Arrive in Chennai and meet your private representative for the transfer to your hotel. Settle in and take the remainder of the day at leisure to begin your South India journey at an unhurried pace.

Discover the cultural character of Chennai before beginning your journey south. Explore its temples, historic neighbourhoods and coastal heritage, with time to experience the city at a relaxed pace.

Travel south to Mahabalipuram, the remarkable Pallava port city on the Bay of Bengal. Explore its rock-cut monuments, Shore Temple and extraordinary stone carvings before settling into your coastal retreat.

A deeper exploration of Mahabalipuram and its artistic heritage. Discover the celebrated Five Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance and other sculptural masterpieces, with time to enjoy the coastal setting.

Continue to Pondicherry, where French colonial architecture and Tamil traditions meet. Wander through the atmospheric French Quarter and discover the distinctive cultural character of this former French settlement.

Travel into the heart of Tamil Nadu’s temple country, visiting Chidambaram and the magnificent Chola heritage of Gangaikonda Cholapuram before continuing to Thanjavur.

Explore Thanjavur and the magnificent Brihadisvara Temple, one of the great achievements of Chola architecture. Discover the city’s artistic traditions and its enduring connection with classical South Indian culture.

Continue south via Srirangam, home to one of India’s great living temple complexes, before arriving in Madurai, a city shaped by centuries of devotion and Tamil culture.

Explore the extraordinary Meenakshi Temple and the vibrant streets surrounding it. Experience the rituals, markets and everyday life that make Madurai one of South India’s most fascinating living temple cities.

Travel through the culturally rich region of Chettinad, known for its grand mansions, artisan traditions, cotton weaving and distinctive tile making. Continue towards the Western Ghats and the spice country of Thekkady.

Experience the lush landscapes surrounding Thekkady and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Discover the region’s spice-growing traditions and enjoy time amid the forests and hills of the Western Ghats.

Leave the hills behind and descend into Kerala’s tranquil backwaters. Arrive in Kumarakom, where palm-fringed waterways, lagoons and village life create an entirely different rhythm of travel.

Board your traditional Kerala houseboat for a leisurely cruise through the backwaters. Watch village life unfold along the waterways as the landscape gradually changes with the light, before spending the night on board.

Disembark from your houseboat and continue to historic Kochi. Explore Fort Kochi and its remarkable blend of Portuguese, Dutch and Jewish heritage, old trading streets and distinctive architecture.

Enjoy your final morning in Kochi at leisure before your private transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Private arrival transfer and check-in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to settle into the rhythm of India.

Discover the contrasting faces of Delhi, from the atmospheric lanes of Old Delhi and its Mughal heritage to the grand avenues and monuments of New Delhi. Along the way, experience the city through its markets, architecture and vibrant street life.

Travel to Agra and explore the magnificent Agra Fort, a remarkable expression of Mughal power and architecture. The afternoon is deliberately unhurried, allowing time to discover the city at your own pace.

Begin the day with the Taj Mahal in the soft morning light before continuing towards Jaipur. En route, explore the remarkable abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri before arriving in Rajasthan.

Explore Jaipur’s royal heritage, beginning with the hilltop Amber Fort and continuing through the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and the atmospheric streets of the old city.

Look beyond Jaipur’s monuments with a more intimate exploration of its living traditions. Discover textiles, jewellery, block printing and local craftsmanship, with time to enjoy the city at your own pace.

Leave Jaipur behind and travel towards Ranthambore, where Rajasthan’s royal landscapes give way to forests and open wilderness. Arrive at your nature resort and settle into the slower rhythm of the national park.

Experience the landscapes of Ranthambore National Park on a safari, with the possibility of encountering its celebrated wildlife. Between excursions, enjoy the tranquillity of your surroundings.

Continue west towards Jodhpur, where the immense Mehrangarh Fort rises above a sea of blue-painted houses. The journey introduces a new side of Rajasthan, shaped by desert landscapes, royal history and distinctive architecture.

Explore the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and the old city of Jodhpur. Wander through atmospheric lanes, discover local markets and experience the distinctive character of Rajasthan’s Blue City.

Travel towards romantic Udaipur, surrounded by the Aravalli hills and shimmering lakes. On arrival, settle into the graceful atmosphere of the City of Lakes.

Discover Udaipur’s City Palace, historic streets and lakeside setting. Later, enjoy time at leisure or a private boat experience on Lake Pichola as the city begins to glow in the evening light.

Fly east to Varanasi, one of India’s oldest living cities. Discover its sacred ghats and ancient lanes before experiencing the evening Ganga Aarti on the banks of the Ganges.

Begin before dawn with a serene boat ride along the Ganges as the city awakens. Later, explore Varanasi’s temples, alleys and living traditions before enjoying your final evening in this extraordinary city.

Return to Delhi for your onward journey. Depending on your flight timing, there may be time for a final meal, shopping or a quiet moment before your private airport transfer.