India! From North to South [21 Days Tour]

Arrive at Delhi Airport and you shall be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay.

Meals:
No Meals for the day

After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city visiting Old Delhi visiting the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame,

Later sightseeing continues to visit New Delhi include Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war; Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty;

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Drive to Agra and check in at your hotel. After some rest move to see the Agra Fort built by Akbar where Shahjahans own son Aurangzeb imprisoned Shahjahan. The Agra fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Evening is free to explore on your own. Spend your night in Agra.

After visiting Agra Fort, we will continue to India’s most iconic site, encased in white marble. Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love, stands on the Southern bank of River Yamuna. The view of the Taj Mahal at sunset never fails to enchant first-time visitors and leave them speechless. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial that has the tomb of his beautiful wife Mumtaj Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Today after breakfast checkout and drive to Rural Stay

On the way to visit Fatehpur Sikri. Sikri the Phantom city or abandoned city built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the second half of the 16th century. Fatehpur Sikri was the first planned city of the Mughals to be marked by magnificent administrative, residential, and religious buildings comprised of palaces, public buildings, mosques, and living areas for the court, the army, the servants of the king.
Continue to drive to your Rural stay which is situated on the bank of pious river Banganga emerged by the arrow of Arjuna to quench the last thirst of Bhisma Pitahmaha of Mahabharat. Enjoy your stay in this hidden gem of Rajasthan.
After some rest go for guided village walk tour.
Or opt for camel cart ride or enjoy village family cooking demo. Night stay is in rural village stay

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast drive to Ranthambore (180 Kms) On arrival in Ranthambore - check into the hotel. Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary - Rajasthans most renowned wildlife sanctuary, it is 400 sq kms of dry deciduous forest, perfect natural habitat for tigers, and is set in the Aravalli and Vindhya hills, dotted with pavillions and dominated by a hilltop fort.
Ranthambore was one of the hunting preserves of the former rulers of Jaipur and because of this the Maharajas ensured the environment was preserved and the forest and their inhabitants well protected. It has a good population of tiger and their prey species, and has been declared a "Project Tiger" reserve. Wildlife includes blue bull, black buck, spotted deer or cheetal, wild boar, a large variety of bird species and, if very lucky, the rarely seen leopard. Overnight at hotel.

Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. On trips departing during this time, you'll visit nearby Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary. Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary is located approx. 16km from Ranthambhore and due to its hilly terrain isn't as affected by the monsoon. Tigers also reside this area and spotting are more favourable at this time of year as they move here away from flooded areas of Ranthambhore.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Seek out some of the park's more indescribable residents on a tiger safari, where you'll travel with a guide in search of the Royal Bengal tigers that call the park home. Keep an eye out for some of the tigers' neighbours as well, including sloth bears, hyenas, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birds. You shall be enjoying morning & afternoon game drives in Ranthambhore National Park. Night stay is in Ranthambhore

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Morning checkout and drive to Jaipur On the way visit Abhaneri which is one of the oldest Step well in Rajasthan built by King Chanda (Chandra) who rule Abhaneri or ancient Abhanagari during 8th-9th Century A.D. Also known as Chand Baori, the Stepwell is one of the largest stepwells in the entirety of Rajasthan.

Continue your drive to Pink City of Jaipur a UNESCO world heritage site. Here visit Albert Hall Museum which is the oldest museum of the state and is the State museum of Rajasthan. The museum has a rich collection of artefacts like paintings, carpets, ivory, stone, metal sculptures, colourful crystal works etc.

Later visit Birla Temple which is a great piece of work in solely in white marble. Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Jaipur, India and is one of many Birla mandirs. It was built by the B.M. Birla Foundation in 1988.
In the evening enjoy a movie at Rajmandir [On your own] which is Asia´s Second Best Cinema 2013 a highly recommended place. Opened on 1st June 1976 with the film Charas, Raj Mandir is the best-known cinema constructed in India. Overnight at Hotel in Jaipur

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

In the morning, we shall meet you at your hotel and take you for an experience of the morning aarti or prayer chanting at the Govind Devji Temple at the City Palace where crowds chant songs to the deity. Receive the blessings at this 18th century Krishna temple where the deity, worshipped by the erstwhile royal family.
From there, we’ll take you to the wholesale flower market near Hawa Mahal. Here you’ll see turbaned crowds trading sacks of roses and marigold.
There will be a short break of 10- 15 minutes, where we stop at a chaiwalla on Chaura raasta for some cardamom early morning tea in Kullad, which is one of the specialty in Rajasthan.
From there, we’ll take you back to your hotel for breakfast at last.

