Independent Highlights of Northern & Southern India

Independent Highlights of Northern & Southern India

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Independent Highlights of Northern & Southern India

14 Days Starting in Delhi, India and ending in Kumarakom, India

Visiting: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Kochi, Kumarakom

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

IAI3-2024

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Eclectic temples and imposing forts. Pristine wildlife refuges and lively metropolises. Pink cities and golden triangles. Fairytale monuments and tantalizing cuisine. There’s no better introduction to India than this incredible Globus Independent tour . Tour bustling Mumbai and witness its tiffin lunch box delivery system and visit the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. You’ll also explore the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the highlights of Kochi and cruise the backwaters of Kerala to witness life along the scenic and serene waterways. Enjoy the I-time you crave with free time and optional excursions to experience this fascinating destination in your own way.

Highlights

  • Drive to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace in Delhi.

  • Take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar in Delhi.

  • Visit Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, and Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi.

  • Special visit to the captivating Taj Mahal at sunrise in Agra.

  • Explore the City Palace Museum and visit Jantar Mantar in Jaipur.

  • Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan” in Jaipur.

  • Excursion to Elephanta Island to visit the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mumbai.

  • Private afternoon cruise on the backwaters of Kerala in Kumarakom.

Places You'll See

Le Meridien New Delhi

Trident, Agra

Trident, Jaipur

Trident, Nariman Point

The Fern - Ecotel Cochin

Kumarakom Lake Resort

Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal, India

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Delhi,India

Location: Delhi

Accommodation Name: Le Meridien New Delhi

Welcome to India! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.ARRIVE IN DELHI, INDIAWelcome to India! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2: Delhi

Location: Delhi

Accommodation Name: Le Meridien New Delhi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DELHI• Your private guided sightseeing tour starts with a drive to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. • Take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling goods and souvenirs—from silver and saris to spices and electronics. (B,L)

Day 3: Delhi,Agra

Location: Delhi

Accommodation Name: Le Meridien New Delhi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DELHI–AGRA• This morning, explore Delhi on a private guided tour. Start at Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret constructed in the early 13th Century. • Visit Humayun’s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). • After lunch, drive to Agra, a city where much of the city’s impressive past is still evident in the majesty of her buildings.(B,L)

Day 4: Agra

Location: Agra

Accommodation Name: Trident, Agra

Meals Included: Breakfast

AGRA• Meet your Local Guide for a special visit to the captivating Taj Mahal at sunrise. This extravagant marble monument was built by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. • In the afternoon, a private guided tour brings you to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Moghul Emperor Akbar, this impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces.(B)Today's I-Time TipsExplore more on your own or join an optional excursion to Itmad-ud-Daula, the city’s beautiful “Baby Taj.”

Day 5: Agra,Jaipur

Location: Jaipur

Accommodation Name: Trident, Agra

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

AGRA–JAIPUR• Today, drive to Jaipur, often referred to as the “Pink City.” • After lunch, visit Jantar Mantar and explore the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes. • Lastly, visit Ladli, a training program teaching orphaned and destitute children valuable skills to keep them off the streets. Here learn about the project, interact with the children, and help them practice their English skills. (B,L)

Day 6: Jaipur

Location: Jaipur

Accommodation Name: Trident, Jaipur

Meals Included: Breakfast

JAIPUR• Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan.” This fortress-palace was built entirely of white marble and red sandstone, and features intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror works. (B)Today's I-Time TipsJoin a guide for a walking tour through old Jaipur.

Day 7: Jaipur,Mumbai

Location: Mumbai

Accommodation Name: Trident, Jaipur

Meals Included: Breakfast

JAIPUR–MUMBAI• Fly to Mumbai, a multicultural metropolis with a fascinating history. This vibrant city is now India’s premier seaport, center of culture and industry, and home to the “Bollywood” movie industry.(B)

Day 8: Mumbai

Location: Mumbai

Accommodation Name: Trident, Nariman Point

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

MUMBAI• Your private guided sightseeing starts with an orientation for photos at some of the city’s famous sites, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India. • Then, witness Mumbai’s fascinating tiffen lunch box delivery system. At Churchgate Station, the dabbawalas (box carriers) transfer the lunch boxes onto a wooden cart on a local train. Board the train for the short ride to Mahalaxmi Station where you’ll disembark and watch the boxes being sorted by color for final delivery. • Lastly, stop to see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. (B,L)

Day 9: Mumbai

Location: Mumbai

Accommodation Name: Trident, Nariman Point

Meals Included: Breakfast

MUMBAI• Today, enjoy an excursion to Elephanta Island to visit the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to the mid-5th century.• Start with a ferry ride to the island where you’ll have ample time to explore the seven caves rock cut caves and the carvings and sculptures within them. One of the highlights is the beautiful Sadashiva, which represents three aspects of Shiva: the creator, the preserver, and the destroyer.(B)

Day 10: Mumbai,Kochi

Location: Kochi

Accommodation Name: Trident, Cochin

Meals Included: Breakfast

MUMBAI–KOCHI• Today, fly to Kochi, the “Gateway to Kerala,” India’s southernmost state known for its natural beauty. (B)

