Taj Mahal

Discover India

Tour Duration: 27 Nights / 28 Days
Venture into the lengths and breaths of this magnificent country with our top tours, perfectly curated for those intrigued by this glorious country and its culture. This 28-day tour is a life-changing experience as you soak in the diverse culture, architecture, and traditions of people in India, right from Delhi, down to Kanyakumari. 

Tour Highlights

  • Explore India’s richness and vastness at a glance.
  • 57 Meals (27 breakfast, 3 lunches and 27 Dinners) as per the itinerary 
  • Explore Heritage sites which pave way through the Indian culture and heritage
  • Rickshaw ride through the commotion on the streets of Old Delhi and narrow lanes of the oldest bazaar- Chandni Chowk is an enduring experience
  • Tour Varanasi, where travelers get an opportunity to see Hindu pilgrims in thousands of numbers as they congregate on the banks of the River Ganges. 
  • Explore India’s amazing artistic legacy through the exquisite murals of Khajuraho
  • Explore the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra
  • Explore the unexplored trails of Ranthambore National Park through a thrilling safari
  • Experience the architectural jewels established by Mughal Empire 
  • Visit to Jaipur- famous for its forts, Palaces and Jewels
  • Visit the mystical town of Pushkar and witness pilgrims offering their prayers around the holy lake surrounded by many temples, bathing Ghats, and a cluster of onion shaped domes and chalk colored buildings.
  • Travel to the lavish city of Udaipur which is adorned by bone white buildings (once royal residences) seeming to float upon shimmering lakes. 
  • Visit the financial capital of India and home to the famous celebrities of the Indian Cinema industry Bollywood, i.e. Mumbai. 
  • Explore Kerala; commonly referred to as ‘The God’s Own Country’ and spend 7 nights de-stressing with the serenity the awesome landscape offers. 
  • Experience the tranquil backwaters, lush green surroundings, the beautiful tea estates and spice plantations. 
  • Enjoy a pampering Ayurvedic massage therapy at Kovalam
  • Visit Tamil Nadu and discover the rich cultural heritage of south India with the grandeur of the temples at Madurai and Thanjavur. 
  • See the mini France of India – Pondicherry. A former French colony that still retains some bits and pieces of the French culture. 
  • Visit to the Shore temples of Mahabalipuram 

World Heritage Sites

Tour Itinerary at Glance

Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Day 2: Delhi
Day 3: Delhi/Varanasi
Day 4: Varanasi/Khajuraho
Day 5: Khajuraho/Jhansi/Agra
Day 6: Agra
Day 7: Agra / Ranthambore (Drive: 290 Km / 6 Hours)
Day 8: Ranthambore / Jaipur (Drive: 180 Km/ 4 Hours)
Day 9: Jaipur
Day 10: Jaipur / Pushkar (Drive: 140 Km/ 3 ½ Hours)
Day 11: Pushkar / Udaipur (Drive: 280 Km/ 6 Hours)
Day 12: Udaipur
Day 13: Udaipur / Mumbai (Flight)
Day 14: Mumbai
Day 15: Mumbai/ Cochin (Flight)
Day 16: Cochin
Day 17: Cochin/ Thekkady (Drive: 190 Km/ 6 Hours)
Day 18: Thekkady
Day 19: Thekkady/ Alleppey (Drive: 170 Km/ 4 ½ Hours)
Day 20: Alleppey/ Kovalam (Drive: 175 Km/ 4 Hours)
Day 21: Kovalam
Day 22: Kovalam/ Kanyakumari/ Madurai (Drive: 330 Km/ 7- 8 Hours)
Day 23: Madurai
Day 24: Madurai/ Tanjore (Drive: 195 Km/ 4 Hours)
Day 25: Tanjore/ Pondicherry (Drive: 200 Km/ 4 Hours)
Day 26: Pondicherry / Mahabalipuram/ Chennai (Drive: 195 Km/ 4 Hours)
Day 27: Chennai
Day 28: Chennai / Onward destination
  • - Breakfast
  • - Lunch
  • - Dinner

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance

  1. Whats included in this tour
    • Hotels as mentioned or similar
    • Camel Safari at Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer
    • 01 Rejuvenation Massage for 01 Hour at Kovalam  
    • All sightseeing and transfers by Air-conditioned transportation
    • Services of English Speaking guide for sightseeing (Local guides for 1-5 Pax and tour escort throughout the tour for 6 pax and above)
    • Entrances fees
    • Elephant Ride at Amber Fort (Subject to availability)
    • 2 shared safaris through Ranthambore National Park (October to June Departures only) (Subject to availability)
    • Rickshaw ride at Old Delhi
    • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
    • Regional/domestic airfare in coach class
    • Harbor Cruise in Cochin
    • Train Fare in Executive Class from Jhansi to Agra
    • Kathakali Dance performance -Cochin
    • Boat Ride at Lake Periyar –Thekkady
    • Guided Jungle Walking Tour -Thekkady
    • Spice Plantation tour- Thekkady
    • Sunrise boat ride on the river Ganges
    • Boat Ride (Common Boat) at Lake Pichhola in Udaipur
  1. Whats not included in this tour
    • International airfare & departure taxes
    • Insurance & visa fees
    • Drinks/beverages with meals
    • Tips/gratuities
The tour package booking terms and conditions

Before you book a trip with “Bestway2india.com”- An online trading entity of Bestway Tours and Safaris Pvt Ltd , please take the time to read and understand the booking terms and conditions & additional special conditions which apply to certain trips ,themes and promotional offers. These booking conditions form the basis of your contract with “Bestway Tours & Safaris Pvt. Ltd, Suite 403, Suncity Trade Tower, Sector 21, Gurgaon (National Capital Region), Haryana – 122016, (India) , A company incorporated under Indian companies ACT 1956 vide registration number 55-51646

By asking us to confirm your booking, you confirm that you have had the opportunity to read and have read these booking conditions, Essential trip information, Inclusions & Exclusions and cancellation & refund policy and agree to be bound by them.

These booking conditions only apply to holiday arrangements which you book with us on https://www.bestway2india.com (An online trading entity of Bestway Tours & Safaris Pvt Ltd) and which we agree to make , provide, or perform (as applicable) as part of our contract with you. All references in these booking conditions, to “holiday”, “booking”, “contract”, “package”, “tour” or “arrangements” mean such holiday arrangements unless otherwise stated.

Essential Trip Information

  • The prices are Per Person on twin sharing basis.

  • The price is only valid for the mentioned departure date.

  • Please note that smoking is prohibited in public and all parts of the hotels except in designated areas and bedrooms, where smoking is permitted.  Should you desire a smoking bedroom, please let us know.  The fulfillment of this request is subject to availability of smoking rooms and is not guaranteed. 

  • Unless specified, check-in at hotels in India is at 14:00 Hrs and check out is at 12:00 Hrs

  • Our liability does not arise in case of Force Majeure (political disturbances, natural phenomenon etc.)

  • Reporting time at the International at the airport is generally 3 hrs prior to departure of the flight.

  • Check-in counters of most flights close approximately 45 minutes before departure and boarding gates close about 15 minutes prior departure.

  • Reporting time at the Domestic airport is generally 2 hrs prior to departure of flight

  • For booking domestic air seats we need names as per passport.

  • Baggage allowance in internal flights with in India is 15 Kg per person 

Booking Deposit, Cancellation and Refund Policy

The following booking deposit and cancellation policy applies. 

For Departure Dates 

12-Dec-2020 , 25-Jan-2020 , 31-Mar-2021 ,

Booking Deposit : 15 % of the Tour amount. 

If you cancle the tour the following cancellation policy will apply

Cancellation received 

45 days or more - 15 % including deposit

44 days - 33 Days - 25 % including deposit.  

For Departure Dates 

12-Dec-2020 , 25-Jan-2020 , 31-Mar-2021 ,

Booking Deposit : 15 % of the Tour amount. 

If you cancle the tour the following cancellation policy will apply

Cancellation received 

45 days or more - 15 % including deposit

44 days - 33 Days - 25 % including deposit.  

For Departure Dates 

12-Dec-2020 , 25-Jan-2020 , 31-Mar-2021 ,

Booking Deposit : 15 % of the Tour amount. 

If you cancle the tour the following cancellation policy will apply

Cancellation received 

45 days or more - 15 % including deposit

44 days - 33 Days - 25 % including deposit.  

For Departure Dates 

12-Dec-2020 , 25-Jan-2020 , 31-Mar-2021 ,

Booking Deposit : 15 % of the Tour amount. 

If you cancle the tour the following cancellation policy will apply

Cancellation received 

45 days or more - 15 % including deposit

44 days - 33 Days - 25 % including deposit.  

