North & South India Tour – 20 Nights - 21 Days

Upon arrival at the New Delhi International Airport, you will be received by LIT representatives and transported to your hotel.

The great marvels of the Mughal Empire beckon you on day 2. 

Attractions you will cover during the day in “Old Delhi”:

– Red Fort, Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and Jama Masjid (Grand Mosque of Delhi), and Rickshaw ride through the markets of Old Delhi.

Attractions you will cover during the day in “New Delhi”:

– India Gate (First World Era monument).

– A drive through Rajpath overlooking the Parliament and President’s House to give you a sense of modern India and its prestige.

Flight to Udaipur from Delhi on Day 3. Flight time: 1 hr 15 min

Known as the “Venice of the East,” Udaipur is arguably the most romantic destination in India, famed for its seven interconnected lakes, gorgeous palaces and Havelis, ancient temples, and royal Mewari spartan charm. Spend the rest of the day exploring the old part of the town.

A full day of romantic escapades in the City of Lakes after breakfast.

Attractions you’ll cover: City Palace (Residence of the Maharana), Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of the Queen’s Handmaidens/18th-century historical garden), the 17th-century Jagdish Temple, Bagore ki Haveli, and the Monsoon Palace.

On day 5, you will take the train to the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur (estimated time 6.5 hours/ 400 km or 250 miles).

After you’ve rested overnight, you’ll begin your comprehensive tour of the Pink City. Here is a list of the key attractions of the city you will cover.

–The City Palace: Residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur and a key museum showcasing the region’s history.

– Palace of the Winds/ Hawa Mahal: pink-colored building famous for its 953 jharoka/glass windows modeled after a honeycomb).

– Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory (located just outside the City Palace/housing the world’s largest sundial stone).

– Amber Fort: Former residence-fort of the Maharaja. 

– Nahargah Fort: Built 1734 AD.

– Albert Hall Museum: 1887 AD museum showcasing Rajasthan arts, arms, and artifacts.

After breakfast, you will set out for the abode of the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger—the Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, and embark on the afternoon Jeep safari.

Drive time: 3 hours/ 170 kms or 105 miles.

You will spend the night in your luxury safari-themed resort on the fringes of the National Park.

After dawn, you’ll go on both the morning safari and afternoon safaris in Ranthambore guided by an expert naturalist.

Expected wildlife sightings: Bengal Tigers, Chital Deer, Sambar Deer, Marsh Crocodiles, Jungle cats, Indian Flying Foxes, Rufous Treepie, leopards, and sloth bears.

After breakfast, drive to Agra to witness the Taj Mahal.

Drive time: 6 hours/ 350 kms or 215 miles.

En-route you can visit the Abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri.

A half-day of sightseeing in Agra before you drive to Delhi (to catch a flight to Cochin the day after).

Attractions covered in Agra on day 10: the Taj Mahal and Red Fort of Agra.

Drive time between Agra and Delhi: 04 Hrs / 240 kms or 150 miles.

Flight from Delhi to Cochin.

Flight duration: 3 hours.

The Port City of Cochin was the theater for an epic colonial rivalry among European empires over the spice trade. The historical fort, therefore, bears Dutch, French, and British imprints.

Attractions covered on day 12: Mattancherry Palace (home of Maharajas of Cochin), Santa Cruz Cathedral, Paradesi Synagogue, Old Marketplace, and Marine Drive.

Drive to the backwaters of Alleppey (drive time 1 hour 15 min/ 55 kms or 35 miles).

A traditional Keralan houseboat tour of the backwaters. Explore the enchanting world of the backwaters with an overnight tour — sleepy fishing villages, palm-lined canals, and lakes, lush green beauty, and utter serenity.

Enjoy the Keralan delicacies freshly cooked on-board.

In the morning, drive to the Western Ghats, to Munnar.

Average height: 1,530 meters/ 5,000 ft above sea level.

Drive time from Alleppey: 4.5 Hrs/ 160 kms or 100 miles).

Munnar is the favorite retreat of Keralites during the summer months. Nicknamed the “Kashmir of South India,” has mist-covered mountains, lovely waterfalls, rich biodiversity, rolling tea hills, and plantations.

Enjoy the “hillcation” at Munnar.

After breakfast, you will drive to Madurai in Tamil Nadu, known for its significance as an important pilgrimage center of the Hindu faith. You will visit its legendary Meenakshi Amman Temple.

Drive time: 3.5 hrs / 160 kms or 100 miles.

Your next destination Tanjore (also known as Thanjavur) is another ancient Hindu cultural and pilgrimage town known for its Great Living Chola Temples of Brihadeewara and Thanjavur Big Temple. Their history goes back over a thousand years to the Chola Dynasty.

Drive time: 3 hours/ 180 kms or 110 miles.

After Tanjore, you will drive to another important Chola-era Temple Town, Kumbakonam (Coommbaconum) which has 188 ancient temples, the most famous among which is the Kumbeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Drive time: 1 hour/ 40 kms or 25 miles.

After the Temple Towns Lap, it is time for some sunshine, beach, and sea breeze in the French Capital of India, Pondicherry (Puducherry).

This former French Trading Colony is famous for gorgeous beaches, medieval cathedrals & churches, birdlife at the Ousteri Lake, and spiritual Ashram of Sri Aurobindo (Auroville). 

Drive time: 3 Hrs/ 150 kms or 95 miles.

A relaxing day on the beach. Walks on the Promenade (Rock Beach/ Plage de la Promenade), a short trip of the old town, some spas, and fusion Indo-French cuisine that Pondicherry is known for.

Drive to Chennai to take your flight home/ next destination. (3 hours drive/ 150 kms or 95 miles).