GRAND TOUR OF INCREDIBLE INDIA

Destinations :
Duration : 26 Days / 25 Nights


Tour Highlights:-

Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Delhi

On arrival at New Delhi International Airport, you will be met and greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Day 02: Delhi – Mandawa (260km)

After breakfast in the morning, proceed for sightseeing  tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi by chauffeur-driven car. Major attractions are Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, India Gate, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Raj Ghat and Birla Temple. Drive to Mandawa, Rajasthan.   Upon arrival in Mandawa, transfer to your hotel.

Day 03: Mandawa – Bikaner (180km)

Mandawa is a small town in Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Not only Mandawa, but the entire Shekhawati region is widely reputed for beautifully painted havelis, forts and palaces with murals, miniature paintings, frescoes, etc. That’s, Shekhawati is also described as the “Open Air Art Gallery”. After breakfast in the morning, proceed to explore the splendid havelis of Mandawa. You will have a brilliant opportunity to see beautiful paintings, murals and frescoes while exploring the havelis, forts and palaces. Also visit the Fort Castle Mandawa. Later proceed to Bikaner (Rajasthan) in the afternoon. On arrival in Bikaner, our representative will transfer you to your pre-booked hotel. Proceed for sightseeing. Visit the magnificent Junagarh Fort & the museum inside the fort complex. The museum encompasses the history of Bikaner from the day of its construction that dates back to the 16 the century. Visit the elegant Lalgarh Palace. Later visit the Camel Breeding Farm & Research Centre. In the evening stroll in the bustling local bazaars of the city.

Day 04: Bikaner – Pokhran – Jaisalmer (330km)

After breakfast at the hotel proceed to a journey across the vast Thar Desert to arrive at Pokhran . Visit the 15th century fortress of Pokhran where the great Mughal emperor Akbar was born in 1543.Explore the bazaars of this village and experience local flavours.  After the visit proceed to Jaisalmer and arrive by evening to witness the romantic sunset view over the golden desert with the imposing Golden Fort – the most imposing edifice of the city. Our representative will meet you to transfer you to your pre-booked hotel.

Day 05: Jaisalmer

In the morning visit the Jain Temples inside the Sonar Qila (Golden Fort). After breakfast at the hotel, explore other attractions of the Golden Fort like palaces and the museum. The museum has a huge collection of robes and artefacts from the Royal family of Jaisalmer, the Golden City of India. Later visit the Patwon-Ki-Haveli. You will surly marvel at the intricately designed latticed windows. These windows were used by royal ladies to view the external world. Also see the Gadissar Lake. In the afternoon proceed to Sam village by exciting camel safari to see the sand dunes. See the sunset views on sand dunes. After viewing the sunset, return back to the village to enjoy dinner.

Day 06: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Luni (280km)

 After breakfast at the hotel proceed to Jodhpur, the blue city of India. Upon arrival in Jodhpur by early afternoon, our representative will arrange sightseeing tours in Jodhpur. Visit the majestic Mehrangarh Fort and the elegant Umaid Bhawan Palace. Also visit the royal cenotaph of Jaswant Thada. Go to Mandore Garden to view some of the magnificent cenotaphs and the hall of local heroes of war. Continue your drive to Luni. Explore rustic lifestyle of Rajasthan in and around Luni. Visit the Luni Fort. Enjoy safari to discover hidden beauty of jungle life. Explore Bishnoi villages.

Day 07: Luni – Mount Abu (250km)

After breakfast at the hotel drive through the arid Rajasthan to reach  Mount Abu – the Lone Hill Station in Rajasthan. On arrival in Mount Abu, our representative will transfer you to the hotel. Later proceed for a tour of Dilwara Jain Temples. Later see the picturesque Nakki Lake and then see the romantic sunset view from the Sunset Point.

Day 08: Mount Abu – Ranakpur – Udaipur (260km)

After  breakfast at the hotel proceed to Udaipur (the city of lakes) visiting en route Ranakpur. Ranakpur is widely famous for its ancient temples dedicated to Jain Tirthankars. Ranakpur is a famous Jain pilgrimage centre and a major attraction of tourists from all over the world. Continue your drive to arrive in Udaipur (the City of Sunrise). On arrival in Udaipur, our representative will transfer you to your pre-booked hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 09: Udaipur

Take your breakfast at the hotel and then proceed to sightseeing tour of Udaipur, one of the most romantic cities in India. Visit the elegant City Palace, the richest palace museum in the entire Rajasthan. Explore the City Palace Complex. See the Peacock Square and the miniature painting school inside the City Palace Complex. This elegant palace is situated on the eastern banks of the picturesque Pichola Lake. The Balconies of the Palace overlook the elegant Lake Palace situated in middle of Pichola Lake. It seems the Lake Palace is emerging from the lake, truly a magical experience. Later visit the beautiful Jagdish Temple. Also visit the Fateh Sagar Lake and the Fateh Prakash Palace. In the evening enjoy sunset boat cruise over the picturesque Pichola Lake. See the Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir Palace. Later, return back to the hotel.

