India Heritage Journey from North to South

On arrival at the New Delhi airport, Alkof Holidays representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city's bustling streets or wander its wide tree-lined boulevards to get your first taste of India. Overnight stay in New Delhi.

After breakfast, proceed for a full day sightseeing tour of New Delhi and Old Delhi. Begin with Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Continue to Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques built by Emperor Shah Jahan, followed by a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk. Later, drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate. Continue to Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an outstanding example of Mughal architecture, followed by Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret and one of Delhi’s most iconic landmarks. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at your hotel, leave for Agra. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the grand Agra Fort. Later, head to Mehtab Bagh, located across from the Taj Mahal, to admire a stunning sunset view of the monument. Afterward, explore marble inlay workshops and enjoy shopping in Agra’s vibrant markets. Overnight stay at the hotel in Agra.

Early in the morning, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and admire its breathtaking beauty. Later return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Jaipur. On the way visit Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage site located 37 kilometers from Agra. Built in 16th century, it was once the capital of Mughal Emperor Akbar. After sightseeing at Fatehpur Sikri, proceed to Jaipur for an overnight stay.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a comprehensive guided tour of Jaipur. Begin your exploration with Rajasthan's iconic attraction, the Amber Fort and Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed by Raja Man Singh in 1592 using red sandstone and marble. This majestic fort complex is perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of Maota Lake and the surrounding landscapes. Explore its extensive palace sections and intricate architecture, which blend seamlessly with the natural terrain. Following your visit to Amber Fort, continue your Jaipur sightseeing with a visit to Jal Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, and the Albert Hall Museum. After an enriching day of sightseeing, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Jaipur.

After breakfast, depart for Pushkar. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Later, visit Pushkar Lake, one of the most sacred lakes in India. Surrounded by 52 bathing ghats, the lake attracts thousands of pilgrims who come to take a holy dip in its waters. Continue to the Brahma Temple, one of the very few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. Afterwards, visit the Pushkar Fair Ground, the venue of the world-famous Pushkar Camel Fair, held annually. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Narlai. Upon arrival, check in at Rawla Narlai, a beautifully restored heritage hotel that was once the residence of the local nobility associated with the royal family of Jodhpur. Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this charming heritage property.

Later in the afternoon, head out on a jeep safari through the nearby countryside, where you may spot wildlife such as nilgai, deer, and, with a bit of luck, a leopard. Afterwards, take a leisurely walk through Narlai village to experience its traditional way of life and interact with the local community.

In the evening, enjoy a memorable dining experience (optional, additional cost) at a beautifully illuminated 16th-century baori (stepwell), where a traditional Rajasthani dinner is served in a truly unique setting. Return to Rawla Narlai for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Udaipur. En route, visit the impressive Kumbhalgarh Fort, renowned as the second most significant fort of the Mewar rulers. This fort boasts one of the largest walls in the world, second only to the Great Wall of China, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. Explore the fort's extensive ramparts and historic architecture before continuing your drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your day with a visit to Sahelion-Ki-Bari, a beautiful garden made for the royal ladies of Udaipur. Then proceed to Fateh Sagar Lake for a short stop to enjoy the calm surroundings and take photos. Next, visit the Museum of Folk Art, where you can see traditional costumes, puppets, dolls, masks, ornaments, musical instruments, and paintings. Continue to the City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in Rajasthan, built by several generations of Maharajas. Explore the palace museum, known for its peacock mosaics and detailed miniature paintings showing Indian culture. Just outside the palace, visit the historic Jagdish Temple, a famous 17th-century Hindu temple. Later, take a short walk through the nearby local markets to explore handicrafts and souvenirs. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Lake Pichola, admiring the scenic views of the city and palaces. Return to the hotel and relax. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Jodhpur. En route, visit the magnificent Ranakpur Jain Temples, one of the most important Jain temple complexes in India. Built in the 15th century, the temples are renowned for their stunning marble architecture and 1,444 intricately carved pillars, no two of which are exactly alike. After exploring this architectural masterpiece, continue your journey to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your sightseeing in Jodhpur with a visit to Mehrangarh Fort, built in 1459 and located on a high hill overlooking the city. Explore the fort’s palaces, museums, and grand gates, including Jayapol, the Victory Gate. Next, visit Jaswant Thada, a beautiful marble memorial, followed by a stop at Mandore Garden. Later, explore the lively Clock Tower area and Sardar Market, where you can see local life and shop for souvenirs. End your day with a visit to the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, part of one of the world’s largest private palaces. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Jaisalmer. Check in at your hotel upon arrival and take some time to relax. In the evening, embark on a camel safari to experience the stunning sunset over the Rajasthan desert. Enjoy cultural activities and traditional dance performances by local Rajasthani artists amidst the serene desert landscape. Overnight stay at the hotel in Jaisalmer.

After breakfast at the hotel, set out for a full day of sightseeing in Jaisalmer. Begin with a visit to Jaisalmer Fort, built in 1156, one of the world’s few living forts where people still reside. Inside the fort, explore the beautifully carved Jain Temples and visit the Palace Museum, which displays royal costumes and historical artifacts. Next, see the famous Patwaon-ki-Haveli, known for its detailed carvings and elegant windows. Later, visit Gadisar Lake, a peaceful and popular spot in the city. Continue to Bara Bagh, where you can see the royal cenotaphs built in memory of the Maharajas of Jaisalmer. After sightseeing, return to the hotel and relax. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, leave for Bikaner. Enjoy the journey through the desert landscapes and rural areas of Rajasthan. Upon arrival in Bikaner, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure after the journey. Overnight stay at the hotel in Bikaner.

