Begin the day in Old Delhi with a visit to Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques with a vast courtyard and graceful minarets towering above the streets below. From here, hop aboard a cycle rickshaw for a ride through the tangled laneways of the old city. At Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market, inhale the heady scents of cardamom, cumin and chilli as traders haul sacks through crowded alleys. You’ll drive past the mighty red sandstone walls of the 17th-century Red Fort, once the seat of Mughal power, before pausing at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib – its serene white domes and gold-capped sanctum reflected in sacred waters – one of the most important Sikh temples in India.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before shifting gears in New Delhi. A drive along Rajpath reveals the city’s British imperial past: pass India Gate, the grand war memorial to the soldiers of World War I and continue to the stately Rashtrapati Bhavan, once the Viceroy’s House and now the official residence of the President of India. End the day at Humayun’s Tomb, a magnificent 16th-century Mughal mausoleum that inspired the design of the Taj Mahal.
This morning, set out on the drive to Agra through northern India’s plains. On arrival, check into your luxurious retreat inspired by Mughal architecture, with sprawling gardens and red facades.
In the afternoon, step inside Agra Fort, a UNESCO-listed red sandstone fortress that once served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. Behind its massive walls lie elegant halls, marble pavilions and balconies that look across the Yamuna River to the Taj Mahal.
As the sun begins to set, view the spectacular Taj Mahal in the golden light. Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a tomb for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, its gleaming white marble and perfect symmetry highlight the height of Mughal architecture and devotion.
Dinner tonight is at the award-winning Peshawri, where you’ll get a taste of the bold, smoky flavours of the Northwest.
Travel time: Driving – approx. four hours
Taj Mahal by sunset
Rise early this morning to see the Taj Mahal bathed in the soft light of dawn before the crowds. After breakfast back at the hotel, begin the journey to Jaipur, stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri. Once the short-lived capital of Emperor Akbar, this 16th-century city is a masterpiece of Mughal planning, with distinct red sandstone palaces and courtyards standing still in the surrounding scrubland.
Break for lunch in Bharatpur at a local restaurant before continuing on to Jaipur. On arrival, check into your stately hotel and take the evening to relax.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 5.5 hours
After breakfast, your exploration begins with a visit to Amber Fort, a 16th-century hilltop stronghold famed for its fusion of Hindu and Mughal design. Inside, its mirrored halls, frescoed archways and intricate carvings showcase the height of Rajput craftsmanship. Afterwards, delve into Rajasthan’s textile traditions at the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, where block-printed fabrics come to life in the rooms of a restored haveli.
Continue to the old city for a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal, Jaipur’s Palace of Winds. Its five-storey pink sandstone facade is latticed with hundreds of windows, built to allow royal women to observe street life unseen.
Enjoy lunch at a cafe within the City Palace grounds before setting out to explore the palace and its museum, home to a trove of royal costumes, ceremonial weapons and artefacts. Then, visit Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory, before an evening at your leisure.
Amber Fort visit
Spend the morning at leisure, with time to unwind by the pool or indulge in a treatment at the ITC Rajputana’s spa. Optionally, join a pottery session at Clay Botik Studio, where local artist Deeksha shares her passion for handcrafted ceramics. Later, there’s time to browse Jaipur’s vibrant markets, renowned for their gemstones, silver jewellery, antiques and crafts.
In the afternoon, hop into a bright pink tuk-tuk for a ride through the old city’s buzzing bazaars. Then, dive into the flavours of Jaipur’s street food scene, sampling dishes like flaky kachoris, spiced kadhi, and syrupy sweets – each one a display of Rajasthan’s culinary resistance.
This morning begins with an early flight to Udaipur (UDR), a city often called the ‘Venice of the East’ for its shimmering lakes and romantic palaces. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel – your luggage can be left with the concierge while you head out to explore.
First, visit the Eklingji Temples, a sacred site for the Mewar dynasty with more than 100 intricately carved shrines nestled in a centuries-old complex dedicated to Lord Shiva. Continue to the nearby ruins of Nagda, once a thriving 6th-century town now known for its twin 11th-century Sas-Bahu temples adorned with remarkably detailed stone carvings.
