Grand Tour of India

Stay – New Delhi

On the day of 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 at the hotel.

Stay – New Delhi

Embark on a full day of sightseeing beginning in Old Delhi with a visit to the stunning Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia, and the Raj Ghat, a moving memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Take a short rickshaw ride at the Chandni Chowk (A huge market of spices and clothes), also visit Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, and Qutub Minar. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Varanasi

After breakfast at the hotel, take a flight to Varanasi from New Delhi airport. Upon arrival at Varanasi airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel in Varanasi. Rest and relax at the hotel, later explore the city of Varanasi at your own with a local guide. In the evening attend Aarti on the bank of River Ganges. Overnight stay at the hotel.

In Varanasi, you can indulge yourself in many activities what the locals do, also you have enough free time to explore Varanasi at your own and since this is a guided trip so an English speaking guide will be there to suggest, assist you and explain you about all the sightseeing, sacred temples, history and myths of the oldest city of India - Varanasi. In this way you can explore the real life of Varanasi.

Stay – Varanasi

Early in the morning, enjoy a boat ride on the River Ganges, followed by a visit to Akhara and see the traditional form of martial arts practiced there. Morning city tour of Varanasi, this includes a walk through the various sacred Ghats. Visit the sacred shrine of Kashi- Vishwanath (also known as the Golden Temple), and Bharat Mata Mandir, a simple temple dedicated to 'Mother India'. Later proceed to Sarnath, an important site for the Buddhists, visit the Dhamekha Stupa, the Archeological museum and the Chaukhandi Stupa. In the evening attend aarti on the bank of River Ganges in Varanasi. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Khajuraho

After breakfast at the hotel our representative will transfer you to the Varanasi airport to board the flight for Khajuraho. Upon arrival at Khajuraho airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Khajuraho

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a guided tour to Khajuraho, sightseeing begins with visit to World Heritage Site Western Group of Temples. Here Kandariya Mahadev temple is the most popular and beautiful massive structure. It is a magnificent peace of artistic sculptural work. Khajuraho temples are more popular for erotic sculptured images but on your visit you will realize that such images are approx. 15% of all images and other images are Hindu gods, goddess, nymphs. After this we will drive to Eastern group of temples and after that you may drive to see Raneh Water-fall, located about 20kms from Khajuraho. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Agra

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Jhansi. At Jhansi visit Jhansi Fort, Government Museum & Rani Mahal. After sightseeing, our representative will transfer you to the Jhansi railway station to board the train for Agra. Upon arrival at Agra railway station, Alkof Holidays representative will meet you and later transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.

Stay – Agra

Early morning before sunrise visit the world’s most popular and beautiful monument Taj Mahal along with Mehtab Bagh. Later drive back to your hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, proceed for a full day guided tour of Agra, visit Itmad-ud-Daulah, Agra Fort, and Akbar's Tomb at Sikandra Fort. Evening is free for shopping of handicrafts as souvenirs from the market of Agra. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Ranthambore National Park

Early morning before sunrise your tour guide and the driver will pick you up from the hotel and take you for a guided sightseeing tour of the Taj Mahal along with Mehtab Bagh. Return to the hotel for breakfast after sightseeing. Later check out of hotel, and proceed for Ranthambore National Park via Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri is the oldest deserted town built by Mughal Kingdom in 1571 in honor of Saint Salim Chisti. After finishing your sightseeing tour at Fatehpur Sikri, proceed to Ranthambore for overnight stay.

Stay – Ranthambore National Park

Enjoy 2 jeep safari's today inside the Ranthambore National Park, one early in the morning and 2nd later in the afternoon. Get a chance to watch elusive tigers, also watch deer, birds, leopards, monkeys, and other animals in the lust forest. After jungle safari at the national park, drive back to your hotel for night stay. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Jaipur

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the 1,000-year-old Ranthambore Fort. Later in the afternoon check-out from the hotel and drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival at Jaipur, check-in at your hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Jaipur

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full day guided tour of Jaipur, visit City Palace, The Hawa Mahal (palace of winds), Jantar Mantar, Amer Fort, Jal Mahal (Water Palace) and enjoy evening sunset at Surya Mandir, if time permits you can visit some other interesting places as well. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Mandawa

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Mandawa. Upon arrival, check–in at the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later take a waking tour to explore the most colourful painted havelis (Palaces) of Mandawa. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Bikaner

After early morning breakfast, leave for Bikaner. Upon arrival, check–in at the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later proceed for the sightseeing of Bikaner, visit Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Jain Haveli, Bhandeswari Jain Temple, and the Karni Mata Temple. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Jaisalmer

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Jaisalmer. En-route visit the Kheechan village – known for a large number of demoiselle cranes that visit it every winter. Later continue your drive to Jaisalmer. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.

