fort and the magnificent City Palace, and in Karnataka, tour a plantation and explore fascinating temple towns. The pace slows as you enjoy a cruise on Kerala's idyllic palm-fringed lakes and lagoons. And your tour ends with a relaxing stay at a spa hotel located on a beautiful stretch of beach in Marari.

  • Great Adventures
  • Cultural Immersion
  • Iconic Cities
  • Natural Beauty
  • Wildlife Wonders

Your Holiday Includes

  • Return flights from London
  • 16 nights in 3, 4 and 5-star hotels and a houseboat plus 1 night in flight
  • 37 meals: 16 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 16 dinners and welcome drink
  • Travelsphere Holiday Director
  • Overseas transfers, internal flights, other transportation and porterage

Included Holiday Highlights

  • Old Delhi and walk with former street children
  • New Delhi tour
  • The world-famous Taj Mahal
  • Agra Fort visit
  • Search for tigers on two safaris in Ranthambore
  • Abhaneri stepwells
  • The 'Pink City' of Jaipur
  • Discover the Amber Fort
  • Local cuisine cookery demonstration including dinner in Jaipur
  • Bandipur National Park drive
  • Ooty tour and botanical gardens
  • Tea plantation and Sims Park
  • Cochin tour with Mattancherry Palace and Fort Cochin
  • Srirangapatnam, the island fortress of the warrior King Tipu Sultan
  • Kerala's beautiful port city of Cochin
  • Kathakali dance performance
  • Stay on a houseboat amongst Kerala's tranquil backwaters

Itinerary

Day 1 UK - Delhi

Depart for your flight to Delhi today.

Day 2 Delhi

On arrival in Delhi we'll transfer you to your hotel. Your sightseeing starts in the 17th century walled city of Old Delhi. Here you'll delve into a maze of crowded streets and vibrant markets, and stroll through the fabled street bazaar of Chandni Chowk. We'll stop to admire the marble domes of Jama Masjid Mosque before visiting the Gandhi Smriti Museum and Humayun's Tomb.

Meals included: D

Day 3 Delhi - Ranthambore

Your day is filled with wonderful experiences, starting with a short tour of Paharganj, in central Delhi. You'll do this in the company of former street children, who now work with the Salaam Baalak Trust. This charity, supported by Travelsphere Cares, equips the youngsters with a range of skills and helps them to better their lives. They are also provided with a warm bed at night and a hot meal each day.

Next we travel onto Ranthambore National Park where we stay for two nights.

Meals included: B,D

Day 4 Ranthambore

An exciting day is on the cards, with morning and afternoon safaris in Ranthambore National Park, said to be the best game reserve in India. We'll make our way through thick forest interspersed with pretty waterfalls, which provides the perfect habitat for more than 300 species of birds. With the help of a Local Guide we'll look for wildlife including crocodile, hyena, jackal and more. If you're lucky you may spot the elusive tiger or the even rarer leopard.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 5 Ranthambore - Agra

Today we'll drive to Agra. If you want to this evening you could join our sunset excursion to Mehtab Bagh, a centuries-old garden complex, which sits on the other side of the river to the Taj Mahal and is exactly aligned with this iconic masterpiece. You'll get to see an alternative view of the Taj Mahal from here before our sunrise visit in the morning.

Meals included: B,D

Day 6 Agra - Jaipur

Today is the day that you'll see one of India's most famous landmarks, the incredible Taj Mahal. This mausoleum on the banks of the Yamuna River was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz, and it's a sight that will take your breath away. You're also going to visit the red-sandstone Agra Fort.
Later we travel onto Jaipur, en-route we stop at the incredible sight - Abhaneri stepwell and we have an included lunch stop.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 7 Jaipur

Your grand tour continues this morning in the 'Pink City' of Jaipur. A morning of discovery takes you to the Amber Fort, a 17th century stronghold set high on a hill above the parched desert. Step inside to see the Temple of Kali, the Palace of Mirrors and the Hall of Pleasures. You'll also visit Jaipur's City Palace this morning, with the elaborate façade of the Palace of the Winds just one highlight.
This evening we experience the mastery of the local cuisine by joining a local family for a delicious home cooked meal.

Meals included: B,D

Day 8 Jaipur - Bangalore

In the morning we'll fly to Bangalore, the capital of the state of Karnataka. The city is an important centre for business and technology but despite its cosmopolitan feel, it still retains many traces of its British colonial past in its grand architecture.
If you head out to explore, look out for the grand Tudor-style Bangalore Palace and its beautiful gardens, or head to one of the many lovely parks - Bangalore is known as the 'Garden City'. You'll also find plenty of Western-style bars and restaurants if you want to stop for refreshments.

