Embark on an incredible adventure to the South and North India & capture its glorious contrast. The difference lies not simply in the sights, but in the history, culture, people, food, language, tradition and also the movies, also variety of charming beaches, temples, desert, wildlife, adventure, forts and places, historical monuments, heritage cities, hill stations, pilgrimage, yoga and ayurveda.
The journey is bound to both enthrall and confuse you. On your tour to the North and South, get ready to revel in Rajasthan’s royal stories, Kerala’s lush green cover and lazy backwaters, Goa’s easy life, glory of Taj Mahal, enchanting boulders & temples of Karnataka , deciduous forests of Ranthambore, Erotic rock carvings of Khajuraho, Delhi’s hustle & bustle, Varanasi and Rishikesh’s sanctity to name a few. Each sector of South and North India offers something novel and unique to the traveler. North and South India tours are comprising of most fascinating tourist states and cities like Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Goa.
North and South india tours are spread out vertically, but thanks to accessibility to rail heads and airports, your journey can be as short or as long as you would like.
Day 01 Arrive Delhi (By Flight)
Arrive Delhi. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to pre-booked hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day 02 Delhi
After breakfast, city tour of New Delhi where ornate buildings recall the days when India was the Jewel in the crown of the British empire . Visit the 11th century Qutab Minar , India Gate and the grand government buildings, the President’s House , Red fort , Mahatama Gandhi Memorial , Also visit Laxmi Narayan temple popularly known as Birla Temple . Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03 Delhi – Jaipur (By Road) (250 Kms. / 4H 50M appx.)
After breakfast drive to Jaipur.
Upon arrival check in at hotel . After a short Rest proceed to visit City Palace , still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here. Also explore the different markets with colourful handicrafts.Overnight at hotel .
Day 04 Jaipur
Morning after breakfast city tour of Jaipur visiting Amber Fort Situated atop a hill overlooking the city, was the old capital before Jaipur was built. The Palace is laid out at different levels on the hillside and surrounded by a fortress. A ride on a decorated elephant to ascend the hill to the Palace is a thrilling experience for every visitor where a ride on the elephant is highlight of the tour. After lunch visit the Pink city because of the pink colour of the buildings, is picturesquely situated in the heart of Rajasthan surrounded on all sides except on the south by rugged hills crowned with medieval fortresses. Visit the Mubarak Hall, Chandra Mahal and Pothikhana which house a rare collection of paintings and manuscripts as well as the museum of Arms and Armoury. Also visit Jantar Mantar – Jai Singh’s observatory and the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds.Overnight at hotel .
Day 05 Jaipur – Abhaneri/Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (By Road) (256 Kms / 5.5 hrs)
After breakfast continue drive towards to Agra enroute visiting the Deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri , Fatehpur Sikri – Twenty seven miles from Agra , Akbar’s Capital where phantoms of ancient pomp and splendour fill a deserted city, silent witnesses to a vanished dream. The capital had to be abandoned by the emperor for lack of adequate water supply. The marble tomb of the Saint ‘Salim Chisti’ and the Bulland Durwaza, the highest gateway in the world, are some of the highlights of the place. Overnight at hotel .
Day 06 Agra
Morning at sunrise visit the world famous Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains, Also visit the Agra Fort, containing the Pearl Mosque – the rusty and majestic red – sandstone fort of Agra stands on the banks of the river Yamuna and the construction was started by Emperor Akbar in 1566. At the Diwan – I – Khas (hall of private audience) where marble pavilions with floral inlays lend an ethereal ambience, the Emperor sat on his gem – studded peacock Throne and met foreign ambassadors and rulers of friendly kingdoms. Also visit Itmad – up – Dau’s tomb, built by Noorjehan in memory of her father. Overnight at hotel .
Day 07 Agra – Gwalior – Orchha (By Road) (243 Kms. / 5H 10M appx.)
Morning after breakfast drive to Orchha.
On the way visit Gwalior.
