Royal Rajasthan with Splendid South India Tour

Arrive at Delhi International Airport, where you will be met after completing the applicable arrival formalities. Transfer to the hotel by private vehicle and check in. Delhi provides an appropriate beginning to this extensive journey, with centuries of history visible across its old neighbourhoods, Mughal monuments and planned administrative districts.

The remainder of the day is kept flexible because arrival times can vary considerably. Travellers reaching Delhi earlier may take a short orientation drive through suitable areas of the capital, while those arriving after a long flight can use the afternoon and evening to rest at the hotel.

No essential monument sightseeing is dependent on the arrival day. This allows the following morning to be devoted properly to Delhi's major historical attractions before the journey begins moving towards Agra and Rajasthan. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Delhi.

After breakfast, begin with Jama Masjid, one of the principal surviving landmarks of Mughal Old Delhi. Continue through the historic surroundings of Chandni Chowk, where busy market lanes and traditional commercial neighbourhoods preserve a completely different urban character from the broad avenues of New Delhi. Proceed to Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.

Continue into New Delhi to see India Gate and the ceremonial avenue of Kartavya Path. Drive through the government district for exterior views of Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House from permitted public areas. Access and stopping arrangements in this part of the city remain subject to security and traffic restrictions.

Later, visit Humayun's Tomb, an important Mughal garden-tomb complex, before continuing to Qutub Minar and the surrounding monuments of the Qutub complex. The day's sightseeing covers several different periods of Delhi's architectural history and provides useful context for the Mughal monuments ahead in Agra. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Delhi.

After breakfast, check out and travel towards Sikandra, located on the outskirts of Agra. Visit Akbar's Tomb at Sikandra, the mausoleum of Emperor Akbar. The complex is entered through an elaborately decorated gateway and combines a formal garden plan with a distinctive multi-storeyed tomb structure.

Continue into Agra and check into the hotel. Later, visit Agra Fort, the massive fortified palace complex overlooking the Yamuna River. Explore its accessible gateways, courtyards and royal sections, where red sandstone buildings stand alongside later marble additions associated with subsequent Mughal rulers.

If daylight and opening schedules permit, proceed to Mehtab Bagh across the Yamuna River. From here, the Taj Mahal can be viewed within its broader riverside setting before the main visit scheduled for the following morning. Return to the hotel after sightseeing. Overnight stay in Agra.

Begin early with a visit to the Taj Mahal, subject to its official opening schedule. Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, the mausoleum is recognised for its white marble construction, symmetrical garden plan, intricate stone inlay and carefully proportioned architecture.

After breakfast and check-out, travel towards Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar's former imperial capital. Explore important structures including Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas and Panch Mahal, together with accessible courtyards and palace areas that illustrate the scale and organisation of the historic complex.

Continue by road towards Jaipur, entering Rajasthan and the landscape of the Aravalli region. Arrive in the state capital, check into the hotel and keep the evening relaxed after the day's combination of monument visits and road travel. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

After breakfast, drive to Amber Fort, dramatically positioned in the hills outside Jaipur. Explore its fortified gateways, large courtyards and royal apartments, including the beautifully decorated Sheesh Mahal. From elevated sections of the complex, look across Maota Lake and the surrounding Aravalli hills.

Return towards central Jaipur and pause for an exterior view of Jal Mahal, situated within Man Sagar Lake. Continue to City Palace, where accessible courtyards, gateways and museum collections introduce Jaipur's royal history. Nearby, visit Jantar Mantar, the remarkable collection of monumental astronomical instruments.

Complete the sightseeing around Hawa Mahal, whose distinctive multi-windowed façade overlooks the historic city. If desired, spend some time in Jaipur's traditional bazaars, known for textiles, jewellery and handicrafts. Shopping is optional and does not replace the scheduled sightseeing. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

After breakfast, leave Jaipur and travel towards Ranthambore. The journey moves away from Rajasthan's busy capital and into a more rural landscape, passing agricultural areas, villages and smaller towns before approaching the forested surroundings of the national park.

On arrival, check into the confirmed wildlife resort or hotel. The afternoon is deliberately kept relatively relaxed so that the following day's safari programme can begin according to the assigned forest schedule. Depending on arrival time, enjoy the resort surroundings or take a short local orientation drive.

