North & South India Tour

Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi, the capital city of India. After completing formalities with customs and immigration, you will be received by our representative with Traditional Indian Welcome (with garlands).

Delhi is the capital of India since old times. Delhi's history dates back to the first millenium BC, when it was known as Indraprastha. The Tomar Rajputs built Lal Kot, the core of the first of Delhi's seven cities. It is the epicenter of the nation's politics, economy and culture. History is alive and throbbing in Delhi, the capital of India.

Afterwards transfer to your hotel for the overnight stay.

In Delhi
After breakfast you embark on your sightseeing trip of Delhi City which would include the visit to Old Delhi and New Delhi

Old Delhi : An ancient walled city. Here you would see the Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire, Rajghat the Samadhi of our Father of Nation, Jama Masjid the largest mosque in India and Chandni Chowk the bustling and colourful market of the old city.

New Delhi : The city designed and built by the British in the 1920’s- a city of wide boulevards impressive Government Buildings, green parks and gardens. First you will visit the two monuments from the Delhi’s past Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar. Then your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the Imposing India Gate and Parliament House.

After completing the sightseeing return back to the Hotel.

Evening free to move around the busy Connaught Place.

Overnight at hotel.

Delhi - Mandawa
Morning transfer to Domestic airport to board the flight for Varanasi.

Upon arrival you will be met & transferred to Hotel.

Varanasi, picturesquely situated on the banks of holy river Ganga. The city is the Oldest Living City of the World & traces of its existence are found around 10000 BC. Other than being a very holy city for Hindus, it also holds a very significant association with Buddha's life & Buddhism.

Afternoon, excursion to

Sarnath - the buried Buddhist city where Buddha preached his first sermon. After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya the Buddha went to Sarnath; and it was here that he preached his first discourse in the deer park to set in motion the 'Wheel of the Dharma'. It is one of the most holy sites as in this place the stream of the Buddha's teaching first flowed. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 16th century BC to 12th century AD. Visit the ruins, the stupa, the Buddhist temple & the museum .At the museum is the Ashok Pillar with its four guardian lions, used as independent Indias.

Return to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Varanasi - Khajuraho
Early morning, proceed for boat ride at Sunrise on the Mother Ganges River. This is a soul stirring experience as you witness the performance of various rituals, laundry & cremations in the background of the rising Sun. We also have an opportunity to walk the narrow streets which are preserved as they were 100s of years back in time. Following your visit, you realise why Varanasi is described as the 'eternal city!

Morning enjoy leisurely breakfast.

Later, visit
Varanasi City : The consists of visiting the city temples – the Durga temple - Built in the 8th century, the Durga temple is one of the most important temples in Varanasi. This temple is built in Nagara Style. The shikhara of the temple is formed by many small spires which are built one on top of the other, better known as the Monkey temple on account of the large number of monkeys residing there and the temple of Vishwanath (or Vesheshwar "Lord of the Universe") is the most sacred spots in the city.

Later, transfer to airport for your flight to Khajuraho.

Upon arrival, met and transferred to hotel.

Afternoon, visit

Khajuraho City: The Eastern and Western Group Temples Founded in the 9th and 10th Century by the rulers of Chandela Dynasty, influenced by tantrism, in eroticism becomes a theme of philosophical interest and the aim is submlimation of sexual relationship in the sexual act or "Maithun", women being regarded as the incarnation of the divine energy or "Shakti". Itis also possible thatthe Khajuraho were influenced by "Kama Sutra". Among the temples to visit is the Kandariya Mahadeo, Chaunsat Yogini, Chitragupta temple, adinath Temples ,Vishwanath temple, andvarious other temples.

Evening, enjoy Sound & Light show in Khajuraho.

Overnight at hotel.

Khajuraho – Jhansi (Surface) (Approx – 175 Kms / 06 Hours)
Jhansi – Agra Train.
Following breakfast, drive to Jhansi railway station to connect train to Agra, en-route visit

Orchha: The Bundela chief Raja Rudra Pratap (1501-31) chose an easily defended and beautiful site for his capital. Set on the island on a bend in the Betwa River, it is elevated above the surrounding wooded countryside. Once capital of its own state, Orchha contains three palaces - The Raj Mahal, Rai Parveen Mahal, Jahangir Mahal - each built by succeeding Maharajas in a similar style and combining to form a complex as imposing as that at Udaipur. Also visit Ram Raja Temple & Chaturbhuj Temple.

After visit, continue your drive to Jhansi Railway Station.

Upon arrival in Agra, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Check in at Hotel.
Agra is the one of the prominent destinations of the World Tourism map with three heritage monuments - The Taj Mahal, Red Fort & Fatehpur Sikri. It is more just a dacadent city of graveyards and stones, but it is a vibrant centre of Culture, Art and Religious philosphies that have enriched mankind and shaped humen thought over centuries

Overnight at hotel.

