This tour plan gives you an ideal programme to visit most of the iconic locations of the country, which is popular among the global travellers. The historic monument Mahabalipuram, pristine beaches of Pondicherry and alluring backwaters of Kerala give you a clear picture about the culture and lifestyle of Southern part of the country. Delhi and Rajasthan give you a unique experience with its magnificent palaces and forts. Don’t afford to miss the mausoleum in marble, Taj Mahal, the touristic icon of India. India never fails to fascinate you, indeed surpasses your expectations this time and every time.
Arrival Chennai
Incredible India welcomes you!! On your arrival at Chennai airport you will be received by our Guest Relations Executive. He will introduce you to your driver who will be with you throughout your trip. Proceed to your pre-booked hotel and rest of the day is at your leisure. Stay overnight in Chennai – Hotel: Trident Hotel/Premier Room
Chennai – Mahablipuram – Pondicherry (3.5 Hours)
Post breakfast, start your drive to visit the famous UNESCO monuments in Mahablipuram, the most frequented South Indian Coastal Town. The popular monuments are Arjuna’s penance, Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Krishna’s butterball. Marvel the grandeur of these ancient monuments, historic temples for their unique sculptures, get to know about the culture and tradition of the natives during your visit.
Resume your drive to Pondicherry, the former French colony in India, still possessing the charm and grace of the French Culture. Check into the hotel and rest of the day is for your own activities exploring the city. Stay overnight in Pondicherry – Hotel: Palais De Mahe/Deluxe with Private Terrace
Pondicherry
Start your day with a visit to Auroville, a Universal Town where people from different nationalities, faiths and beliefs, live in peace and harmony.
After lunch you will have an exclusive guided walking tour around the French Quarter including a visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Stay overnight in Pondicherry – Hotel: Palais De Mahe/Deluxe with Private Terrace
Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Gangaikondacholapuram – Tanjore (5 Hours)
This day is for visiting the legendary temple architectures of the Great Chola Dynasty. Post breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Chidambaram. Visit Lord Nataraja temple, an amazing temple architecture housing Lord Shiva as the presiding deity. This is one of the FIVE Pancha Bootha Sthala temples, representing Air. Lord Natraja is acclaimed as the cosmic dancer. After exploring the beauty of Chidambaram temple, proceed to Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Gangai Konda Cholapuram is frequented by the global travellers for the magnificent Shiva temple built by the Great Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola. The temple is a replica of the Big Temple at Tanjore. The huge idols of Linga, Bull and the Lion are mesmerising everyone. After thoroughly enjoying in the temple, resume your drive to Tanjore. Check into the hotel and rest of the day is at your leisure.
Stay overnight in Tanjore – Hotel: Svatma/Heritage Deluxe Room
Tanjore – Chettinad – Madurai (3.5 Hours)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel, proceed to visit the thousand years old architectural wonder, Brihadeeswara temple, built by the Emperor Raja Raja Chola. The temple is the finest example for Dravidian architecture, housing the giant idols of Linga and Bull. Saraswathy Mahal Library and Art Gallery with the large collection of Chola Bronze statues are the other iconic locations of Tanjore one must visit.
After visiting Tanjore you will drive to Madurai, stopover in Chettinad for Lunch at Visalam, the palatial residence turned into a luxury property. Chettinad is the home town of popular business community Chettiars known for their royal residences exhibiting architectural elegance. Relish the Chettinad cuisines loaded with spicy dishes made mainly with sun dried meat and salted vegetables. After a sumptuous lunch, resume your drive to Madurai and check into the hotel.
Stay overnight in Madurai – Hotel: Heritage Hotel/Luxury Villa
Madurai Sightseeing
Post breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Madurai, world’s one of the oldest cities with longest surviving civilization. First, visit the grandest Meenakshi – Sundareswarar Temple, located exactly at the geographical center of the city around which the entire city is constructed in the form of concentric squares. Meenakshi temple is the classical example of Vijayanagar temple architecture exhibiting intricately designed figurines and sculptures. You may also visit Gandhi Museum established in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation, Thirumalai Nayak Palace which was built by King Thirumalai Nayak in 1636 AD. After exploring the iconic locations of the city, you are free for your own activities of exploring the colorful markets and other areas.
