Incredible India

21 Feb –
7 Mar 2026
Discover India’s vibrant soul: majestic palaces, serene waterways, bustling bazaars, and lively megacities.

What to expect

Itinerary

Day 1
The Land of diversity

  • We meet at O.R. Tambo International and depart for Delhi.
  • The adventure that lies ahead is as vast and vibrant as India itself. India is a country of many languages, ethnic groups, religions, landscapes and climates.

Day 2
Welcome to India

  • Welcome to India! Arrive in Delhi, where ancient and modern worlds collide.
  • Enjoy breakfast in Aerocity before heading straight for sightseeing.
  • Visit Qutub Minar, a 72.5-meter tower masterpiece built in 1199, and experience the serene ambience of Raj Ghat, a peaceful memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
  • After a day filled with exploration, unwind and relax as you check in to your comfortable hotel for an overnight stay in Delhi.

 

Highlights:

  • Qutub Minar’s grandeur
  • The serene Raj Ghat

Day 3
Delhi’s vibrant contrasts

  • After enjoying your breakfast, dive into the vibrant contrasts of Delhi. Take a stroll through the lively Chandni Chowk Market, where you can soak up the sights, sounds, and delicious aromas that fill the air in these traditional Indian markets.
  • Enjoy a rickshaw drive past the majestic Red Fort, a symbol of India’s rich history.
  • Visit Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, then admire Humayun’s Tomb, a masterpiece of early Mughal architecture.
  • Drive on a tuk-tuk through the elegant Lutyens’ Delhi, passing iconic landmarks like India Gate, the President’s House, and Parliament.
  • End the day at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, where history and hospitality blend beautifully in its community kitchen.
  • Overnight stay in Delhi.

Highlights:

  • The vibrant Chandni Chowk Market
  • Tuk-tuk through Lutyens’ Delhi landmarks

Day 4
A Glimpse into Mughal Grandeur

  • After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Agra, the former capital of the Mughal Empire and a hub of art and culture. Upon arrival, we will check in at our hotel and get ready for an afternoon of exploration.
  • In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site that once housed Mughal emperors and played a key role in India’s history.
  • As you drive through the city, take in the sights and sounds of Agra’s bustling markets and vibrant daily life, offering a true taste of the city’s dynamic spirit.
  • Enjoy an overnight stay in Agra.

Highlights:

  • Majestic Agra Fort visit
  • Agra’s vibrant markets

Day 5
A day of flavour

  • In the morning, embark on a journey to the iconic Taj Mahal, a breathtaking masterpiece of love and devotion built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved queen. Completed in 22 years by 20,000 craftsmen, its white marble shifts hues with the sun, embodying the Mughal vision of paradise.
  • Later, dive into the culinary delights of Agra on a captivating food tour. Sample centuries-old recipes that have been influenced by a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, offering a true taste of the city’s vibrant heritage.
  • Enjoy an overnight stay in Agra, where the magic of the day lingers in the air.

Highlights:

  • The iconic Taj Mahal
  • Agra’s diverse food tour

Day 6
A blend of history and hospitality

  • After an early breakfast, embark on a journey to Jaipur, with fascinating stops along the way.
  • Discover the grandeur of Fatehpur Sikri, the former Mughal capital, showcasing Emperor Akbar’s architectural brilliance.
  • Visit the stunning Chand Baori stepwell in Abhaneri, a hidden gem of ancient India.
  • Arrive in Jaipur, the vibrant Pink City, where history blends seamlessly with everyday life.
  • In the evening, enjoy a cooking demo and dinner with a local family, experiencing India’s warm hospitality through its cuisine.
  • End the day with an overnight stay in Jaipur.

Highlights:

  • Fatehpur Sikri’s grandeur
  • Chand Baori stepwell

 

Day 7
The Pink City

  • Visit Amber Fort, a stunning Rajput masterpiece overlooking Lake Maota. Ride up by jeep and explore its ornate royal rooms adorned with ivory, mirrors and murals.
  • Stop for a photo tour of Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), an architectural marvel with a striking pyramidal façade.
  • Explore the City Palace Museum, showcasing a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani art, royal costumes, weapons, and exquisite miniatures. Part of the palace remains home to Jaipur’s royal family.
  • Visit Jantar Mantar, an impressive 18th-century observatory with intricate astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest stone sundial.
  • Enjoy an overnight stay in Jaipur, where the magic of the Pink City continues to enchant and inspire.

