Transport

All transfers and sightseeing by an air-conditioned vehicle with an English speaking driver. Drivers of our vehicles are experienced with good knowledge of the road conditions and well trained. The type of vehicles provided are as follows : Passenger Vehicle type • 1- 2 person Air-conditioned medium car such as Tata Indigo or similar • 2-4 persons Air-conditioned large car such as Toyota Innova or similar • 5-10 persons Air-conditioned mini-van such as Tempo Traveler or similar

Meals

Daily breakfast at hotels restaurant

Guide

English Speaking Local Guides as per programme. we aim to support local guides who have specialized and comprehensive knowledge of the regions you visit. We provide English speaking local guides at each destination of your trip, the chosen local guide will strike a great balance between knowledgeable storytelling, humor, and giving you sufficient space and personal time to enjoy the awe-inspiring sites. He will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues. If you were interested in diving deeper into the local culture at a specific site, you can count on your assigned local speaking guide.

Others

Assistance on arrival and departure Private Professional english speaking driver for entire tour Private Profession english speaking guide as per programme All fuel, Parking charges

Accommodation

• Accommodation in 3 Star Hotel. • Check-in Time : Throughout the trip, we request all our hotels prepare rooms in time as per your arrival time, especially if you are reaching the hotel prior to normal check-in time. (In India, normal check-in is at 14:00 hrs, check-out is at 12:00 hrs). This may not be always possible to manage early check-in for you; in that case you won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, you can store your luggage and explore the new destination. • Pre/Post Accommodation : If you’ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. We will try our best to provide you same room for entire stay. Internet : Depending on the areas in which you travel, you may have limited access to the Internet. Hoteliers often charge for the connection (hourly or daily). • The style of accommodation indicated is a guideline. On rare occasions, if the suggested hotels are not available due to high demand, we will book similar alternate hotels for you.

Not included:

Others

- Safari Charges - New Year & Christmas Gala Dinner Charges (if applicable) - Monument Entrance Fees Any Safari - Air/Train Fares  - Anything which is not mentioned in the inclusions

Insurance

Travel insurance is not covered in the tour price. You can organize travel insurance with your preferred insurance company.

Flights

Domestic Flight Domestic and International flight tickets have to be booked on your own, once you book your international flight tickets, please share with us your schedule so that we can arrange your smooth pick-up and drop off from airport to hotel on your arrival day and hotel to the airport on the departure day. Passports and Visas : All travelers listed on the Participant Information form must be in possession of a valid passport and all relevant visas. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have valid travel documentation, including but not limited to passports and visas, which meet the requirements of immigration and other Government authorities at every destination. If your itinerary includes travel to any other country besides India, please check on visa requirements for each country that you will visit. Any fines, penalties, payments or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities will be your sole responsibility.

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Day 1 Day 1: Delhi Arrival
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Delhi Arrival

Your flight will land at Delhi’s international airport

In the arrival hall the airport representative will introduce you to our colleague who will escort you to your hotel and assist you to check-in.

Delhi is one of the most historic capitals in the world. For the visitor, it serves as a perfect introduction to the cultural wealth, the complexities and the dynamism of India. Jawaharlal Nehru (India’s first Prime Minister after Independence) likened it to “an ancient palimpsest on which layer upon layer of thought and reverie has been inscribed and yet no succeeding layer has completely hidden.”
Day 2 Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing

