Luxury India Tours

Introduction to India
(10 Days)
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur

Essence of India
(13 Days)
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai

India's Golden Triangle
(7 Days)
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur

Exclusive India
(15 Days)
Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Amanbagh, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai

Family Tour of India
(11 Days)
Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Mumbai

Highlights of India
(13 Days)
Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai

India in Style
(17 Days)
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai, Hyderabad

Introduction to Southern India
(8 Days)
Mumbai, Kochi (Cochin), Backwaters of Kerala

Journey Through India
(21 Days)
Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, Ranthambore safari, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad

Romantic India
(15 Days)
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Goa, Mumbai

Best of Rajasthan & Beyond
(16 Days)
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Mumbai

Best of Southern India
(13 Days)
Chennai, Kochi (Cochin), Backwaters of Kerala, Hyderabad, Mumbai

Ayurveda Highlights of India
(8 Days)
Delhi, Himalayas & Rishikesh

Art & Temples of India
(18 Days)
Delhi, Varanasi, Khajuraho & Panna National Park, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Mumbai

Culinary Tour of India
(13 Days)
Delhi, Udaipur, Mumbai, Chennai

Multi-country Tours

Best of Bhutan & India
(18 Days)
Delhi, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai

Highlights of India & Nepal
(13 Days)
Delhi, Varanasi, Kathmandu & Kathmandu Valley, Agra, Jaipur

Southern India & Sri Lanka
(12 Days)
Mumbai, Cochin, Backwaters of Kerala, Colombo, Cultural Triangle, Galle

Best of India & the Maldives
(15 Days)
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai, Maldives

Hiking and Wellness Tour of Bhutan & India
(14 Days)
Delhi, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Himalayas & Rishikesh


Best of Southern India

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Chennai, Kochi (Cochin), Backwaters of Kerala, Hyderabad, Mumbai

This private tour focuses on the best of southern India. It includes private touring of the most interesting cultural destinations, such as rock-cut temples, Indo-Persian architecture and centuries-old trade districts. Other highlights include visits to the best local bazaars, a traditional Kathakali dance performance and a private cruise through the atmospheric Backwaters of Kerala.

Begin in Chennai (Madras), the seaside capital of Tamil Nadu. During a private excursion, visit two of the most important and impressive temple complexes in southern India: Kanchipuram, a major Hindu pilgrimage site with more than 100 active temples, and Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of amazing rock-cut sculptures and temples created in the seventh and eighth centuries. Upon request, this tour can be extended to also include a full-day excursion (or overnight) by air to Madurai to see additional temples and palaces of note (supplement applies).

Next, fly to Kochi (Cochin), an evocative harbor town in the state of Kerala that stretches across islands and peninsulas on the edge of the Arabian Sea. During private touring, experience the city’s rich history as a major port for Portuguese, British, Dutch, Chinese and Jewish traders. Walk through historic Fort Kochi, and see highlights such as St. Francis Church, Paradesi Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace and the Chinese fishing nets. Perhaps browse for antiques at local boutiques, or peruse fragrant spice shops. One evening, enjoy a performance of Kathakali dance, a local art form involving colorful makeup, elaborate costumes and stylized movements.

Then, transfer to a waterfront resort in Kumarakom, the perfect base for exploring the Backwaters of Kerala, a vast network of lagoons, canals and lakes. One day, take a leisurely private cruise through the picturesque backwaters past palm trees and rice paddies, and see villagers going about their daily lives. Also enjoy ample time to relax at your resort, and perhaps indulge in Ayurvedic treatments, a specialty of southern India.

Continue to bustling Hyderabad, and stay at the Taj Falaknuma Palace, an opulent palace-style hotel built in the19th century as a residence for the ruling family. During private touring, see the impressive Indo-Persian landmarks of the Qutab Shahi dynasty, such as the Charminar monument, Mecca Masjid mosque, Golconda Fort and royal tombs. Also visit the fascinating old city, walk through Laad Bazaar, and see other highlights such as the Chowmahalla Palace and Salar Jung Museum.

Conclude in exciting Mumbai (Bombay), the economic capital of India and the home of the Bollywood film industry. During private touring, explore the lively food and art scene, walk along the waterfront, visit the most interesting neighborhoods to browse boutiques or stop in cafes, visit Crawford Market, tour top cultural attractions such as Prince of Wales Museum and UNESCO-listed Victorian architecture, walk through bazaars dedicated to flowers and jewelry, tour contemporary art galleries or see Dhobi Ghat, a famous open-air laundry. Upon request, we can also arrange Jewish touring or in-depth culinary touring in Mumbai. One day, take a private boat ride to Elephant Island and the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO-listed site of rock-cut Hindu cave temples. Artisans of Leisure can also make reservations at Mumbai’s top restaurants or tickets for Bollywood shows.

Itinerary Overview
Day 1 Arrive Chennai

Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights

Day 2 Chennai

Full day excursion to Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram or private city touring

Day 3 Chennai – Kochi (Cochin)

Private transfer to airport for flight. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Evening private Kathakali dance performance

Day 4 Kochi (Cochin)

Full-day private tour

Day 5 Kochi (Cochin) – Backwaters of Kerala

Private transfer to Backwaters of Kerala and lake resort for 2 nights

Day 6 Backwaters of Kerala

Half-day cruise through the backwaters *Upon request, an overnight on a houseboat can be arranged

Day 7 Backwaters of Kerala – Hyderabad

Private transfer and flight to Hyderabad for 3 nights. Afternoon private tour

Day 8 Hyderabad

Full-day private tour

Day 9 Hyderabad

Full-day private tour

Day 10 Hyderabad – Mumbai

Private airport transfer for flight to Mumbai for 3 nights

Day 11 Mumbai

Full-day private tour

Day 12 Mumbai

Full-day private tour, including boat ride to Elephanta Island

Day 13 Depart Mumbai
Private airport transfer

Hotels
Chennai: The Leela Palace or Park Hyatt Chennai
Kochi: Taj Malabar or Brunton Boatyard
Kumarakom: 

Kumarakom Lake Resort

Hyderabad:  Taj Falaknuma Palace
Mumbai:   The Taj Mahal Palace or The Oberoi Mumbai

Cost
$12,980 Per person (double occupancy)
 

Testimonials

Another extraordinary trip with exciting surprises, brilliant accommodations, terrific guides, excellent drivers…and the wonderful, well-planned itinerary. Your India expertise shines through.
~ M.G., Rancho Mirage, CA

India was a journey of a lifetime — our best trip ever. Everything exceeded our very high expectations. As Artisans of Leisure travelers, we were treated like royalty at each hotel. A perfect trip. A+++++++
~ P.F., Hatfield, PA

The India trip was outstanding, exquisite, and perfect. Artisans of Leisure is simply the best on the planet. 
~ C.M., San Antonio, TX

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