Incredible Tour of India

Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai

Upon arrival at Mumbai Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and assisted with your transfer to the hotel. After check-in, take some time to relax and recover from your journey. Mumbai, India’s financial capital, offers a fascinating introduction with its energy, heritage, and cosmopolitan character. The rest of the day is at leisure, giving you time to rest or explore nearby surroundings independently. Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 2: Mumbai Exploration

Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel before setting out on a full-day sightseeing tour of Mumbai. Visit the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock-cut temples and the famous Trimurti sculpture of Lord Shiva. Return to the city and continue with a visit to the Gateway of India, one of Mumbai’s most iconic landmarks overlooking the Arabian Sea. Admire the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, a symbol of colonial-era luxury and architectural elegance. Drive along Marine Drive and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Colaba, where local shops, cafes, and street life reflect the city’s vibrant spirit. Return to the hotel after sightseeing. Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 3: Mumbai to Aurangabad (By Flight)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Aurangabad. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. In the afternoon, begin your exploration of Aurangabad with a visit to the famous Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain rock-cut monuments. Marvel at the extraordinary Kailasa Temple, carved from a single rock and considered one of India’s most remarkable architectural achievements. Later visit Grishneshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and Daulatabad Fort, known for its strategic design and impressive defenses. Return to the hotel after sightseeing. Overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 4: Ajanta Day Trip

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full-day excursion to the Ajanta Caves. These UNESCO-listed caves are famous for their ancient Buddhist paintings, sculptures, and murals that depict the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. Explore the peaceful cave complex and admire the artistic brilliance that has survived for centuries. The caves provide a remarkable insight into India’s early religious art and cultural heritage. After completing your visit, return to Aurangabad in the evening. Overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 5: Aurangabad to Goa (By Flight)

Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your flight to Goa. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel or resort. Goa welcomes you with its tropical atmosphere, relaxing beaches, and laid-back charm. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the beach, hotel facilities, or a quiet evening by the sea. Overnight at hotel in Goa.

Day 6: Goa Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin your tour of Goa’s major attractions. Visit Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage area known for its magnificent churches and Portuguese legacy. Explore the Basilica of Bom Jesus, famous for its baroque architecture and the preserved relics of St. Francis Xavier, and then visit the Se Cathedral, one of Asia’s largest churches. Continue to Panaji, the charming state capital, and enjoy the scenic views at Dona Paula. Later, visit Fort Aguada, a 17th-century coastal fort with sweeping views of the Arabian Sea. Return to your hotel after the tour. Overnight at hotel in Goa.

Day 7: Leisure Day in Goa

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a full day at leisure in Goa. You may relax on the beach, go for optional water sports, or explore nearby markets and village life. Goa offers plenty of space for rest, recreation, and local discovery. Food lovers can sample authentic Goan cuisine, including seafood specialties and traditional desserts. This day is ideal for enjoying the destination at your own pace. Overnight at hotel in Goa.

Day 8: Goa to Badami

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Badami. The journey takes you through scenic countryside and rural landscapes, offering glimpses of everyday life in Karnataka. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Badami is known for its sandstone cliffs and ancient cave temples, making it an important heritage destination. The evening is at leisure to rest and prepare for the sightseeing ahead. Overnight at hotel in Badami.

Day 9: Badami, Pattadakal & Aihole Exploration

Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a full-day heritage tour. Visit the Badami Cave Temples, a stunning set of rock-cut shrines carved into sandstone cliffs and dedicated to Hindu deities. Continue to Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the finest examples of Chalukyan temple architecture. Then proceed to Aihole, often called the cradle of Indian temple architecture, where early temple styles and sculptural details reflect centuries of artistic development. Return to the hotel after sightseeing. Overnight at hotel in Badami.

Day 10: Badami to Hampi via Gadag and Lakkundi

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Hampi. En route, stop at Gadag, known for its historical temples and intricate carvings, and Lakkundi, a lesser-known treasure with beautifully designed temples and stepwells. Continue your journey to Hampi, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Overnight at hotel in Hampi.

Day 11: Hampi Discovery

After breakfast at the hotel, begin a full-day tour of Hampi’s incredible ruins and monuments. Visit Virupaksha Temple, one of the oldest functioning temples in India, followed by the world-famous Vittala Temple Complex with its iconic Stone Chariot and musical pillars. Explore the Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, and the royal enclosures that once formed the heart of the Vijayanagara court. Walk through Hampi Bazaar and soak in the atmosphere of this ancient trade center. End the day with beautiful views from Hemakuta Hill. Overnight at hotel in Hampi.

