Duration: 17 Nights/ 18 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Delhi - Chennai - Trivandrum - Cochin - Periyar - Madurai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Chennai
Day 01 : Arrival at Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi's international airport late at night, transfer to your hotel for overnight accommodation in Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi
After Breakfast, Start a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi.
Explore Old Delhi with visits to Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, and the iconic Red Fort, symbolizing the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. Delight in a cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of one of Delhi's oldest and busiest markets.
Discover New Delhi's architectural wonders, including the majestic Humayun's Tomb, the towering Qutub Minar, and the serene Lotus Temple. Drive along Rajpath to witness iconic landmarks like India Gate, Parliament House, and the President's Residence. Conclude with a scenic drive through the Diplomatic Enclave, experiencing the blend of modernity and tradition that defines India's capital city. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 03 : Delhi - Agra
Start for Agra early in the morning after breakfast. Check in at Agra hotel.
AGRA: Agra, once a humble village, was elevated to the status of the Mughal Empire's second capital, known as Dar-ul-Khilafat (seat of the Emperor), by the visionary monarchs Akbar and Shah Jahan. Their grand architectural achievements, such as the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, continue to awe visitors with their timeless splendor.
TAJ MAHAL: The Taj Mahal, an iconic symbol of love, captivates visitors with its white marble grandeur. Built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, this masterpiece by Persian architect Ustad Isa took 22 years to complete. Explore the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb with an English-speaking guide, then relax at the hotel.
Day 04 : Jaipur
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber Fort, a symbol of Rajasthani grandeur, was initiated by Man Singh I in 1592 and finished by his descendant, Jai Singh I. Despite its imposing facade, it hides an inner sanctuary blending Mughal and Hindu architectures. Explore further on the sightseeing tour.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of Winds," stands out in Jaipur with its intricate sandstone facade adorned with 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, it served as a grandstand for palace women. Spend the evening at leisure or explore the vibrant markets. Rest assured for an overnight stay in Jaipur, soaking in the city's rich heritage and culture.
Day 05 : Jaipur - Delhi
After breakfast proceed for shopping. Leave for Delhi after lunch. Reach Delhi and you will be transferred to airport for flight with sweet memories of India.
Day 06 : Delhi - Chennai
Transfer to hotel.
Day 07 : Chennai - Trivandrum
Transfer to Resort
Day 08 : Ayurvedic Beach Resort
Relax and enjoy the facilities at the resort including private beach, yoga, massage, nature walks, classical music and dance programs on open-air stage, visits to local traditional village.
Day 09 : Backwaters of Kerala
Depart from the resort to the pier for a private rice boat excursion (70 kms/2 hrs drive). Cruise through picturesque canals and lakes, admiring coconut trees, rice paddies, and quaint villages. Enjoy meals and overnight stay on houseboats, immersed in serene natural beauty.
Day 10 : Backwaters - Cochin Morning
relax on houseboat, after lunch drive to Cochin 65 Kms/ 1 1/12 hrs.), transfer to hotel. overlooking the harbor, sea facing rooms.
Day 11 : Cochin Full day sighseeing:
palaces, museums. Enjoy a Kathakali dance performance at Cochin Cultural Center, arriving by 5 pm to watch the make-up. Dinner at traditional Kerala restaurant. overnight at hotel.
Day 12 : Periyar
Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, housing various wildlife including bison, antelopes, elephants, and diverse bird species. Enjoy a private motor-boat ride for game viewing in the evening, ideal for wildlife sightings. Overnight stay at the hotel for a memorable wildlife experience.
Day 13 : Periyar - Madurai
Relax at Periyar in the morning. In afternoon, drive to Madurai (135 kms./ 4hrs. drive), "The Temple City of India." Evening relaxed overview of the city, independent strolling. Hotel in Madurai, cottages.
Day 14 : Madurai
Full day sighseeing: Sri Meenakshi Temple, Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Tiruparankundram (rock-cut)Temple, Alagarkoil Temple Evening fly Madurai-Madras dep 19:40 arr 20:30 arr. OR 20:40 dep.-21:30 arr. Hotel
Day 15 : Madras
Full day sightseeing of Madras: Kapaleeshwarar Temple, San Thome Cathedral, Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Fort St. George, the Marina. overnight at hotel.
Day 16 : Drive to Kanchipuram
Enroute to Mahabalipuram, visit the temples of Kanchipuram including Kailasanatha, Vaikunta Perumal, Sri Ekambaranathar, Kamakshi Amman, and Devarajaswami Temples. Upon arrival in Mahabalipuram, transfer to your hotel for a comfortable stay.
Day 17 : Mahabalipuram
Morning relax; afternoon sightseeing: Five Rathas, Shore Temple, ArjunaÕs Penance, Mandapams, Krishna Mandapam.
Day 18 : Madras
Relax in the morning. Late afternoon drive back to Madras (80kms./2hrs. drive). Transfer to international airport for flight home.