Wonders of India Tours

After breakfast, drive south along the scenic East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), an ancient Pallava port city. Upon arrival, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shore Temple, carved from granite and standing by the sea. Visit the Five Rathas (monolithic rock-cut temples), Arjuna’s Penance (a massive bas-relief), and Krishna’s Butter Ball, a gravity-defying boulder. Walk along the beach and enjoy a seafood dinner.

Today, take a day trip to Kanchipuram, one of the seven Moksha-puris in Hinduism. Visit Kailasanathar Temple with exquisite carvings, the 16th-century Varadharaja Perumal Temple, and the massive Ekambareswarar Temple. Kanchipuram is also famed for silk sarees, visit a weaving center to witness traditional craftsmanship. Return to Mahabalipuram for overnight stay.

Drive through the rural landscapes of Tamil Nadu toward Tanjore (Thanjavur), once the Chola Empire's capital. En route, enjoy glimpses of rice paddies, coconut groves, and village life. On arrival, visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, an architectural marvel built in the 11th century, and the Thanjavur Palace complex, which houses the Saraswathi Mahal Library and the Art Gallery with bronze icons and murals.

After breakfast, proceed to Trichy. Visit the Rock Fort Temple, climbing 400 steps to reach its summit for panoramic city views. Then explore the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, renowned for its intricate gopurams. Continue to Madurai. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a peaceful evening stroll around the Meenakshi Temple tank.

Spend the day exploring Madurai. Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of India’s largest temple complexes, and witness its colorful towers (gopurams) covered in gods, goddesses, and mythological figures. Later, see the Indo-Saracenic Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, the Gandhi Memorial Museum, and explore the bustling local bazaars. Attend the nightly temple closing ceremony.

Depart for Thekkady, situated in the Western Ghats. After hotel check-in, visit a spice plantation to learn about cardamom, pepper, and vanilla cultivation. Optional activities include a traditional Ayurvedic massage, martial arts show, or a boat ride on Periyar Lake inside the wildlife sanctuary.

Travel west through winding mountain roads and verdant scenery to Cochin (Kochi). On arrival, explore Fort Kochi: visit St. Francis Church, see Chinese fishing nets in action, the Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry, and the Dutch Palace with its vivid murals. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali performance.

Enjoy a heritage walking tour of Fort Kochi. Explore the spice markets, antique shops, art galleries, and charming cafés. Take a sunset cruise through the backwaters or visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum and Kerala Folklore Museum for a deeper understanding of local culture.

Drive northeast to Coimbatore. Visit the Marudhamalai Murugan Temple atop a scenic hill. In the afternoon, explore the botanical gardens or spend time at the Isha Yoga Center, home to the 112-foot Adiyogi Shiva statue and serene Dhyanalinga meditation dome.

After breakfast, drive to Bangalore, India’s cosmopolitan IT hub that balances tradition and innovation. Upon arrival, visit the Lalbagh Botanical Garden, home to a 19th-century glasshouse inspired by London’s Crystal Palace. Continue to the Bangalore Palace, built in Tudor-style with grand halls and regal artwork. Then explore Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, made entirely of teakwood and ornately carved. Conclude your day in the lively districts of Indiranagar or Koramangala, filled with boutique cafés, brewpubs, and upscale stores—a perfect taste of modern India.

Board your flight to Mumbai, the vibrant capital of Maharashtra. After hotel check-in, explore the seaside charm of Marine Drive, often called the Queen’s Necklace. Visit the Gateway of India, an iconic monument facing the Arabian Sea. Wander around Colaba Causeway, a shopper’s paradise full of curios, colonial architecture, and quirky cafés. End the evening at Chowpatty Beach or enjoy a candlelit dinner with sea views.

Start your day at the grand Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), a UNESCO World Heritage Site combining Gothic and Indian architectural styles. Head to Dhobi Ghat, a fascinating open-air laundry where hundreds work in synchrony. Visit Mani Bhavan, Gandhi’s Mumbai residence-turned-museum. After lunch, take a ferry to Elephanta Island, home to ancient cave temples with stunning sculptures of Lord Shiva. Wrap up the day by sampling Mumbai’s iconic street foods—vada pav, bhel puri, and kulfi.

Take a morning flight to Udaipur, the Venice of the East. Transfer to your heritage hotel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. As the sun begins to set, cruise along Lake Pichola, passing by Jag Mandir, Lake Palace, and bathing ghats. Soak in the golden hues of the Aravalli Hills mirrored on the lake. Enjoy a royal dinner at a rooftop restaurant with palace views.

Explore the expansive City Palace complex, which offers royal courtyards, crystal galleries, and panoramic lake views. Visit the Jagdish Temple, known for its Indo-Aryan architecture and spiritual energy. Stroll through Saheliyon Ki Bari, a Mughal-style garden built for royal maidens. Car enthusiasts will enjoy the Vintage Car Museum, while art lovers can shop for miniature paintings and traditional crafts. End your evening with a Rajasthani folk dance and puppet show at Bagore Ki Haveli.

Drive through the scenic Mewar region and the arid yet charming landscapes of Rajasthan. Stop for tea at local dhabas or pause at artisan villages. Arrive in Jaipur, the Pink City, by late afternoon. Check into your heritage hotel and explore Bapu Bazaar or Johari Bazaar, known for colorful textiles, silver jewelry, and handmade souvenirs.

Start with a thrilling ride (jeep or elephant) to the hilltop Amber Fort, famed for its mirrored halls and marble pavilions. Visit the ornate City Palace, home to royal costumes and weaponry. At Jantar Mantar, explore one of the world's oldest and largest astronomical observatories. Don’t miss a photo stop at the honeycombed Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). In the evening, dine in a traditional haveli with a cultural performance of Rajasthani music and dance.

Depart Jaipur and head towards Agra, stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone ghost city built by Akbar. Marvel at Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, and Salim Chishti’s Dargah. Arrive in Agra by late afternoon and, if time permits, enjoy sunset views of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh across the Yamuna River.

Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise for an unforgettable experience. Later, explore Agra Fort, a UNESCO-listed citadel of red sandstone housing mosques, palaces, and pavilions. Visit the lesser-known but exquisitely decorated Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, a precursor to the Taj. Explore local marble inlay workshops and shop for souvenirs such as pietra dura items and leather goods.

Begin in Old Delhi with a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk and visits to Jama Masjid and Red Fort. In New Delhi, admire the Qutub Minar, one of India’s tallest minarets, and the serene Lotus Temple, shaped like a blooming flower. End the day with an optional visit to Akshardham Temple, a grand complex showcasing Indian spirituality and art.

Fly to Varanasi, the spiritual epicenter of India. In the evening, attend the sacred Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a mesmerizing ritual of fire, chants, and devotion. Optional: visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment.

Rise early for a boat ride on the Ganges, witnessing priests and pilgrims performing rituals at dawn. Visit the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple and explore the narrow lanes filled with shrines, flower sellers, and mystics. Learn about Banarasi silk weaving and visit Banaras Hindu University. Return to Delhi by evening flight.

Enjoy your final breakfast before transferring to the international airport. As you depart, carry home vivid memories of India's spiritual depth, royal elegance, vibrant culture, and unmatched hospitality.