Captivating India 2026

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 the Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568 and renowned for its beautiful hand-painted Chinese tiles and ancient scrolls of the Torah. Next 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, continue to the Portuguese Fort. 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.

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 (own cost), with time for shopping. Later return to the hotel with time to relax. Dinner own choice at a local restaurant. This evening attend a Kalarippayattu Show to witness a spectacular live demonstration of martial arts with roots from the region.

This morning depart for Munnar. Today is an extended day of travel through spectacular scenery and experiences. 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, in the Kerala backwaters region. Check into the Eastend Lakesong Resort, located on the banks of Lake Vembanad, for two nights, arriving at your hotel at approximately 6:00pm for check in. Dinner this evening is at your hotel.

This morning relax at your hotel, designed in traditional style, which overlooks Lake Vembanadu. Facilities include a restaurant, swimming pool and Spa. Today a 45-minute Ayurvedic massage treatment is included. This afternoon board a Backwater Cruise, that offers a serene escape through a network of tranquil canals, lush green landscapes, and picturesque villages. Glide along and soak in the beauty of coconut groves, vibrant birdlife, and the gentle rhythm of Kerala’s timeless backwaters, includes a late lunch onboard. Later return to shore. Dinner this evening own arrangements.

Early this morning transfer to Cochin (Kochi Airport). Fly to Udaipur via Mumbai. Lunch own arrangements on transit through the 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. Dinner this evening is included at your hotel.

This morning you will visit the spectacular white City Palace and Museum, formerly the abode of the Mewar dynasty. Standing majestically overlooking Lake Pichola, originally built in 1559, it includes 11 palaces. Constructed of granite and marble, view 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 visit the Sahelion-Ki-Bari, a beautiful historical garden built for the Queen of Udaipur and her maidens, known for its lush greenery, marble fountains, lotus pools, and charming pavilions. Continue to the Marahani Arts 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 Ravla 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 or tea 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 Trishala Villas. Later arrive at the “blue city” of Jodhpur, for a two-night stay at the WelcomHotel by ITC Hotels. Dinner is included this evening at the hotel.

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 Jaswant Thada Mausoleum. This afternoon visit an amazing handicraft centre, a special local NGO initiative supporting local children and teenage girls. 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 Pushkar 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 may be performed. Dinner at the hotel restaurant, followed by a visit to the colourful local Pushkin 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. This evening visit the City Palace and 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 up to 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. At 12noon 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 to the Taj Mahal, early evening to capture the sunset. Overnight at the Radisson Hotel Agra with dinner included at your hotel.

This morning visit Agra Fort, then continue to Delhi. Check into the Imperial Hotel, an historic luxury hotel that blends colonial elegance with modern comfort, offering a timeless experience in the heart of the capital. Experience High Tea in this majestic setting at 4:00pm today. Overnight with time to relax and appreciate these majestic surroundings.  

This morning at 8:00am, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full day guided sightseeing tour of Delhi. Begin your exploration in Old Delhi, where you’ll drive past the majestic Red Fort and visit the historic Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Chandni Chowk with a memorable rickshaw ride through its bustling lanes, lined with colourful shops and local eateries. Later, continue to New Delhi to explore iconic landmarks such as Humayun’s Tomb and the towering Qutub Minar, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites that beautifully reflect the city’s Mughal and Indo-Islamic architecture.
In the afternoon, return to your hotel to unwind or enjoy some last-minute shopping at one of Delhi’s vibrant markets. In the evening, gather for a special farewell dinner at the iconic Imperial Hotel, a heritage landmark that exudes colonial charm and elegance—an unforgettable way to conclude your journey.
(The order of todays sightseeing may change due to traffic; tuk tuk transport may be used).

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

• Tour Host Trish Abrahamson ex Cochin to New Delhi
• Assistance at airport by local English-speaking service representatives
• Accommodation in a mixture of First class and Heritage hotels plus, two nights at the luxury Imperial Hotel in Delhi
• Daily buffet breakfasts; 3 lunches; 10 dinners (Meals: B=Breakfast, L=lunch, HT=High Tea, D=Dinner)
• All transfers, excursions, and sightseeing tours, by air-conditioned licensed tourist coach with driver
• Mineral water available in coach
• Female guide in South India
• Male guide in North India
• Monument/temple entrances as per programme
• Kathakali Dance Show tickets in Cochin
• Kalarippayattu – 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 flights 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 Indian lunch and Henna painting & Sari demonstration
• Ranakpur Temple visit (by Audio guide) followed by lunch at Trishala Villas  
• Walking tour of blue city in Jodhpur
• Visit to local NGO initiative ‘Sambhali Trust’ supporting young and teenage girls
• Evening visit to 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
• Farewell dinner in the 1911 Restaurant at the Imperial Hotel, in Delhi
• All current applicable taxes
• Porterage at the hotels
• Local tipping
• India Pre departure tour notes – issued by Innovative Travel
• 24/7 local back up from local Indian agent

• International airfares (Option to fly ex Christchurch, 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!