27 Days Grand Tour Of India

ROUTE - Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry –Trichy – Madurai – Periyar – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Cochin – Mumbai – Udaipur – Jaipur – Agra – Gwalior – Jhansi – Orchha – Khajuraho – Varanasi - Delhi
Duration: 26 Nights / 27 Days

OVERVIEW

The Cultural Highlights of India is an enchanting cultural tour of India. The unified diversity of India has always attracted people from around the world to visit this multi-faceted country. The difference in people, their ethnicity, their lifestyles and the inseparable spirit of oneness has always been quoted in words but can surely be enjoyed with experience. On these 27 Days Grand Tour of India visit some of the cultural cities of India like Chennai, Pondicherry, Trichy, Madurai, Periyar, Allepey, Cochin, Mumbai, Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Agra and Delhi.

DAY 1
ARRIVAL IN CHENNAI

On arrival at Chennai airport, meet our representative who’ll guide you to one of our listed hotels. Check-in at the hotel. The day is to be spent resting and relaxing. In the evening take a leisurely walk to explore the nearby places of Chennai.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Chennai.

DAY 2
CHENNAI

The next day after breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Chennai. The major tourist attractions to visit include the Fort St. George, St. Thomas Mount, San Thome Cathedral, Kapaleeswar Temple and the National Art Gallery. In the evening visit the Marina beach that is both beautiful and inviting tourist from around the world. We will advise against swimming at Marina beach since there are strong currents present along the shoreline and no rescue equipment or lifeguards are available at this beach.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Chennai.

DAY 3
CHENNAI – KANCHIPURAM - MAHABALIPURAM

In the morning leave for Mahabalipuram via. Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram;s major tourist attractions include the Kailasanthar Temple, Ekambareshwarar Temple, the Vardarajanperumal Temple and the Sakkiswarar Temple. Later, resume with your drive to Mahabalipuram. This 7th century former port city is famous for its rock-cut shore temples. On arrival, check-in at one our listed hotels. Later in the day visit the shore and the Five Ratha temples on it. Also visit other major attractions like Arjuna’s Penance and Tiger caves.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Mahabalipuram.

DAY 4
MAHABALIPURAM - PONDICHERRY

After breakfast proceed to Pondicherry. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Pondicherry - the Capital of this Union Territory. It is a blend of spiritual aura, French colonial heritage. Ponducherry comprises of four coastal regions viz- puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Pondicherry.

DAY 5
PONDICHERRY - TRICHY

After breakfast proceed for Pondicherry sightseeing. Sri Aurobindo Ashram is on the way to Pondicherry's famous seaside promenade. The ashram lends Pondicherry a spiritual feel. It is the place where the great Indian philosopher Aurobindo Ghosh lived and died . After leave for Trichy by road. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Trichy.

DAY 6
TRICHY - MADURAI

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Trichy. Trichy - Tiruchirappalli or Trichy is situated on the banks of river Cauvery and is famous for the Ranganatha Temple at Srirangam, Rock Fort, Sri Jambukeshwara Temple, Tiruvannaikaval, and Museums & Art Galleries. Later leave for Madurai by road. Madurai is one of the oldest cities of southern India. Legend has it, that the divine nectar falling from Lord Shiva's locks, gave the city its name - Madhurapuri, now known as Madurai. On reaching Madurai-“The City famous for Meenakshi Temple”, check-in at one our listed hotels.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Madurai.

DAY 7
MADURAI

Next day is to be spent at your own discretion. You have the option to explore Rameshwaram- the holy sea. This town has a significant connection to the legend of Ramayana. Pay a visit to the famous temple, situated on the seaside. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Meenakshi Temple for its intricate architectural design and beauty. In the afternoon, enjoy a trip to Tirumala Palace and the Gandhi Museum.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Madurai.

DAY 8
MADURAI - PERIYAR

Post breakfast, drive to Periyar. While on the drive to Periyar enjoy the drive as the road winds through the thick jungles and rich plantation. Upon arrival, check-in at one of our enlisted hotels in the city. In the afternoon proceed to Periyar Wildlife Tiger Reserve to enjoy a jeep safari. Periyar is the haven of Asiatic elephants. Later in the evening you may enjoy a boat ride at Periyar Lake.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Periyar.

