Family Indian Discovery

Arrive in New Delhi, India's bustling capital which successfully combines the ancient with the modern. Amidst the tall and modern skyscrapers, there are still the remnants of a bygone time with numerous monuments and temples. For those arriving today our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and suggest evening dining options. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport (airport code DEL), which is 18km, around 40 minutes from our hotel. There are no activities planned on our first day. Stay: Rockland Hotel (Comfortable)

This morning, we will travel to Old Delhi by metro and walk around the narrow, packed lanes of this fascinating part of the city, culminating with a jamboree of sounds at Chandni Chowk and Chawari Bazaar. A short cycle rickshaw ride then takes us to the Jama Masjid mosque, a sublime example of Mughal architecture built by Emperor Shah Jahan and a welcomed oasis of calm in the midst of the city.

Whilst in Old Delhi we will take a detour to Pranthae wali gali, a narrow side street, to try some of the capital's street food treats straight from the stall sellers. Try aloo chaat (fried potato and spice mix) or paneer tikka (cottage cheese marinated in spices) along with freshly cooked breads such as parathas and rotis.

The afternoon is kept free for further exploration or to relax at our hotel. Stay: Rockland Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

Leaving Delhi, we drive south to Agra (around 4 hour's drive) known to the world as the city of the 'Taj Mahal'. Agra is still associated with the Mughals, who besides being the countries rulers were also great builders. Agra Fort, which is the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire is a vivid reminder of the opulence and makes Agra one of the most remarkable cities in India. Our first stop is the imposing Agra Fort, whose grandeur and importance has seen it inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Built by Emperor Akbar and then embellished by his grandson, Shah Jahan, this was once a great city, with palaces, mosques and halls all lying behind the protective embrace of 20m high walls. Towards the end of the day we make a sunset visit of the world-renowned Taj Mahal by rickshaw. Celebrated for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty, Emperor Shah Jahan built this exquisite white marble mausoleum for his favourite queen, Mumtaz Mahal, commissioned in 1631. The palace took 20,000 artisans twenty two years to complete. Watching the sun set over this great monument is a wonderful way of witnessing the fading light. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Taj Mahal has always evoked varying emotions from wonder to poetic verse and over the centuries has become a symbol of love and flawless beauty. Stay: Hotel Amar (Comfortable) (B)

This morning we drive to the Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Bharatpur. Initially a Maharaja's hunting estate built in 1956, it is now a bird sanctuary to some 375 species of birds including egrets, darters, cormorants, herons and painted storks with their colourful beaks and plumage.

After a busy first two days the pace relaxes as we take a bird-watching tour by cycle rickshaw and hope to see some of these magnificent birds.

Our journey continues on to Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan which is renowned for its forts and palaces that have encapsulated an image of the 'Pink City' due to its pink-coloured buildings. An ideal base for touring the royal state, the city has the distinction of being the third jewel of India's 'Golden Triangle'. Its main claim to fame is that it is India's first 'planned' city built by the famous 18th century astronomer King Sawai Jai Singh II. Stay: Mandawa Haveli (Premium) (B/L/D)

After breakfast we head to the fabulous Amber Fort situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements with ruins that are spread over the surrounding Aravalli hills. Our visit incorporates the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for its design and decoration as well as Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with images of the elephant-headed god, Ganesh. We also make a stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade with overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.

In the afternoon, we visit the City Palace Museum which has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes, armoury including swords with chiselled handles, an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings and rare astronomical works. We also see the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar Observatory, a stone astrological and astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century.

During the winter months the Mandawa Haveli hotel in Jaipur provides puppet show for inhouse guests, please speak to the hotel reception for details. Stay: Mandawa Haveli (Premium) (B/L/D)

Bidding farewell to northern India, we fly to Kochi a port city on the Indian Ocean and the commercial capital of Kerala. Cochin or Kochi has long been praised as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. Strategically located on the east-west sea route, Kochi is Kerala's major port and boasts one of the finest natural harbours in the world and is the most cosmopolitan of the state's cities.

