Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Upon your arrival at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, take time to relax and refresh in your room. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to recover from your journey or explore the local surroundings. You can enjoy a casual walk in nearby areas or simply unwind at the hotel. Overnight stay is at your hotel in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi City Tour
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before exploring Old and New Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, and climb its minaret for panoramic city views. Experience a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk and admire the grandeur of Red Fort from outside. In New Delhi, drive past India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Parliament House, then visit Humayun's Tomb and the UNESCO-listed Qutub Minar with its intricate carvings. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Delhi to Agra (204kms)
After breakfast, drive to Agra, enjoying scenic countryside views en route. Check in at your hotel before visiting the Taj Mahal at sunset, marveling at its white marble beauty and lush gardens. Explore Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its palaces, mosques, and historic architecture. Capture photographs of these Mughal masterpieces while learning about their rich history. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Agra.

Day 4: Agra to Orchha (220kms)
Start with breakfast and depart for Orchha, stopping at the magnificent Gwalior Fort en route. Explore the fort’s palaces, temples, and the Saas Bahu Ka Mandir while enjoying panoramic city views. Upon arrival in Orchha, check in at your hotel before visiting the Orchha Fort complex, including the Jehangir Mahal with its impressive courtyards. Explore the Chaturbhuj Temple, noted for its architectural splendor and blend of Mughal and Rajput styles. Overnight stay is at Orchha.

Day 5: Orchha to Khajuraho (178kms)
After breakfast, drive to Khajuraho and check in at your hotel. Begin your exploration of the UNESCO-listed Eastern, Western, and Southern temples, starting with the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, known for its intricate carvings of deities and human figures. Visit the Lakshmana Temple dedicated to Vishnu and the Varaha Temple, each reflecting the architectural brilliance of the Chandela dynasty. Discover the rich artistic heritage of these masterpieces and spend time photographing the elaborate sculptures. Overnight stay is in Khajuraho.

Day 6: Khajuraho to Varanasi (flight)
Enjoy breakfast before flying to Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax before witnessing the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at the holy River Ganges in the evening. Observe priests performing rituals with fire and chants, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere along the ghats. The flickering lights on the river and the calming sounds of the water make for a truly unforgettable experience. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 7: Varanasi Sightseeing
Start early with a boat ride on the Ganges to witness the morning rituals and bathing ceremonies against the backdrop of the rising sun. After breakfast at the hotel, explore Varanasi’s prominent temples, including Kashi Vishwanath and Durga Temple, noting their historical and spiritual significance. Visit Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, and explore its tranquil ruins and archaeological museum. The combination of river rituals, temples, and Sarnath’s serene environment offers a profound spiritual experience. Overnight stay is in Varanasi.

Day 8: Varanasi to Mumbai (flight)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. On arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy leisure time to explore the vibrant city. You may choose to visit Marine Drive, the Gateway of India, or browse the bustling markets of Colaba. Relax at the hotel or experience the city’s nightlife. Overnight stay is in Mumbai.

Day 9: Mumbai City Tour
Begin with breakfast before exploring Mumbai’s cultural and architectural landmarks. Visit the Elephanta Caves via a scenic ferry ride, then see the iconic Gateway of India. Witness the unique operations at Dhobi Ghat, explore Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Prince of Wales Museum), and stroll through the Kala Ghoda Art Precinct. Experience the vibrant energy and rich heritage of the city, capturing its essence in photographs. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 10: Mumbai to Aurangabad (flight)
After breakfast, fly to Aurangabad and transfer to your hotel. Visit the remarkable Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring rock-cut temples and the monolithic Kailasa Temple. Explore Grishneshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, and admire its architecture and spiritual ambiance. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Aurangabad.

Day 11: Aurangabad to Ajanta Caves (107kms)
Start with breakfast before driving to the Ajanta Caves, renowned for their ancient rock-cut Buddhist art and frescoes. Explore caves dating back to the 2nd century BCE, depicting the life of Buddha and Jataka tales. Visit local villages nearby to experience traditional lifestyles and customs. Return to your hotel in Aurangabad for a restful overnight stay.

Day 12: Aurangabad to Cochin (flight)
After breakfast, fly to Cochin and check in at your hotel. Explore Fort Kochi with its Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and historic architecture. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance, highlighting storytelling through music, dance, and elaborate costumes. Overnight stay is in Cochin.

Day 13: Cochin to Munnar (130kms)
After breakfast, drive to Munnar through scenic Western Ghats landscapes and tea plantations. Check in at your hotel and visit the Tea Museum to learn about tea cultivation and production. Enjoy a tea tasting session and visit Mattupetty Dam for a leisurely walk or boating amidst stunning surroundings. Overnight stay is in Munnar.

Day 14: Munnar Exploration
Start with breakfast before exploring Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and trek through the lush hills. Visit the Tea Gardens and learn about tea processing, then see Anamudi Peak, South India’s highest point, with panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Return to your hotel in Munnar for a relaxing overnight stay.

Day 15: Munnar to Thekkady (90kms)
After breakfast, drive to Thekkady and check in at your hotel. Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with a boat ride on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, deer, and birds. Explore a spice plantation to learn about local spices, cultivation, and harvesting processes. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 16: Thekkady to Alleppey (140kms)
Start with breakfast before heading to Alleppey, where you board a traditional houseboat for a backwater cruise. Glide through palm-lined canals, paddy fields, and local villages while enjoying a freshly prepared Kerala-style lunch on board. Disembark in the evening and check in at your hotel in Alleppey for an overnight stay, soaking in the tranquil backwater scenery.

Day 17: Alleppey to Cochin (60kms)
After breakfast, drive back to Cochin and explore the vibrant local markets, spice bazaars, and handicraft shops. Visit the Jewish Synagogue and Dutch Palace in Mattancherry, reflecting Cochin’s multicultural heritage. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 18: Cochin to Delhi (flight)
After breakfast, fly back to Delhi and check in at your hotel. Spend the day at leisure for shopping, sightseeing, or sampling local cuisine. Relax at the hotel or explore nearby attractions before retiring for the night. Overnight stay is in Delhi.

Day 19: Departure from Delhi
Enjoy breakfast and free time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping. Our representative will assist with your transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your departure flight. Conclude this memorable journey through India’s rich culture, heritage, tea estates, and backwaters with cherished memories of diverse experiences.

- 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.