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Grand Indian Sojourn: Ancient Temples, Royal Forts, and Coastal Charms

0/5
Duration

18 Nights / 19 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on the Grand Indian Sojourn: Ancient Temples, Royal Forts, and Coastal Charms for an unforgettable exploration of India’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Begin in Delhi, where you’ll discover the grandeur of Mughal architecture and vibrant local markets. Journey to Agra to marvel at the iconic Taj Mahal and other historic forts. Traverse through Orchha and Khajuraho, where you’ll witness architectural masterpieces and ancient temples. Experience the spiritual essence of Varanasi, the dynamic energy of Mumbai, and the historic caves of Aurangabad. Conclude your adventure with the serene backwaters of Kerala, immersing yourself in the lush landscapes and tranquil waters of Cochin, Munnar, and Thekkady. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural splendor.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 45.5%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 43.3%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 51.0%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 50.6%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 55.5%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 54.6%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 59.2%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport, you will receive assistance and be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to relax and adjust to your new surroundings. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Red Fort, an imposing Mughal fortification and UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning red sandstone architecture. Explore Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, built by Emperor Shah Jahan with its grand courtyards and minarets. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a bustling market area renowned for its street food, jewelry, and traditional shops. Visit Raj Ghat, the solemn memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, where he was cremated. Tour Humayun's Tomb, an early example of Mughal architecture with its exquisite garden and red sandstone structure. See Qutub Minar, a 73-meter tall minaret and UNESCO World Heritage Site, admired for its intricate carvings and Afghan architectural style. Visit Lotus Temple, a Bahá'í House of Worship, known for its lotus-shaped structure and serene atmosphere. Drive past VVIP areas including the President House, Parliament House, and India Gate, showcasing India's modern architecture. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Delhi - Agra (204kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Agra and check-in at your hotel. Visit the Taj Mahal, an iconic white marble mausoleum commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Explore Agra Fort, a massive red sandstone fortress that served as the Mughal emperors' main residence until 1638. Tour Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb, also known as the "Baby Taj," renowned for its marble inlay work and Mughal architecture. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Agra - Orchha (220kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Orchha with an en-route visit to Gwalior Fort, famous for its impressive architecture and historical significance, including the Man Mandir Palace and Saas-Bahu Temples. Arrive in Orchha and check-in at your hotel. Visit the Orchha Fort complex, which includes the Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, and the stunning Chaturbhuj Temple, each known for their intricate architecture and historical stories. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Orchha - Khajuraho (178km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Khajuraho and check-in at your hotel. Explore the Khajuraho Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for their intricately carved erotic sculptures and architectural grandeur built by the Chandela dynasty from 950-1050 AD. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Khajuraho - Varanasi (flight)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Varanasi. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check-in. Attend the Holy Ganga Aarti, a captivating ritual held at sunset on the banks of the Ganges, featuring music, chanting, and traditional fire offerings. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Varanasi

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the Ganges, witnessing the rituals and life along the river’s ghats. Visit the Banaras Hindu University, a prominent educational institution with its large campus and museum. Explore Bharat Mata Temple, known for its unique map of India carved in marble. Tour Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama and renowned for its beautiful murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Visit the Sarnath Temple complex, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, including the Dhamekh Stupa and the Archaeological Museum. If time permits, visit Ram Nagar Fort & Museum, featuring an eclectic collection of artifacts and royal memorabilia. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Varanasi - Mumbai (flight)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Mumbai. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure for personal activities and exploring the vibrant city on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Mumbai

