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2026 2027

Colors of India A symphony of northern heritage and southern tropics

Difficulty
Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain

3 Difficulty level 3
Duration
The duration of the tour

13 days
Guidance
Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days

Guided

India enchants with a unique symphony of colors, breathtaking landscapes, and countless cultural highlights. Our new journey through India takes you right into the heart of this fascinating melting pot of cultures – all while enjoying the highest level of comfort. Carefully selected boutique hotels, authentic encounters with local people and traditions, and an unforgettable river cruise aboard a luxurious houseboat are all part of this exceptional itinerary. Your discovery begins in the north, right at the vibrant heart of India. Here, majestic palaces, colourful markets, and iconic landmarks such as the world-famous Taj Mahal await. From there, your journey continues to the lush state of Kerala in the tropical south. This is where you'll gently immerse yourself in local culture – gliding through peaceful …

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Colors of India

Your discovery begins in the north, right at the vibrant heart of India. Here, majestic palaces, colourful markets, and iconic landmarks such as the world-famous Taj Mahal await.

From there, your journey continues to the lush state of Kerala in the tropical south. This is where you'll gently immerse yourself in local culture – gliding through peaceful backwaters, visiting traditional villages, and savouring a cuisine rich in spices and flavour.

Itinerary

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Day 1 Delhi (Arrival)

Namaste and Welcome to Delhi! We’re delighted to have you join us on this extraordinary journey through India. Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by our local team, who will ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel and assist you with check-in.

Take a moment to unwind before the adventure begins, then join your guides and fellow travellers for a delicious welcome dinner. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 2 Delhi – Jaipur

After a delightful breakfast, you’ll travel in comfort to Jaipur – the famed “Pink City” and capital of Rajasthan. Upon arrival, enjoy a photo stop at the picturesque Jal Mahal (Lake Palace), set serenely in the middle of Man Sagar Lake – an inspiring introduction to this vibrant city. Next, visit a renowned textile workshop, where you’ll gain exclusive insight into Rajasthan’s rich artisan traditions. Discover the intricate art of traditional block printing and even try on a saree for a truly immersive cultural experience.

Afterwards, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner on site. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 3 Jaipur

This morning is dedicated to Jaipur’s architectural wonders. Your tour begins with a stop at the impressive Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), famed for its intricate pink sandstone façade and delicate lattice windows—once allowing royal ladies to observe the lively streets below in complete privacy.

Continue to the majestic Amber Fort, perched high above the city. Here, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, as well as beautifully ornate courtyards and the dazzling Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors). Your final visit takes you to the elegant City Palace, which still serves as a residence for Jaipur’s former royal family.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace—perhaps exploring the vibrant local bazaars or simply relaxing back at your hotel. In the evening, gather for a shared dinner in the refined setting of a carefully selected restaurant, the perfect way to round off your day in Jaipur. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 4 Jaipur – Bharatpur & Cycling in Keoladeo National Park

10km6 mi

Today begins with a scenic three-hour transfer to Bharatpur. Along the way, you’ll stop in Abhaneri to visit the remarkable Chand Baori stepwell—an architectural masterpiece known for its striking symmetry and geometric precision. After arriving in Bharatpur, you’ll check in to your hotel and enjoy a short break to relax.

In the afternoon, set off on a leisurely bike ride through the world-famous Keoladeo National Park. This gentle introductory ride is the perfect opportunity to get familiar with your bike, the terrain, and the local climate ahead of tomorrow’s longer cycling stage. As you pedal through this expansive UNESCO-listed sanctuary, keep an eye out for the park’s incredible diversity of birdlife. In the evening, enjoy a shared dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay in Bharatpur.

Day 5 Bharatpur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Taj Mahal at Sunset

30km18 mi

After breakfast, you’ll check out of your hotel and transfer to the starting point of today’s bike ride. The route takes you through peaceful, rural landscapes shaped by agriculture, passing small villages where you’ll gain authentic insights into everyday life in northern India. Following lunch at a local restaurant, continue by transfer to Agra (approx. 1 hour). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. In the late afternoon, visit Mehtab Bagh (the “Moonlight Garden”), located on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River. From here, you’ll enjoy a truly unique view of the world-famous Taj Mahal, glowing softly in the golden light of sunset. Take in this magical moment – one of the true highlights of your journey through India. Dinner together at the hotel.

