North & South India Tour Itineraries - Taste of India

Evening free to go for a dinner or stay at the hotel. Overnight stay in Delhi.

After breakfast check out from the hotel, Sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Visit the QUTAB MINAR, a Tower of Victory which was built in the 12th century by Qutbuddin Aibak. Within its spacious courtyard stands the Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD and bears a Sanskrit inscription in the Gupta style. The pillar has puzzled scientists, as its iron has not rusted in all these centuries. The TOMB OF HUMAYUN – the magnificent structure in red sandstone and white marble is one of the finest examples of the garden tomb, and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Its proportionate spaces, double dome and refined elegance are characteristic of Mughal architecture. Also, visit INDIA GATE, the memorial of the First World War and the road that leads from there to RASHTRAPATHI BHAWAN – the residence of the President of India, which is flanked by the houses of Parliament and the Government Secretariat buildings. Later you will be transferred to New Delhi station to board your overnight train to Varanasi.

On arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon, free to visit local temple or explore this holy city. Return to your hotel for overnight stay in Varanasi.

Early morning wake up and proceed for boat ride on River Ganges to see the Aarti of Holy River. Back to hotel, have breakfast proceed for visit to Sarnath, the site where Buddha set in motion the wheel of Dharma and established the Sanga. One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures, return to your for overnight stay in Varanasi

After breakfast check out from the hotel, you will be transferred to airport for your short flight to Khajuraho, on arrival you will be met and transferred to hotel for check in, later afternoon visit Chandella Temple and Western Group of temples around. Khajuraho was once the religious capital of the Chandela Rajputs, who ruled from 10th to 12th century. The place is the next best tourist destination after the Taj Mahal to be visited due to its marvelous temples each signifying an accomplishment of beauty, love and refined creative art filled with sublime sensuality. Overnight stay at Khajuraho

After breakfast check out from the hotel, drive to Orchha, on arrival check in at the hotel, afternoon visit Orchha temples and return to hotel. Overnight stay at Orchha

After breakfast drive to Agra, after 3hrs drive you will stop at Gwalior - Gwalior is an historical place of Madhya Pradesh. Here you will visit Sasbahu Temple, Palaces and Jain Sculptures. Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates the city and is its most significant monument. Continue drive for another 2.5 hours to reach Agra. On arrival you will check in at the hotel proceed immediately to visit Taj Mahal at the Sunset or you visit the same next morning at Sunrise, overnight in Agra.

Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal and return to your hotel for breakfast, check out from the hotel and visit Agra Fort before continuing your drive to Jaipur, after 1hr short drive from Agra you will stop at Fatehpur Sikri This red sandstone city was abandoned promptly after completion, meaning it has survived in pristine condition. After a short tour, continue 4hrs drive to Jaipur, arrive and check into a peaceful heritage hotel. Jaipur, the capital and ‘pink’ city of Rajasthan, is a friendly, busy town, with its palaces and bazaars full of jewellery, textiles and folk-based arts and handicrafts.

A busy day exploring Jaipur lies ahead, with a visit to Amber Fort and other sightseeing places such as photogenic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), still inhabited City Palace and Museum and Maharaja Jai Singh’s astronomy park. In the afternoon, there is the option to visit the famous Raj Mandir cinema to catch a Bollywood film, or to go for shopping in the local bazaars.

After breakfast drive to Pushkar, surrounded by hills on three sides, Pushkar, 11 kms from Ajmer, abounds in temples. one of the most famous among these is the Brahma temple – the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the country. Visit Brahma Temple in Pushkar. The Brahma Temple of Pushkar is only Hindu temple where Lord Braham, the creator of universe is worshipped. Without visiting Pushkar’s Braham Temple your Rajasthan tour will be incomplete. Overnight stay in Pushkar.

After breakfast drive to Jodhpur, once the capital of the state Marwar. Jodhpur is built tumbling down a low sandstone hill, right on the edge of the great Thar Desert. At the summit of this hill stands the Meherangarh fort built in 1459. Standing above a perpendicular cliff, the fort looks impregnable – an imposing landmark, especially at night when it is bathed in yellow light. On arrival check in at the hotel and stay overnight in Jodhpur.

After breakfast Visit of MEHRANGARH FORT, the walls of the fort enclose a variety of handsome, red sandstone buildings, palaces, barracks, temples and havelis. Delicately latticed windows and pierced screens worked in sandstone are the surprising motifs inside the fort. The palaces – Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and other apartments are exquisitely decorated with paintings still gracing some of the ceilings and the walls. Outside the fort visit JASWANT THADA, a royal crematorium in marble, built in 1899 for Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Dinner & Overnight stay in Jodhpur.

