Book North & South India Tour - Vibrant India Tours

Itinerary

Accommodations

City	Standard	Deluxe	Luxury	Nights
Delhi	Hotel Clark International or Similar	Hotel Golden Grand or Similar	Hotel The Lalit or Similar	03
Jaipur	Hotel Gandharwa or Similar	Hotel Park Regis or Similar	Hotel Trident or Similar	02
Agra	Hotel Siris 18 or Similar	Hotel Fern or Similar	Hotel Radisson, Agra or Similar	01
Tordi Garh	Hotel Tordi Garh or Similar	Hotel Tordi Garh or Similar	Hotel Tordi Garh or Similar	01
Pushkar	Hotel Master Paradise or Similar	Hotel Jagat Palace or Similar	Hotel Westin or Similar	01
Udaipur	Hotel Le Grand or Similar	Hotel Jagat Niwas Palace or Similar	Hotel Trident or Similar	02
Jodhpur	Hotel K.P Haveli or Similar	Hotel Fern or Similar	Hotel Indana Palace or Similar	01
Jaisalmer	Hotel Royal Jaisalmer or Similar	Hotel Sarovar Portico or Similar	Hotel Narain Niwas or Similar	01
Khuri	Desert Camp	Desert Camp	Desert Camp	01
Bikaner	Hotel Sagar or Similar	Hotel Chirag or Similar	Hotel Laxmi Niwas Palace or Similar	01
Chennai	Hotel Iris or Similar	Hotel GRT Grand Chennai or Similar	Hotel Ramada or Similar	02
Mahabalipuram	Hotel Ideal Beach Resort or Similar	Hotel Radisson Blu Temple Bay Resort or Similar	Hotel Radisson Blu Temple Bay Resort or Similar	02
Pondicherry	Hotel Abirami Regency or Similar	Hotel Le Pondy or Similar	Hotel La Villa or Similar	01
Tanjore	Hotel Star Regency or Similar	Hotel Ideal River Resort or Similar	Hotel Ideal River Resort or Similar	02
Madurai	Hotel Astoria or Similar	Hotel Poppys Hotel Madurai or Similar	Hotel Courtyard by Marriot or Similar	01
Thekkady	Hotel Karar Garh or Similar	Hotel The Elephant Court or Similar hills and hues	Hotel The Mountain Courtyard or Similar	01
Alleppey	Deluxe Houseboat	Premium Houseboat	Luxury Houseboat	01
Cochin	Hotel Dunes Cochin or Similar	Hotel Amritara	Hotel Trident Cochin or Similar	02

Day 1: Delhi, Welcome To Incredible India!!

You will be greeted & assisted by our representative at Delhi international airport and later transferred to your hotel to check in. Remaining time is at leisure till next day. Meals: Welcome Dinner Included.

DAY 2: DELIGHTFUL TOUR OF OLD DELHI

Your day would begin after a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast, you get yourself ready for a personalized guide tour, which begins from the Old and Historic Delhi. The first halt is Red Fort. Then advance to the Jama Masjid. The guide will arrange a cycle rickshaw tour, which will let you catch a closer insight of old era and the very illustrious Anarkali Bazaar of Chandni Chowk. At Chandni Chowk, we would further take you to Khari Baoli Spice Market – the largest spice market of Asia, which is a true delight for eyes. Old Delhi is also the sparkling haven for food connoisseurs. This is the place, where you will relish tasting the unique traditional Mughal delicacies, which are prepared by expert cooks, who have inherited the trade from their forefathers. Late afternoon you will visit Akshardham Temple – biggest Hindu temple of the world. In the evening you return to your hotel and paint a picture of places you visited in your vivid memory. Make the overnight stay in your hotel room a memoir of the events of which you were the part. Meals: Breakfast Included.