Ranthambore adds a completely different dimension to the tour after several days devoted to forts, palaces and Mughal architecture. The region combines dry deciduous forest, rocky hills, lakes and historic ruins, creating one of Rajasthan's most distinctive natural landscapes. Overnight stay in Ranthambore.

Rise early for an authorised safari in Ranthambore National Park, subject to advance permit confirmation, vehicle availability, assigned safari zone and forest department regulations. The reserve contains dry deciduous woodland, grasslands, rocky ridges and water bodies that support a varied ecosystem.

Ranthambore is strongly associated with Bengal tigers, although no particular wildlife sighting can ever be guaranteed. Depending on natural conditions and the assigned route, the forest may offer opportunities to see sambar deer, spotted deer, nilgai, wild boar, langurs, crocodiles and numerous bird species in addition to other wildlife.

Return to the hotel or resort after the safari for breakfast and rest. If a second safari has been pre-booked, proceed again in the afternoon according to the confirmed permit. Otherwise, enjoy a relaxed afternoon around the resort. Safari operations remain subject to seasonal closures and official forest regulations. Overnight stay in Ranthambore.

After breakfast, check out and travel towards Bundi, a smaller Rajasthan town known for its historic palace, fortifications, painted interiors and traditional urban character. Compared with Jaipur, Bundi offers a more compact setting surrounded by hills and old neighbourhoods.

On arrival, visit Garh Palace (Bundi Palace), built into the hillside beneath the fort. Explore accessible sections of the palace and see the celebrated Chitrashala, where surviving wall paintings provide an important example of the Bundi school of miniature and mural art. Continue towards Taragarh Fort as access, timing and local conditions permit.

Later, visit Raniji Ki Baori, one of Bundi's notable historic stepwells, recognised for its deep structure and carved architectural details. Spend some time around the old town before checking into the hotel. Bundi's quieter streets and layered heritage provide a useful contrast to the larger royal cities visited earlier. Overnight stay in Bundi.

After breakfast, leave Bundi and travel towards Bijaipur, moving through the countryside of southeastern Rajasthan. The journey passes agricultural fields, small villages and stretches of the Aravalli landscape, offering a quieter view of the state beyond its major fort cities and established tourist centres.

On arrival in Bijaipur, check into the confirmed heritage accommodation. The village setting introduces another aspect of Rajasthan, where everyday rural life, traditional houses and surrounding farmland form the main character of the destination rather than large-scale monumental sightseeing.

Spend the later part of the day exploring the local surroundings at a comfortable pace. Depending on the confirmed arrangements, a village walk or locally organised countryside activity may be available. The evening is deliberately unhurried, providing a restful break between Bundi and the major historical monuments of Chittorgarh. Overnight stay in Bijaipur.

After breakfast, leave Bijaipur and travel towards Chittorgarh, home to one of Rajasthan's most historically significant fortified complexes. Rising across a vast plateau, Chittorgarh Fort is closely associated with the history of Mewar and contains palaces, temples, towers and reservoirs within its extensive walls.

Visit Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory), the richly carved monument commissioned by Rana Kumbha, and see Kirti Stambh, associated with the fort's Jain heritage. Continue to the ruins of Rana Kumbha Palace, one of the major historical structures within the fort complex, and see Padmini Palace in its historic setting.

After completing the principal sightseeing, continue towards Udaipur through the Aravalli region. Arrive in the City of Lakes, check into the hotel and keep the evening relaxed after the day's fort exploration and road travel. Overnight stay in Udaipur.

After breakfast, visit the magnificent City Palace, which rises above the eastern shore of Lake Pichola. Explore accessible courtyards, balconies, gateways and museum sections created and expanded by successive rulers of Mewar. From elevated areas, enjoy broad views across the lake and the surrounding old city.

Continue to Jagdish Temple, located close to the palace district, before visiting Saheliyon-ki-Bari, a landscaped royal garden known for its fountains, pavilions and ornamental features. Together, these sites reveal different aspects of Udaipur's religious, royal and leisure architecture.

