15 Days Taj & Tranquil South Retreat

Explore Fusion of Mughals, Rajputs, Marathas and Dravinian Delight Discover Golden Triangle and Spices of South India A Journey through India’s Rich History and Diverse Culture From Taj Mahal to Temples, and Tandoor to Dosa

15 Days Taj & Tranquil South Retreat

From Chaos of Bustling Bazaars of Delhi to Majestic Palaces of Rajasthan, and to Beaches and Backwaters of Southern India, incredible India welcomes you for 15-day tour.  Wonder at grandeur of the Taj Mahal in Agra, experience Palaces of Maharajas, urban life of Mumbai, and miracle of South India. Explore green sceneries, amazing cultures, bustling bazaars, and authentic cuisine of India. Swaying palm trees, rolling hills and calming backwaters make up southern India's landscapes. Explore into  Periyar National Park to look for wildlife and tiger tracks, visit tea plantations to learn the magic of Tea / Chai making. This is truly the aroma of Incredible India.

Why you'll love this trip

  • Experience Old Delhi on a rikshaw and walking tour through the narrow alleyways and exploring Delhi’s oldest mosque.
  • See the Taj Mahal very close and stand amazed at the unpredictable optical illusions that design the marble on this extravagant monument of Indian architecture.
  • Visit the spectacular hillside Amber Fort and and get fascinated at the Sheesh Mahal (Corridor of Mirrors), where the walls are covered in a mosaic of reflective and coloured glass.
  • Visit the spectacular hillside Amber Fort and and get fascinated at the Sheesh Mahal (Corridor of Mirrors), where the walls are covered in a mosaic of reflective and coloured glass.
  • Mumbai city of Bollywood and Dreams offers a fusion of Past, Present and Future through its architectures.
  • Western Ghats offers thundering waterfalls, tea plantations, spice markets, and echoes of a colonial history.
  • Explore Cochin – a colonial center and major port city in India’s southwest.
  • Discover history of Cochin through walking tour such as India’s oldest functioning synagogue and a mixture of Portuguese, Dutch and British architectural styles.
  • Nature walk in Periyar National Park for tiger tracks with your local village guides.
  • Your local guide will be available with insider information to help you have a unique experience of this enchanting trip.
  • Traveling by train gives the best opportunity for local interaction, at a more comfortable without rush experience.
Start Delhi, India
Finish Delhi, India
Theme Explorer
Destinations India
Physical rating
⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size Min 1 – Max 12
Trip code
HHSN
This trip generates 45 kg of Co2-e per person per day. We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.
  • Guaranteed
    Saturday
    Feb 15, 2025
    Saturday
    Mar 1, 2025
    $2500
    $1760
    30% OFF
    16
    Available
  • Guaranteed
    Saturday
    Mar 15, 2025
    Saturday
    Mar 29, 2025
    $2500
    $1760
    30% OFF
    16
    Available
  • Guaranteed
    Saturday
    Apr 19, 2025
    Saturday
    May 3, 2025
    $2500
    $1760
    30% OFF
    16
    Available
  • Guaranteed
    Saturday
    May 17, 2025
    Saturday
    May 31, 2025
    $2500
    $1760
    30% OFF
    16
    Available
  • Guaranteed
    Saturday
    Jun 21, 2025
    Saturday
    Jul 5, 2025
    $2500
    $1760
    30% OFF
    16
    Available
  • Guaranteed
    Saturday
    Jul 19, 2025
    Saturday
    Aug 2, 2025
    $2500
    $1760
    30% OFF
    16
    Available
  • Guaranteed
    Saturday
    Aug 16, 2025
    Saturday
    Aug 30, 2025
    $2500
    $1760
    30% OFF
    16
    Available
  • Guaranteed
    Saturday
    Sep 20, 2025
    Saturday
    Oct 4, 2025
    $2500
    $1760
    30% OFF
    16
    Available
  • Guaranteed
    Saturday
    Oct 18, 2025
    Saturday
    Nov 1, 2025
    $2500
    $1760
    30% OFF
    16
    Available
  • Guaranteed
    Saturday
    Nov 15, 2025
    Saturday
    Nov 29, 2025
    $2500
    $1760
    30% OFF
    16
    Available
From $2500 $1760
/ Adult in a twin share room
From $3000 $2340
/ Single Person

Itinerary

Day 01 :
Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your Incredible India adventure begins. Delhi, India’s capital territory, is a massive metropolitan area in northern part of the country. Arrive Delhi by International Flight. Meet your representative at airport and transfer to hotel. Check in and relax. Evening at leisure.

