Incredible India
15 Feb –
2 Mar 2025
- 16 Days
- 4 and 5 star hotels, unless otherwise specified
- 30 Meals
- Group size: 15
Itinerary
Meet at O.R. Tambo International for your flight to Delhi.
On arrival in Delhi, we are met at the airport by a local guide and taken for an early breakfast. Refreshed after the long flight, we start our Indian adventure with a visit to the Qutab Minar, a soaring Afghan-style victory tower dating back to 1199 AD.
Then, we explore the city’s iconic landmarks with a scenic tuk-tuk ride. We visit Gandhi Smriti, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and also the location of his 1948 assassination. We return to the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. This evening, we gather for a buffet dinner at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, we travel to Agra. On arrival, we set out on a food tour that sees us hop between shops and restaurants to taste the city’s most famous dishes. Later, we visit the Agra Fort, a palatial walled city constructed in terracotta red sandstone. In the afternoon, we check into our hotel. The rest of the day is spent at leisure. Tonight, dinner is served at the hotel.
Optional Mohabbat-E-Taj Show
In the evening, enjoy an optional Mohabbat-E-Taj show at an additional cost. Presented in the famous Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Centre, the show depicts the love story between Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Awake at dawn to explore the Taj Mahal. Watch how the rising sun lends a warm, pink tint to its marble face. It was built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his third and most beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Then, we see a Zardozi embroidery demonstration, in which heavy and elaborate designs are made on delicate fabrics using gold and silver thread. We return to the hotel for breakfast. The rest of the day is spent at leisure. This evening, we gather for dinner in the hotel.
This morning, we travel to Jaipur. On the way, we visit Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent fortified ancient city that was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. Founded in the 16th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a complex of palaces and pavilions built in the Indo-Islamic style. We see the Chand Baori stepwell and the adjoining Harshat Mata Temple. The exquisite stepwell has 3,500 cascading steps, which descend 30 metres into a deep, green tank. We arrive in Jaipur late in the afternoon and check into our hotel, where we have dinner.
Awake in Jaipur, a city of storybook palaces, legendary maharajas, painted elephants and lively markets. We start with a visit to the Amber Fort, an extensive palace complex built in 1592. Later, we return to Jaipur for some shopping in the city’s world-famous bazaars. Next, we participate in a sari and turban-tying experience, a custom at the heart of local culture. Lunch, which is for your account, is enjoyed at a local restaurant. This evening, we are treated to an Indian cooking demonstration, followed by dinner in the hotel’s banquet hall.
After breakfast, we explore the City Palace in the heart of Old Jaipur. We admire the palace’s colourful interiors, see the Royal Observatory, and stop for a photo opportunity at the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds. After some shopping at a local bazaar, we take a heritage walk through the city to see some of Jaipur’s traditional crafts. The afternoon is spent at leisure, and dinner is enjoyed at the hotel.
Today, we travel from Jaipur to Delhi. On arrival, we check into our hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, a buffet dinner is served at the hotel.
After breakfast, we set off on a full day of sightseeing. We dive into Old Delhi’s narrow streets with an exhilarating rickshaw ride and stroll through the Chandni Chowk market. We visit the immense Jama Masjid Mosque and Raj Ghat, a memorial that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation. We stop at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh temple and communal kitchen. We have lunch at a local restaurant and then explore New Delhi, a city of grand boulevards, green parks, and impressive government buildings. Later, we return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
We wake up early to catch our flight to Kochi in Kerala, Southern India. Built on the waterways of a great estuary, Kochi has a long history as a spice trading port, earning it the nickname “The Queen of the Arabian Sea”. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel. The afternoon is spent at leisure. Tonight, we savour dinner at the hotel.
Dive into Kochi with a half-day city tour. On our excursion, we see the Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Town, and the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. We visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, the unofficial symbols of Kochi. These 10-metre-tall contraptions need five or six people to operate their counterweights. We have lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Kerala backwaters. The rest of the day is spent at leisure.
Today, we travel south from Kochi to Alleppey, our gateway to the Kerala Backwaters. From Alleppey, sometimes called Alappuzha, a vast network of canals, rivers, and lakes stretches inland. On arrival, we board our houseboat, our home for the next two nights. Instead of lunch, we are served a traditional High Tea on board. We float along the backwaters, taking in the sights of this unique place. Dinner is cooked and enjoyed on the houseboat.
