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Colonial India & Backwater

0/5
Duration

13 Nights / 14 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Discover the captivating fusion of history, spirituality, colonial legacy, and natural beauty in this carefully curated journey through India. From the Mughal grandeur of Delhi and the mystical ghats of Varanasi to the colonial charms of Kolkata and Chennai, every city tells a different story. Walk through French quarters in Pondicherry, glide through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters, and end amidst Mumbai’s blend of British-era monuments and modern skyscrapers. This journey offers a perfect balance of cultural immersion, historical discovery, and serene relaxation.

Highlights

  • Explore iconic landmarks: Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb.
  • Experience spiritual Varanasi: Sunrise boat ride and evening Ganga Aarti.
  • Discover colonial cities: Kolkata’s Victoria Memorial, Chennai’s Fort St. George & Pondicherry’s French quarters.
  • Relax on Kerala's backwaters: Overnight houseboat cruise in Alleppey.
  • Conclude in Mumbai: Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves & Prince of Wales Museum.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 41.4%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 40.0%
4 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 48.6%
5 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 46.3%
6 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 53.4%
9 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 51.1%
10 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 56.5%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

• Arrival at Delhi International Airport.
• Traditional Indian welcome by our representative.
• Private transfer to your luxury hotel.
• Rest of the day at leisure to acclimate or enjoy optional spa treatments.
• Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi Full-Day Sightseeing

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Old Delhi exploration:
• Red Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site, exterior visit).
• Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque.
• Rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk’s vibrant bazaar.
• Visit Asia's largest spice market - Khari Baoli.
• Pay homage at Raj Ghat, Gandhi’s memorial.
• New Delhi discovery:
• Humayun's Tomb, Mughal architectural masterpiece.
• Qutub Minar, tallest brick minaret.
• Lotus Temple (Baháʼí House of Worship).
• Drive past Presidential Palace, Parliament House, and India Gate.
• Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Day 3: Delhi – Varanasi (By Flight)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Private transfer to airport for flight to Varanasi.
• Arrival and transfer to hotel.
• Evening visit to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the spectacular Ganga Aarti — a powerful spiritual ceremony with chanting, fire lamps, and music.
• Overnight at hotel in Varanasi.

Day 4: Varanasi Spiritual Immersion

• Early morning boat ride on the sacred Ganges to witness sunrise rituals.
• Visit famous ghats including Assi, Manikarnika (cremation ghat), and Darbhanga.
• Return to hotel for breakfast.
• Visit Banaras Hindu University, Bharat Mata Temple, and Tulsi Manas Mandir.
• Afternoon excursion to Sarnath — site of Buddha’s first sermon, including Dhamekh Stupa and Ashokan Pillar.
• Overnight at hotel in Varanasi.

Day 5: Varanasi – Kolkata (By Flight)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Private transfer to airport for flight to Kolkata.
• Arrival in Kolkata and transfer to hotel.
• Rest of the day at leisure or optional evening walk along the Hooghly River.
• Overnight at hotel in Kolkata.

Day 6: Kolkata Colonial Heritage Tour

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Fort William, Victoria Memorial (museum inside), and Netaji Bhawan.
• Stop at the famous Howrah Bridge — India’s busiest cantilever bridge.
• Visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple on the Hooghly riverbank.
• Optional evening tram ride through old Kolkata streets.
• Overnight at hotel in Kolkata.

Day 7: Kolkata – Chennai (By Flight)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Transfer to airport for flight to Chennai.
• Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.
• Half-day sightseeing: Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
• Drive along Marina Beach and visit Santhome Cathedral.
• Overnight at hotel in Chennai.

Day 8: Chennai – Pondicherry (Drive: 235 kms)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Enroute visit:
• Kanchipuram temples: Kailasanathar, Ekambareswarar, Varadharaja, Kamakshi Amman.
• Mahabalipuram: Five Rathas, Krishna's Butterball, Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance.
• Continue drive to Pondicherry and check in at hotel.
• Evening stroll through French Quarter.
• Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 9: Pondicherry – Chennai (Drive: 160 kms)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Morning visit Auroville and Matrimandir (exterior view).
• Explore Pondicherry Museum and colonial French architecture.
• Visit vibrant Tamil and French neighborhoods, Raj Nivas, French Consulate.
• Later, drive back to Chennai.
• Overnight at hotel in Chennai.

