Magical Rajasthan and Kerala

Magical Rajasthan and Kerala

19 days- 17 nights

ARRIVAL IN DELHI Arrival at Delhi or Mumbai airport. Proceed through immigration and customs formalities. Warm welcome at the airport with a personalized banner and flower garlands. Transfer to your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Check-in at the hotel.

Delhi, the capital of India, is a city of fascinating history and dynamic modernity. Believed to be the legendary Indraprastha from the epic Mahabharata, Delhi has served as the seat of power for several dynasties: the Rajputs, the northern Muslim invaders, the Afghan dynasties, followed by the Tughlaqs, Sayyids, Lodis, and finally the Mughals, who ruled until the British era. Today, Delhi is a tale of two cities: the historical Old Delhi and the modern New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India from the 12th to 19th centuries and is home to grand mosques, forts, and bustling bazaars. New Delhi, on the other hand, was planned by the British and features impressive architecture and wide avenues.

Overnight stay in Delhi.

DELHI CITY TOUR After American breakfast at the hotel, embark on a full-day exploration of India’s capital.

Start with Old Delhi:

  • Red Fort (external visit): Built by Shah Jahan, with the iconic Lahore Gate, from where Prime Minister Nehru proclaimed India’s independence in 1947.
  • Chandni Chowk: Bustling bazaar known for its silver jewelry, handicrafts, and traditional sweets.
  • Sis Ganj Gurudwara: A Sikh temple known for its rich architecture and spiritual ambiance. (Head must be covered, and shoes removed).
  • Jama Masjid: India’s largest mosque, built between 1651 and 1656, with three gates, four towers, and two 40-meter minarets.

Continue with New Delhi:

  • Humayun’s Tomb: A 16th-century masterpiece and precursor to the Taj Mahal.
  • Qutub Minar: A 12th-century Afghan monument with intricate Quranic inscriptions.
  • Panoramic tour: Drive past Connaught Place, India Gate (42-meter triumphal arch), Parliament House, and Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace).

Return to your hotel. Overnight in Delhi.

DELHI – CHENNAI (FLIGHT) American breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to airport and assistance with boarding. Fly to Chennai.

Upon arrival, transfer and check-in at the hotel.

Afternoon panoramic sightseeing of Chennai:

  • Drive along the seafront and Marina Beach.
  • St. Thomas Church: Built over the tomb of the apostle who brought Christianity to India in the 1st century.
  • National Museum: Visit the Bronze Gallery, home to the famous Nataraja statue.

Overnight in Chennai.

CHENNAI – KANCHIPURAM – MAHABALIPURAM (135 KM) American breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism’s seven sacred cities:

  • Kailasanathar Temple: 8th-century Dravidian architecture, with 58 small sanctuaries and a Nandi in each.
  • Ekambareswarar Temple: Known for its thousand-pillared hall.
  • Visit a traditional silk weaving workshop.

Continue to Mahabalipuram. Check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY (135 KM) American breakfast.

Morning tour of Mahabalipuram:

  • Shore Temple: Granite temple built in the 7th century facing the ocean.
  • Arjuna’s Penance: Giant rock relief depicting a scene from the Mahabharata.
  • Five Rathas: Monolithic temples named after the Pandavas.

Proceed to Pondicherry, a former French colony.

Walking tour of French Quarter:

  • Sri Aurobindo Ashram
  • Dupleix Residence
  • French College, Joan of Arc statue, and Our Lady of Angels Church
  • Seafront promenade

Overnight in Pondicherry.

PONDICHERRY – CHIDAMBARAM – TANJORE (180 KM)

American breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for Chidambaram to visit the remarkable Nataraja Temple, a crowned masterpiece of Dravidian architecture dedicated to Shiva in his cosmic dance form. Two of its gopurams are intricately adorned with sculptures depicting the 108 classical dance poses described in the Natya Shastra, the ancient Hindu treatise on dramaturgy and dance.

Continue to Gangaikondacholapuram, the former capital of the Chola dynasty founded by Rajendra I. Visit the magnificent Shiva temple, celebrated for its architecture and rich sculptural details. As you pass the imposing Nandi and Dwarapalika, admire the exquisite bas-reliefs that pay homage to Shiva, Parvati, and their son Skanda.

Next, visit Darasuram, home to the stunning Airavateshwara Temple, and continue to nearby Kumbakonam, famous for its temples including Ramaswami Temple, where stories from the Ramayana are vividly illustrated.

Proceed to Tanjore (Thanjavur), once the preferred capital of the Chola kings. The city flourished during their reign between the 10th and 14th centuries.

Upon arrival, visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a pinnacle of Chola architecture. Admire its elegant gopurams, double enclosure walls, monolithic dome, and vibrant frescoes. Then explore the Saraswati Mahal Library, dating back to the 18th century, which houses an exceptional collection of ancient manuscripts and Chola bronzes.