Highlights:

  • Amber Fort’s opulence
  • Hawa Mahal’s façade
  • City Palace and Jantar Mantar explorations

Day 8
Eight Cities in One

  • After breakfast we travel from Jaipur to Delhi, the final leg of our Golden Triangle route. Delhi, India’s capital city, with a thousand years of history, is a city of contrasts that combines a unique ambience of the ancient and the modern.
  • On arrival, we check into our hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure.
  • Tonight, a delicious buffet dinner is served at the hotel.

Highlights:

  • Relax at leisure in Delhi

Day 9
Kerala’s serene backwaters adventure

  • Transfer to Delhi airport for your flight to Cochin.
  • Upon arrival, embark on a scenic drive to Alleppey, where you will board a traditional houseboat.
  • Cruise through Kerala’s serene backwaters, a vast network of canals, rivers, and lakes that were once bustling trade routes.
  • Enjoy an overnight stay on the houseboat, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Kerala’s waterways.

Highlight:

  • Cruise Kerala’s backwaters

 

Day 10
Cruise the backwaters

  • We spend another 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.
  • Dinner, like all of today’s meals, is served on board.

Highlights:

  • Drift through jungle-lined canals
  • Spot rural villages

Day 11
Cultural immersion in Cochin

  • Start your day with a delightful breakfast on board before embarking on a scenic drive to Cochin, famously known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea.’
  • This vibrant city is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich history influenced by traders from Portugal, China, and beyond.
  • Conclude your day with a comfortable overnight stay at a hotel, reflecting on the day’s enriching experiences.

Highlight:

  • Visit ‘Queen of Arabian Sea.’

Day 12
A journey through time

  • After breakfast, dive into the historical richness of Fort Kochi, where time feels abstract and the streets pulse with a unique rhythm.
  • Visit the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth, adorned with hand-painted Chinese tiles. Explore Jew Town, a lively spice trade hub.
  • See the Portuguese-built Mattancherry Palace, later renovated by the Dutch, featuring stunning murals from Hindu epics.
  • Witness the iconic Chinese fishing nets, introduced by traders from Kublai Khan’s court, showcasing advanced fishing techniques.

Highlights:

  • Commonwealth’s oldest synagogue visit
  • Jew Town’s spice hub
  • Mattancherry Palace murals
  • Chinese fishing nets

Day 13
A day of discovery and history

  • After breakfast, journey to the airport for your flight to Mumbai, ready to dive into the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
  • Upon arrival, embark on a captivating city tour. Drive past the iconic Gateway of India, a majestic archway commemorating the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Continue through the bustling Colaba area, Kala Ghoda, and the UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a stunning blend of Gothic and Indian architecture.
  • Pass by Bombay University, the High Court, and Crawford Market, each offering a unique glimpse into Mumbai’s rich history. Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum (Mani Bhawan), where you can learn about the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.
  • After checking in at your hotel, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Whether you choose to explore more of the city or relax, you’ll have the evening to unwind and reflect on your day’s adventures.

Highlights:

  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
  • Gandhi Memorial Museum

Day 14
Past and Present

 

  • Experience Mumbai at dawn as the city awakens.
  • See the Gateway of India and Marine Drive in the soft morning light, explore hidden gems, and witness bustling markets come to life.
  • Visit the flower market, watch newspapers being sorted, and observe fishermen hauling their catch and lively auctions. Discover the Dabbawallas’ unique coding system and their famed lunchbox delivery network.
  • The afternoon is spent at leisure.
  • This evening we gather for dinner at the hotel.

Highlights:

  • Mumbai at dawn
  • Flower market and fish auctions

Day 15
A final transfer, onward bound

  • As your journey through India comes to a close, you’ll be transferred to the airport in time for your next flight.
  • Today includes a farewell transfer — taking with you memories that will linger long after you’ve left.

Varanasi Extension (Optional)

  • We meet at O.R. Tambo International and depart for Delhi.
  • The adventure that lies ahead is as vast and vibrant as India itself. India is a country of many languages, ethnic groups, religions, landscapes and climates.

