18Days Splendors of North and South
Price from NZD 4573 / AUD 4115 per person on twin sharing basis + Domestic flights from NZD 387 / AUD 349 per person
Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Cochin –Munar – Periyar – Alleppey – Kovalam - Trivandrum
See the diversity of this amazing land, where food, customs, traditions, dress and language changes every 200kms. Experience the exotic duet of North and South India, an unforgettable journey which takes you from the timeless city of Delhi with its centuries-old monuments, to the most photographed building in the world –beautiful Taj Mahal, visit the colorful and royal cities of Jaipur and Jodhpur with their magnificent forts, Udaipur –the most romantic city in India. Also visit ‘God’s own country – Kerala’, the humble lifestyle of the South treasuring some of the most remarkable pieces of architecture, tea estates and the most enchanting Houseboat Cruise on the backwaters.
Tour Highlights: Delhi city tour, Agra & Jaipur city tour, Tea Plantation, Spice markets, Houseboat Cruise, Kovalam Beach.
Day 1: Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Delhi (B)
Morning tour of Old Delhi visiting Jama Mosque, Red Fort and take a rickshaw ride through fabled Chandni Chowk. Afternoon visit to New Delhi visiting Humayun’s tomb, drive past Government Buildings, Connaught Place, Presidents House and India Gate.
Day 3: Delhi - Agra (B)
This morning, drive to the historical city of Agra. Afternoon tour of Agra visiting the sprawling Agra Fort and the spectacular Taj Mahal.
Day 4: Agra – Jaipur (B)
Travel to Jaipur en route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the mysterious ‘ghost city’ before exploring the colourful bazaars of Jaipur.
Day 5: Jaipur (B)
Full day tour of Jaipur visiting the magnificent hilltop Amber Fort with its picturesque Sheesh Mahal and the Hawa Mahal, the Observatory-Jantar Mantar and City Palace.
Day 6: Jaipur –Jodhpur (B)
Drive to Jodhpur. The city on the edge of the Thar Desert. Afternoon tour of Jodhpur. The tour highlights include Meherangarh – one of the most impressive and formidable in Rajasthan and Jaswant Thada, the Royal Cenotaphs.
Day 7: Jodhpur –Udaipur (B)
Drive to Udaipur and check in at the hotel. In the afternoon you will go for a boat ride at Lake Pichola.
Day 8: Udaipur (B)
Morning city tour takes you to the City Palace, a fusion of Medieval European and Chinese architecture, Jagdish Temple and Sahelion Ki Bari – the garden of maidens. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 09: Udaipur – Mumbai – Cochin (B)
Flight to Mumbai to connect your flight to Cochin. The rest of the day is at leisure
Day 10: Cochin (B)
Morning tour of Cochin visiting the Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Dutch Palace and Spice Market. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, enjoy the famous dance drama of Kerala, “Kathakali”, characterized by grotesque gesticulations, amazing costumes and extensive make-up.
Day 11: Cochin – Munnar (B)
Today, drive to Munnar, the highest town of Kerala with a cool, bracing climate exuding old-world charm and popular for extensive tea and cardamom plantations.
Day 12: Munnar (B)
This morning, take a walk through the tea plantations and to the nearby factory as well to see the process of picking and packing process of tea. Trek through cardamom forests and landscaped tea shrubs.
Day 13: Munnar – Periyar (B)
Today drive to Periyar and in the afternoon, visit a Spice plantation.
Day 14: Periyar – Alleppey (Houseboat) (B/L/D)
Board your houseboat for an exhilarating experience. As you sail down a maze of canals, you see villages, paddy fields, coconut palms, fishermen and local life. Meals and overnight are on board.
Day 15: Alleppey (Houseboat) – Kovalam (B)
Late morning, disembark at Alleppey, also known as “Venice of the East” for its narrow canals. Proceed towards Kovalam for your beach break.
Day 16: Kovalam (B)
Day at leisure.
Day 17: Kovalam (B)
Day at leisure.
Day 18: Kovalam – Trivandrum (B)
Transfer to Trivandrum Airport for your onward flight.
Included: Accommodation for 17 nights, private car/driver for the round-trip, sightseeing as indicated, local guides and entrance fees
Departs: Daily (Taj is closed on Fridays)
Private program - can start any day of the week and can be customised