Best of India with Kerala and Nepal

Keep a keen eye out for the rainbow-coloured prayer flags flapping in the wind as your transfer from Kathmandu Airport takes you to your hotel. Spirituality is the cornerstone of Nepalese culture, and this is revealed in the many shrines and temples that dot its capital, which you'll get to explore in the coming days. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel. (D) Stay: Mercure Kathmandu Sukedhara Heights

Your first stop today is the UNESCO-listed shrine of Swayambhunath. Uncover its history spanning millennia. Admire the galleries of prayer mills and gleaming white stupa, whose gilded spire provides the colourful eyes of Buddha a lofty vantage point from which to survey the surrounding valley. Share the intricately carved stone façades with the resident monkeys and admire the artistry of Nepalese craftsmanship. You'll see all this as you walk through the remnants of Buddhist and Hindu iconography, said to be around 2000 years old.

Proceed to the heart of the old town and Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you will gain a deeper understanding of its role in the centuries of rule over this mountain kingdom. See the traditional pagoda-style architecture reflected in the temples and palaces that surround the square – the Hanuman Dhoka palace complex, the Mahadev Temple, the House of the Goddess Kumari and Taleju Temple.

After some free time for lunch, journey to nearby Patan, renowned for its collection of ancient temples, carvings and palaces, which you will see first-hand during a visit to Patan Durbar Square, a generic name given to plazas and areas located opposite Nepal's old royal palaces. Delve into the ancient Buddhist heritage of the City of Beauty and visit the Krishna Temple and Golden Temple.

Later, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during your visit to the Tibetan Refugee Camp, which features a handicraft centre and provides shelter to the families of Tibetan refugees who fled the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959. Among these were gifted Tibetan carpet weavers whose talents remain on display today at the Jawalakhel Handicraft Centre. You could choose to buy some of the traditional Tibetan handicrafts as a memento of your trip. Then it's back to Kathmandu for a well-deserved evening at leisure. (B)

The UNESCO-listed city of Bhaktapur and its impressive Durbar Square are the main attractions today. While the city is rebuilding its fallen temples, it remains a cultural centre. Stroll along narrow alleys and admire artisans at work. Watch how they weave cloth, carve timber and make pottery, which dries in all its terracotta brilliance in open squares for all to admire.

Dive Into Culture and join a local potter for a workshop to learn how Bhaktapur has been a pottery centre for centuries. You'll see first-hand how traditional techniques are still used. Large spinning wheels are coaxed into action with a long stick and the rapid stirring of the talented potters to shape all sorts of ceramics out of lumps of clay. Get your hands dirty and hone your own pottery talents as you make your own creation to take home as a memento of your visit. If you have time, stop in one of the squares and sample the famous Juju Dhau, Newari yoghurt treat, enjoyed in a ‘takeaway' pottery bowl.

Later, return to the hotel and enjoy some free time. You could consider joining an Optional Experience to witness a poignant Aarti ceremony at Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River. (B)

Your soulful encounter with Nepal at its end, but your journey through India is just beginning. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Delhi. India's vibrant capital extends a lively welcome, launching an unforgettable experience through northern India's most exquisite sights. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner. (B/D) Stay: Park Plaza CBD Shahdara

Savour the scents of spice as you embark on an exhilarating rickshaw ride, navigating the busy streets of Old Delhi. See the Red Fort, a sandstone fortress which once housed the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for centuries.

Next, Dive Into Culture as you ride through the colourful Chandni Chowk market and watch it come to life as the day's trading begins amidst the sounds of enthusiastic salesmen and endless traffic. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Admire its ornate façades before boarding a waiting vehicle to drive to Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Pay tribute to this beloved figurehead, who led the campaign for India's independence from Britain. You'll come face-to-face with the site where he was cremated following his assassination in 1948. Today the simple square platform of black marble is surrounded by a tranquil park, befitting of its status as a place of contemplation.

Your next stop is Agrasen Ki Baoli, one of the most noteworthy stepwells in Delhi. Hidden amidst the cacophony of Delhi's streets and business towers, this ancient water reservoir rises from the depths of the earth to stand atop 103 stone steps. Spend a few moments of serenity amidst its centuries-old ornate arches before returning to your hotel for an afternoon of leisure or consider one of our Optional Experiences. (B)

This morning, embark on a guided walking tour to discover the work done by the Salaam Baalak Trust, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This non-profit organisation that aims to provide a caring environment for street children.