Meals included: B,D

Day 9 Bangalore - Mysore

Before we leave Bangalore we take a city sightseeing tour including the 16th century Bull Temple and the summer palace of British military adversary Tipu Sultan.
Next in our journey we will visit Srirangapatnam located on an Island in the Cauvery River. In Srirangapatnam you will visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tipu’s Death Place, Daria Daultabad and Gumbaz.
Our final destination of the day is Mysore. According to legend, the city of Mysore was ruled by Mahishasura, a buffalo-headed demon who was slayed by the goddess Chamundeshwari on top of Chamundi Hill, where devotees still worship her to this day.

Meals included: B,D

Day 10 Mysore

Today we include a visit to Chamundi Hills and a city tour to uncover Mysore's highlights. The opulent City Palace is the star of the show - it's one of the largest monuments in India and is surrounded by a large garden.
In the afternoon we take in the sights of the local vegetable and flower market.

Meals included: B,D

Day 11 Mysore - Ooty

Today's journey includes incredible scenery, during the drive we will pass through Bandipur National Park's lush green landscapes and with a bit of luck we'll see elephants, deer and peacocks by the roadside.
On arrival in Ooty we will visit the botanical gardens, church and the local market.

Meals included: B,D

Day 12 Ooty

We make our way to the railway station to join the toy train from Ooty to Coonoor. Here we will tour a tea plantation and see the tea plucking in action, and visit Sims Park. Later in the day we will return to Ooty and have a little time this afternoon to relax.

Meals included: B,D

Day 13 Ooty - Cochin

It is time to head to South India to Kerala, we drive to Coimbatore where we will join a train headed for Cochin.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 14 Cochin

Our tour this morning will take us to the exquisite murals at Mattancherry Palace, the ancient Jewish synagogue and enchanting Fort Cochin, where Chinese fishing nets line the shore.
This afternoon you could join our optional excursion - a spice trail walking tour which will take you through the story of the international spice trade since the 1400s.
In the evening we will experience a traditional Kathakali dance performance - a colourful spectacle with elaborate costumes and references to literature, music, painting and dance.

Meals included: B,D

Day 15 Cochin - Alleppey

Today is the day that we will experience the incredible backwaters of Kerala. We travel to Alleppey to board our traditional, thatch-roofed Kettuvallam houseboat for a lazy cruise through the labyrinthine canals past coconut groves, rice fields, hidden temples and tiny islands. We will stay on board overnight.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 16 Alleppey - Marari

After breakfast aboard our houseboat we travel on to the beach resort of Marari. As with many hotels in India our hotel has a bring your own policy and doesn't serve alcohol on site so we stop along the way at the perfect place to pick up some drinks to enjoy whilst there.

Meals included: B,D

Day 17 Marari - at Leisure

You might choose to enjoy some 'me' time today on the beach, which is just steps away from your spa hotel. You can laze on its golden sands under the shade of a palm tree, or take a dip in the enticing waters of the Arabian Sea. Perhaps you'll have the chance to watch as the fishermen haul in their traditional nets.

Meals included: B,D

Day 18 Marari - UK

Today we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

Meals included: B
  1. Travelsphere Cares

    We're proud to support the Salaam Baalak Trust, which does incredible work with former street children in Delhi.

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Crowne Plaza Okhla

The 4-star Crowne Plaza Okhla is centrally located in Delhi.

Hotel facilities include two restuarants, bar, spa and fitness centre. Bedrooms have private facilities, mini-bar, hairdryer and tea/coffee-making facilities.

The 4-star Crowne Plaza Okhla is centrally located in Delhi.

Hotel facilities include two restuarants, bar, spa and fitness centre. Bedrooms have private facilities, mini-bar, hairdryer and tea/coffee-making facilities.

Abhyaran Hotel

Hotel rooms are well-lit, spacious, and furnished with comfortable beds to ensure maximum comfort. Hotel has a 24-hour reception to be able to serve guests at all times.

Hotel rooms are well-lit, spacious, and furnished with comfortable beds to ensure maximum comfort. Hotel has a 24-hour reception to be able to serve guests at all times.

Grand Mercure

The Grand Mercure Agra is inspired by the city's rich history, and overlooks the Taj Mahal. Hotel rooms feature air-conditioning, flat-screen TV and tea/coffee-making facilities. Other hotel amenities include a rooftop pool, a restaurant and a bar.

