19 Day North & South India

Your tour of India will begin at Old Delhi, which was the fortress of the Mughal Domain between the seventeenth and nineteenth hundred years. You will visit the amazing Red fort built in 1648 which was the seat of the Mughal Realm. You will be stunned at the overwhelming 1.24 mile long red sandstone walls of the Fort. Next will be an exhilarating encounter of a cycle cart ride through the dynamic rear entryways of Chandni Chowk, past consecrated sanctuaries, and old houses with interesting engineering. This will give you a knowledge into the genuine India. You will likewise visit India's biggest mosque built by Shah Jahan in 1658, the Jama Masjid, a compositional joy as much as a heavenly spot. Later visit Raj Ghat, the incineration site of Mahatma Gandhi which is arranged on the banks of the waterway Yamuna. A modest dark marble in the midst of rich green yards denotes the incineration spot.

Evening: After the Old Delhi visit, you will be headed to New Delhi, which was built by the English as a majestic capital. The distinction between the Old and New Delhi is the division very the two capitals - Mughal and English. You will visit with the Qutub Minar - the 234 feet high sandstone Triumph Photelacle built in 1193. The visit likewise incorporates a drive past the monumental India Entryway, the 138 feet high stone curve of win which bears the names of 90,000 Indian Armed force fighters who set out their lives in different conflicts across the world. It has a timeless fire in the distinction of the Obscure Warrior. Visit Humayun's Burial chamber, a lovely Mughal red sandstone structure. After this you will pass through Lutyen's New Delhi which incorporates the Conciliatory territory, different stupendous Government structures that started in the Victorian time, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara (a grand sanctuary for individuals of the Sikh religion), and the great and luxurious Hindu Birla Sanctuary. Finish your visit through New Delhi at Connaught Spot, which is New Delhi's principal shopping, business and place of interest.

After breakfast, proceed to check out of your hotel and be driven to Agra (approximately four hours) via North India’s newest highway.

Upon arrival in Agra, check into your hotel.

Afternoon: You will visit the massive red sandstone Agra Fort which was built by the famous Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, primarily as a military structure. During Shah Jahan’s reign it was converted into a palace. It finally became a prison for Shah Jahan after his son came to power in 1658. The fort has numerous courtyards, private chambers and a marble mosque. On the opposite side of the Yamuna River is the exquisite Itmad-ud daulah built in 1628 by Mughal Emperor’s queen, Nur Jahan in memory of her father. The tomb is the first monument that was constructed entirely of marble inlaid in Pietra Dura.

Late afternoon: A sunset visit to the magnificent white marble mausoleum, one of the world’s seven wonders, the Taj Mahal, is a must-do experience for tourists worldwide. This exquisite monument, dedicated to the enduring love of Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, attracts visitors from distant corners of the globe year-round. Constructed between 1653 and 1675 AD, the Taj Mahal required the labor of 22,000 skilled craftsmen over a period of 22 years. The white marble is intricately inlaid with semi-precious stones in captivating patterns, a technique known as pietra dura. The symmetrical design of the Taj is further enhanced by minarets at each corner. The basement of the Taj houses the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, serving as a testament to their enduring legacy.

Check out of your hotel by noon and drive to Jaipur. En route, make a stop to visit the Chand Baori stepwell at Abhaneri. The Chand Baori is one of the oldest, deepest, and largest baoris (stepwells) in Rajasthan. The oldest parts of the structure date back to the 8th century. This colossal step well has a depth of 20 meters and 13 levels. Despite its immense size, the well retains delicate and intricate carvings that provide a visual delight. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check into your hotel. Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, is also affectionately known as the ‘Pink City.’

After breakfast, drive seven miles north of Jaipur to visit the Amber Fort and Palace. This was the ancient capital of Jaipur state. Mount your caparisoned elephant to ascend to the main gate of the splendid Amber Fort situated on a hillock overlooking a lake. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Rajput rulers, a clan renowned for its military heroism. In stark contrast to the rugged exteriors of the soaring fort is the opulent ambiance of the interiors, particularly the Sheesh Mahal or the Hall of Mirrors, a testament to the intricate and delicate use of mirrors.

