The Imperial Heritage of India

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai

Upon arrival at Mumbai airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in (standard time 12:00 PM), take time to relax and recover from your journey. Mumbai, India’s financial capital, offers a vibrant blend of colonial heritage and modern lifestyle. You may take a short walk around the nearby area or explore local cafés depending on your arrival time. The rest of the day is at leisure to acclimatize and unwind. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 2: Mumbai City Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your city tour with an excursion to Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Return to the city and visit the iconic Gateway of India overlooking the Arabian Sea. Drive past Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Bombay High Court, and other colonial-era buildings. Continue to Dhobi Ghat to witness traditional laundry practices and explore Colaba market for local shopping. Conclude the day with a scenic drive along Marine Drive before returning to the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 3: Mumbai to Cochin (Flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Cochin. Upon arrival, you will be assisted and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Begin the city tour with a visit to Fort Kochi, known for its colonial architecture and coastal charm. Explore St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and view the iconic Chinese fishing nets. Visit Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance showcasing Kerala’s cultural heritage. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 4: Cochin to Alleppey (60 kms / 1.5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey, also known as the “Venice of the East.” On arrival, board your private houseboat and begin a scenic backwater cruise through canals, lagoons, and village landscapes. Enjoy freshly prepared meals onboard while observing local life along the waterways. The journey offers views of coconut groves, paddy fields, and traditional Kerala homes. Relax as the houseboat glides through tranquil surroundings, providing a unique experience of rural Kerala. Dinner and overnight stay on houseboat.

Day 5: Alleppey to Cochin (60 kms) / Chennai (Flight)

After breakfast onboard, disembark from the houseboat and drive back to Cochin. Proceed to the airport to board your flight to Chennai. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and check in. Chennai, known for its rich cultural traditions and coastal charm, offers a relaxed atmosphere. The evening is free for leisure, where you may explore nearby markets or enjoy local cuisine. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 6: Chennai to Pondicherry (250 kms / 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry with an en route visit to Kanchipuram, famous for its ancient temples and silk sarees. Visit key temples showcasing Dravidian architecture and spiritual heritage. Continue your drive to Pondicherry and check in at your hotel. Later, explore the French Quarter with its colonial buildings and peaceful streets. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville for a spiritual experience. End the day with a walk along Promenade Beach. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 7: Pondicherry to Chennai (165 kms) / Hyderabad (Flight)

After breakfast, drive back to Chennai with a stop at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Shore Temple, Five Rathas, and Arjuna’s Penance, showcasing ancient rock-cut architecture. Continue to Chennai airport to board your flight to Hyderabad. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. The evening is at leisure to relax after the journey. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 8: Hyderabad City Tour

After breakfast, begin your city tour with a visit to Golconda Fort, known for its impressive acoustics and history. Continue to Charminar, the iconic landmark of Hyderabad surrounded by bustling bazaars. Visit the Salar Jung Museum, home to an extensive collection of art and antiques. Explore Qutb Shahi Tombs showcasing Indo-Islamic architecture. Later, stroll through Laad Bazaar, famous for bangles and pearls. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 9: Hyderabad to Kolkata (Flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Kolkata. Upon arrival, you will be assisted and transferred to your hotel. Kolkata, known as the cultural capital of India, offers a blend of colonial architecture and artistic heritage. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore nearby markets or relax at the hotel. You may also enjoy local Bengali cuisine in the evening. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 10: Kolkata City Tour

After breakfast, begin your sightseeing with a visit to Victoria Memorial, an iconic symbol of colonial India. Continue to St. Paul’s Cathedral and drive past Howrah Bridge. Visit the Indian Museum and Marble Palace to explore historical artifacts and art collections. Walk through local markets and experience the city’s vibrant culture. Enjoy views of the Hooghly River and colonial streets. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 11: Kolkata to Varanasi (Flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. In the evening, proceed to the ghats of the River Ganges to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. The spiritual atmosphere, chants, and rituals create a truly unforgettable experience. Return to the hotel after the ceremony. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 12: Varanasi Sightseeing

Early morning, enjoy a boat ride on the River Ganges to witness sunrise and observe pilgrims performing rituals. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and other important temples in the city. Later, excursion to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore Dhamek Stupa and the archaeological museum. Return to Varanasi and relax in the evening. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 13: Varanasi to Delhi (Flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. Check in and relax after your journey. Delhi offers a mix of historic monuments and modern city life. The rest of the day is free for leisure or optional exploration. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 14: Delhi City Tour

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Old and New Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid and enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk market. Drive past Red Fort and visit Raj Ghat. Continue to New Delhi to see India Gate, President’s House, and Parliament House. Visit Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 15: Delhi to Agra (204 kms / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Agra via expressway. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, known for its stunning marble architecture. Continue to Agra Fort, a UNESCO-listed Mughal fort. Later, visit Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj), famous for intricate marble work. Evening free for shopping or leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 16: Agra to Jaipur (245 kms / 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its palaces, mosques, and courtyards reflecting Mughal architecture. Continue your journey to Jaipur, the Pink City. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. In the evening, explore local bazaars known for handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 17: Jaipur City Tour

After breakfast, visit Amber Fort, located on a hilltop and known for its grand architecture. Continue to City Palace, a royal residence with museums and courtyards. Visit Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory and UNESCO site. Stop for photos at Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds. Later, visit local markets or Birla Temple. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 18: Jaipur Departure

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed for your onward journey. You will be transferred to Jaipur or Delhi airport depending on your flight schedule. This marks the end of your memorable journey across India’s imperial heritage. Depart with wonderful memories of culture, history, and diverse landscapes.

• Assistance on arrival and departure at all airports
• 17 nights accommodation in selected category hotels
• Daily buffet breakfast at all hotels
• All meals during houseboat stay (lunch, dinner & breakfast)
• Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing
• English-speaking local guides in each city
• Monument entrance fees as per itinerary
• Kathakali dance performance in Cochin
• Boat ride in Varanasi (Ganges)
• Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
• Bottled drinking water during travel
• All applicable government taxes

Hotels used or similar

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

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

Alleppey x 1 nights
3* - Deluxe Houseboat (AC during night)
4* - Preminum Houseboat
5* - Luxury Houseboat

Chennai x 1 nights
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The  Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace

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

Hyderabad x 2 nights
3* - Aditya Park/ Lemon Tree Hotel
4* - Lemon Tree Hotel/ Fortune Park Vallabha 
5* - ITC Kakatiya, a Luxury Collection/ Trident Hotel

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

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

Delhi x 2 nights
3* - Madhuban Hotel/ Meridian Plaza
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* - Prime Plaza/ Crystal Sarovar Premier
5* - Mansion Grand/ Courtyard by Marriott

Jaipur x 2 nights
3* - Redfox Hotel/ Park Ocean
4* - Fortune Select Metropolitan/ Lemon Tree Premier
5* - ITC Rajputana/ Hilton Jaipur

• All domestic and international flight tickets
• Lunch & dinner (except houseboat stay)
• Early check-in and late check-out charges
• Personal expenses such as laundry, minibar, tips, etc.
• Camera/video charges at monuments
• Travel insurance and medical expenses
• Any optional tours or additional sightseeing
• Gratuities for drivers, guides, and hotel staff
• Any increase in taxes, fuel, or entrance fees