Best of North & South India Tour

Tips for Travellers for Planning their Tour

1. Plan Your Itinerary Wisely

• Balance Destinations: Include a mix of historical, cultural, and natural sites to get a well-rounded experience.
• Travel Time: Consider the distances between locations and travel times. Train travel can be scenic but may take longer than flying.

2. Stay Hydrated and Healthy

• Drink Bottled Water: Avoid tap water; always opt for bottled or filtered water.
• Eat Carefully: Enjoy local cuisine, but choose reputable restaurants to minimize food-related issues.

3. Pack Appropriately

• Clothing: Pack lightweight, breathable clothes for South India and warmer layers for North India, especially in winter.
• Comfortable Footwear: Bring sturdy shoes for walking and exploring.

4. Respect Local Customs

• Dress Modestly: In religious sites, wear modest clothing. For women, covering shoulders and legs is often required.
• Remove Shoes: Be prepared to remove shoes when entering temples or homes.

5. Learn Basic Local Phrases

• Knowing a few words in Hindi or the local language (like Tamil or Telugu) can enhance your interactions and show respect to locals.

6. Use Reliable Transportation

• Book in Advance: For long-distance travel, book trains or flights ahead of time.
• Local Transportation: Use trusted apps like Uber or Ola for taxis in cities, or consider hiring a local driver for a day.

7. Stay Connected

• Mobile SIM Card: Consider getting a local SIM card for internet access and navigation.
• Download Maps: Offline maps can be helpful in areas with limited connectivity.

8. Be Mindful of Scams

• Stay Alert: Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or tours.
• Negotiate: If using local transport or buying from markets, be prepared to negotiate prices.

9. Cultural Experiences

• Attend Festivals: If your trip coincides with local festivals, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the celebrations.
• Explore Local Markets: Visit local bazaars for unique souvenirs and an authentic shopping experience.

10. Take Care of Your Health

• Carry a First Aid Kit: Include essential medications and basic first-aid supplies.
• Stay Active: Try to maintain a healthy routine while traveling to stay energized.

11. Use Trusted Guides

• Consider hiring local guides who can provide insights and enrich your experience with historical and cultural context.

12. Stay Flexible

• Be prepared for changes in plans due to weather, local events, or unexpected closures. Flexibility can lead to spontaneous adventures.

Itinerary

Day 1-2: Delhi

Our representative will receive you on arrival at the airport in Delhi and will take you to your hotel.

New Delhi the capital of India is one of the most charming & happening place in the world. With thousands of sightseeing places like India Gate, Red fort, Jama Masjid and of course The Connaught Place. This city has been beautifully planned with extra greenery to suite your eyes! Delhi is surely the travelers delight.

Activities: Our full day tour of Delhi will highlight the remarkable contrast between Old and New Delhi. We will visit iconic historical monuments like Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and the Jama Masjid which is also the largest mosque in Asia. Form the mosque we will take a ride in Rickshaw to absorb the sights and sounds of the famous Chandani Chowk market in the heart of Old Delhi.

We will also visit the Gandhi memorial at Raj Ghat, India Gate, Lotus Temple, Presidents residence, National Museum and modern wonders such as the Akshardham Temple.

Day 3-4: Delhi – Varanasi

By flight or by Train

One of the most ancient cities of the world often referred to as the ‘Spiritual Capital of India’, Varanasi is just abode of Gods. Located on the bank of holy river Ganga, religious souls from all over the globe gather here to take a holy dip into its sacred water. There are hundreds of ‘Ghats’ (embankments) there on which rituals are performed every evening. The mystifying spiritual essence in the air will surely make your mind pious and afresh.

Activities: We will enjoy an early morning boat ride on the Ganges following with visits to various temples on the Ghats. Later we will visit the BHU (the biggest university campus in Asia) and Bharat Kala Bhawan.

