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India's Rich Culture Heritage Tea Estate And Backwater Tour

18 Nights / 19 Days On Request AGORA672
Duration 18 Nights / 19 Days
Starting From On Request
Destination India
Tour Code AGORA672

This immersive journey presents a rich tapestry of India’s heritage, spirituality, and natural beauty, beginning in Delhi and continuing through Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Mumbai, Aurangabad, and Kerala. Travelers experience UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sacred river rituals, royal forts, and timeless temple art before shifting into the serene landscapes of South India. The southern extension takes you through Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey, where tea estates, wildlife sanctuaries, spice plantations, and backwater cruises offer a peaceful and scenic finish to the tour. With thoughtfully paced travel, guided sightseeing, and varied cultural encounters, this journey is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive exploration of India’s most celebrated destinations.

 

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and assisted with a private transfer to your centrally located hotel. Standard check-in time is in the afternoon, and early check-in is subject to availability. After completing the check-in formalities, take some time to rest and recover from your journey. The remainder of the day is kept free so that you can comfortably acclimatize to the local climate and time zone. You may relax at the hotel, enjoy the facilities, or take a short walk in the nearby area at your own pace. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi City Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, begin a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. Start with Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, and then enjoy a traditional rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, where narrow lanes, spice shops, street food, and old bazaars showcase the city’s living heritage. Pass by the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Mughal power, before proceeding to Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Continue through the ceremonial avenues of New Delhi, driving past India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Parliament House. Later, visit Humayun’s Tomb and the Qutub Minar, both celebrated UNESCO sites known for their architectural elegance and historical importance. Return to the hotel after a full day of exploration. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 3: Delhi to Agra (Drive | approx. 204 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, depart by road for Agra, traveling through the fertile plains of Uttar Pradesh. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and refresh before beginning sightseeing. Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, admired for its perfect symmetry, exquisite marble inlay work, and timeless story of love. Continue to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as the residence and seat of power for the Mughal emperors. Explore its palaces, audience halls, courtyards, and ramparts overlooking the Yamuna River. In the evening, you may visit local markets known for marble craftsmanship and traditional handicrafts. Overnight stay in Agra.

Day 4: Agra to Orchha via Gwalior (Drive | approx. 220 km / 5 hrs)

After breakfast, leave Agra and drive toward Orchha, making a significant stop at Gwalior Fort en route. Gwalior Fort is one of India’s most impressive hill forts, known for its commanding location, royal history, and fine architecture. Explore its temples, palaces, and beautifully carved structures before continuing your journey. Proceed to Orchha, a medieval town gracefully situated along the Betwa River. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and later visit the Orchha Fort Complex, including Jahangir Mahal and Raja Mahal, both remarkable examples of Bundela architecture. End the day with a visit to Chaturbhuj Temple, known for its soaring structure and spiritual significance. Overnight stay in Orchha.

Day 5: Orchha to Khajuraho (Drive | approx. 178 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Khajuraho, once the cultural capital of the Chandela dynasty. On arrival, check in to your hotel and begin sightseeing at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed temple groups. Explore the Western Group and Eastern Group of Temples, globally admired for their detailed carvings, balanced proportions, and artistic expression. Visit the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Lakshmana Temple, and Varaha Temple, and learn how these temples represent devotion, philosophy, and daily life through stone sculpture. The intricate craftsmanship here makes Khajuraho one of India’s most extraordinary heritage destinations. Overnight stay in Khajuraho.

Day 6: Khajuraho to Varanasi (Flight | approx. 1.5 hrs)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a major spiritual center. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax for a while. In the evening, proceed to the ghats of the River Ganges to witness the famous Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The synchronized chanting, lamps, bells, and incense create a powerful and unforgettable spiritual atmosphere. Watching the ritual against the river’s evening reflections is one of the most memorable experiences of the tour. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 7: Varanasi Sightseeing

Start early with a sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges, where you can observe pilgrims performing morning prayers, bathing rituals, and offerings along the ghats. Return to the hotel for breakfast and then visit the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Shiva temples in India. Continue to Durga Temple and walk through the old lanes of Varanasi, where temples, silk shops, and traditional life create a timeless atmosphere. Later, proceed to Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, and visit the Dhamek Stupa, museum, and monastic ruins. Return to Varanasi and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 8: Varanasi to Mumbai (Flight | approx. 2.5 hrs)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai, India’s financial, commercial, and entertainment capital. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may choose to take a relaxed walk along Marine Drive, enjoy the sea breeze, or simply unwind at the hotel after the flight. Mumbai offers a striking contrast to Varanasi, blending colonial architecture, urban energy, and coastal charm. Overnight stay in Mumbai.

Day 9: Mumbai City Tour

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Mumbai. Begin with a ferry ride across the harbor to Elephanta Island to explore the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves, famous for their ancient rock-cut sculptures dedicated to Lord Shiva. Return to the city and visit the Gateway of India, one of Mumbai’s most iconic monuments. Continue to Dhobi Ghat, the city’s famous open-air laundry, and then explore the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, which houses a rich collection of art and artifacts. Stroll through the Kala Ghoda Art District, known for galleries, heritage buildings, and creative spaces. Return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight stay in Mumbai.

