India Grand Tour with Diwali & Dev Deepawali Festivals

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

  Namaste, welcome to India! As you touch down in Delhi, our representative will welcome you at the airport and accompany you on a private transfer to your hotel. Once settled in, relax in your room or head out to explore this excitingly vibrant capital city.

  • Delhi

• Day 2: Delhi, Contrast of Old and New

  Your introductory city tour of Delhi starts with an insightful visit to the awe-inspiring Jama Masjid, sitting proudly in the midst of Old Delhi. The climb up one of the imposing 40-metre-high minarets provides panoramic surroundings of the Walled city area. Then, ride on a rickshaw around the nearby Chandni Chowk Bazaar, filled with beautiful candles, clay lamps (diyas), clay pots, and fairy lights in a joyful Diwali celebration.

  Break for lunch before heading to New Delhi to admire two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Qutub Minar - India's tallest ancient stone tower and Humayun's Tomb - the precursor to the Taj Mahal. End the tour at the elaborate Hindu Temple of Laxmi Narayan.

  • B
  • Delhi

• Day 3: Delhi - Jaipur

  After breakfast, a five-hour drive will take you to the pink city of Jaipur. On arrival, check in to your hotel and take the afternoon free at leisure. Within and around this pink city, some of India's majestic palaces and atmospheric relics await you on the next day.

  • B
  • Jaipur

• Day 4: Jaipur, City Highlights and Diwali Celebration

  Kick off with an uphill jeep ride to Amber Fort, a sprawling pink and yellow sandstone complex under UNESCO protection. Your guide will share the stories of a fallen empire as you explore palaces, temples, and gardens, especially the dazzling Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors).

  Once driving back to Jaipur, step into the City Palace Museum showcasing royal family artifacts and check out various astronomical instruments at the UNESCO-recognized Jantar Mantar Observatory. Before retiring to your hotel, stop off at the architecturally splendid Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) to capture your photos.

  This evening, you're welcomed into a local family to celebrate Diwali, India's annual Festival of Lights. Chat with your hosts over chai tea, participate in unique rituals like "rangoli", light the house with diyas, and watch the dazzling fireworks displays, followed by a festive dinner of delicious Indian cuisine.

  • B D
  • Jaipur

• Day 5: Jaipur - Agra, Fatehpur Sikri

  Depart Jaipur for Agra (about 6 hours), visiting the UNESCO-inscribed Fatehpur Sikri en route. Roam around the former capital of the Mughal Empire in the late 16th century, where palaces, temples, and mosques are all in a uniform red sandstone structure.

  Continue to Agra, settle into your hotel of choice and enjoy the remainder of today at leisure.

  • B
  • Agra

• Day 6: Agra, Taj Mahal & Heritage Walk Tour

  Rise early to admire the world-famous Taj Mahal at sunrise. Alongside your guide, stroll around the striking ivory-white marble mausoleum and get spellbound by the love story of the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Once back to the hotel, have breakfast and freshen up.

  In the late afternoon, venture out on a heritage walk tour through the ancient village of Kachpura. A local villager will lead you to discover some lesser-known monuments of the Mughal Era in a rural setting and see how they have been living for ages. End the trip at Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden), with a fabulous sunset view of the Taj Mahal on the opposite bank of the River Yamuna.

  • B
  • Agra

• Day 7: Agra - Mumbai

  After a leisurely breakfast, take a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai on India's west coast. Upon arrival, be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel.

  • B
  • Mumbai

• Day 8: Mumbai, Elephanta Caves

  Embark on a morning excursion into the UNESCO-listed ancient rock-cut caves on Elephanta Island, an hour's boat ride from Mumbai. Hindu temples, sculptures and reliefs, predominantly dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcase its rich history and spirituality.

  Return to Mumbai by boat in the afternoon and then go back to the hotel for some rest.

  • B
  • Mumbai

• Day 9: Mumbai - Kochi, Gateway of India & Dhobi Ghat

  After breakfast, take a guided tour to browse the landmarks of Mumbai. Ramble around the Gateway of India while listening to its background stories. Visit Dhobi Ghat, where you will get an unforgettable glimpse into the workings of the city: endless clothes are hand washed, dry, and starched in an open-air laundry.

  In the afternoon, drive to the airport to catch a flight to Kochi. Upon arrival, a friendly local driver will be awaiting you, ready to escort you to your hotel.

  • B
  • Kochi (Cochin)

• Day 10: Kochi, City Highlights Tour

  Start by exploring Fort Kochi, a quaint coastal region steeped in Kerala's rich and layered history. Trace the footsteps of Dutch, Portuguese, British, and Arab influences as you wander the charming lanes, visiting the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), St. Francis Church, and India's oldest Jewish Synagogue. As the tour concludes, witness local fishermen operating ancient Chinese fishing nets by the scenic harbor.

