21 Day North & South India
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Explore
Experience the magic, mystery, and magnificence of India in a 21-day journey that spans the cultural contrasts of the North and the lush, laid-back beauty of the South.
Start in Delhi, where ancient Mughal history meets modern chaos. Then head to Agra to witness the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love, before diving into the royal heritage and vibrant bazaars of Jaipur, the Pink City of Rajasthan. From the desert, fly to the coasts of Mumbai, India’s bustling film and finance capital, then slow down in Goa, famous for its golden beaches, Portuguese architecture, and relaxed vibe. Next, journey inland to explore the surreal landscapes and ancient ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to Mysore, known for its grand palace and silk, before heading to the cool hills of Ooty, nestled in the Nilgiri mountains.
The final leg of your adventure takes you to Kerala, where you’ll unwind in Munnar’s tea-covered slopes, cruise the peaceful Alleppey backwaters in a houseboat, and soak in the coastal charm of Kochi, a melting pot of colonial history and modern artistry. This journey offers an incredible mix of architecture, spirituality, nature, cuisine, and culture, perfect for first-time visitors seeking a rich and immersive Indian experience.
Hotels
Luxury Level
- Delhi – The Oberoi New Delhi – Premier Plus Room
- Agra – Oberoi Amarvilas – Premier Room
- Jaipur – Oberoi Rajvilas – Premier Room
- Jodhpur – Umaid Bhawan Palace – Palace Room / Raas – Garden Room
- Udaipur – Oberoi Udaivilas – Premier Room
- Mumbai – The Oberoi Mumbai – Premier Ocean View Room
- Aurangabad – Taj Vivanta Aurangabad – Premium Room
- Mumbai Airport – The Leela – Royal Club Room
- Cochin – Brunton Boatyard – Sea Facing Room
- Backwaters – Premium AC Houseboat
- Periyar – Spice Village – Garden Cottage
- Madurai – Taj Gateway Pasumalai – Suite
- Mahabalipuram – Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay – Sea View Villa
Deluxe Level
- Delhi – The Grand – Premier Room / Lalit – View Room
- Agra – Taj Gateway – Taj View Room / The Trident – Garden View Room
- Jaipur – The Trident – Lake View Room / Rajputana Sheraton – COE
- Jodhpur – Taj Hari Mahal – Deluxe Garden View Room
- Udaipur – The Trident – Garden View Room / The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace – Valley View Room
- Mumbai – Trident Nariman Point – Superior Room
- Aurangabad – Taj Vivanta Aurangabad – Superior Room
- Mumbai Airport – The Lalit – Club Room
- Cochin – CGH Eighth Bastion – Bastion Room
- Backwaters – Deluxe AC Houseboat
- Periyar – The Elephant Court – Patio Room
- Madurai – Taj Gateway Pasumalai – Superior Room
- Mahabalipuram – Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay – Pool View Chalet
Price & Inclusion
Luxury Level
From $7162 USD / Person
Deluxe Level
From $4035 USD / Person
Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.
- 20 nights stay at the hotels on entire trip
- Breakfast at all the hotels
- All three meals on the houseboat
- Hotel check-in time is 2 pm and checkout is at noon for almost all the hotels
- One cycle-rickshaw ride to explore the famous Chandni Chowk market in Delhi
- One elephant ride (per couple) at Amber Fort, Jaipur.
- Boat cruise at Lake Pichola in Udaipur
- Boat ride for wildlife viewing on Lake Periyar in Kerala
- Evening Palli Arai ceremony at the Sree Meenakshi Temple
- Entrance fees to the monuments as per the itinerary
- Services of an accompanying Tour Director till Udaipur / English speaking local guides in Mumbai, Aurangabad, Cochin, Periyar, Madurai & Mahabalipuram
- Representative for assistance on all arrivals and departures transfers
- All safari related costs at Periyar, including park entry, naturalists, boat and vehicle fees etc.
- Bottled water during sightseeing/excursions and long drives
- All currently applicable taxes
- Any personal expenses such as tips, laundry and drinks
- Any meals other than those specified above
- Personal Travel Insurance, visa etc.
- Camera fees (both still and video).
- International flight tickets.
- Miscellaneous
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Tour Plan
Welcome to India! On your arrival, after you collect your luggage, you will be greeted by our travel facilitator at the airport. You will then be taken in a chauffeur driven vehicle to your hotel and assisted with your check in. After making you comfortable, our travel facilitator will hand over your travel documents and briefly go over the next day’s program.
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.