Hotel (1 night)
Day 02 :
Delhi

Start your day with Delhi sightseeing. Visit Jama Mosque which is one of the oldest mosques in Delhi. Hop in Rikshaw and explore narrow lanes of one of the oldest markets in India Chandi chowk, proceed to smell flavors in air of various Indian spices and enjoy with Locals. Move on to Raj Ghat. Welcome Lunch @ local Ethnic Restaurant, visit Gandhi Smriti, Parliament House, Secretariat buildings and much more. Evening at leisure.

Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel (1 night)

Drive to Agra (188 km/3.30 hrs.). Agra’s notable historical period began during Sikandar Lodi's reign. Agra was capital of Mughal Empire under Mughal emperors Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Transfer to hotel for check in and relax. Take a guided tour along banks of Yamuna River to iconic Agra Fort and explore Old city of Agra where to witness busy bazaar where locals do their shopping, visit worldwide famous sweet shop established 100 years ago. Evening at leisure.

Breakfast
Hotel (1 night)
Day 04 :
Agra

Start your day with Sunrise at Taj Mahal, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. After breakfast, see live demonstration of inlay work. Head over to learn local Indian recipes and lunch with local family. In evening enjoy Taj Mahal Live Drama Show based on story behind construction of the love saga ‘Taj Mahal’ and experience traditional dance form from the North India.

Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel (1 night)

Drive to Jaipur “Pink City” (188 km/3.30 hrs.) enroute visit abundant city of Fatehpur Sikri once capital of Mughal during rule of Akbar the great. Head over to lunch at heritage hotel. Continuing journey to Jaipur, visit Chand Baori, approximately 30 mtr into ground, making it one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India. Arrive in Jaipur, check in and relax.

Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel (1 night)
Day 06 :
Jaipur

Visit Amber Fort- Set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, fort is example of Rajput architecture and Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is one of its beautiful buildings. Popular attraction at foot of the hill is elephant ride that takes tourists up to Amber Fort, while returning from fort enjoy Jeep Ride. After lunch head over to Jaipur's Royal City Palace and explore extravagant rooms and apartments. Enjoy black and white photograph taken by 150-year-old Camera while exploring local bazaar. Pass by Hawa Mahal and walking tour of local Bazaar full of jewellery, textiles and folk arts. Evening at leisure.

Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel (1 night)

Transfer you to Jaipur Airport to board flight to Mumbai, City of Dreams and Bollywood. Arrive at Mumbai and transfer to hotel for check in and relax.

Breakfast
Hotel (1 night)
Day 08 :
Mumbai

Explore the city’s classic sites which includes Gateway of India, an 85-foot-high arch with a design that reflects India’s Muslim and Hindu traditions. Visit Prince of Wales Museum and Mani Bhawan, museum dedicated to life and works of Mahatma Gandhi. Next, visit Dhobi Ghat, largest open-air laundry in world and wonderfully colorful spectacle to behold.

Breakfast
Hotel (1 night)

Transfer to Mumbai International Airport to board flight to Kochi or Cochin, a port city welcoming Arabs, Chinese and European Merchants since 1341. Transfer to hotel check in and relax. Explore Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), built in 1555 by Portuguese and renovated in 1663 by Dutch. It is a settlement with tiled colonial bungalows and diverse houses of worship. Feel the positive vibes in Jewish Synagogue or Paradesi Synagogue (1568), and St. Francis Church(1503) oldest European Church in India. Get local connect in spice market.

Breakfast
Hotel (1 night)

Transfer overland to Munnar (126 km / 4.00 hrs.) hill station and former resort for British Raj elite in Kerala. Visit tea plantation fields, established in Late19th Century or indulge in thrilling sport activities like Paragliding. Evening at Leisure.

Breakfast
Hotel (1 night)
Day 11 :
Munnar

Visit Gothic styled Christ Church(1910). Explore Eravikulam National Park, home to endangered mountain goat Nilgiri Tahr and Neelakurinji flowers which bloom once every 12 years. Visit Anamudi, "Elephant head" mountain(2695m) highest peak in South India.

