A combined tour of North & South India offering a feast for the senses and cultural extravaganza. If you are not restricted with time and would want to explore most of India’s magnificent and magical places in just one trip than this is the tour meant for you. Mark your journey with the Old & Colonial capital of Delhi through the ancient city of Varanasi & the historic city of Agra. Explore the grandeur of the Palaces of Rajasthan – Land Of Maharajas and other major important cities and sites of North India. Travel through the Sandalwood, Spice & Coconut country where the Kings of South India patronized music and fine arts. Admire the art & architecture in the Shore temples of Mahaballipuram near Chennai, lush tea and spice plantations in Periyar to the pristine backwaters of Kerala and the Jewish Heritage in Cochin. A comprehensive itinerary which gives a rich cultural experience rather than just a tour of India.
21 Days: Delhi | Varanasi | Khajuraho | Agra | Jaipur | Deogarh | Udaipur | Chennai | Madurai | Periyar | Kumarakom | Cochin | Mumbai
Inclusions:
- 20 Nights accommodation in Deluxe/5 Star hotels or similar on half board meal plan as indicated in the Itinerary; Internal flights in coach class;
- Air-conditioned chauffeur driven Deluxe Car/Van for airport transfers, sightseeing & overland drives;
- Entrance fee to Monuments, Museums & included features as per Itinerary;
- English speaking India expert local guides;
- First class train journey from Jhansi to Agra;
- Complimentary mineral water/soft beverages on board the vehicles at all times.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Delhi: The vast and exotic subcontinent of India beckons as you arrive in Delhi, the capital of India. Met at Airport and transferred to your hotel. (Your Rooms are kept ready for immediate occupancy). Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi: Morning at leisure. Afternoon tour of the Lotus/Bahai Temple, Akshardham – largest Hindu Temple complex in the world and Gurudwara Bangla Sahiba, a Sikh temple. Evening you are invited for a Welcome Dinner. Overnight stay in Delhi. [B,D]
Day 03: Delhi: Morning explore Old Delhi beginning with the Red Fort & Jama Masjid, symbols of Mughal power. Enjoy a Pedi-cab ride through the old market streets of Chandni Chowk Later stop at Rajghat, a memorial to the great Mahatma Gandhi & the Crafts Museum. Afternoon tour of Qutub Minar, Humanyun’s Tomb (a predecessor of Taj Mahal) and drive past the Government buildings including the Presidential Palace & India Gate. Overnight stay in Delhi. [B,D]
Day 04: Delhi/Varanasi: Morning fly to Varanasi. Afternoon visit Sarnath – the birth place of Buddhism. Evening attend the traditional ‘Aarti’ as we cruise along the Holy Ganges. Overnight stay in Varanasi. [B,D]
Day 05: Varanasi/Khajuraho: At dawn return to the Ganges for another cruise to see thousands of devout Hindus performing rituals and bathing in the Ganges, an experience of a lifetime. Later fly to Khajuraho. Afternoon visit the famous temples adorned with erotic sculptures. Overnight stay in Khajuraho. [B,D]
Day 06: Khajuraho/Agra: Drive to Jhansi visiting en-route the medieval fortress town of Orchha. Enjoy a first class train ride to Agra. Overnight stay in Agra. [B,L]
Day 07: Agra: Morning enjoy an extended visit to the mesmerizing Taj Mahal & Agra Fort. Afternoon at leisure. Evening visit home of an Indian family. Overnight stay in Agra. [B,D]
Day 08: Agra/Jaipur: (235km/5hrs): Drive to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur stopping en-route at Fatehpur Sikri the 16th century Mughal capital. Afternoon at leisure or explore the local colorful bazaars of Jaipur. Overnight stay in Jaipur. [B,D]
Day 09: Jaipur: Morning tour of the magnificent Amber Fort riding atop an elephant, Jantar Mantar (Astronomical Observatory), Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) & the City Palace Museum. Afternoon enjoy a Heritage walk in the old walled city of Jaipur. Overnight stay in Jaipur. [B,D]
Day 10: Jaipur/Deogarh: Drive to Deogarh where we stay in Deogarh Castle, reminding us of the charmed world of bygone era. Afternoon enjoy a ‘Village Safari’ to experience ethnic rural life of India. Enjoy an evening of local folk music & dance. Overnight stay in Deogarh Castle. [B,D]