Later get ready for the first stop today is at the astonishing facade of the Hawa Mahal, the ‘Palace of the Winds’, erected as portion of the City Palace and aimed to allow the women of the harem to see the city lower without being seen. Visit the splendid City Palace, now a mesmerizing museum housing some of the treasures of Jaipur’s princely past. The City Palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur which has a fabulous collection of robes, saris in cotton and silk with gold latticed work, paintings, a huge collection of arms in the ammunition gallery,

Afterwards proceed to Amber Fort, which displays a beautiful mix of Mughal and Rajput styles of architecture. Also visit the Jagat Shiromani Temple on the foothills of the Amber Fort. Later stop by Jal Mahal (Water Palace) which was a resting place for the kings in summer time. After lunch visit also visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory built in 1727.

In the evening if you opt then we can arrange a short trip to local street food of Jaipur or explore the local markets with their mind-boggling varieties of colours, fragrances and people selling and buying almost everything under the sun like clothes, jewelery, bangles, shoes, utensils, spices and much more. These traditional markets of Jaipur are a big attraction by themselves.
Night stay is in Jaipur

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast you will be transferred to Jaipur airport to board your flight for Varanasi.
On arrival at Varanasi you will be transferred to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Wake up in the wee hours to catch the sun rising from the boat ride on Ganges.
Set off at dawn, as the sun rises above the vast horizon, painting the pale and pastel-coloured sky with streaks of rich amber and red. be captivated with spectacular views of the vibrant, animated culture and traditions of the Hindu people. Watch the intimacy of life and death play out in this City of Light and absorb the dynamic sights and smells that settle in the labyrinth of crooked streets and bustling ghats (riverside steps).

Later deboard from boat ride and explore by lanes of Varanasi. You will be going through old Varanasi city in the very narrow lanes to find the life on the way and interact with the local people, etc. You will see a variety of historic structures, market alleyways, and Ghats. Discover Varanasi, one of the holiest sites for Hindus and a stunning example of how many religions and sects can coexist together.
Listen to the melodic tunes of musicians, from sitar players to flutists and tabla performers, as they awaken the city, evoking a pure sensory experience that fully compliments the awe-inspiring visual scenes. Varanasi is a powerful intense place, like nowhere else on earth.

Head back to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast you will be taken to visit some places of Varanasi. Varanasi has spiritual and mythological significance; and is deemed to be auspicious place to pass away. The city’s name is derived from confluence of two rivers: Varuna & Assi. Explore the city visiting chief attractions: Bharat Mata Temple, Burning Ghats, Benaras Hindu University and Sarnath (a significant Buddhist pilgrimage).

Evening you will be taken to see the famous Aarti in the Ganges. Engross in the beats of claps, ringing bells, blowing conch, enchanting mantras and hymns and the sweet-scented air. Let the magical aura of the place awaken your soul. Get back to the hotel after that. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Morning after breakfast you will be driven to Varanasi airport to board your flight to Kochi. On arrival at Kochi you shall be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay. Evening is free for leisure and rest. Overnight at Hotel in Kochi

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Your Kerala Tour starts here by the sightseeing of Fort Cochin a whole day by visiting the Chinese Fishing nets, Dutch Cemetery, St. Francis Church of 16th century where you can see the tomb of Vasco-da-gama, a Portuguese sailor and Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica. In the evening watch world famous Kathakali dance show
Overnight stay in Kochi
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

This is the day for you to enjoy the Alleppey House Boat at backwaters of Kerala.
In the afternoon, check-in the Air-conditioned Houseboat (also known as Kettuvallam) and have your delicious lunch and dinner in the houseboat. You can have the backwater cruise for about four hours by passing through the canals and see the real life activities of the people on the backwaters. In the evening, the houseboat will be stopped at one place. Have a dinner and comfortable stay in the houseboat. Overnight stay in Alappuzha

Meals: Lunch + Dinner + Breakfast
Accommodation Deluxe Houseboat

Drive to Periyar, also known as Thekkady, the frontier between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. On arrival check in at your hotel. Have a Spice Plantation Tour. Visit the spice plantations with a guide who explains the medicinal benefits of each and every plant such as pepper, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg etc.
Or if you want to experience the Adventure Tour in Thekkady then you can do some interesting activities [On direct payment basis] like trekking in the Periyar Wildlife Reserve, elephant ride, boat ride, traditional ayurvedic massage. Have a walk in the spice streets. One more night stay in Thekkady

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Arrive Madurai and get transferred to your hotel.

