October - March

India Unbound - Signature

Physicality

Low

Downtime

Generous

Choose your tier

Things to know

Fourteen days that connect two sides of India in a single circuit at the highest register. The north opens with The Imperial in Delhi, The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra — with the Taj Mahal from your room — and Rambagh Palace in Jaipur. A single domestic flight then drops you entirely into a different India: CGH Earth Brunton Boatyard in Kochi, Tea Retreat by Relais & Chateaux in Munnar, The Elephant Court in Thekkady, Kumarakom Lake Resort, and Raheem Residency in Alleppey. A full-day private houseboat cruise on the Alleppey canals, with lunch on board, closes the backwaters chapter before two final nights in Kochi. A senior Farbound trip lead escorts the full fourteen days. Most meals included throughout.

Architecture

Backwaters

Culture

Food

Luxury

Photography

Trip Highlights

What’s Included

Senior Farbound trip lead throughout, with local specialists where needed.

Iconic luxury hotels across North and South India. Premier rooms by default.

Premium private vehicle.

Most meals included. Curated dining throughout. Lunch on board the houseboat.

Domestic flight Delhi-Kochi included. One way.

Why Farbound

Curated for You

Trips designed around your interests, pace, and preferences

Comfort, scaled to Fit

Trips designed around your interests, pace, and preferences

Connections, Not Crowd

Trips designed around your interests, pace, and preferences

From

$7,600 per person

Signature tier — indicative pricing

Cultural

Solo

Couples

Adventure

Wellness

Family

Check FAQs

Day to Day Itineraries

Day 1 - Arrive Delhi

Fast-track arrival at The Imperial, Old Delhi, and a welcome dinner.

Fast-track airport handling and escorted transfer to The Imperial.
Bespoke welcome with gifting and your hardback itinerary book.
Old Delhi with your trip lead: Chandni Chowk lanes, spice market, and the city's layered texture.
Welcome dinner at the hotel.

Dinner

The Imperial or similar

Day 2 - Agra Fort and Craft Layers

Drive to Agra for Agra Fort, a private zardozi workshop, and Amarvilas check-in.

Drive to Agra with your trip lead managing timing.
Agra Fort private guided visit.
Private zardozi workshop for the craft and process layer.
Lunch at a curated Agra table.
Check in at The Oberoi Amarvilas with Taj-view suite.
Dinner at Esphahan.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

ITC Mughal or similar

Day 3 - Taj at Sunrise, Drive to Jaipur

Pre-dawn Taj visit then drive to Rambagh Palace via Abhaneri.

Private pre-dawn Taj Mahal visit at sunrise.
Return for breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Jaipur with curated lunch en route.
Abhaneri stepwells stop if timing aligns.
Arrival at Rambagh Palace with palace welcome.
Dinner at Suvarna Mahal.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rambagh Palace, Jaipur or similar

Day 4 - Jaipur Heritage

Amber Fort private tour, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and a craft studio.

Early Amber Fort private tour before public hours.
City Palace private access including the royal apartments.
Jantar Mantar with specialist context.
Private block-print studio visit in the afternoon.
Dinner at the palace or a curated Jaipur restaurant.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rambagh Palace, Jaipur or similar

Day 5 - Back to Delhi

Return to Delhi for a recovery day before the flight south.

Return to Delhi by premium vehicle.
Qutub Minar at a relaxed pace.
Curated lunch en route or in Delhi.
Afternoon at The Imperial for rest before the flight south.
Dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Imperial New Delhi or similar

Day 6 - Fly to Kochi

Fly to Kochi, Fort Kochi heritage walks, and a waterfront welcome.

Flight from Delhi to Kochi.
Check in at CGH Earth Brunton Boatyard — a converted 1909 warehouse on the waterfront.
Private heritage walk through Mattancherry and Fort Kochi with a specialist guide.
Lunch at a curated Kochi table.
Dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

CGH Earth Brunton Boatyard or similar

Day 7 - Drive to Munnar

Drive into the Cardamom Hills and a private Kathakali performance on arrival.

Drive into the Cardamom Hills as the landscape shifts from coast to estate terrain.
Curated lunch en route.
Arrival at Tea Retreat with a property welcome.
Kathakali performance for a classical Kerala cultural layer.
Dinner at the retreat.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tea Retreat by Relais & Chateaux or similar

Day 8 - Munnar Tea Country

Private tea estate session and a Kalaripayattu performance.

Private tea estate session with an estate manager for the full landscape, processing, and tasting context.
Kalaripayattu martial arts performance with pre-show context.
Afternoon at the retreat: spa, pool, or estate walks.
Dinner at the property.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tea Retreat by Relais & Chateaux or similar

Day 9 - Drive to Thekkady

Drive into spice country with a Periyar Tiger Reserve safari.

Drive from Munnar into Thekkady through spice-growing country.
Private Periyar Tiger Reserve safari with a specialist naturalist.
Check in at The Elephant Court with a property welcome.
Dinner at the resort.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Elephant Court or similar

Day 10 - Periyar Lake and Spice Country

Periyar lake boat safari and a specialist spice garden visit.