Day 12: Hampi to Cochin via Hubli (By Flight)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Hubli Airport for your flight to Cochin. Upon arrival in Cochin, transfer to your hotel and check in. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance, one of Kerala’s most celebrated cultural art forms. The expressive movements, colorful costumes, and storytelling style make this a memorable introduction to Kerala. Overnight at hotel in Cochin.

Day 13: Cochin to Munnar

After breakfast at the hotel, begin a short sightseeing tour of Cochin. Visit Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, and the historic streets of Fort Kochi with its famous Chinese Fishing Nets. Continue your journey to Munnar, a scenic hill station surrounded by tea gardens and misty mountains. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax in the cool climate. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

Day 14: Munnar Exploration

After breakfast, begin a full-day tour of Munnar. Visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and known for its rolling hills and beautiful landscapes. Explore the tea plantations and the Tea Museum, where you can learn about tea cultivation and processing. Continue to Top Station for sweeping views of valleys and mountain slopes. Munnar’s natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make this day especially refreshing. Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

Day 15: Munnar to Thekkady

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Thekkady. En route, stop at Ramakkalmedu, known for its panoramic views and cool breezes. Upon arrival in Thekkady, check in at your hotel and relax. In the evening, enjoy a traditional martial arts performance and a Kathakali dance show, both of which reflect Kerala’s deep cultural traditions. Overnight at hotel in Thekkady.

Day 16: Thekkady Boat Safari

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a boat safari in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is one of South India’s most famous wildlife reserves and offers opportunities to observe elephants, deer, birds, and other wildlife in a natural lake setting. After the safari, continue to Kumarakom and check in at your hotel. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the serene backwater environment. Overnight at hotel in Kumarakom.

Day 17: Thekkady to Alleppey Houseboat

After breakfast, transfer to the Alleppey boat jetty and board your private houseboat. Begin a relaxing cruise through the backwaters of Alleppey, where palm-lined canals, village life, and lush greenery create a peaceful setting. Enjoy traditional Kerala meals served onboard while drifting past scenic waterways and local life along the banks. This is one of the most memorable highlights of the journey. Overnight on the houseboat in Alleppey.

Day 18: Alleppey to Cochin Departure

After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and transfer to Cochin Airport for your onward journey. Your incredible tour concludes with unforgettable memories of India’s vibrant cities, ancient temples, historic caves, scenic beaches, tea estates, wildlife, and backwaters.

• Meet and greet assistance on arrival
• 17 nights accommodation in selected category hotels
• Daily breakfast at hotels
• All meals during the Alleppey houseboat stay
• Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers, sightseeing, and excursions
• English-speaking local guides during sightseeing as per itinerary
• Monument entrance fees and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary
• 1-time shared boat safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with naturalist
• Bottled drinking water in the vehicle throughout the journey
• All toll taxes, parking charges, driver allowances, and government taxes

Hotels used or similar for 17-nights accommodation

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

Aurangabad x 2 nights
3* - Keys Hotel The Aures/ Aurangabad Gymkhana Club
4* - Ambassador Ajanta / VITS Hotel
5* - WelcomHotel Rama International / Lemon Tree Hotel

Goa x 3 nights 
3* - Varca Le Palm/ Lambana Resort
4* - Lemon Tree Hotel Candolim/ The Chances Resort & Casino
5* - Zuri Varca Goa White Sand Resort & Casino/ Alila Diwa Goa

Badami x 2 nights
3* - Rajsangam Hotel/ The Heritage Resort
4* & 5* - Badami Court/ Krishna Heritage

Hampi x 2 nights
3* - Krishna Palace/ Kishkinda Heritage Resort
4* - Heritage Resort / Royal Orchid Central Keerti
5* - Hyatt Place/ Hampi Boulders

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

Munnar x 2 nights
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County

Pariyar (Thekkady) x 2 nights
3* - Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County
5* - Spice village/ Cardamom County

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 – Aurangabad – Goa and Hubli – Cochin flight fare per person in economy class
• Any additional domestic or international flights not mentioned
• Meals other than those mentioned in the inclusions
• Personal expenses such as laundry, liquor, tips, telephone, fax, internet, and shopping
• Camera charges at monuments, if applicable
• Gratuities and optional activities
• Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions