Treasures of India (North and South)

After breakfast, proceed with Delhi sightseeing tour with first visit to the Jama Masjid - the largest Mosque in India. Visit Chandni Chowk – oldest, biggest bazaar of Old Delhi. Today at Chandni Chowk, explore the narrow alleys & colorful markets & local shoppers. Also get the opportunity to taste the local food in Delhi. On this tour, you will have the most amazing experience and learn about the city’s history through food. 

Paranthas: Head to the food-stall-lined lane off Chandni Chowk for delectable parathas (traditional flat bread) fresh off the tawa (hotplate). Choose from a spectacular array of stuffings.

Natraj Dahi Bhalla - This place offers popular street-food dishes of India. It is famously known as being one of the best Chaat (street food) houses in town & serves, undoubtedly, the best Dahi Bhalle in Delhi!

Kulfi Faluda: Kulfi is one of the most popular traditional dessert in India. It is made from thickened milk flavored with essence and fruits. Kulfi is said to have originated in Indian subcontinent during the Mughal Empire.

Later, walk up to Fatehpuri Masjid and enjoy a rickshaw ride till Red Fort. Here our driver will meet you, drive past Red Fort (a 17th century historical fort in Delhi) and reach Rajghat, a memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. An eternal flame burns on one side of this memorial. Visit the Humayun's Tomb - first garden-style tomb of India. The main highlight of this tomb, inspired by Persian architecture, is the four garden squares with water passage channels surrounding the tomb. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan - residence of the President of India and India Gate - an archway built in honor of the soldiers who died in World War I. Visit Qutub Minar built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193 to mark the beginning of Muslim rule in India. 

 Overnight stay is at hotel in Delhi.

After breakfast, we will drive you to the Delhi railway station to board your train to Jhansi. On arrival in Jhansi, we will drive to Khajuraho via Orchha.

Orchha is a historic city dotted with artistically-beautiful palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th century that still retain much of its pristine perfection. 

Go for Sightseeing at Orchha Fort Complex. It is a conglomeration of the palaces, forts, temples and other edifices belonging to the Kings of Orchha Kingdom dating back to the 16th and 17th century. Visit the Jahangir Mahal built in the 17th century by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. Its strong lines are counter balanced by delicate chhatris (elevated dome shaped pavilions) and trellis work. Explore the Raj Mahal crowned by chhatris and exquisite interiors, boldly colourful murals based on religious themes. Visit to the Ram Raja Temple is most unusual as it is a palace turned into a temple where Lord Rama is worshipped as the divine Raja (King). Head to the Laxminarayan Temple linked by a flagstone path to the Ram Raja Temple. Its interiors contain the most exquisite wall paintings in Orchha.

Later continue drive to Khajuraho. Check-in to the hotel.

Overnight Hotel – Khajuraho

Khajuraho is a small town located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The place is renowned worldwide for its Hindu and Jain temples popularly known as Khajuraho Group of Monuments. They are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site for their finest temple art in the world featuring unique erotic rock-cut sculptures. The temples were built between 950-1050 AD during the reign of the Chandela dynasty.

Today, head for Khajuraho sightseeing that covers visits to the Khajuraho Group of Temples that speak volumes of the grandeur of Chandela Kings. Adorned with exquisite sculpture, only 22 temples remain of the original 85. Khajuraho temples are covered with hundreds of sculptured figures - a galaxy of Gods and Goddesses, beasts and serpents and a multitude of erotic couples which represent a passion to life, to love and to joy. These are a set of temples divided into eastern, western and southern wings The Eastern wing is majorly dominated with meticulously-designed Jain Temples. The Parsvanath Temple is the largest temple of this wing. The western wing features some of the finest temple including the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Devi Jagadambe Temple, Chausat Yogini and Chitragupt Temple, etc. while the Southern wing comprises of three temples: Duladeo Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple and Beejamandal Temple. All these temples display exquisite detailing, erotic carvings that is hard to find anywhere else in India.

Overnight stay is at hotel in Khajuraho.

Today check-out and drive to Jhansi railway station to board train to Agra. On arrival in Agra, check-in at the hotel and stay overnight.

Early morning visit to the Taj Mahal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) - the most extravagant symbol of love, dedication and purity ever that took almost 22 years to build. It is an ivory-white marble monument where rests the mortals of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan (who built Taj Mahal) and his wife (Mumtaz Mahal). An interesting fact about this stunning edifice is that it turns pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden at night when the moonlight falls upon it. Watching sunrise over this iconic monument is truly a sight to behold. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Next, visit the Agra Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) a treasure chest of Mughal architecture commissioned by Great Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. At Agra Fort complex, you will come across beautiful palaces, embellished chambers, inviting reception halls, marvelous mosques and charming courtyards. The Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) and countless others are must-see attractions here. 

Later, visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, which is also known as Baby Taj owing to its design resembling that of the iconic Taj Mahal. Located at the centre of a quadrangle with gardens laid out in a Char Bagh (Mughal styled garden layout) pattern surrounding it. The structure stands over a raised sandstone terrace measuring 149 feet square and 3 feet and 4 inches high from the ground. Overnight stay is at hotel in Agra.

