Best of North and South India Tour

Destinations Covered: Delhi – Varanasi – Khajuraho – Orchha – Jhansi – Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Ranthambore National Park – Jaipur – Bangalore – Mysore – Ooty – Kochi – Munnar – Periyar National Park – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Kovalam – Trivandrum

Day 01: Arrival in Delhi

Upon your arrival at New Delhi International Airport, a representative from Shakti India Tours will meet you and guide you to one of the pre-booked hotels. You will have an assisted check-in at the hotel. After taking some rest, you can take a stroll nearby the hotel. The rest of the time at your leisure. You can visit the local market or savor some local delicacies in the national capital. Delhi is a treasure trove of cultures, traditions, and heritage. The national capital is a perfect place to delve into the history and culture of the country. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Delhi

Have a very hearty breakfast at the hotel and then embark on a guided city tour in Delhi. You will have a wonderful opportunity to explore historical monuments, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and government buildings. Delhi offers a plethora of tourist attractions.

First, explore the prominent attractions of Old Delhi, covering the Raj Ghat (the final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi), Red Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India). Moreover, explore the world-famous local markets of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi. Later, proceed to explore the attractions of New Delhi.

The main attractions in New Delhi are Laxmi Narayan Temple (also called Birla Temple), India Gate (a war memorial monument that was built to commemorate the soldiers who were killed in the First World War), President House, Parliament House, Humayun’s Tomb (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Qutub Minar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Connaught Place. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 03: Delhi – Varanasi (Excursion to Sarnath)

Check out from the hotel after having your breakfast. Proceed to Delhi Airport to board a flight for Varanasi, a holy city situated in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the river Ganges. On arrival in Varanasi, you will get the assisted check-in at your pre-booked hotel. Freshen up and have some rest. Later, embark on the sightseeing tour of the day.

Take an excursion to Sarnath. Treat your eyes to some glimpse of this spiritual city while riding towards Sarnath. Sarnath is a famous place where the founder of the religion Buddhism first taught the Dharma, and also the place where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence. The main attractions at Sarnath are Sarnath Archaeological Museum, Ashoka Pillar, Chaukhand Stupa, and Thai Temple. After sightseeing in Sarnath, return to the hotel in Varanasi for dinner and an overnight stay.

Enquiry Now

Day 04: Sightseeing in Varanasi

Wake up in the early morning and visit the Ganga Ghat. Enjoy a boat ride on the holy water of the Ganga River. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Have some rest and then embark on a sightseeing tour in Varanasi, the City of Temples, and the Holy Ghats. Visit the famous Dashaswamedh Ghat. Constructed in 1740 by Bajirao Peshwa and then reconstructed again in 1774 under the command of the Queen of Indore who was Ahilyabai Holkar is one of the famous ghats in the city. This Ghat is renowned for the daily ritual of Agni Pooja in the evening, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, River Ganga, Surya (the sun), Agni (fire), and the whole universe. Also, visit the famous temples of Varanasi, including Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, New Vishwanath Temple. Thereafter, visit the Alamgir Mosque. In the evening, attend the massive aarti of Goddess Ganga and then return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 05: Varanasi – Khajuraho

Take your breakfast and then head towards the Varanasi Airport to board the flight for Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. From the Khajuraho Airport, our representative will receive and transfer you to the pre-booked hotel. Freshen up and have some rest. Later in the evening, visit to the Khajuraho Group of Temples. At the temple complex, you will enjoy an entertaining Sound and Light show. The light and sound show is a must if you visit Khajuraho as it helps to gain knowledge about the culture and traditions of the city. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 06: Khajuraho – Orchha – Jhansi – Agra

Have your breakfast at the hotel and then embark on the sightseeing tour of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The complex comprises many Hindu and Jain temples. The temples are famous for antique, beautiful, and ancient sculptures, and other artistic beauties. The complex is divided into the two groups—Eastern Group of Temples and Western Group of Temples. Popular temples at the Khajuraho Group of Monuments are Lakshmana Temple, Vishvanatha Temple, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Matangeshvara Temple, Chausath Yogini Temple, Parshvanath Temple, Adinath Jain Temple, and Ghantai Temple. At the Khajuraho Group of the Monuments, you will also see some erotic carvings and sculptures.

