Trip Grade
Trip Price From US$ 3700 | See Details
Trip AccommodationDeluxe 4 star type Hotels, resorts and houseboats See Details
Group Size Max. 9 pax (Minimum 2)
MealsMeals As specified in the itinerary Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
RouteDelhi, overland to Agra, overland to Jaipur, fly to Udaipur, Fly to Mumbai, Fly to Chennai and drive to Mamallapuram, drive to Pondichery, drive to Tanjore via Kumbakonam, Madurai, drive to Munnar, Periyar National Park, House boat at Kumarakoram, drive and visit Cochin.
Trip Type Culture, Walking, Wildlife, Beach, Monuments
Best MonthsJanuary, February, March, November, December
Good MonthsApril, October
Lean MonthsMay, June, July, August, September
Trip highlights
Historic Capitals, ancient forts, monuments, temples, local markets, elephant ride, boat ride, beaches, short optional walks, Wildlife
This trip that summarize in a way that no other tour can match its richness of history, the monuments, diversity of landscapes, culture, people and even the different activities that have been included. This trip without a doubt captures the essence of the true spirit of India. Start your India journey from Delhi covering Udaipur following Mumbai, Chennai, Pondicherry, Munnar and Tamil Nadu tours. Finish with south India tours, which cover various historical and religious sites.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Welcome at Delhi Upon arrival at Delhi International airport you will be met by Windhorse representative and transferred to hotel.
Overnight stay at Hotel City Park or similar
Day 02: Delhi- Agra (B/L) In the morning, visit some of the landmark monuments of Old Delhi and New Delhi: Jama Masjid, President’s House, India Gate and other historical sites. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar and drive to Agra after lunch.
Overnight stay at Hotel Holiday Inn or similar
Day 03 & 04: Jaipur (B/L) At sunrise visit Taj Mahal and Red fort in Agra. Drive to Jaipur en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri. On the following day visit Amber Fort, Hawal Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory and stroll through the market of Jaipur.
Two nights stay at Hotel Narain Niwas Palace or similar
Day 05: Jaipur – Udaipur (B) In the morning fly to Udaipur. Visit Bhartiya Lok kala Mandal folk Art Museum & Gallery, Saheliyo Ki Bari Garden, Pratap Smarak memorial and drive along Lake Fateh Sagar. In the evening, ride a boat on Lake Pichola and enjoy the views of Palaces and landscapes including Lake Palace.
Overnight stay at hotel Raj Darshan or similar
Days 06 & 07: Mumbai (B) Visit City Palace in the morning and its museums in Udaipur. Later fly to Mumbai. On the following day go to the Gateway of India and take a ferry to visit Elephanta Caves. Later visit Prince of Wales museum, Mani Bhawan, Kamla Nehru Park, Jahangir Art Gallery and Juhu Beach area.
Overnight stay at hotel Ramee Guest Line or similar
Day 08: Mumbai – Chennai & Mamallapuram (B) Fly to Chennai (Madras). From Chennai airport travel to the seaside town of Mamallapuram. Visit Arjuna‘s Penance’ (bass relief), ‘Five Rathas’ (chariots) and the famous ‘shore temple’. We will also make a special visit to a sculpture studio.
Overnight stay at Mamallapuram in GRT Temple bay Resort or similar
Day 09: Mamallapuram – Pondicherry (B/L) Drive along the scenic east coast for about 2 hours to Pondicherry. Explore the area by walking through French quarters and visit an Ashram & Center of Aurobindo.
Overnight stay at hotel Le Duplex or similar.
Day 10: Pondicherry – Tanjore via Kumbakonam (B) Early morning drive to Tanjore. En-route visit temples of Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram (Airawatheshswar temple). In Tanjore, visit the World Heritage Brihadeshwara Temple and the Palace Museum.
Overnight stay at Tanjore in hotel Parisutham or similar.
Day 11: Tanjore – Madurai (B/L) Drive to Madurai to visit the famous Meenakshi Temple and stroll through the market area.
Overnight stay at Hotel GRT Regency or similar
Days 12 & 13: Munnar (B) Board the train from Madurai to Bodi Nayakannur (2 ½ hrs ride). Take a delightful drive up the Cardamom hills to Munnar, a popular hill resort with winding roads, picturesque towns, surrounded by tea estates and colorful market. On the following day take a jeep and visit Munar including trip to Eravikulam National Park.
Two nights stay at Hotel Tall trees or similar
Day 14: Munnar to Periyar (B/L) Drive through tranquil countryside and rich plantations to Periyar (Thekkady), home of one of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife reserves – the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger reserve. In the evening, take a boat trip on Periyar Lake to see the wild animals.
Overnight stay at Muthoot Cardamom County resort or similar
Day 15: House Boat (B/L/D) In the morning enjoy walk through spice and coffee plantations. Descend the hills of Periyar across rugged country roads through spice, tea and rubber plantations to Kumarakom. Board air-conditioned houseboat (Kettuvallams), which is the overnight accommodation as well as the transport for a relaxing cruise through the tranquil “Backwaters” of Kerala.
Overnight in House Boat
Days 16 & 17: Cochin (B/L/D) Disembark from the houseboats and drive for a little over an hour drive to Cochin (Kochi). Wander the old lanes of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry Palace. Here we come upon such incongruous sites comprised of a traditional Dutch architecture, a Portuguese palace, a synagogue and other oddities that reflect the European influence on Cochin. In the evening enjoy a traditional dinner and attend a performance of a traditional dance drama ‘Kathakali’. The following day is a free time in Cochin for shopping, rest or to pursue your own interests.
Two nights stay at Hotel Abad Atrium or similar
Day 18: Departure transfer & Journey Home (B) Transfer to the Cochin airport. Flight out of Cochin is extra depending on your next destination or Fly back home.
