HIGHLIGHTS:

• Begin your journey with a warm welcome at Delhi airport followed by private transfer to a comfortable hotel, allowing time to adjust to the Indian climate and culture.
• Explore the contrast of Old and New Delhi through a guided tour featuring majestic Mughal-era architecture, bustling markets, and ancient mosques.
• Travel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle from Delhi to Agra with driver assistance and all tolls, fuel charges, and parking included in your package.
• Discover Agra with a professional local guide who will narrate the rich history of the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Itmad-ud-Daulah, often called the Baby Taj.
• Enjoy stays in premium hotels throughout your tour, with breakfast and dinner included, offering a blend of Indian and continental cuisine for all dietary preferences.
• Visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri on route to Jaipur, a UNESCO heritage site showcasing the grandeur of Akbar’s architectural vision.
• Stop at Abhaneri to marvel at one of the largest and deepest stepwells in India, some ancient water conservation structure rich in history.
• In Jaipur, enjoy a guided morning ascent to Amber Fort on an elephant or jeep, followed by visits to the royal City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and the iconic Hawa Mahal.
• Experience traditional Rajasthani culture through local markets and optional folk shows that immerse you in the music, textiles, and handicrafts of the region.
• Explore the peaceful village of Sawarda, where you will witness traditional pottery, silver work, and rural crafts still practiced by local artisans.
• Travel comfortably back to Delhi in private transport, where you will board your domestic flight to Kochi with airport assistance and check-in support.
• Arrive in Kochi and explore the old-world charm of Fort Cochin with a professional guide, visiting sites like the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, and Chinese fishing nets.
• Attend an evening Kathakali dance performance, where elaborate makeup, costumes, and storytelling come together in a captivating theatrical tradition.
• Transfer to Kumarakom, a village by Vembanad Lake, and take a peaceful canoe ride through lush canals followed by a guided walk in Chempu village.
• Experience the unique ecosystem of Kerala as you glide through Alleppey’s backwaters aboard a private, fully-staffed traditional houseboat with freshly prepared meals.
• Witness daily village life along the backwaters with children waving from the banks, farmers at work, and birds gliding over the palms.
• Visit the Vypin wetlands and learn about clam harvesting techniques from local fishermen, giving you a closer view of Kerala’s sustainable aquaculture practices.
• Enjoy beach time at Vypin Island, a lesser-known yet stunning coastal escape where golden sands and blue waters offer a serene ending to your journey.
• Hotel accommodations are hand-picked for comfort, location, and amenities, offering clean bedding, hot water, daily housekeeping, and room service.
• Throughout the journey, you will be supported by a dedicated tour coordinator who handles all logistics and is available 24 hours for any assistance.
• Entry tickets to major monuments, temples, palaces, and wildlife areas are included as per itinerary to ensure hassle-free access and smooth visits.
• The tour includes daily mineral water supply during road travel, porterage at airports and hotels, and welcome kits with essential travel items.

Important notes for Iconic India

• All travellers must carry a valid government-issued photo identity card such as a passport, Aadhaar card, or driving license throughout the journey.
• Most domestic flights have a check-in baggage allowance of 15 kilograms, and hand luggage is restricted to 7 kilograms per person.
• Early check-ins at hotels are subject to availability and may incur extra charges unless prearranged with the travel coordinator.
• Many religious sites, including temples and churches, may require visitors to remove shoes and dress conservatively with shoulders and knees covered.
• Alcohol consumption is restricted in certain parts of Kerala and may not be available at all accommodations or public venues.
• Wildlife sightings in backwater regions and Vypin wetlands depend on nature and cannot be guaranteed, though the areas are rich in biodiversity.
• It is advisable to carry insect repellent when visiting Kumarakom, Alleppey, or Vypin, especially during evenings near water bodies.
• Tap water should be avoided in all locations; bottled mineral water will be provided during the tour and is also widely available for purchase.
• Mobile network coverage is generally good, but rural areas like Sawarda or deep backwaters may experience weak signals or limited connectivity.
• Many hotels in heritage zones may not have elevators, so travellers with mobility issues should request ground floor rooms in advance.
• Kerala experiences tropical weather; a light cotton outfit for the day and a jacket for evenings in air-conditioned environments is recommended.
• Ayurvedic spas and massage centres follow traditional healing practices and often require prior booking; recommendations can be arranged upon request.
• Local markets in Delhi, Jaipur, and Kochi accept digital payments and Indian rupees; it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller villages.
• Foreign travellers must check the latest visa requirements and ensure their passports are valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
• On public holidays and religious festivals, monument entry timings and local sightseeing may be affected or changed without prior notice.
• Laundry services are available at most hotels with 24 to 48-hour delivery; urgent requests may attract higher charges.
• While tipping is not mandatory, small tips to drivers, porters, and guides are appreciated and part of the local hospitality culture.
• If you have food allergies or specific dietary needs, please inform the travel coordinator at the time of booking so that suitable arrangements can be made.
• Weather in Jaipur and Agra can be extremely hot from April to June and foggy from December to January, so plan clothing and sun protection accordingly.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for coverage against baggage delays, medical emergencies, and travel disruptions. 

Best time to go for Iconic India

The Iconic India Tour is best enjoyed between the months of October to March, when the climate across both North and South India is pleasant, dry, and ideal for sightseeing and travel. During these months, Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur experience cooler temperatures, making it comfortable to explore forts, palaces, and bustling city markets without the fatigue that heat often brings. This is also the festival season across India, giving travellers an opportunity to witness grand celebrations like Diwali, Holi, and regional fairs, adding cultural vibrancy to your experience.

In South India, the coastal regions of Kochi, Kumarakom, Alleppey, and Vypin Island enjoy a tropical climate, and the weather during these months is breezy with clear skies and low humidity. This is the perfect season to enjoy serene backwater cruises, canoe rides through narrow canals, birdwatching in lush sanctuaries, and Ayurvedic treatments that rejuvenate body and spirit. The water levels in the backwaters are also ideal for navigation during this time, making your houseboat stay smooth and enjoyable.

The summer months from April to June tend to be hot in the plains of North India, with daytime temperatures soaring above 40°C, especially in Rajasthan. However, these months see fewer tourists, so travellers who can tolerate heat may enjoy quieter monuments and better hotel deals. Meanwhile, the backwaters and beaches in Kerala remain bearable with sea breezes, and hill stations nearby offer relief.

The monsoon season from July to September brings lush green landscapes, especially in Kerala. While this is a picturesque time to see paddy fields and coconut groves glistening with rain, travel in rural regions can be slower due to occasional flooding or traffic disruptions. Ayurveda seekers often prefer the monsoon for traditional detox therapies, as it is believed the body absorbs herbal treatments better during this time.

In summary, October to March remains the most recommended period to fully appreciate the diverse terrain, climate, and experiences offered in this Iconic India Tour. Whether you are looking to explore royal palaces, cruise backwaters, stroll on beaches, or witness ancient rituals in temples and churches, this season provides the right balance of weather, cultural festivities, and scenic beauty.