Stay overnight in Madurai – Hotel: Heritage Hotel/Luxury Villa
Madurai – Periyar (4 Hours)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Periyar, the popular Tiger Reserve in Kerala. Check into the hotel and relax for a while. Explore the nature around the property, walk through the lush green spice plantations like Cardamom, Pepper, Coffee and Tea. Interact with the people to know the culture native to the place. Later in the evening, watch the Kalaripayattu Show, an ancient martial art form, a spine chilling performance indeed!
Stay overnight in Periyar – Hotel: Spice Village/ Spice Garden Cottage
Periyar
Post breakfast, start for a boat ride in the Periyar Wildlife region. The lake crossing through the wildlife will be an ideal location from where you can witness the movement of birds and animals along the banks. Your post lunch session will be a nature walk, extending from 2.30PM to 5PM. Marvel the beauty of nature during this walk and experience the essence of nature as it is.
Stay overnight in Periyar – Hotel: Spice Village/ Spice Garden Cottage
Periyar – Alleppey Houseboat (4 Hours)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and start your drive to Alleppey, popularly known as “Venice of East”. The alluring backwaters of Alleppey attract large number of travellers from all corners of the world. Embark into a Luxury Houseboat and get yourself ready for a cruise on the shallow backwaters. While moving on the backwaters, witness Kuttanadu farming, coir making and fishing and day to day to activities of the local people. It is wonderful to see the people of Kerala living in harmony with nature.
Houseboat Cruise in Alleppey gives you a unique experience of witnessing different kinds of people and ambience connected closely with beautiful water networks. Enjoy your stay in the houseboat with welcome drink, lunch, snack, dinner and breakfast, everything prepared afresh by the crew on board.
Stay overnight at 24Hrs Air-conditioned Private Luxury House Boat
Alleppey – Marari Beach (30 Mins)
After your breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and start your drive to Marari, a popular beach destination in Kerala. The vibrant green coconut trees along the shores add beauty to the ambience. The white sandy shores, alluring ocean and the sea breeze open up doors for discovering the nature’s beauty. Relax yourself and get rejuvenated before proceeding for a special dinner at “Beach Grill” or “Chakara”, the popular seafood restaurants at the Marari Beach Resort.
Stay overnight in Marari – Hotel: Carnoustie Beach Resort/Akund Deluxe Villa
Marari Beach
Besides the pristine beaches, Ayurveda Spa is a popular attraction in Marari Beach. The ancient therapeutic techniques are available with all modern amenities with the award winning standards. The resort also offers exclusive early morning yoga sessions. The whole day is at leisure to relax and unwind at the beach with authentic ayurvedic massages, yoga etc.
Stay overnight in Marari beach – Hotel: Carnoustie Beach Resort/Akund Deluxe Villa
Marari Beach – Cochin (2 Hours)
Post breakfast, check out from the hotel and start your drive to Cochin, frequented by the global travellers round the year. Check into the hotel. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a Cooking Demo session along with a delicious lunch.
Stay overnight in Fort Cochin – Hotel: Brunton Boatyard/ Sea Facing
Cochin Sightseeing Tour
This full day is for Cochin Sightseeing Tour. The 15th century Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St.Francis Church are the popular attractions of Cochin. After visiting all these places impressing you with the touch of Dutch and Portuguese culture, proceed to Folklore Museum.
Later in the evening, visit the Chinese fishing nets, and the sunset is the most scenic moment to enjoy from the shore. After this, proceed to watch the cultural dance show at Greenix, where the artistes perform a combination of various classical dance forms.
Stay overnight in Fort Cochin – Hotel: Brunton Boatyard/ Sea Facing
Cochin – Wayanad (6 Hours)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Wayanad, the most beautiful destination of Kerala. It is a six hours’ drive from Cochin and after reaching Wayanad, check into the hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure to experience the real essence of nature.
Stay overnight in Wayanad – Hotel: Tranquil/Tree Villa
Wayanad – Mysore (3 Hours)
Post breakfast, check out from the hotel and start your drive to Mysore, a popular tourist attraction in Karnataka. Enjoy your journey through the scenic routes with lush green ambience on both sides. You may even witness herds of elephants crossing the road at a very close proximity. Reach Mysore and check into the hotel. Relax for a while. Later in the evening, stroll through Devaraja Market, the iconic location of Mysore.
Stay overnight in Mysore - Royal Orchid Metropole/Maharaja Suite
Mysore Sightseeing
This day is for sightseeing tour of Mysore City. Start your tour visiting Mysore Palace, the residence of the Royal Family. The innate paintings and the elegant architecture is mesmerising every visitor. The exhibits describing the Annual Dussehra processions are unique visual retreats.