After lunch at a local restaurant, return to your spectacular hotel to check in and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at this ornate paradise. Set atop a hillside with sweeping views across the Aravalli ranges and Lake Pichola, the property features marble courtyards, a tranquil pool and interiors inspired by Mewar palace design, including hand-carved columns, jharokha-style windows and richly textured furnishings.
Travel time: Flight – approx. one hour
Luxury stay at Aurika, Udaipur – Luxury by Lemon Tree Hotels
Set out after breakfast this morning to explore the City Palace of Udaipur, an imposing complex of marble and granite perched above Lake Pichola. Though built over centuries by successive Maharanas, the palace maintains a striking architectural harmony across its ornate courtyards, balconies, and frescoed interiors. Inside, the Crystal Gallery showcases a rare 19th-century collection of Osler crystal furniture and objects. Afterwards, take a short walk through the old city to visit an ancient Hindu temple, where you’ll receive a blessing from the head priest, before stopping at the Maharana’s Vintage & Classic Car Museum –home to relics of royal motoring history.
In the afternoon, step into a local home for a hands-on Rajasthani cooking class to learn the art of layering spices under the guidance of your host, then enjoy the meal you’ve prepared together.
Wander through Old Udaipur’s winding laneways, with their artisan shops and painted facades. As the day ends, set out on a serene boat cruise across Lake Pichola, gliding past palaces, ghats and island temples bathed in golden light.
Depart Udaipur this morning on an internal flight to Mumbai (BOM). On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your high-rise hotel with sweeping views over Marine Drive and the Arabian Sea.
After settling in, the evening is yours to soak up the city’s fast-paced charm. Step out for a stroll along the Queen’s Necklace promenade, watch the city light up at sunset or dip into Colaba’s buzzing cafe and arts scene.
Travel time: Flight – approx. 1.5 hours / Driving – approx. 30 minutes
After fuelling up with breakfast at the hotel, start the day at the Gateway of India, a grand basalt arch overlooking the harbour. From here, explore Kala Ghoda – Mumbai’s thriving arts quarter home to the impressive Jehangir Art Gallery and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya.
On weekdays, you can witness Mumbai’s Dabbawalas delivering thousands of lunches to city workers. Drive past the ornate Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, before visiting Dhobi Ghat, where hundreds of workers wash the city’s laundry by hand in a vast maze of open tubs. End the morning at Mani Bhavan, Gandhi’s former residence and the quiet epicentre of his political activism in Mumbai.
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon back at the hotel. In the evening, head to Khyber for a dinner of rich, slow-cooked Mughlai dishes.
Ease into the day with a quiet morning in Mumbai, soaking up the Arabian Sea views from your ocean-facing room. By late morning, a transfer will take you to the airport for your included flight to Kochi. You’ll arrive in the southern port city by mid-afternoon, where you’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Once you’ve settled in, the evening is yours to unwind. Take in the slower pace of Kochi – this historic trading hub was once the centre of the spice route, its colonial-era streets revealing Portuguese churches, Dutch gables and giant Chinese fishing nets by the port.
Travel time: Flight – approx. two hours / Driving – approx. one hour
This morning, step into the rhythm of daily life in Kochi with a tour of the city. Begin at Fort Kochi’s waterfront, where the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets are still used by local fishermen. Nearby, the mossy remains of Fort Emmanuel mark the site of the first European fort in India, built by the Portuguese in 1503. Just a short walk away stands St. Francis Church, the country’s oldest European church.
Hop in a tuk-tuk and wind through quiet backstreets to Dhobi Khana, a community laundry established by Tamil migrants, then wander the streets of Mattancherry.
Stop for a ‘metre tea’, a spiced chai tea poured with precision between two mugs, before exploring Kochi’s oldest Jewish quarter and the Paradesi Synagogue. This 16th-century place of worship is adorned with Belgian chandeliers, hand-painted tiles and Torah scrolls wrapped in gold cloth.
