Premium
Explorer
Premium North & South India
23 days • 4.8
5
Excellent
10 reviews
23 days
Start
Delhi, India
Finish
Kochi, India
Trip Code
HHPWC
Min Age
18
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
21 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 9 dinners
Transport
Auto rickshaw, Boat, Cycle rickshaw, Metro, Plane, Private vehicle, Jeep, Ferry
Accommodation
Hotel (16 nights), Jaipur Feature Stay (2 nights), Houseboat Feature Stay (1 night), Kochi Feature Stay (2 nights)
From £5,284(23 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Enjoy accommodation like no other – an opulently decorated heritage stay in Jaipur, a beautiful converted houseboat on the Kerala backwaters and a suave heritage hotel in Kochi are your Feature Stays on this trip.
Find out what makes Indian cuisine so special during Exclusive Experiences, including local-lead food tours in Varanasi and Madurai, home-cooked meals with local families, and an ayurvedic cooking demonstration and dinner.
Discover the beauty in buildings that lie across India, from Jaipur’s Amber Fort and Royal City Palace to Agra’s Red Fort and iconic Taj Mahal, and see architectural influences from a multicultural past in Puducherry and Kochi.
Take part in Exclusive Experiences to remember – cruise down the Ganges with local musicians, and witness a lively performance of kalarippayattu.
Is this trip right for you?
In the summer months, India can get very hot. Be sure to drink lots of water, pack light cotton clothing and use adequate skin protection. It can also get foggy between December and February, which can put a new spin on the already spectacular scenery. However, it may cause traffic congestion and delays.
There are several early mornings on this trip, as many parts of India really come alive in the dawn light.
There are a number of long travel days on this trip. Some journeys take up to six hours, but are a great opportunity to get to know locals, fellow travellers and the diverse scenery. The drive to Munnar is on windy roads into the mountains. Motion sickness can be an issue for some, but the scenery is stunning and regular stops will be made to break up your journey.
Itinerary
Unveil the mysteries of India from Delhi to Kochi
Discover the best of north and south India on a 23-day Premium adventure, from bustling Delhi to multicultural Kochi. Experience the magic of the heritage-rich north at the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, and immerse yourself in local culture as you meet the owner of a royal haveli and cruise down the Ganges. Take in the natural charms of the south while looking for elephants in Periyar National Park, walking through the tea plantations of Munnar and cruising the Kerala backwaters. Travel with local leaders who will show you the vibrant heart of a country that delights, surprises and intrigues.
Inclusions
Meals
21 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 9 dinners
Transport
Auto rickshaw, Boat, Cycle rickshaw, Metro, Plane, Private vehicle, Jeep, Ferry
Accommodation
Hotel (16 nights), Jaipur Feature Stay (2 nights), Houseboat Feature Stay (1 night), Kochi Feature Stay (2 nights)
Included activities
Delhi - Welcome dinner
Old Delhi City Tour
Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Delhi - Jama Masjid (Shoe Keeper)
Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
Agra - Taj Mahal
Agra - Expert-led street food tour (as dinner)
Agra - Agra Fort Visit
Jaipur - Leader-led orientation walk
Jaipur - Home-cooked dinner
Jaipur - Amber Fort
Jaipur - City Palace
Lucknow - Orientation Walk
Lucknow - Sheroes Dinner
Lucknow City Tour
Lucknow – Awadhi Cooking Class
Orientation Walk in Varanasi
Varanasi - Evening Ganga aarti with musicians on boat
Varanasi - Ganges candle flower ceremony
Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
Sarnath Museum Visit
Sarnath Stupa Visit
Farewell Dinner at Haveli Dharampura
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Chennai - Welcome dinner
Mamallapuram - Shore Temples guided tour
Puducherry - Leader-led French Quarter walking tour
Puducherry - Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Puducherry - snack stop at local cafe
Madurai - Leader-led street food tour
Madurai - Sri Meenakshi 1000 Pillar
Madurai - Sri Meenakshi Temple
Madurai - Gandhi Museum
Madurai - Leader-led walking tour
Madurai - Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace
Madurai - Local family visit and home-cooked Tamil dinner
Thekkady - Expert-guided spice plantation visit and lunch
Periyar - Kalaripayattu (Indian Martial Art) performance
Periyar - Guided nature walk
Munnar - Tea plantation
Munnar - Tea Museum
Munnar - Mattupetty Dam
Munnar - Leader-led town walking tour
Kochi - Kathakali performance
Kochi - Jewish Synagogue
Kochi - Ferry to Mattancherry
Kochi - Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
Kochi - Dutch Palace
Kochi - Keralan cooking class
Optional activities
Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
Delhi - Red Fort - INR600
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
















Important notes
1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. This trip includes domestic flights. The luggage allowance is 15kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on. You can store excess luggage at the start point hotel.
