South & North India Culture

Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Satna - Agra - Jaipur - Mandawa - Bikaner-Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Bombay - Cochin - Periyar-Alleppey - Kumarakom - Cochin - Delhi.

21 Nights – 22 Days

 

 

01 Day: Arrival Delhi 

On arrival at Delhi international Airport you will be welcomed by our representative then transferred to the hotel for the overnight stay. 

 

02 Day: Delhi 

After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city visiting Old Delhi visiting the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame, Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & a Rickshaw ride past through the silver street in Chandani Chowk, Later New Delhi to include Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war; the Laxmi Narayan Temple, built by the Birlas, one of India’s leading industrial families; Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple , Qutub Minar , built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty; in the evening you can visit to see light an sound show at Red fort. Return to the hotel for overnight at the hotel.

 

03 Day: Delhi – Varanasi (By Air) 

Early morning transfer to the airport to board flight to Varanasi. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Later take a boat ride on the River Ganges and see the various Ghats with people ritually cleansing their sins. While on the boat you will also see the cremation ceremonies of dead bodies as per Hindi Rituals. After breakfast proceed on a tour of the temples of Varanasi visiting the Golden Temple dedicated to lord Shiva, the Durga temple dedicated to goddess Durga. Interestingly the Durga Temple is also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large number of monkeys found in the Temple premises. Evening one can take boat ride again in River Ganges. Overnight at the hotel in Varanasi. 

 

04 Day: Varanasi - Khajuraho (By Air) 

Morning after breakfast checkout and transfer to the airport to board the flight to Khajuraho. On arrival transfer and check in to the hotel. Later visit Western group of Temples consisting of the massive Laxman Temple dedicated to lord Vishnu, the Laxmi and Varaha temples dedicated to Vishnu’s consort Laxman, the Kandariya Mahadev temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Chausath Yogini temple dedicated to goddess Kali. Also visit Archaeological museum with its collection of stone sculptures of the Chandela dynasty. Return to the hotel for overnight. 

 

05 Day: Khajuraho – Satna – Agra (By train)

Early morning visit the Eastern group of Temples and visit the Jain temples of Parsvanath, Adinath, and Shanti Nath. Also visit the temples of Vamana and Brahma/Hanuman both dedicated to lord Vishnu. Later drive to Satna 117 kms, on arrival transfer to the railway station to board the schedule train to Agra. Arrival and transfer to hotel for the overnight stay. 

 

06 Day: Agra 

Taj Mahal, the architectural modern day wonder of the world; this monument is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles is one of the wonders of the modern world The tour continues with a visit to the Agra Fort from where one can get the most moving view of the Taj from the little octagonal tower in the Agra Fort, which lies, across the river Jamuna. Later visit the Pearl Mosque and the Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father. Overnight in Agra. 

 

07 Day: Agra - Jaipur (230 kms – 5 hours)

Early morning, optionally you can visit again to see the Taj in the Sunrise, a breath taking view of the historical monument. After breakfast checkout and drive to Jaipur, enroute sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri the city built by Mughal Emperor Akbar, visit Bulund Darwaza, Jama Masjid, and Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti; continue to Jaipur visiting Fatehpur Sikri. On arrival in Jaipur transfer to hotel, Later in the evening visit to Birla Temple, speculator marble temple, glitters in the in the night, later at the time of dinner visit to Chokhi Dhani - an ethnic 5 star resort serving Rajasthani & Continental cuisine with live music, astrology, games, folk dances and music, puppet shows in an ambiance of an ethnic village. Return to the hotel for overnight. 

 

08 Day: Jaipur 

Today after breakfast explore the Pink City with an excursion to Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, enjoy the experience of traveling on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated. Afternoon sightseeing tour of City Palace in the heart of Jaipur is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Not far away is the Central Museum. Jantar Mantar is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen, all monuments are located in the vicinity of City Palace Complex of Jaipur. Return to the hotel for overnight. 

 

09 Day: Jaipur – Bikaner (330 kms, 6 - 7 hours) 

After breakfast checkout and drive to Bikaner. Optionally en route you can visit at Mandawa fort or lunch & can visit to Laxmangarh sightseeing of old Havelis. Continue to proceed to Bikaner. On arrival transfer to the hotel. 

 

10 Day: Bikaner – Jaisalmer (330 kms - 7 hours) 

After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Bikaner covering Junagarh Fort – constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, fort has a 986 meter long wall with 37 bastions & two entrances, Bandh Sagar Temple – The 16th century Jain temple, is the most important temple of this complex. After lunch take an excursion tour to Deshnok to see the Temple of Karnimata – at this temple rats are held sacred & roam freely within the temple complex. Spotting a white rat in this temple is believed to by lucky. Later checkout the hotel and drive to Jaisalmer, on arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening enjoy the city atmosphere. Optionally you can visit Gadisar Lake, Overnight at hotel. 