Checkout from your hotel after breakfast and afterward you are headed to Agra (around 4 hours) on North India's freshest roadway. Show up at Agra check-in to your hotel. Evening: You will visit the monstrous red sandstone Agra Fort which was built by the renowned Mughal Sovereign Akbar in 1565 Promotion, fundamentally as a tactical construction. During Shah Jahan's rule it was changed over into a royal residence. It at long last turned into a jail for Shah Jahan after his child came to control in 1658. The fort has various yards, confidential chambers and a marble mosque. On the opposite side of the Yamuna Waterway is the stunning Itmad-ud daulah built in 1628 by Mughal Head's sovereign, Nur Jahan in memory of her dad. The burial chamber is the primary landmark that was built totally of marble decorated in Pietra Dura. Late
Evening: Nightfall visit at the marvelous white marble catacomb and one of the seven miracles of the world, the Taj Mahal. Travelers come from everywhere the world all through the year to check-out the excessive landmark committed to cherish. This miracle was built by Shah Jahan for his significant other, Mumtaz Mahal in 1653 Promotion. It required 22 years and 22,000 skilled workers to fabricate the Taj. The white marble is decorated with semi valuable stones in lovely examples in a cycle called pietra dura. A minaret at each side of the Taj gives it a totally balanced look. The Taj houses in its storm cellar the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
Settle up with your hotel by early afternoon and drive to Jaipur. Enroute stop to visit the Chand Baori stepwell at Abhaneri. The Chand Baori is one of the most seasoned, most profound and biggest baoris (stepwells) in Rajasthan. The most seasoned pieces of the design date back to the eighth 100 years. This huge step well has a profundity of 20 meters, with 13 levels. Notwithstanding being so gigantic, the well actually has sensitive and complicated carvings which are a visual treat. Show up at Jaipur and check-in to your hotel. Jaipur is the dynamic capital of Rajasthan otherwise called the 'Pink city'.
After breakfast travel 7 miles north of Jaipur to visit the Jaipur Fort and Royal residence. This was the old capital of Jaipur state. Mount your caparisoned elephant to climb up (a choice to utilize a jeep is accessible) to the principal door of the impressive Jaipur Fort arranged on a hillock sitting above a lake. The fort, finished in the mid eighteenth 100 years, offers an entrancing understanding into the way of life of the Rajput rulers, a family which was renowned for its tactical bravery. In sharp differentiation to the rough outsides of the taking off fort is the lavish vibe of the insides, particularly the Sheesh Mahal or the Corridor of Mirrors which is a consequence of the mind boggling and sensitive utilization of mirrors.
Evening: Proceed with your visit through Jaipur city; visit the City Royal residence Mind boggling, a fine mix of Rajasthani and Mughal engineering comprising of patios, nurseries and structures. The illustrious group of Jaipur actually dwells in a piece of the Castle. You will then, at that point, visit the Jantar Mantar, the galactic observatory. Partake in your visit to the Hawa Mahal or the Royal residence of Winds. Situated in the core of the old city's clamoring commercial center, the Hawa Mahal is a pink sandstone five story fabricating that has a captivating façade of various complicatedly planned and decorated windows. It was initially built to empower the illustrious women to take a gander at the clamoring city without being seen.
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 pass through the strait twisting rear entryways to the superb Mehrangarh Fort which is roosted on a rough slope taking off 400 feet. The fort rules the skyline of the city and is spread over an area of 5 sq. km. Made of red sandstone, Mehrangarh fort in one of the most lovely Forts of Rajasthan. Inside the fort are brilliant castles and exhibition halls loaded with carts, imperial furnishings, vessels, miniatures, instruments, outfits. Visit the Moti Mahal (Pearl Royal residence), the Sukh Mahal (Delight Castle), Sheesha Mahal (Mirror Castle) and the Phool Mahal (Blossom Royal residence).
Evening: You will following visit the Jaswant Thada, a nineteenth century imperial cenotaph built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore leader of Jodhpur. Jaswant Thada, a remarkable work of engineering is made from marble and brags of unpredictable carvings.
Leave your hotel in the first part of the day and drive to Udaipur, the city of lakes, castles, sanctuaries and havelis. In transit visit Ranakpur well known for the fifteenth century Jain sanctuaries. Ranakpur is arranged in the Aravalli Reach 37 miles from Udaipur. The principal sanctuary, Chaumukha or Four Confronted Sanctuary, is committed to the Jain Tirthankara (revealer of truth), Adinath. It contains 1444 stunningly cut marble support points, no two are indistinguishable. Neminath, Parasnath and Sun Sanctuary are a portion of the other resplendent sanctuaries in the complex.
Late evening: Show up at Udaipur and check-in to your hotel.
After breakfast visit the City Royal residence, a combination of structures built by different Rulers. There are numerous royal residences inside the castle each devoted to a subject. The castles are radiant with glasswork, reflect work, decorative tiles, canvases, miniatures, mosaics of peacocks, ivory entryways. Stroll through the Precious stone Display which has an astonishing assortment of dazzling gem. There are overhangs, patios, photelacles and domes which offer a fine perspective on the lake. Evening: Additionally visit the eighteenth century wellspring gardens called Saheliyon-ki-Bari or Nursery of the House keepers of Honor. The visit likewise incorporates a visit to the nearby exhibition hall.
Evening: Appreciate nightfall voyage on Lake Pichola and invest some energy at Jagmandir (if accessible). Albeit a genuinely shallow lake, it is one of the principal attractions of Udaipur. There are two islands in the lake-Jagniwas and Jagmandir. It is accepted that Shah Jahan got the motivation to fabricate the Taj Mahal subsequent to remaining in Jagmandir. Underlying the seventeenth 100 years by Sovereign Karan Singh, it has a line of colossal stone elephants. There is a beautiful perspective on the city from Jagmandir.
