24 Day The Grand India Premium Small Group Tour

Welcome to India and the country's cosmopolitan capital, New Delhi!

On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), you will be met in the arrivals hall by a local representative and transferred by private vehicle to your luxury 5-star hotel located in the heart of this dynamic city. 

Today is at your leisure with time to relax and explore on your own.

Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.

Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before meeting your guide and fellow travellers in the hotel lobby for a full day exploration of this incredible city. 

Begin your day with a guided tour of New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind.  Enjoy a photo stop at the imposing India Gate, drive past the Parliament buildings and the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President’s residence) and visit a step well in very close vicinity of India Gate “Agrasen ki Baoli”. 

Later we drive to visit Gandhi Smriti, Mahatma Gandhi spent his last 144 days in this mansion and today it is converted into a National Memorial. Proceed to Humayun’s tomb, the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun and today a World Heritage Site. It was the first great example of a new distinctive style, which developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. 

Following our tour of New Delhi, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant then later continue with a guided tour of the Old city of Shahjahanabad. Walk past the Red Fort and through the main street of Chandni Chowk visiting Jain temple from outside and to Sikh temple. We then proceed to Paranthe wali Gali, Kinari Bazar, a colourful spice market of Old city where your guide will show you the hundreds of colourful spices that are used in everyday Indian cuisine and take an opportunity to taste the local snacks at one of these shops. 

Following your tour, return to your hotel late this afternoon for an evening at leisure. 

After breakfast you will be driven to the Mughal city of Agra arriving early afternoon. 

Upon arrival, check into your hotel with time to freshen up before we head out on a guided tour of the city. 

Our first stop is the impressive UNESCO World Heritage site of Agra Fort. This historical fort was built by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD from sandstone as a majestic ode to the magnificence of the Mughal empire. It served as the main residence of the rulers of the Mughal dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi.  

No visit is complete without a stop at the Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, this masterpiece in marble and one of the world’s most famous landmarks. Enjoy a guided tour of this incredible complex as the sun sets over the city, then return to your hotel for an evening of leisure.

For those wishing to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, an optional guided tour is available. Please refer to the below description for more information. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and later you will be driven to Ranthambore National Park at Sawai Madhopur arriving late this afternoon. En route, we stop for lunch at a local restaurant before arriving at our hotel late this afternoon located a 10 minute drive from the famous park gates. 

Once considered as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambore National Park is a major wildlife tourist attraction that has drawn the attention of many wildlife photographers and lovers offering a huge variety of wild animals including tigers, leopards and marsh crocodiles.

Enjoy an included dinner this evening at the hotel and be sure to have an early night in preparation for your incredible safari experience that awaits you tomorrow! 

Wake up early today to undertake an experience you’ll never forget, a thrilling jungle safari in open top roof canters through Ranthambore National Park. Drive to the dense jungle of Ranthambore for tiger tracking and bird watching accompanied by a naturalist guide. The scrub woodlands of Ranthambore were the erstwhile hunting reserve of Maharajas of Jaipur. Today, it is a sanctuary for India’s exotic wildlife, and famous for spotting the majestic predator – the tiger. The park is also home to a large variety of other animals, including sambar deer, panthers, marsh crocodiles, jungle cats, civets, wild boar, sloth bears and leopards, as well as being a birdwatcher’s delight with more than 250 species nesting there. 

Following the visit, return to your hotel for breakfast and spend the rest of the morning relaxing and enjoying the facilities of the hotel. 

After lunch, we head back to Ranthambore National Park for an afternoon safari with your naturalist guide. The afternoon gives you a different perspective on the wildlife as the sun begins to set and the nocturnal animals become more active. 

After your game drive, we return to the hotel for dinner. 

Please note: Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve opens from 1st October and closes on 30th June each year. During the months of July to September, gates 6 - 10 remain open and all wildlife drives will occur via these gates only. In cases of heavy rainfall, wildlife drives can be cancelled by the Forest Department without notice.

This morning, an additional optional game drive can be booked. Please refer to the below description for more information. 