Later, spend time around Lake Pichola. When included and operational, a boat ride provides views towards the City Palace, Jag Mandir and the historic waterfront. Boat operations remain subject to weather and local conditions. Return to the hotel after sightseeing. Overnight stay in Udaipur.

After breakfast, leave Udaipur and travel through the Aravalli countryside towards Ranakpur. The road passes through hills, rural settlements and agricultural landscapes before reaching one of Rajasthan's most celebrated Jain pilgrimage sites.

Visit Ranakpur Jain Temple, subject to official opening hours and religious regulations. The marble complex is particularly admired for its intricately carved pillars, detailed ceilings and carefully worked interior spaces. Allow sufficient time to appreciate the craftsmanship while respecting the temple's dress, photography and access rules.

Continue towards Jodhpur, where the landscape becomes noticeably drier. Arrive in the city and check into the hotel. If daylight remains, take a short orientation drive around the old-city area, while the main fort and memorial visits are reserved for the following morning. Overnight stay in Jodhpur.

After breakfast, visit the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, rising dramatically above Jodhpur's old city. Enter through its monumental gateways and explore accessible courtyards, museum galleries and former royal apartments, including areas such as Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal, subject to the current visitor route.

Continue to Jaswant Thada, the elegant marble memorial situated close to the fort. Before departure, spend some time around Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) and Sardar Market, where the narrow commercial streets provide a lively contrast to the monumental architecture seen earlier in the morning.

Later, begin the road journey back towards Jaipur. This is a substantial transfer, so appropriate comfort stops can be made along the route. Arrive in Jaipur and check into the hotel. Since the city's principal monuments were already covered earlier in the tour, no repeat sightseeing is necessary. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

After breakfast, transfer to Jaipur Airport for the scheduled journey to Bengaluru (Bangalore) according to confirmed flight arrangements. The flight marks the major transition from Rajasthan's forts, palaces and semi-arid landscapes to the greener environment and different cultural traditions of southern India.

On arrival in Bengaluru, meet the driver and transfer to the hotel. Depending on the confirmed flight timing, visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, known for its extensive plant collections and landscaped grounds, followed by an exterior view of Vidhana Soudha, one of the city's most recognisable public buildings.

If time permits, continue to Bangalore Palace, subject to its official opening schedule. Otherwise, keep the remainder of the day relaxed after the flight. Bengaluru serves mainly as the gateway to the Karnataka section, which continues through Srirangapatnam and Mysore. Overnight stay in Bengaluru.

After breakfast, leave Bengaluru and travel towards Srirangapatnam, the historic island town closely associated with Tipu Sultan. Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, an important religious landmark, before continuing to Daria Daulat Bagh, Tipu Sultan's summer palace, subject to opening schedules.

Continue to Gumbaz, the mausoleum containing the tombs of Tipu Sultan and members of his family. The surviving monuments around Srirangapatnam provide an introduction to the political and military history of the Mysore kingdom before the journey proceeds to the modern city of Mysuru.

Arrive in Mysore (Mysuru) and check into the hotel. If time permits, visit Brindavan Gardens, subject to the day's timing and operating schedule. Otherwise, keep the evening at leisure and reserve the principal city monuments for the following day. Overnight stay in Mysore.

After breakfast, visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, one of Karnataka's most prominent royal landmarks. Explore the accessible ceremonial halls, courtyards and richly decorated interiors, where stained glass, carved doors, painted ceilings and ornamental details reflect the grandeur associated with the Wadiyar dynasty.

Continue to Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hills, subject to prevailing temple access regulations. From suitable viewpoints around the hill, enjoy broad views over Mysore and the surrounding plains. On the route, see the large Nandi Statue, an important religious landmark carved from stone.

Later, visit St. Philomena's Cathedral, whose neo-Gothic architecture provides a striking contrast to the palace and temple visited earlier. Spend some time around the city's traditional market surroundings if desired before returning to the hotel. Overnight stay in Mysore.

After breakfast, leave Mysore and travel towards Ooty (Udhagamandalam). The journey gradually moves from Karnataka's plains towards the forested slopes and higher elevations of the Nilgiri Hills, creating a significant change in temperature and scenery.