After breakfast, proceed for Delhi sightseeing tour with first visit to the Jama Masjid - the largest Mosque in India. Visit Chandni Chowk the oldest, biggest bazaar of Old Delhi, explore the narrow alleys, colorful markets and local shoppers. Also get the opportunity to taste the local food in Delhi. On this tour, you will have the most amazing experience and learn about the city’s history through food. Paranthas: Head to the food-stall-lined lane off Chandni Chowk for delectable parathas (traditional flat bread) fresh off the tawa (hotplate). Choose from a spectacular array of stuffings. Natraj Dahi Bhalla - This place offers popular street-food dishes of India. It is famously known as being one of the best Chaat (street food) houses in town and serves undoubtedly the best Dahi Bhalle in Delhi! Kulfi Faluda: Kulfi is one of the most popular traditional dessert in India. It is made from thickened milk flavored with essence and fruits. Kulfi is said to have originated in Indian subcontinent during the Mughal Empire. Later, walk up to Fatehpuri Masjid and enjoy a rickshaw ride till Red Fort. Here our driver will meet you, drive past Red Fort (a 17th century historical fort in Delhi) and reach Rajghat, a memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. An eternal flame burns on one side of this memorial. Visit the Humayun Tomb, the first garden-style tomb of India. The main highlight of this tomb inspired by Persian architecture is the four garden squares with water passage channels surrounding the tomb. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan, residence of the President of India and India Gate, an archway built in honor of the soldiers who died in World War I. Visit Qutub Minar built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193 to mark the beginning of Muslim rule in India. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.
Day 3 Day 3: Delhi - Varanasi By Flight
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Delhi - Varanasi By Flight

After breakfast, our company representative will drive you to Jaipur Airport to board your flight to Varanasi On arrival at Varanasi, our company representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Day free at leisure. Varanasi: It is a city located on the banks of River Ganga that is the 2nd largest river of India. Formally known as Kashi and Benares, this city is around 3000 years old. It is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites of Hindus as it is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva (God of Destruction). Every year, Hindu devotees visit this city to take a holy dip in the River Ganga that is said to wash away all the sins. Overnight stay at hotel in Varanasi.
Day 4 Day 4: Varanasi Sightseeing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Varanasi Sightseeing

Your Varanasi sightseeing tour begins with an early morning boat ride on the River Ganges. Enjoy soaking in the spectacular sunrise views and later, return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, head to Sarnath. It is the place dotted with various Buddhist pilgrimage sites of great significance. If you’re a devout follower of Buddha then you must visit this place. Later, visit the New Vishwanath Temple also known as the Birla Mandir. Settled within the Banaras Hindu University, it is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (God of Destruction). It took around 35 years to build this temple. Head to the Tulsi Manas Temple built by the royal family of Banaras in 1964. It is believed to be the place where the legendary poet Tulsidas wrote the great Indian epic Ramcharitmanas. Close to this temple is the Durga Temple (Monkey Temple) dedicated to Goddess Durga (divine feminine energy). In the evening, witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is daily evening ceremony that has been practiced since thousands of years on the banks of River Ganges. Overnight stay at hotel in Varanasi.
Day 5 Day 5: Varanasi - New Delhi Then Drive To Agra
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Varanasi - New Delhi Then Drive To Agra

Varanasi - New Delhi then drive Agra

After breakfast, you will be met by our representative in the lobby of your hotel and escorted to the airport to board your Air India flight to New Delhi and then drive to Agra

In the arrival, at the airport you will be met by our colleague and then continue driving to Agra and escorted to your hotel.
Day 6 Day 6: Agra Sightseeing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Agra Sightseeing

Early morning your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby, and together, you will visit the stunning Taj Mahal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The Taj Mahal is best seen at different times of the day when the white marble reflects the nuances of the changing light from the sun. back to hotel have breakfast, you will visit one of the great monuments of the city, the Agra Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). When the Mughal Emperor Akbar established his supremacy in northern India, he began his first architectural venture, rebuilding the Agra Fort as a beautiful fort-palace. The work was completed by his son and grandson, highlighting the Mughals’ ability to blend defensive and decorative architecture.

We will then take you on a specially designed walking tour of the Old city.

