Colonial India & Backwater

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. As you drive through the city, experience the vibrant mix of old and new Delhi. After check-in, take time to relax and recover from your journey. Depending on arrival time, you may explore nearby markets or enjoy hotel facilities. Delhi sets the tone for your cultural journey across India. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Delhi City Tour

After breakfast, begin your full-day city tour of Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid and enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk’s bustling lanes. Explore the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site reflecting Mughal grandeur. Visit Raj Ghat and pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. Continue to India Gate and drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan. Later visit Humayun’s Tomb, an architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Delhi – Varanasi (Flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check-in. In the evening, attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony on the ghats of the Ganges. Witness priests performing rituals with lamps, chants, and incense. Experience the spiritual atmosphere of one of the world’s oldest living cities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Varanasi Sightseeing

Early morning, enjoy a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges to observe rituals along the ghats. Return to the hotel for breakfast and begin city sightseeing. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Banaras Hindu University. Explore Bharat Kala Bhavan museum showcasing Indian art. Later visit Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Experience the deep spiritual and cultural significance of the region. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Varanasi – Kolkata (Flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kolkata. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check-in. Spend the day at leisure to relax or explore nearby colonial streets. Kolkata offers a unique blend of British heritage and Bengali culture. You may visit local markets or cafes in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Kolkata City Tour

After breakfast, begin your city tour of Kolkata. Visit Victoria Memorial, a grand marble monument reflecting colonial history. Explore St. Paul’s Cathedral with Gothic architecture. Visit Marble Palace, known for its art collections and architecture. Stop at Mother Teresa’s House to learn about her legacy. Drive past Fort William and colonial buildings. Experience Kolkata’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Kolkata – Chennai (Flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chennai. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and relax. Visit Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India. Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple, showcasing Dravidian architecture. In the evening, enjoy a walk at Marina Beach. Chennai offers a unique mix of tradition and colonial influence. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Pondicherry (235 km / approx. 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry via Kanchipuram. Visit ancient temples such as Ekambareswarar and Kailasanathar Temple. Explore silk weaving traditions and local markets. Continue drive to Pondicherry and check-in at hotel. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville. Walk through the charming French Quarter with colonial buildings. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram – Chennai (160 km / approx. 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram. Visit Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and Arjuna’s Penance. Admire the UNESCO-listed rock-cut architecture and sculptures. Continue drive to Chennai and check-in at hotel. Evening at leisure to relax or explore local markets. Experience coastal Tamil Nadu’s heritage and culture. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Chennai – Cochin (Flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cochin. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax. Later begin a city tour visiting Mattancherry Palace and Jewish Synagogue. Visit St. Francis Church and see Chinese Fishing Nets. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance. Experience Kerala’s rich culture and traditions. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Cochin – Alleppey Backwaters (60 km / approx. 1.5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey. Board your traditional houseboat and begin cruising through the serene backwaters. Pass lush paddy fields, coconut groves, and village life. Enjoy freshly prepared local cuisine onboard. Relax as you glide through tranquil waterways. Experience Kerala’s unique ecosystem and lifestyle. Overnight on houseboat.

Day 12: Alleppey – Cochin – Mumbai (Flight)

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Cochin airport. Board your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Explore nearby markets or relax at the hotel. Mumbai offers a lively contrast to Kerala’s calm landscapes. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Mumbai City Tour

After breakfast, begin your city tour of Mumbai. Visit Gateway of India and Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Explore Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya museum. Visit Hanging Gardens and enjoy views from Malabar Hill. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Crawford Market and Dhobi Ghat. Drive along Marine Drive. Discover Mumbai’s colonial charm and modern energy. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Mumbai Departure

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy free time for shopping or relaxation. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Depart with unforgettable memories of India’s diverse culture, heritage, and landscapes.

• Assistance on arrival at airport
• 13 Nights’ accommodation in selected category hotels
• Daily breakfast at hotels
• Private AC vehicle for transfers and sightseeing
• English-speaking guide during sightseeing
• Monument entrance fees as per itinerary
• Houseboat stay with meals in Alleppey
• Bottled drinking water in vehicle
• Government taxes

Hotels used or similar for 13 night accommodation

Delhi x 2 nights
3* - Madhuban Hotel/ Meridian Plaza
4* - The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket
5* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges

Varanasi x 2 nights
3* - Meraden Grand/ Amaya Hotel
4* - Rivatas by Ideal/ Palace On Ganges
5* - Radisson Hotel/ Gateway Hotel Taj

Kolkata x 2 night
3* - Regenta Orko's/ The Fern Residency
4* - The Peerless Inn/ The Fern Residency
5* - ITC Sonar, a Luxury Collection/ The Lalit Great Eastern

Chennai x 2 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace

Pondicherry x 1 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

Cochin x 1 nights
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien

Alleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat (ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats)
4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats)
5* - Luxury Houseboat (Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons)

Mumbai x 2 nights
3* - Hotel Suba Palace/ BW Hotel Sahil
4* - Sun-N-Sand Hotel/ Fariyas Hotel
5* - Trident Hotel/ ITC Grand Central

• Domestic flight fares
• Camera charges at monuments
• Meals other than mentioned
• Personal expenses (laundry, tips, drinks, etc.)
• Gratuities and optional activities
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions