Essence of India

A perfect India tour package covering the highlights of both, North and South India within a two week trip. This is a India tour package for those wanting to see and experience the cultural attractions of North India, including the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, as well as the tropical state of Kerala , in Southern India. This is an India tour, that brings to life all the diversity that the destination offers – allowing you to marvel at the Taj Mahal, as well as to float on the Backwaters in Kerala.

Duration of India tour package – 15 Days

Destinations of North to South India tour - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Cochin, Kumarakom, House Boat, Mumbai

Day 01: - Arrive Delhi, India

Your India tour begins with an arrival into Delhi International Airport.

Delhi – India’s Capital Delhi, is a bustling metropolis, with almost 20 million inhabitants. Delhi is a city of contrasts, often called a perfect blend of the ancient and the modern, Delhi has monuments that are over 500 years old, and also has modern shopping malls, nightclubs and golf courses, Delhi truly is India’s crown jewel, and a perfect gateway for your Golden Triangle tour.

On your arrival at Delhi International airport, you will be met by our representative, who will arrange for your transfer to your chosen hotel, and also hand you over your detailed itinerary for your Essence of India tour and answer any questions that you may have. No activity is scheduled today, since most International flights arrive into Delhi, late evening, or close to midnight only. Overnight in Delhi.

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Day 02: In Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a guided sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. Tour include visits to the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Raj Ghat, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, the President’s House, Birla Mandir and Qutub Minar.

Evening at leisure, you could choose to relax and enjoy the hotels restaurants and facilities, or the more adventurous, could perhaps venture out for some independent sightseeing and shopping. The city of Delhi also has several fine restaurants offering India as well as a variety of International Cuisines. Overnight at hotel.

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Day 03: Delhi – Agra

This morning you drive to Agra (220kms/4 hrs.).

Agra - "The city of the Taj", is ofcourse the highlight of your India tour. Agra was once the capital of the Mughal Empire, and even today it seems to linger in the past. In addition to the Taj Mahal, which is also one of the wonders of the World, the Mughal Emperors endowed the city with plenty of other famous monuments, important among which are the Agra Fort, Sikandra, Itimad-ud-Daulah and Fatehpur Sikri. Agra is most certainly a must do, on any India tour.

Upon arrival in Agra, check in to your hotel.

Afternoon guided sightseeing tour of Agra Tour include visits to the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort.

Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

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Day 04: Agra – Jaipur

This morning you drive to Jaipur (250 kms/05 hrs), visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route. Later continue your drive to the Pink City of Rajasthan – Jaipur.

Jaipur – called the Pink city of India, Jaipur is one of India’s most well planned cities, with wide, straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes in a grid system. The foundation of Jaipur were laid out in the 18th Century by Maharaja Jai Singh II, who besides being a great warrior, was a great astronomer too. Jaipur got its name as the Pink City, since, during the late 19th Century, the then ruler Sawai Ram Singh, got the whole city painted pink to welcome Prince Edward. Very recently, the famous British Comedy film, “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” was set and filmed in Jaipur.

Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in to your hotel and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

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Day 05: Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a guided sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Tour include visits to the Amber Fort including Elephant ride, Hawa Mahal (Palace on Winds), The City Palace and Jantar Mantar (Observatory).

Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

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Day 06: Jaipur - Udaipur

This morning you drive to Udaipur (400 kms/6 ½ hrs).

Udaipur – also called the Venice of India, Udaipur, perhaps because of its many water bodies, is perhaps the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, and it is a complete contrast from the other desert cities of Rajasthan. Udaipur founded in the 16th Century by Maharana Udai Singh (one of the Mewar Rulers) is built around shimmering blue lakes and is surrounded by the green hills of the Aravali Ranges. The James Bond film “Octopussy” was shot extensively in Udaipur.

Upon arrival check-in to hotel.

The day ends with a Sunset boat ride on the shimmering waters of the Lake Pichola, and the view of the sun setting into the shimmering waters of the lake, will long be remembered by you as one of the highlights of your India tour package.

Overnight at hotel.

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Day 07: Udaipur

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a guided sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Tour include visits to the City Palace, Saheliyon-Ki-Bari and the Jagdish Temple.

Rest of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own. Overnight at hotel.

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Day 08: Udaipur – Cochin

This morning you will be met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to the Udaipur airport in time for your flight to Mumbai followed by a connecting flight to Cochin.

