India in 10 days
New York - New Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Udaipur - Kochi - New Delhi - New York
This itinerary covers North & South India This visit can be done by yourselves on your own dates, or as part of one of our small group departures. You can select this tour, or click here to ask us to design one for your choice of destinations in India & Nepal. All visits are almost all-inclusive and include the best guided tours of local monuments and other places of interest. Dates and options are below the itinerary. Please click on underlined words, phrases, and thumbnailed pictures for more information.What is included in this tour program?
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10
Day 1 - Arrive at New Delhi at night.
You are greeted at the airport by our agent or your escort, and then ushered
to a waiting vehicle and its driver. You are driven to your hotel where you are
assisted with your check in. The next days plans are briefly reviewed and the
agent/escort hands over travel documents such as your air tickets and hotel
vouchers to you.
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Day 2 - New Delhi
A half day city tour of Old Delhi that includes visits to the Jama Masjid (1650 AD), the largest mosque in India, and the amazing Red Fort (1639-48) which was the seat of the Moghul Empire for more than 250 years. Also visit the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi (Raj Ghat).
There is a break for lunch.
After lunch, you continue with a half day city tour of New Delhi that begins with a drive past Safdarjang’s Tomb (1753 AD) while driving to the Qutab Minar (1193 A.D.). This is a remarkable 8oo + year old medieval tower of victory (Persian architectural style) and is 73 meters high. Within the Qutab complex, amidst the ruins of the Quwat-ul-Islam mosque, stands one of the famous Ashoka Pillars. It has withstood the harsh elements and not rusted in over 1500 years. Also visit the Tomb of Moghul Emperor Humayun, and then drive through Lutyens New Delhi, including the Embassy area (Diplomatic Enclave), the impressive Victorian era Government Buildings, India Gate (memorial to the soldiers who gave up their lives in WW1), Birla Temple, and the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara (a golden domed Sikh Temple). End your tour at Connaught Place, New Delhi’s main shopping and commercial area.
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Day 3 - Agra
Board the early morning (6 am) Express train - two hour journey - to Agra.
Half day tour of Agra – The tour includes a visit to Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s
tomb and the Agra Fort, the original red sandstone fort built in 1565 by the
greatest of the Moghul rulers of India, Emperor Akbar. Its maze of courtyards,
marble mosque, and private chambers reflect the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.
There is a break for lunch Afternoon - Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the
World, the incomparable Taj Mahal. The world’s greatest monument dedicated to
love was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1653 as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz
Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble took 22 years and 22000
craftsmen to build. Stay over for a sunset viewing
Agra is famous for its marble manufacturing.
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Day 4 - Jaipur
You can ask to take an optional sunrise visit of the Taj in the early morning. If you did that, then after the visit you will return to your hotel to freshen up. An early lunch is recommended, as a really good restaurant won’t be available till you arrive at Jaipur.
Check out and proceed for the drive to Jaipur. Stop at Fatehpur Sikri for a tour. This deserted, red sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar, between 1570 and 1585, is a haunting reminder of it’s in its brief and glorious past. Visit the towering Bulund Darwaza (The Gate of Victory), which is set in the south wall. In the northern part of the courtyard is the superb white marble tomb of Shaik Salim Chishti, built in 1570.
Continue with your journey after your tour. Arrive at Jaipur & check into your hotel.
Jaipur is famous for its handicrafts and the unique local apparel.
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Day 5 - Jaipur
Proceed for an excursion to Amber Fort & Palace, located 12 kilometers from the center of the City. Arrive at the complex before 9 a.m. so as to be able to partake in the elephant back ascent. The Fort was originally built by Raja Mansingh and significant additions were made by Sawai Jai Singh. One of the finest example of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital of Kaisshawah rulers. Enjoy the ascent to the palace on back of a brightly caparisoned elephant. Visit the chambers and hallways of the Palace which are famous for their design and decorations.
There is a break for lunch.
Afternoon - A half day city tour of the walled city of Jaipur, including the magnificent City Palace. Visit the unique Jantar Mantar magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728. View the ‘Hawa Mahal’ (Palace of the Wind), the intriguing facade built (in 1799) to allow royal ladies to view the city and bazaar from the windows. Continue the tour to visit the City Palace, the former royal residence (a part of it is still occupied by the Royal family and is not accessible) built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. This immense complex also houses a number of museums that offer a large and impressive collection of miniature paintings, costumes, and armory.
Evening – Watch the show at your hotel (if available) and then drive to have dinner with an Indian family at their home. Or drive to a cultural show and dinner.
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Day 6 - Udaipur
Fly to Udaipur in the morning. Arrive at Udaipur and proceed for a city tour, including a tour of the City Palace. At this Palace complex, explore the gorgeous rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, windows with colored glass, inlaid marble balconies and the peacock courtyard. Visit the temple of the Sun God and be amazed by its erotic sculptures. You also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-bari gardens and the local Museum.
Check in to your hotel.
There is a break for lunch.
Late afternoon - cruise on Lake Pichola and visit Jag Mandir.
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Day 7 - Udaipur
Start the day with a drive to Ranakpur. Tour the famous 15th Century Jain Temples, located 90 km's north of Udaipur. The temples 29 halls are supported by 1444 intricately carved pillars, and no two are of the same design. There is an abundance of exquisite sculptures and friezes.
Lunch is included this afternoon.
Return to Udaipur in the afternoon.
Late Afternoon – You are at leisure to explore the beautiful city of Udaipur on your own.
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Day 8 - Kochi (Cochin)
Board the morning flight to Mumbai. Connect with the flight to Kochi. Arrive at Kochi and drive to your hotel to check in.
Afternoon - The tour begins from the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Saturdays) built in 1568. Also visit the St. Francis Church, established by the Portuguese Franciscan friars in 1503. Vasco Da Gama was buried in the courtyard of this European church, one of the first built in India. Visit the Chinese fishing nets. More than a century old and still in use, they are a great part of this tour.
Evening - Drive to watch a Kathakali dance (the art of storytelling through dance) performance. After the show, you are driven to dinner with a Keralan family at their home.
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Day 9 - Cochin – Backwaters cruise.
Drive to Allepey in the early morning & board your houseboat. Relax and have a great time till the next morning as you cruise the amazing backwaters. The cook and other staff make sure that all your needs are taken care of, while serving you with delicious Kerala cuisine.
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Day 10 - Cochin - New Delhi – International flight.
Disembark from your houseboat in the early morning and drive to the airport. Board the morning flight to Delhi. Arrive at Delhi and you are greeted at the airport by your guide and driver. If you are doing this visit as part of a small group, you are provided with personal vehicles for each single traveler / couple / family traveling together.
Options available (among others) include The Lotus (Bahai) Temple and various other temples. Also, among the best shopping in India is in Delhi, and we can make suggestions based on your preferences. Your vehicle and driver stay with you till your late evening assisted check in at the airport.
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This tour program includes:
Not included* Optional
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