Arrive Jhansi & drive to Orchha & transfer to hotel.
Later tour of this historical site with magnificient temples and monuments. Some of the palaces were decorated with painted murals which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting. Overnight at hotel .
Day 08 Orchha – Khajuraho (By Road) (180 Kms. / 4H 20M appx.)
After breakfast drive to Khajuraho. Khajuraho – the legendary temples of khajuraho are an incomparable experience. Acknowledged as one of the world’s artistic wonders, these temples dedicated to the Hindu pantheon of Gods are covered in carvings that are a paean to life and love. Built within a short span of a hundred years by the Chandela Rajputs, the 10th century temples lay forgotten until they were discovered in the present century. Khajuraho has achieved fame for the sensual appeal of its sculptures. Arrive Khajuraho and transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel .
Day 09 Khajuraho – Allahabad (By Road) (280 Kms. / 5H 30M appx.)
Morning city tour of Khajuraho visiting The fascinating temples of Khajuraho , India ‘s unique gift of love to the world, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, were built between 950 and 1050 A.D. The divine sculptures in these temples, are a tribute to Life itself, embodying everything that is sublime and spontaneous about it. The murals depict the life and times of the Chandelas, and celebrate the state of being. They not only testify to the mastery of the craftsman, but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs under whose reign, these temples were constructed. The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions : western, eastern and southern. After breakfast explore the Western, eastern and southern temples of khajuraho while your guide explains the intricate meaning and legends behind each describable sculpture. Overnight at hotel .
Day 10 Allahabad – Varanasi (By Road) (120 Kms. / 2H 30M appx.)
After breakfast, transfer to airport to board a short flight for Varanasi – said to be the India ‘s most sacred city situated on the western bank of the holy river Ganga . It is also the oldest living city in the world. As a place for devotion and worship, with hundreds of temples dotting the city , sunrise on the river front as seen from a boat can be a spiritually uplifting sight. It has a fascination uniquely its own, a quality of sublime beauty, a timeless eternal appeal. Varanasi is the city which cannot be described, only experienced. Arrive Varanasi and transfer to hotel. Later proceed for sight seeing of Varanasi (the oldest and holiest city of India ) covering Temples , Aurangazeb’s Mosque and one of the biggest university of India . Evening view “Aarti” ceremony on the Ghats. Overnight at hotel .
Day 11 Varanasi – Mumbai (By Flight)
Early morning boat ride on the holy river Ganges to view the religious activity at the bathing Ghats for an insight into the cultural background of India . It provides an absorbing spectacle of thousands of Hindus engaged in their ritual bathing. Later excursion to Sarnath, 10kms. East of Varanasi, is one of the Buddhism’s major centers of India . After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha came to Sarnath where he gave his first sermon. Today Sarnath is considered as one of the richest place to have antiques since the Ashoka period to the 12th century. Afternoon transfer to Airport in time to connect flight for Bombay.
Arrive, meet assist at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 Mumbai
After breakfast proceed for half day tour of Mumbai covering Gateway of India – The stone archway designed by Wittett in the 16th century Gujarati style, Prince of Whales Museum, Chowpatty Beach, Dhobhi Ghat – a vast outdoor laundry & Marine Drive .
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 13 Mumbai – Aurangabad (By Train)
Morning transfer visit of Mumbai.
After train station for train to Aurangabad.
Depart: 14:00 / Arrive: 20:00 (6 hours duration)
On arrival, transfer to hotel.
Overnight at Hotel
Aurangabad is a city in Maharashtra state, in India. It’s known for the 17th-century marble Bibi ka Maqbara shrine, styled on the Taj Mahal. The nearby Shivaji Maharaj Museum, dedicated to the Maratha king Shivaji, displays war weapons and a coin collection. North of the city, the Aurangabad Caves comprise ancient, rock-cut Buddhist shrines. West of the city, battlements surround the medieval Daulatabad Fort.
