On arrival at Delhi airport, meet your driver for assistance and transfer to your hotel. Check in and relax for the rest of the day. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Red Fort, a grand Mughal fortress with massive walls and historical significance. Explore Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, known for its impressive courtyard and minarets. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a bustling market area famous for its vibrant street life. Visit Raj Gath, the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, a place of significant historical reverence. See Humayun’s Tomb, a stunning Mughal garden tomb that is a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Explore Qutab Minar, a towering 73-meter-high minaret with intricate carvings and inscriptions. Visit the serene Lotus Temple, known for its lotus-shaped architecture and tranquil ambiance. Drive past President House, Parliament, and India Gate, key landmarks of Indian governance and history. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Agra and check in at your hotel. Visit the Taj Mahal, an iconic symbol of love with its exquisite white marble and lush gardens. Explore Agra Fort, a massive Mughal fort with stunning architecture and historical significance. See Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb, also known as the Baby Taj, a beautiful marble mausoleum with intricate inlay work. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Orchha, stopping en route at Gwalior Fort, known for its impressive architecture and rich historical past. Arrive in Orchha and check in at your hotel. Visit the Orchha Fort complex, which includes palaces, temples, and other edifices showcasing medieval architecture. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Khajuraho and check in at your hotel. Explore the Khajuraho temples, renowned for their intricate erotic sculptures and architectural brilliance built between 950-1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. In the evening, attend the Holy Ganga Aarti, a mesmerizing ritual held on the banks of the Ganges River at sunset. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the Ganges, observing the life along the ghats. Visit the ghats of Varanasi, including Dashashwamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat, important for their religious and cultural significance. Explore Banaras Hindu University, known for its vast campus and academic heritage. Visit Bharat Mata Temple, which features a map of India carved in marble. See Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, with walls inscribed with verses from the Ramayana. Explore the Sarnath Temple complex, including the Great Dhamekh Stupa, a significant Buddhist site. If time permits, visit Ram Nagar Fort and Museum, showcasing artifacts from Varanasi's royal past. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Rest of the day is free for personal activities. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a morning excursion to Elephanta Caves, known for their ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures (closed on Mondays). Explore the city with visits to CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus), an architectural marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum, housing a diverse collection of art and artifacts. Explore Mani Bhawan, Gandhi’s residence during his visits to Mumbai, now a museum. See Dhobi Ghat, the city’s open-air laundry where clothes are washed traditionally. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Aurangabad. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Visit Ellora Caves, a group of rock-cut temples and monasteries representing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. Explore Grishneshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. See Daulatabad Fort, a formidable fortress with a complex history. Visit Bibi ka Maqbara, often called the mini Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built for the wife of Aurangzeb. Explore Panchakki, an ancient water mill used for grinding grains. Visit Aurangabad Caves, a group of 12 rock-cut Buddhist shrines. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full-day excursion to Ajanta Caves, renowned for their ancient Buddhist rock-cut temples and frescoes dating from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE. Drive back to Aurangabad for an overnight stay. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chennai. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Visit Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, and St. Mary’s Church inside the fortress. Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a major Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. See Vadapalani Murugan Temple, an important shrine to Lord Murugan. Visit Santhome Cathedral, a historic church built over the tomb of St. Thomas. Relax at Marina Beach, a bustling urban beach known for its long sandy stretch. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Pondicherry, stopping at Mahabalipuram to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Monolithic Temples, Krishna’s Butterball (a massive rock), Cave Temples, Shore Temple, and Arjuna’s Penance (a large rock carving depicting scenes from the Mahabharata). Arrive in Pondicherry and check in at your hotel. Visit Auroville, an experimental township dedicated to human unity and peace. Explore Pondicherry Museum, showcasing regional artifacts and sculptures. Walk through the French Quarters with its colonial villas, French consulate, Raj Nivas, Government Square, churches, and French schools. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thanjavur, visiting Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, renowned for its intricate sculptures and cultural significance. Explore the Great Living Chola Temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, remarkable for their architectural grandeur and historical importance. Arrive in Thanjavur, check in at your hotel. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Brihadeshwara Temple and the Palace Complex in Thanjavur, built by the Chola king in the 10th century with impressive architecture and historical artifacts. Drive to Trichy and check in at your hotel. Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest temples in India dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Explore Rock Fort Temple, situated atop a rock outcrop with panoramic views of the city. See Jambukeshwara Temple, a significant Shiva temple known for its water shrine. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Madurai and check in at your hotel. Visit Meenakshi Temple, an architectural marvel dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, known for its intricate sculptures and vibrant ceremonies. Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, a grand palace with stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture. See Alagar Koil, a significant temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in the hills. Visit Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, a cave temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. Explore Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, a peaceful temple located amidst lush greenery. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Munnar and check in at your hotel. Enjoy a visit to a tea estate, learning about tea production and tasting fresh brews. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Pothamedu for panoramic views of the tea gardens and valleys. Explore Mattupetty Dam, known for its scenic beauty and boating opportunities. See Rajamala Hill, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Explore Eravikulam National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and trekking trails. Visit Mattupedi Dairy Farm, famous for its cattle farm and dairy products. Experience Echo Point, where sounds are reflected off the surrounding hills. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and process of tea production. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thekkady, with stops at Ramakkalmedu known for its windswept landscapes and breathtaking views. Explore Frog Rock and Turtle Rock, natural formations with unique shapes. See the twin statues of Kuravan & Kurathi, local legends depicted in sculpture. Check in at your hotel and in the evening, attend a Martial Arts and Kathakali Dance show, showcasing traditional Kerala performing arts. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on a boat. Sanctuary is home to tigers, elephant, rare lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards and Indian bison. Later spice plantation tour to see crops of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee etc. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Alleppey boat jetty and board a traditional houseboat. Sail through the picturesque backwaters, experiencing the scenic beauty and tranquility of Kerala’s waterways. The houseboat includes a dining area, bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck, and a fully equipped kitchen with a chef and driver. O/n on houseboat.

Breakfast on the houseboat. Disembark and drive to Cochin. Check in at your hotel. Visit Fort Cochin, known for its historical buildings and vibrant cultural life. Explore St. Frances Church, one of the oldest European churches in India. Visit Jewish Synagogue, renowned for its beautiful Chinese tiles and historical significance. See Mattancherry Dutch Palace, with its murals depicting Hindu mythology. Experience the Chinese fishing nets, traditional fishing equipment used in Cochin’s backwaters. O/n at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule for your onward journey.