Grand Tour of India

On the day of arrival at the New Delhi airport, Alkof Holidays representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city's bustling streets or wander its wide tree-lined boulevards to get your first taste of India. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full-day sightseeing of Delhi. The National Capital of India, Delhi has been in existence since the 6th century BC. Start your sightseeing from the Rajghat, the memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Later, visit the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. Later, enjoy a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old Delhi. Afterwards, drive past President House, and India Gate in Edwin Lutyen's Delhi. Thereafter, visit Humayun's Tomb, built in 1562, commissioned by Humayun's wife Hamida Banu Begum. Later in the evening visit the Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, our representative will transfer you to New Delhi airport to board a flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi airport, our local representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel in Varanasi. Rest and relax at the hotel, later explore the city of Varanasi, visit various ghats, sacred temples and the local market of Varanasi. Later in the evening attend Aarti on the bank of River Ganges. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Early in the morning, enjoy a boat ride on the River Ganges, followed by a visit to Akhara and see the traditional form of martial arts practiced there. Morning city tour of Varanasi, this includes a walk through the various sacred Ghats. Visit the sacred shrine of Kashi - Vishwanath (also known as the Golden Temple), and Bharat Mata Mandir, a simple temple dedicated to 'Mother India'. Later proceed to Sarnath, an important site for the Buddhists, visit the Dhamekha Stupa, the Archeological museum and the Chaukhandi Stupa. In the evening attend aarti on the bank of River Ganges in Varanasi. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel our representative will transfer you to the Varanasi airport to board the flight for New Delhi. Upon arrival at New Delhi airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to Agra - the land of the Taj Mahal. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Early morning before sunrise our tour guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you for a guided tour of the Taj Mahal and Mehtab Bagh. Later return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast at the hotel, visit Itmad-ud-Daulah, and Agra Fort. Evening is free for shopping of handicrafts as souvenirs from the market of Agra. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Ranthambore National Park. On the way visit Fatehpur Sikri - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Akbar in the late 16th century. After sightseeing at Fatehpur Sikri, proceed to Ranthambore for overnight stay.

Enjoy both morning and afternoon jeep safari's inside the Ranthambore National Park. Watch the elusive Bengal tigers in there natural habitat, other animals that can be spotted during the safari are; Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Hanuman Langurs, Sloth bears, Black bucks, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Foxes, Snub Nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Desert Monitor Lizards, Banded Kraits, Cobras, Common Kraits, Ganga Soft Shelled Turtles, Indian Pythons, North Indian Flap Shelled Turtles and many more. Overnight stay at the resort.

