Discover India (Escorted Small Group Tour)

DAY 1 Delhi
Your tour commences with an arrival transfer to your hotel in vibrant Delhi.
Stay at:
Vivanta By Taj Dwarka New Deli (5 star)

DAY 2 Delhi
Today you will explore the old and new of India. Start with the imposing Red Fort known for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone. Visit Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in India, followed by a visit to Gandhi’s memorial at Raj Ghat. This evening, join your fellow tour members at a welcome dinner. BD

DAY 3 Delhi – Varanasi
A short flight gets you to Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world. This afternoon, explore Sarnath, the site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Varanasi is also famous for its silk sarees and you’ll get the chance to visit some of the houses where the beautiful sarees are woven. In the evening, get to the banks of the Ganges to witness the Aarti ceremony, a Hindu religious ritual of worship. BD
Stay at:
Taj Ganges (5 star)

DAY 4 Varanasi – Khajuraho
Wake early to take a sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges. Every morning scores of pilgrims and priests fill the riverbanks bathing in the holy waters and perform various rituals. After, explore old Varanasi, visiting the Bharat Mata Temple, the Durga Temple and more. Return to the hotel for breakfast before leaving for Khajuraho, the home of Karma Sutra. In the afternoon explore the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, built during the Chandella dynasty considered some of the greatest masterpieces of Indian art. BD
Stay at:
Mint Bundela Resort (3 star)

DAY 5 Khajuraho – Jhansi – Agra
Take a scenic morning drive to Orchha to visit this amazing medieval fortress-city located on the shores of the Betwa River then continue to Agra on the Shatabdi Express train. Upon arrival, the rest of your day is at leisure. BD
Stay at:
Trident Agra (5 star) or Tajview, Agra - IHCL SeleQtions (5 star)

DAY 6 Agra / Fatehpur Sikri
Explore the iconic Taj Mahal, the famous monument of love. The architectural wonder was built by the emperor in loving memory of his beloved queen. Continue on to the Red Fort of Agra, a powerful fortress of red sandstone. This afternoon travel to nearby Fatehpur Sikri to explore the grounds of this one time capital of the Mughal Empire and now fascinating ghost city. See the stunning remains include the three palaces built by Emperor Akbar, one for each of his favourite wives. BD

DAY 7 Agra – Ranthambore
Today drive to Ranthambore, famous for the famous Royal Bengal Tigers and spotting the big cat in its natural habitat can be an experience. Enjoy an afternoon safari where you have the opportunity to spot various indigenous animals, such as tiger, nilgai, chausingha, chital, chinkara, wild boar, jungle cat, ratel, hyena, porcupine, the Rhesus Macaque and the black-faced Langur BLD
Stay at:
Tiger Den Resort (Jungle Resort)

DAY 8 Ranthambore – Jaipur
Enjoy a morning safari for another opportunity to spot animals. Then drive to Jaipur the pristine jewel in the desert sands of Rajasthan. This evening enjoy dinner with a Rajasthan Cultural Dance performance. BD
Stay at:
Trident Jaipur (5 star) or Shiv Vilas Resort (5 star)

DAY 9 Jaipur
This morning visit the Amber Fort, a classic romantic Rajasthani Fort-Palace, which stands tall overlooking the Pink City. Ascend by Jeep to reach the inner citadel, where you will find an extensive palace complex, including the magnificent Chamber of a Thousand Mirrors. Return to Jaipur for an afternoon of sightseeing. Visit the beautiful the Hawa Mahal, where the ladies of the royal court used to watch the city from behind its intricately carved façade, the majestic City palace and the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century. BD

DAY 10 Jaipur – Pushkar
Today, drive to the fascinating Pushkar, a desert city known for its interesting bathing Ghats, onion domes and temples. Later, visit the famous temple of Lord Brahma Temple. BD
Stay at:
The Green House Resort (Tented Resort) or Pushkar Resorts (4 star)

DAY 11 Pushkar – Udaipur
Continue your exploration of Rajasthan as you drive to Udaipur, a city of lakes set against the beautiful backdrop of the Aravalli Hills. BD
Stay at:
Trident Udaipur (5 star)

DAY 12 Udaipur
Today you will visit the impressive City Palace, Saheliyon-Ki-Bari gardens and Fateh Sagar Lake. Continue on to visit Jagdish Temple, famous for its intricate rock carvings. Later in the evening enjoy a Boat Ride on Lake Pichola. BD

DAY 13 Udaipur – Mumbai
Be transferred this morning to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, the rest of your day is at leisure to enjoy this vibrant city! BD
Stay at:
President, Mumbai - IHCL SeleQtions (5 star) or ITC Grand Central (5 star)