Your morning concludes with a visit to a Brahmin household for a Kolam demonstration – intricate floor patterns drawn with rice flour believed to bring prosperity and ward off misfortune – before lunch at a local restaurant.
This evening, experience Kathakali, Kerala’s classical dance-drama, known for its vivid face paint, stylised gestures and mythological storytelling.
This morning, journey south to Alappuzha, the traditional gateway to Kerala’s backwaters. Here, you’ll board a private Kettuvallam – a thatched-roof houseboat built from jackwood and coir once used to ferry rice along the inland waterways. Glide through a labyrinth of canals and lakes, passing emerald paddy fields, coconut groves and small villages along the way. Onboard, enjoy a fresh Keralan lunch prepared by a chef.
In the late afternoon, disembark at Kumarakom, a peaceful lakeside village set among a cluster of islands in Vembanad Lake. Check in to your hotel and unwind in from your villa with direct access to the sparkling pool and surrounded by birdcalls and swaying palms.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 1.5 hours
Kettuvallam houseboat journey
After a delicious breakfast, a guided walk will take you through Kumarakom village for a glimpse into daily life. Watch skilled hands twist coconut husk into coir rope, see how locals scale towering palms with ease to tap toddy from the crown – a practice unique to the region – and observe traditional fishing techniques along the canals.
The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Treat yourself to an Ayurvedic treatment at the hotel rooted in centuries-old healing traditions, unwind by the pool or wander the resort’s 25 acres of gardens.
After breakfast, board your transfer back to Cochin International Airport (COK) in Kochi for your included flight to the Maldives via Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Upon arrival at Malé International Airport (MLE), whisk away on a speedboat (operated by the resort and shared with other guests) to your island paradise, where a complimentary bottle of champagne awaits in your breathtaking villa.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours / Flights – approx. 75 minutes and 90 minutes / Speedboat – 40 minutes
Coco Bodu Hithi stay
Wake to Maldives magnificence in your showstopping villa. Often considered the epitome of ultimate indulgence, this archipelago is brimming with five-star luxury, from palm-fringed, sandy beaches to world-class snorkelling, fine dining and endless ocean views.
Here on the North Malé Atoll, first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike can revel in the natural wonders, from spotting majestic manta rays at Manta Point to the flourishing protected marine area of Banana Reef. However you spend your days, you’re all set with all-inclusive luxury that earned Coco Bodu Hithi the World Travel Awards’ Most Romantic Resort in the Indian Ocean 2025.
Make the most of your villa’s private pool and direct lagoon access, before venturing over to the Coco Spa, sauna and steam room. In between indulgences, make the most of a range of dining options for all occasions, from poolside plates and boozy cocktails to fabulous fine dining.
Your Coco Bodu Hithi inclusions:
- Roundtrip shared domestic speedboat transfers to and from Malé
- Daily buffet breakfast at Air
- Daily buffet lunch at Air
- Nightly buffet dinner at Air
- One three-course lunch at Latitude
- One three-course dinner at Stars
- One three-course dinner at Aqua
- Subsequent daily US$50 lunch credit and US$70 dinner credit per adult for Latitude, Stars and Aqua
- Unlimited daily free-flow wines, spirits, cocktails and more at Latitude
- Unlimited free-flow drinks during dinner at Aqua and Stars
- One shared Dhoni sailboat sunset cruise per package
- Daily replenished in-villa minibar with soft drinks and water
- Welcome bottle of champagne in-villa on arrival
- 20% discount on the Coco Fusion massage at Coco Spa
- Snorkelling, windsurfing and non-motorised water sports equipment use
- Inclusions valid for two guests
Coco Bodu Hithi stay
Greet another day of relaxation and enjoy your all-inclusive dining package.