You will begin at the Fort station, which reflects the influence of colonial architecture at the time the British began converting Agra from an Imperial city to an industrial one. The walk will take you past the gigantic Jama Masjid, to the silver lingam of the Shiva temple. Following the narrow lanes you will pass shops selling items used in decorating the images of gods and goddesses. In the spice market of Rawat Para, you will see the ornamental and decorated facades of houses. At Namak Ki Mandi, you will see craftspeople beat metal to extract the gold and silver used in Ayurvedic medicines and the walk will end at the Akbari Mosque which leads to the 16th-century stone paved streets of Kinari Bazaar. You will also have the option of seeing the famous and complex “Zardozi” work, an art of embroidery that originated in Persia. In Persian “Zar” means gold and “Dozi” means embroidery. The craft is regarded as “Imperial” as it flourished under the patronage of the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. This intricate work is still continued in the narrow alleys of the old city, and you can choose to visit some of the workshops.

You will then return to your hotel and rest of the day will be at leisure.
Day 7 Day 7: Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Ranthambhore ( 250 Km - 6 Hours)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Ranthambhore ( 250 Km - 6 Hours)

After breakfast, drive to Ranthambore. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri. It is a 16th century historic town built by Emperor Akbar (3rd Mughal ruler of India). It offers various attractions that depict the grandeur of Mughal architecture and the rich lifestyle of Mughal dynasty. Though it was a short-lived capital of the Mughals, this town offers glimpses of stunning monuments built during the reign of Mughals in India. The gateway to this city - the Buland Darwaza - is one of the major attractions here as it is said to be the highest gateway in the world. Continue drive to Ranthambore. On reaching, check-in at the hotel. Day free at leisure. Overnight stay at a hotel in Ranthambore.
Day 8 Day 8: Ranthambhore National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Ranthambhore National Park

After breakfast, head for an early morning Ranthambore Wildlife safari where you will soak in the natural beauty and rich wildlife including Leopards, Jackals, Gazelle, Boars etc. - especially Tigers. As per 2014 census, there are about 62 tigers present here. Also, watch animals moving around freely around the lake in this national park. After a thrilling safari ride, return to the hotel. Settle in for breakfast. Day free at leisure.Later in afternoon, proceed with another safari in the evening to Ranthambore National Park and continue exploring this natural habitat of various wild animals.Overnight stay at hotel in Ranthambore.
Day 9 Day 9: Ranthambhore - Jaipur By Drive (150 Km - 5 Hours)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Ranthambhore - Jaipur By Drive (150 Km - 5 Hours)

After breakfast, you will drive to Jaipur. rest of the day at the leisure.
Day 10 Day 10: Jaipur Sightseeing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Jaipur Sightseeing

After breakfast, head to Amer Fort. It is a massive hill fort built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh. This fort displays various prominent monuments like private halls, pavilions, private chambers for the King and the Rajput women. It stands as a testimony to the golden era of Rajput rule in Jaipur. The reflection of this fort falling on the Maota Lake, is truly captivating. Enjoy an Elephant ride here to and fro the fort. Next visit the City Palace. It is the royal Palace of Jaipur located on the banks of Pichola Lake. It boasts former private and public meeting chambers of the Kings, giant silver vessels, courtyards, beautifully-designed gateways, intricately-carved private chambers of the King and much more. Visit the Jantar Mantar - an astronomical observatory that features the Worlds largest Sundial - Samrat Yantra. End the day with visit to Hawa Mahal - the Palace of the Winds. This is a five-storey palace built in the year 1799 during Rajput era in Jaipur. The main highlight of this palace is the intricately-designed 953 windows adorned with beautiful latticework.Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.
Day 11 Day 11: Jaipur - Jodhpur (330 Km - 5 Hours)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Jaipur - Jodhpur (330 Km - 5 Hours)

After a leisurely breakfast, you will drive to Jodhpur (approximately 5.5 hours, excluding stops). On the way you will stop at Nimaj Palace for lunch. You may like to explore the charming village before continuing to Jodhpur where you will arrive in the early evening.

Upon arrival, you will be check-into th hotel. The rest of the day will be at leisure.

Jodhpur is a beautiful trading town situated in Rajasthan province, close to the Great Thar Desert. The city is also called the Blue City because most houses are painted blue, the color of the Brahmins. Jodhpur is said to have a particularly ‘sweet’ hospitality; sweet shops are found at every corner and it is a tradition to start a meal with something sweet.
Day 12 Day 12: Jodhpur Sightseeing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Jodhpur Sightseeing

You will start your day at the historic Mehrangarh Fort. of the many forts in Rajasthan, very few compare to the majesty of the Mehrangarh Fort. Almost impregnable, the fort is entered through seven fortified gateways.