Expand All
  1. Day 1 - Arrive Delhi
    jama-masjid-new-delhi Namaste – Welcome to India! Upon arrival we are greeted the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. We are then transferred to our hotel and have the balance of the day free.  
  2. Day 2 - Delhi
    humayun's-tomb An introduction of India with a tour of New Delhi. We visit Birla House, the last residence of Mahatma Gandhi which is now a museum depicting his illustrious life. We then visit the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and Humayun's Tomb*. This tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal.  Our afternoon concentrates on Old Delhi, drive past to the Red Fort Complex*. Named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone, it is adjacent to an older fort, the Salimgarh, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546, with which it forms the Red Fort Complex. 
    We embark on a captivating journey on a Rickshaw passing through the narrow lanes of the famous Chandni Chowk Bazaar, it was originally built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan for his daughter Jahan Ara in 17th Century since then many changes have taken place however it still remains Old Delhi's one of the Oldest and busiest markets in Delhi. Finally end our rickshaw ride at Jama Masjid, Mughal majesty and India's largest mosque. In the evening we enjoy a welcome dinner at a well-known local restaurant. Please Note: Red Fort and Birla House are closed on Monday and Shops in Chandni Chowk are closed on Sunday
    Meals Included
    OPTIONAL: Visit Qutub Minar - USD 65

    We visit Qutb Minar and its Monuments* Built in the early 13th century the red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 m high. The surrounding archaeological area contains funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, a masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art and two mosques.

    OPTIONAL: Visit to Red Fort Complex (remain closed on Monday) - USD 65

    We visit the Red Fort Complex. The Red Fort is considered to represent the zenith of Mughal creativity which, under the Shah Jahan, was brought to a new level of refinement and each pavilion reveals architectural elements typical of Mughal building, reflecting a fusion of Persian, Timurid and Hindu traditions

  3. Day 3 - Delhi/Varanasi
    varanasi-ghat A short flight gets us to Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world. On arrival we are transferred to our hotel. Varanasi is also famous for its silk sarees and we visit some of the houses where the beautiful silk sarees are actually woven. In the evening we get to the banks of the Ganges to witness the Aarti ceremony, a Hindu religious ritual of worship, a part of puja, in which light from wicks soaked in ghee or camphor is offered to one or more deities after sunset.
    Meals Included
    OPTIONAL: Tour of Sarnath (Museum is closed on Friday) - USD 57

    We explore Sarnath, the site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Varanasi is also famous for its silk sarees and we visit some of the houses where the beautiful silk sarees are actually woven.

  4. Day 4 - Varanasi/Khajuraho
    erotic-sculpture-khajuraho In the early morning we take a sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges. One of the cardinal principles of Hinduism is the belief in the holiness of the Ganges. Every morning scores of pilgrims and priests fill the riverbanks bathing in the holy waters and perform various rituals. This unique experience literally transports you to another world. After breakfast we explore Sarnath, the site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Later we take a short flight to Khajuraho. On arrival in Khajuraho, we are transferred to our hotel. In the afternoon we explore the Khajuraho Group of Monuments* The temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandella dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950 and 1050. Today only 20 temples remain and they fall into three distinct groups and belonging to the religions of Hinduism and Jainism. They strike a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. The Temples are decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art. Please note, Sarnath museum remains closed on Friday. 
    Meals Included
  5. Day 5 - Khajuraho/Jhansi/Agra
    grroup-of-temples-khajuraho A scenic morning drive to Orchha to visit this amazing medieval fortress-city located on the shores of the Betwa River. The fort consists of several connected buildings erected at different times, the most noteworthy of which are the Raja Mahal and the Jahangir Mahal. A unique experience as we embark on the Shatabdi Express train to Agra. Train travel in India is a not to be missed opportunity. This train is fully air-conditioned and we get to enjoy complimentary meals. Great opportunity to meet local folks on board the train and get to know them. As we get closer to Agra we see the Taj Mahal at a distance. Arrival at Agra Railway Station and are welcomed and transferred to our hotel.
    Meals Included
  6. Day 6 - Agra
    taj-mahal-agra To many today is the most awaited day. We begin our day before sunrise with a visit to one of the most beautiful monuments in the world, the Taj Mahal*. An immense mausoleum of white marble built between 1631 and 1648 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the crown jewel of Muslim art in India and across the world. Set in a vast Mogul garden located on the right bank of the Yamuna River, this funerary monument combines elements and styles of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. After our sunrise experience at this artistic masterpiece, we return to our hotel for breakfast. 
    The remainder of the day is free for personal activities or enjoy optional tours.  Important Note, Taj Mahal remains closed on Friday. 
    Meals Included
    OPTIONAL: Tour of Fatehpur Sikri - USD 72

    We visit visit Fatehpur Sikri*. Built in 1640 by the by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar the Great, it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for about ten years before it was abandoned. The complex of monuments and temples features a uniform architectural style and includes one of India’s largest mosques and the beautiful Mausoleum of Salim Chisty, a revered Sufi saint. 