DAY 9
PERIYAR - KUMARAKOM

In the morning post breakfast, drive towards Kumarakom from Periyar. On reaching Kumarakom check-in at the hotel. Rest and relax for the day in your room. In the evening take a leisurely walk to explore Kumarakom for its seamless beauty and quiet environment.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Kumarakom.

DAY 10
KUMARAKOM

Next morning post breakfast, start early for Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary is the perfect paradise for bird watchers. After bird watching head to the hotel for check-in and breakfast. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Kumarakom.

DAY 11
KUMARAKOM – KOTTAYAM - ALLEPPEY

Post breakfast leave for Alleppey in a houseboat for an overnight cruise via Kottayam. Kerala backwaters have been known for their mesmerizing and alluring backdrops. While cruising along the backwaters, feast your eyes on lush green padded fields, palm fringed costal lines and enjoy the majestic scenery. Witness the sunset, lounging on this floating villa.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the houseboat in Allepey.

DAY 12
ALLEPPEY - COCHIN

After enjoying a sumptuous breakfast, start your drive to Cochin. Being one of the finest harbors on the Arabian coastline, Cochin has been a major commercial hub for many centuries. On arrival, check-in at one of our listed hotels. The day is to be spent at leisure.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Cochin.

DAY 13
COCHIN – MUMBAI (BY FLIGHT)

In the morning after breakfast embark on a sightseeing tour of Cochin which will include visits to places like the famous Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis Church and the Jewish Synagogue. Also see the giant Chinese Fishing Nets being lowered on the famous Vasco-da-Gama Square, offering a spectacular view to its visitors. In the evening, get transfer to Cochin airport to board a flight to Mumbai. On reaching Mumbai , transfer to one of our listed hotels.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Mumbai.

DAY 14
MUMBAI

In the morning after breakfast, proceed towards Elephanta caves for a sightseeing tour. These caves are located on an island that is a few miles away from the Gateway. These caves can be reached by Ferry from the Gateway of India. This rock-cut cave temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Elephanta caves comprise of seven caves of which Mahesh Murti cave is of great importance. In this cave Lord Shiva is shown as a creator, protector and destroyer. Later in the day, move out on an excursion to the sightseeing of Mumbai. The major hotspots to visit include Prince of Wales Museum, Hanging Gardens, Juhu Beach, Gateway of India and Marine Drive etc.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Mumbai.

DAY 15
MUMBAI – UDAIPUR (BY FLIGHT)

In the morning, transfer to Mumbai airport to board a flight to Udaipur- “Venice of the East”. On arrival, check-in at one of our enlisted hotel. Rest and relax for the day. In the evening enjoy a boat ride at the Pichola Lake. Also visit the Lake Palace, one of the finest examples of architectural and cultural brilliance.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Udaipur.

DAY 16
UDAIPUR

Post breakfast, embark on a city tour of Udaipur. Visit some of the major tourist hotspots covering the City Palace Museum, Sahelion Ki Bari, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal, Folk Art Museum and Jagdish Temple. In the evening visit the The Grand City Palace located on the banks of Lake Pichola and also enjoy boat ride at the lake , subject to water level in the lake.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Udaipur.

DAY 17
UDAIPUR - JAIPUR

Post breakfast, leave for Jaipur by road. Upon arrival check-in at one our enlisted hotels. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and is also called the Pink City. The reason for this is that most of the monuments in Jaipur are painted pink. Later in the day explore some other major tourist attractions of Jaipur including the Monkey Temple, Albert Hall Museum, and Birla Mandir. Evening to be spent as to your liking.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Jaipur.

DAY 18
JAIPUR

After having your breakfast in the morning, leave for exploring the various colors of this beautiful city, Jaipur. Jaipur is full of attractions that speak volumes about the glory of Rajputana kingdom. These attractions form a part of our itinerary and we start with visiting the Amber Fort which is tucked over a hill (reached via an elephant ride). Next we will be visiting the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, splendid Hawa Mahal built on the architectural principles of a natural cooling system and splendiferous City Palace and Jal Mahal. Enjoying the local treats like shopping, food and rickshaw ride are reserved for evening.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Jaipur.