After breakfast at the resort, leave for Jaipur. Upon arrival at Jaipur, check-in at your hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure, later in the evening take a stroll inside the beautiful market of the historic walled pink city of Jaipur, where the old ways of life continue uninterrupted. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today, embark on a full day guided tour of Jaipur. Start you sightseeing with the iconic attraction of Rajasthan "Amber Fort and Palace", A UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Raja Man Singh in 1592 in red sandstone and marble. The magnificent fort comprises an extensive palace complex, divided into several sections. It stands on top of an easily scalable mountain, which is situated right next to the beautiful Maota Lake. The fort's majestic appearance and its geographical advantages make it a special place to visit. After Amber Fort, visit Jal Mahal (Water Palace), City Palace, Jantar Mantar, The Hawa Mahal (Palace of winds), Albert Hall Museum, and Birla Mandir. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Pushkar. On the way visit Ajmer Dargah Shareef "Shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti" and Adahi-din-ka Jhonpara - a mosque built in two and a half day. Later continue your drive to Pushkar. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel. Relax at the hotel, later visit one of the most sacred lakes in India - the Pushkar lake, surrounded by 52 bathing ghats (a series of steps leading to the lake) where pilgrims throng in large numbers to take a sacred bath. Afterwards visit Brahma Ji temple - the one and only temple of God Brahma in the world. Next you visit the cattle fair ground, where every year world Famous Pushkar Cattle fair is held. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Udaipur. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, start your sightseeing tour of Udaipur with a visit to Sahelion-Ki-Bari. Then proceed to visit the Museum of folk art, which has a rich collection of folk dresses, puppets, dolls, masks, ornaments, folk musical instruments and paintings on display. Afterwards visit the City Palace, the biggest palace complex in India, where four generations of Maharajas added mansions and palaces. You also visit the museum of the palace, which includes the beautiful peacock mosaic and miniature wall paintings of Indian mythology. In the evening take a boat ride on the lake Pichola. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Jodhpur. On the way visit Ranakpur Jain Temples, built in 12 Century - popular for it's magnificent carving on 1444 non replicable marble pillars, each one has been designed to represents its own different theme. After sightseeing of Ranakpur, proceed to Jodhpur, upon arrival check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Massive Mehrangarh Fort - founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, Mehrangarh Fort is perched on a 150 m high hill its sprawl is the most formidable and magnificent fort in Rajasthan. There are seven gates, which include Jayapol (Victory Gate) built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. You can still see the battle scars on the second gate of the fort. Also visit Jaswant Thada, the graceful marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Later visit Mandore Garden, Clock Tower and Sardar Market. Next visit Umaid Bhawan Museum, built between 1928 and 1943, it's the world's largest private residence of royal family. Part of the palace is a luxury hotel, part of it royal quarters, and some part of the palace is dedicated as the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Jaisalmer. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later in the evening enjoy a Camel Safari, and the beautiful view of the sunset in the desert of Rajasthan. Also, enjoy some cultural activities, and traditional dance performances by the local Rajasthani artists in the Thar Desert. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full day guided tour of Jaisalmer, visit the stunning Jain temples inside the Sonar Quila, the palace museum inside the Jaisalmer Fort, which exhibits a rich collection of imperial dresses and artifacts belonging to the royal family of Jaisalmer and havelis with convoluted designs and latticed windows such as Patwaon-ki-Haveli and the Gadisar Lake form the main attractions of the city. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Early morning, leave for Bikaner. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Relax at the hotel, later visit Junagarh Fort, constructed by Raja Rai Singh, between 1588 -1593 AD. Also visit Lalgarh Palace, a palace and a heritage hotel built by Sir Ganga Singh, Maharaja of Bikaner, between 1902 and 1926. Later visit Bhandasar Jain Temple, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, and famous for it's beautiful wall painting and art work. After that visit the National Research Centre on Camels, one of the best places in India to learn about camels. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Mandawa. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later take a waking tour to explore the most colourful painted havelis (Palaces) of Mandawa. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for New Delhi. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, our representative will transfer you to New Delhi airport to board a flight to Khajuraho. Upon arrival at Khajuraho airport, our local representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Relax at the hotel, later start your sightseeing of Khajuraho visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Western Group of Temples. Here Kandariya Mahadev temple is the most popular and beautiful massive structure. It is a magnificent peace of artistic sculptural work. Khajuraho temples are more popular for erotic sculptured images but on your visit you will realize that such images are approx. 15% of all images and other images are Hindu gods, goddess, nymphs. Afterwards visit Eastern group of temples. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave to Bandhavgarh National Park. Upon arrival at Bandhavgarh, check-in at your resort. Rest of the day at leisure or indulge yourself in leisure activities such as taking a walk in the nearby area, enjoying the lush greenery around, interacting with the park's naturalist and so on. Overnight stay at the resort.

Enjoy early morning and afternoon jeep safari's inside the national park to enjoy bird watching along with tiger-tracking. Bandhavgarh national park is known for being home to as many as 150 avifauna species. You can spot a number of colourful birds such as Bay Backed Shrike, White Eyed Buzzard, Indian Moorhen, Olive Backed Pipit, Black Headed Oriole, Yellow Crowned Woodpecker, Barred Button Quail, White Browed Fantail Flycatcher, Rose Ringed Parakeet, Alexandrine Parakeet and more. Also visit the Bandhavgarh Fort, located inside the park. Bandhavgarh Fort is placed on a hill, this fort is around 811 meters above the sea level. It is believed that this fort is 2000-years old. The fort has a total of 39 caves. Overnight stay at the resort.