Day 3: DELIGHTFUL TOUR OF NEW DELHI

Welcome to a fresh new morning, after delicious breakfast begin your tour of New Delhi. This morning, you will visit the imposing boulevards and buildings such as Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s Residence), India Gate, and many more in Lutyen’s Delhi (New Delhi). Optional: 2 Hour City Walk The Salaam Baalak Trust City Walk is an English guided tour of almost 2 hours conducted by children who used to live in the streets of Delhi before joining our Trust. Our guides are adolescents who have been fully trained as local guide and who want to improve their communication and speaking skills. City Walk gets the children's stories heard, gives people a view of their world through their eyes. Those who take the City Walk tour through the streets of inner city of Paharganj and the area around New Delhi railway station, led by a child who was once living and working on the streets will experience special tour far from the tourist main attractions. City Walk is an example of how a volunteer's creativity can translate into a unique and enduring programme, which is both popular and economically viable. Over the last seven years, thousands have taken the Walk and empowered a number of children, helping them to join mainstream life. Please note, there no city walks on Sunday and public holidays. DELHI – AGRA, TOUR OF ROMANCE AND EXALTATION BEGINS Later, pack yourself for a road trip to Agra – the Old Capital of Mughals. On arrival visit Agra Fort - a UNESCO world heritage site. Make the overnight stay in your hotel room a memoir of the events of which you were the part. Meals: Breakfast Included.

Day 4: AGRA, SUNRISE VISIT TO TAJ MAHAL

At dawn, visit the incomparable Taj Mahal – one of the seven wonders of the world, to observe the effects caused by the reflections of the changing colors of the rising Sun on this masterpiece. Return back to your hotel for a delectable breakfast, while a part of you is still living in romanticism. FATEHPUR SIKRI - ABHANERI (STEP WELLS) After breakfast checkout from the hotel and drive towards Fatehpur Sikri-a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a perfectly preserved red sandstone ghost town, which was once the capital of Mughal Empire built in 1569 and deserted when its water supply failed. Later drive towards Abhaneri. The Chand Baori is a stepwell built over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan. It is one of the largest stepwells in the world and one of the most beautiful ones. JAIPUR Later, you will be transferred to Jaipur, “The Pink City of India”. As the evening sets in, explore the bustling local bazaar & indulge yourself in shopping local handmade artifacts & jewelry. Remaining time is at leisure till next morning. Meals: Breakfast Included.

Day 5: JAIPUR, THE PINK CITY

Enthralling, historical Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital, is the gateway to India’s most flamboyant state, Rajasthan. Renowned globally for its colored gems, the capital city of Rajasthan combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis. Since the color pink was symbolic of hospitality, Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the entire city pink. The pink that colors the city makes for a marvelous spectacle to behold. The morning is fresh as ever for you, and this is when you will have an excursion to Amer Fort. This palace is laid out over four layers and sits beside the shimmering Maota Lake. Afterwards stop for picture at the Maharaja's City Palace (the home of the erstwhile royal family), Hawa Mahal (the Palace of winds) and visit the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar space observatory. EVENING WITH LOCAL FAMILY & COOKING CLASS Spend evening with the local family. It’s a great way to have a local experience in Jaipur. You will experience a great insight into the lifestyle of Indian family. You will be part of a cooking class with the local family. Get a taste of true Indian hospitality thanks to this cooking lesson and meal in the home of a local family. You will learn few local dishes and how to prepare them with fresh ingredients. End the experience by enjoying your meal, accompanied by lots of lively conversation, with the family. Return to your hotel and live a memorable night. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 6: TORDI GARH VILLAGE

Post healthy breakfast proceeds to Tordi Garh Village. Take an excursion to the local village to explore a traditional way of rural life in India. By walking around the village gives you the perfect opportunity of meeting local people and seeing agricultural practices at close quarters. Visit the homes of the Potters, Ironsmiths, mat weavers, cobblers, and people engaged in other occupations. In the afternoon you may take a jeep ride visiting hamlets of Gurjar, Regar and other tribes and meeting their men and women folks while they are grazing their herd of sheep, goats and cattle, 300 years old step well, Farm Visit (organic farming) and drive to the Tordi Sagar Dam to spot wild animals and migratory birds.