  7. Day 7 - Agra / Ranthambore (Drive: 290 Km / 6 Hours)
    ranthambore-national-park A countryside drive takes us to Ranthambore, the former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Ranthambore National Park lies at the edge of a plateau, and is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. There are several lakes in the park. It is named for the historic Ranthambhore Fort*, which lies within the national park. The rugged terrain and the dense deciduous forests are major features of this national park, which has among the largest and most diverse collection of wildlife species in India. In the afternoon we take a safari through the National Park, where we encounter a variety of mammals, including tigers. About 150 bird species have their habitat here and in winter a variety of migratory birds can be seen
    Meals Included
  8. Day 8 - Ranthambore / Jaipur (Drive: 180 Km/ 4 Hours)
    ranthambore-national-park Today, we drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan called the Pink City, since most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone. In the evening we enjoy our dinner followed by Rajasthani Cultural dance show.
    Meals Included
    OPTIONAL: Afternoon Safari through Ranthambore National Park - USD 106

    Afternoon Jeep Safari through Ranthambore National Park 

  9. Day 9 - Jaipur
    jantar-mantar-jaipur This morning we visit Amber Fort, located in a valley formed by a range of Aravalli’s known as Kalikho hills. The Palace and Fort are located on top of the hill with the city on slopes, and the valley protected by fort walls with four gates in the four cardinal directions. The construction of the fort began in 1592. It shows the evolution from the purely defensive fort settlements of the early medieval period to the palace fortress type of architecture typified in the 16th century. This palace fortress was never attacked or invaded. The fort comprises of number of gardens, courtyards and palatial spaces derived from Mughal architecture and are a distinguished example of 17th Century Rajput architecture. 
    After that we explore Jaipur City* visiting the beautiful Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved facade. 
    We also visit the Jantar Mantar*, an astronomical observation site built in the early 18th century that includes a set of some 20 main fixed instruments designed for the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye. It is an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period. The evening is free to enjoy both shopping and the cultural experience in the bazaars. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. 
    Meals Included
    OPTIONAL: Elephant ride at Amber Fort (Subject to availability) - USD 37

    One of the highlights of a visit to the stunning Amber Fort is the chance to ride an elephant up the hill to the main entrance. The Amber Fort elephant ride is a fantastic experience, but visitors must arrive early to guarantee a ride.

    OPTIONAL: Visit the majestic City Palace - USD 49

    We visit the majestic City Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art. 

  10. Day 10 - Jaipur / Pushkar (Drive: 140 Km/ 3 ½ Hours)
    ghat-pushkar A leisurely drive to Pushkar, a bewitching little town on the edge of the desert, with temples, bathing Ghats, onion domes and chalk-coloured buildings clustering around its holy lake, said to have appeared when Brahma dropped a lotus flower. The lake is an important pilgrimage centre and we shall see many pilgrims and Sadhus, Hindu holy men. We visit the famous Lord Brahma Temple, one of the few temples in the world dedicated to this deity. Evening we walk through the town and meet the local folks. 
    Meals Included
  11. Day 11 - Pushkar / Udaipur (Drive: 280 Km/ 6 Hours)
    city-palace-udaipur A fascinating countryside as we drive through Rajasthan to Udaipur. Rajasthan literally means “the land of the Rajas” and we notice that still. Udaipur was the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar and no other city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic. Misty ochre-shadowed hills and pale, intricate buildings encircle shimmering Lake Pichhola. On arrival we check in our hotel. Balance of the day is free.
    Meals Included
  12. Day 12 - Udaipur
    lake-palace-udaipur We start our experience of Udaipur by visiting the City Palace. The palace has several architectural and artistic highlights such as the Mor Chowk, known for its stunning peacock mosaics and the Bhim Vilas Palace with its series of lovely wall paintings. From the City Palace we can see the Lake Place, shimmering like a jewel in Lake Pichola. Later we visit the Jagdish Temple, Fateh Sagar Lake and Saheliyon Ki Bari, the Garden of Maids. 
    Meals Included
    OPTIONAL: Private boat ride at Lake Pichhola - USD 95

    At Sunset we enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichhola, sailing past the picturesque Ghats and palaces and visit Jag Mandir, a 17th century palace built on an island in Lake Pichhola. The royal family used the palace as a summer resort and a pleasure palace for holding parties. 