After sightseeing in Khajuraho, move towards your next destination—Jhansi. On the way to Jhansi, you will stop at Orchha. Located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Orchha is a medieval town. The town is known for numerous temples, palaces, and forts. Sightseeing attractions at Orchha are Jehangir Mahal and Raja Mahal. The Jehangir Mahal is well-known for the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. Its marvelous sculptures, delicate trellis, chhatris, topped domes and hanging balconies which represents the excellent design and highlights the beauty of the palace will be a great feast for your eyes. The Raja Mahal which was built in the early 16th Century is the lined fragments of mirrors and animated painting which can be seen on the walls and ceiling of the Palace. Moreover, visit the Laxmi Naryana Temple of Orchha. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Laxmi who is the consort of the Supreme Hindu God—Lord Vishnu.

After sightseeing in Orchha, continue your journey to Jhansi. Upon arrival in Jhansi, you will board the train to your next destination—Agra. Upon arrival in Agra, you will get the assisted transfer to your pre-booked hotel. Freshen up and relax. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 07: Sightseeing in Agra

Have a very hearty breakfast at the hotel and then embark on a sightseeing tour in Agra. Visit the Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal is India’s star tourist attraction and attracts tourists from all over the world. It is counted among one of the most beautiful monuments in the world. Constructed in pure white marble, the monument was built by Mughal Emperor—Shah Jahan—in the loving memory of his most beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Lovingly described as the Symbol of Love, the Taj Mahal is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After visiting the Taj Mahal—the Jewel of Muslim Art in India, visit the Agra Fort, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thereafter, visit the Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb, which is also called the Bay Taj or the Draft of the Taj Mahal. This beautiful tomb was built by Mughal Empress Nur Jahan, the wife of the fourth Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Return to the hotel on time for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 08: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Ranthambore National Park

Have a very hearty breakfast at the hotel. Later, move towards Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan en route stopping at Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy sightseeing at Fatehpur Sikri covering Mughal monuments like Buland Darwaza, Birbal House, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai Palace, Diwan-I-Aam, Diwan-I-Khas, Salmi Chisti Mosque, etc.

Continue to Ranthambore National Park. Upon arrival in Ranthambore, our representative will assist you to transfer to the pre-booked hotel. Freshen up and relax. Dinner and overnight will be at the hotel.

Day 09: Ranthambore National Park

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Thereafter, embark on a very exciting jungle safari in the Ranthambore National Park. Ranthambore is one of the finest national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and tiger reserves in North India. It is famous for royal Bengal tigers. Explore the rich flora and fauna of the park. Also, visit the Ranthambore Fort. On time, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 10: Ranthambore National Park – Jaipur

After having early breakfast at the hotel, leave Ranthambore and move towards Jaipur, the largest and capital city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Lovingly known as the Pink City of India, Jaipur is one of the famous tourist destinations in the country. It is known for its historical forts and beautiful palaces. On arrival in the Pink City, a representative from Shakti India Tours will transfer you to the pre-booked hotel. Freshen up and have some rest. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. You may explore local markets in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Enquiry Now

Day 11: Sightseeing in Jaipur

Enjoy a delicious breakfast served at the hotel. Subsequently, embark on a guide city tour in Jaipur, the Pink City. The capital of Rajasthan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the 6th of July 2019 under the cultural criteria. First, you will visit the Amer Fort located atop a hill in the outskirts of the city. Enjoy an elephant ride to ascend the fort. Treat your eyes with the architectural beauty of the fort & palace. The complex consists of Diwan-I-Aam, Diwan-I-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Jai Mandir, and Sukh Niwas. Also, marvel at the architecturally beautiful gates and wonderful courtyards at the Amer Fort. Return to the main city, en route visiting the Jal Mahal, a beautiful palace in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. The Jal Mahal palace is an architectural showcase of the Rajput style of architecture (common in Rajasthan) on a grand scale, on Rajput architecture.