Across five diverse restaurants and two bars, Coco Bodu Hithi offers a true culinary journey from gourmet finger sandwiches to exquisite fresh seafood and perfectly seared prime cuts. Enjoy laid-back all-day poolside dining with an impressive buffet at breakfast and lunch. As the sun sets, come up for Air and enjoy a nightly buffet dinner themed to celebrate varied global cuisines from Indian to French and plentiful local flavours.
For inventive cocktails and international wines, Latitude bar will help you to make the most of free-flow drinks as you snack on share plates by the pool and drink in the ocean views.
Your Coco Bodu Hithi inclusions:
- Roundtrip shared domestic speedboat transfers to and from Malé
- Daily buffet breakfast at Air
- Daily buffet lunch at Air
- Nightly buffet dinner at Air
- One three-course lunch at Latitude
- One three-course dinner at Stars
- One three-course dinner at Aqua
- Subsequent daily US$50 lunch credit and US$70 dinner credit per adult for Latitude, Stars and Aqua
- Unlimited daily free-flow wines, spirits, cocktails and more at Latitude
- Unlimited free-flow drinks during dinner at Aqua and Stars
- One shared Dhoni sailboat sunset cruise per package
- Daily replenished in-villa minibar with soft drinks and water
- Welcome bottle of champagne in-villa on arrival
- 20% discount on the Coco Fusion massage at Coco Spa
- Snorkelling, windsurfing and non-motorised water sports equipment use
- Inclusions valid for two guests
Coco Bodu Hithi stay
Take advantage of the resort’s including snorkelling, windsurfing and non-motorised watersport equipment for a sensational seaside experience.
To slow things back down, remember to book your complimentary shared Dhoni sailboat sunset cruise, where you’ll enjoy champagne and canapes for a dreamy pre-dinner date.
Your Coco Bodu Hithi inclusions:
- Roundtrip shared domestic speedboat transfers to and from Malé
- Daily buffet breakfast at Air
- Daily buffet lunch at Air
- Nightly buffet dinner at Air
- One three-course lunch at Latitude
- One three-course dinner at Stars
- One three-course dinner at Aqua
- Subsequent daily US$50 lunch credit and US$70 dinner credit per adult for Latitude, Stars and Aqua
- Unlimited daily free-flow wines, spirits, cocktails and more at Latitude
- Unlimited free-flow drinks during dinner at Aqua and Stars
- One shared Dhoni sailboat sunset cruise per package
- Daily replenished in-villa minibar with soft drinks and water
- Welcome bottle of champagne in-villa on arrival
- 20% discount on the Coco Fusion massage at Coco Spa
- Snorkelling, windsurfing and non-motorised water sports equipment use
- Inclusions valid for two guests
Coco Bodu Hithi stay
Your final full day in the Maldives is your chance to revisit your favourite restaurants, bars or secret beach spots.
Use your Coco Spa discount one last time or try that exotic cocktail you’ve had your eye on. The choice is all yours as you soak in the beauty of this heavenly retreat.
Your Coco Bodu Hithi inclusions:
- Roundtrip shared domestic speedboat transfers to and from Malé
- Daily buffet breakfast at Air
- Daily buffet lunch at Air
- Nightly buffet dinner at Air
- One three-course lunch at Latitude
- One three-course dinner at Stars
- One three-course dinner at Aqua
- Subsequent daily US$50 lunch credit and US$70 dinner credit per adult for Latitude, Stars and Aqua
- Unlimited daily free-flow wines, spirits, cocktails and more at Latitude
- Unlimited free-flow drinks during dinner at Aqua and Stars
- One shared Dhoni sailboat sunset cruise per package
- Daily replenished in-villa minibar with soft drinks and water
- Welcome bottle of champagne in-villa on arrival
- 20% discount on the Coco Fusion massage at Coco Spa
- Snorkelling, windsurfing and non-motorised water sports equipment use
- Inclusions valid for two guests
Coco Bodu Hithi stay
After one last breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to your island paradise and board a speedboat bound for Malé International Airport (MLE). Your journey concludes upon arrival at the airport.
Travel time: Speedboat – 40 minutes