Highlights of India: South to North -16 Days - 16 Days 15 Nights

Day 1

Met at the airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight Hotel.

Day 2

After breakfast visit to the Prince of Wales Museum, the Gateway of India overlooking the harbor, and the Dhobi Ghat, a unique and colorful outdoor laundry. Then drive up Malabar Hill to the lovely Hanging Gardens and Kamla Nehru Park. Back in the city, visit Mani Bhawan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi. Tonight join your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. Overnight Mumbai.

Day 3

Fly to Madurai, where afternoon sightseeing includes the Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thousand Pillar Mandapam and Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal. Overnight Madurai.

Day 4

A full day of exploration in Chettinad, just west of the Bay of Bengal, with a visit to the home of the Rajah of Chettinad. Overnight Madurai.

Day 5

Drive to Periyar this morning, to glide slowly through an animal-rich jungle environment on an afternoon cruise on Lake Periyar. Overnight Periyar.

Day 6

Travel by road through beautiful rubber and spice plantations to Kumarakom and your "hidden" hotel. Overnight Kumarakom.

Day 7

After an early morning visit to the Bird Sanctuary, visit the Spice Plantation and have lunch with a local family. Overnight Kumarakom.

Day 8

Transfer by boat to Alleppey for a glimpse of Kerala's village lifestyle, then continue to Cochin, India's first European settlement. This evening enjoy a Kathakali dance performance. Overnigth Cochin.

Day 9

Tour Cochin's Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi, and St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. Overnight Cochin.

Day 10

Fly to Delhi and transfer to your hotel. Overnigth Delhi.

Day 11

This morning, tour the Raj Ghat, Delhi's monument to Mahatma Gandhi, the Red Fort citadel and the Jama Masjid Mosque. After lunch, explore both Old and New Delhi with a drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, and stops at Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate and the Diplomatic Enclave. Overnight Delhi.

Day 12

After drive to Agra, 4 hrs, where an afternoon city tour is followed by a visit to the Taj Mahal at sunset. Overnight Agra.

Day 13

After a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, drive to Jaipur, stopping en route to visit Emperor Akbar's "ruined" city of Fatehpur Sikri. Overnight Jaipur.

Day 14

Your day begins with a visit to the Amber Fort, followed by a leisurely afternoon and tonight's farewell dinner. Overnight Jaipur.

Day 15

After a morning city tour of Jaipur, "Pink City of Rajasthan," fly to Delhi. Overnight Delhi.

Day 16

Transfer to the airport to board a homebound flight.