DAY 19
JAIPUR – ABHANERI – FATEHPUR SIKRI - AGRA

Post breakfast, leave for Agra by road. Stop on the way to visit Abhaneri-Step well and Ftehpur Sikri. Abhaneri-Chand Baori is popular for the amazing 'Baoris' (step wells) and Harshat Mata Temple. Now you will start for Agra but en-route we will visit the old deserted town of the Mughal Dynasty, Fatehpur Sikri. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar. The city highlights some of the iconic structures of the Mughal era.

Later, drive towards Agra. On reaching Agra, check-in to the hotel. Later proceed to see sunset at Taj from Mehtab Bagh Garden. Return to the hotel in the evening.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Agra.

DAY 20
AGRA

You need to wake up early on this day as the tour schedule starts in the wee hours. First thing in the morning would be catching up the sight of the beautiful Taj Mahal as it glistens with the rays of the morning sun. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal is actually a mausoleum that is completely made up of white marble. It was built by the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO world heritage site and is a true example of Islamic style of architecture.

After exploring the epitome of love, return to the hotel for breakfast. Later you may embark on a guided tour of Agra fort and the Itmad-ud-Daula’s Tomb. In the evening you may take a leisurely walk to the Agra market to shop for souvenirs and take back the fond memories of the city.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Agra.

DAY 21
AGRA – GWALIOR – JHANSI - ORCHHA

Next morning after breakfast, leave for Orchha. En-route stop at Gwalior to visit the Gwalior fort, which is one of the largest forts in India. Seek blessing at Vishnu temple which was built long back in the 11th century.

Now you will start for Orchha but en-route visit the Jhansi Fort and The Government Museum. The museum showcases the weapons, statues and dresses used during the Chandela dynasty. It also features a picture gallery of the Gupta period.

After the visit, resume drive to Orchha. Upon reaching Orchha, check-in at one of our listed hotels.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Orchha.

DAY 22
ORCHHA - KHAJURAHO

On the 22nd day of the tour, step out to visit the major tourist attractions of Orchha like the Jehangiri Mahal, the Raj Mahal and the Laxminarayan temple that are famous for their fine frescoes and mural paintings.

Later straightly drive to Khajuraho. On arrival, check in to your hotel and complete the check-in formalities. Enjoy rest of day free for own activities.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Khajuraho

DAY 24
KHAJURAHO – VARANASI (BY FLIGHT)

In the morning after breakfast, transfer to Khajuraho airport to board a flight to Varanasi. On arrival, check-in at one of our listed hotels. In the afternoon take an excursion to Sarnath, the buried Buddhist city. Here you will be visiting Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar and Sarnath Archaeological Museum.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Varanasi.

DAY 25
VARANASI

Next morning enjoy the boat ride in the holy river Ganges on a visit to bathing ghats. Later in the day enjoy a City tour of Varanasi which would cover places like the Bharat Mata Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple and the Alamgir temple. In the evening you have the option of exploring the Banaras Hindu University for visiting the Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Varanasi.

DAY 26
VARANASI – DELHI (BY FLIGHT)

In the morning, get transferred to Varanasi airport, to board a flight to Delhi. On arrival, check-in at one of our listed hotels. Rest and relax for the day. In the evening you have the option to explore Delhi’s hyperactive nightlife.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi..

DAY 27
DEPARTURE FROM DELHI

On the 27th day of the tour, move out on a city tour of Delhi. Visit major tourist attractions like Qutab Minar, Red Fort, India Gate, the Jama Masjid, Humanyun Tomb, and President’s House. In the evening, get transferred to the Delhi airport to catch the flight for onward destination. The tour ends with the sweet memories with Delightful India Holidays.

Inclusion

  • Transportation By AC Car
  • Air Conditioning Car with Driver
  • Fuel (Petrol/Diesel)
  • Toll Taxes, Parking Charge, Inter State Taxes
  • Drive Allowance (Food & Accommodation)

Exclusion

  • Hotels / Accommodation
  • Monument Entrance Fees, Camera Fees, Entrance Fees of National Park, Safari Fees
  • Meal Expenses
  • Personal Expenses
  • Guide Charge
  • Other Activities
  • Air / Bus / Train Fare
  • Driver & Guide's Fees
  • Cancellation charges would apply as per company policy. Free cancellation before 30 days arrival after will charge 100%.
  • If require bill then add GST charge as per Government Rules.