Enjoy early morning and afternoon jeep safari's inside the national park to enjoy bird watching along with tiger-tracking. Bandhavgarh national park is known for being home to as many as 150 avifauna species. You can spot a number of colourful birds such as Bay Backed Shrike, White Eyed Buzzard, Indian Moorhen, Olive Backed Pipit, Black Headed Oriole, Yellow Crowned Woodpecker, Barred Button Quail, White Browed Fantail Flycatcher, Rose Ringed Parakeet, Alexandrine Parakeet and more. Also visit the Bandhavgarh Fort, located inside the park. Bandhavgarh Fort is placed on a hill, this fort is around 811 meters above the sea level. It is believed that this fort is 2000-years old. The fort has a total of 39 caves. Overnight stay at the resort.

After breakfast at the resort, leave for Kanha National Park - one of the most well-maintained national parks in Asia. This park was an inspiration behind the popular novel by Rudyard Kipling's - The Jungle Book. Spread in 940 sq. km of land, this national park has Indian wild dogs, Royal Bengal Tiger, sloth bears, leopards, and barasingha in good numbers. Upon arrival at the national park, check-in at the resort. Rest of the day at leisure, indulge yourself in leisure activities such as taking a walk in the nearby area, enjoying the lush greenery around, interacting with the park's naturalist and so on. Overnight stay at the resort.

Enjoy early morning and afternoon jeep safari's inside Kanha National Park. Explore the exotic variety of the park, also enjoy the verdant flora that is spread around. Kanha is known for housing more than 1000 species of flowering plants. During wildlife viewing, you can spot varied animals and birds like, Royal Bengal Tiger, chousingha, nilgai, mouse deer, jackal fox, sambar, gaur, peafowl, mongoose, leopard, python, spurfowl, ring doves, kingfishers, finches, woodpeckers, flycatchers, pintails, pond herons, rock pigeons, papihas, cuckoos, parakeets, green pigeons and so on. Also visit the Bamni Dadar or the Sunset Point, a major attraction inside the park. Overnight stay at the resort.