Check-in at your hotel.
Overnight in Tanjore.

Note: If staying at Sterling Swamimalai, located between Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram, the visit of Tanjore may be scheduled for the next day en route to Trichy.

TANJORE – TRICHY – MADURAI (190 KM)

American breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for Trichy (Tiruchirapalli).

Visit Srirangam, a temple-town on an island in the Kaveri River, home to the majestic Ranganathaswamy Temple, with its 21 towering gopurams. This vast temple complex is one of the most important pilgrimage centers dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Climb the Rock Fort Temple, a dramatic citadel rising 83 meters high, reached by a stairway of 443 steps. Along the way, pass ancient shrines and enjoy panoramic views from the summit.

Stroll through the bustling Chinatown Market at the base of the hill.

Later, continue to Madurai and check in at your heritage hotel, a traditional Chettinad residence.

Explore Madurai, a city that blends temple grandeur with tropical vitality—flower markets, paddy fields, and jasmine farms abound. Known as the “City of Jasmine,” Madurai contributes significantly to the global perfume industry, with India producing nearly half the world’s jasmine extract.

Visit the magnificent Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple, a sprawling complex of gopurams, shrines, and endless corridors lined with statues, all alive with spiritual devotion.

Later, visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, an architectural fusion of Indo-Islamic and European styles from the 17th century.

Conclude your day with a walk through the vibrant local market.

Return to the hotel and overnight in Madurai.

MADURAI – PERIYAR (140 KM)

American breakfast at the hotel.

Drive into the Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains) and into Kerala, where lush greenery gives way to dense forests. Arrive in Thekkady, nestled on the edge of Periyar National Park, a sanctuary renowned for its biodiversity.

Check-in at your hotel.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Periyar Lake, watching for wildlife such as elephants, sambar deer, bison, and macaques along the shoreline.

Later, explore the village bazaar, famous for its spices and cashew nuts.

Overnight in Thekkady.

PERIYAR – BACKWATERS (135 KM)

American breakfast at the hotel.

Drive through Kerala’s scenic countryside to the Backwaters, often referred to as the “rice bowl of Kerala” for its below-sea-level paddy cultivation.

Arrive at Kottayam, the religious hub of the Syrian Christian community. Surrounded by canals and coconut groves, the city is especially vibrant during the Onam regattas.

Here, you will be welcomed by your houseboat crew.

Board a traditional Kettuvallam, a wooden boat handcrafted from jack wood and tied with coir ropes, now converted into a charming floating hotel. These boats feature two en-suite bedrooms, a living area, a sun deck, and a kitchen.

Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch served on a banana leaf.

As you cruise the serene waters, pass by lush villages, temples, and tropical vegetation. Sit back on silk cushions and savor the slow rhythm of the waterways.

Dinner and overnight onboard your Gold Star-class houseboat.

BACKWATERS – KOCHI (65 KM)

Breakfast onboard.

Disembark at Alleppey, a picturesque town in the Backwaters.

Drive to Kochi (Cochin), historically known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea.” With one of India’s finest natural harbors, Kochi has a long cosmopolitan past, shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial powers.

Check-in at your hotel.

In the evening, stroll through the historic Jewish Quarter and along the seafront to see the iconic Chinese fishing nets, introduced to the region by Chinese traders between 1350–1450.

Return to your hotel.
Overnight in Kochi.

KOCHI

American breakfast at the hotel.

Explore Fort Kochi, a charming colonial-era neighborhood best explored on foot.

Visit St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European church, originally built in wood in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan monks and later reconstructed in stone.

At the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), admire vibrant murals and royal artifacts from the Cochin royal family.

Visit the Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568—the oldest functioning synagogue in the Commonwealth.

Stroll again through the Jewish Quarter.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance, a stylized classical theatre with elaborate makeup, costumes, and expressive storytelling.

Return to your hotel and overnight.

KOCHI – MUMBAI – UDAIPUR (Flight)

American breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Udaipur, the romantic “City of Lakes.”

Upon arrival, visit the majestic City Palace, perched on Lake Pichola, once home to the Maharanas of Mewar. Learn about the legendary Maharana Pratap Singh, a descendant of the Kumbhalgarh dynasty.

Check-in at your luxury hotel.

Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the hotel and its exceptional spa, overlooking Lake Pichola. Pamper yourself with rejuvenating therapies offered by trained Banyan Tree therapists.

Overnight in Udaipur.

UDAIPUR

American breakfast at the hotel.

Visit the beautiful Sahelion-ki-Bari, a garden built in 1710 for the royal ladies, complete with lotus pools and marble fountains.

Later, explore the old city, visiting workshops of traditional Mewar miniature painting, one of Udaipur’s famed art forms.