Afterwards followed by a visit with the group to the ancient Meenakshi Amman Temple, Shop at the bargain-filled bazaars bursting with treasures and jewelry shops galore before returning to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, head to the gigantic Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace with its imposing courtyard, grand throne chambers and entry flanked by stone carved horses. Later visit a local dance school practicing Bharatnatyam. Meet with students to learn more about the dance and attend a performance

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Start your drive to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli). Have a stop for Cultural Trip at 'Amma Mandapam' - the holy banks of River Cauvery, where you can see the Hindu rites after the cremation. It's quite interesting to see the rituals performed by the Hindus with the help of the priest.
Proceed your travel for Srirangam Mystical Tour. Often listed among the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam was built between the 6th and the 9th centuries by the Azhwar Saints. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and is the 1st of the 108 Divya Desams or Vishnu Temples in the world. The temple complex has a span of 156 acres and is built in the Dravidian style of architecture.

Rockfort Uchchipillayar Temple refers to an ancient fort and the temple which is situated in the fort's highest reaches. The temple was built by the Pallavas in 508 AD are the oldest structure in the fort and is also a must be seen attraction. Overnight stay in Trichy

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Finish your breakfast and travel to enjoy the Sculptural Tour in Tanjore (Thanjavur). Thanjavur Art Gallery, situated within the Thanjavur Royal Palace, is one of the main attractions of Thanjavur town. Thanjavur Art Gallery, which is housed in the Nayak Hall of the place, has an wide collection of stone and bronze statues and idols belonging to the Chola period (8th - 9th centuries). Bronze statues belonging to the Pallava period are also exhibited here.

Visit the famous Brihadeeswara Temple also known as Big Temple, built in the year 1010 AD by the mighty Chola Emperor Raja Raja Chola. It remains as one of the greatest glories of Indian architecture.

Also visit Darasuram Temple. This temple is a storehouse of art and architecture and has some attractive stone carvings. Although this temple is much smaller than the Brihadeeswara Temple or the Gangaikondacholapuram Temple, it is more exquisite in detail. This is because this temple is said to have been built with nitya-vinoda, "perpetual entertainment", in mind. Both the temples are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as 'Great Living Chola Temples'.
Check-in to the hotel and relax! Overnight stay in Kumbakonam.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Today you will be travelling to Pondicherry (Puducherry). Enroute stop and visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple. The person who can be credited with the creation of this temple is King Rajendra Chola, son of Raja Raja Chola. Rajendra built this temple to recreate his father's achievement, the Brihadeeswara Temple of Thanjavur. This temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as 'Great Living Chola Temples'.

Check-in to the hotel and start your Pondicherry City Trip. Visit the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Despite the crowd, the members maintain discipline within the complex, restoring its peaceful environment. The ideals of the ashram are based on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and Mira Alfassa.
Visit the Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus, established in 1908 by the French missionaries and attained the status of basilica in 2011. This Catholic Church is one of the finest churches of Pondicherry and an excellent example of Gothic architecture.
In the evening, if you want then you can have Rickshaw Ride through French colonies and Commercial Streets. Overnight stay in Puducherry

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Today we will go to Kanchipuram Temple Tour. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Ekambareswarar Temple has been spoken about by Tamil poets who lived in the 2nd century. During the rule of Pallavas, the original structure was pulled down and new temple was built. During Chola dynasty, the temple was improvised. The temple in its present form was the work of Krishnadevaraya, the most famous Vijayanagar King of Hampi in the year 1509.
Belonging to the 8th century, Kailasanathar Temple is one amongst the oldest structures in the city and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pallava kings were famous for their love for architecture and one glance at the temple would suffice to understand the importance they attached to arts and architecture. The stone carvings with intricate and dedicated workings are beyond words.
Continue your drive to Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) and relax in the hotel. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Start your travel to UNESCO World Heritage Monumental Sites. Mahabalipuram, also called Mamallapuram is a historic town that finds mention in ancient Hindu mythology and legends. It was a bustling port city from 1st century BC till the time of the Pallavas in 9th century BC.
You can experience the competitive art works like Sea Shore Temple, Five Chariots, Arjuna's Penance, Krishna's Butter Ball, Varaha Cave etc. These are the monuments included in UNESCO's heritage site lists.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

This day you will be transferred to Chennai International Airport for your flight back home!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: No Hotel