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Jaipur arriving early this afternoon. On arrival we check into our Inspiring Stay, a beautifully restored early 19th Century Palace which offers a magical experience of the bygone regal era of Rajasthan to its guests.

Jaipur, one of the most enticing places in India, is nestled between mighty forts and the rugged Aravalli Hills. It is known as ‘the pink city’ as its prominent buildings are washed in this colour. Founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727, Jaipur is steeped in Rajput history and is characterised by sites such as the City Palace with its astronomical Observatory, Hawa Mahal and the beautiful Amber Fort. 

In the evening, an Inspiring Taste awaits as we drive to a local house to experience the art of authentic Indian cooking.  Get yourself acquainted with Indian spices and local Rajasthani cuisine as your host will demonstrate how to cook an Indian dish.  You can also join in preparing ingredients and participate in cooking then all enjoy your efforts over dinner together. 

An exciting day awaits you on a full day of discovery of the beautiful “Pink City'' with your guide. Begin your sightseeing tour with a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with lattice screens, domes and spires. The town around Amber Fort consists of beautiful small temples and a step well called Panna Meena. Amer was a flourishing settlement originally occupied by the Meena tribe. Explore this atmospheric ancient town as you pass numerous local shops selling traditional sweets, historic temples, havelis, and water harvesting structures amidst the natural beauty of Aravali Mountain range with your guide. Continue your sightseeing tour with a visit to the fabulous Amber Fort. At the foot of the hill, you will be taken by jeep up to the main gate and tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for the excellence of its design and decoration

Following our visit, we stop for lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the exquisite City Palace, a synthesis of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, consisting of an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces. The Museum has a collection of Rajasthani costumes, armoury of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiselled handles.  Later, visit the Royal Observatory also known as “Jantar Mantar”, a stone astronomical and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century before returning back to your beautiful Haveli for an evening of relaxation. 

An optional sound and light show at Amber Fort is available this evening. Please refer to the below description for more information. 

Enjoy breakfast in the beautiful surrounds of your heritage Haveli, then we embark on a morning heritage walk in the pink city. 

Starting from the massive Tripolia Gate, make your way through the bustling lanes of Jaipur as you walk past the beautiful old temples and painted havelis. Wander through the streets as you see some of the gorgeous temples on both side of the roads dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman, and the many forms of Lord Krishna. Appreciate the beautiful murals on their exterior walls as you continue to the big terracotta red building called the Jaipur College. Proceed through the narrow alleys seeing a collection of textiles, utensils, wedding attires and street food vendors. Choose to stay to continue exploring on your own and do some last minute shopping, or return back to your Haveli where the afternoon is yours to relax, unwind, and take in your last day in Jaipur. 

This evening, we gather for a special dinner at a typical Jaipurian restaurant.

Enjoy breakfast this morning before we transfer to the airport for our included flight to Delhi. 

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel located close to the airport where the rest of the day is at leisure.  

After breakfast at the hotel you will be transferred to the airport with your group continuing to the South for your included flight to Kochi. 

Welcome to Kochi, also known as Cochin! Situated in the coastal state of Kerala in southwest India, Kochi has served as a prominent port since 1341, when its harbour was formed by a flood, attracting traders from Arab, Chinese, and European origins. The city boasts a rich tapestry of cultural influences, evident in landmarks such as Fort Kochi, characterised by colonial-style bungalows and various places of worship. One of the iconic features of Kochi is its cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, a traditional method of fishing that has endured for centuries.

Upon your arrival, a local representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel, conveniently situated in the heart of the city.

The remainder of the day is yours to relax and unwind in the comforts of your hotel or to venture out and explore the town at your leisure 

In the morning you will meet your local guide and fellow travellers for the southern portion of your journey. .

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel this morning, we'll embark on a guided tour of Cochin. Our itinerary includes visits to the Portuguese-built Mattancherry Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue (please note it's closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Jewish holidays), and the Fort Cochin area. Later, we'll explore St. Francis Church (closed on Sundays during mass), renowned for holding the palm-leafed title deed presented by the Raja to the Portuguese in 1503. Don't miss the chance to witness the mesmerising beauty of Cochin's iconic Chinese fishing nets, a hallmark of this region and a testament to its rich Oriental influences. You can even try your hand at helping the fishermen haul in the day's catch at the Chinese fishing net.