Day 14 Aurangabad – Ellora – Aurangabad (110 Kms. / 2H 30M – One Way)
After breakfast, full day excursion to Ellora Caves.
Overnight in Aurangabad.
These 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 km, were dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff, not far from Aurangabad, in Maharashtra. Ellora, with its uninterrupted sequence of monuments dating from A.D. 600 to 1000, brings the civilization of ancient India to life. Not only is the Ellora complex a unique artistic creation and a technological exploit but, with its sanctuaries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, it illustrates the spirit of tolerance that was characteristic of ancient India.
Day 15 Aurangabad – Ajanta – Aurangabad (58 Km/ 1H 30M – One Way)
After breakfast, full day excursion to Ajanta Caves.
Later, come back to Aurangabad and city tour of Aurangabad.
Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, Panchakki Historical Place, Soneri Mahal, Himayat Bagh.
Overnight in Aurangabad.
The first Buddhist cave monuments at Ajanta date from the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. During the Gupta period (5th and 6th centuries A.D.), many more richly decorated caves were added to the original group. The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta, considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, have had a considerable artistic influence.
Day 16 Aurangabad – Madurai (By Flight)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to Madurai.
On arrival, meet assist and transfer to the hotel.
Madurai is an energetic, ancient city on the Vaigai River in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Its skyline is dominated by the 14 colorful gopurams (gateway towers) of Meenakshi Amman Temple. Covered in bright carvings of Hindu gods, the Dravidian-style temple is a major pilgrimage site. Millions attend the processions and ceremonies of April’s Chithirai Festival celebrating Meenakshi and Lord Vishnu.
Day 17 Madurai
After breakfast, full day city tour of Madurai.
Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Alagar Kovil.
Evening, visit Meenakshi Amman Temple.
Overnight in Madurai.
Meenakshi Temple, is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwar, a form of Shiva. The temple is at the center of the ancient temple city of Madurai mentioned in the Tamil Sangam literature, with the goddess temple mentioned in 6th century CE texts.
Day 18 Madurai – Trichy (By Road) (132 Kms. / 2H 10M appx.)
After breakfast drive to Trichy.
Evening visit temples of Trichy one of the very ancient towns of Tamil Nadu, has many interesting relics of Pallay art ( 7th century A.D.) – only 6 miles away is the great temple of Srirangam – an island on the Cauvery. This is a massive temple with a 100 pillar hall highly decorated with carvings. Overnight at hotel.
Day 19 Trichy – Tanjore (By Road) (58 Kms. / 1H 10M appx.)
After breakfast drive to Tanjore. Afternoon sightseeing of Tanjore. Also called a city of temples, Tanjore is dotted with no fewer than 74 temples – the most famous of which is the Brihadeshwara temple. Visit this fascinating temple and the Thanjavur Palace.
Tanjore is once the capital of the Cholas, a powerful dynasty of the kings who ruled from the 10th to the 14th Centuries A.D. is to this day, a well known center of classical art and literature. Also visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library containing rare collections of ancient books and manuscripts in various languages on various subjects.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 20 Tanjore – Kumbakonam – Chidabaram – Pondicherry (178 Kms. / 4H)
After breakfast drive to Pondicherry.
Afternoon sightseeing of Pondicherry visiting This former French Colonial city in Tamil Nadu didn’t come under Indian rule until 1954. the ashram at Auroville, built by followers of Sri Aurobindo, a philosopher/prophet born in 1870. The International town where people of different countries reside belongs to humanity as a whole. Matrimandir the famous monument is constructed by the Auroville Society which represent the flower Lotus. Also visit 400 years old Manakula Vinayagar Temple which has several fresco paintings on the walls telling the life story of half human and half animal lord. You shall also visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram named after Sri Aurobindo, who was a National Leader, famous for his integral Yoga and philosophical literary works. A French lady, Madam Mirr Richard, followed his spiritual path and the Samadhi of both Sri Aurobindo and Mother are situated at main premises of the Ashram. Overnight at hotel.