Stay – Jaisalmer

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full day guided tour of Jaisalmer, visit the stunning Jain temples inside the Sonar Quila, the palace museum inside the Jaisalmer Fort, which exhibits a rich collection of imperial dresses and artifacts belonging to the royal family of Jaisalmer and havelis with convoluted designs and latticed windows such as Patwaon-ki-Haveli and the Gadisar Lake form the main attractions of the city. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Jodhpur

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Jodhpur. Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later in the afternoon, enjoy a wonderful and informative Village Safari to the Bishnoi village, get familiar with the local villagers, know about their lifestyle and culture. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Jodhpur

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing of Jodhpur, visit massive Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace (Now converted into luxury hotel), Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, Clock Tower, Mandore Temple and Mandore Gardens. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Udaipur

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Udaipur - the city of Lakes. En-route visit Ranakpur Jain Temples, built in 12 Century – popular for its magnificent carving on 1444 non-replicable marble pillars, each one has been designed to represent its own different theme. Later continue your drive to Udaipur for 2 nights stay.

Stay – Udaipur

After breakfast, start your sightseeing tour with a visit to Sahelion-Ki-Bari. Then proceed to visit the Museum of folk art, which has a rich collection of folk dresses, puppets, dolls, masks, ornaments, folk musical instruments and paintings on display. Afterwards visit the City Palace, the biggest palace complex in India, where four generations of Maharajas added mansions and palaces. You also visit the museum of the palace, which includes the beautiful peacock mosaic and miniature wall paintings of Indian mythology. In the evening take a boat ride on the lake Pichola. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Mount Abu

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Mount Abu. Upon arrival at Mount Abu, check into the hotel. In the evening visit Nakki Lake, Sun Set Point, Dilwara Jain temple, and Vimal Vasahi temple. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Ahmedabad

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Ahmedabad. On the way halt at Patan to visit Rani Ki Vav - Ornate stepwell with a storied history, Patan Patola Heritage Museum, Khan sarovar pond and Sahastraling lake - a medieval artificial water tank in Patan commissioned during Chaulukya rule, but now it is empty and in a ruined state. It is a Monument of National Importance protected by Archaeological Survey of India. After sightseeing at Patan, continue to Ahmedabad. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Ahmedabad

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Ahmedabad, visit the Gandhi Ashram next to the banks of the River Sabarmati, it is the place where Mahatma Gandhi set out on his Dandi March and has now been converted into a museum. Also visit the Hate Singh Jain Temple and the grand architecture of the Akshardham Temple. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Bhavnagar

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Bhavnagar. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest nd relax at the hotel, later visit the Jain temple complex of Palitana, set among the Shatrunjaya hills, which consists of 863 intricately carved marble shrines. Palitana is widely considered to be one of the most sacred sights for Jains and was once the capital of the princely state of the Gohil Rajput clan. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Gir National Park

Drive to Sasan Gir National Park, the Park is made up of mostly forest area with rocky hills and deep valleys with numerous rivers and streams. It is also Asia's last natural home of the Asiatic lion (Panthera Leo Lersica). Upon arrival at Gir National Park, check-in at the resort. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the resort.

Stay – Gir National Park

Today enjoy a jeep safari inside the National Park, one early in the morning, and second safari in the afternoon. The wildlife safaris are organized in the sanctuary thrice in a day, two scheduled rides in the morning season while the last one will be organized late in the afternoon. Overnight stay at the resort.

Gir National Park: One of the highly popular protected areas and the only home to regal Asiatic Lions, Gir National Park is known for boasting an impressive range of exotic flora and fauna. The flora of Gir national park majorly encompasses dry and deciduous forests. Apart from the mammals, the park has a large population of marsh crocodile or mugger that is among the 40 species of reptiles and amphibians recorded in the sanctuary. Gir National Park is also a paradise for bird watchers with a check-list of more than 250 birds. For this reason, the park remains filled with wildlife lovers all the year round.

