Inspiration Itinerary |

Sensational India

From Dehli to Kerala

Sensational India, North to South

This 28 day journey showcases the incredible diversity of India. The list of highlights is considerable, as India, uniquely, will deliver, and includes stunning accommodation, including Palaces, Havelis, Luxury Tented Camps and luxury Hotels. The list of included activities / excursions is considerable – some of the highlights include, a fun Old Delhi Street Eats walking tour, the incredible Golden Temple in Amritsar by night and day, the Aarti Ceremony on the ghats of the Ganges, sunrise at the Taj Mahal, safari in Ranthambore National Park in search of Tiger, a rickshaw ride through Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Amber Fort (outside Jaipur), a bird watching walk in rural Nimaj, leopard safaris in Jawai, a fun rural train ride in Deogarh, cruise Lake Pichola in Udaipur, the Dutch Palace in Cochin, sunset cruise on Vemband Lake in the Backwaters of Kerala, and so much more.

This stunning journey begins in Delhi (1 night) at the Pullman Aerocity at New Delhi airport. You will then fly to Amritsar, to stay at Taj Swarna (2 nights), before a further flight brings you back to Delhi for 2 nights at The Imperial Hotel. You will then fly to Varanasi, to the intimate Nadesar Palace (2 nights) and Agra to the Oberoi Amarvilas (2 nights). You will then continue by road across Rajasthan, with a private vehicle and dedicated driver. You will continue to Ranthambore National Park, to your first tented camp; Sher Bagh (2 nights), then continue to the Pink City of Jaipur to stay at one of our all-time favourites; Samode Haveli (3 nights). You will then spend one night at rural Chhatra Sagar, a stunning tented camp in Nimaj. Continue to Jodhpur and stay at RAAS (2 nights), followed by Jawai (2 nights) in search of leopard in the wild. Your journey continues to a quint intimate property, Dev Shree (2 nights) in rural Deogarh, before your final stop in Rajasthan, at the impeccable Devigarh Palace (2 nights) in the beautiful Aravalli Hills outside Udaipur. Please note, we can replace Devigarh Palace with the iconic Lake Palace Hotel on Lake Pichola in Udaipur, if preferred. You will then fly to the Portuguese influenced coastal town of Cochin in southern India, to stay at Brunton Boatyard (2 nights), followed by an excursion in the Backwaters of Kerala, to the very zen Coconut Lagoon (2 nights) – the perfect way to end your India adventure.

You will love

  • Unique accommodation includes, Palaces, Havelis, Luxury Tented Camps and luxury Hotels
  • Exploring 13 diverse locations across the Continent
  • Variety, history, culture and wildlife
  • Slow pace, so you can enjoy every day and experience

28 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

DAY 1 | DELHI | 1 NIGHT

Arrive to Delhi, transfer to and check into your hotel.

DAY 2 | AMRITSAR | 2 NIGHTS

Fly to Amritsar and transfer to the hotel. Evening Palki Sahib Ceremony at the Golden Temple – see a different side of the breathtaking Golden Temple by visiting it at night when it is magically lit up and witness the sacred Palki
Sahib ceremony which takes place every evening.

DAY 3 | AMRITSAR

Head out on a half day sightseeing tour of Amritsar including a visit to the Golden Temple (by day). Here you will also visit the extraordinary kitchens and eating halls, where the Shik community feed in excess of 50,000 people each day (free). Then visit, Jalianwala Bagh, the site of the infamous Amritsar massacre of 1919. Later this afternoon witness the Wagah border closing ceremony at the Indo-Pakistan border. Words can not express this ‘unique’ jaw dropping experience… it has to be seen to be understood and is a major highlight.

DAY 4 | DELHI | 2 NIGHTS

Morning at leisure today. Fly back to Delhi, check into your hotel and later head out for an evening street food walking tour of Old Delhi. Your expert guide will take you to popular eateries, chosen for their authenticity, hygiene, quality of ingredients and of course their delicious wares. Savour a host of dishes including juicy jalebis, glistening with ghee, a reviving glass of masala chai, an array of deliciously sweet kulfi ice‐creams, flavourful kebabs and mouth‐watering butter chicken.

DAY 5 | DELHI

Discover the sights and sounds of Delhi with a half day tour taking in the highlights of the Mughal architecture as well as the exotic atmosphere of the bustling bazaars of Old Delhi. This afternoon enjoy a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes and bazaars of Chandni Chowk.

DAY 6 | VARANASI | 2 NIGHTS

Fly from Delhi to Varanasi, check in to your hotel. Later visit Sarnath, a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site. This evening enjoy the Aarti ceremony on the River Ganges.

DAY 7 | VARANASI

This morning rise early for an unforgettable experience on the River Ganges. The city comes alive at dawn as crowds of devotees head to the riverbank ghats. A boat trip along the river as
the sun rises is a truly unique and spiritual experience ‐ witness pilgrims who come to the Ganges not only for a ritual bath but also to cremate their loved ones, or wash their clothes. In the afternoon enjoy more sightseeing taking you to the Asi Ghat, Durga Temple and to the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

DAY 8 | AGRA | 2 NIGHTS

Fly to Agra, transfer to and check into your hotel. Later, visit Mehtab Bagh gardens to watch sunset over the river, to the stunning Taj Mahal.