DAY 14 Mumbai
Embark on a full day panoramic sightseeing tour today. Start with a visit to the Gateway of India, Mumbai's most famous monument. Continue out of the city to the Elephant Caves to see the collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva contained within. Return to Mumbai and visit the Prince of Wales Museum and Shivaji Terminus; Mani Bhawan, where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during the Freedom Struggle; the Hanging Gardens, and much more. End your tour at the Dhobi Ghat, the world's largest outdoor laundry. BD

DAY 15 Mumbai – Cochin
Hop on another flight this morning further south to Cochin, Kerala’s major port city that’s been drawing traders, explorers and travellers to its shores for over 600 years. Upon arrival, the rest of your day is free. BD
Stay at:
Trident Hotel Cochin (5 star)

DAY 16 Cochin
Today you will explore Kochi, formerly known as Cochin. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India, the Roman Catholic Santa Cruz Cathedral, and the Jewish Quarter with its Old Synagogue and the Dutch Palace. Later take a boat cruise to visit Bolghatty Palace and observe the fascinating Chinese fishing nets in action. This evening enjoy a Kathakali Dance Performance. BD

DAY 17 Cochin – Thekkady
After breakfast, hit the road towards Thekkady, famous for its spice plantations where cardamom, pepper, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, all spice, and tea are grown. BD
Stay at:
Cardamom County (4 star)

DAY 18 Thekkady
Your day starts with a jungle walk at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. In the afternoon enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar to watch animals in their natural habitat by the water's edge. Here you’re likely to see animals like boars, Sambars, wild dogs, Langur monkeys and wild elephants. The evening is free to explore the local bazaar in Thekkady and purchase some of the famous spices grown in the area. BD

DAY 19 Thekkady – Alleppey
Travel to Alleppey, also referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’ due to the vast network of canals it is situated on. Here you will board a houseboat and begin your journey along the stunning palm-fringed backwaters of Kerala, one of southern India’s most mesmerising experiences. Relax as you wind your way past the vast expanse of paddy fields witnessing everyday village life along the banks. BLD
Stay at:
Deluxe Houseboat

DAY 20 Alleppey – Kovalam
As you enjoy breakfast on board, sail back to Alleppey and disembark at the Puthenagady Jetty. Continue on to beautiful Kovalam Beach on the Malabar. Spend the rest of the day by the beach with views of endless white sands, blue waters and secluded coconut groves. BD
Stay at:
Somatheeram Ayurveda Village (4 star) or Travancore Heritage (4 star)

DAY 21 Kovalam
Today is yours to completely unwind. Relax on the beach, explore the town, and indulge in an included rejuvenation massage. BD

DAY 22 Kovalam – Kanyakumari – Madurai
Today you will drive to the ancient city of Madurai in the state of Tamil Nadu. One of the oldest cities in India it once was a capital city which traded with ancient Rome. On the way, stop en-route to Kanyakumari, the “Lands’ End" at the southernmost tip peninsular of India. Visit the Temple of Goddess Kumari where Swami Vivekananda mediated. BLD
Stay at:
Heritage Madurai (5 star)

DAY 23 Madurai
Explore Madurai’s Meenakshi Amman Temple this morning, a structure in the Dravidian style of architecture. Wander the 14 gopurams (gateway towers) and see the estimated 33,000 sculptures including the Hall of a Thousand Pillars, the Tirumalai Nayaka Temple and the Temple Art Museum. This, evening enjoy a night closing ceremony of the Temple. BD

DAY 24 Madurai – Tanjore
Drive on to Thanjavur, popularly known as Tanjore and explore the Brihadisvara Temple. One of the Great Living Chola Temples, it’s Inscribed with the names of dancers, musicians and poets as a reminder of the significance of this area to the development of the arts in the 11th century. Later, visit the Tanjore Palace & Museum, which its eclectic collection of regal memorabilia dating back to the early 19th century. BD
Stay at:
Sangam Hotel (3 star)

DAY 25 Tanjore – Pondicherry
This morning continue towards Pondicherry. This beautiful city was under French rule until 1954 and still boasts colonial era architecture and chic of boutique shops. Visit the Matrimandir, a famous monument built by the Auroville Society representing a lotus flower and the 400-year old Manakula Vinayagar Temple, which has several frescos telling the life story of a half human and half animal lord. BD
Stay at:
The Promenade (4 star) or Villa Shanti (4 star)

DAY 26 Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram – Chennai
After breakfast drive to Chennai with a visit en route at Mahabalipuram Shore Temples. The ancient monuments oversee the Bay of Bengal and carry a fascinating history which dates back to the 7-8th century. BD
Stay at:
Hyatt Regency Chennai (5 star)

DAY 27 Chennai
Today’s guided city tour takes you to the National Art Gallery, St. Mary's Church and the People’s Park. This evening is free to spend as you wish. BD

DAY 28 Chennai
Today is free for shopping and other personal activities. In the evening enjoy a last farewell dinner at a local well-known restaurant then be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. BD