The Grand Mercure Agra is inspired by the city's rich history, and overlooks the Taj Mahal. Hotel rooms feature air-conditioning, flat-screen TV and tea/coffee-making facilities. Other hotel amenities include a rooftop pool, a restaurant and a bar.

Ramada Jaipur

The 4-star Ramada Hotel Jaipur is located in the heart of the 'Pink City'.

Hotel facilities include a choice of restaurants, bar, swimming pool, gym and spa. Bedrooms have private facilities, tea/coffee maker, TV and mini-bar.

The 4-star Ramada Hotel Jaipur is located in the heart of the 'Pink City'.

Hotel facilities include a choice of restaurants, bar, swimming pool, gym and spa. Bedrooms have private facilities, tea/coffee maker, TV and mini-bar.

Fortune Jaypee Celestial Bangalore

Situated in the heart of Bengaluru, Fortune Park JP Celestial complements the modern lifestyle of the city. The hotel is perfectly placed in close proximity to the lush green Bengaluru Race Course and Commercial Business District. With such a central location, this first class hotel in Bengaluru has been designed for traveller seeking a relaxing stay. Hotel facilities include restaurant, bar, fitness centre, seasonal pool. Guest rooms have private facilities, safe, air-conditioning and TV.

Situated in the heart of Bengaluru, Fortune Park JP Celestial complements the modern lifestyle of the city. The hotel is perfectly placed in close proximity to the lush green Bengaluru Race Course and Commercial Business District. With such a central location, this first class hotel in Bengaluru has been designed for traveller seeking a relaxing stay. Hotel facilities include restaurant, bar, fitness centre, seasonal pool. Guest rooms have private facilities, safe, air-conditioning and TV.

Fortune Jaypee Palace

The 5-star Fortune JP Palace is situated in the centre of Mysore.

Hotel facilities include a selection of restaurants, bar and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, mini-bar, hairdryer, safe, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV.

The 5-star Fortune JP Palace is situated in the centre of Mysore.

Hotel facilities include a selection of restaurants, bar and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, mini-bar, hairdryer, safe, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV.

Fortune Sullivan Court

Set on the gentle slopes of Ooty, amidst lush green lawns and a colourful garden, the Fortune Resort Sullivan Court is a modern-day tribute to John Sullivan, who founded the scenic town of Ooty in 1821. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and fitness centre. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, mini-bar, hairdryer, safe, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV.

Set on the gentle slopes of Ooty, amidst lush green lawns and a colourful garden, the Fortune Resort Sullivan Court is a modern-day tribute to John Sullivan, who founded the scenic town of Ooty in 1821. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and fitness centre. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, mini-bar, hairdryer, safe, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV.

The Fern Hotel

The Fern Hotel is situated in Cochin.

Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, safe, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV.

The Fern Hotel is situated in Cochin.

Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, safe, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV.

Houseboat

Enjoy an overnight stay with a difference on a Houseboat, modelled on the area’s traditional rice boats.

Enjoy an overnight stay with a difference on a Houseboat, modelled on the area’s traditional rice boats.

Abad Turtle Beach Resort

Spread across an area of 13 acres of land, Turtle Beach Resort is ideally located at Mararikulam and overlooks the white sandy Marari Beach. Hotel facilities include a restaurant and outdoor pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, a safe, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV. As with many hotels in India the hotel operates a dry policy and doesn't serve alcohol, before arrival we will stop en-route to pick up some drinks those who for wish to.

Spread across an area of 13 acres of land, Turtle Beach Resort is ideally located at Mararikulam and overlooks the white sandy Marari Beach. Hotel facilities include a restaurant and outdoor pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, a safe, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV. As with many hotels in India the hotel operates a dry policy and doesn't serve alcohol, before arrival we will stop en-route to pick up some drinks those who for wish to.

Optional Excursions

Experience even more of your destination by adding one or more optional experiences to your holiday before you set off. Take a look below at the extra trips you can enjoy on this tour

India - Agra - the Taj Mahal at sunset from Mehtab Bagh

India - Agra - the Taj Mahal at sunset from Mehtab Bagh

If you just can't wait to catch sight of the beautiful Taj Mahal, why not choose to experience another view of it this evening from Mehtab Bagh. The Mehtab Bagh was the last of eleven Mughal-built gardens along the Yamuna River. Sited opposite the Taj Mahal, the gardens offer great views of this wonder of the world, as the sun sets.
If you just can't wait to catch sight of the beautiful Taj Mahal, why not choose to experience another view of it this evening from Mehtab Bagh. The Mehtab Bagh was the last of ele...

