The Jewels of India Tour
Simply the best overview of India
Trip Overview
Duration
18 Days
Trip Level
Easy 
Trip Type
Culture Tours 
Activities Included
Accommodation
Deluxe 4 star type Hotels, resorts and houseboats
Meals
Meals As specified in the itinerary Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D) Trip Highlights
Historic Capitals, ancient forts, monuments, temples, local markets, elephant ride, boat ride, beaches, short optional walks, Wildlife
Trip Description
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Transfer to the Cochin airport. Flight out of Cochin is extra depending on your next destination or Fly back home.
Included
- Accommodations in listed 4 star hotels (or similar) or in a heritage hotel.
- Daily breakfast, 8 lunches and 2 dinners.
- Overland transfers and sightseeing by A/C vehicle.
- Entrance fees.
- Local English speaking Guides.
- Full size group will also be accompanied by one national Wind Horse Tour Leader/Escort.
- Internal flight tickets (Jaipur to Udaipur, Udaipur to Mumbai, Mumbai to Chennai).
- Please note cost excludes flight from Cochin.
Not included
- Indian Visa.
- International airfare to Delhi and from flight out of Cochin.
- Meals those not listed in the inclusion.
Trip Map