    OPTIONAL: Common Boat ride at Lake Pichhola - USD 41

    We end our tour of Udaipur with a boat ride on Lake Pichhola, sailing past the picturesque Ghats and palaces and visit Jag Mandir, a 17th century palace built on an island in Lake Pichhola. The royal family used the palace as a summer resort and a pleasure palace for holding parties.

  13. Day 13 - Udaipur / Mumbai (Flight)
    city-palace-udaipur Today we are transferred to airport for our flight to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai we are transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free for personal activities.  
    Meals Included
  14. Day 14 - Mumbai
    victoria-terminus-mumbai We start our day with a visit to the Gateway of India, Mumbai's most famous monument. Here we embark on our excursion to the Elephanta Caves*, located on an island in the Sea of Oman. The caves contain a collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva. Here, Indian art has found one of its most perfect expressions, particularly the huge high reliefs in the main cave. We return to Mumbai by motor launch and visit the Prince of Wales Museum and Shivaji Terminus*, formerly known Chhatrapati as Victoria Terminus Station, an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival Architecture in India, blended with themes deriving from Indian traditional architecture. The building, designed by the British Architect F. W. Stevens, became the symbol of Bombay as the ‘Gothic City’ and the major international mercantile port of India. Its remarkable stone dome, turrets, pointed arches and eccentric ground plan are close to traditional Indian palace architecture. Our next Stop is at Mani Bhawan, where Mahatma Gandhi stayed here during the Freedom Struggle. The house is now converted into a Museum. From here we leave for Hanging Gardens, the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, the bustling Crawford Market and drive past Haji Ali, the tomb of a wealthy Muslim merchant. We end our tour at the Dhobi Ghat, the world's largest outdoor laundry. The word Dhobi Ghat is used all over India to refer to any place where many washers are present. 
    Meals Included
  15. Day 15 - Mumbai/ Cochin (Flight)
    kathakali-performer-cochin Today we are transferred to airport for our flight to Kochi, formerly known as Cochin. On arrival, we are transferred to our Hotel. Rest of the day is free for personal activities. 
    Meals Included
  16. Day 16 - Cochin
    santa-cruz-cathedral-basilica-cochin n the morning we explore Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, Kerala’s commercial capital with one of the finest natural harbours in the world. We visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India. Vasco De Gama was buried here before his remains were taken back to Portugal. Next we visit the Roman Catholic Santa Cruz Cathedral built by the Portuguese in the 16th century; which is famous for beautiful paintings on its ceiling. 
    We continue to the Jewish Quarter with its Old Synagogue and the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese. Later we take a boat cruise to visit Bolghatty Palace and observe the fascinating Chinese fishing nets in action. In the evening we enjoy Kathakali Dance Performance. This dramatized presentation of a play usually based on the Hindu epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas, is a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. 
     