Later ride to the Sand Dunes for a perfect sunset with sundowners and have hot tea and cookies at sand dunes. Enjoy your dinner around Bonn Fire on top of the terrace overlooking starry skies. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Day 7: PUSHKAR, THE INSPIRING PUSHKAR DRIVE

Morning after breakfast, you make the checkout, and a road drive will take you to Pushkar. On arrival, check in at your hotel. Visit the Brahma Temple and Pushkar Lake during the day. Later, take a stroll into the meandering alleys of Pushkar and come across vibrant, colorful markets. Return back to your hotel and stay overnight. NOTE: If you travel during the month of November, it will provide you once-in-the-lifetime opportunity of attending the world famous ‘Pushkar Camel Fair’.

Meals: Breakfast Included.

Day 8: UDAIPUR

Morning after breakfast, checkout and drive to reach Udaipur. On arrival, check in at your hotel. Remaining day is at leisure. If you wish you have time to look around in the markets near Lake Pichola. Stay overnight at your hotel. Meals: Breakfast Included.

Day 9: UDAIPUR, THE CITY OF MOSAIC ARCHITECTURE AND LAKES WELCOMES YOU

During the day enjoy the sightseeing tour of Udaipur, which includes City Palace, Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum (has an interesting collection of dresses, turbans, musical instruments, dolls, paintings, the traditional puppets etc.). Your visit to Shilpgram craft village will be a new experience altogether. Enjoy an afternoon cruise on the calm waters of Lake Pichola in Udaipur (subject to water levels) and later visit the island of Jag mandir. Stay overnight at your hotel. Meals: Breakfast Included.

Day 10: JODHPUR, MAKE ENTRY TO THE THAR DESERT

Make a morning checkout from your hotel and take the road drive to Ranakpur. On arrival, visit the beautiful Ranakpur Jain Temple. It is the largest and one of the most complex Jain Temple in India. Later you will be transferred by road drive directly to Jodhpur – “the Sun city of India”. On arrival, check in at your hotel. FOOD SAFARI Our Jodhpur team offers a bespoke ‘food safari’ tour, which many people regard as a highlight of their time in India. Visit local eateries with one of our Jodhpur crew and sample the best food on offer in Jodhpur. We would further take you to local Spice Market, which is a true delight for eyes. It’s truly unbelievable to see that the spices which we normally see in small sachets & packets are here seen in big sacks & carts. A wholesale market with carts full of different spices and people busy negotiating the prices, it’s really a scene. Later plan your evening for strolling in the old markets around Clock Tower-a completely spell bound surrounding. Stay overnight at your hotel. Meals: Breakfast Included.

Day 11: JAISALMER, THE GOLDEN CITY AWAITS YOU

After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur which includes visit to Mehrangarh fort and Jaswant Thada. Later you may also visit the splendid Umaid Bhawan Palace and its fabulous Museum. Check out from your hotel room in the noon time, and then take the road drive to Jaisalmer. On arrival, make a check in at your hotel. Relive the time in hand in complete leisure and composure.

Meals: Breakfast Included.

DAY 12: JAISALMER, DESERT CAMP

After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. At first visit the Sonar Fort- the only Indian Fort which is still inhabited; there are intricately carved stone houses and a beautiful Jain temple. Later you will visit the beautiful Patwon and Nathmal Ji Ki Havelis, with some of the finest carvings. KHURI DESERT CAMP Later, you will be transferred to Khuri, famous for its desert beauty. Visit Khuri village to experience the romance of desert in the most fascinating way and the hospitality that is an integral part of Rajasthan. Later enjoy a camel ride over the shifting dunes atop a colorfully dressed camel. In evening, experience a breathtaking view of sunset over the sand when it casts a truly magical spell over the desert lands. A night in the desert offers an ideal setting to star gaze. Sit beside a campfire, listen to the traditional music, and relish some of the authentic Rajasthani delicacies. Overnight stay in Khuri Desert Camp. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 13: BIKANER, CAMEL COUNTRY