Later, explore the prime attractions of Jaipur city. Visit the Hawa Mahal, which is another exquisite site and renowned for its unique design. This monument comprises five floors and 953 windows, which are decorated with intricate latticework. Visit the famous City Palace Complex. It is a unique and special complex of several courtyards, buildings, pavilions, gardens, and temples. The most prominent and most visited structures in the complex are the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple, and the City Palace Museum. Other attractions to visit are Birla Mandir and Albert Hall Museum. Later, visit the Jantar Mantar which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Jantar Mantar is a collection of 19 astronomical instruments built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, Rajasthan. In the evening, enjoy shopping in the local markets of the city. Return to the hotel on time. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 12: Jaipur – Bangalore

Check out from the hotel in Jaipur after breakfast and move towards the Jaipur Airport. Take the flight to Bangalore, the capital city of the South Indian State of Karnataka. On arrival in Bangalore, our representative will transfer you to the pre-booked hotel. Freshen up and have some rest at the hotel. Later, proceed for a guided city tour in Bangalore. Prime attractions to visit in this beautiful Indian city are Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, Vishveshwarya Technological Museum, Vidhana Soudha, Art Gallery, Cubbon Park, Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park, and ISKCON Temple. On time return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 13: Bangalore – Mysore

Have your breakfast at the hotel. Move towards Mysore, another beautiful city in the state of Karnataka in South India. En route you will visit the Srirangapatna which is an island snuggled amidst the Cauvery River and situated 18 km from Mysore. Explore the Dariya Daulat Bagh, Gumbaz, Tippu Fort, and Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Visit the famous Brindavan Gardens on the way to Mysore. The garden was constructed in 1932 by the Diwan of Mysore, Sir Mirza Ismail, and spread over 60 acres of land. It is located at a distance of 21 km away from Mysore. Explore the beauty of the gardens and colorful water fountains. Also, enjoy the well-synchronized fountain show with music in the gardens. On arrival in Mysore, you will get the assisted transfer to the hotel. Freshen up and relax. You can take a stroll on the streets of the city or talk with the locals which will give you knowledge about the city. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 14: Sightseeing in Mysore

Have a very hearty breakfast at the hotel. Then embark on a guide city tour in Mysore. Visit the Mysore Palace, also known as the Amba Vilas Palace. It is a historical palace and a royal residence. Marvel at the beauty of the palace seeing roof artwork, audience hall, courtyard, and durbar hall. Other attractions to see in this beautiful city are Golden Throne, Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore Zoo, and St. Philomena's Church. Return to the hotel by evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 15: Mysore – Ooty

Check out from the hotel in Mysore after having your breakfast. Move towards your next destination—Ooty, officially known as Udhagamandalam. Famously known as the Queen of the Hill Stations, Ooty is a beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu, South India. Nestled amidst the Nilgiri Hills, the hill station is known for its beautiful ambiance, copious natural beauty, and immense serenity. On arrival in Ooty, you will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel. Freshen up and have some rest. Subsequently, embark on a sightseeing tour in Ooty, the Queen of Hills. You will visit the Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, Pykara Boat House, Rose Garden, and Ooty Lake. Explore the beauty of the city and enjoy photography at picturesque landscapes. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 16: Ooty – Kochi

Post breakfast, check out from the hotel in Ooty and move towards Kochi, a major port city of India located in the Indian state of Kerala. Renowned as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a prominent tourist destination in Kerala, South India. On arrival in Kochi, you will be transferred to the pre-booked hotel. Freshen up and relax. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. You can take a stroll to nearby places or spend time at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 17: Sightseeing in Kochi

Have a very hearty breakfast at the hotel and then embark on a guided city tour of Kochi, the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Enjoy a walk through the famous fish and spice market of Kochi. The market is famed for the variety of spices available and the aroma which makes one lose themselves and have a glance at those spices when in the market. Visit attractions like Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Bolgatty Palace, and St. Francis Church. In the evening, visit the world-famous Chinese Fishing Nets and enjoy sunset view over the Arabian Sea. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 18: Kochi – Munnar

Move towards Munnar—a picturesque hill station in Kerala—after having your breakfast at the hotel in Kochi. Munnar is a beautiful hill station in the Indian State of Kerala. It is well-known for its lush green hills, tea plantation, and pleasant climate all-round the year. On arrival in Munnar, you will be transferred to your hotel. Relax in the comfort and coziness of your room. Later in the evening, embark on the sightseeing tour of the day. Visit and explore the Raj Mala Hills, famous as a protected place for the Nilgiri Tahr, a kind of Mountain goat. You will be reaching Raja Mala Hills for some adventurous activities like trekking and paragliding. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 19: Sightseeing in Munnar

After early breakfast at the hotel, embark on the sightseeing tour of Munnar, covering famous attractions— Atukkad Waterfalls, Chithirapuram, Blossom Park, Pothamedu Viewpoint, and Eravikulam National Park.