Post breakfast, check-out of the hotel and drive to Jaipur, also known as the Pink City of India. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri (A UNESCO World Heritage Site); built in the 16th century, this ancient fortified city was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. The city boasts some of the magnificent monuments built during the Mughal era, which includes the Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza and Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti. You have time to explore the corners of Fatehpur Sikri before continuing your way to Jaipur

Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Jaipur: Jaipur is a city known as the Pink City of India due to extensive use of pink sandstone in various buildings of the city. Its monuments showcase a myriad of architectural styles and its vibrant bazaars are famous for traditional handicrafts and jewellery. The ambiance of this city speaks volumes of the rich lifestyle of the Rajput Kings. 

Overnight stay is at hotel in Jaipur.

After an early morning breakfast, we’ll take you to the magnificent Amber Fort, the former capital of the royal Rajputs. Set on the dry, craggy Aravalli Hills, and surrounded by fortified battlements, the palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota Lake. Ride up to this hilltop palace on a Jeep, passing through the ancient main gate where the Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred years.

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Today, get the opportunity to learn how to tie a Rajasthani style Turban. 

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Later, take a stop to photograph the beautiful Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds; a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal woman could peer down unseen by the world through its 953 ornate stone screens. Also see the City Palace; constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, this 19th century palace exhibits an exquisite blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles and features exquisite palaces and buildings. Next stop is Jantar Mantar, again built by Sawai Jai Singh II, which is an astronomical observatory exhibiting architectural astronomical instruments.

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No tour is complete without a little bit of shopping. So in the evening, now proceed to Jaipur Bazaars to experience the local culture and explore the shopping hub Jaipur is famous for. Explore the streets and stores of Jaipur and take a piece of India back home. Jaipur is the central hub for shopping in India. The dazzling bazaars of this hypnotic city are flooded with textiles, footwear, ready-made garments, antique jewels, artefacts, bandhini print, carpets, pottery, marble curios and book, a mind-boggling collection of other exciting items. 

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Overnight stay is at hotel in Jaipur.

After early morning breakfast, drive to Udaipur. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. Udaipur: Udaipur is a beautiful historic city founded in 1533. It is named after its founder Maharaja Udai Singh. Within the city, you will discover azure water lakes and rich heritage including forts, temples mostly belonging to the Rajput era in Rajasthan. The city is renowned for its incredibly-beautiful Lake Palace, City Palace located on the banks of Pichola Lake and the Udaipur Solar Observatory - believed to be the best solar observatory in Asia. 

Overnight stay is at hotel in Udaipur.

After breakfast, visit the wondrous City Palace - a white marble palace complex built during the Rajput rule. It is a blend of Rajasthani, Mughal, European and Chinese architecture. The main highlights of this palace are the Monsoon Palace, Lake Palace, Amar Vilas, Zenana Mahal (private quarters of the royal Rajput women), Jagdish Temple and Neemach Mata Temple, etc. Head to the Sahelion Ki Bari - a beautiful garden meant for the Rajput Queens’ leisure time. Visit the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, a cultural place showcasing the traditions and culture of Rajasthan, traditional ornaments, folk traditional outfits, puppets, masks, dolls, classical paintings and folk musical instruments. 

Later, enjoy boat ride at the Lake Pichola - an artificial fresh water lake founded in 1362 AD. It is the oldest and one of the largest lakes of Udaipur. Later, proceed to watch a Sound and Light Show at the City Palace in Udaipur. The spectacular show is one of the largest palaces of Rajasthan - perched on a hilltop. The show titled "Yash ki Dharohar" (Legacy of Honor) takes you to a fascinating one-hour journey of the engrossing history of Mewar dynasty in Udaipur. 

Overnight stay is at hotel in Udaipur.

This morning after breakfast at hotel you will be transferred to the Airport to board the flight for Mumbai. (Flight ticket is not included in the package cost) Upon arrival in Mumbai, meet our representative and get assistance in transfer to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel. Evening is free at leisure. 

Overnight stay is at hotel.

After breakfast, proceed with Mumbai sightseeing tour with first visit to the Elephanta Caves (A UNESCO World Heritage site) located on the Elephanta Island. Enjoy a ferry ride from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves. Built between 5th-8th centuries, the Elephanta caves are originally a set of rock-cut cave temple. An impressive 20 ft. high Trimurthi featuring the three aspects of Lord Shiva: Creator, Protector and Destroyer are the prime highlight of this cave temple. Take the ferry ride back to the Gateway of India. Spend time clicking photographs at the Gateway of India - one of the prime landmarks of Mumbai. It was built in the year 1924, in honor of King George V and Queen Mary's visit to India in 1911. Next, visit the Prince of Wales Museum, also called Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, built during the early 20th century. This museum is a blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture with an impressive Mughal white dome atop the museum. It is said to have around 2,000 miniature paintings along with artifacts belonging to the Indus Valley civilization. Later, visit the Hanging Gardens established in 1880 at the Malabar Hills. A splendid view of the Arabian Sea adds to the beauty of this natural realm. A striking flower clock is the main attraction here. End your Mumbai sightseeing tour with evening visit to the Marine Drive (Queen’s Necklace). A highly popular spot in Mumbai, the drive is stretched across the coast of the Arabian Sea. At night, it is lit with streetlights that look like a dazzling necklace when viewed from a particular angle and this is why, it is called Queen’s Necklace.

