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15-Day Best of North and South India

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Overview

Vast, diverse, deeply spiritual and utterly unforgettable, India is unlike anywhere else on earth – a melting pot of ethnicities and religions, a treasure trove of history and culture, and a curious mixture of chaos and serenity.

Travel to India's most memorable destinations both in the north and south on this 2-week itinerary. You will start your journey in the bustling capital of New Delhi, witness the world's most beautiful building in Agra and discover palaces and fortresses in the Pink City of Jaipur.

Your trip will end in the south of India, visiting the alluring backwaters of Kerala, which are famous for its serene rice paddies, mangrove forests and cascading waterfalls.
Sightseeing
Culture & Arts
Outdoors & Nature
Food & Drink
Community Giving
Adventure
Beach & Sea

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Delhi

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Arrival in Delhi

Welcome to India! Upon arrival at Delhi Airport, you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the city centre. You have the rest of the afternoon free to explore Delhi at your leisure. In its 3000 years of existence, seven cities have risen where the present capital of India stands. Here you'll encounter a fascinating blend of the ancient and the contemporary. It is a place where government buildings, medieval palaces and bazaars exist beside a modern metropolis.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Vivanta by Taj Dwarka5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    DelhiOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Delhi Airport to Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    New Delhi

    Delhi

Day 2

New Delhi City Tour

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New Delhi City Tour

After breakfast this morning, you will begin your city tour of the fascinating city of Delhi. Start by visiting the imposing Red Fort, that features palaces and beautiful gardens. Spend some time in the chaotic and colourful bazaar of Chandni Chowk and continue to the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Finally, visit the stunning Sikh temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and finish at the Qutab Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Vivanta by Taj Dwarka5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Delhi

    Red Fort

    Chandni Chowk

    Raj Ghat

    Jama Masjid

    Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

    Qutub Minar

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    New Delhi

    Delhi

Day 3

Travel to Agra

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Travel to Agra

This morning you will drive to the medieval city of Agra, home of the world-famous Taj Mahal. Agra is one of India’s prime tourist destinations for specifically this reason, though its attractions also extend to an array of other impressive historical sights. In the afternoon, pay a visit to the Mother Teres charity home, which gives a home to orphaned children. In the evening you have the option to experience a theatrical show depicting the golden era of Indian medieval history.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel Trident Agra5 star

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    Activities

    Missionaries Of Charity, Prem Dan

    Mohabbat-e-Taj Theatrical ShowOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Delhi to Agra

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    New Delhi

    Agra

Day 4

The Magical Taj Mahal and Transfer to Delhi

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The Magical Taj Mahal and Transfer to Delhi

You will have an early start today as you set off to experience the impressive Taj Mahal at sunrise. A poem in white marble, the Taj was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. Taking 22 years and 20,000 workers to construct, it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. After, visit Agra Fort, situated on the bank of the river Jamuna. In the afternoon you have the option to go on a heritage trail of Agra led by youths from the local community for a unique experience.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel Trident Agra5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Taj Mahal

    Agra Fort

    Itmad-ud-Daula

    Heritage Trail of AgraOptional Activity

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Agra

Day 5

Drive to Ranthambore

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Drive to Ranthambore

After breakfast this morning, you will make the drive to Ranthambore, which takes around six hours. On the way, you have the option to stop at the beautiful medieval city of Fatehpur Sikri. Continue to Ranthambore, one of the finest tiger reserves in India nestled in the Aravallis, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The park along with the contiguous regions of Kela Devi and Sawai Man Singh parks forms a good biosphere along the Chambal River, which separates it from Madhya Pradesh.

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    Accommodation

    Jungle Vilas4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Fatehpur SikriOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Agra to Ranthambore National Park

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Agra

    Fatehpur Sikri

    Sawai Madhopur

Day 6

Game Viewing in Ranthambore National Park

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Game Viewing in Ranthambore National Park

Have an early start this morning as you get ready to hit the jungle and enjoy some game viewing in shared jeeps in the company of a naturalist. Ranthambore is a fantastic reserve where you will see all sorts of wildlife such as tigers, leopards, Nilgai antelope and crocodiles. There are also many species of birds that flock to the lakes and waterholes in the park. After lunch, you will revisit the park for some more game viewing.

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    Accommodation

    Jungle Vilas4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ranthambore National Park

    Ranthambore National Park

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sawai Madhopur

    Prempura

Day 7

Journey to Jaipur

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Journey to Jaipur

This morning you will visit the Ranthambore School of Art, which features nearly 100 artists painting on silk. You will also visit the Dastakari Kendra, a local cooperative that provides employment to village women. After, you will make the 4-hour journey to the pink city of Jaipur. In the afternoon, go on a city tour to explore the bustling bazaar of Jaipur, where you can enjoy some excellent shopping and enjoy some great photo opportunities.