The fort is divided into three sections – the public areas, the Maharaja’s palaces, and the zenana, or queens’ palaces. The zenana is decorated with exquisite sandstone filigree work. Within the fort is a museum, which among its varied exhibits, has an excellent collection of royal palanquins and a howdah section, which has perhaps the finest collection of old ornate elephant howdahs in the world.

Walking down from the fort, you will stop at Jaswant Thada.

This is the graceful marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II (1873-95) and the Maharajas of Jodhpur who died after him. The cenotaphs of the other maharajas and maharanis are at Mandore.

You will then return to your hotel and remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure.

In the evening, you will go on a specially designed Blue City Walk, including a Tuk-Tuk ride. The walk will take you through the bustling bazaars of the old walled city. Along the way, you will see various artisans such as the sword makers, the leather workmen, the Itrwallas or perfume makers, and the Rangarajas or cloth dyers, to name a few. You will also visit the Kishanji temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, and which is famous for its garland makers and sweet shops.

You will then return to your hotel.
Day 13 Day 13: Jodhpur - Ranakpur Temple - Udaipur (250 Km - 5 Hours)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Jodhpur - Ranakpur Temple - Udaipur (250 Km - 5 Hours)

After breakfast, you will bid goodbye to the city of Jodhpur and set off for Udaipur (approximately 5.5 hours, excluding stops).

En route, you will visit the stunning Ranakpur Jain temple complex (opens to visitors at 12-noon).

Considered one of the architectural gems of the area, this intricately carved temple belongs to the Jain religion.

Although Jainism is an austere religion, the temple belies the dictates of simplicity promoted by the founder. The temple was built in 1439 and is dedicated to the first Jain Thirthankara or saint.

The temple complex, including the extraordinary collection of 1,144 uniquely carved pillars, the richly decorated ceilings, and the friezes depicting the lives of the 24 Jain Thirthankaras is fascinating and well worth the time!

You will then stop at the Fateh Bagh Palace for lunch before continuing your drive to Udaipur.
Day 14 Day 14: Udaipur Sightseeing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Udaipur Sightseeing

After breakfast, visit the wondrous City Palace - a white marble palace complex built during the Rajput rule. It is a blend of Rajasthani, Mughal, European and Chinese architecture. The main highlights of this palace are the Monsoon Palace, Lake Palace, Amar Vilas, Zenana Mahal (private quarters of the royal Rajput women), Jagdish Temple and Neemach Mata temple etc. Head to the Sahelion Ki Bari - a beautiful garden meant for the Rajput Kings and Queens leisure time. Visit the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, a cultural place showcasing the traditions and culture of Rajasthan, traditional ornaments, folk traditional outfits, puppets, masks, dolls, classical paintings and folk musical instruments. Later, enjoy boat ride at the Lake Pichola - an artificial fresh water lake founded in 1362 AD. It is the oldest and one of the largest lakes of Udaipur.Overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur.
Day 15 Day 15: Udaipur - Cochin By Flight
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Udaipur - Cochin By Flight

After breakfast, you will be met by our colleague in the lobby of your hotel and escorted to the domestic airport to board your flight to Cochin.

In the arrival hall at Cochin, you will be met by our who will be carrying a paging board with your name on it. He will escort you to your hotel and assist you to check-in. The remainder of the day will be at leisure.

Kochi (formerly known as Cochin) is the commercial capital of Kerala. The city is one of the principal seaports of the country and is located in the district of Ernakulam. In 1102 CE, Kochi became the seat of the Kingdom of Cochin, a princely state that traces its lineage to the Kulasekhara Empire. Heralded as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi was an important spice-trading centre on the Arabian Sea coast from the 14th century onwards. At various times, the city has been occupied by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British.
Day 16 Day 16: Cochin Sightseeing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Cochin Sightseeing

This morning, you will visit the Jewish Synagogue. One of the oldest in India, it is set in the Jewish Quarter, commonly known as “Jew Town”. The area is famous for its aromatic spice market and its antique shops. The interior of the Synagogue is decorated with 18th century blue ceramic Cantonese tiles, hand painted and each one different!