Stay – Somnath

After breakfast at the resort, proceed to Somnath. Upon arrival at Somnath, check-in at the hotel. Relax at the hotel, later visit Shree Somnath Jyotirling Temple - one of the twelve "Jyotirlingas” of Lord Shiva. Also visit Bhalka Tirtha, the place where Lord Krishna was hit by an arrow shot by a hunter named Jara, after which he is said to have left the earth for the heavenly abode. Rest of the day you can relax at the beach of Somnath. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Dwarka

Early morning leave for Dwarka - the city of God Krishna. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel, later visit Shree Dwarkadhish Temple (the Jagat Mandir), a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Krishna, who is worshiped here as the 'King of Dwarka'. Later visit Gomati Ghat is an important haunt for all devout pilgrims. It is also referred to as Gomati Sangam Ghat as the river flows past the Gomati Ghat and soon afterwards meets the Arabian Sea at the Chakratirtha Ghat. Later visit The Rukmini Devi Temple, dedicated to Rukmini, Krishna’s chief queen. The temple is said to be 2,500 years old but in its present form it is inferred to belong to the 12th century. After that visit Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the temples mentioned in the Shiva Purana and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas just 16 Km from Dwarka. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Rajkot

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Rajkot. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel, later visit the Watson Museum, Kaba Gandhi Museum, and No Delo - the ancestral house - where Gandhi Ji grew up which now houses 'Gandhi Smriti', a memorial museum. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Mumbai

After breakfast at the hotel, take a flight to Mumbai from Rajkot Airport. Upon arrival at Mumbai airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel in Mumbai. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Aurangabad

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed local sightseeing of Mumbai, visit the Gateway of India, Gandhi Memorial, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Prince of Wales Museum, and Juhu Chowpatty. Later in the afternoon take a flight to Aurangabad from Mumbai airport. Upon arrival at Aurangabad airport, our representative will transfer you to the hotel for overnight stay.

Stay – Aurangabad

After breakfast at the hotel, take a flight from Mumbai airport to Aurangabad. Upon arrival at Aurangabad airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel and later proceed for a guided tour of Ajanta Caves (Ajanta caves is closed on Monday). Ajanta Caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses 30 rock-cut Buddhist Caves. The caves have beautiful paintings and sculptures which are rightly called the Buddhist masterpieces. After sightseeing around the place, drive back to the hotel for overnight stay.

Stay – New Mumbai

After breakfast proceed for a guided tour of Ellora Caves. Ellora Caves encompasses 34 rock cut shrines representing Buddhist, Hindu & Jain art dating from the 4th to 9th century A.D. The most remarkable among them is the Kailash Temple, meant to be a replica of Lord Shivas celestial abode - Kailash is the best example of Rock cut architecture and an engineering marvel. Also visit the Daulatabad Fort which was built by the Yadavas. Initially, the fort acted as a southern military base. After sightseeing, we will transfer you to Aurangabad airport to board the flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel for night stay.

Stay – Bangalore

After breakfast, fly to Bangalore from Mumbai Airport. Upon arrival at Bangalore airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later proceed for sightseeing of Bangalore - the Garden city of India, visit Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, a 240 acre garden with largest collection of tropical plants, aquarium, Glass House and a lake, later visit Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha (outside view), and Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace. In the evening, visit ISKCON temple at Hare Krishna Hill. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Mysore

After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to Mysore. Mysore is the cultural city of Karnataka and known for beautiful palaces and charming gardens. On arrival at Mysore, check-in at the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later visit Mysore Zoo, and in the evening visit Brindavan Gardens, one of the major attractions near the city of Mysore. The main attraction of the Brindavan Gardens is the musical fountain in which bursts of water are synchronized to the music of songs. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Mysore

After breakfast, visit Srirangapatna and the Kesava temple at Somnathpur, later visit the Golden Throne at the Durbar hall (During Dussehra Festival), the Mysore Palace, and Chamundi Hills (Chamundeshwari Temple). Also visit the St. Philomena's Church, built in the Gothic style - it is one of the largest churches in the country. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Bandipur National Park

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Bandipur National Park. Bandipur National Park is a wildlife sanctuary and is a picturesque location, situated amidst Western Ghat Mountains on the Mysore-Ooty highway. On arrival at Bandipur, check-in to the wildlife resort. Relax at the resort or enjoy the calm serenity of the forest resort. Later in the afternoon, proceed for Jeep Safari inside the National Park. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the resort.

