Highlights:

Day 1: Arrive at Delhi

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.

Day 2: Delhi

Your exploration of India will commence at Old Delhi, which was the citadel of the Mughal Empire between the 17th and 19th century. You will visit the impressive Red Fort built in 1648 which was the seat of the Mughal Empire. You will be amazed at the imposing 1.24 mile long red sandstone walls of the fort. Next will be a thrilling experience of a cycle rickshaw ride through the vibrant alleys of Chandni Chowk, past sacred temples, and old houses with fascinating architecture. This will provide you with an insight into the real India. You will also visit India's largest mosque built by Shah Jahan in 1658, the Jama Masjid, an architectural delight as much as a holy place. Later visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi which is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. A humble black marble amid lush green lawns marks the cremation spot.

Afternoon: After the Old Delhi tour, you will be driven to New Delhi, which was built by the British as a regal capital. The difference between Old & New Delhi is the division between the two capitals – Mughal & British. You will visit the Qutab Minar – the 234 feet high sandstone Victory Tower built in 1193. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the 138 feet high stone arch of triumph which bears the names of 90,000 Indian Army soldiers who laid down their lives in various wars across the world. It has an eternal flame in honor of the Unknown Soldier. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, a beautiful Mughal red sandstone structure. After this, you will drive through Lutyen’s New Delhi which includes the Diplomatic enclave, various spectacular Government buildings that originated in the Victorian era, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara (a magnificent temple for people of the Sikh religion), and the impressive and ornate Hindu Birla Temple. Finish your tour of New Delhi at Connaught Place, which is New Delhi’s main shopping, business, and tourist center.

Day 3: Delhi – Agra

Checkout from your hotel after breakfast and then you are driven to Agra (about 4 hours) on North India’s newest highway. Arrive at 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: Sunset visit to the spectacular white marble mausoleum and one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. Tourists come from all over the world throughout the year to gaze at the extravagant monument dedicated to love. This wonder was built by Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal in 1653 AD. It took 22 years and 22,000 craftsmen to build the Taj. The white marble is inlaid with semi-precious stones in beautiful patterns in a process called pietra dura. A minaret at each corner of the Taj gives it a perfectly symmetrical look. The Taj houses in its basement the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.

Day 4: Agra – Jaipur

 Check out of your hotel by noon and drive to Jaipur. Enroute 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 stepwell has a depth of 20 meters, with 13 levels. Despite being so huge, the well still has delicate and intricate carvings which are a visual treat. Arrive at Jaipur and check into your hotel. Jaipur is the vibrant capital of Rajasthan also known as the ‘Pink city’.

Day 5: Jaipur. After breakfast drive 7 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 up (an option to use a jeep is available) 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 which was famous for its military heroism. In sharp contrast to the rugged exteriors of the soaring fort is the opulent ambience of the interiors, especially the Sheesh Mahal or the Hall of Mirrors which is a result of the intricate and delicate use of mirrors.

Afternoon: Continue your tour of Jaipur city; visit the City Palace Complex, a fine blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture consisting of courtyards, gardens, and buildings. The royal family of Jaipur still resides in a part 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 old city’s bustling marketplace, the Hawa Mahal is a pink sandstone five-story building that has a fascinating façade of numerous intricately designed and embellished windows. It was originally built to enable the royal ladies to look at the bustling city without being seen.

Day 6: Jaipur – Jodhpur

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 into 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.

Day 7: Jodhpur

After breakfast drive through the narrow 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 is 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 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 intricate carvings.

Day 8: Jodhpur – Udaipur

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 into your hotel.

Day 9: Udaipur

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, and ivory doors. Walk through the Crystal Gallery, which has an amazing collection of exquisite crystal. There are balconies, courtyards, towers, and cupolas that 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 a 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.

Day 10: Udaipur – Mumbai

You are at leisure this morning with your guide and chauffeur, or to enjoy the facilities at your resort. There are a 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.

Day 11: Mumbai – Aurangabad

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, which 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 Malabar Hill to visit the Hanging Gardens, which give a panoramic view of 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 the 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.

Day 12: Aurangabad

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 that were created by Buddhist monks using primitive tools like chisel and 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 are marvelous craftsmanship of mankind.

Day 13: Aurangabad – Mumbai

Enjoy a half-day excursion to 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 illustrate 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 compared to the Parthenon in Athens.

On the way back, you will stop at the magnificent Daulatabad Fort. The fort stands on a conical hill and is an impressive sight. The climb to the summit requires a 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.

Day 14: Mumbai – Cochin

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 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 with 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.

Day 15: Cochin – Backwaters cruise

Check out from the 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 freshwater 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.

Day 16: Backwaters Cruise – Thekkady (Periyar National Park)

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 dogs. 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.


Day 17: Periyar

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.

Day 18: Periyar – Madurai

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.

Day 19: Madurai – Chennai – Mahabalipuram

You are assisted with your check-out from your hotel and driven to the airport to board the morning flight to Chennai. You are greeted on arrival at the Chennai airport and then you are driven to your oceanfront 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.

Day 20: Mahabalipuram

Start your 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.

Day 21: Mahabalipuram – Chennai – International Flight

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.

Luxury Level Lodging

• 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 Lodging

• Delhi – Taj Palace – Superior 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
  
  

Inclusions

• 20 nights stay at the hotels on the 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
  
  

Not Included

• 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