Day 6 Taj Mahal at Sunrise – Delhi

Your day begins early with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal—one of the most breathtaking monuments in the world. Stroll through its expansive gardens, admire the intricate details of Mughal architecture, and soak in the almost meditative atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After this unforgettable experience, return to your hotel in Agra for breakfast before heading to the train station for your journey back to Delhi. Along the way, enjoy views of India’s diverse rural landscapes and gain further insight into the country’s rich cultural tapestry. Upon arrival in Delhi, your luggage will be transferred directly to the hotel while you continue your exploration with a walk through the vibrant markets of Old Delhi and visits to additional highlights of the capital. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel and enjoy dinner. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 7 Delhi – Kochi

After checking out of your hotel, you’ll transfer to Delhi Airport for your domestic flight to Kochi (approx. 3.5 hours). Welcome to Kerala—often called “God’s Own Country.” Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic one-hour drive to your hotel. In the afternoon, set out on a guided tour of Fort Kochi, where you’ll discover some of its most iconic sights, including the famous Chinese fishing nets, the historic synagogue, and St. Francis Church—once the original burial site of the legendary explorer Vasco da Gama. In the evening, return to your hotel and unwind over a shared dinner, reflecting on another day full of memorable experiences. Overnight stay in Kochi.

Day 8 Kochi – Munnar

20km12 mi or 25km15 mi

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the starting point of today’s ride, set in the scenic countryside surrounding Kochi. The route follows quiet canal roads and peaceful back lanes, passing sprawling rubber plantations, pineapple groves, and small villages—offering a vivid glimpse into everyday life in Kerala. After lunch, continue with a three-hour transfer to Munnar. Along the way, enjoy a dramatic change in scenery as you leave the coastal plains behind and ascend into the lush, green mountain landscapes of the Western Ghats.Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 9 Munnar

30km18 mi or 40km24 mi

Today’s panoramic ride begins right from your hotel, taking you deep into the stunning mountain scenery around Munnar. Starting along Lockhart Road, you’ll enjoy sweeping views across the rolling green hills of the Western Ghats.

The route then winds through gently undulating tea plantations and into the picturesque Pallisaval Valley, where each turn reveals yet another breathtaking view. Return to the hotel around midday. In the afternoon, explore Munnar with visits to a tea plantation, a spice museum, and local temples. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 10 Munnar – Thekkady

40km24 mi or 50km31 mi

After an early breakfast, check out and set off on today’s ride—considered the queen stage of your journey. This is where Kerala’s mountain landscapes truly shine, offering unforgettable views throughout the day. Along the way, you’ll pass the scenic Anayirangal Reservoir, whose waters nourish the endless, vibrant tea plantations that surround you. After lunch, transfer to Thekkady, with a stop at a spice plantation near Kumily en route. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel, followed by the optional chance to attend a traditional Kalaripayattu performance—one of the world’s oldest martial arts, practiced in Kerala for over 3,000 years. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 11 Thekkady – Alleppey

20km12 mi

After checking out transfer to the starting point of your ride. Today’s route takes you along quiet country roads through traditional villages, past coconut palms, rice paddies, and narrow waterways—offering an authentic glimpse into daily life in Kerala. Following a short refreshment break, continue with a three-hour transfer to Alleppey, the gateway to Kerala’s famous backwaters.

Here, you’ll be welcomed aboard your houseboat—your floating home for the next three nights. Settle in and enjoy a relaxing cruise through the winding canals and tranquil lagoons of the backwaters. Let the peaceful rhythm of the boat and the passing scenery work their magic. Dinner and overnight stay on board.

Day 12 Ramankary – Kainakary – Jetty – Kumarakom

28km17 mi

An early start is well worth it to witness a breathtaking sunrise from the deck of your houseboat. After breakfast, today’s ride takes you through charming villages, past canals, rice fields, and palm-fringed landscapes. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to interact with locals. You’ll visit one of the region’s impressive Catholic churches and stop for tea at a local café. A highlight of the day is the Ambalapuzha Temple, built in traditional Kerala style. From here, transfer back to your houseboat and enjoy lunch as you continue cruising through the serene lagoon landscape.