4. This trip is a combination of two trips. Please review the Itinerary for details of when your fellow travellers and leader will change.
Reviews (10)
5 stars
9
3 stars
1
Judith
Feb 05, 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed the premiumNorth and South India tour. The guides were excellent, very helpful, and organized. The inclusions, food and accommodations were outstanding. We would highly recommend this trip
Vicki
Dec 03, 2024
Gail & Allan
Nov 13, 2024
Thank you Intrepid! Our Premium 22 day trip to North and South India was all we expected and more. This was made possible by our tour guides Mohsin in the North and Promad in the South whose knowledge, friendship, flexibility and calm demeanors meant that nothing was overlooked. We were immersed in the history, culture, sights, flavours and smells of India. A special highlight was the visit to family's homes where they prepared food and discussed their everyday family life. Great insights!!
Mack
Apr 06, 2024
A wonderful survey tour of both North and South India, especially for those on a first visit to India. One suggestion is to book a few extra pre- and post-tour days at tour hotels to allow for recovery from jet lag and to spend additional time at the many sights in both Delhi and Cochi.
Eugenia
Nov 26, 2023
This premium North / South trip was nothing short of incredible. We experienced such diverse cultures and were immersed in the true essence of life in India. A truly amazing adventure that one can not describe accurately— it must be experienced first hand. Our guides were wonderful and made this trip one that we will cherish for a long time.
Tamara
Nov 22, 2023
Just a perfect introduction to the north. Our tour guide Yaddhu was great, good time management, avoided crowds, was always calm, had a lot of knowledge and we were always safe on the road. Highly recommended!
Meg
Nov 12, 2023
Excellent organisation, I couldn’t have asked for a more helpful guide Shakti, who managed to accommodate the needs of a diverse but extremely cohesive group. I have made new friends. Thank you
MAUREEN
Oct 10, 2023
Premium India North and South will totally blow your mind. You will see and taste experiences you would not get on your own. Leaders know the hidden treasures AND take you there. Their knowledge of the greatest restaurants are amazing. Loved it 🤩🥳
claire
Jan 12, 2023
First time in India and I absolutely loved this trip. I wanted to see as much of India as I could within the month and this was a great mix of the north and south. My fav place - the magical Varanassi and a MUST if you are visiting. Filled with rich heritage and history plus safari, local experiences, food and exploring. The only thing missing for me was a bit more time with yoga, beaches and hiking - so would recomend adding an extra week and checking those things out solo or via another tour if thats what you're after.
Laura
Aug 21, 2023
I wish I could rate the North and South segments of the trip separately. First off, there is nothing 'premium' about the hotels. There was ALWAYS something broken. They may have been selected for having premium amenities, but if the amenities don't work then who cares? I would have preferred to spend less. Our guide in the North was unacceptable - CONSTANTLY talking or browsing on his cellphone and not invested. I was hit by a motorcycle and he was so far ahead of the group he was clueless. When I told him he seemed completely unconcerned. On the contrary, our guide in the South was excellent.
Friends and Family Travel is an agent of Intrepid Travel. All Trip content and associated images are copyright of Intrepid Travel.
You are protected
Contact Information
Call us at
0208 058 4003
Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM GMT.
Contact our customer support
contact@friendsandfamily.travel
We’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

© 2024 Friends and Family Travel | All rights reserved.