After breakfast at the resort, our representative will transfer you to Jabalpur airport to board the flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival at Mumbai, Alkof Holidays representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full day guided tour of Mumbai - The City that Never Sleeps. The first spot is at Mumbai harbor where you will take a ferry ride to Elephanta Island, explore the heritage site famous for the ancient caves - which were used during 5th century BC. Later in the afternoon, take a ferry back to the land. After lunch at any restaurant, you will be taken to Gateway of India for photoshoot and sightseeing. Later, you will be taken to Prince of Wales Museum. You can find interesting artifacts of Indus Valley civilization here. Later visit Mani Bhavan, a memorial for Mahatma Gandhi. Evening is free for shopping, you will be taken along busy lanes filled with shops and other attractions. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, our representative will transfer you to Mumbai Airport to board a flight to Aurangabad. Upon arrival at Aurangabad airport, our local representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a guided tour of Ajanta Caves (Ajanta Caves are closed on Monday). Ajanta Caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses 30 rock-cut Buddhist Caves which date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE. The caves have beautiful paintings and sculptures which are rightly called the Buddhist masterpieces. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast proceed for a guided tour of Ellora Caves, encompasses 34 rock cut shrines representing Buddhist, Hindu & Jain art dating from the 4th to 9th century A.D. The most remarkable among them is the Rock cut architecture and an engineering marvel, the Kailasa Temple - meant to be a replica of Lord Shivas celestial abode. Also visit the Daulatabad Fort which was built by the Yadavas. Initially, the fort acted as a southern military base. Overnight stay at the hotel in Aurangabad.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Aurangabad airport to board a flight to Chennai via Mumbai. On arrival at Chennai airport, our representative will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full day guided tour to Chennai, visit the famous Marina Beach (the second largest in the world), Kapaleshwar Temple, Fort St.George (the oldest fort in Chennai). Thereafter, head straight to Santhome Cathedral, National Art Gallery, St. Mary's Church, Anna Zoological Park, Birla Planetarium and People's Park. Also visit Kalakshetra and Theosophical Society. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Mahabalipuram, en-route visit Kanchipuram - the city of 1000 temples and one of the seven sacred cities in India, here you can visit the Kamakshi Amman Temple, The Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, and Ekamberashwar Temple etc. Later continue drive to Mahabalipuram, upon arrival check-in to your hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of 7th- and 8th-century Hindu Group of Monuments, visit Pancha Rathas, Ganesha Ratha, Cave Temples, Descent of the Ganges, Shore Temple, Olakkannesvara Temple, Mukunda Nayanar Temple, Pidari Ratha / Valian Kuttai Ratha, and Krishna's Butterball. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Pondicherry. Upon arrival at Pondicherry, check-in to your hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later proceed to explore the city, visit Aurobindo Ashram, Botanical Garden, Memorial House, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Vedapureeswarar Temple. Rest of the day at leisure, enjoy the pleasant weather of the place and capture some special moments at the Promenade Beach. You can also explore the Nehru Street Market for shopping. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Pondicherry (or Puducherry), a French colonial settlement in India until 1954, is now a Union Territory town bounded by the southeastern Tamil Nadu state. Its French legacy is preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial villas and chic boutiques. A seaside promenade runs along the Bay of Bengal and passes several statues, including a 4m-high Gandhi Memorial.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for the Auroville City. Founded in 1968 by the spiritual leader Mirra Alfassa, Auroville is an experimental community in southern India. It is a free town where people from all over the world could live in harmony. Its focal point is the Matrimandir, a futuristic, spherical temple covered in gold discs. Auroville Botanical Gardens protects the region's tropical dry evergreen forest. Auroville Beach is a long sandy stretch with gentle surf. Overnight stay at the hotel in Pondicherry.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Thanjavur. En-route visit Chidambaram - The town belonged to the Cholas of Southern India and is one of the most famous and sought-after travel destination when it comes to culture tourism, here you visit Pichavaram mangrove forest and backwaters, Thillai Nataraja Temple, Thillai Kali Amman Temple and Tirunallurpperumanam Temple. Later continue your drive to Thanjavur for overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, head-out for sightseeing of Thanjavur, visit the Schwartz Church, Sivaganga Gardens, Lord Murugan Temple and Sangeetha Mahal. Later drive back to the hotel for night stay. After that leave for Kumbakonam, vist Airavatesvara Temple, a Hindu temple of Dravidian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century CE. Also visit Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, and Nageswaraswamy Temple, the temple is counted as the earliest of all Chola temples. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thanjavur.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Madurai, en-route visit to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), visit Rock Fort Temple, Jambukeshwara Temple and Srirangam Temple. Later continue your drive to Madurai, upon arrival check-in to your hotel. In the evening, visit the Meenakshi Temple for the special evening Aarti. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for the sightseeing tour of Madurai, visit Meenakshi Amman Temple - one of the oldest, largest, and most sacred Hindu temple in India, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwar, a form of Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River, every year millions on pilgrims visit this sacred shrine. Later visit Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple, Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak's Palace, Alagar Koil and Gandhi Museum. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Early in the morning, leave for Kanyakumari - the southern most tip of India, also the meeting point of the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Upon arrival at Kanyakumari, check-in to the hotel. Later proceed for half-day sightseeig of Kanyakumari, visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a popular tourist monument in Vavathurai, Kanyakumari, India. It was built in 1970 in honour of Swami Vivekananda who is said to have attained enlightenment on the rock. Also visit Sarvani Shaktipeeth Shri Bhagavathy Temple, a 3000 years ancient and is dedicated to Goddess Kanya Kumari. Also visit Tri Smudra Milan, Gandhi Mandapam and Suchindram Temple. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Kovalam. On the way visit The Nagaraja Temple at Nagercoil. Later continue to Kovalam, upon arrival check-in at the resort. After fresh-n-up, visit Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, Fishing Harbour, Vizhinjam Village, Samudra Beach, and Rock Cut Cave. Also enjoy the waves of Arabian Sea, and evening sunset from the light house situated near Kovalam beach. Overnight stay at the resort.