Day 21 Pondicherry – Mahabalipruram (By Road) (97 Kms. / 2H 10M)
After breakfast drive to Mahabalipuram (100 kms/3 hrs). Afternoon brings you to the shore temples lashed by the sea. This is one of the early temples to be constructed in this area. The “Five Rathas”, a group of monolithic monuments and animal figures carved out of solid rock – aare almost like an artist’s experiment in variety of form. Later on relax on the beach.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 22 Mahabalipuram – Kanchipuram – Chennai (142 Km/ 2H 50M)
Morning excursion to Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram. Kanchipuram known as the Golden City of a Thousand Temples, is one of the oldest towns in India . It is famous for both its temples, many of them remarkably well preserved and for its hand – woven silks. Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of India and it is the only one associated with both Shiva and Vishnu. Visit Ekambareshwar Temple , Kailashnath Temple , Kamakshi Temple , the Vaikunthaperumal Temple , all built in the 7th and 8th centuries. With a weaving tradition dating back to the Pallava era (when silk was the royal cloth), Kanchipuram is justly famous for its particularly fine silk saris, embellished with stunning patterns. Visit the local homes of the weavers and watch them create magic out of silk thread into saris.
Mahabalipuram is a small, quiet seaside resort with a unique 7th century Shore Temple , a lovely beach and some of the most beautiful rock cut temples in the world. Situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal , Mahabalipuram was already a famous seaport in the 1st century AD. This, town was a workshop for temple building. Visit the seven pagoda style shore temples, lashed by the waves of the sea and the seven rathas or temple chariots, a group of monolithic monuments & animal figures carved out of solid rock, the earliest known examples of Dravidian architecture. They were constructed in a single century long burst of creative enthusiasm, starting in the reign of Narasimhavarman 1 (AD 63068). End the visit by photography of the beautiful Shore temples at sunset.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 23 Chennai
After breakfast Sightseeing of Chennai The capital of the state of Tamil Nadu and the cultural Gateway to South India , Chennai is in some respects unlike other Indian cities. The National Art Gallery, the Museum with some beautiful temple prizes and the finest collection of South Indian bronzes are quite interesting. St. Mary’s Church, Peoples Park and the beautiful Marina Beach which is the second longest beach in the world as well as the clock towers are worth visiting and evening see traditional Dances. Overnight at hotel.
Day 24 Depart Chennai (By Flight)
Departure transfer to Chennai airport for flight to onward destination.
| City | Night (s) | 5* Hotels |
| Delhi | 02 | Radisson Blu |
| Jaipur | 02 | Radisson Blu |
| Agra | 02 | Jaypee Palace |
| Orchha | 01 | Orchha Palace |
| Khajuraho | 01 | Radisson Blu |
| Allahabad | 01 | The Legend |
| Varanasi | 01 | Radisson Blu |
| Mumbai | 02 | Sun N Sand |
| Aurangabad | 03 | The Fern Residency |
| Madurai | 02 | Heritage Madurai |
| Trichy | 01 | Ramyas Hotel |
| Tanjore | 01 | Svatma Hotel |
| Pondicherry | 01 | The Promenade |
| Mahabalipuram | 01 | Radisson Blu Temple Bay |
| Chennai | 02 | Radisson Blu |
– Welcome to your arrival with garlands of fresh flowers.
– Meet to attend the airports / hotels by our office representative.
– 23 Nights in hotels accommodation.
– Daily breakfast and dinners.
– Local English / French / German / Italian / Spanish / Chinese / Russian speaking guide.
– 01 AC express train from Mumbai to Aurangabad.
– Varanasi – Mumbai & Aurangabad – Madurai domestic air ticket in economy class.
– Cover the entire main / main monuments and tourist attractions of each city.
– All transfers, sightseeing, excursions according to the program in private vehicle.
– Entrance tickets to the monuments as per the program.
– All taxes.
– Tips
– International Air Fare
– Visa Fees
– Travel Insurance
– Personal expenses and drinks.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.