Day 1: Arrive in Delhi

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the city or relaxing at the hotel.

 

Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing

After breakfast, start your tour of Delhi by visiting the historic Red Fort, followed by the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Then, take a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk, famous for its street food and shopping. In the afternoon, visit Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, and then continue to Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Overnight stay in Delhi.

 

Day 3: Delhi to Agra (210km)

After breakfast, drive to Agra, the city of the iconic Taj Mahal. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax for a while. In the evening, visit the stunning Taj Mahal during sunset, an experience you will never forget. Overnight stay in Agra.

 

Day 4: Agra to Gwalior to Orchha (220kms)

After breakfast, depart for Orchha via Gwalior. On the way, visit the Gwalior Fort, which is one of the largest and most impressive forts in India. Continue your drive to Orchha, a charming town that's home to several ancient temples and palaces. Overnight stay in Orchha.

 

Day 5: Orchha to Khajuraho (180kms)

After breakfast, drive to Khajuraho, famous for its stunning temples that are adorned with erotic sculptures. After checking in to your hotel, explore the Western Group of Temples, which are some of the most impressive in Khajuraho. Overnight stay in Khajuraho.

Day 6: Khajuraho to Varanasi (Flight)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax for a while. In the evening, take a stroll along the ghats of the Ganges River and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

 

Day 7: Varanasi Sightseeing

Early in the morning, take a boat ride on the Ganges River to witness the sunrise and see the locals taking their morning dip in the holy river. After breakfast, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples in India, followed by the Sarnath Museum and the Sarnath Stupa, where Buddha gave his first sermon. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

 

Day 8: Varanasi to Bodhgaya (255kms)

After breakfast, drive to Bodhgaya, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and visit the Mahabodhi Temple, where Buddha attained enlightenment. Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

 

Day 9: Bodhgaya to Patna (170kms) or Kolkata (flight)

After breakfast, drive to Patna or transfer to the airport for your flight to Kolkata. In Kolkata, visit the Victoria Memorial, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Indian Museum. Overnight stay in Kolkata.

 

Day 10: Kolkata Sightseeing

After breakfast, visit the Howrah Bridge, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, and the Belur Math. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the streets of Kolkata and explore the local markets. Overnight stay in Kolkata.

 

 

Day 11: Kolkata - Bhubaneshwar (Flight)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bhubaneshwar. Upon arrival in Bhubaneshwar, you will be transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you will embark on a city tour of Bhubaneshwar to see some of its famous temples like Lingaraj Temple, Mukteswara Temple, and Rajarani Temple. Overnight stay in Bhubaneshwar.

 

Day 12: Bhubaneshwar - Dhauli - Konark - Puri (100kms)

After breakfast, you will visit Dhauli, a significant Buddhist site where Emperor Ashoka renounced violence and embraced Buddhism. Later, you will proceed to Konark to see the world-famous Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, you will drive to Puri and check in at your hotel. In the evening, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll on the beach and witness the famous evening aarti at the Jagannath Temple. Overnight stay in Puri.

 

Day 13: Puri - Chilika Lake (55kms one way)

After breakfast, you will visit Chilika Lake, Asia's largest saltwater lagoon, which is a popular spot for bird watching and dolphin watching. You can also take a boat ride to see the lake's famous Irrawaddy dolphins. In the evening, you will return to Puri for an overnight stay. Overnight stay in Puri.

 

Day 14: Puri - Bhubaneshwar/ Chennai (flight)

After breakfast, you will be driven to Bhubaneshwar airport for your flight to Chennai. Upon arrival in Chennai, to your hotel. alater embark on a city tour of Chennai, including visits to Fort St. George, Kapaleeswarar Temple, and Marina Beach. Overnight stay in Chennai.