Private Periyar lake boat safari for the water-level ecosystem view.
Specialist spice garden visit for cardamom, pepper, and vanilla in context.
Lunch at a curated Thekkady venue.
Afternoon at the property.
Dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Elephant Court or similar

Day 11 - Drive to Kumarakom

Drive to Kumarakom Lake Resort for a slow backwater afternoon.

Drive from Thekkady to Kumarakom as the landscape opens into the backwater delta.
Check in at Kumarakom Lake Resort on Vembanad Lake.
Afternoon at the lake-facing property: spa, sunset boat glide, or rest.
Dinner at the resort.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Coconut Lagoon CGH Earth or similar

Day 12 - Alleppey Backwaters

Full-day private houseboat cruise through the Alleppey canals with lunch on board.

Drive to Alleppey and board a private houseboat for a full-day canal cruise.
Move through the backwater network: rice paddies, toddy shops, village ghats, fishing nets, and bird life.
Lunch on board, prepared by the boat crew.
Disembark and check in at Raheem Residency, an 1868 heritage colonial mansion.
Dinner at the residency.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Raheem Residency or similar

Day 13 - Alleppey to Kochi

Drive to Kochi for the final city day and a curated farewell dinner.

Drive from Alleppey to Kochi along the coastal belt.
Return to Brunton Boatyard for the final night.
Optional Fort Kochi afternoon walk.
Farewell dinner at the hotel with your trip lead.

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

CGH Earth Brunton Boatyard or similar

Day 14 - Departure from Kochi

Fast-track airport handling for international or onward departure.

Morning at leisure at the hotel.
Fast-track airport handling and lounge access where available.
Private transfer to Cochin International Airport.

Breakfast

Where you'll stay

Signature tier hotels

DELHI · 2 nights

The Imperial;

Dreaming about a first-class hotel? Welcome to hotel «The Imperial New Delhi» is located in New Delhi. This hotel is located in 3 km from the city center. You can take a walk and explore the neighbourhood area of the hotel. Places nearby: Jantar Mantar, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Parliament of India.

AGRA · 1 night

ITC Mughal

Everything you might need to have a good rest, all in one place! Resort «ITC Mughal, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra» is located in Agra. This resort is located in 4 km from the city center.

JAIPUR · 2 nights

Rambagh Palace

Dreaming about a first-class hotel? Welcome to hotel «Rambagh Palace» is located in Jaipur. This hotel is located in walking distance from the city center.

KOCHI · 2 nights

CGH Earth Kochi

Dreaming about a first-class hotel? Welcome to hotel «Casino Hotel - Cgh Earth, Cochin» is located in Kochi. This hotel is located in walking distance from the city center.

KUMARAKOM

Coconut Lagoon CGH

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your vacation should be comfortable! Hotel «Coconut Lagoon - Cgh Earth» is located in Kumarakom. This hotel is located in 5 km from the city center.

FAQs

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Are domestic flights included?

Domestic flights are included only when explicitly stated in the itinerary.

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What is a Farbound tour director?

A tour director is a Farbound-appointed lead who are local experts, licensed by the ministry of tourism India, & responsible for coordination and issue resolution, either end-to-end or city-by-city.

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Is 24/7 support available?

Yes. On-trip support is available for coordination and issue escalation.

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Can I request a guide in a specific language?

Language-specific guides can be requested, subject to availability and routing.

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Can I upgrade or downgrade hotels?

Yes, subject to availability and repricing.

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Is this itinerary designed for longer, slower travel?

Long routes can be paced for slow travel with added downtime blocks. Your final plan confirms pacing and density.

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Can we add internal flights to reduce overland transfers?

Where feasible, flights can be added, subject to availability and repricing.

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Do I need an e-Visa for India?

Most nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in - it is typically approved within 72 hours and valid for 30 or 365 days depending on the type. We advise applying at least 2 weeks before travel. Some nationalities require a sticker visa from an Indian consulate.

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What is the best time to visit India?

India is vast and each region has its own season. The Himalayan north (Ladakh, Himachal) is best May-September. Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle are ideal October-March. Kerala and the south are good November-February. The northeast is spectacular March-May. We'll advise based on your chosen region.

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Is India safe to travel to?

India is safe for the vast majority of travellers when you take sensible precautions. Solo female travellers should exercise extra caution in certain areas, and we always advise on destination-specific safety. Our partners and guides are vetted, and we brief guests on local customs and areas to avoid.

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What vaccinations do I need for India?

Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Depending on your itinerary, your GP may suggest Hepatitis B, Rabies, or Japanese Encephalitis. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for some rural and jungle regions. Consult a travel health clinic 6-8 weeks before departure.

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Is the food safe in India?

Indian food is wonderful but your stomach needs time to adjust. Stick to cooked food, avoid tap water and ice from unknown sources, and opt for bottled or filtered water throughout. High-end restaurants and hotels are generally very safe. We include a food safety briefing in every pre-departure pack.

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Is India good for vegetarians?

