Duration:- 18 Nights / 19 Days
Routing:-Delhi-Varanasi-Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Delhi-Cochin-Thekkady-Alleppey-Poovar-(Kovalam)-Cochin-Chennai-Triupati-Chennai- Mumbai
Afternoon/ Evening arrival at Delhi airport. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representative welcomes you and escorts you to your car and then transfer to hotel. Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the travel documents to you. Overnight stay at Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi - Varanasi (Travel by Air)Early morning transfer to airport to catch your direct flight for Varanasi departing at 09:35 hrs from Delhi. On arrival at 11:00 hrs in Varanasi airport meet and greet with our representative & transfer to hotel.
After check in leave for a full day sightseeing tour of Holy City Varanasi - The Cultural Capital Of India by visiting Bharat Mata temple, Banaras Hindu University- founded by the great nationalist Pandit Malaviya in 1917 as a centre for education in Indian art, music, culture and philosophy, and for the study of Sanskrit and attracts students both from India and abroad. Durga Temple is one of the most important temples in Varanasi and is built in the 8th century, by Bengali Maharani and is stained red with ochre. This temple is built in north Indian Nagara style with a multi-tiered shikhara (spire). Kashi-Vishwanath Temple Situated 3.8km from the railway station, near the ghats, the is the most sacred of the shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, the patron deity of Varanasi. (Originally constructed by Rani Ahillya Bai Holkar in 1776, it was reconstructed in the 18th century and its gold plating on the 'shikharas' was a gift of the one-eyed Sikh King, Maharaja Ranjit Singh). Overnight stay at Varanasi.
Day 03: Varanasi Sightseeing continues…Early morning boat excursion on the river Ganges, a ferry pilgrimage from ghat to ghat. People bathe early in the morning to offer the prayers to the rising sun. The two cremation ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchadra where funeral pyre burns day and night. Every pious Hindu believes that to die in Kashi and to be cremated on banks of the Ganges is to attain release from the cycle of birth and death. Afternoon time free for own leisure and shopping activities. Overnight stay at Varanasi.
Day 04: Varanasi – Delhi - Agra (Travel by Air, Then by A/C Car to Agra 210 kms 5 hrs)After breakfast, transfer to Varanasi airport to catch your direct flight to Delhi departing at 11:30 hrs and arriving Delhi airport at 12:50 hrs. On arrival meet and greet with our representative. Then drive to Agra – The Taj Mahal City of India. On reaching check in at hotel and relax. Overnight stay at Agra.
Day 05: Agra SightseeingAfter sumptuous breakfast visit the most awaited site and world famous Taj Mahal built by the Moghul Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. Later visit the Agra Fort containing the Pearl Mosque, the Halls of Public and Private Audience. Also visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daullah built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father. Evening return to hotel and relax. Overnight stay at Agra.
Day 06: Agra – Jaipur (A/C Car Journey, 260 kms 5 hrs)After breakfast drive to Jaipur - The Pink City Of India, en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri which is 40 kms from Agra and built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal and other Palaces . On Arrival Jaipur transfer to Hotel. Overnight stay at Jaipur.
Day 07: Jaipur Sightseeing TourAfter breakfast city tour of Jaipur - The Capital of Rajasthan was given a colour coat of pink a century ago in honour of a visiting Prince. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer, this city is 260 years old. Visit Maharaja's City Palace, the Observatory & Ram Niwas Gardens. Drive past Hawa Mahal or The Palace of Winds & through the pink rose residential & business areas. Later visit the Amber Fort - High on the rugged hills outside of town sites ancient forts, including Amer (often called the Amber Fort), where the Jaipur royal house held court for seven centuries. Visitors having Elegant Elephant Ride can ascend to the fort to see the magnificent gateways, courtyards, pavilions and a gliterring chamber of inlaid mirrors. Visit the Sheesh Mahal or the Hall of Victory glittering with mirrors. Evening specialised Rajasthani/continental Dinner at Chokhi Dhani - A Traditional Style Restaurant. Overnight stay at Jaipur.
Day 08: Jaipur – Delhi (A/C Car Journey, 250 kms 5 hrs)Morning after sumptuous breakfast check out drive back to Delhi. On reaching check in to your hotel. Afternoon time to relax and at your leisure. Overnight stay at Delhi.
Day 09: Delhi SightseeingAfter sumptuous breakfast leave for a guided city tour of Old & New Delhi. Delhi - The capital of India. Delhi has been the centre of politics of India since 13th century. Visit Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana – The cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, Jama Masjid - The Largest Mosque of India built in 1656 and drive past the Red Fort and Chandani Chowk. Afternoon visit Qutub Minar - Built by Qutub-ud-Din-Aibek in 1199, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, Jantar Mantar, India Gate - A Tribute to Indian martyrs (War Memorial Arch), Also drive past President's House, Parliament House, Government Secretariat Buildings and Connaught Place shopping centre. Overnight stay at Delhi.