You may also visit St. Philomena's Church, known as the second largest church in Asia. Later in the evening, visit the Chamundi Hills and Bull temple, the spiritual centers of Karnataka.
Stay overnight in Mysore - Royal Orchid Metropole/Maharaja Suite
Srirangapatna – Shravanabelagola – Chickmagaluru (4.5 Hours)
This day you will be transferred to Chikmagalur, land of coffee. On your way there, stop at Srirangapatna, popular for the Renganathaswamy temple, where Lord Renganatha is in his reclining posture on the banks of River Mighty Cauvery. Tipu Sultan and Srirangpatna are remembered together and his final resting place is at this town. Resume your drive to Shravanabelagola, a popular pilgrim center in Jainism sect. The statue of Bahubali or Gomateswara is the world’s first monolithic statue at a height of 57 feet and the statue, even after 11 centuries since its inception in 981AD, is an architectural wonder. Resume your drive to Chikmagalur and check into the hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure.
Stay overnight in Chickmagaluru - Hotel: The Gateway/Cottage Garden
Chikmagalur – Belur – Halebeid - Chikmagalur
This day, you will be on a day tour to Belur and Halebid, popularly known for the temples built as a classical example for Hoysala architecture. The 12th century structures still possess the char and grace attracting everyone to explore the beauty.
The temple at Belur houses Lord Vishnu called as chennaKesava, a typical Hoysala style temple, commissioned in 1117 CE. The pictorial narrations of the great Hindu epic Ramayana attracts the visitors. Halebid, another historic destination known for the Hoysaleswara temple is at a distance of 25kms from Belur.
After exploring both the historic destinations, return to Chikmagalur.
Stay overnight in Chickmagaluru - Hotel: The Gateway/Cottage Garden
Chikmagalur – Hampi
Post breakfast, check out from the hotel and start your drive to Hampi, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The six hours long drive will take you to Hampi. Once you reach Hampi, check into the hotel and rest of the day is at your leisure. Explore the area around on your own.
Stay overnight in Hampi – Hotel: Evolve Back/Nilaya
Hampi
Hampi has a strong reference in the history as world’s second richest temple next to Vatican during Vijayanagara Empire. Though you can see only the remains in this ancient city, the grandeur of the architectures makes you spellbound. The temples and the other structures established on the banks of River Tungabadhra is an eternal beauty to be enjoyed.
Here you will explore the ancient temples – Ha qwe zara Rama Temple – one of the most important shrine in Hampi, a small yet very beautiful temple located in the centre of Royal area. This was once a private temple for the kings and the royal family of Vijayanagara.
Virupaksha Temple, functioning uninterruptedly ever since its inception in the 7th century AD. This is the oldest and the major temple in Hampi. You may also explore Vijaya Vittala Temple and Achyutaraya Temple.
Stay overnight in Hampi – Hotel: Evolve Back/Nilaya
Hampi – Hubli-Dharwad Airport (4 Hours) Fly – Udaipur
This day you will be traveling to Udaipur. Post breakfast, you will start your drive to Hubli – Dharwad airport. From there board your flight to Udaipur. Once you reach Udaipur, you will be met by our associate and he will assist you for a smooth check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure.
Stay overnight in Udaipur – Hotel: Taj Lake Palace/Luxury Lake View
Udaipur Sightseeing
Udaipur is popular among the travelers as most romantic destination of Rajasthan. With a manmade lake- Lake Pichola and the city around it, the city beholds the captivating beauty to enjoy.
This full day is for exploring the beautiful city Udaipur. Start your visit with City Palace, standing majestically at the banks of Lake Pichola, built in different phases since 1559 AD. Continue to visit Jagdish temple, built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651 A.D. It is a good example of Indo - Aryan architecture. Then visit Saheliyon Ki Bari one of the most beautiful gardens and a major tourist destination in Udaipur. Later in the evening you will enjoy an exclusive romantic boat ride on Lake Picola.
Stay overnight in Udaipur – Hotel: Taj Lake Palace / Luxury Lake View
Udaipur – Ranakpur – Jodhpur (6 Hours)
Today you will drive to Jodhpur as known as "The Sun City” because of its bright and sunny weather throughout the year. On your way,stop at Ranakpur, popular for the magnificent Jain Temple. Reach Jodhpur and check into the hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure.
