Desert Forts and Lakeside Palaces, Then Tea Hills and Houseboat Backwaters
Fifteen days that combine two of India's most distinctive regions into a single, complete journey — the first half through Rajasthan's royal heritage, the second through Kerala's cool tea hills, wildlife forests, and palm-lined backwaters. Few single trips offer such a complete contrast within one country.
The Rajasthan portion opens in Delhi, continues to Agra for the Taj Mahal at sunrise, and moves through Jaipur's royal forts, Jodhpur's dramatic Mehrangarh Fort above the Blue City, and Udaipur's lakeside palaces — a comprehensive, unhurried introduction to North India's desert kingdom.
A flight south brings an immediate, vivid change of pace: Kochi's centuries of Portuguese, Dutch, and Jewish trading history and its iconic Chinese fishing nets, followed by two days in Munnar's rolling tea plantations at 1,600m. Thekkady's Periyar Tiger Reserve offers a boat safari in search of wild elephants, before the tour concludes with an overnight houseboat cruise through Alleppey's palm-lined backwater canals — widely considered one of the most memorable experiences in all of India.
This combination rewards travellers who want both of India's signature landscapes — desert and monsoon-green coast — without choosing between them.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Welcome to India! Transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is free to explore Connaught Place or simply settle in after your flight.
A full day across Old and New Delhi. The Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun's Tomb — three of the city's most significant UNESCO and historic sites.
Drive to Agra (200 km, ~3–4 hrs). Visit Agra Fort, the Mughal Empire's red sandstone stronghold. As the afternoon light softens, visit the Taj Mahal for sunset.
Rise early for the Taj Mahal at dawn. Drive to Jaipur (240 km, ~5 hrs) and check in.
A full day in the Pink City. Amber Fort by jeep for the Sheesh Mahal and royal gardens. The City Palace, still home to the Jaipur royal family. The iconic Hawa Mahal.
Drive to Jodhpur (335 km, ~6 hrs). Check in. Evening at leisure to explore the indigo-washed lanes of the old city.
A full day in the Blue City. Mehrangarh Fort, rising 125 metres on a sheer rock face, widely regarded as India's most dramatic fort. Jaswant Thada, a white marble cenotaph nearby.
Drive south through the Aravalli hills to Udaipur (250 km, ~5 hrs), stopping at Ranakpur's extraordinary Jain temple, its interior supported by over 1,400 intricately carved marble pillars.
A full day in the City of Lakes. The City Palace complex, a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola past the floating Lake Palace, and the formal gardens of Saheliyon ki Bari.
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Kochi (via a connecting hub, ~3-4 hrs total travel). Arrive and check in. Evening: Fort Kochi's iconic Chinese fishing nets at sunset, a legacy of the city's centuries as a major spice-trading port.
Morning: explore Fort Kochi's Dutch Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, and St Francis Church before driving to Munnar (130 km, ~4 hrs) — rolling tea plantations at 1,600m in the Western Ghats. Check in to your hill resort.
Full day exploring Munnar. Visit a working tea estate and the Tea Museum to learn about the plantation's history since the 1870s. Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and the Top Station viewpoint for sweeping views into Tamil Nadu.
Drive to Thekkady (110 km, ~3.5 hrs), bordering the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Afternoon boat safari on Periyar Lake — wild elephants regularly wade into the shallows, set against one of South India's richest spice-forest reserves.
Drive to Alleppey (140 km, ~4 hrs). Board your private houseboat (kettuvallam) for an overnight cruise through the backwaters — a 900-km network of canals, lagoons, and paddy fields, with meals cooked fresh on board by your own crew. Widely considered Kerala's signature experience.
A final morning cruise through the quieter village canals as the backwaters wake. Disembark and drive to Kochi Airport (85 km, ~2 hrs) for your departure flight. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 14 nights accommodation in handpicked hotels & one overnight houseboat
- ✓ Daily breakfast throughout; all meals on the houseboat
- ✓ Domestic flight, Udaipur to Kochi (via connecting hub)
- ✓ Private air-conditioned vehicle for all road transfers & sightseeing
- ✓ English-speaking driver-guide throughout (separate guides for Rajasthan & Kerala)
- ✓ Sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, Udaipur
- ✓ Periyar Lake boat safari, Thekkady
- ✓ All monument, fort & palace entry fees
- ✓ All applicable taxes
Not Included ✗
- ✗ International flights to / from Delhi or Kochi
- ✗ Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- ✗ Lunches (except on the houseboat)
- ✗ Camera fees at monuments (nominal)
- ✗ Personal expenses & shopping
- ✗ Gratuities for driver-guides
Your questions, answered
This requires a domestic flight, typically routed via a connecting hub such as Mumbai, Bangalore, or Delhi, as there is no direct flight between Udaipur and Kochi. Total travel time including the connection is usually 3-4 hours. We book this flight as part of your package and arrange airport transfers on both ends.
This itinerary is designed to give a genuinely thorough experience of both regions rather than a rushed sample of either. If you'd prefer a shorter combination, we can reduce the Rajasthan section (for example, by combining Jodhpur and Udaipur into fewer days) or shorten the Kerala section to 4-5 days. Submit an enquiry with your available time and we'll suggest the best-balanced version.
A kettuvallam is a traditional Kerala rice barge, converted into a houseboat with private cabins, a sitting deck, and an onboard kitchen crew who cook fresh meals throughout your stay. One night is the most common choice and gives a genuine taste of the backwaters' slow pace; if you'd like to extend this to two nights for a more immersive experience, we can adjust the itinerary accordingly.
October to March is ideal — comfortable temperatures (15–28°C), clear skies, and the best conditions for sightseeing, fort treks, and wildlife safaris. April–June brings intense heat (up to 45°C); July–September is monsoon, with some relief from the heat but reduced safari access in the tiger reserves.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can adjust the duration, swap destinations, change hotel categories, or add extensions. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will redesign the itinerary for you at no obligation.
We include carefully selected 4-star and 5-star hotels throughout — heritage havelis, palace hotels, and well-appointed properties near the wildlife reserves, all personally vetted by our team. Upgrades to palace hotels or luxury tented camps are available on request.
Most nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days and costs $25–$80 USD depending on your nationality. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
