Highlights of North and South India

Your journey with "best tour packages in India" is begins today. Upon arrival in New Delhi International airport, one of our representatives will welcome you and take you to a hotel near the airport, where you can relax after a long journey.

After breakfast, you will be taken back to the airport for your domestic flight to Udaipur, one of India's most beautiful cities! Here, you will immediately experience the cultural beauty of Rajasthan. The flight takes approximately 75 minutes. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel on the banks of Lake Pichola. You can spend the rest of the afternoon and evening as you wish. Optionally (not included), we can book a boat trip on the lake for you.

Note: Did you know that several scenes from the James Bond film Octopussy (1983) were filmed in Udaipur? These scenes took place in and around the magnificent Taj Lake Palace Hotel (the former home of the Maharaja of Udaipur), in the middle of Lake Pichola.

The day begins with a visit to two interesting villages outside Udaipur: Eklingji and Nagda. Eklingji is known for the 108 temples located in the area. In Nagda, you'll find erotic sculptures of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Then, you'll return to Udaipur to explore the city. Beautiful palaces and whitewashed houses make Udaipur one of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan. You'll see, among other things, the City Palace, Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of the Maidens), and the Jagdish Temple.

Today, the journey to the Blue City, Jodhpur, will continue for approximately seven hours. Along the way, you'll visit a beautiful Jain temple in Ranakpur. Jainism is a distinct religion in India. Jains respect all living beings. Did you know, for example, that they always clean the path before walking on it? This is done to reduce the risk of being crushed by an animal (no matter how small). At the temple, you'll be amazed by the beautiful decorations of even the smallest details. After arriving in Jodhpur, the evening is for your relaxation.

In the morning, you'll tour the city of Jodhpur with your guide. A visit to Mehrangarh Fort, which offers spectacular views of the Blue City, is naturally on the agenda. No one knows why the city's houses are blue. It's said that only Brahmins (members of the highest caste in the Hindu caste system) were allowed to paint their houses blue to distinguish themselves. Nowadays, anyone is free to paint their homes blue, and it's common. It certainly makes for beautiful photos! Inside the fort, you'll find a magnificent collection of paintings, weapons, and other artifacts from the region's illustrious history. Also plan to visit Jaswant Thada, a white marble mausoleum. After exploring the city, the journey to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, takes approximately 7 hours. Upon arrival, you'll be escorted to your hotel. If time permits, you can visit the Art Museum, the Govind Dev Temple, or shop at Johari Bazaar (which features cotton and jewelry). Discover inspiring India! Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan and is also known as the "Pink City" because of the pink color of its buildings.

In the morning, you'll visit the Amer Fort, located on a hill outside the city, with a guide. A jeep will be waiting at the bottom of the hill to take you to the fort. You'll have plenty of time to explore. In the afternoon, a tour of Jaipur city is planned. You'll see the City Palace, Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), and the Observatory, among other attractions. Be sure to visit the small Textile Museum in the City Palace. Here you'll find clothing worn by the former Maharajas of Jaipur, including one that weighed nearly 250 kg!

Note: We deliberately chose to travel to Amer by jeep. The elephants are treated poorly. Furthermore, the waiting time for an elephant is long, and vendors will harass you.

After breakfast, you will drive approximately 4 hours to Ranthambore National Park. Ranthambore covers an area of ​​approximately 410 km² and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. This park is one of the most beautiful parks in northern India and one of the best places in the world to view tigers in the wild. Upon arrival, your first safari is scheduled for the afternoon.

Note: Safaris in Ranthambore National Park are typically conducted in comfortable jeeps (maximum 6 guests per vehicle). If you prefer, we can arrange a private jeep for you; an additional charge is available upon request.

Early in the morning, you will embark on a safari in Ranthambore National Park in the state of Rajasthan with an experienced ranger. The safari is conducted in a private jeep. Ranthambore covers an area of ​​approximately 410 km² and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. This park is one of the most beautiful parks in northern India and one of the best places in the world to view tigers in the wild. In addition to tigers, the park is also home to a wide variety of deer, birds, and reptiles. After the morning safari, a delicious meal awaits you at your accommodation, where you can relax for a few hours. A second safari in the park is scheduled for the afternoon.