Day 10: Delhi – Cochin (Travel by Air, Then by A/C Car to Thekkady 149 kms 3 hrs)Early morning transfer to Delhi Airport to catch your flight departing Delhi Airport at 06:20 hrs and Arriving Cochin Airport at 09:20 hrs. On arrival meet and greet with our representative.
Then drive to Thekkady and get ready to experience the mind blowing view of crystal clear Periyar- located delightfully in the central part of the sanctuary. Also proceed for a paddle boat ride into the Periyar Lake to watch the wildlife. Answer the calls of the birds, witness the astonishing move of the animals and the serene atmosphere. One can also have an Elegant Elephant Ride, Bamboo Rafting or Canoe, visit Mr.Abrahams Spice Gardens & the Spice Paradise at Thekkady. After the glorious and thrilling tour return back to the hotel and enjoy relaxing and cozy overnight stay at Thekkady.
Day 11: Thekkady – Alleppey (Travel by A/C Car, 145 kms/ 3 hrs)After breakfast drive to Alleppey (Backwaters). On reaching check in to your Premium A/C Houseboat. Set out on an enchanting overnight backwater cruise in traditionally decorated houseboats. While cruising in these floating luxury-villas, let your eyes settle for the rare and the unusual bowed-down paddy fields, local inhabitants engaged in making coir products, rustic homes, ancient temples and swaying coconut groves. Food will be served on board. Overnight stay in the A/C Premium Houseboat. (Houseboat will move from 1200 Hrs Noon to 1800 Hrs Evening and Morning 0600 Hrs to 1000 Hrs).
Day 12: Thekkady – Kovalam (Travel by A/C Car, 159 kms/ 3 hrs)After breakfast check out from the houseboat and proceed to Kovalam (Poovar), the internationally renowned beach destination. Overnight stay at the beach side hotel at Kovalam.
Day 13: KovalamFull day at leisure at Kovalam. Spend the day in the sandy beaches of Kovalam flanked by coconut groves on one side and Arabian Sea on the other. Overnight stay at Kovalam.
Day 14: Kovalam - Cochin Sightseeing (Travel by A/C Car, 225 kms/ 4 hrs)Mornign after breakfast drive to Cochin. On reaching check-in at hotel. Later leave for a city tour of Cochin- covering Jewish Synagogue, Santa Cruz Basilica, Chinese Fishing nets, Dutch Palace and Antique shops. Evening visit Cherai beach and time free for own leisure & shopping activities. Overnight stay at Cochin.
Day 15: Cochin – Chennai - Tirupati (Travel by Air, then by A/C Car 165 kms 4-5 hrs )Morning after breakfast transfer to Cochin Airport to catch your flight departing Cochin Airport at 07:35 hrs and Arrving Chennai Airport at 08:50 hrs. On arrival at Chennai airport meet and greet with our representative and then drive to Tirupati. On reaching check-in at hotel. Evening visit Tirupati Shri Balaji Temple etc. Overnight stay at Tirupati
Day 16: Tirupati – Chennai - Mumbai (Travel by Air)Morning after breakfast at 08:00 hrs drive to Chennai Airport to catch your flight departing Chennai Airport at 16:55 hrs and Arrving Mumbai Airport at 18:40 hrs. On arrival at Mumbai airport meet and greet with our representative and then transfer to your hotel to check-in and relax. Overnight stay at Mumbai
Day 17: Mumbai City TourMorning after breakfast leave for a guided city tour with an English speaking licensed tourist guide Mumbai - The Commercial Capital of India, and visit major tourist attractractions like The Gate Way Of India, Flora Fountain, Chowpatty Beach , Fort, Coloba Causeway, Marine Drive, Nariman Point, Hanging Gardens, Mahatma Gandhi Museum, Haji Ali (Muslim Mosque) etc. Evening return to hotel and relax. Overnight Stay at Mumbai.
Day 18: Elephanta Caves Tour (Travel by Ferry/ Boat)Morning after sumptuous breakfast leave for Gate Way of India to catch your ferry/ boat for Elephanta Caves is a World Heritage Site, showcasing legends of Lord Shiva carved in rock cave temples. There are government boats that will ferry you to the island and back. You will need five hours to complete this trip, so you can go in the morning & then come back in time for lunch. After lunch continue with your shopping activities by visiting some local and exclusive shops for beautiful handmade Kashmiri Rugs, Pashminas, Antiques, Jewellery etc. Overnight stay at Mumbai.
Day 19: Departure MumbaiMorning after breakfast check out and if time permits free for own leisure & shopping activities by visiting some local and exclusive shops for beautiful Handmade Kashmiri Rugs, Pashminas, Antiques, Jewellery etc..OR else as per your flight schedule drop to Mumbai International Airport to catch your flight for your onward journey to your home country with some warm & sweet memories of your Incredible India Tour!!!