Afternoon: Continue your tour of Jaipur city; visit the City Palace Complex, a harmonious fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture featuring courtyards, gardens, and buildings. The royal family of Jaipur still resides in a portion of the Palace. You will then visit the Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory. Enjoy your visit to the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds. Located in the heart of the bustling market place of the old city, the Hawa Mahal is a pink sandstone five-story building with a captivating façade adorned with numerous intricately designed and embellished windows. Originally constructed to enable the royal ladies to observe the bustling city without being observed, the Hawa Mahal stands as a testament to Jaipur’s rich cultural heritage.

Check out of your hotel and drive to Jodhpur. The second biggest city of Rajasthan is at the edge of the Thar Desert. Arrive at Jodhpur and check in to your hotel.

Late-afternoon: Walk with your guide through the bustling Sadar Bazaar, often referred to as the Clock Tower Market, due to the monument that forms the center of the circle around which the bazaar is laid out.

Return to your hotel after this exploration.

After breakfast drive through the narrows winding alleys to the majestic Mehrangarh Fort which is perched on a rocky hill soaring 400 feet. The fort dominates the horizon of the city and is spread over an area of 5 sq. km. Made of red sandstone, Mehrangarh Fort in one of the most beautiful forts of Rajasthan. Inside the fort are magnificent palaces and museums replete with palanquins, royal furniture, vessels, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes. Visit the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), the Sukh Mahal (Pleasure Palace), Sheesha Mahal (Mirror Palace) and the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace).

Afternoon: You will next visit the Jaswant Thada, a 19th century royal cenotaph built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur. Jaswant Thada, a unique work of architecture is made out of marble and boasts of intricate carvings.

Check out of your hotel in the morning and drive to Udaipur, the city of lakes, palaces, temples and havelis. En-route visit Ranakpur famous for the 15th century Jain temples. Ranakpur is situated in the Aravalli Range 37 miles from Udaipur. The main temple, Chaumukha or Four Faced Temple, is dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara (revealer of truth), Adinath. It contains 1444 exquisitely carved marble pillars, no two are alike. Neminath, Parasnath and Sun Temple are some of the other ornate temples in the complex.

Late afternoon: Arrive at Udaipur and check in to your hotel.

After breakfast visit the City Palace, a conglomeration of buildings built by various Emperors. There are many palaces within the palace each dedicated to a theme. The palaces are resplendent with glasswork, mirror work, ornamental tiles, paintings, miniatures, mosaics of peacocks, ivory doors. Walk through the Crystal Gallery which has an amazing collection of exquisite crystal. There are balconies, courtyards, towers and cupolas which offer a fine view of the lake.

Afternoon: Also visit the 18th century fountain gardens called Saheliyon-ki-Bari or Garden of the Maids of Honour. The tour also includes a visit to the local museum.

Evening: Enjoy sunset cruise on Lake Pichola and spend some time at Jagmandir (if available). Although a fairly shallow lake, it is one of the main attractions of Udaipur. There are two islands in the lake-Jagniwas and Jagmandir. It is believed that Shah Jahan got the inspiration to build the Taj Mahal after staying in Jagmandir. Built in the 17th century by Emperor Karan Singh, it has a row of enormous stone elephants. There is a scenic view of the city from Jagmandir.

You are at leisure this morning with your guide and chauffeur, or to enjoy the facilities at your resort. There are lot of excursions and activities available around Udaipur. You are assisted with your check-out from your hotel by noon and are then driven to the airport in time to board your afternoon flight to Mumbai. Bid farewell to your Tour Director here. You are greeted upon arrival at the Mumbai airport and driven to your hotel where you are assisted with your check-in.

Check out from your hotel after breakfast and then you proceed for a guided city tour of Mumbai. The tour begins at the historic Gateway of India, built during the British rule. Drive around Horniman Circle and visit the Town Hall, right beside the docks of Mumbai. Visit the Victoria Terminus it is Gothic architecture at its best, an awesome edifice that most citizens view with deep pride. Next you will visit the Prince of Wales Museum & Modern Art Gallery.

Later drive through the Flora Fountain and Fort area, where you can view the Gothic and Victorian style buildings. Continue your drive up to the Malabar Hill, to visit the hanging gardens, gives a panoramic view the city and the Queens Necklace, a road called Marine Drive. The tour ends with a visit to the famous Dhobi Ghat, also known as world's largest open-air laundromat, where you can observe the age-old tradition of the Dhobis doing Mumbai’s laundry!
After this tour, you are driven to Mumbai airport in time to board your early evening flight to Aurangabad. You are greeted upon arrival at the Aurangabad airport and driven to your hotel, where you are assisted with your check-in.