You are at recreation today with your aide and escort, or to partake in the offices at your retreat. There are part of trips and exercises accessible around Udaipur. You are helped with your check-out from your hotel by early afternoon and are then headed to the air terminal so as to load up your midday trip to Mumbai. Bid goodbye to your Visit Chief here. You are welcomed upon landing in the Mumbai air terminal and headed to your hotel where you are helped with your registration.
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 hotel and drive to Alleppey for your backwater cruise. Arrive at Alleppey and board your houseboat. 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 until the next morning 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.
Disembark from your houseboat in the morning and you are then driven 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 after breakfast and you are driven to Madurai. On this drive you will have photo opportunities at pastoral hamlets and various lush plantations that grow tea and other crops. Arrive at Madurai and you are driven to your hotel for check-in.
Madurai is the third largest city in the southern state of Tamil Nadu and has a glorious past and a busy present with great temples that flaunt the architectural brilliance of the artisans. It has a rich heritage and has remained a major center for Tamil culture and learning.
Over time, Madurai came to be called the "Athens of the East" because of its similar architectural style, particularly pedestrian walkways and the lofty towers of its Meenakshi temple that could be seen from anywhere in the city (similar to the Greek pantheon).
Afternoon: Proceed for a guided city tour of Madurai. By far the main attraction of Madurai is the great Sree Meenakshi Temple. This awe-imposing monument is the finest example of Dravidian temple architecture on this planet. The temple complex covers an extensive 15 acres, and has a Hall of Thousand Pillars and 14 towers. The temple is always a beehive of activity as pilgrims from all over India come to seek the blessings of Meenakshi (Goddess Parvati) and Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva). You will witness Hindu priests performing various ceremonies in different parts of the temple complex as you explore this huge structure, including religious aspects of traditional weddings.
After your exploration of the amazing temple complex you will visit Madurai’s second biggest attraction, the Thirumalai Nayak Palace. Constructed in 1636 A.D. by an Italian architect, the palace is an interesting confluence of Dravidian, Islamic and European architectural styles.
Evening: Attend the impressive evening Palli Arai ceremony at the Sree Meenakshi Temple Complex with your guide. This elaborate and ritualistic ceremony has been written up in many international publications and is not to be missed.
You are assisted with your check-out from your hotel and driven to the airport to board the morning no-frills flight to Chennai. You are greeted on arrival at the Chennai airport and then you are driven to your Ocean front resort in Mahabalipuram, where you are assisted with your check-in.
Afternoon: Proceed for a guided exploration of the ancient port of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This laid back coastal town south of Chennai is world famous for its 8th century shore temple and other historical marvels. The massive rock sculptures carved into softly sloping hills, monolithic temples, ancient manmade caverns with incredible sculptures, all combine to make Mahabalipuram a living museum.
Start you day with a guided excursion to Kanchipuram. The ancient holy city of Kanchipuram is known as the ‘golden city of a thousand temples’ and is one of the seven sacred cities of India. Its many Gopurams (temple domes) can be seen from a distance as you approach the city. Kanchipuram history can be traced back for about three millenniums and it was successively the capital of many South Indian dynasties. It was a great center of learning and great sages of the Buddhist and Jain faith originated here. After touring Kanchipuram, you will return to your resort.
Late afternoon - Enjoy a guided walk down the beach as this allows you to mingle with the local fishing community and their colorful wooden boats. You will see a variety of activities going on - many of the fishermen are returning from their day’s work and they are going through various processes of pulling their boats up on the beach and organizing their nets and other gear. Photo opportunities abound, including the famed 8th century Shore Temple, from which you are only a stone’s throw away.
After breakfast, or at any time before noon on this day, as your flight requires, you are driven to Chennai airport in time to board your outbound flight.
Our services end at Chennai airport.
Tour Inclusions
- 20 nights stay at the hotels on entire trip
- Breakfast at all the hotels
- All three meals on the houseboat
- Hotel check-in time is 2 pm and checkout is at noon for almost all the hotels
- One cycle-rickshaw ride to explore the famous Chandni Chowk market in Delhi
- One elephant ride (per couple) at Amber Fort, Jaipur.
- Boat cruise at Lake Pichola in Udaipur
- Boat ride for wildlife viewing on Lake Periyar in Kerala
- Evening Palli Arai ceremony at the Sree Meenakshi Temple
- Entrance fees to the monuments as per the itinerary
- Services of an accompanying Tour Director till Udaipur / English speaking local guides in Mumbai, Aurangabad, Cochin, Periyar, Madurai & Mahabalipuram
- Representative for assistance on all arrivals and departures transfers
- All safari related costs at Periyar, including park entry, naturalists, boat and vehicle fees etc.
- Bottled water during sightseeing/excursions and long drives
- All currently applicable taxes
Tour Exclusions
- Any personal expenses such as tips, laundry and drinks
- Any meals other than those specified above
- Personal Travel Insurance, visa etc.
- Camera fees (both still and video).
- International flight tickets.
- Miscellaneous
Enquiry Form
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