Itinerary Details: 21 days/20 nights
Namaste. Welcome to India! Arrive at Delhi International airport. Delhi is a bustling metropolis that incorporates the ancient with the modern. Amidst the skyscrapers, the monuments stand as a silent reminder to India’s legacy. Driving from the airport, you will be impressed with Delhi’s spacious, tree-lined streets and garden parks. Overnight at the hotel.
Morning at leisure to rest after your journey. Later, tour Old Delhi: Red Fort, a marvel of red sandstone; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Also enjoy a rickshaw ride in the notable Chandni Chowk market. Evening at leisure and overnight in Delhi.
After breakfast, visit Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, and an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style. Also tour the Qutub Minar complex, housing the tallest minaret in India. Later, drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s residence. Evening at leisure and overnight in Delhi.
After breakfast, drive to Agra (3 hours). Enjoy lunch with a local family followed by a tour of the Agra Fort, a magnificent citadel with marble palaces, ornate alcoves and terrace pavilions. In the evening, enjoy a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj took over 22 years and 20,000 men to build. The monument is truly a wonder of the world. Overnight in Agra.
After breakfast at your hotel, drive to Jaipur. En-route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, a perfectly preserved and deserted red sandstone city. Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, owes its name, foundation and planning to the great astronomer and warrior Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city is fondly called the “Pink City” due to the pink colored buildings and avenues. Evening at leisure and overnight in Jaipur.
After breakfast, proceed on a full day tour of Jaipur. Start with a visit to Amber Fort. The final descent to this ancient city is made by elephant back—a truly memorable experience! In the fort, you will see magnificent palaces and halls covered with mirrored mosaics. After lunch, explore Jaipur city. Visit City Palace, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture that is still occupied by the Royal family. Also view the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and visit Jantar Mantar, the solar observatory. Overnight in Jaipur.
After breakfast, drive to Rajsamand (5 hours) and stay at the historic Deogarh Mahal, a restored Mewar Palace that is still partially occupied by the Royal family. In the evening, enjoy a rural ramble – a jeep ride through the countryside. Overnight in Deogarh.
Morning at leisure. Later, drive to Udaipur (2 hours). With a wealth of enchanting lakes, Udaipur is a true oasis in Rajasthan. Overnight in Udaipur.
After breakfast, proceed for the city tour of Udaipur. First, visit the City Palace and Museum. The largest palace complex in India, it is a blend of Mughal and Rajput influences. Also see the 17th century Jagdish temple, drive around the Fatehsagar Lake, and visit the Sahelion ki Bari, an ornamental pleasure garden with fountains and marble kiosks. Later, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Evening at leisure and overnight in Udaipur.
Morning at leisure. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is often considered the commercial and entertainment capital of India. The city also houses India’s Hindi film and television industry, affectionately termed as Bollywood. Overnight in Mumbai.
After breakfast, take a morning excursion to Elephanta Cave Island and view the magnificent ancient sculptures. Later, visit the notable attractions of Mumbai: Dhobi Ghat, Gateway of India, Crawford Market, Marine Drive and the old mansions in the Colaba area. Overnight in Mumbai.
Morning at leisure. An optional private tour of the Bollywood film studios can be arranged. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cochin. Cochin is located in Kerala, a scenic state of beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, backwater canals, hillside retreats, and tea plantations. Cochin has a diverse influence of Dutch, Arab, Indian, Portuguese and Chinese traditions. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance. Overnight in Cochin.
After breakfast, visit the Dutch Palace, built in 1555; the Jewish Synagogue, housing scrolls of the Old Testament and copper plates inscribed in Hebrew script; St. Francis Church, where Vasco de Gama was buried in 1524; the Chinese fishing nets at the entrance of Cochin Harbor; and Willingdon Island, a manmade island from materials dredged while deepening Cochin port. Later, enjoy a private Keralan cooking demonstration in the home of a local family. Evening at leisure and overnight in Cochin.
After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom (3 hours) and board your houseboat. Spend the day leisurely cruising the beautiful and enchanting Keralan backwaters. A backwater comprises of a unique web of rivers, lakes, bays, lagoons and canals extending into the villages and towns. The kettuvallam or ‘boat with knots’ is held together with coir knots only - not a single nail is used during the construction. Meals are prepared on board by your private chef while you observe the untouched Keralan life. Overnight on the houseboat.
After breakfast, disembark your houseboat and drive to Munnar (2.5 hours). Munnar is a misty hillside retreat scattered with tea plantations. In the afternoon, tour the tea plantations and museum. Overnight in Munnar.
After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of South India’s most well-known temple towns. Visit the Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams rising high above the surrounding country side. Later, visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace, a gracious building in the Indo Sarracenia style. Overnight in Madurai.
Day 17: Madurai—Tanjore—Trichy
After breakfast, drive to Tanjore. Tanjore houses the famous 11th century Brihadeswara Temple and the Saraswati Library. Then, continue to Trichy, the medieval capital of the Chola Dynasty. In the 18th century, it witnessed the carnatic wars between the French and English. Overnight in Trichy.
Day 18: Trichy—Pondicherry
After breakfast, visit the landmark of Trichy - the Rock Fort. A climb of 434 steps leads to the ancient temple of Ganapati with a further climb to the Shiva Temple. Later, drive to Pondicherry. Having been the capital of the French Indian colonies since the 17th century, Pondicherry has a rich French cultural heritage. The legacy is visible in the well-planned town, neatly laid roads, wide and vibrant beaches, beautiful promenades, and architecturally imposing churches and buildings. Although still very much India, there are wonderful restaurants and high quality shops in the area. Overnight in Pondicherry.
After breakfast, visit Auroville, a universal township whose residents from all over the world live in peace and progressive harmony. Afternoon at leisure to explore Pondicherry independently and overnight.
Day 20: Pondicherry—Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram (2 hours). Tour the Pallava Monuments, including the Five Ratha’s, Arjuna’s Penance, Shore Temple, and Krishna’s Mandapam. Evening at leisure to relax on the beach or explore the town. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.
Day at leisure. In the evening, drive to Chennai and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