In Agra
Enjoy your buffet breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast you start the sightseeing trip to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

Taj Mahal : The 17th Century master piece named Taj Mahal ,which of course is the most splendid of all the buildings – perhaps the most perfect architectural monument of the world. It was built in the memory of the beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal by one of greatest king of Mughal Empire Shah Jehan.

Agra Fort: Built primarily as a military establishment by Emperor Akbar in 1565,the redstone Agra Fort, was partially converted in to a palace during the tenure of Emperor Shah Jehan. Though the principal structure was built by Akbar, many more additions were made by his grandsons. This massive fort is 2.5 Kms long and is considered the predecessor of the Red Fort of New Delhi.

After completing the sightseeing of the monuments you return back to the hotel.

Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Afternoon, free for shopping.

Overnight at Hotel.

Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Following breakfast, drive to Jaipur en-route visit

Fatehpur Sikri: A fascinating ghost town lies little beyond Agra the deserted Red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its ruins are still in a pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life would have been like in the days of its grandeur. Set like a jewel in a court yard of pink sandstone is the marble tomb of Saint Salim Chisti, enclosed by delicately carved marble screens.
After completing the sightseeing of Fathepur Sikri continue the drive to Jaipur. On arrival in check in to the hotel.

Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, also known as 'Pink City' is surrounded by an ancient 20ft high wall and eight gates. Situated at a distance of 280 km away from Delhi, today, Jaipur is the personification of the old order influence the new. An inherent interest for colour and design penetrated over stratum of society, and jewelry, crafts and architecture became objects of fascination equally between prince and peasant. Jaipur is also the main tourist hub of Rajasthan tourist circuit. From here you can reach out to places like Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Pushkar, and many more such destinations from Jaipur. Jaipur is also the third corner of the famed Golden Triangle tourist circuit of India along with Delhi and Agra.

Afternoon, free to visit

Jaipur Bazaar: walk through Jaipur’s shady animated streets. The city is best explored on foot and only the inquisitive visitor willing to go into the rastaas (streets) and galis (lanes) will feel the spirit of the city. Jaipur’s colorful bazaars tantalize the eye with enameled blue pottery, exquisite gem-studded jewelry, engraved brass work, traditional block-printed fabrics and brightly patterned dhurrie rugs together with traditional crafts and miniature painting.

Overnight at hotel.

In Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast start the sightseeing of Amber Fort followed by city tour

Amer Fort : 11 Kms from Jaipur- A marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and reflected in Matao lake below. The magnificent old Citadel, a labyrinth of massive walls and towers, shrouds an exquisite marble palace, pillared and carved glimmering with a million tiny mirrors, which creates tanatalising reflection effect. The ascent to the fort is on a gaily caparisoned elephants.
Afternoon sightseeing of Jaipur City visit the

City Palace Museum : An imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princess, carpets an armoury of old weapons , miniature paintings portraying court scenes , battle scenes and processions.

Jantar Mantar : (Observartory): Jantar Mantar, built between 1728 and 1734, literally means the ‘instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens’. Jai Singh, the brain behind the grand project, chose stone with marble facing. This was the biggest of all his observatories and the only one built of stone. He used it daily, often with his astronomy gurus Pandit Jagannath and Kewal Ram. In all there are 17 instruments in the Jantar Mantar complex. The function of each instrument is rather complex but serves a particular function where time plays the main theme.

Hawa Mahal : (Palace of Winds) : A five storeyed wonder with a spectacular pyra midal façade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.
After completing the sightseeing return back to the hotel for overnight.

Jaipur – Udaipur (Flight)
Morning transfer to airport for your flight to Udaipur.

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Udaipur is also known as the Jewel of Mewar. This place was founded by Maharajah Jai Singh in 16th century. In spite of being surrounded by the desert its is situated in the lap of the Aravalli hills. It is considered to be one of the most romantic places of India. Elegant palaces, temples and havelis flank the shores of lake. In the centre of the lake there is Jagmandir Island where Lake palace hotel located . It looks like the dream in white.

Afternoon, visit

Udaipur City : Visit the city Palace- Museum- grandeur and intricacy stroked all over in granite, marble and mosaic displayed in the sparkling white filigreed balconies and windows ,ornate arches and cupolas atop magnificent octagonal towers,

Jagdish Temple : built in 1651 AD, also visit the Sahelion Ki Bari- the spectacular garden displaying the unique life styles of royal ladies who once lived in the palaces.
Return back to the hotel after the sightseeing. Afternoon free at leisure .
In the evening enjoy a most memorable boat ride with the reflections of the majestic Lake Palace Hotel at its best in the setting sun. Evening,boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Lake Pichola: Fringed with hills, gardens, havelis, ghats and temples, Lake Pichola is the scenic focus of Udaipur. Set in it are Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir Palaces.

Overnight at hotel.

