Itinerary Details: 21 days/20 nights

Day 1: Delhi Arrival

Namaste. Welcome to India! Arrive at Delhi International airport. Delhi is a bustling metropolis that incorporates the ancient with the modern. Amidst the skyscrapers, the monuments stand as a silent reminder to India’s legacy. Driving from the airport, you will be impressed with Delhi’s spacious, tree-lined streets and garden parks. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Delhi

 After breakfast, enjoy a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk. Witness the architectural marvels, the multicolored facades, beautifully decorated shops, ethnically dressed locals and the fragrances emanating from the potpourri of eateries that line the historical alleys.

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1592-1666) built the walled city of Delhi on the banks of holy River Yamuna.  It had a magnificent palace known as Red Fort, impressive mansions, enchanting bazaars, elegant shrines, royal gardens and fountains at every corner to romance ones' senses.  The Emperor’s beloved daughter Jahanara designed a major street called Chandni Chowk in front of Red Fort, with a canal running down the center and pools at major intersections reflecting the moonlight.  During the British regime, the street underwent major changes and since then this area has witnessed some of the most important events in Indian history. Today these splendid ruins and tales of valor are a testimony of the evolution of the times.  Chandni Chowk truly reflects the national unity, secularism and diversity of India. The tour covers 20 main sites including palaces, mansions, elegant shrines and colorful bazaars.  End at a Haveli (mansion) built in 1860, which has a photo gallery depicting the lifestyle of Mughals and a small lounge to relax and relish some famous snacks. Afternoon at leisure and overnight in Delhi.

Day 3: Delhi

After breakfast, visit Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, and an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style. Also tour the Qutub Minar complex, housing the tallest minaret in India. Later, drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s residence. Evening at leisure and overnight in Delhi.

Day 4: Delhi—Agra

After breakfast, drive to Agra (3 hours). Enjoy lunch with a local family followed by a tour of the Agra Fort, a magnificent citadel with marble palaces, ornate alcoves and terrace pavilions.  In the early evening, enjoy a Kachpura Heritage Walk. A narrow bridle path through agriculture fields near Mehtab Bagh takes you into the ancient village of Kachpura and Humayun’s Mosque. The walk starts with explaining the paintings (sanji art) on the walls drawn by community girls under a youth program. The traditional lifestyle of villagers is showcased - some elders smoking hookah, others making shoes. Humayun’s Mosque is another monument situated inside the village. Your walk ends in Mehtab Bagh from where you will have the opportunity to view the Taj Mahal at sunset. Overnight in Agra.

Day 5: Agra—Jaipur

In the morning, enjoy a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj took over 22 years and 20,000 men to build. The monument is truly a wonder of the world. After breakfast at your hotel, drive to Jaipur. En-route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, a perfectly preserved and deserted red sandstone city. Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, owes its name, foundation and planning to the great astronomer and warrior Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city is fondly called the “Pink City” due to the pink colored buildings and avenues. Evening at leisure and overnight in Jaipur.

Day 6: Jaipur

After breakfast, proceed on a full day tour of Jaipur. Start with a visit to Amber Fort. The final descent to this ancient city is made by elephant back—a truly memorable experience! In the fort, you will see magnificent palaces and halls covered with mirrored mosaics. After lunch, explore Jaipur city. Visit City Palace, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture that is still occupied by the Royal family. Also view the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and visit Jantar Mantar, the solar observatory. Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 7: Jaipur—Deogarh

After breakfast, drive to Rajsamand (5 hours) and stay at the historic Deogarh Mahal, a restored Mewar Palace that is still partially occupied by the Royal family. In the evening, enjoy a rural ramble – a jeep ride through the countryside. Overnight in Deogarh.

Day 8: Deogarh—Udaipur

Morning at leisure. Later, drive to Udaipur (2 hours). With a wealth of enchanting lakes, Udaipur is a true oasis in Rajasthan. Overnight in Udaipur.

Day 9: Udaipur

After breakfast, proceed for the city tour of Udaipur. First, visit the City Palace and Museum. The largest palace complex in India, it is a blend of Mughal and Rajput influences. Also see the 17th century Jagdish temple, drive around the Fatehsagar Lake, and visit the Sahelion ki Bari, an ornamental pleasure garden with fountains and marble kiosks. Later, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Evening at leisure and overnight in Udaipur.

Day 10: Udaipur—Mumbai

Morning at leisure. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is often considered the commercial and entertainment capital of India. The city also houses India’s Hindi film and television industry, affectionately termed as Bollywood. Overnight in Mumbai.

