Day 1 Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi at any time.
Day 2 Delhi
Visit Delhi's Jama Masjid, the largest Mosque in India and wander through the Chandni Chowk in old Delhi. View the imposing India Gate and marvel at the splendour of Connaught Place.
Day 3 Agra
Visit the Taj Mahal - an icon of Mughal architecture - either in the early morning or late afternoon. Be sure to bring lots of film!
Day 4 - 5 Orcha
Travelling via the fortress town of Gwalior, we retreat to the peaceful riverside town of Orchha. The stunning, near impregnable Gwalior fort complex with its stunning blue-tile work will make you feel like a dot. In Orchha explore the many temples and palaces spread along the river and surrounding countryside.
Day 6 Bhopal
Bhopal, the city of Lakes is the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is a fascinating amalgam of scenic beauty, old historic city and modern urban planning.
Day 7-9 Mandu
Mandu, or Mandavgarh, is a ruined city in the Dhar district. This fortress town on a rocky outcrop about 100 km (60 miles) from Indore is celebrated for its fine stone architecture.
Day 10 Bandhavgarh National Park
The thick forest of Bandhavgarh National Park sits in a bowl encircled by cliffs and wooded Vindhyan mountains, and its plains have a number of grass and reed covered wetlands where Kingfishers dive and Egrets sit poised, hunch-backed, in the shallows. Up above, vultures nestle in holes in the sheer cliffs.
Day 11 Khajuraho
One of the most popular tourist destinations in India, Khajuraho is home to India’s largest group of medieval Hindu temples, famous for their erotic sculptures depicting scenes from the Kama Sutra.
Day 12-14 Varanasi
Journey to legendary Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city. Walk the narrow twisting alleys, explore some of the thousands of temples and shrines, and experience the mystical energy of the dawn bathing and burial rituals. In the evening of day 14 we take the overnight train to Delhi.
Day 15-16 Kochi (Cochin)
Small islands full of Portuguese and Dutch history, all connected by wooden ferries, welcome you to Fort Kochi. The oldest church in India sits near mosques, synagogues and English manor homes. Feast on Keralan food and enjoy a performance of Kathakali dancing.
Day 17 Nilgiri Hills
Climb into the misty Nilgiri, or Blue Mountains, covered in tea plantations, grape gardens and eucalyptus trees. Hike through the plantations, learn how tea is grown and travel on the famous Blue Mountain railway.
Day 18 Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Spend the night at the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary provides one of the most important refuges for the elephant and bison in India.
Day 19-20 Mysore
Mysore is a popular destination for spiritual tourism. Join the pilgrims at Chamundi Hills, with its Chamundeswari Temple on top and Nandi the Bull below. You may also want to shop for silks and sandalwood.
Day 21-22 Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Discover another of India’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the 7th century Shore Temple by bicycle or on foot. Later, relax with a cold Indian beer on the beach.
Day 23 Thanjavur (Tanjore)/Tiruchirapalli (Trichy)
Travel to the famous temple cities of Thanjavur and Tiruchirapalli. In Thanjavur, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Brihadeeswara Temple, and discover the architecture of the Chola Empire. In Trichy, climb the Rock Fortress for a view over the city and river or visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam) and gaze over the largest temple complex in the world.
Day 24 Madurai
Travel to busy and colourful Madurai. Join a guided tour of the temple complex, shop and try one of Madurai’s popular sweet drinks.
Day 25-26 Periyar Tiger Reserve
Travel past plantations of spice, tea, rubber and coffee before entering the realm of one of India’s most enduring symbols, the tiger. Periyar is another one of the few habitats remaining for wild tigers in the world.
Day 27 Kerala Backwaters Homestay
Slip silently through sleepy canals on a boat, as the timeless landscape of Kerala’s backwaters slides by. Savour this idyllic region where boats are the main transport on our Backwater Homestay - a great chance to meet, talk and eat with the people who live here.
Day 28 Depart Kochi (Cochin)
Travel back to our starting point at Fort Kochi and depart.
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