In the morning take an adventurous road drive to the Thar Desert region to reach Bikaner. On arrival, check in at your hotel. Visit the historical Junagarh Fort- a 15th century Fort, a prime example of Indian architecture in the Thar Desert. Next in line is Lalgarh palace followed by the visit to Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Rat Temple. The temple is filled with auspicious rats that live within the temple walls and like to crawl over your feet and nibble at your toes as you walk through the holy place. Later visit unique camel research and breeding farm, one of its kind in the continent of Asia. Meals: Breakfast Included.

Day 14: MANDAWA

After enjoying the breakfast, you will be driven to Mandawa-The city of Havelis and unique architectures. The rich merchants constructed their lavish havelis here and embellished them with beautiful paintings on religious, historical, folk, and social theme.
View some of the oldest and the best preserved Shekhavati paintings in the region. This region is like an Open Art Gallery where you may see hundreds of Havelis with beautiful paintings and carved doors/windows. DELHI Later, you will be transferred to Delhi. You will reach Delhi by late afternoon. On arrival visit The Lotus Temple, 12th century Qutab Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. You will have some time to look around in the markets near your hotel. Remaining time is at leisure till next morning. Meals: Breakfast Included.

Day 15: DELHI - CHENNAI, SOUTH INDIA ODYSSEY BEGINS!!

This Morning after breakfast checkout from your hotel and at appropriate time you will be transferred to Delhi airport for your flight to Chennai. Our representative will welcome you at Chennai International Airport and assist you with your hotel transfer. Check-in at the hotel and you will have remaining time for leisure. Meals: Breakfast & Welcome Dinner Included.

Day 16: CHENNAI, TRADITIONAL TAMIL MEAL EXPERIENCE

Your day will start with a delicious breakfast followed by a guided sightseeing tour of Chennai. A day in Chennai sightseeing includes the historic Fort St George, Vivekananda House and your first opportunity to sample a traditional Tamil thali meal. This is the staple lunch of the vast majority of the population of Tamil Nadu and consists of a large selection of gravies, spices, chutneys and condiments served with mountains of rice and an array of breads and rice-flour concoctions, traditionally served on a banana leaf. You will visit one of the most famous eateries in Chennai- a great place to sample this fabulous food and meet some locals. Meals: Breakfast Included.

Day 17: KANCHIPURAM - MAHABALIPURAM

Have breakfast and check-out from the hotel to visit the ancient city of Kanchipuram - the ancient capital of the Pallavas, famous as a city of 1000 Temples and 124 shrines. A guided sightseeing tour through the city includes visit to popular shrines namely Ekambareshwara, Kailasanathar Temple and Kaanchi Kaamachi. MAHABALIPURAM Next on the list is beach side town of Mahabalipuram, a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site located between Great Salt Lake and the Bay of Bengal. Mahabalipuram’s proximity to the rich fishing grounds of the Bay of Bengal and a number of excellent beachfront restaurants make this a great place to sample seafood. You will be able to select your own fish and choose the way you would like it cooked. Meals: Breakfast Included.

Day 18: MAHABALIPURAM, ANCIENT TIMES

Today enjoy a visit to the heritage museum DakshinaChitra. It is an exciting cross-cultural living museum of art, architecture, lifestyles, crafts and performing arts of South India. Later enjoy a sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram. Explore the best of this ancient towns UNESCO World Heritage listed monuments of Pancha Pandava Rathas, Varaha Mandapa and other structures that were built during 7th and 8th century. Meals: Breakfast Included.