Day 11: Mumbai

After breakfast, take a morning excursion to Elephanta Cave Island and view the magnificent ancient sculptures.  Later, visit the notable attractions of Mumbai: Dhobi Ghat, Gateway of India, Crawford Market, Marine Drive and the old mansions in the Colaba area. Overnight in Mumbai.

Day 12: Mumbai—Cochin

Morning at leisure. An optional private tour of the Bollywood film studios can be arranged. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cochin. Cochin is located in Kerala, a scenic state of beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, backwater canals, hillside retreats, and tea plantations.  Cochin has a diverse influence of Dutch, Arab, Indian, Portuguese and Chinese traditions. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance. Overnight in Cochin.

Day 13: Cochin

After breakfast, visit the Dutch Palace, built in 1555; the Jewish Synagogue, housing scrolls of the Old Testament and copper plates inscribed in Hebrew script; St. Francis Church, where Vasco de Gama was buried in 1524; the Chinese fishing nets at the entrance of Cochin Harbor; and Willingdon Island, a manmade island from materials dredged while deepening Cochin port. Later, enjoy a private Keralan cooking demonstration in the home of a local family. Evening at leisure and overnight in Cochin.

Day 14: Cochin—Kumarakom

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom (3 hours) and board your houseboat.  Spend the day leisurely cruising the beautiful and enchanting Keralan backwaters. A backwater comprises of a unique web of rivers, lakes, bays, lagoons and canals extending into the villages and towns. The kettuvallam or ‘boat with knots’ is held together with coir knots only - not a single nail is used during the construction. Meals are prepared on board by your private chef while you observe the untouched Keralan life. Overnight on the houseboat.

Day 15: Kumarakom—Munnar

After breakfast, disembark your houseboat and drive to Munnar (2.5 hours). Munnar is a misty hillside retreat scattered with tea plantations. In the afternoon, tour the tea plantations and museum. Overnight in Munnar.

Day 16: Munnar—Madurai

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of South India’s most well-known temple towns. Visit the Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams rising high above the surrounding country side. Later, visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace, a gracious building in the Indo Sarracenia style. Overnight in Madurai.a

Day 17: Madurai—Tanjore—Trichy

After breakfast, drive to Tanjore. Tanjore houses the famous 11th century Brihadeswara Temple and the Saraswati Library. Then, continue to Trichy, the medieval capital of the Chola Dynasty. In the 18th century, it witnessed the carnatic wars between the French and English. Overnight in Trichy.

Day 18: Trichy—Pondicherry

After breakfast, visit the landmark of Trichy - the Rock Fort. A climb of 434 steps leads to the ancient temple of Ganapati with a further climb to the Shiva Temple. Later, drive to Pondicherry. Having been the capital of the French Indian colonies since the 17th century, Pondicherry has a rich French cultural heritage. The legacy is visible in the well-planned town, neatly laid roads, wide and vibrant beaches, beautiful promenades, and architecturally imposing churches and buildings. Although still very much India, there are wonderful restaurants and high quality shops in the area. Overnight in Pondicherry.

Day 19: Pondicherry

After breakfast, visit Auroville, a universal township whose residents from all over the world live in peace and progressive harmony. Afternoon at leisure to explore Pondicherry independently and overnight.

Day 20: Pondicherry—Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram (2 hours). Tour the Pallava Monuments, including the Five Ratha’s, Arjuna’s Penance, Shore Temple, and Krishna’s Mandapam. Evening at leisure to relax on the beach or explore the town. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Day 21: Departure

Day at leisure. In the evening, drive to Chennai and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Inclusions

• Hotel accommodations with daily breakfast (all meals included on the houseboat)
• Economy air ticketing from Udaipur – Mumbai and Mumbai – Cochin
• Private A/C vehicle and driver
• Comprehenisve touring, including a private guide and entrance fees to the monuments
• Lunch with a local family in Agra
• Keralan cooking demonstration and dance performance in Cochin
• Boat ride in Udaipur
• Rural ramble in Rajsamand
• Airport transfers with assistance
• Road/interstate taxes, fuel surcharges, and parking fees
• Hotel and government taxes

Exclusions

• International Airfare
• Any items of a personal nature
• Gratuities
• Travel Insurance
• Visa Fees

Supplemental Information

• A visa is required to visit India. 
• To protect your travel investment, Sodha Travel strongly recommends Travel Insurance.
• Visit our FAQ page for additional information on traveling to India.

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