Day 10: Chennai – Cochin (By Flight)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Transfer to airport and fly to Cochin.
• On arrival, transfer to hotel.
• City tour of Fort Cochin:
• St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace.
• Evening enjoy a live Kathakali dance performance.
• Overnight at hotel in Cochin.

Day 11: Cochin – Alleppey (Drive: 60 kms)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Private transfer to Alleppey to board your private luxury houseboat.
• Cruise Kerala’s famous backwaters: palm-lined canals, paddy fields, and fishing villages.
• Observe local life from the comfort of your floating suite.
• Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala cuisine onboard.
• Lunch, dinner & overnight aboard houseboat.

Day 12: Alleppey – Cochin – Mumbai (By Flight)

• Breakfast on houseboat.
• Disembark and transfer to Cochin Airport for flight to Mumbai.
• Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.
• Free time to explore Mumbai’s nearby markets or Marine Drive.
• Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 13: Mumbai Full-Day City Tour

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Gateway of India.
• Excursion by ferry to Elephanta Caves (UNESCO Site, closed on Mondays).
• Drive past CST Station (UNESCO World Heritage), Parliament House.
• Visit Dhobi Ghat (world’s largest open-air laundry).
• Explore Prince of Wales Museum (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya).
• Leisure time at Marine Drive.
• Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 14: Mumbai – Departure

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Transfer to airport for onward international flight.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 13 Nights' accommodation in 5-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast at all hotels.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Delhi - Varanasi - Kolkata - Chennai - Cochin - Mumbai flight fare approx. INR 25,500 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Q: What kind of hotel accommodation is included in the package price?
We provide accommodation at carefully selected 5-star hotels as part of the tour package. Hotels are chosen for their comfort, quality service, and prime locations to enhance your overall travel experience. In regions where luxury options may be limited, the best available quality properties, boutique retreats, heritage hotels, or eco-resorts are provided. If a listed hotel is unavailable, a similar standard property will be offered.

Hotels used or similar for 13 nights accommodation:
5 Star Hotels / Best Available
Delhi – 2 Nights: Le Meridien OR The Grand New Delhi
Varanasi – 2 Nights: Ramada JHV OR Radisson Hotel
Kolkata – 2 Nights: ITC Sonar, a Luxury Collection OR The Lalit Great Eastern
Chennai – 2 Nights: Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai OR Hilton Chennai
Pondicherry – 1 Night: Palais De Mahe OR La Villa (Best Available)
Cochin – 1 Night: Kochi Marriott Hotel OR Xandari Harbour
Alleppey – 1 Night: Premium Houseboat (Full-Time AC, Best Available)
Mumbai – 2 Nights: Trident Hotel OR President, Mumbai - IHCL SeleQtions

Q: Can I request a specific hotel or upgrade the hotel category?

Yes, we offer flexibility to upgrade hotels to luxury five-star or boutique properties at an additional cost, subject to availability. You can also request specific hotels during the booking process, and we will do our best to accommodate your preference.

Q: Are breakfast and other meals included at the hotels?

Breakfast is generally included with hotel stays unless stated otherwise. Lunch and dinner are optional and can be added to your package upon request. You can also explore local dining during the tour.

Q: Will I get confirmation for the exact hotels before my trip?

Yes, once your booking is confirmed, we will share the final list of hotel names and contact details along with your tour confirmation documents.

Q: I’m looking for a more budget-friendly tour. Can you provide prices with standard or 4-star hotels?

Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has different preferences and budgets. If you prefer standard accommodation or 4-star hotel options instead of the default 5-star hotels, we can customize the tour and provide a tailored quote based on your requirements.

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