Cochin: - Cochin is the next stop of your India tour, Cochin is one of Kerala’s most culturally rich cities. Cochin has been an important trading port, with a history that goes back over 800 years. Spices, silks, ivory and sandalwood were traded here in the ancient times. While walking through the city, you will find that the Portuguese, Dutch and British influences are still very much evident. The city is a series of islands with a palace, old spice warehouses, Jewish synagogue and churches in Fort Cochin.

Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel for check-in etc.

Evening visit to the Kathakali dance performance at a local theatre. Kathakali is a traditional dance form that originated in Kerala, and images of the dancers with their colorful faces and colorful attire are now synonymous with Kerala.

Overnight at hotel.

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Day 09: - Cochin

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a guided sightseeing tour of Cochin. Tour include visits to the Fort Cochin, Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), St. Francis Church, Jewish synagogue, Bolghatty Island and the harbor near Vasco da Gama Square.

Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

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Day 10: - Cochin - Kumarakom

This morning you drive to Kumarakom (70 kms/1 ½ hrs).

Kumarakom: Set on the edge of the Vembanad Lake and the famous backwaters of Kerala, Kumarakom is regarded as an example of nature at her bountiful best, with fragrant flowers, a riot of multi coloured birds, surrounding greenery and clear waters. Kumarakom is also home to the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary that is regarded as a ornithologist's paradise. Kumarakom offers its visitors many leisure options. You can choose to cruise the backwaters, go fishing, take a boat cruise for bird watching, or just have a laid back holiday, or ever a Ayurvedic Spa Retreat.

Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the Nature’s beauty on your own. Overnight at hotel.

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Day 11: - Kumarakom

Day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

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Day 12: - Kumarakom – House boat

Houseboat – An overnight Houseboat trip is considered by many to be the most magical part of your India tour. The Houseboats or "Kettuvallams" as they were called originally, were actually rice barges, used by the villagers to transport rice and paddy from the farms located besides the backwaters to the trading areas. These traditional Houseboats have now all been refurbished and modernized, allowing visitors to sail through the narrow canals, and in the palm-fringed lakes to experience the rural life as it still exists in the villages. The Houseboats now offer one, two and sometime even three bedrooms (which are air-conditioned too), with ensuite facilities, large open sitting areas, a crew of two, and even a onboard chef, who delights in serving fresh authentic Kerala cuisine.

Overnight on board Houseboat.

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Day 13: - House boat – Allepey – Mumbai

After breakfast, disembark the houseboat in Alleppey and drive to Cochin (70 kms/1 ½ hrs) airport intime to connect flight for Mumbai, the last stop on your India tour.

Mumbai: Mumbai or Bombay, as it was earlier called is still famous as being the commercial capital of India. Mumbai is a city of entrepreneurs, concrete towers, clubs and discos, cricket, Bollywood and more. It was during the days of the British Raj, that Mumbai became a major trading port for the East India Company, and till date, it remains the most important sea trade link for India. Mumbai is also the country’s financial capital, with the National Stock Exchange, major Banks and Brokerage Houses being head quartered there. It is also the centre of the Indian Film Industry, popularly known as Bollywood.

Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel for check-in etc. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Mumbai.

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Day 14: - Mumbai

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a guided sightseeing tour of Mumbai. Tour include visits to the Gateway of India, Mani Bhavan, the Marine drive, the Prince of Wales museum, the Hanging gardens & Victoria rail station.

Evening at leisure to perhaps venture out and discover the city or its many restaurants on your own. A visit to one of Mumbai’s famous night spots would be a good way to end your India tour. Overnight at hotel.

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Day 15: - Depart Mumbai

Check out from the hotel at noon. Later you will be met by our representative who will arrange for your transfer to the Mumbai airport in time for your flight home. You could even choose to extend this India tour package, to add on Goa, to spend a few relaxing days on the beach.

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Package Rates

All prices are per person and in US Dollars -

Note – * Small supplements may apply for travel between 25th October and 31st October, 20th December and 05th January and during the month of February.

Inclusions:-

#   Accommodation on twin sharing bed and breakfast basis at the selected category of hotels.
#   All arrival-departure transfers and land transportation exactly as per the itinerary using an aircon Car.
#  Sightseeing tours along with an English Speaking Guide and including entrance fee to monuments as mentioned above in the Itinerary.