After a leisurely breakfast, the approximately 3-hour journey continues to Karauli, an undiscovered destination in Rajasthan. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is spent relaxing. Overnight stays are at Bhanwar Vilas Palace, a beautiful heritage property. This is the home of the former Maharaja of Karauli, who still lives here with his wife and son. He will be happy to talk to you about the city's impressive history.

Today, you'll take a walking tour of the city, including several temples. You'll also visit the City Palace, which is almost completely in its original state. Depending on the time of day, you can even attend the Aarti—a truly special experience! Karauli is known for its colorful street bangles, which are made and sold throughout India. You'll truly experience local life here.

Tip: You can also arrange a cooking demo at your accommodation. You'll get the chance to see traditional Rajasthani dishes being prepared up close and learn more about the region's family recipes and culinary traditions. You can help out, and yes, even taste the dishes. Feel free to ask for any additional options.

After breakfast, you'll travel by car with a private driver, approximately 4 hours, to Agra, known for the world-famous Taj Mahal. On the way, you'll visit Fatehpur Sikri, the "abandoned city." Due to a lack of water, this former capital of the Mughal Empire is deserted. After arriving in Agra, you can relax for the rest of the day.

Tip: Looking for a little more nature? Consider visiting Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, India's most famous bird sanctuary. Here, you'll find numerous native waterfowl, cranes, storks, herons, and more. In addition to visiting Fatehpur Sikri, you can also plan a ride on a rickshaw (a type of bicycle taxi). Ask your travel specialist about the possibilities.

(Morning) You will visit the Taj Mahal (closed on every Fridays). The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his deceased wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took approximately 20 years to complete. You will be amazed by the beautiful details and perfect symmetry of this monument. Shah Jahan intended to build a similar monument for himself, but in black. However, it was never built. He was interred in a mausoleum next to his wife in the Taj Mahal. His tomb is the only thing that breaks the symmetry in the entire building. After the Taj Mahal, a visit to the Red Fort is also included. After these visits, you will continue your approximately 5-hour journey to Delhi, the capital of the country, your final destination in northern India. Upon arrival, the evening is for your relaxation.

Tip: Only essential items are allowed inside the Taj Mahal during your visit. Leave any bags in the car. Your guide will inform you of this in advance. It's also good to know that the Taj Mahal tour is limited to three hours. This is a new rule to prevent overcrowding on the grounds.

Early in the morning (6:00 AM), you'll embark on a unique excursion: a bicycle tour of Old Delhi. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide (and other international participants), you'll cycle through what was formerly known as Shahjahanabad, named after the famous Mughal emperor. At the time this city, now part of Delhi, was built, it was one of the most beautiful and prosperous cities in the world. You'll leave early to avoid Delhi's traffic. This active excursion lasts approximately four hours and takes you through key areas like the Jama Masjid and the Chandni Chowk bazaar. At this early hour, most shops are still closed, allowing you to explore by bicycle. Only the sweet shops, spice shops, and the area selling flowers and fresh bread are already bustling. After exploring the inside of a distinctive, beautiful mansion, it's time for a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant. Then, a short drive to City Hall and back to the starting point. After the bike tour, you'll explore Old Delhi, both on foot and by car. You can relax in the afternoon.

Note: Comfortable clothing and sneakers are recommended for the bike tour. Please note: Women are not allowed to wear very short or sleeveless shirts. The guide may have clothing for visiting the mosque. The bike tour will be conducted in a small international group.

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Delhi Airport for your domestic flight to Cochin, Kerala, about a 3-hour flight away. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and taken to your hotel in the old part of Cochin (Fort Kochi). You'll immediately notice the (significant) differences between North and South India! This city has a rich colonial past. You'll see many remnants from the Portuguese, British, and Dutch eras. This unique port city was used for the trade of spices and other products. Chinese fishing nets are also a familiar sight in the city. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing.