Once anchored, there’s time for a leisurely walk in the surrounding nature. Dinner and overnight stay on board.

Day 13 Kumarakom – Nazrath Church

40km24 mi

Today’s ride once again begins within the maze-like waterways of the Kerala backwaters, but soon leads you further inland—complete with a few gentle climbs for a change of pace.

Enjoy a scenic picnic surrounded by lush tropical vegetation before continuing on to the day’s destination at the houseboat jetty. Back on board, relax with coffee or tea as you cruise towards your next anchorage. You may wish to take a stroll along the shore or simply enjoy the vibrant sunset from the water. Dinner and overnight stay on board.

Day 14 Alleppey – Mararikulam

25km15 mi

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to your houseboat. Your final bike ride takes you through peaceful backwater villages and along narrow waterfront paths. At Alleppey Beach, enjoy a refreshing break with views over the Arabian Sea. Continue on to Marari Beach, where you’ll check in to your resort. Along the way, there are more opportunities to connect with local village life.

Once in Mararikulam, the rest of the day is yours – perhaps for an introduction to Ayurveda or simply to unwind on the soft sands of Marari Beach. Overnight stay at the resort.

Day 15 Mararikulam – Fishing Village Experience – Kochi (Departure)

One final early start is well worth it! Around 6:30 a.m., you’ll be picked up by tuk-tuk and taken to a nearby fishing village. Watch as fishermen return at sunrise and sort their fresh catch right on the beach. You’ll also witness the lively fish auctions that follow—a fascinating glimpse into local life. Afterwards, your tuk-tuk brings you back to the hotel for breakfast. Around midday, check out and transfer to Kochi Airport for your onward journey home. If you wish, you can extend your stay at Marari Beach—an extra one or two nights here comes highly recommended.

Good to know

Itinerary Changes: We reserve the right to make changes to the planned itinerary due to changing wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements.
Level 3 / 5: Bike tours through predominantly flat terrain with no major gradients up to approximately 150 meters. Mostly on roads with traffic, but sometimes also on unpaved paths. The difficulty of cycling tours in India is primarily due to the unfamiliar climatic conditions and the traffic.
- Distance: 14 – 45 km per day
- Elevation in total: 80 – 400 meters of elevation per day
- Road condition: The cycling routes include a mix of paved roads, gravel paths and rural tracks. On the asphalt roads in India, you can expect to encounter chippings and small potholes. For this reason, our rental bikes are also equipped with good tires and suspension to compensate for the unevenness.
- Traffic: Most rides take place away from busy roads, leading through quiet countryside areas with minimal traffic. One exception is the early-morning bike tour through Old Delhi, which passes through denser city traffic. However, thanks to the early hour, this section is manageable with attentive and cautious riding. While the majority of the route runs along calm country roads, we regularly share the road with local traffic, such as cars, motorcycles, tuk-tuks – and occasionally a cow or two.
- Infrastructure: Dedicated bike lanes are rare in India, so our tours primarily follow public roads, preferably quiet side streets through farming regions and villages, which are generally in good condition and suitable for cycling.
Relevant for all levels: Safe cycling skills and familiarity with road traffic are prerequisites for taking part in our tours.
Requirement to wear a helmet: Helmets are mandatory on our bike tours. In order to guarantee optimum protection we request that the guests bring their own well fitted helmet. A limited selection of rental helmets is available (reservation required).
Bringing Children: We believe that only children with a good physical condition and previous bicycle tour experience and a minimum age of 15 are able to master the cycle tours with their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.50 m (5 ft.) for hybrid bikes.
Catering: Full board on the boat and half board in the hotels

Journey and arrival

A trip to India and a holiday spent there requires a certain amount of preparation in regard to formalities. In order to avoid time pressure while going through the formalities, you should have booked your trip to India at least two months before commencement of the tour.

Visa and passport: A valid visa is required for entry, which must be applied for before entering the country. We recommend that you apply for the visa at least one month before your trip. You can apply for an e-visa in English via the following link: Electronic Visa system – India Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the completion of your trip and contains at least two free pages for endorsements is required for entry. It is recommended that you carry proof of your return or onward journey (e.g. flight ticket) and a booking confirmation for your accommendation, as these documents may be checked on entry.