Read less

Read more

Cochin - The Spice Trail

Cochin - The Spice Trail

Our walking tour in Fort Kochi begins from Vasco House, a 500-year-old structure. Along the way we will stop at the Parade Ground and, wandering down the shoreline, you'll see the iconic Chinese fishing nets and the local fish auction in action. Stopping by a café in what was originally a bustling pepper warehouse, you could try a glass of iced tea whilst hearing the history of this heritage building. Our walk next takes us to a local shrine and finally ends in Mattancherry.
Our walking tour in Fort Kochi begins from Vasco House, a 500-year-old structure. Along the way we will stop at the Parade Ground and, wandering down the shoreline, you'll see the ...

Read less

Read more

Further Information

Deposit information

When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount;

  • European Holidays - £200 Per person
  • Worldwide Holidays - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater
  • Ocean Cruises - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater

On some holidays we may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking.

If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book.

Our cancellation policy

If you decide to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us (or your travel agent) in writing, as soon as possible. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.

  • More than 75 days before departure - Loss of deposit only
  • 43 - 74 days - 50% of tour price
  • 29 - 42 days - 75% of tour price
  • 15 - 28 days - 90% of tour price
  • Day of Departure - 14 days - 100% of tour price

Our full cancellation policy can be found in our booking terms and conditions, section 8.

How do I find out Entry and Health Requirements for my holiday?

We have partnered with Sherpa, an on-line self service tool that allows you to search up-to-date information regarding travel entry requirements for all countries and also allows you to apply for eVisas or eTAs via their on-line portal. Just click on this link to find out more – Travel Requirements & Visa Service

You can also refer to the Foreign Travel Advice section on the gov.uk website: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Click on your destination and then click on 'Entry Requirements'. For Health Requirements, the Department of Health also offers travellers health advice on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, click on country information to locate your destination.

It is important to remember that passport, visa and health requirements can change before departure; therefore, we recommend you regularly familiarise yourself with the latest requirements before you travel. If you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements, we are unable to accept any responsibility.

For some destinations, it is not always discernable that a visa is required for entry at the border.  For example, for some customers, to travel to the United States, an ESTA may be required. For Canada, an ETA and to India, an e-visa may be needed. Please do check your requirements to avoid any unnecessary cost and delays.

Guided tour holidays you may also like

  1. NEW DATES ADDED

    Beyond the Golden Triangle

    Delve into India's rich history and fascinating culture, explore the Taj Mahal and go on safari in search of the Bengal tiger.

    • Return flights
    • 8 nights in 4 & 5-star and heritage hotels and lodges plus 1 night in flight
    • 19 meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 8 dinners

    10 days from
    £1,999
    Explore
  2. Highlights of Sri Lanka

    If you're searching for a paradise island teeming with wildlife, incredible landscapes and a colourful culture, head to Sri Lanka.

    • Return flights
    • 11 nights in 4 or 5-star hotels, 1 night in flight
    • 23 meals: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 11 dinners

    13 days from
    £2,749
    was £2,949
    Explore
  3. A Journey through Southeast Asia

    Vietnam's stunning Halong Bay, Cambodia's magnificent Angkor temples, Mount Phousi in Laos and a cruise of the Mekong to Thailand – this epic journey includes so much.

    • Return flights
    • 18 nights in 3 or 4-star hotels, overnight cruise, 2 nights in flight
    • 43 meals: 19 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 11 dinners

    22 days from
    £4,749
    was £4,999
    Explore

Prices shown are based on twin occupancy of a double or twin bedded room with private facilities unless otherwise stated. Single occupancy supplements will apply. Travelsphere have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the hotel images provided on this website and images of room types displayed may vary to those offered on your tour. Therefore due to the possibility of inadvertent errors we do not guarantee their accuracy. Accommodation, airlines used and flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed in your final documents.

Reasons to book with Travelsphere

  • 60 years of touring
  • Expert direction & local flavours
  • Carefully-crafted holidays
  • A service you can count on
  • Book with confidence

100% Protection

All Travelsphere holidays are financially protected via ATOL (flight-inclusive holidays) and financial insurance (non-flight packages). Additionally, all customer money is held in a Trust Fund, governed by independent Trustees. This means your money is 100% protected no matter what.