Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Upon your arrival at Delhi airport, our representative will be there to meet you and assist with the transfer to your hotel. After checking in, you can relax and enjoy breakfast at the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to rest or explore the local area.

 

Day 2: Delhi City Tour

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of both Old Delhi and New Delhi. In Old Delhi, visit iconic landmarks such as Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, and take a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk. Explore the historical Red Fort (closed on Mondays) and visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi. In New Delhi, visit the majestic India Gate, drive past the President's House and Parliament House, and explore the UNESCO-listed Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

 

Day 3: Delhi to Agra (204kms)

After breakfast, drive to Agra. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Later in the day, visit the world-famous Taj Mahal, a magnificent white marble mausoleum, and explore Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also, visit the Baby Taj, a beautiful tomb with intricate marble work. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

 

Day 4: Agra to Orchha (220kms)

After breakfast, drive to Orchha. On the way, visit Gwalior Fort, known for its stunning architecture and historical significance. Continue driving to Orchha and check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Orchha Fort complex, which includes palaces, temples, and cenotaphs. Also, explore the Chaturbhuj Temple known for its impressive architecture. Overnight stay in Orchha.

 

Day 5: Orchha to Khajuraho (178km)

After breakfast, drive to Khajuraho. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Visit the well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho, known for its stunning temples adorned with intricate sculptures depicting various aspects of life. Explore the Eastern, Western, and Southern group of temples, including the famous Kandariya Mahadeva Temple. Overnight stay in Khajuraho.

 

Day 6: Khajuraho to Varanasi (flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. In the evening, attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony on the Ghats of the holy River Ganges, where priests perform rituals with fire and chanting. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

 

Day 7: Varanasi Sightseeing

Start your day early with a boat ride on the Ganges River, where you can witness the morning rituals and see the devotees bathing in the sacred waters. After breakfast, explore the city of Varanasi, including visits to prominent temples and landmarks. Later, visit Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

 

Day 8: Varanasi to Mumbai (flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore the city on your own. Overnight stay in Mumbai.

 

Day 9: Mumbai City Tour

After breakfast, visit the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rock-cut temples and sculptures. Later, embark on a city tour of Mumbai, including iconic landmarks like the Gateway of India, Dhobi Ghat (the open-air laundry), and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum). Explore the vibrant Kala Ghoda Art Precinct and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the city. Overnight stay in Mumbai.

 

Day 10: Mumbai to Aurangabad (flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Aurangabad. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Later, visit the renowned Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring impressive rock-cut temples and sculptures. Explore the Grishneshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the historic Daulatabad Fort. Overnight stay in Aurangabad.

 

Day 11: Aurangabad Excursion to Ajanta Caves

Embark on an excursion to the Ajanta Caves (closed on Mondays), a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient Buddhist cave paintings and sculptures. Explore the intricate artistry and architectural marvels of the caves, which date back to the 2nd century BCE. Return to Aurangabad for a city tour, including attractions like Bibi Ka Maqbara and Aurangabad Caves. Overnight stay in Aurangabad.

 

Day 12: Aurangabad to Cochin (flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Cochin (Kochi). Upon arrival at Cochin airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a captivating Kathakali dance performance, a traditional form of Kerala classical dance known for its elaborate costumes and expressive movements. Overnight stay in Cochin.

 

Day 13: Cochin City Tour & Drive to Munnar (140kms)

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Cochin. Visit popular attractions such as the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), the Jewish Synagogue, and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi. Later, drive to Munnar, a scenic hill station famous for its tea plantations and lush greenery. Check in at your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Munnar.

 

Day 14: Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Munnar. Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Eravikulam National Park, known for its endangered Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goats). Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a tea tasting session. Explore the picturesque Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Top Station, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills. Overnight stay in Munnar.

 

Day 15: Munnar to Thekkady (110kms)

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, a scenic town located near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. En route, visit Ramakkalmedu, known for its panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Upon arrival in Thekkady, check in at your hotel and in the evening, witness a captivating Martial Arts & Kathakali dance performance. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

 

Day 16: Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary & Spice Plantation Tour

Start your day with a thrilling boat ride on Periyar Lake, located within the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spot various wildlife species, including elephants, sambar deer, and birds. Afterward, take a guided tour of a spice plantation and learn about the cultivation and processing of spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon. Immerse yourself in the fragrant aromas of the spice garden. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

 

Day 17: Thekkady to Alleppey (140kms)

After breakfast, transfer to Alleppey, known as the "Venice of the East." Board a traditional houseboat and embark on a scenic backwater cruise through the tranquil and picturesque network of canals, lagoons, and rivers. Enjoy the enchanting views of coconut groves, paddy fields, and local villages along the way. Indulge in a delicious Kerala-style lunch served on the houseboat. Overnight stay on the houseboat in Alleppey.

 

Day 18: Alleppey to Cochin (60kms)/ Delhi (flight)

Disembark from the houseboat after breakfast and drive to Cochin (approximately 60 kilometers). If your departure flight is from Cochin, you will be transferred to Cochin airport to board your flight. However, if your departure flight is from Delhi, you will be transferred to Cochin airport to catch a flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day is free for leisure activities or exploring the city. Overnight stay in Delhi.

 

Day 19: Delhi - Departure (flight)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel (standard check-out time is 11 AM). Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Delhi airport for your onward journey or return flight home. Bid farewell to India with wonderful memories of your trip.

- Assistance on arrival at airport.
- 18 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.
- Daily breakfast at hotels.
- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
- English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
- Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
- Bottled drinking water in car.
- Government taxes.

 

Hotels used or similar for 18 nights accommodation

Delhi x 3 nights
3* - Madhuban Hotel/ Emarald Hotel
4* - The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket
5* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges

Agra x 1 night
3* - Howard Plaza the Fern/ Atulyaa Taj
4* - Radission Hotel/ Crystal Sarovar Premier
5* - Trident Hotel/ Courtyard by Marriott

Orchha x 1 night
3* & 4* - Orchha Resort/ Amar Mahal 
5* - Orchha Palace and Convention Centre x 1 night

Khajuraho x 1 night
3* - Ramada/Clarks Hotel
4* - Radisson Hotel/ Hotel Chandela
5* - The Lalit Temple View

Varanasi x 2 nights
3* - Meraden Grand/ Amaya Hotel
4* - Rivatas by Ideal/ Palace On Ganges
5* - Radisson Hotel/ Gateway Hotel Taj

Mumbai x 2 night
3* - Hotel Suba Palace/ BW Hotel Sahil
4* - Sun-N-Sand Hotel/ Fariyas Hotel
5* - Trident Hotel/ ITC Grand Central

Aurangabad x 2 nights
3* - Keys Hotel The Aures/ Aurangabad Gymkhana Club
4* - Ambassador Ajanta / VITS Hotel
5* - WelcomHotel Rama International / Lemon Tree Hotel

Cochin x 1 nights
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien

Munnar x 2 nights
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County

Pariyar (Thekkady) x 2 night
3* - Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County
5* - Spice village/ Cardamom County

Alleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat (ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats)
4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats)
5* - Luxury Houseboat (Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons)

- Khajuraho - Varanasi - Mumbai - Aurangabad - Cochin - Delhi flight fare approx INR 30500 per person in economy class.

- Camera charges at monuments if any.

- Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.

- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc. 

- Gratuities and optional activities.

- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.