From here, you will walk to the Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace, which was commissioned by the Portuguese for the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights. The palace is two-storied and is built in the traditional Kerala style known as “nalukattu” (four buildings around a central courtyard). Made of wood and richly carved, the palace exhibits memorabilia from the Raja of Kochi’s collection, but it is best known for its outstanding murals painted on the walls. Next, you will explore the Heritage Zone. Walking through the narrow cobbled lanes you will see various architectural styles reflecting the many cultures that existed here.

Dutch houses stand next to spacious porticoed British plantation style homes. Further along, are two churches built by the Portuguese, while standing guard over the harbor are the Chinese Fishing nets. In the narrow alleys of the old city you will come across interesting art galleries exhibiting local talent, small cafes, book-shops and boutiques. It is a wonderful area to wander and browse.

You will end your morning tour at the Chinese Fishing Nets, which were first erected between 1350 and 1450 indicating trading ties with China.

You will then return to your hotel.

In the evening, you will watch a Kathakali dance performance at a local theater. An Indian dance-drama, Kathakali is usually performed in front of a Kalivilakku (“kali”= dance; “vilakku”= lamp). A distinguishing characteristic of this art form is that the actors never speak, but instead use hand gestures, expressions and rhythmic dancing in place of dialogue. Another standout feature is the wonderful makeup worn by all performers.
Day 17 Day 17: Cochin - Backwaters
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Cochin - Backwaters

In the morning, you will drive to Alappuzha boat jetty (approximately 1.5 hours, excluding stops) and board a deluxe houseboat.

You will board the houseboat by 12 noon, and spend the rest of the day sailing on the backwaters. A visit to Kerala is incomplete without touring the backwaters. These are a series of canals that cross the State eventually emptying into the open seas. Traveling the canals and wide-open lakes in a houseboat, you will see sights impossible to see from a car. Houses along the canals depend on the waters for their livelihood and transport, and you will see villages, rice paddy fields, boats transporting produce to the market and children to school, as well as fishing boats and people fishing for clams.

You will be traveling in a houseboat known as a “Kettuvallom”. Originally, these were rice boats but went out of service when road transport became a more economical way to move produce. Today, these have been refurbished into comfortable houseboats with bedrooms and attached showers and are made completely of natural, environmental-friendly material.

Snacks, lunch and dinner will be served on board.
Day 18 Day 18: Backwaters- Cochin Depart
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Backwaters- Cochin Depart

After breakfast, you will disembark from the houseboat and drive to Cochin airport for flight to home (approximately 1.5 hours, excluding stops).

+15

18 days tour

Discover Soul Of India - 18 Days

This tour includes:

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Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Discover Soul Of India - 18 Days

Day 1: Delhi Arrival

Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing

Day 3: Delhi - Varanasi By Flight

Day 4: Varanasi Sightseeing

Day 5: Varanasi - New Delhi Then Drive To Agra

Day 6: Agra Sightseeing

Day 7: Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Ranthambhore ( 250 Km - 6 Hours)

Day 8: Ranthambhore National Park

Day 9: Ranthambhore - Jaipur By Drive (150 Km - 5 Hours)

Day 10: Jaipur Sightseeing

Day 11: Jaipur - Jodhpur (330 Km - 5 Hours)

Day 12: Jodhpur Sightseeing

Day 13: Jodhpur - Ranakpur Temple - Udaipur (250 Km - 5 Hours)

Day 14: Udaipur Sightseeing

Day 15: Udaipur - Cochin By Flight

Day 16: Cochin Sightseeing

Day 17: Cochin - Backwaters

Day 18: Backwaters- Cochin Depart

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