Drive to Udaipur, en-route visit Ranakpur Jain Temples, in a quiet and picturesque glen which runs into the western slopes of the Aravalli hills, lies the remarkable 15th century Jain temples. Though over 500 years old, the temples here are superbly preserved in a near – perfect condition. In the centre is the main “Chaumukha Temple” dedicated to Adinath. The most distinctive features are the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, of which no two are exactly alike. Every conceivable surface is carved and every corner and angle is engraved with Jain images. On arrival proceed to your hotel. Rest of the evening at leisure to experience the City of Dawn, surrounded by the ancient Aravali Mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples. Dinner & overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel Morning: City tour of Udaipur. Visit the CITY PALACE, a majestic architectural marvel which is perched on a hill and towers over Lake Pichola. The Palace is a majestic conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. Each palace within is an outstanding creation of art. Visit the BHARATIYA LOK KALA MUSEUM which has an interesting collection of Indian folk art including costumes, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, musical instruments and deities. Later visit SAHELION-KI-BARI the “Ladies Garden”, with its rich foliage and intricately designed fountains. Lunch at hotel afternoon: Enjoy a BOAT CRUISE on Lake Pichola on which the majestic Lake Palace Hotel is situated. See the Ghats along the lake and the interesting buildings on the banks. The view of the city palace from the lake is spectacular. Dock at the Jagmandir Island where Shah Jehan was once given sanctuary by the Maharana of Udaipur. Overnight in Udaipur.

After breakfast morning at leisure, later you will be transferred to airport for the flight to Mumbai, on arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, Evening free to relax at the hotel. Stay overnight in Mumbai.

After Breakfast visit Prince of Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple, and Hanging Garden. Afternoon free for personal activities, overnight stay in Mumbai

Today, you will be transferred to airport for your flight to Goa, on arrival you will be met and transferred to hotel for overnight stay in Goa.

Can spend time in goa beach.

After breakfast at leisure, later in the afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for flight to Cochin, Arrive at Cochin were you will be received by our company representative and transferred to hotel for overnight stay in Cochin.

After breakfast drive to Alleppey to board the private houseboat at 12noon and cruise in the narrow canals. During the cruise you can visit ancient temples, churches and can watch the day to day life of the local people who live nearby. Your crew will look after you and shall serve you with delicious Kerala food on board. Overnight stay at Deluxe Air conditioned Houseboat (Kindly note the air - condition in the houseboat will be switched on from 9pm to 7am only).

After breakfast check out from the houseboat and drive to the lovely hill station called Munnar filled with tea plantations and misty mountains. The drive to Munnar through the narrow hair pin roads is very scenic with beautiful valleys, tea gardens and small waterfalls. On reaching Munnar, check into the resort and relax for the day exploring nature on your own. Overnight stay at Munnar.

After breakfast start the sightseeing tour visiting Eravikulam National Park, Rajamala Peak, Tea Factory (subject to permission granted), Mattupetty Dam where speed boating can be done, Echo Point, etc. Later free time to walk through the tea gardens and Munnar town. Overnight stay at Munnar.

After breakfast drive to Periyar also known as Thekkady which is famous for its spice garden and wildlife reserve. Enroute stop at Kumily to visit the Abraham Spice Garden were you can do spice plantation tour. On arrival, check into the hotel and later enjoy boat ride to explore the panoramic view of the surrounding lake and if lucky you can site some wild animals nearby. In the evening, free time to explore the spice market or watch Kathakali or Kalaripayattu show. Overnight stay at Thekkady.

Today after breakfast drive to Varkala, one of the most happening beaches in Kerala now. Rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy your time by the cliff side shoreline of Varkala. Overnight stay at Varkala.

Time for Relax (No Car) - Today whole day at leisure at Varkala Beach. Overnight at Varkala

Today drive to another popular beach in Kerala, the Kovalam Beach. Enjoy your time at the crescent beaches of Kovalam. Catch some exquisite Kerala style sea food from various food joints by the side of Kovalam Lighthouse Beach. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Kovalam.

Today morning, post breakfast, drive to the Kerala capital city, Trivandrum. On reaching Trivandrum do sightseeing such as visiting the Padmanabha Swamy Temple, the Horse Palace, the Sree Chitra Art Gallery and Napier Museum. Overnight stay in Trivandrum

Today as per your departure schedule, you will be dropped at the Trivandrum International Airport for your departure flight back home. Tour Ends!