Overnight international flight to New Delhi.

Upon arrival and airport reception transfer, to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Begin with a morning tour of Old Delhi with a cycle rickshaw ride through the streets. Make a panoramic visit to the Red Fort, which was the most affluent fort and palace of the once reigning Mughal Empire. Then it’s on to Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. The final stop in Old Delhi will lead to Chandni Chowk (closed on Sunday), a lively and colorful market that was once the commercial center of the city.
Then drive to New Delhi, which will provide a stark contrast between the old and the new; a recurring theme throughout India. In New Delhi visit the India Gate monument, followed by the grounds of the Parliament House and other extravagant government buildings. Then continue to Humayun’s Tomb, built in honor of India’s second Mughal emperor. Later visit the world’s tallest brick minaret, Qutub Minar.


Note: Yampu recommends an optional tour (price not included) to enjoy a fine dinner at the Veda Restaurant, a lavishly designed nouvelle cuisine curry house that offers a fusion of traditional Indian food with a modern spin. A second option is a visit to Akshardham, a unique, yet stunning monument that boasts 234 elaborately carved pillars, 9 decorative domes, 20 quadrangled shikhars (towers of Hindu architecture), stone elephants sculptures, and 20,000 murtis (Hindu images portraying Divine spirits). Please inquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more information.
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Begin with a drive to Agra that will take approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Then proceed for a sightseeing tour of the stunning Taj Mahal, India’s most picture perfect work of architecture and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Driving through the city to the Agra Fort, there will be a good photo op of the local scene and bazaars and the everyday buzz of India. Once at the Agra Fort, stroll through its regal chambers that were once called home to some of India’s most powerful Mughal emperors


Note: Yampu recommends an optional tour (cost not included) to a showing of Mohabbat The Taj, a live show with a touch of Bollywood comes highly recommended. This 80 minute presentation is a charming way to top off the day at the Kalakriti Auditorium. Please inquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more details.
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Drive approximately 4-5 hours to Jaipur. En route, stop to enjoy an excursion to the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, the once imperial city of the Mughal dynasty that was mysteriously deserted years after its inception. This ornate city was built with such grandeur that words do not do justice to the glorious atmosphere created by its buildings. Once arrived, check in and have some time to relax before a sound and light show at the city’s Amber Fort.

This morning return to the Amber Fort for a half day excursion. Strolling through the magnificent rooms and chambers, observe the various intricate ivory, mirror and glass work. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour that will begin at the City Palace Museum, followed by a visit to Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726), and great photographic opportunity at the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds – a spectacular five storied, honeycomb styled building exemplifying superb Rajput artistry.


Note: Yampu recommends an optional tour (price not included) of an evening elephant safari. After a chance to feed these gentle creatures, ride upon their backs through a private jungle area, passing many villages, fields and a medieval fortress as the sun sets. Please inquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more information.
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Transfer to the airport for a flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Spend the remaining time at leisure enjoying the city.

Transfer to the jetty at the Gateway of India to board a boat to Elephanta Island to see the shrine cut from the hillside. This ancient stone temple is decorated with intricate sculptures of Hindu Gods. Perhaps the most glorious of them all is the Hindu Trinity, which depicts three aspects of Shiva the Creator, Preserver and the Destroyer.
Upon returning to the city, there will be time to explore and observe the Gateway of India. With four turrets and intricate latticework, the archway was constructed out of yellow basalt stone for the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911, the first visit of any British Monarchs. Near the arch, find steps down to the water; there small motor launches offering short cruises of the harbor (price not included).
Moving to the old British part of town, there will be a chance to stroll through the Crawford Market and sample some of the local fruit, vegetable, and meat stands. Completed in 1869, this covered market is elegantly designed with an impressive clock tower and steeple that stands above the surrounding skyline.
Also on deck for today is a visit to the Prince of Wales Museum, an odd looking building built with a mixture of Gothic and Moorish styles. With an array of ancient Indus Valley artifacts dating to 2000 BC, and also priceless pieces of Tibetan and Nepali art, Buddhist scrolls and Tibetan bronzes. However, the most notable attraction here is the collection of over 2000 miniature paintings from India’s various art schools.
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Flight to Kochi’s international airport. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Today visit the Jewish Synagogue of 1568, the oldest in the nation. An interesting and intimate building, the floors are delicately hand painted with willow pattern floor tiles that originated from Canton, China in the 18th century. Located in Jew Town, this area is also one of the local spice trade centers. Also visit the ancient Dutch Mattancherry Palace. Originally built by the Portuguese (in 1557), but later renovated by the Dutch (1663), the most notable feature is the astonishing murals embellished throughout the palace rooms that depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharta and Puranic legends.
Another stop is taken at the St. Francis Church, which is also the oldest European built church in the commonwealth, constructed in 1503 by the Portuguese. Although his remains were transferred to Lisbon, here lies the tombstone of the famed Vasco de Gama, the first European to reach India by sailing around the Cape of Good Hope. Also pay a visit to the shore to see the amazing Chinese fishing nets in action, which are both unique and beautiful in form. Finally, cap off the evening by enjoying a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
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Drive approximately 2 hours to Alleppey to board the houseboat. Once aboard, cruise along the backwaters for a few hours, passing small villages and observing the local lifestyles. En route, pass by astoundingly lush coconut trees. Today see coir making, tea shops, paddy fields, temples and beaches all the way until sunset. Once night arrives, the boat will be anchored at a beautiful and serene part of the lake, where the comfort of superb local cuisine prepared by a personal onboard cook can be enjoyed. Lunch is also served onboard today. ...read less

Awake to pristine surroundings for a prepared breakfast before disembarkation to Kumarakom for the remainder of the trip. Kumarakom is a popular and scenic destination located near the city of Kottayam that is most well-known for its backwater tourism. Located on Kerala’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Vembanad, there are many resorts that offer boating, yachting and fishing. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure enjoying the panoramic views of the lake and exploring the region.

Depart for Kochi for a connection to Mumbai and flight home or continue with an optional Yampu Tours add-on.