    Meals Included
  17. Day 17 - Cochin/ Thekkady (Drive: 190 Km/ 6 Hours)
    chinese-fishing-nets-cochin After breakfast we drive to Thekkady to check in our hotel. The area is famous for its spice plantations. In the afternoon we will visit a spice plantation, where cardamom, pepper, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, all spice, and tea are grown. We will also see Ayurvedic medicinal plants and will have the opportunity to buy some garden-fresh spices. In the evening we return to our hotel for dinner.
    Meals Included
  18. Day 18 - Thekkady
    periyar-national-park-thekkady Our day starts with a jungle walk at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the early morning, after which we return to our hotel for breakfast. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. Spread across 777 square kilometres it was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. In the afternoon we enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar to watch animals in their natural habitat by the water's edge. We are likely to see animals like boars, Sambars, wild dogs, Langur monkeys and wild elephants. The sanctuary is also a haven for water birds and we can see plenty of darters, grey herons, egrets and kingfishers. The evening is free to explore the local bazaar in Thekkady and purchase some of the famous spices grown in the area.  
    Meals Included
  19. Day 19 - Thekkady/ Alleppey (Drive: 170 Km/ 4 ½ Hours)
    houseboat-alleppey Today we drive to Alleppey. On arrival in Alleppey we board our traditional houseboat and begin our journey through the picturesque backwaters and small lakes relaxing in the tranquility of Kerala's beautiful scenery. On our journey we come across many boats, canoes and other crafts, as we observe the traditional way of life and activities of the local people.  
    Meals Included
  20. Day 20 - Alleppey/ Kovalam (Drive: 175 Km/ 4 Hours)
    houseboat-alleppey We enjoy breakfast on board, sail to Alleppey and disembark at the Puthenagady Jetty. A comfortable drive gets us to beautiful Kovalam Beach on the Malabar Coast near Trivandrum. We then get to relax by the beach with endless white sands by the blue waters of the Arabian Sea in secluded coconut groves. 
    Meals Included
  21. Day 21 - Kovalam
    kovalam-beach Enjoy 01 Rejuvenation Massage (01 Hour) and free day to relax on the beach. 
    Meals Included
  22. Day 22 - Kovalam/ Kanyakumari/ Madurai (Drive: 330 Km/ 7- 8 Hours)
    meenakshi-temple-madurai After breakfast we leave for Madurai en-route visiting Kanyakumari, the “Lands’ End" of India on the way. Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip of peninsular India where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet. We visit the Temple of Goddess Kumari, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in the sea where Swami Vivekananda mediated. After lunch we continue our journey to Madurai. On arrival, we check in our Hotel. 
    Meals Included
  23. Day 23 - Madurai
    meenakshi-temple-madurai oday we explore Madurai, the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. The city revolves around the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a structure in the Dravidian style of architecture.  The complex houses 14 gopurams (gateway towers) ranging from 45-50m in height, the tallest being the southern tower, 51.9 metres (170 ft) high, and two golden sculptured shrines over sanctum of the main deities. The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, and has been mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature, though the present structure was built from 1623 to 1655. There are an estimated 33,000 sculptures in the temple and amongst the highlights are the Hall of a Thousand Pillars, the Tirumalai Nayaka Temple and the Temple Art Museum. In the evening we enjoy night closing ceremony of the Temple. 
    Meals Included
  24. Day 24 - Madurai/ Tanjore (Drive: 195 Km/ 4 Hours)
    brihadeeswarar-temple-tanjore After breakfast we drive to Thanjavur and check in at our hotel. Thanjavur is popularly known as Tanjore.  In the afternoon we explore the Brihadisvara Temple, one of the Great Living Chola Temples*. The temple, set in spacious grounds, has several pillared halls and shrines. Inscriptions record the names of dancers, musicians and poets a reminder of the significance of this area to the development of the arts in the 11th century. We end our tour of Tanjore with a visit to the Tanjore Palace & Museum, which has an eclectic collection of regal memorabilia most of it dating from the early 19th century. 
    Meals Included
  25. Day 25 - Tanjore/ Pondicherry (Drive: 200 Km/ 4 Hours)
    matrimandir-pondicherry After breakfast we drive to Pondicherry. This former French Colonial city in Tamil Nadu didn’t come under Indian rule until 1954. Pondicherry, otherwise known as Puducherry means a “New Hamlet” and is located on the Coromandal Coast. Its main attraction is actually outside of town: the ashram at Auroville, built by followers of Sri Aurobindo, a philosopher-prophet born in 1870, famous for his Integral Yoga and philosophical literary works. In the International Town where people from all over the world reside, we will find the Matrimandir, the famous monument built by the Auroville Society representing a lotus flower.  Today we will also visit the 400-year old Manakula Vinayagar Temple, which has several frescos telling the life story of a half human and half animal lord.
    Meals Included
  26. Day 26 - Pondicherry / Mahabalipuram/ Chennai (Drive: 195 Km/ 4 Hours)
    five-rathas-archaeological-site-mahabalipuram After breakfast we drive to Mahabalipuram. On arrival we visit the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram*. This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was carved out of rock along the Coromandel Coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is known especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges', and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva.  After that, we continue our journey to Chennai. On arrival we check in our Hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax.
    Meals Included
  27. Day 27 - Chennai
    marina-beach-chennai We tour Chennai, visiting the National Art Gallery & Museum, which contains some of the best collections of bronzes in the country including the famous icon of Natraja. We continue to India's oldest surviving British church, St. Mary's Church, built in 1680. We end our tour with a visit to People’s Park and the beautiful Marina Beach and the clock towers. 
    Meals Included
  28. Day 28 - Chennai / Onward destination
    marina-beach-chennai Today is free for shopping and other personal activities. Hotel Check out time is 12:00 Noon. In the evening we enjoy our farewell dinner at local well-known restaurant. After an incredible tour of the Best of South India, we are transferred to the international terminal for our flight home. We bid farewell to India after what will have been a memorable journey into history, culture, art, architecture, making new friends and lots of memories.
    Meals Included
  • - Breakfast
  • - Lunch
  • - Dinner

