North & south India: Rajasthan & Kerala

Explore the contrasts of Delhi today with your local, knowledgeable guide on a private tour. Take a stroll along the tree-lined avenues of New Delhi and through the bazaars and old lanes of the Old City. You'll see all the main sites, including Jama Masjid and the Qutub Minar.

Leave Delhi in good time this morning to travel south to Agra. You can travel by road with your private driver, or take the train. The rail journey can take longer than driving, depending on the train times, but it offers a great experience. You are assisted onto the train and met at the other end by an Audley representative. In the afternoon, take a private guided tour around Agra's sights, such as the impressive Mogul Red Fort. The Red Fort is a great preview to visiting the Taj Mahal in the morning; the two were built during the same period and have much shared history.

Get up early this morning for the best views of the Taj Mahal as the sun rises with a private guided tour. Spend time in the Taj's beautiful gardens before returning to your hotel for breakfast. You will then continue your journey to Jaipur with your private driver. It's a scenic drive and worth breaking up with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a historic capital abandoned when water supplies ran out.

Your local guide is on hand to help you explore the highlights of the 'Pink City' today on a private tour, including the Jantar Mantar Observatory and Hawa Mahal Palace. You'll also visit the beautiful Amber Fort, which sits 11 km (6.8 miles) outside the city.

Travel into rural Rajasthan today to the sleepy town of Barli. Spend this afternoon walking around the village, soaking up the atmosphere, or simply relaxing at your hotel.

You have a full day at leisure at Fort Barli. The property can arrange various experiences locally so you could choose to explore the surrounding villages on foot, do some yoga, go birdwatching or just have a relaxing day by the pool.

Continue onward to Udaipur today. Travel through the Aravalli Hills which is a picturesque drive; do ask your driver if you'd like to stop to take photos. Upon arrival in Udaipur, relax and enjoy the lake views after checking in to your hotel.

Meet your local guide at 8am to enjoy a small group cycling tour around the city. It's a fantastic way to explore, avoiding the crowds and heat of the day. Later, explore the City Palace independently (audio guides are available) or enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Your driver drops you at the airport in time for your flight to Mumbai this morning, where you'll connect with your onward flight to Cochin. On arrival, you will be met by our local representative, who will welcome you to Kerala. You will then be shown to your private driver and transferred to your accommodation.

Enjoy a private guided tour of colonial Cochin today, taking in the Jewish quarter and the iconic fishing nets at the harbor. It's better to explore in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler.

Your driver will take you inland today, up into the lush hills that surround your next destination of Munnar. Enjoy an afternoon private tea-tasting experience — learn about the plucking and processes before enjoying a cup.

Have a morning at leisure in Munnar (visit the tea museum or just relax at your hotel) before continuing by road to Periyar National Park. It's sometimes possible to spot monkeys or elephants from the roadside.

Rise early for a guided jungle walk with a local naturalist this morning with a small group of guests from your hotel. Learn about the flora and fauna and keep your eyes peeled for the elusive animals which may be spotted here. This afternoon, take a small group tour of a working spice plantation to see how the crops are grown and cultivated.

This morning, you will drive to the Backwaters near Alleppey, where you will board your traditional private houseboat, a converted rice barge. Enjoy lunch after boarding and a relaxing afternoon cruising down the waterways.

Disembark your houseboat this morning after breakfast. Then drive the short distance to a local homestay where you can relax, get to know your hosts and experience the peaceful Backwaters way of life. You might like to take a walk to the local village with your hosts or explore the shops and markets.

Today you will drive further south to Marari Beach by private transfer, where you can relax on the coast for the next couple of nights. Take a walk along the long stretch of golden beach, or take a dip in the hotel pool.

Today is at your leisure to relax on the beach and unwind. The hotel will also offer local activities and spa treatments if you want to book something locally.

Transfer to Cochin Airport this morning. Your driver will drop you off in ample time for your onward flight.