After breakfast at the resort, head-out to explore Trivandrum. Start your sightseeing with a visit to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple - built in an intricate fusion of the Chera style and the Dravidian style of architecture, featuring high walls, and a 16th-century gopura. After that visit Napier Museum, an art and natural history museum. Also enjoy some quality time on the Shankumugham Beach - the scenic beach is also a holy festival site, which is considered as the Arattukadavu of Sri Ananthapadmanabhan - the presiding deity of the city. Also visit Halcyon Castle - built in 1932 in the princely state of Travancore, in the modern-day state of Kerala. Overnight stay at the resort in Kovalam.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Alappuzha (or Alleppey) - best known for houseboat cruises along the rustic Kerala backwaters, a network of tranquil canals and lagoons. Set out on an enchanting overnight backwater cruise in traditionally decorated houseboats. Check in time is 01:00 PM and cruise starts with lunch. While cruising in these floating villas, let your eyes settle for the rare and the unusual - skim past Chinese fishing nets, bowed-down paddy fields, and local inhabitants engaged in making coir products, rustic homes, ancient temples and swaying coconut groves. Evening is free at leisure, you can explore the local market of Alappuzha. Overnight stay at the houseboat.

After breakfast, leave for Thekkady (the location of the Periyar National Park). Upon arrival at Thekkady/Periyar check-in at your hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later visit Kumily - a beautiful town and a popular tourist destination near Thekkady. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full day sightseeing tour of Thekkady or Periyar National Park. Thekkady is spread across 777 sq km of which 360 sq km is thick ever green forest. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wild life and scenic beauty, the sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. It is one of those wildlife reserves in India that remain open even in monsoon season. Optional activities like Boating at Periyar Lake, Spice Plantation visit and Elephant Ride can be done at an extra cost. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the resort, leave for Munnar. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel, later in the afternoon proceed to Rajamalai (Eravikulam) National Park, were the rarest species of mountain goat, "Nilgiri Thars", can be spotted. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day in exploring the rolling hills of Misty Munnar dotted with tea plantations. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundale, Munnar is a town in the Western Ghats mountain range famous for its tea estates, exotic lush greenery and craggy peaks. This majestic hill station was once the summer resort of the British government in South India. Local sightseeing of Munnar includes visit to Mattupetty Dam, Kundale Lake and Echo point. Overnight stay at the hotel.

The day is free for own leisure activities. Overnight stay at the hotel in Munnar.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Kochi. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel, later proceed for local sightseeing of Cochin, visit Fort Kochi, Marine Drive, St.Francis Church, Dutch Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica, Bolgatty Island, and Indo Portuguese Museum. Overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, our local representative will transfer you to the Cochin Airport for onward destination.

YES. We can customize your India Holiday Package, as per your interest, and preferences.

On arrival at New Delhi Airport, India, our local representative will be there at the airport holding a placard of your name for identification. We shall also provide you list of emergency 24 hours contact numbers for any emergency.

Although tipping in India is not compulsory, doing so is a nice gesture. In some circumstances, a small tip is expected. The rules of etiquette for gratuity in India are a little muddled as a colonial past, tourism, and cultural influences clash. We do recommend tipping at various instances, but tip higher only when you are very happy with the service. Tip can given after completion of the services from 5$, 10$ or more as per your choice and depending on how much satisfied & happy you are with the service provider.

With Alkof Holidays, you get 24X7 personal assistance from your dedicated tour manager over phone, WhatsApp, Skype, or Email.