After our tour, we'll return to the hotel, where the remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax and unwind before we embark on a harbour cruise at sunset.

Note: visitors to the Jewish Synagogue are expected to dress modestly. Entry will be refused to men and women wearing short pants or shorts, as well as t-shirts or blouses. Additionally, bare shoulders and exposed midriffs are not permitted inside the synagogue.

After breakfast, we will drive to Alleppey, arriving around mid-morning. Enjoy an Inspiring Stay as you board your deluxe houseboat for an overnight journey through the backwaters of the beautiful region. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board as you embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting backwaters. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to observe and immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the local villagers. Glide through the picturesque backwaters on traditional rice boats, soaking in the exotic scenery of Kerala. As the sun sets, the boat will anchor for the evening, where you can savour a freshly prepared dinner onboard before settling in for a tranquil night's rest.

Note: the houseboat will anchor at dusk in a wide waterway for the night as the backwaters close to boat traffic at this time due to local fishing nets being cast into the backwaters. Your deluxe houseboat offers private facilities and air conditioning in each cabin. Air conditioning is only operational from 9pm to 7am.

Following breakfast overlooking the backwaters, we'll disembark the houseboat at Alleppey jetty and proceed with our journey by road to the breathtaking paradise of Kumarakom. Here, the Vembanad Lake reflects the azure sky, while the verdant countryside is adorned with stunning shades of green from mangroves, coconut palms, and paddy fields.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel situated on the banks of the pristine Vembanad Lake, where the remainder of the day is yours to unwind and relax at your leisure.

In the evening, take a leisurely stroll to explore the town or visit the local market to discover wonderful handicrafts.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking to the green forests of Periyar in the Thekkady region. Thekkady -The heart of God's own country! Thekkady is located about 4 km from Kumily in Idukki district. The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations.

Later this afternoon witness a Kalaripayattu performance at a local theatre. It is believed to be perhaps the most ancient martial art forms & is derived from the words Kalari which means "place, threshing floor, or battlefield” and payattu which means to "exercise in arms, or practice. Following the performance we enjoy dinner of traditional Southern Indian cuisine  before retiring for the evening. 

This morning enjoy green walk (subject to weather conditions.) with a forest guide exploring the flora and fauna of this region. With many species of birds spotted here, the region is also an ornithologist's favourite.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in a walking tour of a local plantation, offering a firsthand experience of spice cultivation, growth, and processing. Gain insight into the region's significant role in the global spice market, and don't miss the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Kumily spice market in Thekkady.

Today, bid farewell to those guests returning to Kochi as we continue our journey, arriving in Madurai late in the afternoon. Madurai, situated on the banks of the Vaigai River in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, exudes energy and boasts a rich history. Dominating its skyline are the 14 vibrant gopurams (gateway towers) of the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Adorned with intricate carvings of Hindu deities, this Dravidian-style temple stands as a prominent pilgrimage destination.

Upon our arrival, we settle into our luxurious five-star hotel, where we have ample time to unwind before embarking on an evening excursion to the remarkable Meenakshi Temple. The Meenakshi Temple complex is akin to a city within itself, recognized as one of India's largest and oldest. Over the centuries, it has expanded through the contributions of various dynasties and victorious monarchs, sprawling over an impressive 65,000 square metres.

Radiating its spiritual essence upon worshippers, the Meenakshi Temple holds the distinction of being Madurai's oldest shrine, with roots dating back over 2500 years. Situated on the southern bank of the River Vaigai, it is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, also known as Meenakshi, the consort of Lord Shiva. Revered as Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, legend has it that this sacred site is where Lord Shiva (Sundareswarar) and Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi) solemnised their divine union. 