Breakfast
Hotel (1 night)

Transfer overland to Thekkady (99 km / 2.45 hrs.) town near Periyar National Park. Visit Periyar National Park, famous for dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savanna grass lands. It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. Enjoy Boat Ride at Periyar Lake. Evening at Leisure.

Breakfast
Hotel (1 night)

Transfer to Kumarakom (122 km / 3.30 hrs.) village on Vembanad Lake. It`s laced with canals, where houseboats ply the waters. Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to many species including Cuckoos and Siberian storks. Nearby, Bay Island Driftwood Museum displays wooden sculptures. Visit Pathiramanal Island, haven for rare migratory birds. Enjoy boat ride at Kumarakom. Day at Leisure.

Breakfast
Hotel (1 night)

Drive to Alappuzha or Alleppey (33 km/1.00 hr.) on the Lakshadweep Sea which is known for houseboat cruises along rustic Kerala backwaters, a network of tranquil canals and lagoons. Check in Houseboat and relax. Day at Leisure.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Houseboat (1 night)

Check out of the Boat and drive towards Cochin Airport. Board flight to Onward Destination / back home.

Breakfast

Inclusions

Accommodation

Hotel (13 nights), Houseboat (1 night)

Meals

13 breakfasts, 3 lunches(Delhi, Bharatpur, Jaipur), 1 cooking session with lunch at Agra, and Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Houseboat(Alleppy).

Transport

Full time English Speaking Chauffeur Driven private transport with fuel from Arrival to Departure in SUV/ Van for comfortable transfers and drives.

  Airlines
  • 15 kg check-in luggage & 7 Kg hand baggage
  • Airline seat preferences
  • 1 Domestic Economy flight from Jaipur – Mumbai (per person)
  • 1 Domestic Economy flight from Mumbai – Cochin (per person)

Activities

  • Delhi – Jama Majid Mosque
  • Delhi – Walking tour Old Delhi
  • Delhi – Raj Ghat
  • Delhi – Gandhi Smriti
  • Delhi – Parliament House
  • Delhi – Secretariat buildings
  • Delhi- Rikshaw ride at Chandni Chowk streets
  • Agra – Agra Fort
  • Agra – Walking tour Old Agra
  • Agra – 100 years old sweet shop
  • Agra – Taj Mahal
  • Agra – Live demonstration of inlay work
  • Agra – Taj Mahal live drama show
  • Agra- Cooking session (making Indian curries and bread) with local family
  • Agra – Fatehpur Sikri
  • Abhaneri – Chand Baori
  • Jaipur – Amber Fort
  • Jaipur- Elephant ride
  • Jaipur- Jeep Ride at Amber fort in returning
  • Jaipur – City Palace
  • Jaipur – Hawa Mahal
  • Jaipur – Walking tour of Bapu Bazar (Local Ethnic market)
  • Mumbai- Gateway of India
  • Mumbai- Prince of Wales Museum
  • Mumbai- Mani Bhawan
  • Mumbai- Dhobi Ghat
  • Cochin- Dutch Palace
  • Cochin- Jewish Synagogue
  • Cochin- Spice market
  • Cochin- St. Francis Church
  • Munnar- Tea plantation fields
  • Munnar- Christ Church
  • Munnar- Eravikulam National Park
  • Munnar- Anamudi “Elephant head” mountain
  • Thekkady- Jungle walk at Periyar Tiger Reserve
  • Thekkady- Periyar Lake
  • Kumarakom- Kumarakom Lake
  • Kumarakom- Boat Ride
  • Alleppey- Backwaters
Special Services
  • Airport Meet and greet.
  • Handpicked Accommodations on Single/ Double basis as per itinerary – at all destinations in one private room at excellent quality for comfortable stay with safety and private facilities.
  • Professional services of English speaking Tour Director cum guide during entire trip .
  • Travel kit.
  • Feel by touching Taj Mahal “Monument of Love “a lifetime experience with 1 Souvenir Full Size Photo.
  • Complimentary Transport Service for Dinners.
  • Farewell gift a box of Petha (Candy) most famous Indian Sweet.
  • Service of Packet Snacks, Cold Bottled Mineral Water, Soft drinks, Juices during drives.
  • All entrances to sites, shows, rides.