Udaipur- Mumbai (Flight)
Mumbai – Kochi (Flight)
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Kochi- is one of India's most interesting cities. it is endowed with a natural harbor and is claimed to be the "venice of the orient" and the "queen of the arabian sea". it has a maritime history that began in the remote past. arabs, chinese, dutch, british & portuguese followed the sea routes to cochin. it is one of the few places in world where one can see a jewish synagogue, portuguese churches, dutch architecture, mosques, temples and chinese fishing nets - all in one city. Cochin consists of mainland ernakulam, the island of wellingdon, bolgatty and gundu, fort cochin and mattanchery on the southern peninsula and vypeen island north of fort cochin.

Afternoon city tour visit

Bolgatty Island: it is the most beautiful of the islands forming cochin. it also has a golf course.

Dutch Palace, Mattanchery: built by the portuguese in 1557 AD, and presented to the cochin raja, veer kerala varma, as a gesture of goodwill. In the coronation hall, there is a display of dresses and palanquins used by the rulers of cochin. The palace houses one of the finest groups of traditional indian murals, depicting scenes from the ramayana and other epics.

Fort Cochin: Cochin is a busy port round the year. One can always see merchant ships anchored in the sea off fort Cochin awaiting berth. A familiar sight here is a fisherman using nets with Chinese contraptions. These nets can be found at the entrance to the harbor along the backwaters.

Jewish synagogue: this synagogue was built in 1567 ad the Jewish community in cochin has its roots going back to st. thomas the apostle's voyage to India in 52 AD. They first came to settle down in cranganore, north of Cochin.

St. Francis Church: This protestant church built originally by the Portuguese in 1510 ad. Is said to be the first church built by Europeans in India. Vasco da Gama, the first European to reach India by sailing around Africa, died in Cochin in 1524 ad his body was buried in this church. His gravestone is still there, although his remains were taken back to Portugal in 1538 ad.

Evening

Kathakali Dance show: One of the most popular and most rigorous dance-drama forms in India, the Kathakali dates back to the 17th century. The dance involves heavy makeup and flamboyant costume. Watch the artistes prepare for the performanc e as they put on their elaborate makeup according to the established code. The artists use gestures to convey emotions and entire stories. Usually enacting themes and stories from two of India’s best loved epics the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, the performance is visually arresting, extremely graceful and magnificent in execution.

Overnight at Hotel.

Kochi – Periyar (Approx 215 Kms / 05 Hours)
Following breakfast, drive to Periyar, en route visit spice farms. Grow spices, food and fruits, that were once an integral part of the landscape and we are returning to our roots by re-planting many of the crops which were lost to the rubber plantations .This is so different and more environment friendly than growing spices and crops in the cleared forest ranges in the mountain or the filled mangrove forests in the backwaters

After visit continue drive to Periyar.

Periyar : Is South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary. it covers an area of 777 sq. km with a 26 sq. km artificial lake, created by the british in 1895. the periyar lake was formed by a dam across the periyar river. this tropical forest reserve has all the major birds, animals as well as flora, it is home to bison, antelopes, sambar, wild boar, monkeys, langur and a variety of birds, elephants and of course the tiger. periyar is also known for the best quality indian spices and the whole atmosphere is full with the aroma of high quality spices.

On arrival check-in at hotel.

Evening boat ride at Lake Periyar.

A boat ride on the lake will make your Periyar tour absolutely fantastic. Sighting the elephants from the boat is very easy, as they come in herds near the lake to frolic in the water. The lake is also the most ideal place to watch the birds. So take a boat ride and enjoy the picturesque surroundings of the lake.

Overnight at Hotel.

Periyar - Alleppey (Approx 175 Kms / 04 Hours)
After breakfast free. Later transfer by motor boat to jetty join the backwater cruise. Embark the houseboat 1200 noon you will be transferred to Deluxe House boat. The Kerala Backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast (known as the Malabar Coast) of Kerala state in southern India. Local people call it Kayals. Houseboat is of excellent construction and luxurious furnishing with exquisite flooring, hull and valavara (canopy). They are in top cruise worthy condition. With a sun deck, spacious living / dining area. With attached toilets. Houseboat is usually manned by a crew, comprising a cook, a guide and oarsman. While aboard you can avail similar facilities offered in a star hotel. All meals will be served inside the house boat at open top dinning hall.

Overnight: Premium A/C Houseboat.

Alleppey - Kumarakom (Approx 135 Kms / 03 Hours)
Morning have breakfast at house by the time house boat will reach Alleppey Jetty. Transfer to Kumarakom. Upon arrival check-in at hotel.

The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala, a state in India. Geographically, it is located at 9.35 North and 76.26 East. Kuma rakom's soil is extremely fertile due to the proximity of the water source, this has resulted in the growth of a wide variety of flora in Kumarakom, especially the mangrove and coconut trees. Vembanad Lake is home to several types of marine life exclusively the 'Karimeen' (Pearl Spotted Fish), the 'Chemeen' (Prawns) and the 'Konju' (Tiger Prawns).

Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at hotel.

Kumarakom – Kochi (Surface) (Approx 90 Kms/ 03 Hours)
Following breakfast drive to Kochi airport to connect your flight for Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai received at the Domestic airport and are transferred to International airport to connect your flight back home.