Following breakfast, embark on a local sightseeing excursion of Madurai. Known as a temple town and nestled along the banks of the River Vaigai, Madurai boasts a venerable history dating back to ancient times, even preceding the Christian era. Serving as the imperial capital of the Pandyan Empire during the 14th century AD, Madurai held prominence as a center of Tamil learning, hosting the final Tamil Sangam (Academy) nearly two millennia ago.

This tour encompasses visits to several notable landmarks, including the majestic Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, the enlightening Gandhi Museum, and the impressive Vaigai Dam.

Following our tour, return to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure. 

Indulge in a delightful breakfast at your hotel before we resume our journey towards Tanjore, with a stopover in Chettinad along the way. Situated in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, Chettinad showcases the state's rich heritage, captivating artistry, and magnificent architecture. Renowned not only as a temple town but also for its iconic Chettinad Cuisine, it holds a special place in Tamil Nadu's cultural repertoire.

Your sightseeing adventure in Chettinad will include visits to the exquisite Chettinad Palace and the intriguing Chettinad Museum, followed by lunch at Visalam.

Afterward, we will continue our journey to Tanjore, where upon arrival, you will check into our luxurious five-star hotel, your home for the next two nights.

Embark on a morning sightseeing excursion of Tanjore, a city steeped in history and cultural splendour. Once the imperial capital of the Chola dynasty, which held sway over South India, parts of Sri Lanka, and the Maldives Islands for four centuries (900 – 1300 AD), Tanjore bears testimony to a glorious past.

Under the patronage of the Chola emperors, who were renowned for their support of art, architecture, music, and literature, the city flourished. Throughout their reign, numerous magnificent temples adorned the kingdom, with Tanjore serving as the epicentre of their architectural marvels.

The highlight of Tanjore is the awe-inspiring Brihadeeswara Temple, commissioned by King Rajaraja Chola in A.D 1010, now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After a day of exploration, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast at the hotel to start your day before we set out on a morning drive to Pondicherry. Along the way, we will make stops to visit the remarkable Darasuram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temples.

Darasuram is renowned for its exquisite Airavatesvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures that offer a glimpse into its rich history. Join us as we explore this enchanting temple, immerse ourselves in the local culture, and uncover the hidden treasures of Darasuram.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple boasts the largest Shivlingam, the phallic form of Lord Shiva, in all of South India. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple features a four-metre-high lingam, encircled by two walls providing privacy for the Royal family during their prayers.

Upon arrival in Pondicherry late this afternoon, check in at the hotel for an Inspiring Stay unforgettable two-night stay in the heart of the "French Quarter".

Pondicherry, often referred to as 'The French Riviera of the East,' was once a French colony until its integration into India as a Union territory in 1954. The town continues to exude its distinctive French heritage through its colonial monuments, cuisine, language, customs, and traditions.

The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure, allowing you to stroll through the town and soak in its unique ambiance.

Indulge in a delightful buffet breakfast at the hotel to fuel your day ahead.

Embark on a guided morning walking tour of Pondicherry, exploring its charming streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant culture. Wander through the French Quarter, admiring the well-preserved colonial buildings, colourful houses, and tree-lined boulevards. Visit landmarks like the French War Memorial, Aurobindo Ashram, and the seaside promenade, soaking in the town's unique blend of French and Indian influences. Following our visit we enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. 

After the tour, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Take the opportunity to further explore Pondicherry's bustling markets, relax on the beaches, or indulge in its eclectic culinary scene.

Begin your day with a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel before we embark on a scenic drive to Chennai. 

En route, we'll visit the magnificent Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram. Situated on the Bay of Bengal shore, 58 kilometres south of Chennai, Mahabalipuram is renowned for its exquisite stone carvings. Once a bustling port city under the Pallava Empire, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a plethora of rock-cut monuments dating back to the 7th to 9th centuries AD.

Continue your journey to Chennai, where upon arrival, you'll check in at the hotel and unwind after your day of exploration.

Today marks your final day in India. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure. We hope you have made memories to last a lifetime.

Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.

If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.

Welcome home, we hope you had a truly inspiring vacation.