Flights: It is recommended that you book your flight through your travel agent. Please note that you have to book your outward flight to Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport / DEL) and the return flight from Kochi (Cochin International Airport / COK).

Luggage: We have booked 25 kg of baggage for you for the domestic flight from North to South India. And a further 7 kg of hand baggage. Please note this when booking your international flight to India.

Prices & availability

Practical information

Included in this tour

15-day/14-night trip with 3 overnight stays on comfortable ships in air-conditioned twin cabins and 11 overnight stays in hotels (3-5 star rating)
Full board on the boat and half board in the hotels
Domestic flight from Delhi to Kochi
Train journey between Agra and Delhi
Guided bicycle tours and walks according to program
City tours and entrance charges to National Parks, Taj Mahal etc.
English speaking guides
Rental bikes (Cannon Dale Trail 6 or similar)
Airport transfers on the first and last day of the trip
All taxes

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Excluded from this tour

Inbound flight to Delhi and outbound flight from Kochi
Camera fees payable at the monuments
Beverages on board and in hotels
Meals not described in itinerary
Tips
Personal insurances
SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person – will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)

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Additional options & information

E-Bike: € 320 per tour (limited availability)
Limited liability protection for rental bikes (theft and damage): e-bike: €28 per tour; hybrid bicycle: €14 per tour (not covered: grossly negligent damages)
Extra night in Delhi at the beginning of the tour: price on request
Extra night in Alleppey or Kochi at the end of the tour: price on request

Loyalty Discount

Explore our Loyalty Discount!

After your tour, you’ll receive an exclusive discount code:

You get 3% on your second tour with us.
From the third tour onwards, you will receive a 5% discount.
Enjoy savings on any of our upcoming trips in 2026.

Check your post-tour email for details. You can combine this discount with other promotions for additional savings. Join us again for another adventure by boat and bike!

Media (28)

taj mahal

temple jaipur

India Kerala cycling

kerala

Delhi Tempel

taj mahal

Marari Beach Cuisine

safdarjung s tomb new delhi india

rice field with palm trees

papaya

mountain kerala

mararikulam sandy beach alappuzha kerala

landscape of alleppey backwaters kerala

Kerala fishing

kerala beach

kerala boat

Jaipur fort amber

India Kerala Cycling road

houseboat on kerala backwaters in alleppey

hawa mahal tempel

coconut kerala

Delhi

Chomu Palace Rajasthan

chinese fishnets on sunset kochi kerala

amber fort

Hawa Mahal Tempel

alleppey sunset

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Can we help you?

NL: +31 (0) 20 72 35 400

Monday to Friday
Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00

USA: +1 203 814 1249

Monday to Friday
New York: 6:00AM to 07:00PM

Send us an email

We will respond within 48 hours

Accommodations

Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.

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The hotels in India

Kochi, Mararikulam, Delhi, Jalapur, Bharatpur and Agra

In Kochi, Mararikulam, Delhi, Jalapur, Bharatpur and Agra you’ll stay in carefully selected 3 to 5 star-hotels, all featuring en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning. Most hotels also offer wellness areas or pools for extra relaxation. A generous breakfast buffet with local specialties awaits you each morning.
You’ll receive a complete hotel list with addresses and contact details shortly before departure.
Amritara Riverside Camp

Thattekad

Reconnect with nature at the Amritara Riverside Camp in Thattekad – a stylish glamping retreat on the banks of the Periyar River. Each spacious tent (approx. 46 m2) features a king or twin bed, a separate sitting area, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. A private veranda with views of the river, mountains, or garden invites you to slow down and soak in the serenity. All tents also include a private bathroom with shower and toilet for maximum comfort. Read more

1 Ship available for this tour

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India Houseboat & Hotel

Traditional thatched-roof houseboat

Spacious cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows

Exclusive and familiar

Houseboats for max. 10 guests

max. 18 passengers 11 cabins
More info

Questions or advice

Our Tour Advisors are here to assist you: Monday to Friday
Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00
New York: 6:00AM to 7:00PM

NL: +31 (0) 20 72 35 400
USA: +1 203 814 1249

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Colors of India