After breakfast, proceed for a guided sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Visit Junagarh Fort, known for its impressive palaces, courtyards and beautifully decorated interiors. Continue to Lalgarh Palace and explore the historic old city of Bikaner.

Later, visit the National Research Centre on Camel to learn about different breeds of camels and their importance in the desert regions of Rajasthan. After sightseeing, return to your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Bikaner.

After breakfast, leave for Mandawa. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax.

Later, enjoy a guided walking tour of Mandawa and explore its famous painted havelis, known for their colourful frescoes, detailed murals and traditional architecture. Walk through the old streets and learn about the town’s rich trading history and artistic heritage.

After sightseeing, return to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mandawa.

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will transfer you to IGI Airport for your flight to Chennai. Upon arrival at Chennai Airport, our local representative will receive you and transfer you to your hotel. Check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Chennai.

After breakfast, set out for a guided sightseeing tour of Chennai. Visit Marina Beach, Marina Lighthouse, the historic San Thome Basilica, and Kapaleeshwarar Temple, known for its traditional Dravidian architecture.

Later, visit Kalakshetra Foundation and the Theosophical Society to learn about Chennai’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

After sightseeing, return to your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Chennai.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive towards Kanchipuram, one of South India’s most important historic temple towns.

On arrival, proceed for a relaxed guided visit to the beautiful Kailasanathar Temple, one of the finest examples of early Pallava architecture. Continue to the impressive Ekambareswarar Temple, followed by a visit to the sacred Kamakshi Amman Temple.

After sightseeing, continue your drive to Mahabalipuram. On arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the remainder of the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival, explore the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Mahabalipuram, including the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance and Krishna’s Butter Ball.

After sightseeing, continue your drive to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, proceed for a guided sightseeing tour of Pondicherry. Explore the French Quarter with its colonial-era buildings and tree-lined streets. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and stroll along the Promenade overlooking the Bay of Bengal.

Later, drive to Auroville and visit the Matrimandir viewing point and learn about the vision and community of Auroville.

After sightseeing, return to your hotel in Pondicherry and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, drive towards Thanjavur. En route, stop at Chidambaram and visit the historic Thillai Nataraja Temple, an important temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and known for its impressive Dravidian architecture and association with the Chola period.

After sightseeing, continue your drive to Thanjavur. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thanjavur.

After breakfast, proceed for a guided sightseeing tour of Thanjavur. Visit the magnificent Brihadisvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Chola architecture. Explore the temple complex and admire its monumental tower, sculptures and intricate stone carvings.

Continue to the Thanjavur Maratha Palace Complex and explore its main accessible sections and museum collections.

Later, drive towards Kumbakonam and visit the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Great Living Chola Temples.

After sightseeing, drive back to Thanjavur. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thanjavur.

After breakfast, drive to Madurai. En route stop at Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) and visit the famous Rock Fort complex, followed by the Jambukeswarar Temple at Thiruvanaikaval. Continue to Srirangam and visit the impressive Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of South India’s most important Vaishnavite temple complexes.

After sightseeing, continue your drive to Madurai. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Overnight stay at the hotel in Madurai.

After breakfast, proceed for a guided sightseeing tour of Madurai. Visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, known for its towering gopurams, colourful sculptures and impressive Dravidian architecture.

Continue to Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, followed by the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which provides an insight into India’s independence movement. Later, visit the Thirupparankundram Murugan Temple, an ancient rock-cut temple located at the foot of a rocky hill.

Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, a large historic temple tank.

After sightseeing, return to your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Madurai.

On arrival at Cochin Airport, meet your driver and continue to Munnar. En route, enjoy the scenic drive through the hills with stops at waterfalls and viewpoints along the way. On arrival in Munnar, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Munnar.

After breakfast, visit Eravikulam National Park at Rajamalai, home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr and scenic high altitude grasslands. Later, continue to Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point and Kundala Lake, enjoying the mountain scenery and viewpoints along the route. After sightseeing, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Munnar.

Note: Eravikulam National Park normally remains closed to visitors during the Nilgiri tahr calving season in February and March.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Thekkady through the scenic hills, tea estates and spice growing areas of the Western Ghats. On arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax. Later, visit Kumily, the nearby town known for its spice shops, local markets and small restaurants. After exploring the town, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Thekkady.

After breakfast, proceed to Periyar Tiger Reserve for a half day bamboo rafting programme (subject to availability). The experience includes guided forest trekking through the reserve and bamboo rafting on Periyar Lake with trained forest guides. After completing the activity, return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Kumarakom, a peaceful backwater destination on the banks of Vembanad Lake. On arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax. Later, visit the Bay Island Driftwood Museum, known for its unusual sculptures made from naturally shaped driftwood collected from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Spend the evening enjoying the backwater surroundings before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay in Kumarakom.

After an early breakfast, visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, where you can walk through the lakeside forest and look for resident and migratory birds.

Afterwards, check out from your hotel and drive to Alleppey for your overnight backwater cruise. Board your private houseboat around noon to 1:00 PM and enjoy lunch on board as the boat cruises through canals, villages, paddy fields and the wider backwaters of Vembanad Lake.

The houseboat anchors by evening, with dinner served on board. Overnight stay on the houseboat in Alleppey.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Kochi. Upon arrival, proceed for a guided sightseeing tour of the historic Fort Kochi area. Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica and the Dutch Palace. Continue to the historic Jewish Quarter and explore the old streets of Mattancherry.

After sightseeing, check in at your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kochi.

After breakfast, or earlier depending on your flight timing, our driver will transfer you to Cochin International Airport for your onward journey.