Tip: For a truly delicious meal, try the dal roti. It's very inexpensive but equally popular: arrive early or you'll have to wait outside for a table.

In the morning, you'll take a guided city tour of Cochin. The city has a rich colonial past. You'll see many remnants from the Portuguese, British, and Dutch periods. This strategically located port city was used for the trade of spices and other products. Chinese fishing nets are also a common sight in the city. The Fort Kochi district is the city's historic heart. During the tour, you'll visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, where you'll see murals depicting events from the important Hindu epics, the Mahabharata and Ramayana. This palace was originally built by the Portuguese but renovated by the Dutch in the 17th century. You'll also visit India's oldest synagogue (closed to visitors on Fridays and Saturdays). Throughout the city, you'll see several spice warehouses, which are still in full swing. In the evening, you can attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance. The story and intricate symbols may be incomprehensible, but the actors' costumes, masks, and colorful makeup alone make it worth the visit. You can ask about your preferences.

After breakfast, the journey continues to Thekkady, near the Periyar National Park. This journey will take approximately 5 hours. Along the way, there will be regular stops for photo opportunities and lunch at local restaurants. The driver knows the best spots and will provide information along the way. After arriving, the evening is for your relaxation. The Periyar region is known for the many herbs and spices that grow here.

In the morning, you'll visit Periyar National Park. The park covers an area of ​​approximately 775 km² and is hilly, densely forested, with a large body of water at its center: Periyar Lake. Accompanied by an expert guide, you'll stroll through the park or take a boat trip (depending on the season). Elephants, monkeys, wild boars, otters, and deer inhabit the park, and birdwatchers will also find plenty to see. It's estimated that there are currently around 35-40 tigers, though the chances of seeing them are slim. Elephants are regularly seen along the banks of Periyar Lake. In the afternoon, you'll tour a spice plantation. More than twelve types of spices are grown in and around Periyar (Thekkady). The most famous is cardamom, known as the "Queen of Spices." India and Guatemala are the world's largest producers of cardamom. This journey takes you through spice plantations, tea estates, and a variety of flowering plants and trees.

After breakfast, you'll be taken to your next destination in approximately 4 hours: Emerald Isle. This island is located in the middle of a backwater’s nature reserve. Enjoy the hospitality of this accommodation, a small, historic building inhabited by a friendly host family. In the afternoon, you can participate in a variety of activities, including boat trips. You can also enjoy traditional Ayurvedic treatments...a real treat!

A free day at Emerald Isle. From here, you can walk or (not included) take a small boat trip; this allows you to explore the small canals. You'll find all kinds of activities on the waterfront. Children walk to school, women wash dishes on the shore, and men practice for the annual boat race. Ayurvedic treatments are available by appointment at the property. The garden has some lovely sitting areas; it's a great place to relax and read a book.

After a leisurely breakfast, you'll be taken to the jetty. Here, you'll check in to your private houseboat, where you'll also spend the night. Today, you'll explore the backwaters by boat. A unique experience! You'll cruise through lagoons, lakes, rivers, and canals, pass nearby villages, and watch fishermen bring in their catch of the day. The backwaters create a unique ecosystem as fresh river water reaches the Arabian Sea at various points. It's home to numerous species, including cormorants, kingfishers, otters, herons, and turtles. The banks are covered with palm trees and shrubs, creating a refreshing landscape. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be provided on this houseboat. In the evening, we will dock at a quiet spot. Sunsets in this area are often beautiful. Add the gentle ripples on the water, and you'll have a wonderful romantic view.

In the morning, you'll disembark from the houseboat and drive to Cochin Airport (approximately a 2-hour drive), where you'll check in for your return flight. This is where your trip with best travel agents in India will be ends.

Tip: We can also extend this trip with a few more days at the beach, such as at a relatively unknown beach resort in Mararikulam. Feel free to inquire about the possibilities.

Note: Best Travel Agents in India can also arrange for your international flights. If your flight departs late, we can find you a day room near the airport. Extra price will be available on request.