In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, visiting the islets of Jai Mandir and Jag Mandir.

Return to the hotel and overnight.

UDAIPUR – JAIPUR (Flight)

American breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport and fly to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital and famously known as the Pink City.

Check-in at your hotel.

Visit the City Palace, home to royal collections including textiles, ceremonial weaponry, and miniature paintings.

Next, visit the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, featuring a collection of large instruments that still function with remarkable precision.

Explore the lively bazaars, famous for Jaipur blue pottery, textiles, jewelry, and miniature paintings.

Return to the hotel and overnight in Jaipur.

JAIPUR

American breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, visit the Amber Fort, a majestic fortress-palace overlooking the Aravalli hills.

On the way, photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a delicate pink sandstone façade that allowed royal women to observe the street scene unseen.

Ascend to the fort on elephant-back, exploring ornate chambers including the glittering Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) and the royal harem.

Descend by jeep and return to the city.

Afternoon at leisure to enjoy your hotel or optional spa experiences.

Overnight in Jaipur.

JAIPUR – FATEHPUR SIKRI – AGRA (235 KM)

American breakfast at the hotel.

Depart by road to Agra, the city of the Great Mughals.

En route, visit the haunting Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar’s once-glorious capital. Abandoned after just 14 years, it remains a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture.

Continue to Agra and check-in at your hotel, a luxurious retreat with views of the Taj Mahal.

Optional spa treatments available, including Ayurveda-based therapies, beauty rituals, and wellness programs tailored to your body type and season.

Overnight in Agra.

AGRA

American breakfast at the hotel.

At sunrise, visit the Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The monument’s marble façade reflects changing hues throughout the day, making morning visits particularly magical.

Then visit Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, often called the “Baby Taj,” built by Empress Noor Jahan for her father. It’s a jewel box of white marble with exquisite inlay work.

In the afternoon, explore the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former imperial residence. Discover its palaces, audience halls, and the Pearl Mosque within its massive red sandstone walls.

Return to your hotel and overnight in Agra.

AGRA – DELHI (200 KM / APPROX. 4 HRS)

American breakfast at the hotel.

Morning at leisure to enjoy your hotel.

Later, drive back to Delhi.

In the evening, transfer to the international airport for your onward flight. Assistance with check-in and boarding.

End of services in Delhi.

DEPART DELHI

Take your international flight back home.
Overnight onboard.
Arrive the following morning.

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Tour & Travel Agency in India – Aloukik India Travels

One country, millions of souls, millions of experiences, India is remarkable! The matchless diversity makes travel to India, worth every penny. Plan a tour for relaxing, sightseeing, adventure, golden triangle tour, wildlife safaris, pilgrimage, yoga, Ayurveda, spa or for memories of a lifetime. Your holidays to India can be everything you wish for.

A Legacy of Happy Customer

Unforgettable journey through Rajasthan! Every destination was magical, full of color and royal.

Deepak Kalyan

Loved every moment! Great planning, beautiful sights, and rich culture. Truly a royal experience!

Shiela Mahoney

Perfect blend of history, culture, and fun. Rajasthan feels like a dream come true!

David Mao

Incredible forts, vibrant markets, and peaceful temples. This tour was everything we hoped for!

Tyler Morgan

Smooth itinerary, amazing guides, and breathtaking locations. We’re booking our next tour soon!

Ramesh Kapoor

Aloukik Tour was a cultural delight! Every day brought something beautiful and unforgettable.

Naman Kumar

FAQs

The tour spans 9 days and 8 nights, offering a comprehensive experience of Rajasthan’s royal heritage and cultural charm.

The itinerary includes:
Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Pushkar – Deogarh – Udaipur – Delhi

This tour explores the interiors of Rajasthan, known for:

  • Iconic forts and palaces

  • Rich royal history and culture

  • Sacred towns like Pushkar

  • Stunning hill station Mount Abu

  • Heritage cities like Jaipur (Pink City), Jodhpur (Blue City), and Udaipur (City of Lakes)

Yes! This itinerary is thoughtfully crafted for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers who wish to dive deep into Rajasthan’s colorful and royal heritage.

Expect a mix of cultural exploration, historical sightseeing, spiritual experiences, and natural beauty, including:

  • Grand forts and palaces

  • Traditional markets

  • Camel rides and folk performances

  • Visits to sacred temples

  • Scenic lakes and gardens

Yes, a visit to Pushkar, one of India’s most sacred towns, adds a spiritual dimension to the tour with its famous Brahma Temple and holy lake.

Absolutely! From brightly turbaned locals to colorful attire, folk music, traditional food, and local markets – this tour offers a deep dive into Rajasthan’s vibrant culture.

Yes, the tour is well-paced with a comfortable travel plan, making it suitable for families, seniors, and group travelers.

 

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