Day 10: Udaipur – Ajmer – Pushkar – Jaipur (360km)

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to holy cities of Pushkar and Ajmer crossing the entire stretch of Mewar. Both cities are widely famous for their religious significance. Visit the Dargah at Ajmer. Visit the temple of Lord Brahma at Pushkar. Also visit Rose Gardens at Pushkar. Pushkar is also famous worldwide for the annual Cattle Fair & Festival. Later continue your journey to Jaipur (City of Victory). Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan. It is also known as the Pink City of India. Upon arrival in the charming Pink City Jaipur, our representative will meet and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel.

Day 11: Jaipur

After an early morning breakfast, visit the Amber Fort. The Fort complex is situated atop a hill on the outskirts of Jaipur city. Enjoy elephant ride to ascend the fort complex. See the marvellous Shish Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) built in the 17 century in a fusion style of Islamic and Hindu Art. See the Hall of Public Audiences. Also see Maharaja Man Singh’s Palace who had twelve queens.

Later explore the prime attractions of Jaipur City. Visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory built in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur City. Jai Singh was a great mathematician, astronomer, astrologer and musician of his era. He built five observatories in India – Jaipur, Varanasi, Delhi, Mathura and Ujjain. Only Jaipur Observatory is functional. Then visit the elegant City Palace and explore its palaces, gardens, temples, fountains and museums. Visit the Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds). Visit the beautiful Govind Dev Ji Temple and the Laxmi Narayan Temple. Visit the Government Central Museum (Albert Hall Museum). In the evening you can go shopping in the colourful and bustling local bazaars.

Day 12: Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (230km)

After breakfast leave the Pink City and reach Fatehpur Sikri by early afternoon. Fatehpur Sikri is a world heritage site and an ancient city, described as the “Abandoned City” or “Ghost City”. It was built by Mughal emperor Akbar as his capital but he abandoned this city soon because of scarcity of drinking water. At Fatehpur Sikri see the ruins of forts and palaces. Visit the Jodha Bai Palace. Also visit the famous Buland Darwaza – the largest gateway in the world.

Proceed to Agra, the City of Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh. On arrival in Agra by evening, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel.

Day 13: Agra

Visit theTaj Mahal at sunrise. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the magnificent Taj Mahal is a white marble monument that houses the tomb of his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. The monument is the Symbol of Love dedicated to eternal love between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. It is India’s star attraction and the majority of tourists come to India to visit Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The beauty of Taj Mahal is matchless. Then visit the Agra Red Fort built by Mughal emperor Akbar where Shah Jahan was jailed by his own son Aurangzeb. Explore the architectural excellence of the fort complex while visiting the Moti Masjid and various palaces in the fort complex. Later visit the beautiful memorial of Itmad-Ud-Daullah. It is the first Mughal building built exclusively in marble. This beautiful monument was built by Mughal empress Noorjahan in the loving memory of her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. The interior of this monument is considered as more beautiful than of Taj Mahal. It is often described as “Draft of Taj Mahal”, “Baby Taj Mahal” and “Little Taj Mahal”. Then visit Sikandra Tomb, the tomb of the great Mughal emperor Akbar.

Day 14: Agra – Gwalior (119km)

After breakfast at the hotel proceed to Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Upon arrival in Gwalior, our representative will meet and transfer you to your hotel. Later proceed to sightseeing tour of Gwalior. Visit the Gwalior Fort built by Raja Man Singh Tomar of Tomar dynasty. It is one of the most invincible forts of India. The majestic Gwalior Fort is also known as Gibraltar of India. The view of the city from the fort is beautiful. You may also visit several remarkable temples inside the fort complex. See the Sas-Bahu Ka Mandir. The temple is beautifully adorned with bas-reliefs. See the impressive white Sikh Gurudwara. See the Teli-Ka-Mandir (Oilman’s Temple) inside the fort complex. Visit the Gurjari Mahal. Visit the Jai Vilas Palace, a marvellous palace museum. In the evening enjoy a Sound & Light Show inside the fort premises.

