Captivating India 2025

A leisurely breakfast this morning, with the opportunity to meet your tour companions, before departing to the Fort Kochi area. Drive along the coast and view some of the earliest European architecture in India. Visit Matancherry (Dutch) Palace displaying murals and portraits of the Rajas of Kochi and view original Chinese Fishing Nets along the coastline. Continue to St Francis Church, the original burial site of Vasco de Gama. Stop for a local lunch (own cost), then return to your hotel. Early this evening (5.30pm) attend a traditional Kathakali Dance Show displaying traditional dance of Kerala including vibrant storytelling, followed by dinner at your hotel.

This morning depart to Munnar located high in the hills of the Kerala region, with lush vegetation, its rich soil ideal for traditional herb, organic farming and tea. Enroute you may see monkeys, sometimes visible from the roadside. Stop at the organic Kerala Farm, board a 4WD, for a steep downhill drive, to discover the traditional herb gardens. Later an opportunity to purchase locally produced Indian herbal medicines or visit the nearby honey and chocolate shops. Continue driving around the steep hills. As you near your hotel, transfer to a smaller coach for the final drive along a narrow road with spectacular cliffside views. The Devonshire Greens Hotel is your base for two nights. Dinner this evening is a tasty buffet at the hotel.
Note: The Devonshire Hotel is a “dry hotel”.  Enroute the Coach will stop at a Wine Shop, where alcohol may be purchased, for consumption in in your room only.

Tea has been an integral part in the history of Munnar. This morning visit the TATA Tea Museum which chronicles the history of tea in the area and located in a working tea plantation. Visit the demonstration room to see how the tea is graded, with white tea leaves at the top of the plant, with an opportunity to sample exotic tea varieties. This hillside tea plantation, once owned by the TATA group, is now mainly locally owned, by the growers and former employees. Stop for lunch in a local village, with time for shopping. Later return to the hotel with time to relax. Dinner own choice at the hotel. This evening attend a Kalarippayattu Show to witness a spectacular live demonstration of martial arts with roots from the region.

This morning depart Munnar. Visit the Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. The protected area encompasses 305 sq. km, where many endangered flora and fauna and some animals are protected. Further discover this natural habitat, on a boat ride. Continue to Kumarakom, located in the Kerala backwaters region. Check into the Lakesong Hotel, located on the banks of Lake Vembanad, for two nights. Dinner this evening is at your hotel.

This morning relax at your hotel, a 45-minute Ayurvedic massage treatment is included. This afternoon board a Backwater Cruise with a late lunch included. Later return to shore. Dinner this evening own arrangements.

Early this morning drive to Cochin (Kochi) Airport. Fly to Udaipur via a transit point. Lunch own arrangements at transit airport, with time to shop. We suggest carrying a book in your hand luggage today, in case of any delays.
On arrival in Udaipur this evening transfer to the Trident Hotel, your base for three-nights.

This morning visit the spectacular white City Palace and Museum, former abode of the Mewar dynasty. Standing majestically overlooking Lake Pichola, originally built in 1559, it includes 11 palaces. Constructed of granite and marble, see the impressive hanging gardens, fountains, intricate glass works and artworks. Option to climb to higher level floors or stop for a coffee in the Palace coffee shop, with time for shopping, or relax and survey the surrounding vibrant scene. Continue to the Marahani Art and handicraft Gallery, with a lecture on the local art history, with an opportunity to purchase local artwork.
Early this evening board a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola, which Rudyard Kipling mentioned in his “Letters of Marque”. Stop for a drink at the Picholi Bar the 17thC, Jagmadir Island Palace, also called the Lake Garden Palace. (drink own cost). Return to shore for dinner at a local restaurant.

A leisurely departure this morning to Rawla Khempur, for a behind-the-scenes stories of the famous book and movie, “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”, starring Dame Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, and others. Relive some famous moments from the movie when seven British retirees, convinced by the hotels imaginative marketing, relocate to India, and encounter a surprise! Coffee is served with a henna painting and sari wrapping demonstration, then continue for a tour and lunch. Later return to Udaipur. Dinner own arrangements this evening
Important Note: If this location is a live movie set, an alternative tour will be arranged for today.

