For those wanting a sense of the whole country, this tour embraces the major points of interest in the north, south, east and west.
Best of India 19 Days
- Itinerary and Tour Map
Day 1 – Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Stay two nights at The Claridges.
Day 2 – Delhi
Tour Old and New Delhi beginning with a visit to Jama Masjid Mosque and Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. See the Red Fort and visit Qutab Minar and Humayun’s Tomb then drive on past India Gate and the Parliament buildings. (B,D)
Day 3 – Delhi – Jaipur
A leisurely drive from Delhi to the pink city of Jaipur.
Stay two nights at Jaipur Marriott. (B,D)
Day 4 – Jaipur
An exciting day awaits as you journey to the ancient capital of Amer to see the fabulous Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city. Travel by jeep for the climb up to the main gate. Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, known for its excellence in design and decoration. Return to Jaipur to visit the City Palace Museum and ancient Observatory. (B,D)
Day 5 – Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra
Drive to Agra, stopping on the way to visit the deserted red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Stay two nights at the Jaypee Palace. (B,D)
Day 6 – Agra
In the morning visit the uniquely beautiful Taj Mahal where perfection can be seen from almost any angle. Also visit Agra Fort before an afternoon at leisure. (B,D)
Day 7 – Agra – Lucknow
Your hotel will provide a breakfast pack for the train ride to Lucknow. Board the Shatabdi Express just before 9am for the journey of almost four hours. In Lucknow tour the grand buildings and monuments including Bara Imambara, Shah Nazaf Imambara, Lucknow Residency and Husainabad Imambara.
Stay one night at Vivanta by Taj. (B,D)
Day 8 – Lucknow – Varanasi
Once again collect a breakfast pack from the hotel before boarding the train to Varanasi. The Intercity Express departs at 7am and, traversing Uttar Pradesh, arrives Varanasi at 1.30pm. Afternoon at leisure before an evening visit to the River Ganges, witnessing Aarti at the ghats.
Stay two nights at the Gateway Ganges. (B,D)
Day 9 – Varanasi
One of the oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi has a spiritual legacy of over 3000 years. It epitomizes the chaos and colour of India. Lively bazaars, bright silks, festivals, temples and palaces – all can be found here. Take an early morning boat ride on the sacred Ganges followed by breakfast and a visit to the temples. Later take an excursion to the Buddhist pilgrimage site at Sarnath. (B,D)
Day 10 – Varanasi – Kolkata
Morning at leisure to explore some of the bazaars and old lanes of Varanasi. Transfer to the airport for an afternoon flight to Kolkata in West Bengal.
Stay two nights at the Lalit Great Eastern. (B,D)
Day 11 – Kolkata
Kolkata is the principal commercial, cultural and educational centre of East India and reminders of the British Raj can be seen in its architecture and streetscapes. Tour the city on a full day tour visiting Victoria Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral, Kali Temple, and Nirmal Hirday, the hospice founded by Mother Teresa. (B,D)
Day 12 – Kolkata – Chennai
The morning is at leisure before an early afternoon flight to Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu and popularly regarded as the Gateway to the South.
Stay two nights at the Vivanta by Taj Connemara. (B,D)
Day 13 – Chennai
Visit the Fort St George built in 1653 and San Thome Cathedral, named for St Thomas the Apostle whose remains are said to be housed there. Tour the Museum and Art Gallery. In the afternoon tour nearby Mahabalipuram, an idyllic seaside village with a fine collection of temples and sculptures. (B,D)
Day 14 – Chennai – Mysore
Depart at 6am by train for the journey to Mysore, arriving at 1pm.
Stay two nights at the Royal Orchid Metropole. (B,D)
Day 15 – Mysore
Visit the Maharaja’s Palace and the Chamundi Hills for views over the lakes, parks and palaces of Mysore. See the Keshava Temple at Somnathpur, covered in ancient stone sculptures. (B,D)
Day 16 – Mysore – Cochin
Drive for approx. 4 hours to the airport at Bangalore for a flight to Cochin on the southwest coast. Cochin has prospered as a busy port city trading in spices, coffee and timber. The involvement of the Portuguese, Dutch and British over the years is evident in its architecture.
Stay one night at the Eighth Bastion. (B,D)
Day 17 – Cochin – Alleppey
After breakfast drive to Alleppey for an overnight cruise on a houseboat on the picturesque backwaters of Kerala. Relax on board as you glide by rural settlements and fishing villages.
Stay one night on an air-conditioned Deluxe Houseboat. (B,D)
Day 18 – Alleppey – Cochin
Disembark after breakfast and drive to Cochin. On a city tour visit the waterfront to see the Chinese fishing nets, the Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch Palace, and St Francis Church which is believed to be the oldest European church in the country. Attend a vibrant Kathakali dance performance this evening.
Stay one night at the Eighth Bastion. (B,D)
Day 19 – Cochin – Mumbai and depart
Early morning flight north to Mumbai. See the major sights of this thriving city – Gateway of India, Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens, Chowpati Beach, Kamla Nehru Park, Mani Bhawan and Dhobi Ghat. For your convenience, day use of a room at the Holiday Inn International Airport is reserved for you to rest and refresh before an evening exit flight. (B,D) - Make a Booking
- Group Departure Dates and Prices
- Price Includes:
Photo Gallery
Highlights
- The moving simplicity of Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi
- Journeys with the locals on the Shatabdi Express and other trains
- Early morning boat ride on the sacred River Ganges