Day 15: Gwalior – Datia – Orchha – Khajuraho (272km)

After breakfast at the hotel proceed toward Orchha by car via Datia. Orchha is a medieval city founded by Bundela rulers. See the palaces and temples of 16th and 17th century at Bundela. Visit the beautiful Palace Complex of Jahangiri Mahal and Raja Mahal. See the beautiful mural paintings at Raja Mahal. Also visit the Laxmi Narayan Temple. Later proceed to Khajuraho, the temple city of Central India. Upon arrival in Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, our representative will meet and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel. Overnight.

Day 16: Khajuraho – Varanasi (By flight)

After breakfast at the hotel, explore the architecturally beautiful temples built during the 9th – 11th century by the mighty dynasty of  Chandela Rajputs. See the temples with their erotic sculptures. Transfer to the Airport to board flight to Varanasi – the temple city of North India. On arrival in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 17: Varanasi – Kolkata (By overnight train)

In the early morning proceed to the banks of Sacred River Ganges. Enjoy boat ride on Ganges to see the morning ablutions of the Hindus from the security of your boat. The boat ride starts from Dasashwamedh Ghat and ends at Manikarnika Ghat along the sacred Ganges. Return back to the hotel for breakfast. Later explore the attractions of Varanasi City. See the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Durga Temple and the Bharat Mata Temple. Also visit the Gyanvyapi Kund and the mosque attached to it. Also visit the Benaras Hindu University. It is the largest residential university in India with more than 3000 residential students. Transfer to the Varanasi Railway Station to board overnight train to Kolkata, the cultural capital of India. Dinner will be onboard the train.

Day 18: Kolkata

On arrival at Howrah Station Kolkata, our representative will meet and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel.  After breakfast proceed for a city tour of Kolkata covering attractions like Missionaries of Charity, Jain Temple, Victoria Memorial, and Indian Museum with its rare artefacts on display. Kolkata is the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal and it is considered as the cultural capital of India. Overnight.

Day 19: Kolkata – Bhubaneswar

After breakfast, transfer to the Railway Station to board train for Bhubaneswar, the capital city of the Indian state of Orissa. On arrival in Bhubaneswar, our representative will meet and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel. Visit the Raj Temple and other attractions of the city.

 

Day 20: Bhubaneswar – Puri – Konark – Bhubaneswar

After breakfast at your hotel leave for a full day excursion of Puri and Konark. At Puri visit the Lingaraja temple complex dating back to the 11th century and marvel at the feat of man in building a temple of this mammoth size.

 

Day 21: Bhubaneswar – Chennai

Leave for Chennai. On arrival our representative will meet and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight.
 

Day 22: Chennai – Cochin

On your arrival at Kochi (Cochin), you will be met by our representative. Transfer to the hotel. Proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour of Cochin by boat. Enjoy sightseeing covering attractions like Chinese fishing nets, Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. Overnight.

Day 23: Cochin – Allepey – Cochin

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Fort Cochin built in British, Dutch and Portuguese styles and reflects the architectural planning of the colonizers. The Church of St. Francis is also worth a visit where Vasco da Gama was buried in 1524. Later visit the Mattancherry Palace with a collection of fine mural paintings and other masterpieces. Proceed for Allepey. Allepey or Alappuzha is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. In the evening proceed for Kathakali Dance show in Cochin.

Day 24: Cochin – Mysore (via Bangalore)

Transfer to the airport to catch your connection to Bangalore. On your arrival in Bangalore, our representative will meet and transfer you to the hotel at Mysore. In the evening visit the famous Brindavan gardens.

Day 25: Mysore – Bangalore

After breakfast proceed to explore Mysore. In the morning visit the Maharaja’s palace with ornate interiors which reflects the rich and extravagant lifestyle of the rulers of this region. Later visit Tipu Sultan’s Palace and capital at Srirangapatnam which holds a few mural paintings depicting life tales of Tipu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali both of whom were living terrors to the British. Finally return back to Bangalore. Explore the charm of Bangalore covering Lal Bagh, Cubbon Park and Vidhan Soudha.

Day 26: Bangalore – Goa (By flight)

Transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Goa, the top beach resort in India. Visit the city and its churches before checking into the hotel. Time is at leisure to relax on the beach.

 

Day 27: Goa

Breakfast will be at the hotel. Enjoy sightseeing tours of Goa including churches, beaches, temples and colonial homes.

Day 28: Goa – Mumbai

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival our representative will meet and transfer you to the hotel. Proceed for sightseeing. Visit the Albert Hall Museum and Jahangir Art Gallery and then see the Tower of Silence where the Parsi community leaves their dead to be eaten by the vultures and other prey birds. Also visit the Gandhi Smriti museum and the Kamala Nehru Park with its unique Boot house.

Day 29: Mumbai – Next Destination

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to board flight for your home/onward destination.