Addons And Extra Services

  • Jaipur- Black and white photograph taken by 150-year-old Camera.
  • Munnar- Enjoy water sports like Paragliding
  • Triple occupancy room
  • Dietary restrictions
  • Special occasions to be celebrated

Package does not Includes

  • • International Air tickets and any visa fees.
  • • Any meals not included in the inclusions.
  • • Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, telephone bills, beverages.
  • • Optional or suggested activities.
  • Booking Conditions:
  • • Prices are in US$.
  • • Price mentioned are based on current exchange rate.
  • • No bookings have been made and confirmations are subject to availability at the time of request.
  • • Check in 2pm | Check out 11 am.
  • • Cost is based on Single/ Double sharing basis.
  • • 100% payment of International Air Tickets.
  • • Booking minimum 60 days before arrival.
  • • 50% Land Package payment upon confirmation and balance 30 days prior to arrival.
  • • Payment can be easily transfer by Bank Wire.
  • • Cancellation as per company policy.

FAQ's

Q. 1 What Destinations Are Currently Available For Travel With India Compass?

Ans: Indian and subcontinent are now open for international travel.

Q. 2 What Are India Compass Cancellation Terms For New Bookings?

Ans: New bookings made for travel through December 31, 2022, fall under our Booking policy, which allows you to change or cancel your reservation up to 30 days prior to departure in the event of a COVID-related reason (some exceptions apply).

Q. 3 What Are India Compass Health And Safety Protocols?

Ans: For information on India Compass health and safety protocols, consult Safeguarding Your Health on Your India Compass Journey. Prior to travel, all guests are required to sign an online India Compass Health & Safety Acknowledgement attesting to their physical wellbeing prior to travel and willingness to comply with all health and safety protocols.

Q. 4 Does India Compass Require COVID-19 Vaccination For Travel?

Ans: India Compass requires proof of full COVID-19 vaccination on all Journeys, for departures beginning September 1, 2022.

Q. 5 What Vaccines Are Accepted By India Compass?

Ans: India Compass accepts all approved vaccines per the World Health Organization covid19.trackvaccines.org/agency/who. Guests must also comply with country vaccination requirements for entry.

Q. 6 Are Children Required To Be Vaccinated?

Ans: Yes, all guests, including children, must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination on all journeys.

Q. 7 Do I Have To Present My Vaccination Certificate To India Compass Prior To Or During My Journey?

Ans: All guests will be required to show proof of full vaccination at the Welcome Briefing. Guests are advised to carry both an original vaccination certificate and a picture on their phone. Digital passports are accepted for guests who were vaccinated outside of the U.S.

Before you go

1. PREPARING FOR YOUR JOURNEY

REVIEW YOUR PASSPORT

Your passport needs to be valid for at least six (6) months after your journey ends, and should
have enough blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps from each country you visit.
If you require assistance obtaining a visa, contact our Cal India Tours Team.

SECURE YOUR VISA

India and subcontinent requires valid tourist visa to enter in country; see Essential
Information for details as it pertains to your journey.
Below are links of Consulates of India in U.S you can reach there directly for more information:
https://www.cgichicago.gov.in/
https://cgihouston.gov.in/
https://www.indiainnewyork.gov.in/
https://indiainatlanta.gov.in/

REGISTER YOUR JOURNEY

Be sure to register with your nearest embassy or consulate for the destinations included in your
journey. U.S. citizens can register through STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
(step.state.gov/step). Canadian citizens can enroll in Registration of Canadians Abroad at
travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration.

UPDATE VACCINES & MEDICATIONS

Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health
Organization (who.int/en) for the latest on required and recommended vaccines for your
destination. You’ll want to visit your doctor or local travel clinic a couple of months before
departure to allow time for any vaccinations to take effect or to fill any prescriptions.
Be sure to pack your original COVID-19 and other vaccination certificates and required health
documentation in your personal carry-on baggage in case you are asked to show them on arrival.