DAY 9 | AGRA

Rise early once more to visit the Taj Mahal for sunrise – magical at this time of the morning. Later visit the impressive Agra Fort. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

DAY 10 | RANTHAMBORE | 2 NIGHTS

Drive to Ranthambore visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Fatehpur Sikri en-route as well as an enjoyable rickshaw ride at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Evening at leisure on arrival.

DAY 11 | RANTHAMBORE

Morning and afternoon game rides in Ranthambore National Park in search of Bengal Tiger today.

DAY 12 | JAIPUR | 3 NIGHTS

A final morning game drive in Ranthambore National Park before you transfer by road to Jaipur. En-route, visit the 8th century Chand Baori step well.

DAY 13 | JAIPUR

Head out on a full day sightseeing of Jaipur visiting Amber Fort, passing by the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), then visit the City Palace and Museum. End the day at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Jantar Mantar.

DAY 14 | JAIPUR

Enjoy a morning heritage walking tour of Jaipur – an ideal way to give you an insight into the city’s architecture, art, culture and traditions. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the surroundings of your hotel.

DAY 15 | NIMAJ | 1 NIGHT

Drive to Nimaj and check into your accommodation, a beautiful tented property sitting on a dam wall. Evening at leisure.

DAY 16 | JODHPUR | 2 NIGHTS

Participate in a morning bird watching tour before driving to Jodhpur. Check into your hotel and later enjoy a walking tour of the Old City, ending the tour with a walk through the colourful Sadar markets.

DAY 17 | JODHPUR

A half day sightseeing tour of Jodhpur is scheduled for today discovering the ‘Blue City’ including a visit to the enormous Mehrangarh Fort. The remainder of the day is at leisure to shop, explore or rest by the pool.

DAY 18 | JAWAI | 2 NIGHTS

Drive to Jawai and check into your luxury tented safari camp. Enjoy an afternoon game ride in the surrounding area in search of leopard in the wild.

DAY 19 | JAWAI

Morning and afternoon game rides in the surrounding area to see leopard.

DAY 20 | DEOGARH | 2 NIGHTS

A final game drive this morning, prior to check out and a road transfer to Deogarh. En-route visit the stunning Ranakpur Jain temples. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure on arrival.

DAY 21 | DEOGARH

A beautifully intimate Relais & Chateaux property, the activities today include a village safari by jeep and a fun rural train ride.

DAY 22 | UDAIPUR | 2 NIGHTS

Drive to Udaipur and check into your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon/evening is at leisure to enjoy the intimate surroundings of the Palace.

DAY 23 | UDAIPUR

Enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Udaipur including the City Palace, Jagdish Temple and the garden of the Maids of Honour. Later enjoy a boat ride on the beautiful Lake Pichola.

DAY 24 | COCHIN | 2 NIGHTS

Morning at leisure, then fly from Udaipur to Bangalore and onward to Cochin. Check into your hotel on arrival. Balance of the afternoon / evening at leisure.

DAY 25 | COCHIN

Head out on a morning half day sightseeing tour of Cochin visiting the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, the harbour and to see the Chinese fishing nets, and finally to St. Francis Church. Some free time this afternoon is scheduled with the evening viewing a Kathakali dance show.

DAY 26 | KUMARAKOM | 2 NIGHTS

Drive to Kumarakom and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the peaceful surrounds of your tranquil backwaters retreat. Included activities: private pool, bird watching, Ayurveda treatments (additional cost), canoe ride, Ottanthullal dance performance, a sunset cruise on Vemband Lake, the butterfly garden and the floating tea shop.

DAY 27 | KUMARAKOM

Continue enjoying the activities on offer along India’s famed backwaters.

DAY 28 | END OF ITINERARY

This morning is at leisure to prepare for your departure to Cochin Airport. Board your return flight home or continue on an onward adventure.

PLEASE NOTE:

This all encompassing itinerary provides the perfect framework for an epic opportunity to travel from India’s north to south, however it can be designed to suit your preferred pace, price and pursuits. Contact us for a tailormade journey.

ACCOMMODATION

A handpicked selection of recommended accommodation

Pullman Aerocity – New Delhi, Northern India

The Pullman New Delhi Aerocity Hotel is an upscale hotel located adjacent to both the international & domestic airport terminals. It is well connected through the Airport Express Line, which is just 5 minutes away, ensuring a relaxed stop over for travellers passing through Delhi, with or without the time to stop and explore. Read More

Taj Swarna – Amritsar, Northern India

Taj Swarna fuses modern design with traditional elegance in the heart of Amritsar. With an enviable location next to Sikhism's most sacred shrine, the famed Golden Temple, it provides a fabulous base for discovering Amritsar as well as the nearby cities of Jalandhar and Ludhiana. Read More

