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The Best of North and South India

Duration : 19 Days / 18 Nights
Destinaions Covered : Delhi - Agra - Bharatpur - Jaipur - Delhi - Mumbai - Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Trichy - Karaikudi - Madurai - Kovalam - Houseboat - Alleppey - Cochin - Mumbai Departure

Day 01 : Arrive in Delhi
Arrive in Delhi where you will be met at the airport by our representative, who will assist you with the transfer to your hotel. Day at leisure to acclimatise to India and relax, overnight in Delhi.

Day 02 : Delhi
Today you can take a sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi. There is much to see in India's capital city including India Gate, Parliament House, President House, Lotus Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid and Red Fort before an evening at leisure and overnight in Delhi.

Day 03 : Delhi - Agra
Drive to Agra and take a tour of the Fort. There are many artisans working around Agra some of whom create beautiful marble inlay work in the style used to create the Taj Mahal. You will have the option to see these craftsmen at work if you wish. Evening free to relax and overnight in Agra.

Taj Mahal at Sun Rise Time

Day 04 : Agra - Bharatpur
The best time of day to view the Taj Mahal is at dawn and immediately after. The rising sun creates an ever shifting array of colours across the marble faces of this magnificent edifice and this sight will live with you for many years. After breakfast, drive towards Bharatpur, enroute stopping at Fatehpur Sikri. This majestic sandstone city was briefly the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th Century and is wonderfully preserved. Bharatpur is very near to the famed Keoladeo Ghana National Park, which has the largest concentration and variety of bird life in all of Asia. Take an evening Rickshaw ride to the Park for twilight bird-watching. Overnight in Bharatpur.

Day 05 : Bharatpur - Jaipur
For serious bird enthusiasts, a second visit to the National Park will be a must as dawn is an excellent time to view the many colonies coming to life to greet the new day. After breakfast, drive to Jaipur. The Pink City as it is known is the modern day capital of Rajasthan and home to an astounding array of markets and bazaars. These are easily explored from your hotel. You have the option for an evening visit to Chokhi Dhani for Dinner, an ethnic village resort located at a distance 15 km from Jaipur. Evenings at Chokhi Dhani are very special. A Rajasthani village atmosphere is recreated on the sprawling ground and includes the entertainment by folk dancers and musicians. You can move around freely and enjoy the evening. Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 06 : Jaipur
There is plenty to take in on a full day's sightseeing around the city. You will visit the Amber Fort, ascending the ramparts on elephant back and taking a guided tour before returning a short distance to Jaipur to see the City Palace, Birla Temple, Jantar Mantar Observatory and the Palace of Winds. The evening is free and overnight in Jaipur.

Elephanta Caves, Mumbai

Day 07 : Jaipur - Delhi - Mumbai
Arise early for your flight to Delhi. Connect in Delhi onto your flight to Mumbai, India's largest city. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.

Day 08 : Mumbai
Take a full day to explore Mumbai with a morning city tour and an afternoon excursion across the harbour to the famous and intricately carved Elephanta Caves. Explore, if you wish, the exciting metropolis if this evening and overnight in Mumbai.

Day 09 : Mumbai - Chennai - Mahabalipuram
Transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Chennai where you will be met on arrival and then driven 90 minutes to Mahabalipuram. In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of this relaxed seaside town which is home to some of the most spectacular rock cut sculptures anywhere including the 7th century Shore Temple and Arjuna's Penance- the largest bas relief carving in the world. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Day 10 : Mahabalipuram - Trichy
After a relaxing morning on the beach, you will drive to Trichy in the temple heartland of Tamil Nadu. On the way enjoy a drive through rich agricultural land on your way to view the magnificent Sriranganathaswamy Temple on a large island in the Cauvery River. At sunset climb the nearby Rock Fort temple in Trichy city for spectacular views of the area. Overnight in Trichy.

Sri Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

Day 11 : Trichy - Karaikudi
This morning you will drive to the fascinating Chettinad region, an area whose merchants have a unique history of trade with myriad other groups, producing art, culture and cuisine quite unlike that in other parts of the South. Explore the town and visit the ornate Chettinad Palace. Overnight at Chettinad Mansion, Karaikudi.

Day 12 : Karaikudi - Madurai
After a morning visit to the nearby hand painted tile factory, drive to Madurai, where in the afternoon you can visit the Nayak Palace and Sri Meenakshi Temple, one of the largest and most vibrant in Tamil Nadu. Overnight in Madurai.

Day 13 : Madurai
Morning visit the home of Dr Shobana Kumar, an accomplished artist in the Tanjore style. She has a small gallery in her home and is happy to explain the processes involved in this unique style of painting. The afternoon is free for another visit to Meenakshi Temple or for shopping and personal activities. Overnight in Madurai.

Day 14 : Madurai - Kovalam
This morning drive to Kanyakumari for lunch and a chance to see the southern-most tip of the Indian subcontinent. At this point three bodies of water meet- the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Continue on via Padmanabapuram Teak Palace and then to Kovalam. Enjoy the beach and the many seaside restaurants and overnight in Kovalam.

Kovalam Beach

Day 15 : Kovalam
Full day for relaxation on the beautiful beaches of Kovalam.

Day 16 : Kovalam - Houseboat
After breakfast drive towards Cochin visiting Krishnapuram Palace on the way. At Thottapally, board a private houseboat and commence your cruise on the unique backwaters of Kerala with traditional Keralan meals prepared on board by your crew. Overnight on the Houseboat.

Day 17 : Alleppey - Cochin
Disembark the motor boat at Alleppey and drive 90 minutes to Cochin. Afternoon at leisure with time to explore the town and later in the evening witness the famous Kathakali Dance performance performed by professional artists in an Air-Conditioned Auditorium. Overnight in Cochin.

Day 18 : Cochin
Today enjoy the historic sights of Cochin including Hill Palace Museum, Parisath Thamburan Museum, The Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace. This evening you can witness the Kalari Payattu traditional Keralan Martial Arts. Overnight in Cochin.

Day 19 : Cochin - Mumbai Departure
Transfer to the airport for flight to Mumbai and then to make international connection home.

NOTE : Please note that this, and all other itineraries on this website, are suggested programmes only and can be modified to suit your individual needs and interests.