 

11 Day: Jaisalmer 

After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Jaisalmer covering Jaisalmer Fort – built on the highest point of the Tricuta hill, consisting of 99 bastions. Outstanding features are Megh Durbar & various temples, Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli & Patwon–Ki-Haveli – some of the beautiful mansions with stone carving and latticework of breath taking intricacy. Later after lunch drive to Sam Sand Dunes – 45 kms enroute visit the ancient Temple of Lodurwa, Amar Sagar and Mool Sagar Lakes. At Sam Sand Dunes and transfer on Camels and enjoy camel rides on the dunes till the sunset. Drive back to Jaisalmer for overnight. 

 

12 Day: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (290 kms - 6 hours) 

After breakfast checkout and drive to Jodhpur, on arrival transfer to hotel. Day free for leisure and individual activities. Overnight at the hotel in Jodhpur 

 

13 Day: Jodhpur – Udaipur (276 kms - 6 hours) 

Morning after breakfast take a sightseeing of Jodhpur visiting Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and Umaid Bhawan Palace. Evening visit Balsamand Lake and Palace, after lunch checkout and drive to Udaipur, enroute visit the famous Ranakpur Temples of 12th Century, and later visit Kumbhalgrah Fort enroute to Udaipur. Kumbhalgrah Fort is known for its longest wall of 36 kms surrounding the fort with 360 inbuilt temples in the wall, some of the temple now leis in the state of ruin. Proceed to Udaipur, on arrival transfer to hotel. Evening free to relax, overnight at the hotel. 

 

14 Day: Udaipur 

After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Udaipur visiting City Palace Complex visit Durbar Hall, Crystal Gallery, Palace Museum and Jagdish Temple. City Palace is considered as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Later in the day visit Sajjangarh Fort, Maharana Pratap Memorial that has the bronze statue of Maharana Pratap, the legendary warrior king of Udaipur. Early evening visit Saheli Ki Bari which is a small ornamental garden built in the honour of Royal Ladies for recreational purpose and visit Lok Kala Mandal & Shilpgram to see the village arts & crafts. Evening visit one of the finest forts of Asia; Chittaurgarh Fort comprising of Man Palace, Padmini Palace, and Towers of Peace and Victory, you will be driving on this fort to cover all this places. Either you can visit Eklingji & Nagda Temples – built in white marble with a double storied porch on the bank of Lake Bageela – 22 kms from Udaipur. Overnight at Udaipur. 

 

15 Day: Udaipur – Mumbai (By Air) 

Early morning checkout and transfer to the airport to board flight to Bombay , arrive in Bombay and on arrival transfer to the hotel. Later take a sightseeing visiting Prince of Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens, Return back to the hotel for overnight. 

 

16 Day: Mumbai 

After breakfast takes a sight seeing tour of Bombay, drive to Gateway of India and from here cruise by motorboat to Elephanta Caves. A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. The caves houses large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling which is made of cross beams. The picturesque presentations of the 9 marvellous sculptured panels, set on the walls are awe-inspiring. Later in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway of India; one can have lunch at the Taj Hotel or other several good Restaurants serving continental cuisines. You can also go for shopping at biggest shopping mall of Mumbai: Cross Road, West Side, and Fashion Street. 

 

17 Day: Mumbai – Cochin: (By Air) 

Morning after breakfast checkout and transfer to the airport to board flight to Cochin . Assistance on arrival , transfer to the hotel. After lunch we will proceed for a Harbour cruise to visit Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Vypeen and Gundu islands to see the Chinese fishing nets. Later in the evening enjoy the Kathakali Dance presentation. Overnight at the hotel in Cochin. 

 

18 Day: Cochin - Munnar (200 kms - 4 hours)

Morning checkout & drive to Munnar, on arrival transfer to hotel. Day free to relax & enjoy the serenity of this hill station. Optionally visit Eravikulam Wild Life Sanctuary the only sanctuary in India where Ibex are found in the country. Evening visit the Munnar Lake Side Overnight in Munnar. 

 

19 Day: Munnar - Periyar: (110 kms - 2 ½ hour) 

After breakfast check out and drive to Periyar 110 kms. on arrival transfer to the hotel, later visit at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries covering 777 sq. Km (300 Sq.miles) is a Tiger Reserve. Its centrepiece, the man-made Periyar Lake at the height of 2000 ft. covers 26 sq.km, running through the forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala & Play, overnight at the hotel. 

 

20 Day: Periyar – Alleppey (114 kms – 2 ½ hours) Backwaters tours through sailing boat to Kumarakom.

After breakfast checkout and drive for Alleppey, on arrival embark at the houseboat. The day for the journey of backwaters in the boat, through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters of Alleppey by regattas (snake boats) for which Kerala is very famous, while sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this tourist land, you also enjoy fishing from the houseboats, evening enjoy sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats, moving towards Kumarakom. The Houseboats have generated electricity; sitting cum dinning area, separate bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a Chef, and Srank (Driver). Overnight at the houseboat. 

 

21 Day: Kumarakom