Day 19: PONDICHERRY, FRENCH FLAVOUR

Fifth day of the trip is all about adding French experience to your holiday in India. We will drive you to the Puducherry (formerly known as Pondicherry), an erstwhile French colony. Although the French left Pondicherry more than half a century ago, the city retains a strong Gallic feel. Rooftop restaurants serving a variety of excellent continental dishes, superb bakeries and wonderful cafes are all testimony to the lasting continental influence. In the afternoon you will explore The French Quarter and Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Later spend some time in the Tamil Quarter which is far more 'Indian' in feel and home to some superb shops and boutiques. Meals: Breakfast Included.

Day 20: TANJORE

Have delicious breakfast and we will drive you to your next destination Tanjore, a city with 1500 years of impressive history. The city features 1000-year-old Brihadishvara temple, one of the largest temples in South India. The Sacred Bull made from a single piece of stone is one of the significant highlights in the temple. Meals: Breakfast Included.

Day 21: CHETTINAD, VILLAGE WALKS

The day kicks off early in the morning with drive to the Chettinad. There will be plenty of time to explore the villages, observe the local craft of tile making and visit the markets. Plenty of options for the day including a bullock cart ride around the village. You may like to have your future predicted by the rather unusual method known as 'parrot astrology' in which a specially trained parrot selects a card from a Tarot-like deck and this is then interpreted by the fortune teller. Later try the unique Chettinad cuisine, wonderful food in its purest form- spicy and delicious but not hot, with complex combinations of flavors making every dish distinct and unforgettable. Later visit the village of Alangudi. This is a superb opportunity to explore a traditional way of rural life in South India. By walking around the village gives you the perfect opportunity of meeting local people and seeing agricultural practices at close quarters. Overnight stay in Tanjore. Meals: Breakfast Included.

Day 22: MADURAI, FOOD SAFARI

Madurai is the next stop on the itinerary. The emphasis of your time here is on the major sights - Meenakshi Temple and Tirumalai Nayak Palace but there will also be time to visit some of the multitude of bazaars and the flower and vegetable markets. Our Madurai team offers a bespoke ‘food safari’ tour which many people regard as a highlight of their time in South India- visit local restaurants with one of our Madurai crew and sample the best food on offer in Madurai. In the evening, you can plan to experience the night at popular Shree Meenakshi Temple. A procession takes place during the ceremony where the bronze idol of Lord Shiva is taken to the bedchamber of the Hindu deity, Parvati. Meals: Breakfast Included.

Day 23: PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK (THEKKADY), SPICY & WILD

The day starts with a scenic drive to Periyar National park, Thekkady. The drive will take you through the lush agricultural areas and the Spice Market at Theni, which is one of the largest in South India. Later be a part of wildlife boat ride over the beautiful Periyar Lake in Periyar National Park, one of the prominent elephants and tiger reserves in India and admire the gorgeous natural surroundings. You can explore various species of animals and birds and might get a glimpse of wild elephants, tigers, boars and bison. Overnight stay in Thekkady. Meals: Breakfast Included.

Day 24: ALLEPPEY, VENICE OF THE EAST

Today, we will take you to Alleppey, often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’, with its meandering lagoons, coconut trees, endless rows of paddy fields.
Around 1200 hrs check in at the Houseboat and start your cruise through the rich and splendid backwater. It will be a unique and exclusive experience in your lifetime. You will be cruising along the village sides and paddy fields witnessing the core life of the Kerala villages for the whole day. The houseboat is fully furnished with bedrooms and a kitchen. Lunch, Dinner, and overnight stay at the houseboat.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Day 25: COCHIN (KOCHI), ANTIQUES SHOPPING & KATHAKALI DANCE

Enjoy healthy breakfast and drive to Cochin. Explore St. Francis Church- the oldest church in India, the imposing Santa Cruz basilica built by the Portuguese, the heritage sites of Fort Kochi and shop for antiques and spices. Chinese fishing nets, the Dutch Palace and Jewish Synagogue are other highlights of the tour. You will have several opportunities to find prized souvenirs such as spices and antiques while shopping at Jew Street. KATHAKALI DANCE Add a cultural tinge to the evening with a Kathakali dance performance at a popular cultural centre in Fort Kochi. The, colourful dance is not merely a dance. It is an art form that comprises powerful storytelling with ritual, drama, and music. Meals: Breakfast Included.

