A Grand Indian Odyssey: Palaces, Temples, Wildlife & the Tranquil Backwaters of Kerala

Overview
Inclusion
Itinerary

Overview:

Discover the essence of India on this 21-day adventure, taking you from the historical heart of Delhi to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. This carefully curated tour weaves through diverse regions, offering you vibrant cities, royal palaces, ancient temples, wildlife safaris, and serene landscapes. Explore the romance of Rajasthan, the sacred banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, and the lush tea estates and backwaters of Kerala. Each day brings a new discovery, from architectural wonders to cultural experiences, ending in the tranquil embrace of Kerala’s emerald landscapes. With safe hands with Fragrance of Taj Tours India

Highlights:

  • Discover the cultural and historical richness of Delhi, Udaipur, and Jaipur
  • Marvel at the forts, palaces, and temples of Rajasthan, including Chittorgarh and Jaipur’s Amer Fort
  • Thrilling safari experiences in Ranthambore National Park
  • Witness the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra
  • Explore the erotic temples of Khajuraho and the sacred ghats of Varanasi
  • Experience Kerala’s lush beauty, from tea plantations in Munnar to houseboat cruises in Alleppey
  • Private chauffeur-driven transport, handpicked accommodations, and guided tours

 

Category Delhi Agra Jaipur Udaipur Ranthambore Khajuraho Varanasi Munnar Thekkady Alleppey Cochin Kumarokam
4-Star Hotel Regent Grand / Hotel Hans Plaza /Sarover Portico taruras/ similar Hotel The Fern /Hotel Clarkshiraz/similar  Golden Tulip Essential/ The Fern/ Regenta Central/similar Swaroop Vilas/ Regenta Central/similar The Fern/ The Bagh/similar  Ramada by Wyndham/similar HHI Varanasi/ The Fern/ pearl Courtyard/similar Sterling Munnar / similar Sterling Thekkady /similar Eco House Boat / Similar Grand Hotel/ Keys Select/similar Park resort/ Renai Green Field/similar
5-Star Metropolitan / Shangrila/ Radisson Blu/Eros/similar Marriott/ Double Treee by Hilton/ similar Trident Jaipur/ Radisson Blu City Centre/ Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre/similar The lalit laxmi Vilas palace/ Justa Sajjangarh Resort/Inventree/similar Clarks Inn/ Clarks Safari/ Bookmark/similar Ramada/ Radisson/ The lalit/similar Ramada Plaza/ Radisson hotel/similar The leaf/ Panoramic Gateway/similar The Mountain Courtyard thekkady/Amritara/similar Private Houseboat full time Ac Radisson Blu/ Four Point by Sheraton/ Vivanta/similar Backwater Ripples/ Rythm Kumarokam/similar

 

Note:

  • For boating in Periyar Lake, online bookings can only be made through their official website. Since tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis, availability cannot be guaranteed once they are sold out. We recommend booking as soon as possible to secure your preferred timing and enjoy a smooth experience.
  • Hotels check in and checkout time is 12:pm
  • We are not holding any booking till confirmations, its subject to availability

 

 

Included/Excluded

  • 20 nights’ accommodation
  • All internal flights (Delhi-Udaipur, Khajuraho-Varanasi, Varanasi-Kochi)
  • Private chauffeur-driven transport
  • Daily breakfast and dinner, additional meals per itinerary
  • Boat ride in Udaipur
  • Light and Sound show in Jaipur
  • Elephant feeding and drawing activities in Jaipur
  • Khajuraho Light show
  • Boat ride in Varanasi
  • Boating at Periyar Lake thekkady
  • Morning and afternoon safaris in Ranthambore National Park
  • Houseboat cruise with full board in Alleppey
  • English-speaking guides for all scheduled tours
  • International flights
  • Entrance fees to monuments and sites
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities and personal expenses
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities

Tour Plan

Day 01 Arrival in Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by a representative from Fragrance of Taj Tours India. After a traditional welcome, you’ll be assisted to your private transfer and taken to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure—either unwind from your long journey or take a casual stroll to explore the nearby markets and absorb the rhythm of India’s capital city.

Day 02 Full-Day Delhi Sightseeing

Begin your day with a guided tour through the fascinating contrasts of Old and New Delhi. Navigate the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk aboard a traditional rickshaw, stopping to admire the grand Jama Masjid—India’s largest mosque. Continue to the iconic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before heading to New Delhi’s majestic landmarks including Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, the colonial-era Parliament buildings, Qutub Minar, and the President’s House. The evening is free to relax or explore Delhi’s vibrant culinary scene.

Day 03 Delhi to Udaipur (Flight)

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Udaipur—India’s romantic “City of Lakes.” Upon landing, check into your hotel and soak in the city’s serene atmosphere. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a peaceful walk by Lake Pichola or explore Udaipur’s colorful local markets filled with handicrafts, silver jewelry, and miniature paintings.

Day 04 Exploring Udaipur’s Regal Charm

Today’s tour explores Udaipur’s architectural marvels, beginning with the majestic City Palace, a sprawling complex that overlooks Lake Pichola. Visit the intricately carved Jagdish Temple nearby, followed by a stroll through Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of the Maidens), a lush garden adorned with fountains, lotus pools, and marble pavilions. In the evening, enjoy a tranquil boat ride on Lake Pichola with picture-perfect views of the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir floating like jewels in the water.

Day 05 Udaipur to Jaipur via Chittorgarh

After breakfast, depart Udaipur and head toward Jaipur, stopping en route to explore the historic Chittorgarh Fort. This enormous UNESCO World Heritage Site is steeped in tales of valor and sacrifice, featuring towering gates, ancient temples, and the iconic Victory Tower. Continue to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, where you’ll check into your hotel and relax for the evening.