Later, we'll walk through the bazaar of Paharganj, rubbing shoulders with the locals who flock to the market to shop everyday. Escape the noise and head to New Delhi, designed and built by the British in the 1920s. Your first stop here is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Humayun's Tomb, the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former glory, you'll see first-hand why it served as the inspiration for the design of the famous Taj Mahal.

Enjoy local flavours for lunch at a restaurant near India Gate, then head to the Qutub Minar complex, also a UNESCO listed site. This fluted ‘Victory Tower' is decorated with elaborate inscriptions, geometric carvings and elegant balconies. Returning to your hotel later, drive past Lutyens' Delhi to view the elegant colonial façades leading British architect Edwin Lutyens left behind on the cityscape.

You'll have the rest of the afternoon at leisure, or perhaps join one of our Optional Experiences. (B/L)

It's time to leave Delhi behind, bound for the Uttar Pradesh city of Agra. There are many reasons to love Agra and its own ‘monument to love', the Taj Mahal, is perhaps the most captivating of all. Marvel at its elegant marble façades awash with the sunset's rose and golden hues. Admire this well-preserved landmark from all sides and take time to contemplate the magnificence of this man-made wonder before re-joining your fellow travellers. This evening, you could choose to end a memorable day at an optional sound and light show prior to dinner. (B/D) Stay: Saura Hotel

There's more to Agra than the Taj Mahal, as you'll discover during your visit to the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort. Walk through the chambers of this 17th-century residence, once home to Mughal emperors before the capital moved to Delhi. You'll then explore Fatehpur Sikri, the once-grand 'Ghost Town' built by Emperor Akbar and abandoned soon after. Its red sandstone buildings remain hauntingly intact.

After visiting Bharatpur, board a train to Ranthambore: where you'll stay at The Shergarh Resort, one of our Stays with Stories. This simple, family-run hotel was founded by a local who grew up near the park and now supports his village through tourism. (B/L/D) Stay: The Shergarh Resort

Head out on an early morning game drive, one of the best times to spot the elusive Bengal tiger. Animals spotted and breakfast eaten, visit Dhonk Textile Studio, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, where local women create handcrafted textiles as part of a conservation initiative that supports ethical livelihoods and protects wildlife. Enjoy some time to unwind before heading back into the park for your second game drive, making the most of your last chance to spot Ranthambore's incredible wildlife. (B/L/D)

Continue your journey to Jaipur, the Pink City. After some free time for lunch, join a hand-block printing workshop, one of the most famous traditional art forms of Rajasthan. A Local Specialist will show you the tricks of the trade as you observe how the prints are handmade using small wooden blocks and hone your own block-printing skills.

Later, see the talents of local craftspeople on display during a visit to a local market. From beautifully embroidered textiles to exquisite blue pottery, you'll find plenty of treasures to admire and perhaps a special keepsake to bring home.

This evening, enjoy true Indian hospitality at Jaideo and Devika's guesthouse in Jaipur for a Be My Guest experience. Your hosts, a family from the royal Rajpoot community, welcome you into their home, share stories of life in India and serve traditional dishes like daal and bati for a real taste of Jaipur's culture. (B/D) Stay: Club Mahindra Resort

One of today's highlights is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort. But first, stop to admire the red and pink façades of the Palace of Winds, whose latticed windows once revealed the outside world to the sheltered ladies of the royal household. Continue with a visit to the ornate City Palace, an impressive complex of buildings from different eras and gardens in the heart of the Old City. Enjoy some time for lunch before visiting the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Observatory, featuring the world's largest sundial.

Later, perhaps join our optional Aarti ceremony, offering a blessing to one of the Hindu deities and hopefully receiving one in return. (B)

Depart Jaipur this morning and board your included flight to embark on a pilgrimage to the sacred city of Varanasi to explore the city's role as the centre of Hindu religion. There's a palpable sense that life begins and ends on the shores of Ganga Mata (Mother Ganges), but local spirituality extends beyond the sacred waters of the river. The city is also renowned for its ancient temples and old ghats that lead down to the river. You'll see all this and more, but first there's free time for lunch before the sightseeing.

Next experience a rural way of life while visiting weavers in Varanasi, where a Local Specialist reveals the centuries-old silk weaving tradition. Your visit during this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience will help the community's efforts to keep this extraordinary tradition alive. You'll see first-hand how the talented weavers create beautiful silk fabrics. These are used to make the famous Banarasi silk saris, highly sought after for weddings and other special occasions.

