Compare 17 Days Discover North and South India Tour by HolidaysAt vs Inspirational India, a Wander Women Journey, Summer 2022 by Insight Vacations
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 17 days | 12 days |
Price From | $ 1,780 | $ 4,689 |
Price Per Day | $ 105 | $ 391 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
Activities |
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Meals Included |
16 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 1 Dinner |
N/A |
Description |
Uncover the delights of most visited north India destinations Delhi, Jodhpur, Ranakpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, holy city Pushkar with Ajmer, Jaipur and Agra, then head south to tropical Kerala. Visit historic Fort Kochi and the picturesque hill station of Munnar with its verdant tea plantations, relax in sleepy Kumarakom and spend a night aboard a house-boat, gliding along the palm fringed backwaters. |
Join female explorers in search of new experiences on a journey to the Sikh temples of Delhi, the hilltop yoga retreats of Jaipur and the Bishnoi people of Jodhpur—who for 500-years have protected nature to ensure the survival of endangered species. Tour the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Sikh temple in Delhi and witness the beautiful practice of langar—serving free food to the hungry and promoting equality among the Sikh women who help prepare the meals. Start your day in Jaipur with a yoga lesson led by a female guru—harnessing ancient restorative techniques to create harmony between body, mind and spirit. Marvel at the Taj Mahal and discover how Emperor Shahjahan commissioned 20,000 craftsmen to carve this monument out of white marble and red limestone—in honor of his late wife. |
Day 1: Arrival at New Delhi
On the day of arrival at the New Delhi airport, our Holidays At representative will assist you at the airport and later transfer to the Hotel for night stay. Relax at the Hotel or day free to leisure activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 2: At New Delhi
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later proceed for full day guided tour to New & Old Delhi, visit Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple (Bhai’s Temple) and Qutub Minar. After lunch at local city restaurant, later proceed for Old Delhi sightseeing tour visit Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid and Red Fort also take a short rickshaw ride at Chandni Chowk spice market and huge market for clothes.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 3: New Delhi - Jodhpur (By Flight)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later our Holidays At representative will meet you and transfer to New Delhi airport to board the flight for Jodhpur. Upon arrival at Jodhpur airport, our Holidays At representative will meet you and transfer to the Hotel for night stay. After relax at the Hotel, later proceed for guided tour to Jodhpur, visit the massive Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace (Now converted into luxury the Hotel), Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, Clock Tower, Old City Markets, Mandore Temple and Mandore Gardens, Balsamand Lake and Kailana Lake.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 4: Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur (260 Kms / 5:30 Hrs)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later check out from the Hotel and drive to Udaipur via en-route visit to Ranakpur Jain Temples, built in 12 Century. After finish your temples visit at Ranakpur, later continue drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival at Udaipur check in the Hotel for night stay. Relax at the Hotel or day free to leisure activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 5: At Udaipur
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later proceed for full day guided tour to Udaipur, visit City Palace, Bagore Ki Haveli, Fateh Sagar Lake, Ambrai Ghat, Jagdish Temple, Udaipur Ropeway, Shilpgram, Vintage collection of classic car museum, Eklingji and Nagda Temples. Enjoy boat ride at lake pichola.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 6: Udaipur - Chittorgarh - Pushkar (325 Kms / 6:30 Hrs)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later check out from the Hotel and drive to Pushkar via en-route visit to Chittorgarh Fort, Rana Kumbha's Palace, Kumbha Shyam Temple, Victory Tower, Meerabai Temple, Meerabai Temple, Tower of Fame, Padmini's Palace, Chittaurgarh Museum & Jaimal and Patta Palaces. After finish your tour to Chittorgarh, later drive to Pushkar. Upon arrival at Pushkar check in the Hotel for night stay.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 7: Pushkar - Ajmer - Jaipur (150 Kms / 3 Hrs)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later proceed half day guided tour to Pushkar, visit Pushkar Lake, Brahma temple, Savitri temple Mahadev Temple, Varah Temple, Ramavaikunth Temple, Rangji Temple and the Apteshwar Temple. Later afternoon check out from the Hotel and drive to Jaipur via en-route visit to Ajmer Dargah Shareef “shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti” and Adhey-Din-Ka Jhonpara - a mosque. Later continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival at Jaipur check in the Hotel for night stay.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 8: At Jaipur
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later proceed for full day guided tour of Jaipur, visit Amber Fort with elephant ride, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Birla Temple, Central Museum and Laxmi Narayan Temple. After finish your sightseeing tour to Jaipur later drive back to the Hotel for night stay.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 9: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (238 Kms / 5 Hrs)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later check out from the Hotel and drive to Agra “City of Love”. Via en-route visit to Fatehpur sikri, the oldest deserted town built by Mughal Kingdom in 1571 and bulit by red stone in honor of Saint Salim Chisti also visit Diwane e Khas, Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza, one of the largest and tallest gateways in the world. After finish your sightseeing tour to Fatehpur Sikri, later proceed for Agra. Upon arrival at Agra Check in the Hotel for night stay. Evening enjoy the light and sound show “Mohabbat-the-Taj - the saga of love”, in Agra.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 10: Agra - New Delhi (220 Kms / 3:30 Hrs)
