Tours of India. Tours to North and South India.

HIGHLIGHTS

Experience the cultural highlights of North and South India, all in one trip
Explore well-known sights such as Agra and the majestic cities of Rajasthan, along with gems like the temples at Khajuraho and the deserted city of Fatephur Sikri
Visit Varanasi, the intensely exciting ancient Hindu pilgrimage by the Ganges
Relax, interact with local villagers and enjoy farm fresh home-cooked meals on an island in the midst of the Kerala backwaters
Attend the sacred ceremony at Meenakshi Temple in Madurai
Tour Kanchipuram, the Golden City of a Thousand Temples, and one of the oldest towns in India

Experience the significant historic sites, cultural traditions and stunning environments of North and South India on one of the most comprehensive tours of India. North India contains some of the most well-known monuments and temples and is the original source of various painting styles, sculpture and textiles. South India is known for its exquisite beauty, a slower paced lifestyle and the Dravidian temples mostly found in Tamil Nadu. Our journey includes the ancient city of Varanasi, the Taj Mahal, and a sampling of colorful Rajasthan in the North. In the South, we’ll visit the very beautiful state of Kerala, including the vibrant port city of Cochin, tea and spice plantations, the delightful backwaters, the fabulous Meenakski Temple in Madurai, and the most significant temples in Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. Our comprehensive Ultimate India itinerary allows ample time for intensive exploration of each city.

Worshippers at a South India temple

ITINERARY

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Day 1-3: Meet in Delhi
Tour Old and New Delhi including Jama Maszid, Red Fort, Qutab Minar, India Gate, House of Parliament, President's House and Gandhi memorial, the Crafts Museum and other cultural activities.

Day 4-5: Varanasi (Benares)
Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges to witness Hindu rituals. Attend Aarti puja (light ceremony) on the banks of the Ganges. Visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon.

Day 6-7: Khajuraho - Orchha - Gwailor
See the 9th- 11th century Chandella temples, illustrated with remarkable sculptures of the classic erotic literature, the Kama Sutra. Visit Orchha, the capital of the kingdom of the Bundella Rajputs from 1531 to 1783 enroute to Gwailor. Overnight at the 120-year-old Usha Kiran Palace.

Day 8: Agra
Visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah, Sikandra, and Agra Fort. Sunset viewing of the Taj Mahal.

Day 9-10: Fatephur Sikri - Jaipur
Marvel at Fatehpur Sikri, built in 1571. In Jaipur visit Amber Fort, the old capital of the Kacchawa Rajputs; the City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory and browse the colorful market dominated by the elegant facade of the Hawa Mahal.

Day 11-12: Pushkar-Jodhpur
Stop for lunch in Pushkar by the holy lake. A brief walking tour. In Jodphur visit the majestic fort, bustling bazaars and camel ride in the sand dunes at sunset.

Day 13-14: Udaipur
Visit the City Palace, museum and crystal gallery, miniature painting studios, and bazaars. Excursion to the magnificent Ranakpur Jain Temples. Sunset private boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Day 15-16: Cochin
Tour the vibrant harbor town including St. Francis Church, Dutch Palace, and Chinese Fishing Nets along Vypeen Island. Attend Kathakali dance performance.

Day 17: Kerala Backwaters
A short boat cruise to Philip Kutty's Farm, a small homestead located on an island in the Kerala backwaters. Observe village life, enjoy organic home cooking and hospitality from a wonderful family. Day cruise on the backwaters in a traditional riceboat.

Day 18: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Delight in the bounty of spice and tea plantations and enjoy relaxed wildife viewing.

Day 19: Madurai
Tour Meenakshi Temple and attend evening puja in which Lord Shiva is carried in apalanquin accompanied by musicians, temple singers and priests to the temple of his consort, Parvati.

Day 20: Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram
Visit the most important temples of Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India. Also known for its particularly fine silk saris, embellished with stunning patterns, we'll stop by a weaver's home. Visit the Five Rathas and enjoy a sunset view the beautiful Shore temples in Mahabalipuram.