Day 11: Deogarh/Udaipur: Drive to Udaipur visiting en-route the amazing 15th century Jain temples at Ranakpur. Overnight stay in Udaipur. [B,L]
Day 12: Udaipur: Morning visit the vast & exquisite City Palace of the Maharana, the Crystal Gallery at Durbar Hall and Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the Maids of Honor). Afternoon at leisure, later enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. Overnight stay in Udaipur. [B,D]
Day 13: Udaipur/Chennai: Fly to Chennai via Mumbai. Your tour includes visit to the Bronze Museum, St Thomas Cathedral and drive past Fort St George & Marina beach, the pride of Chennai stopping at the fish market. Overnight stay in Chennai. [B,D]
Day 14: Chennai: Full-day excursion to Mahabalipuram – the City Of Seven Pagodas, chiseled out of boulders in shape of chariots and pagodas. Highlight is the Penance of Bhagirath, world’s largest bas-relief in stone. Also visit Dakshinachitra, a center for living traditions of South India. Overnight stay in Chennai. [B,D]
Day 15: Chennai/Madurai: Fly to Madurai, a city planned in shape of Lotus flower and one of the oldest cities of south Asia, famous for its Meenakshi temple having colorful and intricate stucco work. Visit the Meenakshi temple & Thirumalai Nayak Palace built by the Nayak kings. In evening witness special ‘Aarti’ ceremony at Meenakshi temple. Overnight stay in Madurai. [B,D]
Day 16: Madurai/Periyar: Drive to the Periyar Wildlife Reserve through the scenic countryside and Cardamom hills of the Western Ghats. Nestled amid mist covered mountains and dense jungles, Periyar is famous for its spice plantations because of its climate. Enjoy a cruise on Lake Periyar to see the rich fauna n flora of this region. Overnight stay in Periyar. [B,D]
Day 17: Periyar/Kumarakom: Morning visit a Spice plantation farm to learn about the spices. Later drive to Kumarakom famous for its backwaters visiting en-route the Rubber plantations and the Syrian Churches. Our day ends with a peaceful sunset cruise on Kerala’s pristine backwaters. Overnight stay in Kumarakom. [B,D]
Day 18: Kumarakom: Enjoy the day cruising along celebrated backwaters of Kerala. Later enjoy a special treat participating in a culinary experience at a local farm-house followed by lunch. Overnight stay in Kumarakom. [B,L]
Day 19: Kumarakom/Cochin: Short journey by road to Cochin, Kerala’s prime tourist destination located between the Arabian Sea and the Backwaters. Enjoy a Heritage walk through the Fort Cochin and see the Chinese fishing nets in operation at sunset – a photographer’s delight. Overnight stay in Cochin. [B,D]
Day 20: Cochin: Morning visit the Dutch palace, the Jewish Synagogue & the Jew Town. Later witness the famous Kathakali make-up and dance performance in a local theatre. Overnight stay in Cochin. [B,D]
Day 21: Cochin/Mumbai: Morning at leisure. Later fly to Mumbai to connect to your onward homebound flights. Short tour of Mumbai during layover. [B]
Tour Highlights:
- Marvel the architectural genius of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Delhi, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Agra & Jaipur
- Pedi-cab ride & Welcome Dinner in Delhi
- Private boat cruise on the Ganges at Dawn n Dusk
- Admire the sublime art in Khajuraho temples
- Extended visit to the mesmerizing Taj Mahal – an epitome of love
- Visit home of an Indian family
- Elephant back excursion at the Amber Fort
- Heritage walk in the Pink city of Jaipur
- Village Safari in Deogarh
- Crystal Gallery at the Durbar Hall & sunset boat cruise in Udaipur
- Marvel the exquisite Jain temples at Ranakpur
- Visit a Spice Plantation farm
- Private cruise on the backwaters of Kerala
- Heritage walk in Fort Cochin
- Special photography and ethnic encounters
Hotels:
Delhi (Taj Palace)
Varanasi (Taj Gateway)
Khajuraho (Taj Chandela)
Agra (ITC Mughal)
Jaipur (Taj Jai Mahal Palace)
Deogarh (Deogarh Mahal)
Udaipur (Fatehgarh)
Chennai (Taj Coromandel)
Madurai (Madurai Heritage)
Periyar (Spice-Village)
Kumarakom (Kumarakom Lake Resort)
Cochin (Taj Malabar).