We spend the day aboard the houseboat cruising the Kerala Backwaters. We drift down canals bordered by lush jungle, palm trees swaying overhead. From time to time villages pop up, allowing us to see rural life in the area. We dine aboard the boat and embrace the relaxing, lazy rhythms of the backwaters.
After breakfast, we disembark from the houseboat and make our way to Kochi to catch our flight to Mumbai. Mumbai is the financial, commercial and entertainment capital of India. It’s a thriving megacity, the most populous in the country, and one with a fascinating history. On arrival, we check into the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. We have a buffet dinner at the hotel tonight.
Our day begins with an early morning visit to Mumbai’s flower and fish markets, where gorgeous scenes unfold. We return to the hotel for breakfast and then set out on a Mumbai city tour. We see the city’s classic sights, including the Gateway of India and the Victoria Terminus. On our way to the hotel, we have the option of doing some shopping at the Palladium Mall. The afternoon is spent at leisure. This evening, we gather for dinner at the hotel.
This morning we are transferred to the airport for our return flight to Johannesburg. As we bid each other goodbye, we think back on the many wonders of India we’ve experienced over the course of our trip.
Meet at O.R. Tambo International for your flight to Delhi.
On arrival in Delhi, we are met at the airport by a local guide and taken for an early breakfast. Refreshed after the long flight, we start our Indian adventure with a visit to the Qutab Minar, a soaring Afghan-style victory tower dating back to 1199 AD.
Then, we explore the city’s iconic landmarks with a scenic tuk-tuk ride. We visit Gandhi Smriti, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and also the location of his 1948 assassination. We return to the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. This evening, we gather for a buffet dinner at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, we travel to Agra. On arrival, we set out on a food tour that sees us hop between shops and restaurants to taste the city’s most famous dishes. Later, we visit the Agra Fort, a palatial walled city constructed in terracotta red sandstone. In the afternoon, we check into our hotel. The rest of the day is spent at leisure. Tonight, dinner is served at the hotel.
Optional Mohabbat-E-Taj Show
In the evening, enjoy an optional Mohabbat-E-Taj show at an additional cost. Presented in the famous Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Centre, the show depicts the love story between Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Awake at dawn to explore the Taj Mahal. Watch how the rising sun lends a warm, pink tint to its marble face. It was built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his third and most beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Then, we see a Zardozi embroidery demonstration, in which heavy and elaborate designs are made on delicate fabrics using gold and silver thread. We return to the hotel for breakfast. The rest of the day is spent at leisure. This evening, we gather for dinner in the hotel.
This morning, we travel to Jaipur. On the way, we visit Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent fortified ancient city that was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. Founded in the 16th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a complex of palaces and pavilions built in the Indo-Islamic style. We see the Chand Baori stepwell and the adjoining Harshat Mata Temple. The exquisite stepwell has 3,500 cascading steps, which descend 30 metres into a deep, green tank. We arrive in Jaipur late in the afternoon and check into our hotel, where we have dinner.
Awake in Jaipur, a city of storybook palaces, legendary maharajas, painted elephants and lively markets. We start with a visit to the Amber Fort, an extensive palace complex built in 1592. Later, we return to Jaipur for some shopping in the city’s world-famous bazaars. Next, we participate in a sari and turban-tying experience, a custom at the heart of local culture. Lunch, which is for your account, is enjoyed at a local restaurant. This evening, we are treated to an Indian cooking demonstration, followed by dinner in the hotel’s banquet hall.
After breakfast, we explore the City Palace in the heart of Old Jaipur. We admire the palace’s colourful interiors, see the Royal Observatory, and stop for a photo opportunity at the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds. After some shopping at a local bazaar, we take a heritage walk through the city to see some of Jaipur’s traditional crafts. The afternoon is spent at leisure, and dinner is enjoyed at the hotel.
Today, we travel from Jaipur to Delhi. On arrival, we check into our hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, a buffet dinner is served at the hotel.
After breakfast, we set off on a full day of sightseeing. We dive into Old Delhi’s narrow streets with an exhilarating rickshaw ride and stroll through the Chandni Chowk market. We visit the immense Jama Masjid Mosque and Raj Ghat, a memorial that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation. We stop at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh temple and communal kitchen. We have lunch at a local restaurant and then explore New Delhi, a city of grand boulevards, green parks, and impressive government buildings. Later, we return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
We wake up early to catch our flight to Kochi in Kerala, Southern India. Built on the waterways of a great estuary, Kochi has a long history as a spice trading port, earning it the nickname “The Queen of the Arabian Sea”. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel. The afternoon is spent at leisure. Tonight, we savour dinner at the hotel.