Overnight stay is at hotel in Mumbai.

Enjoy breakfast at hotel. Later, you will be transferred to the Airport to board the flight for Kochi. (Flight ticket is not included in the package cost)

Upon arrival at Kochi Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel in Kochi. KOCHI: Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a beautiful city in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. Over the years, the history and development of this city carries stubborn marks of the British, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese. It is undoubtedly the best starting point on your discovery to capture the beauty of Gods own country - Kerala.

Today go for Kochi sightseeing tour beginning with a visit to Fort Kochi located on the western coast of India amidst the pristine waters of Arabian Sea. On visiting this fort, soak in the mesmerizing specimens of the bygone era. The architecture of this gorgeous fort uncovers the layers of colonial influence ingrained in the landscape of this city. Visit the St. Francis Church (Closed on Sundays from 08.00 to 11.00 hrs) within the middle of fort’s complex. Built in the year 1503, it is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. The lofty architecture of this Church is impressive in every way and has managed to retain its ancient charm, over the years. Also, visit the Jewish Synagogue located close to Fort Kochi, which is more than 100-years old. It was built in 1568 and is a showpiece displaying hand-painted floor tiles, Belgium-imported glass chandeliers, rare antiques etc. and an exclusive gallery. Your Kochi sightseeing tour ends with visit to Chinese Fishing Nets. They are a hallmark of the Fort Kochi, visible from Fort Kochi. The concept of fishing nets is said to be introduced by Zheng He (a Chinese explorer). Here the fishing nets are made of bamboo and teak wood poles and practice the principle of balance. Almost every visitor visits here - especially during sunset - to click few candid pictures.

In the evening, watch spectacular Katthakali Dance Show.

Overnight stay is at hotel in Kochi.

After breakfast, drive to Munnar. MUNNAR: A beautiful hill station named after three rivers Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly. It is a popular honeymoon destination in Kerala that offers spellbinding views of vast spice and tea plantations. It also boasts the highest peak in South India - Anamudi. Munnar is surrounded by various wildlife sanctuaries that house the grizzled giant squirrel, Elephant, Gaur, Nilgiri Langur, Sambar, etc and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Mountain Goat). Also, a blue flower "Neelakurinji:" grows here in every 12 years. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. 

Overnight Hotel – Munnar

After breakfast, visit Munnar Tea Estates: Munnar is a city renowned for its bountiful tea plantations nestled amidst pristine nature. Walk through these sprawling tea estates and soak yourself in the refreshing aroma of the tea leaves. Here you can also visit the Tea Museum that showcases old photographs and huge machinery that have been used in tea processing over the years. Also, get a first-hand experience of how tea is processed. 

Later, head for sightseeing tour of Munnar with first visit to the Eravikulam National Park, a must-visit attraction located in Munnar. It's the first of its kind in Kerala that is home to the exotic Nilgiri Tahr (Mountain Goat) and various other endangered species. (The park is closed Forest in the mating season for the Nilgiri tahr, which is an endangered species and this usually happens in March every year). Also, a flower that blooms once in 12 years - Neelakurinji (next to be seen in 2018), is another attraction here. Also, visit the Mattupetty Dam, a concrete gravity dam constructed between 1949 and 1953 for the purpose of conservation of water and hydroelectricity generation. The captivating reflections of the surrounding tea gardens falling upon the still water is the best part of this dam. 

Overnight stay at hotel in Munnar.

After breakfast, we will drive you to Thekkady. THEKKADY: It is a landscape, set amidst the Western Ghats, in Kerala that entices its visitors with its rich biodiversity and natural vistas. It is famous for its Wildlife Sanctuary, which is considered to be one of the major tiger reserves in India. Nestled in the Western Ghats, it is blessed with exotic wildlife and scenic charm. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. 

Overnight stay at hotel in Thekkady.

After breakfast, visit the popular Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - a reserve of Bengal tigers, Indian Elephants, Wild Boars, Tigers, Leopards, etc. It has an around 100-years old artifical water lake where you can sight tigers, baby elephants and couple of other animals in a playful mood. Here you will go for a Boat ride at the Periyar Lake to capture rich glimpses of wildlife, tea/coffee and spice plantations etc. Overnight stay at hotel in Thekkady.

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey. ALLEPPEY: Alleppey, also called the 'Venice of India', is located in the Alapuzzha district of Kerala. Here you can hire a houseboat to stay or explore the tropical village life, tea and spice plantations and pristine beauty of Kerala. On arrival, board the Houseboat, locally called Kettuvallam. Cruise around backwaters of Alleppey to observe & experience the daily life of the villagers along the backwaters. Enjoy dinner and a pleasant overnight stay in the houseboat in Alleppey.

Enjoy early morning breakfast and after some relaxation on houseboat, boat arrives at Alleppey finishing point jetty. Later, our company representative will transfer you to the Cochin Hotel for your onwards Journey.