  • Welcome to India! Arrive in Delhi, where ancient and modern worlds collide.
  • Enjoy breakfast in Aerocity before heading straight for sightseeing.
  • Visit Qutub Minar, a 72.5-meter tower masterpiece built in 1199, and experience the serene ambience of Raj Ghat, a peaceful memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
  • After a day filled with exploration, unwind and relax as you check in to your comfortable hotel for an overnight stay in Delhi.

 

Highlights:

  • Qutub Minar’s grandeur
  • The serene Raj Ghat

  • After enjoying your breakfast, dive into the vibrant contrasts of Delhi. Take a stroll through the lively Chandni Chowk Market, where you can soak up the sights, sounds, and delicious aromas that fill the air in these traditional Indian markets.
  • Enjoy a rickshaw drive past the majestic Red Fort, a symbol of India’s rich history.
  • Visit Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, then admire Humayun’s Tomb, a masterpiece of early Mughal architecture.
  • Drive on a tuk-tuk through the elegant Lutyens’ Delhi, passing iconic landmarks like India Gate, the President’s House, and Parliament.
  • End the day at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, where history and hospitality blend beautifully in its community kitchen.
  • Overnight stay in Delhi.

Highlights:

  • The vibrant Chandni Chowk Market
  • Tuk-tuk through Lutyens’ Delhi landmarks

  • After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Agra, the former capital of the Mughal Empire and a hub of art and culture. Upon arrival, we will check in at our hotel and get ready for an afternoon of exploration.
  • In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site that once housed Mughal emperors and played a key role in India’s history.
  • As you drive through the city, take in the sights and sounds of Agra’s bustling markets and vibrant daily life, offering a true taste of the city’s dynamic spirit.
  • Enjoy an overnight stay in Agra.

Highlights:

  • Majestic Agra Fort visit
  • Agra’s vibrant markets

  • In the morning, embark on a journey to the iconic Taj Mahal, a breathtaking masterpiece of love and devotion built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved queen. Completed in 22 years by 20,000 craftsmen, its white marble shifts hues with the sun, embodying the Mughal vision of paradise.
  • Later, dive into the culinary delights of Agra on a captivating food tour. Sample centuries-old recipes that have been influenced by a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, offering a true taste of the city’s vibrant heritage.
  • Enjoy an overnight stay in Agra, where the magic of the day lingers in the air.

Highlights:

  • The iconic Taj Mahal
  • Agra’s diverse food tour

  • After an early breakfast, embark on a journey to Jaipur, with fascinating stops along the way.
  • Discover the grandeur of Fatehpur Sikri, the former Mughal capital, showcasing Emperor Akbar’s architectural brilliance.
  • Visit the stunning Chand Baori stepwell in Abhaneri, a hidden gem of ancient India.
  • Arrive in Jaipur, the vibrant Pink City, where history blends seamlessly with everyday life.
  • In the evening, enjoy a cooking demo and dinner with a local family, experiencing India’s warm hospitality through its cuisine.
  • End the day with an overnight stay in Jaipur.

Highlights:

  • Fatehpur Sikri’s grandeur
  • Chand Baori stepwell

 

  • Visit Amber Fort, a stunning Rajput masterpiece overlooking Lake Maota. Ride up by jeep and explore its ornate royal rooms adorned with ivory, mirrors and murals.
  • Stop for a photo tour of Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), an architectural marvel with a striking pyramidal façade.
  • Explore the City Palace Museum, showcasing a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani art, royal costumes, weapons, and exquisite miniatures. Part of the palace remains home to Jaipur’s royal family.
  • Visit Jantar Mantar, an impressive 18th-century observatory with intricate astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest stone sundial.
  • Enjoy an overnight stay in Jaipur, where the magic of the Pink City continues to enchant and inspire.

Highlights:

  • Amber Fort’s opulence
  • Hawa Mahal’s façade
  • City Palace and Jantar Mantar explorations

  • After breakfast we travel from Jaipur to Delhi, the final leg of our Golden Triangle route. Delhi, India’s capital city, with a thousand years of history, is a city of contrasts that combines a unique ambience of the ancient and the modern.
  • On arrival, we check into our hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure.
  • Tonight, a delicious buffet dinner is served at the hotel.