Your flight details will be provided by our trip leader as these are booked locally. Depending on which flight we take, there may be time to wander around the historic centre before dinner. Stay: Hotel Casino (Premium) (B)

We take an auto-rickshaw (3-wheeler automated 'scooter') to Fort Kochi. Fort Kochi is the oldest European settlement in India, dating back to 1500, with a blend of English, Dutch and Portuguese influence. This morning we take our time to explore this great city and take in some of the sites including the bustling fish markets as well as the historic Jewish quarter. Later in the morning we head to Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The Palace features several exquisite Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art, portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi. A blend of colonial and Kerala architecture, it was a gift to the local ruler by the Portuguese in exchange for trading rights. The palace was later renovated by the Dutch and is widely referred to as the Dutch Palace these days. This evening we see the famous Kathakali dancers. With its origins coming from the traditional temple rituals and an art form known as Koodiyattam, the performers use face makeup which can take up to three hours to paint on and makes this dance so unique within the country. Their features are heavily emphasised with their facial expressions and coordinated eye movements being important within the dance - during our visit, we can see the process of applying the make-up. Stay: Hotel Casino (Premium) (B)

This morning we drive to Thekkady via the meandering roads through the high ranges and past rubber and tea plantations. We should arrive early afternoon; the rest of the day is free. Stay: Hotel Grand Thekkady (Comfortable) (B)

After breakfast, we drive to Thekkady which is the closest settlement to the Periyar National Park. A stunning setting on the shores of Lake Periyar, our base is home to a myriad of wildlife such as elephant, wild pigs, monkey and the flying squirrel. The park also boasts some 260 species of birds including darters, ospreys and kingfishers. We take a guided boat trip in the hope of spotting some of these wild creatures although sightings cannot be guaranteed. The park itself is made up of a variety of habitats including open grasslands and semi-evergreen forests with an abundant number of ferns, orchids and air-plants all making up a beautiful ecosystem.

Later in the day, drive to the rural Chennmkary Village to visit a tea factory. The site houses photographs and machines depicting the flourishing tea industry that the region is famous for with an explanation of each stage of the tea making process.

There is ample time to further explore the village and meet our hosts for the next two days. Options for this afternoon include taking a short walk amongst the fruit and medicinal plants that surround the village, as well as strolling through banana and coconut plantations. There is also the option to travel by canoe and visit the famous temples of Karumadikuttan, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Accommodation at Mancombo village, close to Chennmkary is spread over several village houses that is simply styled with traditional Kerala furniture. Due to space constraints, families may need to share a room together. The houses are close together, approx. 5-10 minutes walk between them and all have bedding and towels provided. The locals will cook the meals for the group and we all dine together giving the opportunity to understand how they live. The villagers grow their own rice, vegetables, coconuts and spices which are all used in the meals. Stay: Gaaby World Homestay (Simple) (B/L/D)

Today is left free to explore the area with the opportunity to take a stroll through the serene Kerala hamlets and experience the tropical forests filled with the fragrance of medicinal flowers. To cover more expanses you can sail through the interior villages and backwaters in a non-mechanized open canoe to get a chance of experiencing traditional Kerala hamlets. Stay: Gaaby World Homestay (Simple) (B/L/D)

This morning we drive to the lively backwater centre of Alleppey where we board our houseboats and begin our relaxing cruise into the network of the Kerala backwaters.

On the more open canals, you can see boats with large sails - the bow often carved in the shape of a dragon. These vessels are a lifeline for the villages with a number acting as taxis, mail delivery carriages and goods transport. You may see great pyramids of coconuts or even the odd buffalo being carried along in this time honoured fashion. We plan to stop off at several points of interest en-route including the Chambakulam Saint Foreine Church and Chambakulam Chundan - the famous snake boats.

Our houseboats are converted from old rice-barges, with walls and roofs of coir. Furnishings are simple yet comfortable with en-suite bathrooms and an area to relax and watch riverside life as we go by. Whilst the engine boat is running there will be some power supply to charge cameras. The air conditioning will be limited to night time only in order to conserve power. Traditional Kerala cuisine is served on board. Stay: Houseboat (Simple) (B/L/D)

Disembarking the houseboat, we drive the short journey to the resort in Mararikulam with the rest of the day free to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and beach activities. Mararikulam is a typical fishing village which is located on the southwest coast of Central Kerala and offers an unblemished and pristine shoreline, swaying coconut palms, thatched huts and a view point to watch the striking sunsets. Stay: Abad Turtle Beach Resort (Comfortable) (B)

Today is a free day at Mararikulam to enjoy the beach. Stay: Abad Turtle Beach Resort (Comfortable) (B)

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Mararikulam.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Mararikulam at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Cochin International Airport (airport code COK), which is 75km, around two hours from the hotel. (B)