Stay overnight in Jodhpur – Hotel: Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace /Palace
Jodhpur Sightseeing
Explore Jodhpur today. Start with the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, the walls of the fort enclose a variety of handsome, red sandstone buildings, palaces, barracks, temples and havelis. Delicately latticed windows and pierced screens carved in sandstone are the surprising motifs inside the fort.
Then visit Jaswant Thada, white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II is at a short distance from the fort, just off the fort road. The cenotaph, built in 1899, gets extended with the royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs adjacently laid.
Later in the evening, you can explore this colorful city with a guided city walking tour - Explore the narrow alleyways of the Blue City to meet locals and listen to the interesting stories of Jodhpur and its living traditions. Discover ancient step well, give a try with some mouthwatering sweets of Jodhpur, like Julab Jamun, Mave ki kachori etc. Visit fee community kitchen, Grain Mandi & Clock Tower in this bustling city.
Stay overnight in Jodhpur – Hotel: Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace /Palace
Jodhpur – Jaipur (6 Hours)
Post breakfast, check out from hotel and start your drive to Jaipur – the Pink city and the capital of royal ‘Rajasthan”. Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar are few of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of this magnificent city. Besides, Jaipur is dotted with home to many magnificent forts, palaces, temples and museums which will take you back to 17th century AD. Reach Jaipur, check into the hotel and relax for a awhile. You can spend the evening exploring the colourful market or just relax in the hotel.
Stay overnight in Jaipur – Hotel: Oberoi Rajvilas/Premier Room
Jaipur
Explore Jaipur for the day. Start with the magnificent Amber Fort, It stands atop a mountain, which is situated right next to the beautiful Maota Lake. Built using red sandstone and white marble, it presents a fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. This palace complex was used as the main residence of the Rajput Maharajas for a long period of time. You may also explore the City palace, Palace of winds, Jaisingh Observatory, Jantar Mantar and Albert Hall Museum.
Stay overnight in Jaipur – Hotel: Oberoi Rajvilas/Premier Room
Jaipur Sightseeing
Continue visiting the iconic locations of Jaipur today. Every traveller visiting Jaipur never misses the chance to play at one of the oldest and the most important Golf Clubs in India “The Rambagh Golf Club”.
Stay overnight in Jaipur – Hotel: Oberoi Rajvilas/Premier Room
Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (5 Hours)
You will have to start a little early today and proceed to Agra, on the way visit Fatehpur Sikri. Agra fascinates everyone with its grandest and most beautiful Taj Mahal, attracting lakhs of tourists from all corners of the world round the year. Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The detail of the marble inlay work using precious stones needs closer examination to fully appreciate the craftsmanship. Reach Agra, check into the hotel and relax for a while. Later in the evening, proceed to enjoy the beauty of Taj Mahal getting reflected in the Yamuna River. Taj Mahal is at its pinnacle of beauty if it happens to be a full moon day.
Stay overnight in Agra – Hotel: Oberoi Amar Vilas/Premier Room
Agra – Delhi (4 Hours)
arly in the morning you will visit Taj Mahal to witness the beauty of the Taj during the sun rise later return to the hotel for breakfast.
Then you will explore Agra Fort built in red sandstone with its magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and its beautiful gardens. This is where Emperor Shah Jahan spent the last phase of his life,Later drive to Delhi and relax for the day.
Stay overnight in Delhi –Hotel: Oberoi New Delhi/Luxury Room
Delhi
After breakfast head for sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Visit the historic Red Fort – Shah Jahan’s elegant citadel built in red sandstone in the shape of an octagon measuring 900m by 550m and surrounded by a 9-meter deep moat, which was at its inception fed by the waters of the Yamuna River. Close to the Fort is the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), India’s largest mosque which was also built by Shah Jahan. Later, visit Raj Ghat – the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
Afternoon: Sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Visit the Qutab Minar, a Tower of Victory which was built in the 12th century by Qutbuddin Aibak. The Tomb Of Humayun – the magnificent structure in red sandstone and white marble is one of the finest examples of the garden tomb, and a precursor to Taj Mahal. Its proportionate spaces, double dome and refined elegance are characteristic of Mughal architecture. Later visit the Lotus Temple (closed on Mondays).
Stay overnight in Delhi – Hotel : Oberoi New Delhi / Luxury Room
Delhi Departure
Today you will be transferred to Delhi international airport to take your outbound flight, fly back home with fond memories of your tour to incredible India, Country that never fails to charm its visitors.
Tour ends with beautiful memories!!!!