Early morning before breakfast Sunrise visit the world’s most popular and beautiful monument Taj Mahal and Mehtab Bagh. After finish your guided tour to Taj Mahal, later back to the Hotel and enjoy your breakfast. After breakfast at the Hotel, later check out from the Hotel and proceed for half day guided tour to Agra, visit Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb, Akbar's Tomb, Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid, Octagonal Tower, Jahangir's Palace, Chini ka Rauza and Sikandra Fort. After finish your sightseeing tour at Agra, later drive to New Delhi. Upon arrival at New Delhi Check in the Hotel for night stay. Relax at the Hotel or day free to leisure activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 11: New Delhi - Cochin (By Flight)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later our Holidays At representative will meet you at the Hotel and transfer to New Delhi airport to board the flight for Cochin. Upon arrival at Cochin airport, our Holidays At representative will assist you at airport and later transfer to the Hotel for night stay. After relax at the Hotel, later proceed for half day guided tour at Cochin, visit Fort Kochi, Marine Drive, Hill Palace, St.Francis Church, Dutch Palace, Pareekshith Thampuran Museum, Pallipuram Fort, Santa Cruz Basilica, Bolgatty Island, Indo Portuguese Museum. Relax at the Hotel or day free to leisure activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 12: Cochin - Munnar (130 Kms / 4 Hrs)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later check out from the Hotel and drive to Munnar “Scenic hills of Kerala” and en-route enjoy the scenic beauty & the marvelous waterfalls of Kerala, with high mountains and the low flying clouds passing by. Upon arrival at Munnar check in the Hotel for night stay. Relax at the Hotel or day free to leisure activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 13: At Munnar
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later proceed for sightseeing tour to Munnar visiting the Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Old Munnar Town and the town market. Evening enjoy the walk at Tea Estate or free for own activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 14: Munnar - Periyar (98 Kms / 3.30 Hrs)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later check out from the Hotel and drive to Periyar. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of biggest wildlife sanctuaries in India's which covers 777 Sq. Km (300 Sq. miles) for a Tiger Reserve. Upon arrival at Periyar check in the Hotel for night stay. Later proceed for short trip to Periyar visit Bamboo Rafting & Border Hiking.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 15: Periyar - Kumarakom (113 Kms / 3 Hrs)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later check out from the Hotel and drive to Kumarakom “Town of Backwaters”. Upon arrival at Kumarakom check in the Hotel for night stay. Later proceed for Kumarakom sightseeing tour visit Vembanad Lake, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Beach, Kumarakom Backwaters, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Pathiramanal Island, Juma Masjid and Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple. Relax at the Hotel or day free to leisure activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 16: Kumarakom - Alleppey (32 Kms / 1 Hrs)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later check out from the Hotel and proceed for backwater to enjoy the houseboat journey for day and night. Upon arrival at Alleppey check in your houseboat for night stay. Later proceed for backwaters & lagoons on Alappuzha, later lunch at the houseboat. Enjoy the evening with dinner at the houseboat and rest of the day and night at the houseboat.
Overnight at the Houseboat.
Day 17: Alleppey - Cochin (60 Kms / 1:30 Hrs) and Departure
Today morning after breakfast at the houseboat, later check out from the houseboat and drive to Cochin airport to board the flight to your home.
Day 1: Welcome to Delhi
After your arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport, you are greeted with the traditional floral garland and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow female travellers for a welcome drink, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: The hustle and bustle of Old Delhi Relaxed Start
Dive into Old Delhi’s symphony of sounds, smells, tastes and colours as you wander down beautiful narrow lanes and taste authentic Delhi street food. Visit an elegant haveli, an old private mansion and enjoy a delicious lunch with a local family.This afternoon, visit the Sikh temple Bangla Sahib Gurdwara and take a walk through their community kitchen where you witness the practice of langar: serving food free of charge to anyone who is hungry. This beautiful act promoting equality also involves the Sikh women who help with the preparation of the meals.
Day 3: Exploring New Delhi
Today explore New Delhi, largely built by the British in the early 20th century. Drive along the Rajpath to see the war memorial India Gate and the colonnaded Parliament House. Visit the 16th century Tomb of Emperor Humayun. This marvelous example of Mughal architecture went on to inspire the design of the Taj Mahal. Continue your exploration of Delhi with Insight Choice. Choose to get creative and hands on as you take part in a jewelery making class. Alternatively, enjoy abhyangam, an Aryuveda massage practice whereby oil is applied to your body by two skilled therapists.