First, visit the Atukkad Waterfalls. It is a majestic waterfall with its lush green surroundings, flowing stream, cool breeze, and the sound engulfing the surroundings of water hitting the stones on its way captivates one's mind and soul.

Then, visit the Chithirapuram where you can see some architectural marvels of the old colonial era. Here you can also indulge in adventure activities like hiking, trekking, rock climbing, boating, paragliding, and many more.

Thereafter, visit the Blossom Park— renowned for the natural as well as the seasonal flora. Explore the park and spot migratory birds. Move towards the Pothamedu Viewpoint. It offers an amazing panoramic and elegant view of the adjoining valley and river Muthirapuzha. It is an ideal place for photographers who love to record the mesmerizing moments of life.

Later, visit the Eravikulam National Park—the first national park in Kerala, South India. The park holds the record of maximum found Nilgiri Tahr. The park is also home to animals like lion-tailed macaques, gaur, jungle cat, wild dog, dhole, stripe-necked mongoose, Indian porcupine, and many others. On-time, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 20: Munnar – Periyar National Park

Take your breakfast and then move towards Thekkady in Kerala—famous for Periyar National Park. The Periyar National Park acts as an Elephant and Tiger reserve sight and also protects some other major endangered species of flora and fauna. On arrival in Periyar, you will be transferred to the hotel. Later, proceed to explore the national park. See the spice plantations and enjoy wildlife viewing. Also, enjoy the boat ride on the Periyar Lake that runs through the national park. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 21: Periyar – Kumarakom

Check out from the hotel in Periyar after having your breakfast. Move towards Kumarakom—one of the popular destinations for backwater tourism in Kerala, South India. On arrival in Kumarakom, you will be transferred to the hotel. After some rest, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary—which is a paradise of bird watchers. Later, visit the Bay Island Driftwood Museum—famous for having a collection of driftwood sculptures. Then, visit the Vembanad Lake. You can enjoy a boat ride on the lake. Enjoy the wonderful view of sunset over the beautiful Vembanad Lake. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 22: Kumarakom – Alleppey

Check out from the hotel in Kumarakom after having your breakfast. Move towards your next destination—Alleppey, one of the best destinations in Kerala for backwaters and houseboat cruise. On arrival in Alleppey, you will be transferred to a houseboat floating on the beautiful backwaters. Enjoy the houseboat journey on the backwaters passing through charming canals, lovely lakes, ravishing rivers, and viewing the life of Kerala’s local people. It will be a great treat for your eyes. All meals will be served on board the cruise. Overnight at houseboat.

Day 23: Alleppey – Kovalam

This morning, check out from the houseboat after your breakfast. Move towards your next destination—Kovalam, one of the finest beach resorts in India. Kovalam is a famous tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches. Here you can explore beautiful beaches, enjoy ayurvedic massages, and several water sports. On arrival in Kovalam, you will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel. Freshen up and have some rest.

Day 24: Kovalam

Have a very hearty breakfast at the hotel and then embark on Kovalam tour to explore the beauty of the beaches and enjoy some beach activities including water sports. Also, enjoy ayurvedic therapy and massages at one of the Ayurvedic therapy centers at the Kovalam beach resort. On-time, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 25: Kovalam – Trivandrum – Departure

Post breakfast, check out from the hotel in Kovalam and move towards Trivandrum. Visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple—a Hindu Temple dedicated to Supreme God, Lord Vishnu. The temple is the richest place of worship in the world. Later, a representative from Shakti India Tour will transfer you to the Trivandrum Airport. Take flight back to your home destination with the sweet memories of the best of the North and South India Tour. The tour ends.