Grand India Tour
20 Days - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Mumbai, Cochin, Backwater Cruise, Periyar, Madurai, Chennai
India is such a diverse country where you find endless deserts, sunny palm-lined beaches, bustling cities, ancient towns, wild sanctuaries - a country that really is like no other. This magical mix takes the quintessential aspects of India, leaving you with an spellbound experience that is so unique and rewarding
Day 1 Delhi
Arriving in Delhi, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 Delhi
Visit India’s largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, and ride a rickshaw through the narrow lanes of Old Delhi. Driving past Red Fort to New Delhi, you’ll see Humayun’s Tomb which has been listed as a World Heritage Site. Take some family photos at India Gate and Parliament Building and explore Connaught Place, Delhi’s local social hub. Indulge in a local specialty dinner in the evening. (B/D)
Day 3 Delhi / Agra
Board the Taj Express train to Agra then go on a tour of the amazing Agra Fort. See craftsmen in action at a marble inlay workshop and learn about marble art and craft. (B)
Day 4 Agra / Jaipur
See a beautiful sunrise at the magnificent Taj Mahal which stands as a romantic symbol of India. Marvel at its beauty, brilliance and exquisite craftsmanship before heading to the “Pink City” of Jaipur. Go on a private tour of Fathpur Sikri, the former capital of the Mughal Empire. (B)
Day 5 Jaipur
In Jaipur, go on a guided tour of the Palace of Winds, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. Take photos with your family at the charming Lake Palace before going on an elephant ride to Amber Fort to explore its magnificent interior. (B)
Day 6 Jaipur / Pushkar
See the enchanting town of Pushkar which is snuggled in the laps of the Aravali Hills. Visit Pushkar’s unique temple dedicated to Brahma and explore the colourful and vibrant Pushkar Bazaar. (B)
Day 7 Pushkar / Jodhpur
Go for a morning stroll along Pushkar Lake and enjoy a relaxing drive to Jodhpur, India’s “blue city” which is renowned for its azure-hued buildings. Situated at the edge of the desert, Jodhpur is brimming with beautiful palaces, forts and temples. (B)
Day 8 Jodhpur
Tour one of India’s most majestic forts, the Mehrangarh Fort, which is famous its stunning views of the city. Take a tour of Jaswant Thada, a white marble cenotaph, Umaid Bhawan Palace and its museum. Enjoy a Jeep safari to Bishnoi Village where you will meet friendly local villagers and farmers. (B)
Day 9 Jodhpur / Udaipur
Enjoy a scenic drive to Udaipur, India’s most romantic city, and visit Ranakpur Jain Temple along the way as part of your tour package. (B)
Day 10 Udaipur
Explore the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, the Lakeside City Palace. See Udaipur’s fascinating museum and visit the Jagdish Temple to see magnificent Indo-Aryan carvings. Explore the beautiful Garden of the Maids of Honour and complete your day with a relaxing sunset cruise on the Lake Pichola. (B)
Day 11 Udaipur / Mumbai
Board a morning flight to Mumbai. Arriving in Mumbai, you will be transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your own leisure – indulge in India’s finest foods and observe and engage with the daily lives of the locals. (B)
Day 12 Mumbai
Go on a relaxing morning boat ride from the Gateway of India to the Elephant Islands. Travel to Churchgate to observe the famous Nutan Dabbawala Service and see the open air Laundromat, Dhobi Ghat, before embarking on a heritage walk to marvel at Mumbai’s architectural attractions. (B)
Day 13 Mumbai / Cochin
Fly to Cochin for a guided heritage walking tour of Fort Cochin. See the iconic Chinese fishing nets on the harbour at sunset and enjoy a local specialty dinner. (B/D)
Day 14 Cochin / Allepy – Backwater Cruise
Board your house boat for a relaxing cruise on the backwaters. See colourful villages and absorb the peaceful atmosphere of this evocative area. You will stay overnight on the boat and enjoy delicious Keralan meals on board. (B/L/D)
Day 15 Kumarakom / Periyar
Arriving in Kumarakon, you will enjoy a scenic drive seeing rubber plantations, cardmom, cocoa and green pepper, before arriving at the wildlife reserve at Periyar. (B)
Day 16 Periyar Wildlife Park
In the morning, you will go on a cruise on the lake to see wild elephants and other animals in their natural habitat. Explore the Periyar Tiger Reserve to see the rich biodiversity of the 777 sq. km sanctuary and stay overnight in Periyar. (B)
Day 17 Periyar / Madurai
Travel to Madurai, one of the great pilgrimage centres of south India. Visit Meenakshi Temple and observe a traditional night ceremony. (B)
Day 18 Madurai / Chennai / Mahabalipuram
Travel by train to Chennai and transfer to a beach resort at Mahablipuram. (B)
Day 19 Mahabalipuram
Tour the Shore Temple and marvel at its stunning rock-cut carvings. Spend the rest of the day in Mahabalipuram at your own leisure. (B)
Day 20 Chennai
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Australia. (B)
Departures every day except Tuesdays
Tailor-made Tour: To customise this itinerary, talk to the experts on
1300-760-208
or submit your inquiry request


Trip Grading: Easy to Moderate
Suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and good mobility. A fair amount of walking, climbing stairs, some long distance driving and high altitude are expected.
Pricing:
* Standard package price from $5215p.p.
* Superior package price from $5690p.p.
* Deluxe package price on request.
Ask for an air-inclusive quote!
Inclusions:
19 nights selected hotel accommodation
1 cruise on Lake Pichola
1 backwater cruise
2 internal flights
2 train rides
One elephant ride at Amber Fort
Listed meals: B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
Professional English speaking guide
Arrival/departure meeting and assistance
All transfers in A/C vehicle
Sightseeing and associated entrance fees
Exclusions:
International airfare
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Gratuity & tips
India visa
Camera fees
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