Day 26: COCHIN (KOCHI), EVENING WITH LOCAL FAMILY & COOKING CLASS

Your next day of the tour starts with a delicious breakfast followed by a morning visit to the fish market. Spend afternoon with the local family. It’s a great way to have a local experience in Kochi. You will experience a great insight into the lifestyle of Indian family. You will be part of a cooking class with the local family. Get a taste of true Indian hospitality thanks to this cooking lesson and meal in the home of a local Kerala family. You will learn few local dishes and how to prepare them with fresh ingredients. Enjoy a traditional vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf. End the experience by enjoying your meal, accompanied by lots of lively conversation, with the family. Return to your hotel and live a memorable night. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 27: DEPARTURE COCHIN (KOCHI) AIRPORT

This Morning after breakfast checkout from your hotel and at appropriate time you will be transferred to Cochin Airport for your onward journey. Board your flight and fly back with memories to cherish for life. Tour ends. Meals: Breakfast Included.

Accommodations

City	Standard	Deluxe	Luxury	Nights
Delhi	Hotel Clark International or Similar	Hotel Golden Grand or Similar	Hotel The Lalit or Similar	03
Jaipur	Hotel Gandharwa or Similar	Hotel Park Regis or Similar	Hotel Trident or Similar	02
Agra	Hotel Siris 18 or Similar	Hotel Fern or Similar	Hotel Radisson, Agra or Similar	01
Tordi Garh	Hotel Tordi Garh or Similar	Hotel Tordi Garh or Similar	Hotel Tordi Garh or Similar	01
Pushkar	Hotel Master Paradise or Similar	Hotel Jagat Palace or Similar	Hotel Westin or Similar	01
Udaipur	Hotel Le Grand or Similar	Hotel Jagat Niwas Palace or Similar	Hotel Trident or Similar	02
Jodhpur	Hotel K.P Haveli or Similar	Hotel Fern or Similar	Hotel Indana Palace or Similar	01
Jaisalmer	Hotel Royal Jaisalmer or Similar	Hotel Sarovar Portico or Similar	Hotel Narain Niwas or Similar	01
Khuri	Desert Camp	Desert Camp	Desert Camp	01
Bikaner	Hotel Sagar or Similar	Hotel Chirag or Similar	Hotel Laxmi Niwas Palace or Similar	01
Chennai	Hotel Iris or Similar	Hotel GRT Grand Chennai or Similar	Hotel Ramada or Similar	02
Mahabalipuram	Hotel Ideal Beach Resort or Similar	Hotel Radisson Blu Temple Bay Resort or Similar	Hotel Radisson Blu Temple Bay Resort or Similar	02
Pondicherry	Hotel Abirami Regency or Similar	Hotel Le Pondy or Similar	Hotel La Villa or Similar	01
Tanjore	Hotel Star Regency or Similar	Hotel Ideal River Resort or Similar	Hotel Ideal River Resort or Similar	02
Madurai	Hotel Astoria or Similar	Hotel Poppys Hotel Madurai or Similar	Hotel Courtyard by Marriot or Similar	01
Thekkady	Hotel Karar Garh or Similar	Hotel The Elephant Court or Similar hills and hues	Hotel The Mountain Courtyard or Similar	01
Alleppey	Deluxe Houseboat	Premium Houseboat	Luxury Houseboat	01
Cochin	Hotel Dunes Cochin or Similar	Hotel Amritara	Hotel Trident Cochin or Similar	02

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