Day 10: Mumbai to Aurangabad (Flight | approx. 1 hr)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Aurangabad. On arrival, check in to your hotel and begin sightseeing at the Ellora Caves, one of India’s greatest rock-cut heritage sites. Explore the caves that represent Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, and visit the magnificent Kailasa Temple, carved entirely from a single rock. Later, proceed to Grishneshwar Temple, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The combination of spiritual and artistic heritage makes this day especially rewarding. Overnight stay in Aurangabad.

Day 11: Aurangabad – Ajanta Caves – Aurangabad (Drive | approx. 107 km / 2.5 hrs one way)

After breakfast, drive to the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient Buddhist murals, sculptures, and monastery halls. Explore the cave complex, which dates back to the 2nd century BCE and preserves some of the finest examples of early Indian art. The paintings and carvings depict the life of Buddha and stories from the Jataka tales, offering a remarkable glimpse into India’s artistic past. After sightseeing, return to Aurangabad and relax for the evening. Overnight stay in Aurangabad.

Day 12: Aurangabad to Cochin (Flight | approx. 2 hrs)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cochin, the historic port city of Kerala. On arrival, check in to your hotel and begin exploring Fort Kochi. Visit the famous Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and the heritage streets lined with Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial buildings. Walk through old lanes filled with spice warehouses, art cafés, and quaint boutiques. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance, one of Kerala’s most celebrated classical art forms. Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 13: Cochin to Munnar (Drive | approx. 130 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Munnar through the scenic Western Ghats, passing waterfalls, spice gardens, and endless stretches of tea plantations. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel nestled among misty hills. Visit the Tea Museum to understand the region’s tea heritage and processing methods, then continue to Mattupetty Dam and soak in the peaceful mountain surroundings. The cool climate and green valleys create a refreshing change from the plains. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 14: Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Munnar. Visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and famous for its high-altitude grasslands and mountain scenery. Enjoy panoramic views of Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India, along with mist-covered hills and tea-carpeted slopes. Walk through the expansive tea estates and enjoy time for nature photography and scenic stops. The rest of the day may be spent at leisure, taking in the beauty of this quiet hill station. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 15: Munnar to Thekkady (Drive | approx. 90 km / 3 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, located near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. On arrival, check in to your hotel surrounded by forested hills and spice plantations. Visit a spice plantation to learn about the cultivation of cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and clove, and discover why Kerala is famous for its aromatic produce. Later, enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake, where wildlife sightings may include elephants, deer, and a variety of birds along the forest edge. The evening is free to relax amid the calm natural surroundings. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 16: Thekkady Leisure Day

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed day at leisure in Thekkady. You may choose optional activities such as a guided nature walk, bamboo rafting, or a visit to the local spice market. Cultural experiences like Kathakali dance or Kalaripayattu martial arts can also be arranged. This unhurried day allows you to fully appreciate Kerala’s forest environment and slow-paced charm. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 17: Thekkady to Alleppey (Drive | approx. 140 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey, famously known as the “Venice of the East.” Upon arrival, board a traditional houseboat for a serene backwater cruise through palm-fringed canals, paddy fields, and village waterways. Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala meals onboard while watching daily life unfold along the banks. The gentle rhythm of the backwaters offers a deeply relaxing and scenic experience. After the cruise, disembark in the evening and check in to your hotel. Overnight stay in Alleppey.

Day 18: Alleppey to Cochin (Drive | approx. 60 km / 1.5 hrs) and Cochin to Delhi (Flight | approx. 3 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Cochin Airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, transfer to your hotel and relax after the journey. The evening is free for last-minute shopping, dinner, or simply resting before departure. This final day provides a comfortable transition back to the capital city. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 19: Departure from Delhi

After breakfast, check out from the hotel. Our representative will assist you with a private transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your onward journey. Your tour ends with unforgettable memories of India’s grand monuments, sacred cities, UNESCO sites, tea gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, and tranquil backwaters.

 

  • Assistance on arrival at airport
  • 18 nights accommodation in selected category hotels
  • Daily breakfast at hotels
  • Private AC vehicle for airport transfers, sightseeing, and intercity journeys
  • English-speaking local guides during sightseeing days as per itinerary
  • Monument entrance fees and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary
  • Bottled drinking water in the vehicle during travel
  • Government taxes

 

Hotels used or similar for 18 nights accommodation

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

Agra x 1 night
3* - Howard Plaza the Fern/ Atulyaa Taj
4* - Radission Hotel/ Crystal Sarovar Premier
5* - Trident Hotel/ Courtyard by Marriott

Orchha x 1 night
3* & 4* - Orchha Resort/ Amar Mahal 
5* - Orchha Palace and Convention Centre x 1 night

Khajuraho x 1 night
3* - Ramada/Clarks Hotel
4* - Radisson Hotel/ Hotel Chandela
5* - The Lalit Temple View

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

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

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 night
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)

  • International and domestic airfare, including Khajuraho–Varanasi, Varanasi–Mumbai, Mumbai–Aurangabad, Aurangabad–Cochin, and Cochin–Delhi flight fares
  • Visa fees and travel insurance
  • Lunches and dinners unless specifically mentioned in inclusions
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, beverages, minibar, telephone, tips, and gratuities
  • Camera and video charges at monuments, caves, temples, and heritage sites
  • Optional activities and experiences not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, subject to availability and extra charges
  • Any increase in government taxes, fuel surcharges, or entrance fees beyond the quoted rates
  • Expenses due to flight delays, cancellations, roadblocks, weather disruptions, or unforeseen circumstances
  • Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions section

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