Grand Tour of India
| Resort: | Grand Tour of India |
| Operator: | Wendy Wu Tours |
| Destination: | Asia, India |
| Price From: | £7390.00 |
Overview29 Day Grand Tour of India Tour ItineraryDays 1-2: Fly to DelhiFly overnight to Delhi. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours at leisure. Days 3: Explore DelhiExplore Old Delhi; see the Red Fort and walk to Jama Masjid, Indias largest mosque. After lunch, view India Gate and Parliament House before exploring Gandhi Smriti and Qutub Minar. Days 4-5: Discover VaranasiFly to the ancient city of Varanasi. Head just out of town to the fascinating Buddhist site of Sarnath, where Buddha is said to have delivered his first sermon. The next day, rise early to cruise on the Ganges and explore the city. Later take a rickshaw to the ghats and witness a puja ceremony. Day 6: Explore Khajuraho’s TemplesTransfer to the airport to fly to Khajuraho to see the exquisite temples and their intricately carved, erotic imagery. This evening enjoy a cultural dance display Day 7: Train to AgraTravel to the 16th-century city of Orchha and then on to Jhansi where youll board a Shatabdi Express train to Agra. Day 8: The Taj MahalWatch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal which is often swathed in mist and tinged pink a magical experience. This afternoon visit a marble inlay workshop and the colossal 16th-century Agra Fort. Days 9-10: RanthamboreVisit the ghost city of Fatephur Sikri on the way to Ranthambore National Park, home to many animals such as leopards, hyena, bears and tigers. The next day enjoy both an early morning and afternoon safari. Day 11-12: JaipurJourney to the Pink City of Jaipur for a two-night stay. Visit the Maharaja’s City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory on the day you arrive. The following day, make a brief stop at the Hawa Mahal – the Palace of the Winds- before admiring the majestic Amber Fort. Day 13-14: Pushkar and KhimsarTravel to Pushkar, a sacred pilgrimage destination for Hindus. This afternoon visit its sacred lake, ghats and the Temple of Lord Brahma followed by a camel cart ride in the desert. The next day visit Khimsar, perched on the edge on the great Thar Desert. Stay overnight at a 15th Century fortress – now a heritage hotel. Days 15-16: Discover JaisalmerRising from the sandy plains of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is known as the Golden City. Head to Sunset Point to enjoy the views. The next day head to the magnificent Jaisalmer fort, Badal Vilas Palace and the extravagant Patwon Ki Haveli mansion. Round off the day with a memorable visit to the Sam Sand Dunes in the Thar Desert. Days 17-18: Jodhpur and surroundsTravel to Jodhpur and tour the city, exploring the magnificence of Mehrangarh Fort, visiting the museum of Umaid Bhawan Palace and the spice market. The next day drive through the desert by jeep to Bishnoi village. Days 19-20: Romantic UdaipurDrive to Udaipur via the Jain temple complex of Ranakpur and Surya Temple as well as other Jain Temples. The next day explore the city, driving around Fateh Sagar Lake with stops at the Folk Museum, Mewar Art Gallery and Sahelion Ki Bari Garden. Later visit the ornate City Palace and take a cruise on the shimmering Lake Pichola. Days 21: AurangabadThis morning you will fly to Aurangabad, where you will spend the next 2 nights. Day 22-23: Ajanta & Ellora CavesVisit the incredible UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ajanta and Ellora Caves and discover the beautiful murals and exquisite carvings of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain imagery. Fly to Mumbai. Days 24: Discover MumbaiTour cosmopolitan Mumbai, Indias economic powerhouse. View the Gateway to India, wander along Marine Drive and visit Chowpatty Beach, Mani Bhavan, Dhobi Ghat, Crawford Market and Flora Fountain. Transfer to the airport this evening for your flight to the relaxing Keralan city of Kochi. Day 25: Explore KochiFascinating Kochi is strung across the islands and peninsulas of the Malabar coast. Visit the Dutch Palace and Fort Kochi before seeing the famous Chinese fishing nets and strolling through colourful markets. This evening enjoy an exuberant Kathakali dance performance. Day 26: Kerala’s BackwatersVisit Kochis synagogue, before heading out of the city to Nedumudy to board your houseboat. On this converted rice barge or kettuvallam you will drift along the peaceful backwaters. Lunch and dinner are served onboard and you will stay overnight here too. Day 27: Travel to KovalamEnjoy breakfast as you cruise into Alleppey, then travel to the beach resort of Kovalam. Day 28: Visit TrivandrumExplore Keralas capital Trivandrum, with visits to Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Zoological Gardens, Sri Chitra Art Gallery, the Observatory and Kanakakunnu Palace. Return to Kovalam for your final night stay. Day 29: Fly from Trivandrum to UKFly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day. |