Highlights:

  • Relax at leisure in Delhi

  • Transfer to Delhi airport for your flight to Cochin.
  • Upon arrival, embark on a scenic drive to Alleppey, where you will board a traditional houseboat.
  • Cruise through Kerala’s serene backwaters, a vast network of canals, rivers, and lakes that were once bustling trade routes.
  • Enjoy an overnight stay on the houseboat, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Kerala’s waterways.

Highlight:

  • Cruise Kerala’s backwaters

 

  • We spend another 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.
  • Dinner, like all of today’s meals, is served on board.

Highlights:

  • Drift through jungle-lined canals
  • Spot rural villages

  • Start your day with a delightful breakfast on board before embarking on a scenic drive to Cochin, famously known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea.’
  • This vibrant city is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich history influenced by traders from Portugal, China, and beyond.
  • Conclude your day with a comfortable overnight stay at a hotel, reflecting on the day’s enriching experiences.

Highlight:

  • Visit ‘Queen of Arabian Sea.’

  • After breakfast, dive into the historical richness of Fort Kochi, where time feels abstract and the streets pulse with a unique rhythm.
  • Visit the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth, adorned with hand-painted Chinese tiles. Explore Jew Town, a lively spice trade hub.
  • See the Portuguese-built Mattancherry Palace, later renovated by the Dutch, featuring stunning murals from Hindu epics.
  • Witness the iconic Chinese fishing nets, introduced by traders from Kublai Khan’s court, showcasing advanced fishing techniques.

Highlights:

  • Commonwealth’s oldest synagogue visit
  • Jew Town’s spice hub
  • Mattancherry Palace murals
  • Chinese fishing nets

  • After breakfast, journey to the airport for your flight to Mumbai, ready to dive into the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
  • Upon arrival, embark on a captivating city tour. Drive past the iconic Gateway of India, a majestic archway commemorating the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Continue through the bustling Colaba area, Kala Ghoda, and the UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a stunning blend of Gothic and Indian architecture.
  • Pass by Bombay University, the High Court, and Crawford Market, each offering a unique glimpse into Mumbai’s rich history. Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum (Mani Bhawan), where you can learn about the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.
  • After checking in at your hotel, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Whether you choose to explore more of the city or relax, you’ll have the evening to unwind and reflect on your day’s adventures.

Highlights:

  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
  • Gandhi Memorial Museum

 

  • Experience Mumbai at dawn as the city awakens.
  • See the Gateway of India and Marine Drive in the soft morning light, explore hidden gems, and witness bustling markets come to life.
  • Visit the flower market, watch newspapers being sorted, and observe fishermen hauling their catch and lively auctions. Discover the Dabbawallas’ unique coding system and their famed lunchbox delivery network.
  • The afternoon is spent at leisure.
  • This evening we gather for dinner at the hotel.

Highlights:

  • Mumbai at dawn
  • Flower market and fish auctions

  • As your journey through India comes to a close, you’ll be transferred to the airport in time for your next flight.
  • Today includes a farewell transfer — taking with you memories that will linger long after you’ve left.

Varanasi Extension (Optional)

Experience the vibrance of Incredible India

A Journey of the Senses

We discover the India of imagination: opulent palaces adorned with jewels, sleepy waterways lined with lush jungle, and bustling bazaars filled with fine crafts. But we also reveal the India of today: sprawling megacities, wonderfully friendly people, and delicious cuisine.

By day, explore iconic sights, hop on thrilling tuk-tuk rides, and savour unique food tastings. By night, retreat to handpicked luxury hotels and step back into the rhythm of India’s streets.

Vast, diverse, and endlessly fascinating, India is a place that stays with you. Incredible India is the perfect introduction—one that will leave you longing for more.

Extend your tour with two nights in the colourful and fascinating city of Varanasi.

This ancient place is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism and a mecca for pilgrims who flock to the sacred waters of the River Ganges. We take in Varanasi’s intense sights and sounds with visits to the banks of the river, rickshaw rides through the bazaar and explorations of the Hindu temples.

Our approach

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Seagull Travel & Tours crafts small group tours that offer luxury, convenience, and spontaneous moments of joy.

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FAQs

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.

You can contact us at info@seagulltours.co.za or +27 42 296 0475