Day 11: Kochi

Location: Kochi

Accommodation Name: Trident, Cochin

Meals Included: Breakfast

KOCHI• Your private guided sightseeing tour starts with a visit to the Chinese fishing nets that are the livelihood of many fishermen in the area. You’ll also take a walk through the Jewish Quarter.• Then, visit the Kerala Folklore Museum, which aims to educate people about the unique culture and heritage of South India. (B)

Day 12: Kochi,Kumarakom

Location: Kumarakom

Accommodation Name: Kumarakom Lake Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

KOCHI–KUMARAKOM• Today, drive out of the city and embark on an unforgettable private afternoon cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. Explore and witness local life along these serene waterways surrounded by lush palm trees and paddy fields.• Transfer to your lakeside resort.(B,L,D)

Day 13: Kumarakom

Location: Kumarakom

Accommodation Name: Kumarakom Lake Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

KUMARAKOM• A full day at leisure to explore the area or enjoy resort amenities. (B,L,D)Today's I-Time TipsConsider a trip to visit a local village, relax by the pool, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment.

Day 14: Kumarakom

Location: Kumarakom

Accommodation Name: Kumarakom Lake Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

KUMARAKOMYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at Le Meridien New Delhi, Trident Agra, Trident Jaipur, Trident Nariman Point Mumbai, Trident Cochin, and Kumarakom Lake Resort.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily; 6 lunches; 2 dinners.

  • Guided Sightseeing

    Private guided sightseeing tours in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Kochi, and Kumarakom.

  • Transportation

    Flights from Jaipur to Mumbai and Mumbai to Kochi.

  • Excursions

    Excursion to Elephanta Island to visit the Elephanta Caves.

  • Special Visits

    Visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise, Agra Fort, Amber Fort, and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

  • Local Experiences

    Rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, visit to Ladli training program, and witnessing Mumbai's tiffen lunch box delivery system.

  • Cruise

    Private afternoon cruise on the backwaters of Kerala.

What's Not Included

  • Taj Mahal Closure

    The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

    In these instances, it will be visited in the morning prior to transferring to Jaipur.

  • Elephanta Caves Closure

    Elephanta Caves is closed on Mondays.

    Mumbai sightseeing days will be flipped in these instances.

UNESCO Sites

Agra Fort|Amber Fort|Elephanta Caves|Humayun's Tomb|Jaipur Walled City|Jantar Mantar|Qutab Minar|Taj Mahal

Meals

Breakfast daily; 6 lunches; 2 dinners

Notes

The Taj Mahal is closed to visitors on Fridays. In this instance, we will visit on the morning before transferring to Jaipur.

Elephanta Caves are closed on Mondays. In this case, we will exchange this visit with Mumbai sightseeing.

Accommodation

Delhi: Le Meridien New Delhi, Agra: Trident, Agra, Jaipur: Trident, Jaipur, Mumbai: Trident, Nariman Point, Kochi: Trident, Cochin, Kumarakom: Kumarakom Lake Resort

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The tour includes stays at first-class hotels such as Le Meridien in Delhi, Trident in Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Kochi, and the Kumarakom Lake Resort in Kumarakom.

  • Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Elephanta Caves, Humayun's Tomb, Jaipur Walled City, Jantar Mantar, Qutab Minar, and the Taj Mahal.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes breakfast daily, 6 lunches, and 2 dinners.

  • What happens if the Taj Mahal or Elephanta Caves are closed on the scheduled visit day?

    If the Taj Mahal is closed on a Friday, it will be visited in the morning before transferring to Jaipur. If Elephanta Caves is closed on a Monday, the Mumbai sightseeing days will be flipped.

  • What activities are included in the Delhi portion of the tour?

    In Delhi, the tour includes a private guided sightseeing tour with visits to the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. You will also take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk and visit Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Agra?

    In Agra, you will visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and take a private guided tour of Agra Fort. There is also an optional excursion to Itmad-ud-Daula, known as the 'Baby Taj.'

  • What are the highlights of the Jaipur visit?

    In Jaipur, you will visit Jantar Mantar, the City Palace Museum, and Ladli, a training program for orphaned and destitute children. You will also visit the Amber Fort and have the option to join a walking tour through old Jaipur.

  • What unique experiences are included in the Mumbai portion of the tour?

    In Mumbai, the tour includes an orientation for photos at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India, witnessing the tiffen lunch box delivery system, visiting a traditional Dhobi Ghat, and exploring Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. There is also an excursion to Elephanta Island to visit the Elephanta Caves.

  • What activities are planned in Kochi?

    In Kochi, the tour includes a visit to the Chinese fishing nets, a walk through the Jewish Quarter, and a visit to the Kerala Folklore Museum.

  • What can I do during the leisure day in Kumarakom?

    In Kumarakom, you have a full day at leisure to explore the area or enjoy resort amenities. You can consider a trip to visit a local village, relax by the pool, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

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