Grand Tour of the North and South
India’s best sights in one tour
Enjoy three weeks exploring all that India has to offer, from the north to the south, lifting the lid on the Subcontinent’s many cultures, climates, costumes and cuisines.
2 nights Delhi • 1 night Agra • 2 nights Ranthambore National Park • 2 nights Jaipur • 2 nights Udaipur • 2 nights Kochi • 1 night House Boat • 1 night Periyar • 1 night Madurai • 2 nights Tanjore • 2 nights Pondicherry • 2 nights Mahabalipuram
Days 1–2: Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and spend the first day at leisure before heading out to discover Old and New Delhi on a full day city tour. Visit the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar among other sites.
Stay Superior: The Claridges (B)
Stay Deluxe: Taj Mahal Hotel (B)
Day 3: Agra
Gaze up at the calm and resplendent Taj Mahal, Emperor Shahjehan’s monument to love, built in 1631. You’ll also take a visit to Agra Fort.
Stay Superior: ITC Luxury Collection (B)
Stay Deluxe: The Gateway Hotel (B)
Days 4–5: Ranthambore
After an optional visit to the Taj Mahal for sunrise, travel to the deserted sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri before boarding a train at Bharatpur for Ranthambore National Park, the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur, now famous for its tigers. Enjoy a jeep tour of the park on the second day here.
Stay Superior: Nahargarh Fort (BLD)
Stay Deluxe: Vivanta by Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge (BLD)
Days 6–7: Jaipur
After another excursion to spot tigers in Ranthambore, drive to Jaipur, the Pink City. You may choose to watch an Indian movie at the famous Raj Mandir Theatre. On the following day, explore the Amber Fort and City Palace Museum.
Stay Superior: Sheraton Rajputana (B)
Stay Deluxe: Taj Rambagh Palace (B)
Days 8–9: Udaipur
Fly to Udaipur and, after some time at leisure, enjoy an evening cruise on serene Lake Pichola. The following day take a guided tour of the city, dominated by the huge City Palace, and see the Jagdish Temple and Sahelion Ki Bari Gardens.
Stay Superior: Sheraton Udaipur Resort & Spa (B)
Stay Deluxe: Taj Lake Palace (B)
Days 10–11: Kochi
Fly to Kochi by way of Mumbai and take a harbour cruise at sunset along the beautiful backwaters. The next day, visit the Jewish Synagogue and St Francis Church, both built in the 16th century, and enjoy a performance by Kathakali dancers.
Stay Superior: Le Meridien (B)
Stay Deluxe: Taj Malabar (B)
Day 12: Kumarakom
Drive to Alleppey, the ‘Venice of the east’, and board a houseboat for a backwaters cruise to Kumarakom.
Stay: House Boat (B)
Day 13: Periyar
Travel by car to one of India’s most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, which you will tour by boat in the evening, spotting elephants, sambar, guar and wild pigs.
Stay Superior: Club Mahindra Tuskar Trail (B)
Stay Deluxe: Spice Village (B)
Day 14: Madurai
Take a guided walk around a spice and rubber plantation, then drive to Madurai to visit the Meenakshi Temple, spread over six hectares.
Stay Superior: GRT Regency (B)
Stay Deluxe: The Gateway Hotel (B)
Days 15–16: Tanjore
Visit Trichy, home to magnificent temples, on the way to Tanjore where you’ll visit the Temple of Brihadeeshwara and an archaeological museum. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Stay Superior: Parisutham (B)
Stay Deluxe: Sangam (B)
Days 17–18: Pondicherry
Explore the temples of Chidambaram en route to Pondicherry, a quiet place with a distinct French heritage and peaceful resorts. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram and other monuments.
Stay Superior: Promenade (B)
Stay Deluxe: Mansion Perumal (B)
Days 19–20: Mahabalipuram
Discover the sculptures and temples around this ancient coastal port south of Chennai. On the following day travel to Kanchipuram, the Golden City of Temples and one of the seven main sacred sites of India.
Stay Superior: Radisson Blue Temple way (B)
Stay Deluxe: Taj Fisherman’s Cove (B)
Day 21: Chennai
Arrive in Chennai for your flight home.
Pricing information
21-day tailor-made itinerary
Prices from: £2,999 to £3,993 pp
Valid for travel: Until 9 December 2012
Package includes: International flights, transfers, guided tours, 20 nights accommodation with meals as indicated.
B = breakfast • L = lunch • D = dinner
Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
To book, call 0845 643 6562
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX101520.
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