This morning depart Udaipur. Drive via Ranakpur and visit a Jain Temple (an audio guide is provided. A head scarf and modest dress are recommended). Continue for lunch at the Trista Villas. Later arrive at the “blue city” of Jodhpur, for a two-night stay at the deluxe WelcomHotel. Dinner is included this evening.

This morning explore this beautiful city, inspired by the oldest district buildings in blue. Visit the massive Mehrangarh Fort and take in the amazing view of the Blue city. Continue to the Jawant Thada Mausoleum. This afternoon visit an amazing handicraft centre, a special initiative supporting local children and teenage girls. It is recommended to bring a primary or high school book to donate to this incredible venture, started by a local family and renowned for its work. A small cash contribution may also be made. Continue to the vibrant evening Sardar Market, before savouring dinner in a local restaurant in Jodhpur.

This morning depart Jodhpur enroute to Pushkin. Arrive for an overnight stay in the Rawai Puskar Tents. Located in a garden area, accommodation is modest but comfortable, with private facilities. A restaurant and pool are on site, with the opportunity to relax this afternoon or optional visit to a local temple, where rituals maybe performed. Dinner at the hotel restaurant, followed by a visit to the colourful local markets.

Depart Pushkin this morning and drive to the pink city of Jaipur, painted red (a lucky colour in Hindu culture), to welcome England’s Prince Alfred in 1853. Founded in 1727, it was the creation of Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of the Kuchwaha Rajputs. Enroute stop at Sanganer area and gain insight of Jaipur’s traditional textile industry, promoted by royals in the early 18th Century. Stop at the home of Bandhej fabric, renowned for its traditional block printing, rich handicrafts, and cotton stores. Your tour includes glimpses of back street life. Opportunity to purchase quality locally produced cotton goods. Time allowing visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, designed between 1724 and 1730 by Maharajah Sawaii Jai Singh II. Each structure has a unique specialised astronomical measurement.
Your accommodation has been reserved for 2 nights at the 19thC Palace heritage hotel, Shahpura House. Dinner is included this evening at your hotel.

This morning visit Amber Fort, a classic romantic Rajasthani Palace (travel by jeep to/from the rampart). Time to wander through this enchanting palace and gardens. Attached to the fort is the Artchill Galleries founded in 1994, it has become one of the largest modern art galleries in India and focuses on contemporary art from the Rajasthan region.
This afternoon explore this medieval walled city in an “Eco-pink rickshaw”, a unique local initiative, by a not-for-profit organisation, to provide training and employment for local women, from poor households. This afternoon visit a colourful Bollywood movie theatre, for a glimpse of an action-packed Bollywood Movie. This evening, a special highlight, attend a local cooking school in the home of a local royal family, on the rooftop of their home. Then sample the dishes at a delicious dinner. A welcome drink of local beer, wine, gin & tonic or juice is included.

This morning depart Jaipur and travel to Agra. Enroute visit Abhaneri Stepwell, designed to provide irrigation year-round. Constructed over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village, it has 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry and is the largest stairwell in the world. On arrival in Agra this afternoon, explore this amazing city with strong roots in the Mughal period. The Mughals were great rulers and inspirational builders, preserving their best architectural wonders including the masterpiece of the Taj Mahal.
Built by Emperor Shah Jehan as a tribute to his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal monument was completed in 1653 and took almost 22 years and 20,000 workers to build. A unique blend of Persian, Islamic and Indian styles define the entire complex, recognized by UNESCO as “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage”. A visit is included early evening to capture the sunset. Overnight at the Radisson Agra with dinner included at your hotel.

This morning visit Agra Fort, then continue to Delhi. Check into the iconic historic Imperial Hotel. Experience High Tea in this majestic setting.
Perhaps take a tour of the hotel’s historic sites. Overnight with time to relax and appreciate these majestic surroundings.

