Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, where you will be received by our tour representative and assisted with a private transfer to your centrally located hotel. Standard check-in time is 14:00 hrs, with early check-in subject to room availability. After settling into your room, take time to rest and recover from your journey. The remainder of the day is kept intentionally light to help you acclimatize to the local climate and time zone. You may enjoy hotel amenities or take a short walk in the surrounding neighborhood. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi City Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, begin a comprehensive exploration of Old and New Delhi, reflecting centuries of Indian history. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, followed by a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, where markets and heritage coexist. Pause outside the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Mughal stronghold. Proceed to Raj Ghat, the serene memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Drive through New Delhi past India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Parliament House before visiting Humayun’s Tomb and the UNESCO-listed Qutub Minar, both architectural milestones. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 3: Delhi – Agra (Drive | approx. 204 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, depart by road for Agra, passing through the fertile plains of Uttar Pradesh. On arrival, check into your hotel and refresh before sightseeing. Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, admired for its flawless marble symmetry and enduring love story. Continue to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as a royal residence and military stronghold of the Mughal emperors. Explore its palaces, audience halls, and courtyards overlooking the Yamuna River. The evening is free for relaxation or exploring local handicraft markets. Overnight stay in Agra.

Day 4: Agra – Orchha (Drive | approx. 220 km / 5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive toward Orchha with a significant stop at Gwalior Fort, one of India’s most imposing hill forts. Explore its grand palaces, temples, and the intricately carved Saas Bahu Temple while enjoying sweeping views of the city below. Continue onward to Orchha, a medieval town preserved in time along the Betwa River. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and explore the Orchha Fort complex, including Raja Mahal and Jehangir Mahal, showcasing Bundela architecture. End the day at the Chaturbhuj Temple, known for its towering structure and spiritual importance. Overnight stay in Orchha.

Day 5: Orchha – Khajuraho (Drive | approx. 178 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, proceed by road to Khajuraho, once the cultural capital of the Chandela dynasty. Upon arrival, check into your hotel before beginning sightseeing. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Western and Eastern Group of Temples, internationally renowned for their detailed stone carvings and balanced proportions. Explore the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Lakshmana Temple, and Varaha Temple, learning about their symbolism and artistic mastery. These temples reflect philosophy, devotion, and everyday life carved into stone. Overnight stay in Khajuraho.

Day 6: Khajuraho – Varanasi (Flight | approx. 1.5 hrs)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and take time to relax. In the evening, proceed to the banks of the River Ganges to witness the iconic Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Priests perform synchronized rituals using lamps, bells, and chants, creating an atmosphere of devotion and reverence. The reflections of light on the river make this ceremony truly unforgettable. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 7: Varanasi Sightseeing

Early morning, enjoy a boat ride on the River Ganges at sunrise, observing sacred rituals, prayers, and daily life along the ghats. After breakfast, visit the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of Hinduism’s most important Shiva shrines. Continue to Durga Temple and explore the ancient lanes filled with temples, shops, and pilgrims. Later, proceed to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, visiting the Dhamek Stupa and museum. Return to the hotel after a spiritually enriching day. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 8: Varanasi – Mumbai (Flight | approx. 2.5 hrs)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai, India’s financial and entertainment capital. On arrival, check into your hotel and relax after the journey. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore at your own pace. You may visit Marine Drive for a seaside walk, explore the Gateway of India area, or simply enjoy the hotel facilities. Overnight stay in Mumbai.

Day 9: Mumbai City Tour

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Mumbai. Take a ferry ride across the harbor to Elephanta Island to explore the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves, known for their ancient rock-cut sculptures. Visit the Gateway of India, followed by a stop at Dhobi Ghat, the world’s largest open-air laundry. Continue to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and stroll through the Kala Ghoda Art District, reflecting the city’s artistic side. Overnight stay in Mumbai.

Day 10: Mumbai – Aurangabad (Flight | approx. 1 hr)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Aurangabad. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and proceed to explore the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain monuments carved into volcanic rock. Visit the awe-inspiring Kailasa Temple, carved entirely from a single stone. Later, visit Grishneshwar Temple, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Overnight stay in Aurangabad.

Day 11: Aurangabad – Ajanta Caves – Aurangabad (Drive | approx. 107 km / 2.5 hrs one way)

After breakfast, drive to the Ajanta Caves, celebrated worldwide for their ancient Buddhist murals and sculptures. Explore cave monasteries and prayer halls dating back to the 2nd century BCE, depicting the life of Buddha and Jataka tales. The refined paintings and carvings represent a golden age of Indian art. After sightseeing, return to Aurangabad for relaxation. Overnight stay in Aurangabad.

Day 12: Aurangabad – Cochin (Flight | approx. 2 hrs)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cochin, the historic port city of Kerala. On arrival, check into your hotel and begin exploring Fort Kochi. Visit the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and colonial-era buildings reflecting Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Walk through heritage streets lined with art cafés and spice warehouses. In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance. Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 13: Cochin – Munnar (Drive | approx. 130 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Munnar through the scenic Western Ghats, passing waterfalls, spice gardens, and endless tea plantations. Upon arrival, check into your hotel nestled among rolling hills. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about tea cultivation and processing in the region. Later, visit Mattupetty Dam and enjoy the serene mountain surroundings. The cool climate offers a refreshing contrast to the plains. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 14: Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and rich mountain flora. Enjoy panoramic views of mist-covered hills and Anamudi Peak, South India’s highest mountain. Walk through sprawling tea estates and enjoy nature photography. The afternoon is free to relax or explore viewpoints around Munnar. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 15: Munnar – Thekkady (Drive | approx. 90 km / 3 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, located near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. On arrival, check into your hotel surrounded by dense forest. Visit a spice plantation to learn about cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and clove cultivation. Later, enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake, offering chances to spot wildlife along the forested banks. The evening is free to relax amidst nature. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 16: Thekkady Leisure Day

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Thekkady. Optional activities include guided nature walks through forest trails, bamboo rafting, or visiting local spice markets. Cultural experiences such as Kalaripayattu martial arts or Kathakali dance performances can be arranged. This unhurried day allows deeper immersion into Kerala’s forest ecosystem. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 17: Thekkady – Alleppey (Drive | approx. 140 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey, known as the “Venice of the East.” Board a traditional houseboat for a scenic backwater cruise through palm-lined canals, paddy fields, and village waterways. Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala-style meals on board while observing daily life along the banks. The peaceful rhythm of the backwaters offers a unique experience. Disembark in the evening and check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Alleppey.

Day 18: Alleppey – Cochin (Drive | approx. 60 km / 1.5 hrs) – Delhi (Flight | approx. 3 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Cochin Airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax after the journey. The evening is free for last-minute shopping, dining, or revisiting favorite areas. This day provides a comfortable transition before departure. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 19: Departure from Delhi

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Our representative will assist with a private transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your onward journey. Depart with lasting memories of India’s grand monuments, sacred cities, historic architecture, wildlife sanctuaries, tea estates, and tranquil backwaters.

- 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.