Later this evening, feed your soul as you cruise down the River Ganges to witness the ritual of Aarti. Watch as the delicate diya, laden with candles and tiny flowers, float down the river. After this poignant ritual, return to the hotel for dinner. (B/D) Stay: Madin

Admire the changing light as the sun rises over the Ganges, and the sights and sounds of Varanasi come to life along the banks of the river. Observe locals taking their morning bath in the holy water and worshipping the rising sun.

Afterwards explore the city on foot, the best way to immerse yourself in the day-to-day of the oldest living city of the world. You'll have an opportunity to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi's main temple. Demolished and rebuilt many times over its history, the temple is a sight to behold with its towering spire and domes made of pure gold. Return to your hotel for breakfast and some free time. Perhaps choose to join our Optional Experience to watch a live performance of Indian classical dances known as Kathak.

This afternoon, visit Sarnath, one of the four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. Explore the spectacular collection of Buddhist artefacts dating back to the 3rd century BC and see the Lion Capital of Ashoka with its inverted lotus carving, adopted as the national emblem of India. This evening, we'll toast to shared memories over a delicious local Farewell Dinner. (B/D)

It's time to bid farewell to Varanasi. Take a transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Kochi, where your spiritual and cultural encounter with India continues. The bountiful backwaters of Kerala, ‘God's own country', welcome you. This slice of southern India is a lush garden filled with spices, brilliant colours and the enchanting sounds of nature. Relax on the tranquil shores of the Arabian Sea and let the freshest seafood melt in your mouth as you sink into a more straightforward way of life – one where nature sets the pace for the day. (B/D) Stay: Holiday Inn

Today you travel into Kerala's lush landscapes to Periyar, named after the state's longest river which winds through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. On arrival, you may choose to join an Optional Experience boat ride on Periyar Lake, watching for elephants and sambar deer along the shore and looking out for birdlife and smooth-coated otters in the shallows.

Later, you'll head to your hotel to freshen up before you Dive Into Culture with a Kalarippayattu performance, as trained Kalari warriors demonstrate this ancient martial art and you'll try a few moves under the guidance of skilled masters. (B/D) Stay: Elephant Court

The intoxicating scents of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves linger long after today's encounter with Kerala's famous spices. Your first stop today is a visit to Kumily Spice Garden. Here you'll learn how the locals grow and share an astounding variety of flavourful spices, ranging from pepper and ginger to vanilla and cardamom, the 'Queen of Spices'. Gain in-depth insights into the process of spice cultivation and discover how Kerala's international spice trade has shaped its culture and heritage.

There's more to experience as you head to Kumarakom, a tranquil village set on the peaceful banks of Lake Vembanad, the largest lake in Kerala. Embark on a walking tour and Dive Into Culture as you admire the vibrant day-to-day of village life in the regional market and lively streets. (B/D) Stay: Backwater Ripples

Kerala's intrinsic relationship with water takes centre stage today. But first, maybe start your morning with an optional yoga session, embracing the tranquillity of your surroundings before breakfast.

Then, board a traditional houseboat for a cruise through Kerala's iconic waterways. Take a deep breath and enjoy the slow, sultry pace of life as you wind your way to Alleppey, passing villagers in wooden Shikaras and palm-fringed shores. Even your ride for the day is rooted in history. These houseboats, known as Kettuvalloms, were once used to ferry rice and spices. Upon arriving in Alleppey, disembark and return to Kumarakom for dinner and a relaxing evening. (B/L/D)

The remnants of Kerala's colourful, centuries-old trading history are best explored in the old port city of Kochi. It was here that Chinese, Arab and European merchants came to buy the fragrant spices that found their way to tables all over the world. In turn, they left their mark on Kochi's architecture, cuisine and traditions. Colonial bungalows, Catholic churches, mosques and a European fort season the cityscape that was once known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'.

Enjoy time for lunch before embarking on a city tour to see first-hand this multicultural centre, including views of the Mattancherry Dutch Palace and St. Francis Church, built by Portuguese traders. Visit the Fort Kochi area and see traditional cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, unique to this part of Kerala. See how these fixed land installations made on bamboo scaffolding are artfully lowered into the sea to catch the seafood for which Kochi is famous.

This evening, Connect With Locals and enjoy a cooking demonstration with a local family followed by a delicious Be My Guest dinner. (B/D) Stay: Holiday Inn

Your epic encounter with Kerala's culture and natural wonders has come to an end, but your memories will last a lifetime. Say farewell to your travel companions and take an airport transfer for your onward flight. (B)