Dive into Kochi with a half-day city tour. On our excursion, we see the Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Town, and the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. We visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, the unofficial symbols of Kochi. These 10-metre-tall contraptions need five or six people to operate their counterweights. We have lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Kerala backwaters. The rest of the day is spent at leisure.
Today, we travel south from Kochi to Alleppey, our gateway to the Kerala Backwaters. From Alleppey, sometimes called Alappuzha, a vast network of canals, rivers, and lakes stretches inland. On arrival, we board our houseboat, our home for the next two nights. Instead of lunch, we are served a traditional High Tea on board. We float along the backwaters, taking in the sights of this unique place. Dinner is cooked and enjoyed on the houseboat.
We spend the day aboard the houseboat cruising the Kerala Backwaters. We drift down canals bordered by lush jungle, palm trees swaying overhead. From time to time villages pop up, allowing us to see rural life in the area. We dine aboard the boat and embrace the relaxing, lazy rhythms of the backwaters.
After breakfast, we disembark from the houseboat and make our way to Kochi to catch our flight to Mumbai. Mumbai is the financial, commercial and entertainment capital of India. It’s a thriving megacity, the most populous in the country, and one with a fascinating history. On arrival, we check into the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. We have a buffet dinner at the hotel tonight.
Our day begins with an early morning visit to Mumbai’s flower and fish markets, where gorgeous scenes unfold. We return to the hotel for breakfast and then set out on a Mumbai city tour. We see the city’s classic sights, including the Gateway of India and the Victoria Terminus. On our way to the hotel, we have the option of doing some shopping at the Palladium Mall. The afternoon is spent at leisure. This evening, we gather for dinner at the hotel.
This morning we are transferred to the airport for our return flight to Johannesburg. As we bid each other goodbye, we think back on the many wonders of India we’ve experienced over the course of our trip.
Discover the Golden Triangle in India with a luxury small group tour
Get ready to plunge head-first into the colourful, chaotic and magnetic beauty of India. Trace the famous Golden Triangle route on this compact tour, which takes you to Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
Begin in the pulsing streets of Delhi and explore the city by tuk-tuk. Next, head to Agra. Watch the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, visit the Agra Fort and take a delicious food tour of the best local spots. In Jaipur, discover ornate temples and palaces, go shopping in bustling bazaars and uncover the city’s rich artisan culture. On your return to Delhi, stroll the maze-like alleys of Chandni Chowk and see the colonial finery of New Delhi.
In the company of local guides, encounter iconic sights, lesser-known gems and rich local culture. Guided experiences and pre-arranged transfers allow you to fully surrender to the journey. By night, retire to handpicked luxury hotels where you can rest and refresh before returning to the buzz and pulse of India’s streets.
Indian Getaway is the perfect introduction to the wonderful diversity of this fascinating country.
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Seagull Travel & Tours crafts small group tours that offer luxury, convenience, and spontaneous moments of joy.
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“Travelling with Seagull is a unique experience: the groups are small, but the consideration of each traveller’s individual needs is noteworthy. Luxurious and curated, these tours also include ample shopping time.”
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“I had amazing experiences like a hyena killing a buffalo whilst the same herd was charging lions. I also experienced amazing sunsets at the Serena Serengeti Hotel whilst relaxing with friends. My trips to other parts of the world like Norway and Sweden included amazing sightings of the Northern lights and a trip to Morocco which tested your culinary senses.”
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We are here to help
The tour leader collects a set amount from each member of a tour. This kitty is then used to tip the local tour guide and city guides, bus drivers, any other assistants, and restaurant staff. We believe in tipping for good service as a token of appreciation, especially as many workers in tourism rely on tips to supplement their income.
Although we cannot apply on your behalf, we are more than willing to give guidance and assistance with completing forms. We do this for many clients on a near-daily basis. It does, however, remain the responsibility of the client to ensure that they get the correct visa on time.
Remember that we limit the number of guests on our tours. This means more time at stops and sites. We definitely do not do groups of 30 pax, where guests are rushed from one site to the other. There is enough time to explore on your own.
We always suggest USD/Euro 50 to USD/Euro 100 per person per day. As we mostly include two meals per day on our tours, this will be enough for lunch/dinner, some snacks, and memento shopping. Should you want to buy larger items, we suggest taking along your credit card. Remember to advise the bank that you will be travelling.