 

Day 15: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (290kms)

After breakfast, you will drive to Kanchipuram, a city known for its temples and silk sarees. You will visit some of the famous temples like Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and Kailasanathar Temple. Later, you will drive to Mahabalipuram, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-cut temples and monuments. You will visit places like Arjuna's Penance, the Five Rathas, and the Shore Temple. In the evening, you will drive to Pondicherry and check in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

 

Day 16: Pondicherry

After breakfast, you will embark on a city tour of Pondicherry to see some of its famous landmarks like Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, and the French Quarter. You can also visit the popular beaches in the evening. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

 

Day 17: Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Gangaikondacholapuram - Darasuram - Thanjore (220kms)

After breakfast, you will drive to Thanjavur, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu via Chidambaram, Gangaikondacholapuram, and Darasuram, famous for their temples and historical significance. Upon arrival, you will check in at your hotel and have the rest of the day to explore the city on your own. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.

 

Day 18: Thanjavur - Trichy - Madurai (190kms)

After breakfast, visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple and Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery in Thanjavur, and then explore the Rock Fort Temple and Srirangam Temple in Trichy. Later, drive to Madurai and check in at your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the city on your own. Overnight stay in Madurai.

 

Day 19: Madurai - Munnar (160kms)

After breakfast, you will drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station known for its tea plantations and stunning scenery. Upon arrival, you will check in at your hotel and have the rest of the day to explore the town on your own. Overnight stay in Munnar.

 

Day 20: Munnar

After breakfast, you will embark on a sightseeing tour of Munnar, including a visit to the Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and the Tea Museum. You can also take a leisurely walk in the tea plantations and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place. Overnight stay in Munnar.
 

Day 21: Munnar - Thekkady (100kms)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will leave Munnar and travel towards Thekkady, a scenic town located in the Periyar National Park. Upon arrival, you will check into the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You can explore the nearby areas, indulge in some shopping or take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake (at own expense). Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Thekkady.

 

Day 22: Thekkady

Today, you will go for a sightseeing tour of Thekkady. You will visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see elephants, tigers, bison, sambar, and a variety of bird species. You can also enjoy a jungle safari (at own expense) and witness the wildlife in its natural habitat. Later, you will visit the spice plantations and learn about the various spices grown in the region. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Thekkady.

 

Day 23: Thekkady - Alleppey (160kms)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Alleppey, also known as the Venice of the East. Upon arrival, you will check into the houseboat and embark on a relaxing journey through the backwaters of Kerala. You will witness the rustic lifestyle of the locals, scenic paddy fields, coconut groves and enjoy the serenity of the backwaters. Overnight stay will be on the houseboat in Alleppey.

 

Day 24: Alleppey - Cochin (60kms)

After breakfast on the houseboat, you will disembark and drive towards Cochin, the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Upon arrival, you will check into the hotel and take some rest. Later in the day, you will go for a sightseeing tour of Cochin, where you will visit the Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, and the Jewish Synagogue. In the evening, you can enjoy a Kathakali dance performance (at own expense). Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Cochin.

 

Day 25: Cochin – Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport/railway station for your onward journey. This will mark the end of your 25-day tour of North and South India.

- Assistance on arrival at airport.

- 24 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 25 nights accommodation

Delhi x 2 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

Bodhgaya x 1 night
3* - Hotel Taj Darbar/ Hotel Mahamaya
4* & 5* - The Royal  Residency/ Lotus Nikko Hotel

Kolkata x 2 nights
3* - Regenta Orko's/ The Fern Residency
4* - The Peerless Inn/ The Fern Residency
5* - ITC Sonar, a Luxury Collection/ The Lalit Great Eastern

Bhubaneswar x 1 nights
3* - Kalinga Ashok/ The HHI
4* - Fortune Park Sishmo/ Mayfair Convention
5* - Mayfair Lagoon/ Trident Hotel

Puri x 3 nights
3* - Toshali Sands/ Blue Lily Beach Resort
4* - The Hans Coco Palms/ The Chariot Resort & spa
5* - Mayfair Waves

Chennai x 1 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The  Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace

Pondicherry x 2 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

Thanjore x 1 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Svatma

Madurai x 1 night
3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

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)

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

- Khajuraho - Varanasi, Patna - Kolkata - Bhubaneswar - Chennai flight fare approx ?20500 per person in economy class.

- Camera charges at monuments if any.

- Meals other than mentioned in inclusions.

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

- Gratuities and optional activities.

- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.