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    Accommodation

    Trident Hotel Jaipur5 star

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    Activities

    The Ranthambore School Of Art Society

    Dastkari Kendra

    Jaipur

    Indian Cooking ClassOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Ranthambore National Park to Jaipur

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Sawai Madhopur

    Kutalpura Jatan Rural

    Jaipur

Day 8

Exploring the Pink City

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Exploring the Pink City

You can start your day with an optional tour of a hot air balloon experience over the city. In the afternoon you will visit some of the most emblematic sights in the city. Make a photo stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal, a pink-painted honeycombed hive that features 5 stories. Continue to the ancient city of Amber Fort, the City Palace Museum and finish in the Jantar Mantar Observatory. In the evening experience the aarti ceremony at Birla Temple.

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    Accommodation

    Trident Hotel Jaipur5 star

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    Activities

    Hot Air Balloon Ride JaipurOptional Activity

    Jaipur

    Hawa Mahal

    Amber Palace (Amer Fort)

    City Palace Jaipur

    Jantar Mantar

    Birla Temple Jaipur

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Jaipur

    Rajasthan

    New Delhi

Day 9

Transfer to Mumbai

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Transfer to Mumbai

This morning you will be transferred to Jaipur airport to board your flight to Mumbai. After arriving and checking into your hotel, you will head to the Gateway of India, one of the main landmarks in Mumbai and a principal port. Later, you will board a boat for an excursion to Elephanta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its impressive cave shrine spread out over 5,000 square metres.

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    Accommodation

    Trident Hotel Nariman Point Mumbai5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Gateway Of India Mumbai

    Elephanta Caves

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Trident Hotel Jaipur to Jaipur International Airport

    Plane from Jaipur to Mumbai

    Private Driver from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport to Trident Hotel, Nariman Point Mumbai

    Boat from Mumbai to Elephanta Caves

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Jaipur

    Mumbai

    Maharashtra

    Gharapuri

Day 10

Mumbai City Tour

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Mumbai City Tour

After breakfast at your hotel this morning, you have the option to go on an early morning tour of Mumbai to discover the flurry of life that happens every day at the chaotic docks. Here you'll see Koli fisher-folk and various markets. During the day, you will go on another tour to visit Mumbai's most fascinating landmarks such as the oldest railway station in India, the Prince of Wales Museum and the memorial dedicated to Gandhi, the Mani Bhavan.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Trident Hotel Nariman Point Mumbai5 star

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    Activities

    Mumbai by DawnOptional Activity

    Mumbai

    Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

    Mani Bhavan

    Marine Drive

    Chowpatty beach

    Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Mumbai

    Maharashtra

Day 11

Journey to Kochi

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Journey to Kochi

You will have a very early start today, where a private driver will take you to the airport in Mumbai to catch a short flight to Kochi. Once you arrive, you will drive for 1.5 hours to reach your hotel in Kumarakom. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at leisure. You can recover from the journey relaxing at your hotel or enjoying a massage or Ayurveda treatment.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Coconut Lagoon - CGH Earth Resort4 star

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Trident Hotel, Nariman Point Mumbai to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

    Plane from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport to Cochin International Airport

    Private Driver from Cochin International Airport to Coconut Lagoon - CGH Earth Resort

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Mumbai

    Kumarakom

Day 12

Relax in Kumarakom

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Relax in Kumarakom

You have a free day at your leisure today to enjoy your resort's various facilities. Alternatively, you can take an optional tour to explore Kumarakom, a cluster of small picturesque islands surrounding Vembanad Lake. You will be accompanied by your guide who will take you on a journey to discover the lush green landscapes and enjoy some fun outdoor activities.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Coconut Lagoon - CGH Earth Resort4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    KumarakomOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Kumarakom

Day 13

Explore the Charismatic Kochi

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Explore the Charismatic Kochi

This morning, take a 1.5-hour drive to the nearby city of Kochi. You will go on a full-day tour to visit some of the area's most interesting attractions. You will visit the Dutch Palace, which has some of Indias most beautiful murals, the Jewish Synagogue, observe the famous Chinese fishing nets and see St. Francis Church. In the evening you have the option of enjoying a traditional Kathakali dance.

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    Accommodation

    Crowne Plaza Kochi5 star

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    Activities

    Kochi

    Mattancherry Palace

    Paradesi Synagogue

    St. Francis Church Kochi

    Santa Cruz Basilica

    Kathakali DanceOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Kumarakom to Kochi

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Kumarakom

    Kochi

Day 14

Free Day in Kochi

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Free Day in Kochi

Today you will have the opportunity to visit any parts of the city you may have missed yesterday. You also have the option to go on some optional tours. You can learn more about the ancient martial art form of Kerala, the Kalaripayattu, where students are trained in combat. You can also take a unique cooking class to discover the flavours and culture of Keralite cuisine.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Crowne Plaza Kochi5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    KochiOptional Activity

    KalaripayattuOptional Activity

    Kerala Cooking LessonOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kochi

    Kerala

Day 15

Goodbye India!

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Goodbye India!

This day completes your travel to India. After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport to catch your connecting flight for your onward journey.

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Crowne Plaza Kochi to Cochin International Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kochi

Included in Price

  • 14 nights accommodation
  • 31 activities
  • 14 breakfasts
  • Airport transfer
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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