Duration: 20 Days / 19 Nights
Destinations Covered: Destinations Covered: Delhi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Kumbhalgarh - Udaipur - Ajanta - Ellora - Mumbai - Madurai - Chettinad - Trichy - Tanjore - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Chennai

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
Overnight stay at the luxurious Imperial Hotel

On arrival at the international airport in Delhi, our representative will escort you to the hotel. After a traditional Indian welcome at the reception, check in and relax for the day. Enjoy the various hotel facilities and treat yourself to an authentic Indian dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi
Overnight stay at the luxurious Imperial Hotel

In the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full day sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi. Drive through the Rajpath and sightsee the Parliament, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Diplomatic Enclave. Later, take a rickshaw ride to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, Chandi Chowk markets, Red Fort, and Rajghat. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 3: Delhi - Khajuraho
Overnight stay at Taj Chandela

After an early morning breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport to board the flight to Khajuraho. On arrival in Khajuraho, check in at the hotel and go on a stroll to the nearby temples and adjoining village. Post lunch proceed on a guided sightseeing tour of the 1000 year old Chandela temples in the Western Group. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Khajuraho.

Day 4: Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Agra
Overnight stay at Amarvilas

After an early morning breakfast at the hotel, drive to Jhansi railway station to board the train to Agra (Bhopal Shatabadi Express). En route, tour the medieval city of Orchha. Once there, it is time for nature appreciation and sightseeing. Orchha, a city founded by Bundela rulers, has many 16th and 17th century palaces and temples that bespeak of its glorious past. On arrival in Agra, check in at the hotel and relax for the day. Later in the evening, explore the colorful markets of the city and shop for souvenirs and eat out or return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Agra.

Day 5: Agra
Overnight stay at Amarvilas

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Agra, a city famous for its Mughal architecture and monuments that mark the pinnacle of eternal love. Visit Agra Fort, Itimad-ud-Daulah, Akbar's Tomb and Taj Mahal by twilight on a battery van ride. Visit to the Taj Mahal in the moonlight can be arranged on request. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Agra.

Day 6: Agra - Jaipur
Overnight stay at Rajvilas

Drive to Jaipur (6-hour journey, 221 km), after breakfast at the hotel. En route, detour for Fatehpur Sikri, a ruined fort city established by Akbar and take a heritage walk to the palaces, mosques, pavilions, tombs, and Buland Darwaza (the largest gateway in the world). On arrival in the Pink City, check in at the hotel and relax for the day. Explore the colorful ancient markets of the city in the evening or enjoy the hotel facilities. The majestic forts and palaces aligned on the massive city walls are never to far from sight. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Jaipur.

Day 7: Jaipur
Overnight stay at Rajvilas

In the morning, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Jaipur city. Visit Amber Fort (the former capital of Jaipur that can be approached by treks or elephant rides), City Palace (famous for its Mughal-Rajasthani architectural blend, Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum), Jantar Mantar Observatory (the finest of the 5 astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh II), Hawa Mahal (five-storied pink sandstone Palace of Winds'), Birla Temple (white marble Vishnu temple), Jaigarh Fort (famous of the largest cannon-wheel) and Nahargarh Fort (now a heritage hotel). Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 8: Jaipur - Jodhpur
Overnight stay at Umaid Bhawan Palace or Taj Hari Mahal

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Jodhpur. On arrival in the desert city, check in at the hotel, refresh and relax. Post lunch proceed for a tour of the grand Mehrangarh Fort. Later check out the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Jodhpur.

Day 9: Jodhpur
Overnight stay at Umaid Bhawan Palace or Taj Hari Mahal

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city. Visit Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana, Daulat Khana, Jaswant Thada Memorial, and a group of royal white marble cenotaphs. Later in the day, walk to the local Bishnoi villages set along the desert countryside of Rajasthan. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Jodhpur.

Day 10: Jodhpur - Udaipur
Overnight stay at Udaivilas or Lake Palace

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Udaipur via the white marble Jain Temples in Ranakpur and the majestic Kumbhalgarh Fort in Kumbhalgarh. On arrival in the city of lakes and palaces and the rising sun, check in at the hotel and relax for a while. The day is free for you to enjoy the city at your own pace. Walks to the colorful Udaipur bazaars, boat cruises and other water activities at the picturesque Lake Pichola, or shop at Shilpgram crafts village are sure to get you in the spirit of this desert oasis. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Udaipur.

