Independent Highlights of Northern & Southern India
Independent Highlights of Northern & Southern India
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:
Tour code:
IAI3-2024
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
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Accommodation
Stay at Le Meridien New Delhi, Trident Agra, Trident Jaipur, Trident Nariman Point Mumbai, Trident Cochin, and Kumarakom Lake Resort.
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Meals
Breakfast daily; 6 lunches; 2 dinners.
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Guided Sightseeing
Private guided sightseeing tours in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Kochi, and Kumarakom.
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Transportation
Flights from Jaipur to Mumbai and Mumbai to Kochi.
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Excursions
Excursion to Elephanta Island to visit the Elephanta Caves.
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Special Visits
Visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise, Agra Fort, Amber Fort, and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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Local Experiences
Rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, visit to Ladli training program, and witnessing Mumbai's tiffen lunch box delivery system.
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Cruise
Private afternoon cruise on the backwaters of Kerala.
What's Not Included
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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
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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.
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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.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes breakfast daily, 6 lunches, and 2 dinners.
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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.
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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.
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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.'
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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.
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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
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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.
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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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