The Imperial Hotel – New Delhi

Arriving at The Imperial Hotel with its 24 towering signature palms and turbaned sentries at the door will immediately transport you back to the glamour of India’s Raj. The restored 1930's Victorian style building is a perfect meeting of old and new. Grand and luxurious, the hotel makes the perfect start or end to your stay in India. Read More

Nadesar Palace – Varanasi, Northern India

Situated in one of the oldest living cities of the world, Nadesar Palace is set amidst mango orchards, marigold fields and lotus-filled, jasmine scented gardens. Nadesar Palace has hosted royalty, statesmen and celebrities since 1835. Nadesar Palace is a haven of peace and tranquillity and Varanasi’s most exclusive hotel. Read More

Oberoi Amarvilas – Agra, Northern India

With excellent views of the timeless monument to love, the Taj Mahal, there can only be one place to stay in Agra - the Oberoi Amarvilas. Oberoi Amarvilas boasts a breathtaking display of terraced lawns, ornate gardens complete with fountains and pools and rich interiors that take you back to an era of emperors & princes - the epitome of the luxury India tours experience Read More

Suján Sher Bagh – Ranthambore NP, Rajasthan

The 12 hand-stitched canvas tents at Sher Bagh camp reflect the style of the 1920’s and arouse nostalgic evocations for life on safari during the heyday of the Raj. In addition to faultless service, elegant style and exquisite dining, the wildlife is spectacular. Sher Bagh is an authentic tented jungle camp and the perfect base for tiger spotting – you couldn’t ask for more while on India wildlife tours! Read More

Samode Haveli – Jaipur, India

Unexpected and charming, Samode haveli is a 200-year old intimate townhouse, belonging to the royal family of Samode, hidden deep in the folds of the busy streets of old Jaipur. With its mix of history, simple style, and interesting features, Samode Haveli is the reigning hip heritage hotel in Jaipur and a popular first choice for anyone on bespoke luxury India tours. Read More

RAAS Chhatra Sagar – Nimaj, Rajasthan

Chhatra Sagar, part of the RAAS group,  is located right on the edge of a 100-year-old dam which is teeming with birds in the heart of rural Rajasthan, 110km east of Jodhpur, near the village of Nimaj in the district of Pali, Rajasthan. Chhatra Sagar is an idyllic spot to take a breather from the Rajasthan city pace. Read More

RAAS Jodhpur – Jodhpur, Rajasthan

In the north-east quarter of Jodhpur's old walled city lies Raas, a boutique luxury hotel with spectacular views of the fort. It is a combination of old and new, the only luxury boutique hotel within the walled-city and embodies the region's heritage with class and understated elegance. A perfect place to centre yourself before exploring the region on your north India tour. Read More

Suján Jawai Leopard Camp – Jawai, Rajasthan

A modern take on a tented camp, Jawai blends white canvas with stainless steel and leather accoutrements to create an elegant escape in Rajasthan. The camp shares the dramatic rocky environment not only with leopards, but also with the Rabari herdsmen, whose vibrant red turbans are synonymous with the landscape. Staying here will be a unique experience while on bespoke, luxury India wildlife tours. Read More

Dev Shree – Deogarh, Northern India

Dev Shree luxury hotel sits on the edge of Ragho Sagar lake in the town of Deogarh, known for its pretty scenery and magnificent temples. The hotel offers just seven rooms, maintaining a sense of quiet exclusivity. A luxurious and peaceful retreat in rural Rajasthan – the perfect antidote to the busyness of city life! Read More

RAAS Devigarh – Udaipur, Rajasthan

RAAS Devigarh is nestled in the Aravalli Hills of the Udaipur area. The palace was completed in the year 1760 A.D and offers a quiet oasis away from India’s infectious energy. RAAS Devigarh gives you time to sit, relax and unhurriedly soak up the tranquil landscape of Rajasthan, away from the bustle of everyday life. Read More

Brunton Boatyard – Cochin, Kerala

Brunton Boatyard is a unique hotel with a fascinating heritage and undeniable charm. The interiors are a wonderful blend of English, Portuguese and Dutch influences. It offers a unique experience which celebrates the very best of centuries of cultural influence whilst also blending authenticity with stylish contemporary design. Read More

Coconut Lagoon – Kumarakom

Coconut Lagoon sits amongst rice paddies, tranquil waterways and lush gardens boasting authentic heritage, exquisite cuisine and a unique insight into this beautiful corner of Kerala. During your stay as part of your South India tour, you are free to wander through the cool wildflower and butterfly garden, take a sunset cruise or explore the network of canals by canoe. Read More

NEED TO KNOW

An epic 28 day journey from India's north to south

An epic 28 day journey from India's north to south

Please enquire for pricing based on your preferences

Please enquire for pricing based on your preferences

START: Delhi, India     |     Finish: Cochin, India

This itinerary provides the perfect inspiration for a spectacular journey and can be tailored to suit your style, pace, preferences and budget.  Elements of this trip may vary based on your chosen season and dates of travel and, once the timing of internal flights is known, this may also present the opportunity to see and do even more!

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Elizabeth Mackintosh

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

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Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

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If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

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The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

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It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing.  We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

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Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

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