In the afternoon we will visit Sarnath, the place where the legendary Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma. You can also call it a “monument city”, as from the periphery to the center; Sarnath is full of magnificent architectural masterpieces. Murals [wall paintings] are just visual treats!

Day 5: Varanasi – Khajuraho

By flight

Khajuraho Its name comes from the word Kajur in Hindi language which means 'date palm". Here we can see the largest set of Hindu temples of the country, famous for their erotic sculptures (famously known as Kama Sutra). The entire area is walled, with eight doors that allow the entrance to the complex. Each one of these doors is flanked by two palm trees. Originally there were about 80 temples of the remaining 22 in a good state of preservation.

The temples were built in a space of time of about a hundred years, between the 950 and the 1050 and are considered by UNESCO as World Heritage Site.

Activities: We will visit the Western and Eastern group of temples which contains sculptures of lovers and women playing various musical instruments or performing actions such as make-up or bathing, temples decorated with erotic sculptures. See a giant statue of Lord Vishnu at the Chaturbhuja Temple.

In the evening we will enjoy the Light and Sound Show in the temple complex.

Day 6-7: Khajuraho – Orchha – Jhansi

By road in 4 hr. (175 Km)

En route visit to Orchha where we can witness the magnificence of the ancient India. We will visit Ram Raja Temple, Jahangir Mahal and Chaturbhuja Temple which makes Orchha noteworthy.

Jhansi – Agra- By train

Agra “the city of love and perfection”, “the wonder city” or the “Taj city” whatever you call- it mean the same, the wonder of the world – The great Taj Mahal, which is perhaps the world’s largest token for love. Visit the massive structure master piece to explore the white marble mausoleum which is the pinnacle of architecture. Apart from Taj Mahal, Agra also has some other place of attraction like Agra Fort and Buland Darwaja.

Activities: Here we will enjoy the visit (at sunrise and sunset) to the legendary Taj Mahal, built as a memorial to the wife of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. We will also see the Red Fort, where Shah Jahan spent the last few years of his life after being imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb and Itmad-ud-daulah, at times also known as the “Baby Taj”. People also say that the interiors of this tomb are better than that of Taj Mahal.

While driving from Agra to Jaipur, we will visit Fatehpur Sikri which is also one of the best preserved collections of Mughal architecture in India. The finest example is the Buland darwaja which is stupendously made entrance gate to a mosque. We can also visit the Tomb of Salim Chisti which is a white marble encased tomb of Sufi saint Salim Chisti.

Day 8-9: Agra – Jaipur

By road in 3 hr. (140 Km)

Jaipur the Capital and the  largest city in the state of Rajasthan is rich in heritage, culture and architecture with splendid forts, palaces, temples and beautiful quiet havelis. Apart from these captivating attractions, Jaipur also shows exquisite craftsmanship and stunning jewelry. These intricate artworks give life and color to the uniqueness of this pink city. In addition, the serenity of lush gardens and floral variety gives us fabulous scenery.

Activities: We will begin our Jaipur excursion with a ride on decorated elephants to visit the Amber Fort Palace, a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu style of architecture & have option of Elephant Ride in the Fort.

Later, back in the city we will visit the City Palace, Hawa Mahal (the Palace of the Winds), Jantar Mantar – world’s largest stone observatory and the Birla Temple. In the evening, explore the Old City of Jaipur and visit Choki Dhani to enjoy an exuberant Folk Dance performance and a puppet show.

** Accommodation in Mud Cottages (beautiful cottage with all the hotel amenities)

Day 10-11: Jaipur – Jodhpur

By road in 5 hr. (310 Km)

Jodhpur also known as the “Blue City” is home to the daring Rathore Rajputs. Situated in the desert of Thar, the splendor that Jodhpur exhibits in its temples and palaces is what transforms it into a chaotically charming city.

Activities: We will visit the Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India; Jaswant Thada and the Umaid Bhawan Museum. In the evening we will embark on a Jeep Safari to visit the “Bishnoi Village”, a community of nature worshipers who are committed to protecting trees and wildlife.