Day 06 Discovering Jaipur, the Pink City

Today is dedicated to exploring the grandeur of Jaipur. Begin with a jeep ride up to the imposing Amer Fort, set on a hill overlooking Maota Lake. Wander through its ornate halls and courtyards before heading to the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a pink sandstone masterpiece with 953 windows. Visit the Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory, and the lavish City Palace complex. In the evening, enjoy shopping in local markets famed for block-printed textiles, gemstones, and handcrafted souvenirs.

Day 07 Jaipur to Ranthambore National Park

Depart Jaipur and drive through rural Rajasthan to Ranthambore, one of India’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. Upon arrival, check into your jungle lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by nature. You may wish to take a short nature walk or simply enjoy the tranquil setting from your veranda.

Day 08 Tiger Safaris in Ranthambore

Set off on thrilling wildlife safaris—one in the early morning and another in the late afternoon—within Ranthambore National Park. The park is renowned for its population of Bengal tigers, which can often be spotted lounging near waterholes or roaming through ruins of ancient hunting lodges. Keep your camera ready for glimpses of leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, and numerous bird species.

Day 09 Ranthambore to Agra

Following breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Agra, home to the world’s most iconic symbol of love. Check into your hotel and enjoy a quiet evening, perhaps visiting a local restaurant or exploring the nearby Sadar Bazaar for handicrafts and marble items.

Day 10 The Majestic Taj Mahal and Agra Fort

Start your day with a visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise, a moment that will etch itself in your memory. This white marble masterpiece, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, glows with ethereal beauty in the morning light. Continue your exploration with a visit to Agra Fort, a massive red sandstone fortress that served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. Wrap up your day with some souvenir shopping or a relaxing rooftop dinner with views of the Taj.

Day 11 Agra to Khajuraho (Drive)

Today you’ll journey by road to Khajuraho, a small town renowned for its extraordinary temples that blend sensuality with spirituality. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Day 12 Exploring the Temples of Khajuraho

Spend the day visiting the famed UNESCO-listed Khajuraho Group of Monuments. These 10th-century temples are adorned with intricately carved sculptures depicting gods, goddesses, dancers, and lovers in astonishing detail. The artistry celebrates both divine and earthly love, offering a unique window into India's past.

Day 13 Flight to Varanasi, Spiritual Capital of India

Board a short flight to Varanasi, India’s holiest city and one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on Earth. In the evening, witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony at the ghats—a spiritual ritual involving fire, chanting, and music, performed nightly along the sacred Ganges River.

Day 14 Sacred Varanasi and Sarnath

Begin your day with a serene sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, observing pilgrims performing rituals along the ghats. Take a walking tour of the old city, exploring narrow lanes filled with temples, ashrams, and spiritual energy. Later, visit Sarnath, the site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment.

Day 15 Flight to Kochi, Gateway to Kerala

Catch a flight to Kochi, the cultural and commercial hub of Kerala. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You might choose to explore Fort Kochi’s colonial streets or sample coastal cuisine.

Day 16 Kochi to Munnar—A Drive into the Hills

Today you’ll journey into the lush Western Ghats, driving through winding roads lined with rubber plantations and waterfalls until you reach Munnar. Check in and relax amid tea-covered hills and crisp mountain air.

Day 17 Exploring Munnar’s Natural Beauty

Discover the beauty of Munnar by visiting expansive tea estates and the Tea Museum, where you’ll learn about tea production from leaf to cup. Continue to scenic spots like Echo Point and Top Station, offering stunning views of the Western Ghats.

Day 18 Munnar to Thekkady—Spice Country

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. In the evening, take a guided tour of a spice plantation where you’ll learn about cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and other spices that make Kerala famous.

Day 19 Thekkady to Kumarakom—Backwater Escape

Travel to Kumarakom, a serene village on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a haven for migratory birds from as far as Siberia and the Himalayas. You can explore the sanctuary on foot or opt for a boat cruise through the lake for birdwatching and picturesque views.

Day 20 Houseboat Experience in Alleppey

Today, drive to Alleppey and board a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat for a unique overnight cruise through Kerala’s enchanting backwaters. Enjoy freshly prepared meals on board as you drift past coconut groves, paddy fields, and village life along the waterways.

Day 21 Departure from Cochin

After breakfast onboard, disembark your houseboat and transfer to Cochin International Airport. With a heart full of memories and a camera filled with unforgettable images, your 21-day journey across India comes to a beautiful close.

Reviews

  • star ratingDoes what it says on the tin  - A very good tour of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The breakfast at local hotel was lovely - I had paneer paratha and a masala omelette.

    avatar thumb Ste D
    November 16, 2024

    star ratingExcellent experience.  - The itenary was planned accordingly to us and everything took place on time.
    Highly appreciable. 👍🏼

    avatar thumb Sightseer65405796151
    September 27, 2023
  • star ratingAmazing Taj Mahal Tour  - We booked our trip with Aarav Travels. The day trip was amazing , our guide Me Subodh was excellent and his amazing knowledge..I would highly recommend..
    Please do not buy... read more

    avatar thumb Nikkiz01
    May 20, 2023

    star ratingExcellent visit to Jaipur/Agra/Delhi! - Our family had an excellent trip! Our van driver, Sitaramji, was excellent, courteous, and super helpful. The tour guides in each city were very friendly and knowledgable. They provided great... read more

    avatar thumb Amit M
    January 9, 2025
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