MONEY MATTERS

Cal India Tours recommends travelling with some currency and at least three different major credit cards, such as
Visa, Mastercard and Amex, so you have backup if your card is not accepted or lost. Contact your bank
and credit card companies to let them know where and when you’ll be travelling, as well as
confirm any foreign transaction fees.
When carrying cash, try to travel only with recently issued currency in smaller denominations.
many merchants overseas won’t accept wrinkled or torn bills. Only exchange currency at
authorized outlets such as currency exchanges, ATMs or hotels and save receipts as they may
be required for exit.

KEEP CONNECTED

While most smartphones work overseas, you might need to turn on international roaming service
before you travel. Contact your carrier for information on coverage and voice and data plan
options while travelling abroad.

GETTING ONLINE

Many hotels and public places have Wi-Fi and you’ll usually be able to stay connected throughout
your journey, although Internet access may be poor to non-existent in remote destinations. Note
there are restrictions on access to social media sites or what content you can view or send online.

WEATHER & TIME ZONES

Many websites and smartphone apps allow you to check the forecast and time zones for specific
destinations. We recommend weather.com and timeanddate.com/world clock. Upon arrival, the
time on most smartphones will automatically adjust to the local time.

STAY HEALTHY ON THE ROAD

Carry your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications in their original containers in your
carry-on luggage. Pack a simple first-aid kit along with medicines for motion sickness and mild
upset stomach. As a precaution, use only bottled water and avoid foods from street vendors.
Take care to observe safe health practices when travelling: Wash or sanitize your hands often.
avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. If
you begin to feel unwell at any point in your journey, please inform your guide.

SAFE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Be sure to bring your own face masks and any other PPE you require during travel; a supply of
masks will be on hand where needed. We also recommend travel-sized hand sanitizer with at
least 60% alcohol, facial tissues and disinfecting wipes or spray.
Guests must wear a mask in accordance with local regulations and service provider
requirements. All protocols are subject to change in accordance with relevant guidelines, local regulations and
conditions.

PACKING FOR YOUR JOURNEY

Plan on packing light — many Cal India Tours journeys include domestic flights that impose much stricter
weight restrictions than your international carrier. Consult the Packing List and Baggage
Restriction’s specifics provided in Essential Information. Be sure to also confirm baggage
limitations with your international carrier before packing.
The typical attire on Cal India Tours journeys is relaxed and informal during the day. Choose comfortable,
versatile clothing that can be layered to account for changes in the weather throughout the day.
Smart casual is appropriate for evenings. Be sure to bring a global travel adapter set with you to
recharge your electronics at your hotel or aboard ship.

LUGGAGE TAGS

will provide you luggage tags at the time of arrival. Please use these tags, even if your
bags already have ID tags. This makes it easier for Cal India Tours staff to find and manage your luggage
for you.

FLIGHTS

Be sure to reconfirm your international flights 24 hours prior to your departure. Tickets for any
internal flights, if included on your itinerary, will be issued by Cal India Tours representatives at your
destination and presented to you as needed.

KEEP VALUABLES SECURE

We strongly recommend leaving valuables such as jewelry at home as Cal India Tours cannot be
responsible. Use safes where available to secure your valuables, especially passports, money,
jewelry, electronics and medications. Replacing a lost or stolen passport is much easier if you
have a copy on hand. Pack a photocopy of your passport’s personal information page with your
luggage, and keep a photo of it on your smartphone.

ARRIVE TO A WARM WELCOME

Your Cal India Tours local representative meets you at the airport when you arrive .See your itinerary for additional arrival
instructions.

SMART SHOPPING

If you are interested in shopping, your Cal India Tours guide may recommend local shops; however, Cal India Tours is
not responsible for the quality or value of merchandise. Any purchases and shipping are at your
sole discretion.
Be sure to review your credit card receipts before signing, paying special attention to currency
conversion. We recommend taking items with you in lieu of shipping them whenever possible.
Keep receipts and items together.

PHOTOGRAPHY ETIQUETTE

Be sure to ask permission before taking pictures of local people, including small children. Note
photography is not permitted in some locations, which is usually clearly marked. If in doubt, ask
your guide to avoid having your camera confiscated.

TIPS ON TIPPING

Tipping on Cal India Tours journeys varies depending on where and how you travel. Consult the Tipping
Guidelines provided for your journey in Essential Information.
While decisions regarding tipping rest entirely with you, we suggest the following gratuities (noted in U.S. dollars).

Reviews