Day 12-13: Jodhpur – Udaipur

By road in 5 hr. (255 Km)

En route visit to Ranakpur Jain Temples.

Ranakpur is located in a shady valley surrounded by lush green forests, to the north of Udaipur, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is one of the most beautiful white marbled Jain Temple complexes in India and one of the five major holy places of Jainism.

Udaipur - Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar Lake, Swaroop Sagar… and the list of lakes in this city goes to infinity! Often referred to as the ‘city of Lakes’, Udaipur is located in eastern Rajasthan. With heart throbbing Palaces all around the city, Udaipur is a major tourist destination of India. “Dudh Talai” & “Gulab Bagh” is a must watch for nature lovers.

The magnificent ‘City Palace’ has everything that screams to you the history of this metropolis.

Activities: In Udaipur, our day excursion will include the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Bagore Ki Haveli, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Vintage Car Museum and a visit to the Crystal Gallery Museum of the City Palace. In the evening we will enjoy a boat ride on scenic Lake Pichola.

Day 14: Udaipur – Chennai

By flight

CHENNAI known as Madras is the cradle of Dravidian civilization, one of the oldest cultures in the world. The metropolis has few tall buildings but we would recommend enjoying and relaxing in the provincial market instead of the bustle of a big city atmosphere.

Activities: We will visit Santhome Cathedral, constructed by the Portuguese during 14 & 15th century in the name of Saint Thomas; St. George Fort, one the first constructions of the East India Company en India; Rippon Building, with more than hundred years of life this building was named after the Governor Rippon who was the father of autonomy in India.

Day 15-16: Chennai – Mahabalipuram

By road in 1 hr. (52 Km)

On the way you will visit Kanchipuram, also known as "the golden city" or "city of a thousand temples". It is one of the seven holy cities of India. Most important temples of Kanchipuram are the Kailasanatha, the Sri Kanakshi and Varadarajaswam.

Mahabalipuram: One can call it a city of Stones and Carvings! With lots of temples here and around, Mahabalipuram provides excellent sightseeing!

Shore temples, Five Rathas, and the Sculpture Museum add to the beauty of this fascinating city!

Activities: We will visit the shining Shore temples dedicated to Lord Shiva; the temple of Anantasayana or ‘reclining Vishnu’; Arjuna’s Penance, Pancha Pandava Rathas, the Varaha Cave, Krishna’s Butterball. In the evening relax on the beach.

Day 17-18: Mahabalipuram – Chennai

By road in 1 hr. (52 Km) -Chennai – Madurai -By train

Madurai - The Athens of the East- attracts large number of tourists from worldwide. It is synonymous with the highly acclaimed Meenakshi Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other center of attraction includes Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Thirupparankundaram Temple and Gandhi Museum.

Activities: We will visit the thousand pillared Madurai Meenakshi Temple; the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple; Koodal Alagar Temple; Thirumalai Nayak Palace; and Gandhi Museum.

In the evening we can enjoy a Light and Sound Show in temple complex.

Day 19: Madurai – Thekkady

By road in 2.5 hr. (139 Km)

Thekkady is a true paradise for nature lovers. The Periyar National Park is located at the top of the ranges of Western Ghats in the southern state of Kerala. It is a wildlife sanctuary famous for its dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savanna grass lands leaf. It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, gaur etc... It also has a lake in the heart of the sanctuary, which is a veritable paradise for all wildlife lovers.

Activities: We will enjoy a boat ride in the scenic Periyar Lake amid lush, calm environs of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. A Naturalist accompanying us on the boat will explain all about Periyar’s wildlife. Glimpse elephants frolic; see gaurs and bison’s along the lake shore bathing, drinking, resting; sight River Otters – the only lake mammal here. In the evening we will visit the tea and spice plantations.