* DENOTES UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES INCLUDED

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  1. FAQ 1 Can I join a tour late or leave it early?

    It is possible to join a tour late or leave a tour early. Though you would be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary please consult our Specialist before you book your tour.

  2. FAQ 2 Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget?

    Tips are not included in the tour price and tipping is entirely at your discretion.

  3. FAQ 3 Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation before or after my tour?

    Yes, in most cases we can arrange additional accommodation at our starting or ending hotels. Please contact our Specialist for price information. Please also note that extra accommodations must be booked outside of 30 days of departure.

  4. FAQ 4 Who are my travelling companions?

    For privacy reasons, we cannot provide you with advance details on your traveling companions. However, our tours appeal to a wide range of travelers, most of whom share a traveling passion and a desire to experience these destinations at a grass-roots level. Our tours are conducted in English and so they attract many travelers from Canada, North America, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

  5. FAQ 5 How many people can join a tour?

    We keep our group sizes very flexible. So a group of 7 or a group of 70, we welcome all with the same zeal and fondness.

  6. FAQ 6 What are the age restrictions on your tours?

    There are no upper age limits for most of our tours (although for tours under ‘Trekking in the Himalayas’ and ‘Himalayan Panorama’ requires a fit medical condition. For the same, we have a ‘Medical Form’ which is mandatory to be filled by all age groups). For children below the age of 12 years, a parent/guardian should be present. If an assistance is needed, it is to be mentioned at the time of booking. The same will be chargeable.

  7. FAQ 7 I'm a single traveler, will I be charged a single supplement?

    All of our trips have a single supplement. The cost and the details vary by trip, so please refer to each tour page for details.

  8. FAQ 8 Can you provide me with a list of the hotels we will be staying at?

    We use a variety of hotels en-route and a complete list of hotels is provided for your tour. Hotel voucher of each hotel registered for the tour is shared too.

  9. FAQ 9 Are airport transfers included?

    All of our tours include airport transfers and the prices for the same are included in our tour rates.

  10. FAQ 10 What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring?

    We strongly recommend bringing a backpack or a duffel bag, as suitcases can be cumbersome and difficult to store in buses, under seats, etc. Keep in mind that you will normally have to carry your own luggage on and off buses and trains and up and down hotel staircases.

  11. FAQ 11 What vaccinations are recommended for this tour?

    It's important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information for the region you will be visiting. The only one qualified to provide you with this advice is your family physician or a specialist from a Travel Health clinic. Below are the links to a number of websites that contain excellent background information related to travel health issues. Nevertheless, these websites are no substitute for a personal consultation with a qualified medical professional. For Canadian Citizens: www.travel.gc.ca For American Citizens: www.nc.cdc.gov For UK Citizens: www.travelhealthpro.org For Australian Citizens: www.travelvax.com For EU Citizens: www.healthhype.com

     

  12. FAQ 12 What clothing should I pack for one of your tours?

    We always recommend packing as light as possible however the specific requirements for your tour will vary widely depending on where and when you are traveling. Our 'General Conditions' includes a suggested packing list and these can be downloaded from each individual tour page. The checklist is tour specific and based upon the experience of our ground staff.

  13. FAQ 13 Do your tours include international airfare?

    Travelers arrive from all over the world to begin our tours and it is not possible to include international airfare in our prices. We would be happy to help you arrange flights. Just ask for an air quote when making your booking.

  14. FAQ 14 What type of ground transportation is used on your tours?

    Our ‘General Conditions’ includes the details of all the transports used during the entire service. The details can be found on each individual tour page.

Overall Rating 5/5
Amazing Experience of Discover IndiaTour
Reviewed by on Jun, 2018
5/5
Had an amazing time in India. Best itinerary for the first timer to India who is looking for a short tour to India
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