Day 11: Udaipur
Overnight stay at Udaivilas or Lake Palace

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Udaipur - 'the city of lakes'. Visit the Lake Palace, City Palace, Lake Pichola, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, and Jagdish Temple. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities. Return to the hotel for overnight stay in Udaipur.

Day 12: Udaipur - Aurangabad
Overnight stay at Taj Residency

After breakfast at the hotel, the morning is free for you to spend at leisure. Post lunch transfer to the airport for a short flight to Aurangabad on Indian Airlines plane. On arrival, check in at the hotel, refresh and relax for the day. This 17th century city has been seen the rise and fall of many mighty empires that ran the length and breath of India especially the Deccan Plateau. Today it is one of the most prominent places in Maharashtra that serves as the ideal base camp to explore the nearby World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 13: Aurangabad
Overnight stay at Taj Residency

Today, after an early morning breakfast, proceed for a full day excursion to the 2000-year-old World Heritage Site of Ajanta Caves. Rock cut on the horse-shoe shaped cliff of the Sahyardi Hills, this set of 30 Buddhist rock-cut caves for monasteries and chapels are a must visit for their cave paintings and Buddhist art. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Aurangabad.

Day 14: Aurangabad - Mumbai

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for an excursion to the Ellora Caves, another World Heritage Site. Visit the 34 Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, and Jainism shrines carved from solid rock. These caves date back to the 4th and 9th century and the magnificent Kailash Temple marks the highlight of the day trip. En route, you can also stopover at the 12th century Daulatabad Fort and check out the lesser known but equally mesmerizing Aurangabad Caves (Buddhist monasteries showcasing influence of Tantric art and architectural style from the 2nd and 6th centuries). Later in the evening, return to the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the flight to Mumbai. On arrival, check in at the hotel for overnight stay in Mumbai.

Day 15: Mumbai - Madurai
Overnight stay at Taj Garden Retreat

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for a flight to Madurai. On arrival, check in at the hotel, refresh, and relax over lunch. Post lunch, visit the spectacular Meenakshi Temple and the many stupefying temples in the complex. Later, check out the grand Tirumala Nayak Palace, Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock Temple, and attend the Light and Sound Panorama show in the evening. Later in the evening, visit the colorful bustling markets of Madurai and shop for souvenirs and curios. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 16: Madurai - Chettinad - Madurai
Overnight stay at Taj Garden Retreat

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Chettinad that has its own unique architectural style, cuisines, and customs in the temple state of Tamil Nadu. Visit the century old houses that have been created from raw materials shipped in from Eats and West alike. Belgium mirrors and crystals, Burmese chandelier and teakwood, Indonesia crockery, Italian marble, and French style woodworks leave you longing for a house like this for yourself. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 17: Tanjore & Trichy
Overnight stay at Sangam Hotel

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Trichy via Tanjore. On arrival in the erstwhile Chola capital in South India, immediately proceed for a sightseeing tour of the ancient city. Visit the massive 10th century Brihadeshwara temple (216 ft) with the famous statue of Nandi Bull and frescoed walls.

Continue your journey to Trichy (Tiruchirapalli), the medieval era city that prospered under the Chola dynasty rule. On arrival, check in at the hotel and proceed for a sightseeing tour. Visit Srirangam, Rock Fort, Ganapati, and Shiva Temples, Danish Church and Lord Clive's House. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Trichy.

Day 18: Trichy - Chennai
Overnight stay at Fisherman's Cove

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the railway station to board the flight to Chennai. On arrival, check in, refresh and proceed for a brief sightseeing tour of Chennai city. Visit Art and Bronze Gallery, Flower and Fruit market, High court, Fort, Marina Beach, Santhome Cathedral, Fort St George, Kapaleeswarar Temple, and Snake Park. In the evening, walk along the hotel beach and indulge in water activities. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 19: Chennai
Overnight stay at Fisherman's Cove

After breakfast at the hotel, leave on full day excursion to the temple towns of Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. Mahabalipuram is home to the only surviving shore temple in India. On your sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram, visit the ancient caves, the Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance, and Krishna Mandapam. At Kanchipuram, known as the town of the 1000 temples, visit Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy Temples and silk and textile outlets. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 20: Chennai

After breakfast at the hotel, spend the morning at leisure on the beach. Later in the evening, transfer to the airport for a flight back home or to your onward destination.