Ultimate India - Culture and… (trip)

Ultimate India - Culture and Wildlife

  • Mumbai Airport, Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Family & Friends
Shatabdi Express 
, Agra
, New Delhi
, Nagpur
, Pench National Park
, Kerala
, Kochi
, Kumarakom
, Kerala Backwaters, India, Asia

from $2,725* per person13 DaysYear-round
Boutique accommodations Exertion level: 2
Operator: Global Basecamps 10 people max
It would take a lifetime to explore all the cultural, historical and natural wonders that India has to offer but our Ultimate India itinerary is certainly a great starting point for your exploration. Rather than try to focus on a specific theme we've given you some of the highlights at a slow pace with plenty of time to explore without having to rush to the next destination. From the incredible and thoroughly modern cities of Mumbai and Delhi to the slow-paced river systems of the Kerala backwaters; from an elephant-backed Bengal Tiger safari in one of India's most beautiful natural parks to the ethereal beauty of Agra, perhaps the greatest love poem ever designed, the Ultimate India itinerary will give you a taste of the multiple layers that make up modern India.

You'll travel through the full spectrum of transportation options from trains and planes to private vehicle and riverboats with expert private guides always on the look-out for new experiences to share with you. Lodging choices range from charming local guesthouses to incredible palaces and the we've packed enough incredible sites, tastes and adventures into the trip to last a lifetime.

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Locations visited/nearby

Shatabdi Express , Agra , New Delhi , Nagpur , Pench National Park , Kerala , Kochi , Kumarakom , Kerala Backwaters, India, Asia

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3 testimonials about the provider, Global Basecamps:

  • Reviewer: Susan located in San Francisco, Ca USA
    Global Basecamps is the best! The agency is very skilled in quickly getting a feel for your travel style and then putting together an itinerary, accommodations and all, that are a perfect match. Plus, they go the extra mile — really miles! -- to work out all the details for an exquisite, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
  • Reviewer: Mary located in New York, NY USA
    Global Basecamps was invaluable in setting up our trip in Thailand. My travel specialist made personal recommendations for places to stay that were carefully thought-out to meet our needs. They were extremely diligent about ensuring that connections, rides and ferry schedules matched seamlessly, and made it easy for us to just enjoy our trip without any stresses. We absolutely appreciate every aspect of the work they did on our behalf. Kudos!
  • Reviewer: Obie located in Miami, Florida USA
    I made last minute plans for a summer trip around the world with my kids, departing in late June. Great help and advice from the sustainable travel experts at Global Basecamps made it possible.

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Special information

  • This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
  • Family oriented trip.

Itinerary

Day 1: Mumbai
Upon arrival at Chattrapati Shivaji International Airport (Mumbai), you will be met at the airport and driven to a very comfortable centrally located boutique hotel. The afternoon is free to recover from your flight or explore on your own.

Day 2: Mumbai This morning after breakfast you will be met at the hotel and taken on a privately guided sightseeing tour of the city including visits to the Prince of Wales Museum and the Elephanta Caves, located across the Bay from the city and accessible only by motorboat. The day will end with visits to many of the city’s heritage buildings including the Victoria Terminus and the Mumbai Municipal Building. The evening is free to explore the city on your own.

Day 3: Mumbai - Kochi - Kumarakom This morning after an early breakfast you will be driven to the airport to board your flight to Kochi. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to a secluded resort nestled in a coconut grove on one of Kerala’s best beaches.

Day 4 & 5: Kumarakom - Kerala Backwaters

Day 4: This morning after breakfast you will be met at the hotel and transferred to a beautifully refurbished traditional houseboat to explore the backwaters of Kerala for two days. The houseboats were originally built 40 years ago and are constructed of Anjali wood and coir. They are 55 feet in length and 15 feet in width with a capacity of 35 tons and were originally used for transporting rice through the waterways. They are simply but beautifully furnished and consist of a thatched covered lounge/dining area, a double bedroom (with mosquito net) and a bathroom with a WC and washbasin. Thatched awning on both sides of the boat allows the breeze and views to flow in. There is a small service area at the back where the cook prepares simple meals using as much fresh provisions as can be plucked, caught or bought in the backwaters. The boat will anchor for the night in the backwaters and you will stay overnight on the boat.

Day 5: Spend another day exploring the waterways and villages of Kerala aboard the houseboat.

Day 6: Kerala - Kochi - Pench National Park Early this morning you will be met at the boat dock to begin your private road transfer back to Kochi. On arrival you will have guided tour of Kochi including the beautiful Pardesi Synagogue, the Mattancherry Palace and an afternoon boat cruise on the Arabian Sea close to the harbour. After lunch you will be transferred to the Kochi airport to connect to your flight to Nagpur via Mumbai. A representative will meet you at the Mumbai Airport to assist you with transfering to your next flight. On arrival at Nagpur you will be met at the airport and transferred by road to Pench in the Southern district of Madhyar Pradesh. Pench National Park is one of the best places in the world to see the majestic Bengal Tiger in it’s natural habitat. Your home for the next three nights is an incredibly beautiful wilderness lodge right on the park’s border. The lodge is the cornerstone of a joint tourism and conservation effort that works very closely with the local community, international conservation organziations and the Indian Government.

Day 7: Pench National Park Spend an amazing day exploring the park on morning and evening game drives by open jeep. The park is one of the best places in the world to see tigers in their natural habitat and is the destination of choice for documentary crews and photographers looking to film these amazing creatures. The park is also home to many other animals including jackals, sloth bears, leopards and an incredible variety of birdlife.

Day 8: Pench - Delhi Early this morning you will transfer by road back to Nagpur to board your domestic flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to a relaxing guesthouse set in a quiet residential area of the city. After checking in you’ll spend the day on a privately guided sightseeing tour exploring the historical sites and architecture of colonial New Delhi, a city of contrasts housing monuments of 13th & 16th centuries alongside manicured boulevards and government buildings.

Day 9: Delhi - Agra This morning after breakfast you will be taken to the New Delhi Railway Station to board the superfast Shatabdi Express to Agra. On arrival you will be taken on a guided tour of Agra city with visits to the Agra fort, It-mad-ud-Daula and the Taj Mahal. Spend one night at a very comfortable boutique hotel located only minutes away from the Taj Mahal.

Day 10: Agra - Jaipur This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Jaipur by private vehicle. Enroute visit Emperor Akbars’ abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. On arrival in Jaipur you will be transferred to a comfortable guesthouse located outside of the city center.

Day 11: Jaipur Today embark on a privately guided tour of the region including various historical monuments including the Amber Fort, City Palace, Astronomical Observatory and Hawa Mahal. The evening is free to explore on your own.

Day 12: Jaipur - Udaipur This morning after breakfast you will be taken to the airport to board your flight to Udaipur. On arrival at Udaipur you will be taken on a tour through this city known for its lakes and palaces. You will spend the evening at a beautiful heritage hotel in a restored palace from the 17th Century. The evening is free to relax or explore on your own.

Day 13: Udaipur - Delhi - Onward The morning is free and in the afternoon you will be transferred to the Udaipur airport to board your flight to Delhi. On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for a free afternoon. This evening you will be met at the hotel and transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

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