Día 20: Thekkady – Cochin

By road in 3.5 hr. (155 Km)

Cochin officially known as Kochi is a major city in the state of Kerala. It has one of the major seaports of the country and is located in the district of Ernakulum, about 220 kilometers north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram. The combination of several villages on the coast of southwest created the current incarnation of Kochi (Cochin or), where walking at sunset, try fresh fish from offshore vendors and boat ride around the islands off the coast are part of the most popular activities among visitors. The art centers present traditional dance, Kathakali.

Activities: We will start our excursion with a visit to the Old Fort Area, one of the most ancient Jewish communities of the world constructed in 1568. Later we will visit the Dutch Palace & Cemetery; St. Francis Church with the grave of Vasco da Gama; will stroll through the spice and antique markets and see the Chinese fishing nets. In evening we will enjoy traditional Kathakali dance performances or even a kaleidoscope of martial arts and traditional dance forms of Kerala.

Day 21: Cochin – Alleppey

By road in 3hr. (145 Km)

Alleppey washed by the silvery waves of the Arabian Sea, which is nicknamed "the Venice of the East", welcomes you. The city dedicated to nature has canals, backwaters and picturesque lagoons. The "snake boat races" are the most significant traditional event in Alleppey. This city is also considered as the oldest planned city in this region and the lighthouse built on the coast of the city adds to the beauty of this place.

Activities: Cruise Kerala's backwaters in a traditional houseboat which will give you a distinctly unique experience! These quaint slow moving exotic barges have all the creature comforts of a hotel – furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, living rooms, kitchen and a balcony for viewing/angling – shaded and with uninterrupted amazing views of an untouched, rather inaccessible rural Kerala. Your food will be prepared and served on the boat itself. The next morning we will disembark in Kumarakom. !

Day 22-24: Kumarakom – Kovalam

By road in 3hr. (145 Km)

Kovalam is basically a beach based city which is often referred to as the Paradise of South! There are endless stretches of Coconut Trees which keeps you hooked to the beauty of this place. There are endless numbers of beach resorts that allow you to take some sleep in nature’s lap! You can even try your hand at fishing with the help of the local fishermen of that area.

The beach complex also includes a number of Ayurveda health resorts, shopping areas and centers of yoga and Ayurvedic massage.

Activities: Relax at the beaches and visit local temples and shopping areas in the city.

We will do an excursion to Kanyakumari; the southernmost tip of India- formerly called Cape Comorin. It’s basically an n extension of the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats Range of India. Kanyakumari is notable basically for pilgrimage. Also the multi-colored beach sands will make your heart go fly!

Day 25-26: Kovalam – Mumbai

By flight -Soothing weather, sea beaches and a fabulous metropolitan city with magnificent nightlife- Mumbai! -The hotspot for tourists- is all about falling in love with this city. The more time you will spend here, the more will get connected with it!

From Juhu Beach to Marine Drive...from Gateway of India to the Prince of Wales museum Mumbai is surely a visitor’s delight.

For the religious people - there is the Great Siddhivinayak Temple, Hajrat Ali Shrine & Mahalakshmi Temple, and the famous Elefanta Caves – which attract pilgrims from all over India!

Activities: While exploring the city we will see the Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus Railway Station, Mumbai High Court, scenic Marine Drive, Flora Fountain, and Prince of Wales Museum. Visit Hanging Gardens, Kamala Nehru Park, Mani Bhavan, Dhobi Ghat, Crawford Market, Hanuman Circle; Partially glimpse the Parsi Tower of Silence from afar while driving past. Explore vibrant Markets and Bazaars. Enjoy the evening on the famous Chowpatty beach.

Day 27: Mumbai – Departure

Today we will visit the Elefanta Caves, complex ancient rock-cut temples of 600 AD.

Return back to the Mumbai City. Rest of the ay is at leisure. And, as per your international flight schedule you will be transferred to airport for flight back home.