Day 1: Arrival in Delhi – Welcome to India’s Capital

Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and rest.

What Makes Delhi Special:
A historic capital that has served as the seat of empires for over a thousand years, Delhi is a vibrant blend of Mughal heritage, colonial elegance, and contemporary energy.

Optional Evening: Walk around Connaught Place or dine at a heritage restaurant.

Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing – Mughal Grandeur Meets Modern India

• Raj Ghat: A serene memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
• Jama Masjid: India’s largest mosque with views over Old Delhi.
• Rickshaw Ride in Chandni Chowk: Explore bustling bazaars and narrow alleyways rich with spice scents and old-world charm.
• Red Fort (outside view): A red sandstone Mughal citadel.
• Qutub Minar: A 12th-century victory tower and UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Lotus Temple: A Baháʼí House of Worship famous for its flower-like shape.
• India Gate & Rashtrapati Bhavan (Drive past): Symbols of British imperial planning and architecture.

Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 3: Delhi – Agra (Approx. 4 hrs)

Drive to Agra via the Yamuna Expressway.

Why Agra:
The seat of the Mughal Empire, Agra is famed for its architectural marvels and the world-renowned Taj Mahal.

Visit:

• Taj Mahal: The eternal symbol of love, built by Emperor Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Agra Fort: An imposing red sandstone fort that once served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors.
• Mehtab Bagh (optional): For sunset views of the Taj from across the Yamuna River.

Overnight stay in Agra.

Day 4: Agra – Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (Approx. 5 hrs)

Stop at Fatehpur Sikri:
Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, this abandoned capital is an architectural gem featuring the Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, and the tomb of Salim Chishti.

Arrive in Jaipur and check-in to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 5: Jaipur Sightseeing – Royal Rajasthan in Pink

Why Jaipur:
The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is known for its palatial architecture, vibrant bazaars, and majestic forts.

• Amber Fort: Take a jeep or elephant ride up to this massive fort that fuses Mughal and Rajput design. Don’t miss the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors).
• City Palace: Still home to the royal family, it offers a museum of artifacts, weapons, and royal costumes.
• Jantar Mantar: A UNESCO-listed astronomical observatory with 18th-century stone instruments.
• Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds): Its iconic façade was designed to allow royal ladies to view street life while remaining unseen.
• Optional: Visit the local bazaars for textiles, gemstones, and blue pottery.

Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 6: Jaipur – Chennai (By Flight)

Transfer to Jaipur airport and fly to Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu.

Why Chennai:
An energetic coastal city known for classical music, Bharatanatyam dance, colonial-era churches, and ancient temples.

Overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 7: Chennai – Mahabalipuram (Approx. 1.5 hrs)

Morning sightseeing in Chennai:

• Kapaleeshwarar Temple: A fine example of Dravidian architecture.
• Marina Beach: One of the longest urban beaches in the world.
• St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica: A colonial-era church where the apostle is believed to be buried.

Drive to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO site on the Coromandel Coast.

Why Mahabalipuram:
An ancient port city famed for its 7th–8th century Pallava rock-cut temples and sculptures.

• Shore Temple: A seaside temple complex dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu.
• Five Rathas (Pancha Rathas): Monolithic rock-cut chariots named after the Pandavas.
• Arjuna’s Penance: A massive bas-relief carved on a rock face.

Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

Day 8: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (Approx. 2 hrs)

Drive to Pondicherry – a former French colony with a distinct European flair.

What Makes Pondicherry Unique:
Colonial villas, French-style cafes, spiritual vibes, and serene beaches.

Visit:

• Aurobindo Ashram: A spiritual center promoting yoga and meditation.
• Auroville (optional): An experimental township promoting human unity.
• French Quarter (White Town): Walk through tree-lined boulevards, mustard-colored townhouses, and vintage stores.
• Promenade Beach: Ideal for sunset walks.

Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Day 9: Pondicherry – Tanjore via Trichy (Approx. 6 hrs)

En route visit Trichy (Tiruchirappalli):

• Rock Fort Temple: A 7th-century fortress and shrine perched atop a 273-step rock outcrop.
• Srirangam Temple: One of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world.

Proceed to Tanjore (Thanjavur), a hub of classical music and South Indian temple architecture.

Visit:

• Brihadeeswarar Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 11th century by Chola rulers – one of the largest and most ornate temples in India.

Overnight stay in Tanjore.

Day 10: Tanjore – Madurai (Approx. 4 hrs)

Drive to Madurai – the spiritual heart of Tamil Nadu.

Why Madurai:
One of India’s oldest living cities, Madurai is centered around the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple.

• Meenakshi Temple: A vast, colorful temple complex with towering gopurams, thousands of carved pillars, and bustling rituals.
• Gandhi Memorial Museum: Depicting Mahatma Gandhi’s life and struggle.
• Optional: Attend the temple’s evening Aarti (ceremony).

Overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 11: Madurai – Thekkady (Approx. 4 hrs)

Drive into Kerala’s green landscapes and arrive in Thekkady.

🦌 Why Thekkady:
Home to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spice plantations, and eco-tourism activities.

Activities:

• Spice Plantation Tour: Walk through aromatic farms of cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.
• Boat Safari on Periyar Lake: Spot wild elephants, deer, and birdlife on the forest-edged lake.

Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 12: Thekkady – Alleppey (Approx. 4.5 hrs)

Drive to Alleppey, the “Venice of the East.”

Experience:
Board your private houseboat for a day and night cruise through Kerala’s backwaters – a maze of canals, rice paddies, and coconut groves. Witness the slow-paced village life while enjoying onboard meals and serene views.

Overnight stay on the houseboat.

Day 13: Alleppey – Cochin (Approx. 1.5 hrs)

Disembark and drive to Cochin (Kochi), a cosmopolitan port city.

Sightseeing in Fort Cochin:

• Chinese Fishing Nets: Ancient fishing technique still in use.
• St. Francis Church: The oldest European church in India.
• Mattancherry Palace: Also known as Dutch Palace, featuring Kerala murals and royal portraits.
• Optional: Enjoy a Kathakali dance performance in the evening.

Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 14: Departure from Cochin

After breakfast, transfer to Cochin International Airport for your onward journey – carrying the soulful memories of North India’s royal legacy and South India’s cultural and natural wonders.