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a morning excursion to Elephanta Caves, a group of rock-cut temples on Elephanta Island featuring ancient Hindu and Buddhist sculptures (closed on Mondays). In the afternoon, visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Victorian Gothic architecture. Explore the Prince of Wales Museum, home to a diverse collection of artifacts, sculptures, and artworks. Visit Mani Bhawan, Mahatma Gandhi’s residence during his visits to Mumbai, now a museum dedicated to his life and work. See Dhobi Ghat, the world’s largest outdoor laundry, where clothes are washed in traditional open-air facilities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Mumbai - Aurangabad (flight)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Aurangabad. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check-in. Visit Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a complex of 34 rock-cut temples and monasteries, including Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain caves. Explore Grishneshwar Temple, an ancient Shiva temple renowned for its intricate carvings and religious significance. Tour Daulatabad Fort, a massive hill fort known for its impressive architecture and historical importance. Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the "Tomb of the Begum," a mausoleum reminiscent of the Taj Mahal. Explore Panchakki, a historic watermill and monument, and Aurangabad Caves, ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Aurangabad

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full-day excursion to Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 30 rock-cut caves with stunning murals and sculptures dating from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE. Return to Aurangabad for an overnight stay.

Day 12: Aurangabad - Cochin (flight)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Cochin. On arrival, assistance and transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the evening, enjoy Kathakali, a traditional Kerala dance drama known for its elaborate costumes, expressive makeup, and dramatic storytelling. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Cochin - Munnar (140kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Fort Cochin, a historic area with colonial architecture, including the famous Chinese fishing nets. Explore St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the Jewish Synagogue, known for its antique artifacts and decorative tiles. Tour Mattancherry Dutch Palace, featuring Kerala murals and artifacts from the royal family. Drive to Munnar, check-in at your hotel, and visit a tea estate for a tour and tea tasting. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14: Munnar

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Pothamedu, known for its picturesque views of tea and spice plantations. Visit Mattupetty Dam, a reservoir surrounded by lush hills, and Rajamala Hill, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Tour Eravikulam National Park, known for its biodiversity and the Anamudi Peak, the highest point in South India. Visit Mattupedi Dairy Farm and Echo Point, where your voice reverberates in the surrounding hills. Explore the Tea Museum, showcasing the history of tea cultivation in Munnar. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15: Munnar - Thekkady (110kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thekkady via Ramakkalmedu, one of Asia's windiest places, known for its scenic views and windmills. Visit Frog Rock, Turtle Rock, and the twin-statue of Kuravan & Kurathi. Arrive in Thekkady and check-in at your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a Martial Arts and Kathakali Dance show, featuring traditional performances of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16: Thekkady

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on a boat ride, offering chances to spot tigers, elephants, lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards, and Indian bison. Take a spice plantation tour to learn about cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, and other spices cultivated in the region. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 17: Thekkady - Alleppey (140kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Alleppey boat jetty to board a houseboat for a backwater cruise through Kerala’s picturesque backwaters. The houseboat is equipped with modern amenities, including electricity, a dining area, a bedroom with an attached English toilet, a sun deck, and a fully stocked kitchen with a chef and driver. Overnight on the houseboat.

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

Breakfast on the houseboat. Disembark and drive to Cochin airport for a flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure for relaxation or exploring any places of interest with your driver. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 19: Delhi - Departure (flight)

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport as per your flight schedule for departure to your onward destination.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 18 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per 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.
  • Khajuraho - Varanasi - Mumbai - Aurangabad - Cochin - Delhi flight fare approx INR 30500 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 18 nights accommodation

4 Star Hotels
Delhi x 2 nights: The Hans/ The Royal Plaza
Agra x 1 night: Radisson Hotel/ Holiday Inn
Orchha x 1 night: Orchha Resort/ Amar Mahal
Khajuraho x 1 night: Radisson Hotel/ Hotel Chandela
Varanasi x 2 nights: Rivatas by Ideal/ The Amayaa
Mumbai x 2 nights: Fariyas Hotel/ The Gordon House
Aurangabad x 2 nights: Lemon Tree Hotel
Cochin x 1 night: Casino Hotel/ Le Maritime
Munnar x 2 nights: Elixir Hills Resort/ Tea County Munnar
Thekkady x 2 nights: Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden/ The Elephant Court
Alleppey x 1 night: Premium Houseboat (Full Time AC)
Delhi x 1 night: The Hans/ The Royal Plaza

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

Yes, travelers can upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels by paying the supplement. Please send inquiry for same from the booking page to get the price quote.

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