India is arguably the most vegetarian-friendly country in the world. Virtually every restaurant offers extensive vegetarian menus, and many are entirely meat-free. Vegan options are increasingly available in cities and tourist areas. Please let us know your dietary requirements and we'll ensure every meal is taken care of.

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What is the weather like during monsoon season?

Monsoon (roughly June-September) brings heavy rainfall to most of the subcontinent but it varies enormously by region. It's not necessarily a reason to avoid travel - landscapes are spectacularly green, prices are lower, and crowds are thinner. Some areas like Ladakh and Spiti are actually best during this period. Ask us about the specific region you're considering.

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Is it worth visiting during monsoon?

For the right destinations, absolutely yes. Kerala during its early monsoon is lush and magical. The northeast (Meghalaya, Assam) is most dramatic in the rains. Sri Lanka's east coast comes alive during the southwest monsoon when the west is wet. We'll always be honest with you about whether monsoon affects your specific plans.

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What is shoulder season and is it worth it?

Shoulder season - the months just before or after peak season - often offers the best value. Fewer crowds, lower prices, and the weather is still very good. For Rajasthan this is October and March; for Sri Lanka's south it's late October and early May. We love building shoulder season itineraries.

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What is NOT included in the price?

International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal spending, tips for guides and drivers, and meals not listed in the itinerary. A clear inclusions and exclusions list is in every quote we send.

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Should I bring local currency or can I use cards?

A mix of both is ideal. Cards are accepted at most hotels and large restaurants, but local markets, tuk-tuks, tips, and smaller guesthouses are cash-only. We recommend having USD as an emergency backup - it's accepted or exchangeable almost everywhere we operate.

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Do you arrange flights?

We can arrange flights as part of a full package or advise on the best routing and airlines for your trip. Many clients prefer to book flights independently for flexibility with points and upgrades - we're happy to work either way and will give you the ideal arrival and departure airport for your itinerary.

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How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least 3-6 months ahead for peak season travel (October-March for South Asia). Bhutan during festival season can need 6-12 months lead time. That said we've pulled together excellent last-minute trips - if your dates are flexible get in touch and we'll see what's possible.

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Can I customise my itinerary?

Absolutely - customisation is what we do. Every Farbound itinerary is built around your interests, pace, travel style, and budget. Whether you want to add a cooking class in Kerala, a yoga retreat in Rishikesh, or an extra night at a tea estate, just tell us and we'll design it for you.

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What is included in the price?

Our packages typically include accommodation, all meals as specified, private transfers, a local guide, entrance fees, and internal transport. International flights are usually separate unless stated. The exact inclusions are listed on every itinerary and quoted in writing before you confirm.

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How do I pay and what are the payment terms?

We typically require a deposit of 20-30% at booking to secure your itinerary and accommodation, with the balance due 60 days before departure. For last-minute bookings full payment is taken upfront. We accept bank transfer and major credit cards. Full payment terms are in your booking confirmation.

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What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made more than 60 days before departure receive a full refund minus the deposit. Between 30-60 days we retain 50% of the total cost. Within 30 days the full amount is non-refundable. We always recommend travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations. Full terms are in your booking agreement.

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Is there a single room supplement?

Yes, single travellers occupy a private room and a supplement applies as hotels charge on a per-room basis. The exact supplement varies by property and destination. We always quote this clearly upfront and work to minimise it where possible - some boutique properties have more affordable single rates.

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Do you run group tours or private only?

Farbound specialises in private, bespoke journeys. You won't be sharing a vehicle or guide with strangers. For travellers who prefer a social group setting, we can occasionally match solo travellers or small groups - get in touch to discuss.

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What happens if something goes wrong on my trip?

We have a 24/7 emergency contact for all guests travelling with Farbound. Our local partners are experienced in handling medical issues, itinerary changes, and unexpected situations. We also ensure all guests have comprehensive travel insurance before they travel.

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Is India suitable for families with children?

Yes - India is endlessly engaging for children. Rajasthan (forts, camel rides, folk performances), wildlife safaris in national parks, and the backwaters of Kerala are all family favourites. We pace the itinerary carefully, choose child-friendly accommodation, and adjust activities to suit ages and energy levels.

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Is there a minimum age for your trips?

There's no hard minimum age - it depends on the destination and itinerary. Most of our trips work well for children aged 6 and above. Bhutan's high altitude and trekking-heavy itineraries are better suited to children 10+. We'll always give honest advice based on your specific children and planned activities.

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Do you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes - vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher, and severe allergy requirements are all manageable with advance notice. South Asia is exceptionally accommodating for vegetarian and vegan diets in particular. Please tell us at the time of enquiry so we can brief every restaurant and property on your itinerary.

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Can I drink the water?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Sri Lanka, India, or Bhutan. All reputable hotels provide filtered or bottled water. We advise carrying a reusable bottle with a built-in filter (e.g. LifeStraw or GRAYL) to reduce plastic waste - Bhutan in particular encourages this as part of its sustainability ethos.

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Should I take out travel insurance before booking?

Yes - and we ask that you do so before final payment. A good policy covers medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage. Adventure activities (trekking, rafting, safaris) must be explicitly covered. We're happy to recommend providers if you need a starting point.