Enjoy a full day guided excursion to Ajanta Caves, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caves include paintings and rock-cut sculptures described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art. You will see a variety of carvings, sacred texts, frescoes and paintings which were created by Buddhist monks using primitive tools like chisel & hammer and materials from hard rocks. Our tour guide will explain the process and concept in detail. These richly decorated caves are nearly two thousand years old and a marvelous craftsmanship of mankind.

Enjoy a half day excursion of Ellora caves, also designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the magnificently sculptured cave temples & monasteries. The caves are devoted shrines of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, which illustrates the spirit of tolerance that was characteristic of ancient India. The most remarkable is the Kailash Temple because of its immense scale. The sculpture is double in size as compare to Parthenon in Athens.

On the way back, you will stop at the magnificent Daulatabad Fort. The fort stands on conical hill and is an impressive sight. The climb to the summit requires bit of a trek, and leads past an ingenious series of defenses, including multiple doorways.
After this tour, you are driven to Aurangabad airport in time to board your evening flight to Mumbai. You are greeted at the airport by a hotel representative, and ushered to your chauffeur driven vehicle. You are then driven to your hotel where you are assisted with your check-in by hotel staff.

Check-out from your hotel and then you are driven to the airport by a hotel vehicle in time to board your morning flight to Cochin. Upon your arrival at Cochin, you are greeted at the airport and ushered to your vehicle. You are driven to historic Fort Kochi to start your exploration of Cochin. The guided tour begins with the Jewish Synagogue which was built in 1568 (closed on Fridays and Saturdays). From here walk-through Jew Street famous for its curios and antiques.

After the synagogue, you visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India established by Portuguese Franciscan friars in 1503.
Continue the tour to the most photogenic attraction, the Chinese fishing Nets, which have become synonymous to the enchanting beauty of Kochi’s shorelines.

Later walk-through Fort Kochi to experience the local culture and architecture before you are driven to your boutique hotel, where you will be assisted with your check-in.

Check-out from your hotel in the morning and drive to Thekkady. This is one of the most beautiful drives in all of South India. Arrive at Thekkady and check-in to your nature resort.

Periyar National Park is located around a picturesque artificial lake that was formed in 1895 by building a dam on the Periyar River. It is the perfect example of nature's bounty with great scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. The Park is a repository of rare, endemic and endangered flora and fauna.
Periyar is home to just under a thousand elephants and also more than 60 other mammal species including tigers, bison, deer, wild boar and wild dog. There are more than 300 species of birds, and even 160 species of butterflies.

The Spice plantations are another reason to stop here, as is the fact that this rural area happens to be located in one of the most picturesque parts of the Western Ghats.

Afternoon - Visit a spice plantation where an experienced naturalist will guide you through scores of different spice plants and illustrate their benefits and properties.

Start your day with a drive up to Lake Periyar and embark on a lake cruise on the spectacular lake. The boat cruise is the best mode in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary to watch the wildlife from a close distance.
Although Lake Periyar is officially a Tiger Reserve, chances of you seeing a big cat here are almost non-existent. What is very common is to see elephant herds as they come to the lake to drink. Wild boar and Sambar Deer are also a common sight, and you may also catch a glimpse of rare species of birds like the Malabar Grey Hornbill and the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon.

Afternoon: You will be driven to Elephant Junction where you can interact with the elephants, their trainers, handlers and other staff as they go about their daily business.
You will have opportunities to feed and assist in bathing the gentle giants. After this experience you will be driven back to your resort.

Check-out from your resort and enjoy the fascinating drive through the incredibly scenic rain forests of the Western Ghats as you head for Kumarakom.

Early Afternoon: Arrive at Kumarakom and check-in at your lakefront resort. You are at leisure for the remainder of the day to enjoy your resort, and its many activities and experiences.

You are at leisure until noon when you will be assisted in boarding your Houseboat for a day cruise at the jetty of your lakefront resort. Enjoy the pristine beauty of nature and the incredible lushness of the vegetation around the fresh water canals and lakes. No doubt this adventure will become one of the most treasured travel memories for you. Relax and have a great time as you cruise the amazing backwaters. You will be served delectable Kerala cuisine and the staff on board will make sure that all your needs are taken care of.

After the cruise, you will disembark from your houseboat directly at the jetty of your resort.

After breakfast, or at any time before noon on this day, as your flight requires, you are driven to Cochin airport in time for your outbound flight.

Our services end at Cochin Airport.