Day 4: Delhi to Agra
Journey to Agra and visit its historical fort complex resembling a walled city. The Agra fort is made up of a series of impressive buildings including the Sheesh Mahal or “glass palace” and the The Muthamman Burj. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Sheroes Café and meet the inspiring women behind it who are survivors of acid attacks. Be encouraged by their resilience and enjoy this opportunity to chat to them about their stories and support their cause in raising awareness.
Day 5: The unmatched beauty of the Taj Mahal
Put on a traditional saree in preparation for your visit to the Taj Mahal, a true highlight of your journey. Following the death of his wife, Emperor Shahjahan vowed to honor her with a memorial of unmatched beauty. He commissioned the world's best craftsmen and 20,000 workers to build this mausoleum. You can’t help but be awestruck by this delicately carved white marble jewel. Later, enjoy lunch on your way to Jaipur, the stunning capital city of Rajasthan state. In the evening visit the local market and shop for a traditional Indian dress for the upcoming Diwali celebrations.
Day 6: Jaipur through the locals’ eyes
On your city tour see the Hawa Maha, the Palace of the Winds. Its stunning lace-like facadehas 953 windows. Visit the Jantar Mantar Royal Observatory, and the neighbouring City Palace, housing a fabulous collection of Rajasthani and Mughal art. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet the ladies of the Pink City Rickshaw Company, dedicated to empowering women from low-income households. Continue your exploration of Jaipur with Insight Choice. Choose to take part in a demonstration of the art of Mehndi, the traditional henna body painting. Alternatively, learn a few new moves at an energetic Bollywood dance class. Tonight, join a local family to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Get involved in the preparations for Lakshmi Puja by lighting oil lamps around the house, to invite the goddess Lakshmi to come home. Learn how to prepare traditional meals by watching a cooking demonstration before feasting on a delicious dinner.
Day 7: The Pink City
Start your day with a yoga session led by a female guru and explore the deeper meaning of yoga postures, breathing techniques, and the importance of harmony between body, mind and spirit. Explore Jaipur with Insight Choice. Choose to go on a walking tour in the bazaars where you will meet the colourful characters involved in gem-polishing, tie die or bangle-making as well as the world-renowned pickle makers. Alternatively, visit a Blue Pottery workshop and see how this characteristic local pottery is made. In the late afternoon, ascend the hilltop Amber Fort by jeep and experience India’s spiritual majesty with a special Hindu blessing ceremony. Feel like royalty as you dine at the opulent 1135 AD Restaurant and savour mouthwatering Rajasthani cuisine accompanied by impeccable service.
Day 8: Chandelao and the Blue City of Jodhpur
Meet the female artisans of the Sunder Rang Arts and Crafts Project in Chandelao village, producing traditional Rajasthani textiles and handicrafts. The workshop enables and empowers women to earn a fair living through developing their craft skills and providing a sustainable income. After your lunch, continue to the Blue City of Johdpur and tonight take a stroll through the Ghanta Ghar, the clock tower market. Perhaps pick up some Mathania chilis or flavoured teas and try some lassi.
Day 9: Exploring Jodhpur
This morning, venture to a nearby village and meet the Bishnoi people, who for 500 years have protected nature to ensure the survival of endangered species like the majestic black buck antelope. On your return to Jodhpur, visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and see the marble cenotaph of Jaswant Thada. In the afternoon, meet an astrologer and learn about the importance of the influence of planets. Indulge in a Highlight Dinner at Khaas Bagh, a worthy tribute to the legendary lifestyle of princely India surrounded by handpicked memorabilia of the Raj Period that include a fleet of dazzling vintage cars.
Day 10: Ranakpur And Udaipur
Travel to Ranakpur to explore the elaborate carvings and classic architecture of the Jain Temples before meeting a priest and attending a special prayer ceremony. Enjoy an al fresco lunch served under a 300-year-old banyan tree at Mountbatten Lodge, a unique boutique hotel in the wilderness. Continue to Udaipur. Founded in the 16th century, the city is set around a series of artificial lakes and surrounded by the ridges of the Aravalli Hills.
Day 11: Explore Udaipur Relaxed Start
Explore the City Palace complex, visit the Jagdish Temple and explore the Garden of the Maids of the Honour. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Seva Mandir Organization, working to empower women by building stronger and more ethical communities. Wander through the bazaars to see the spice and textile markets and later cruise the serene waters of Lake Pichola. Tonight, experience Bedla hospitality at your Celebration Dinner. The Bedla Family had the distinction of serving their cuisine to Queen Elizabeth II, Jacqueline Kennedy and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Hear their fascinating stories and enjoy excellent entertainment while dining on superb culinary delights and toasting to your journey in incredible India.
Day 12: Fly to Delhi
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you fly to Delhi and your journey comes to an end. For your onward travels please schedule your flight after 21:00 from Delhi.