  • B
  • Kochi (Cochin)

• Day 11: Kochi - Alleppey, Houseboat Cruise on the Backwater

  Travel onward by one-hour drive to Alleppey, known as the "City of Canals." Aboard a traditionally decorated houseboat with modern comfort, an enchanting overnight cruise will whisk you away over Kerala's famed backwater, passing villages, paddy fields, ancient temples and swaying coconut groves. Soak up the tranquil beauty around you, savor local cuisine freshly cooked on board, and relax into the evening for a restful sleep.

  • B L D
  • On Board

• Day 12: Alleppey - Periyar, Spice Plantation

  Wake up to the chirping of exotic birds and enjoy a refreshing breakfast before checking out from the houseboat around 9:00 am.

  Leave Alleppey behind as you aim for your next destination, Periyar. Arriving in 3.5 hours, you'll be introduced to the growing, harvesting and processing of different spices (like pepper, ginger and garlic) on a fragrant, informative visit to a lush spice plantation. Spend the night at a local hotel.

  • B
  • Periyar

• Day 13: Periyar, Forest Trek & Periyar Lake Cruise

  As you please, enjoy some leisure time at your hotel or take a forest trek (starting from 7:00 am, about 1-3 hours) into Periyar National Park. You may be able to sight elephants, sambar deer, wild boars, and birds on a late-morning cruise over the serene Periyar Lake.

  This afternoon is free to explore or relax at your own leisure. Round off the day with a cultural evening performance of Kalaripayattu (Martial Arts).

  • B
  • Periyar

• Day 14: Periyar - Madurai

  A 3-hour drive away from Periyar is Alleppey, where rural village life surrounded by serene backwaters appeals to travelers throughout the world. Hop on a traditional, thatch-roofed houseboat and cruise along the palm-fringed Kerala canals. Just relax and lay back while savoring Kerala's rural lifestyle as well as the surrounding lush greeneries.

  • B
  • Madurai

• Day 15: Madurai, Temples and Palace

  In the very heart of Madurai towers the awe-inspiring Meenakshi Temple, which showcases intricate carvings and vibrant sculptures. Then, explore the luxurious Durbar Hall and enchanting courtyards of 17th-century Tirumala Nayak Palace. As you ascend Alagar Hills, take in breathtaking views over the city and visit the revered Alagar Kovil. End your trip at the rock-cut Thiruparankundram Temple perched atop a hill.

  • B
  • Madurai

• Day 16: Madurai - Chennai

  Enjoy leisure time until your transfer to the airport for your flight to Chennai. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel for a comfortable stay.

  • B
  • Chennai (Madras)

• Day 17: Mahabalipuram & Chennai City Tour

  Journey to the past on a history-based tour of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site around a 1.5-hour drive away from Chennai. Check out the intricately carved Pancha Rathas, the majestic Shore Temple standing tall by the sea, and a massive balanced rock named Krishna's Butterball.

  Once back to Chennai, acquaint yourself with the city's essential sights, including Fort St. George Museum, Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Dakshina Chitra. If you like, unwind with a leisurely walk on the Marina beach at sunset.

  • B
  • Chennai(Madras)

• Day 18: Chennai - Varanasi, Evening Aarti Ceremony

  Savor a leisurely morning before jetting off to the holy city of Varanasi. Upon arrival, meet our representative at the airport for a private transfer and a smooth hotel check-in. As the night falls, witness the age-old Aarti Ceremony, a luminous spectacle of priests holding multi-tiered lamps to perform rituals with the chanting of hymns.

  • B
  • Varanasi

• Day 19: Varanasi, Celebration of Dev Deepawali

  On this auspicious day, indulge yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Varanasi as you witness Hindu devotees taking a sacred dip and releasing floating lamps in the Ganges. At dusk, thousands of flickering Diyas or earthen lamps illuminate the steps of the riverfront ghats and temples. A boat ride promises the chance to enjoy a full view of mesmerizing sights, with plenty of photo opportunities all around you. While strolling along the river bank, witness religious rituals and cultural programs at different ghats to absorb the vibrant energy.

  • B
  • Varanasi

• Day 20: Varanasi City Discovery

  Uncover the essence of Varanasi's cultural and spiritual heritage on this full-day city tour. Start by visiting Banaras Hindu University, followed by the revered Bharat Mata Temple, an ode to Mother India. Drive by the majestic Golden Temple, with the option to explore its inner sanctum. In the afternoon, delve into the spiritual realm of Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, and explore the enlightening Sarnath Museum.

  • B
  • Varanasi

• Day 21: Varanasi - Delhi, Departure

  Begin your final day in Varanasi with a sunrise boat cruise on the sacred Ganges River, where you'll witness devoted Hindus immersing themselves in prayers and bathing rituals, illuminated by the golden rays of dawn. Return to the hotel for breakfast, and enjoy your free time to pack up. You'll then be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Delhi, ready for your homebound flight.

  • B