This morning at 8am, via coach and walking, visit the iconic locations of the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Today’s tour includes a rickshaw ride at Chandani. Continue to Humayun’s Tomb & Qutab Minar.
Return to your hotel later this afternoon, with time to relax or do some last-minute shopping before dinner. A farewell dinner is included at the Imperial Hotel.

Check out after breakfast, or until midday. A departure transfer to the airport is included.

• Tour Host Trish Abrahamson ex Cochin to New Delhi
• Accommodation in a mixture of First class and Heritage hotels plus, two nights at the luxury Imperial Hotel in Delhi
• Daily buffet breakfast
• Air-conditioned licensed tourist coach with driver
• Female guide in South India
• Male guide in North India
• Monument/temple entrances as per programme
• 10 dinners
• Kathakali Dance Show tickets in Cochin
• Kalaripayattu – Martial Arts Show in Munnar
• Periyar Lake boat ride in Thekkady
• 45-minute massage treatment at Kumarakom Hotel
• Afternoon Backwater Day Cruise with onboard Lunch
• Domestic flight with 23 kg limit from Kochi to Udaipur
• Evening private Boat Ride across scenic Lake Pichola in Udaipur
• Visit to Best Exotic Marigold hotel location (Rawla Khempur) with fixed menu Indian lunch with Henna painting and Sari demonstration
• Enroute Ranakpur Temple visit (by Audio guide) followed by lunch at Trishala Vilas Ranakpur while driving from Udaipur to Jodhpur
• Walking tour of blue city
• Visit to Sambhali Trust supporting young and teenage girls
• Evening visit local markets in Pushkar
• Afternoon Textiles and fashion tour in Sanganer near Jaipur
• Jeep ride (to & from) up to the rampart of Amer Fort in Jaipur
• Afternoon Heritage Tour, by Eco pink rickshaw company in Jaipur
• Bollywood Movie show at Raj Mandir Cinema in Jaipur
• Visit Abhaneri Stepwell while driving form Jaipur to Agra
• Hi-Tea at The Atrium, Hotel Imperial in New Delhi
• Rickshaw ride at Chandani Chowk in Old Delhi
• Farewell Dinner at 1911 Restaurant at the Imperial Hotel in Delhi
• Mineral water available in coach
• Assistance at airport by local English-speaking service representatives
• All current applicable taxes
• Local rep assistance at airports
• Daily mineral water on the coach
• All transfers, excursions, and sightseeing tours, by Air-conditioned coach
• Porterage at the hotels
• Pre departure tour notes by Innovative Travel
• 24/7 local back up from local Indian agent
• Local tipping

Meals : B = Breakfast, L = lunch, HT = High Tea, D = Dinner

• International airfares (Option to fly NZ return with tour host available)
• Any meals/drinks other than specified
• Personal expenses
• Departure Taxes
• E-Visa (must be arranged in advance)
• Drinks/minibar
• Travel Insurance (compulsory) – please include a copy of your insurance at the time of full payment
• Early check-in/checkout
• Any other item not mentioned in the itinerary
• Local taxes/subject to change without notice at any time
• Surcharge for individual arrival transfers between 1800 and 0700
• Local tax increases, if these occur
• Toilet tips for local attendants
• Tipping for non-included meals and optional tours

►Welcome to India. Be ready for a grand adventure.
►India is a populous country, with over 1,4 billion inhabitants, and some infra structure challenges! Driving times are at a slower rate, hence some transfer days will require longer days. Some other local daily sightseeing will start a little later, where possible, to balance the programme.
►The tour schedule order may change at any time according to local traffic, roadworks or other local conditions.
►The hotel standard check in 2pm/checkout Midday. On the day of arrival, if you plan to arrive very early in the morning, Innovative Travel can assist with an additional pre tour night, on request, to guarantee an early check in.
►Remember to “pack” your sense of humor and patience!