Stay – Ooty

Early in the morning, leave for Mudumalai National Park and a declared Tiger Reserve to enjoy Jeep Safari. It is an ideal home to several endangered and vulnerable species nestling Indian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Gaur and Indian Leopard. The sanctuary has about 50 species of fishes, 21 species of Amphibians, 34 species of Reptiles, 227 species of Birds and 55 species of Mammals. After enjoying wildlife safari, proceed to Ooty - the queen of hills. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later visit the Botanical garden - picturesque gardens spread across 22 hectares with 650 species of plants and trees, also visit Doddabetta Peak - the highest peak in the Nilgiris. Evening is reserved for exploring the local markets of Ooty and to enjoy a boat ride at Ooty Lake. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Ooty

After breakfast, proceed full day sightseeing of Coonoor. Drive to Coonoor, upon arrival visit Tea Gardens, Dolphin Nose, Lambs Rock, and Sims Park which is spread over an area of 12 hectares and is situated in Upper Coonoor. All the attractions of Coonoor offer enchanting views of the Nilgiri hills. In the evening, drive back to Ooty for night stay.

Stay – Wayanad

After breakfast, drive to the rain-forest region of Wayanad. Occupying a position on the edge of the stunning Western Ghats, Wayanad is an area of outstanding natural beauty with lush tropical forests, deep valleys, waterfalls and sprawling plantations. Upon arrival, check in at the resort. The evening time is free to spend at the Pookot Lake and having a wonderful time where you can connect yourself with the real nature. Overnight stay at the resort.

Stay – Wayanad

The day is free at leisure, you can enjoy bird watching and a natural walk in the tangled forests. Or you can rejuvenate your mind, body and sole in the lap of the nature. In the evening, return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Stay – Kozhikode

After breakfast at the resort, leave for Kozhikode/Calicut. Upon arrival check-in at the hotet. Rest and relax at the hotel, later visit Kozhikode Beach, Beypore Beach, and Kappad Beach - a historically significant location. It was here that Vasco Da Gama landed on May 27, 1498 - opening the first sea route from Europe to India. Also, visit Kalaripayattu School at Kozhikode to be a spectator to the ancient martial art of Kerala. Kalaripayattu considered as the mother of all the martial art forms. Kalaripayattu is a little bit a mixture of dance and defense. It is warfare with the peerless rhythmical feel that makes you forget that what you were watching is once a route to a fight. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kozhikode.

Stay – Kochi

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Cochin. Upon arrival at Cochin, check-in at the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later proceed for a half day guided tour at Cochin, visit Fort Kochi, Marine Drive, Hill Palace, Dutch Palace, Pareekshith Thampuran Museum, Pallipuram Fort, Santa Cruz Basilica, Bolgatty Island, and Indo Portuguese Museum. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Munnar

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Munnar “Scenic Hill Station of Kerala”. On the way to Munnar, visit Kodanad Elephant Care Centre, beautiful waterfalls and natural scenic spots. Upon arrival at Munnar, check-in at your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Munnar

After breakfast spend the day with local sightseeing. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundale, Munnar is 1600 Meter above sea level. This majestic hill station was once the summer resort of the British government in South India. Local sightseeing of Munnar includes visit to Mattupetty Dam, Kundale Lake and Echo point. Afternoon proceed to Rajamalai were the rarest species of mountain goat, "Nilgiri Thars", can be spotted. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Thekkady

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Thekkady (the location of the Periyar National Park). Upon arrival at Thekkady/Periyar check-in at your hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later visit Kumily - a beautiful town and a popular tourist destination near Thekkady. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Thekkady

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full day sightseeing tour of Thekkady or Periyar National Park. Thekkady is spread across 777 sq km of which 360 sq km is thick ever green forest. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wild life and scenic beauty, the sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. It is one of those wildlife reserves in India that remain open even in monsoon season. Optional activities like Boating at Periyar Lake, Spice Plantation visit and Elephant Ride can be done at an extra cost. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Kumarakom

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Kumarakom “Town of Backwaters”. Upon arrival at Kumarakom, check-in at the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, proceeds for local sightseeing in and around Kumarakom. Kumarakom is a tiny backwater hamlet perched on the western banks of the Vembanadu Lake. The stretch of backwater is spread over 900 sq. km, visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Beach & Backwaters, and Bay Island Driftwood Museum etc. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Alleppey

After breakfast, drive to the Backwaters of Alleppey. Set out on an enchanting overnight backwater cruise in traditionally decorated houseboat. Check in time is 01:00 PM and cruise starts with lunch. While cruising in these floating villas, let your eyes settle for the rare and the unusual - skim past Chinese fishing nets, bowed-down paddy fields, and local inhabitants engaged in making coir products, rustic homes, and ancient temples and swaying coconut groves. Evening is free at leisure, you can explore the local market of Alleppey. Food will be served onboard. Overnight stay at the houseboat.

After breakfast at the hotel, Alkof Holidays representative will transfer you to Cochin Airport to board the flight to your home or onward destination.