Depending on the confirmed route and applicable forest regulations, the drive passes through sections of the Nilgiri landscape where dense vegetation and winding mountain roads replace the urban environment of Mysore. Wildlife may occasionally be seen from permitted road areas, but sightings cannot be predicted or guaranteed.

Arrive in Ooty and check into the hotel. Later, visit Ooty Lake and spend time around the town's cooler hill-station surroundings. If daylight permits, enjoy a short scenic drive before returning to the hotel. Overnight stay in Ooty.

After breakfast, travel towards Coonoor, another important hill station of the Nilgiris. Subject to confirmed ticket availability and railway operations, part of the journey may be experienced on the historic Nilgiri Mountain Railway, while road transport remains available according to the final arrangements.

In Coonoor, visit Sim's Park, a landscaped botanical garden containing a variety of trees and plants. Continue to Lamb's Rock and Dolphin's Nose when weather and road conditions permit, enjoying broad views across the surrounding valleys, tea-growing hills and forested slopes.

Return to Ooty and visit the Government Botanical Garden, known for its extensive collection of temperate and subtropical plants. The day is focused less on monuments and more on the distinctive mountain environment of the Nilgiris. Return to the hotel after sightseeing. Overnight stay in Ooty.

After breakfast, leave Ooty and begin the long journey towards Cochin (Kochi). Descending from the Nilgiri Hills, the route passes through changing vegetation and lower-elevation landscapes before entering Kerala.

Suitable comfort and meal stops can be made during the drive. The transition is noticeable as the mountain scenery gives way to increasingly tropical vegetation, coconut palms, busy towns and the densely settled landscapes characteristic of central Kerala.

Arrive in Cochin and check into the hotel. Because of the length of the road journey, the evening is kept free rather than adding rushed sightseeing. Rest at the hotel and prepare for the following day's exploration of Kochi's historic waterfront districts. Overnight stay in Cochin.

After breakfast, begin in Fort Kochi, where centuries of maritime contact have left a distinctive architectural and cultural legacy. Visit St. Francis Church, one of the area's important colonial-era landmarks, and continue to the waterfront to see the traditional Chinese Fishing Nets.

Proceed to Mattancherry and visit Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), subject to its official opening schedule. Continue through Jew Town to the historic Paradesi Synagogue, when open and accessible. The neighbourhood's narrow streets and old trading buildings reflect Kochi's long connections with merchants from different parts of the world.

Spend additional time walking through Fort Kochi's historic streets before returning to the hotel. Depending on interest and availability, an evening cultural performance can be arranged separately. Overnight stay in Cochin.

After breakfast, leave Cochin and travel towards Munnar. The road begins in Kerala's busy lowlands before gradually climbing into the Western Ghats. As elevation increases, tropical settlements give way to forested slopes, plantation areas and cooler mountain conditions.

Closer to Munnar, extensive tea plantations cover the hills in carefully maintained patterns. Scenic stops can be made at suitable locations where traffic, weather and road conditions permit, allowing time to appreciate the mountain valleys and plantation landscape.

Arrive in Munnar and check into the hotel or resort. Keep the later afternoon relaxed after the hill journey, perhaps taking a short walk or drive through nearby plantation surroundings. The principal Munnar sightseeing is reserved for the following day. Overnight stay in Munnar.

After breakfast, visit Eravikulam National Park, subject to seasonal opening, conservation restrictions and official visitor limits. The protected high-altitude grasslands are particularly associated with the Nilgiri tahr, although sightings of wildlife remain dependent on natural conditions.

Continue to Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point, travelling through Munnar's characteristic tea-growing countryside. The mountain roads between these locations provide changing views across valleys, reservoirs and plantation-covered slopes.

Later, visit a suitable tea museum or tea-related visitor centre, subject to opening schedules, for an introduction to tea cultivation and processing in the region. Return to the hotel after sightseeing and spend the evening at leisure in Munnar's cooler climate. Overnight stay in Munnar.

After breakfast, leave Munnar and descend from the Western Ghats towards Alleppey (Alappuzha). Tea-covered hills gradually disappear as the journey enters Kerala's lower countryside, where coconut palms, paddy fields, villages and waterways become increasingly prominent.

On arrival, board the confirmed houseboat or check into the selected backwater accommodation. When a cruise is included, travel through the Alleppey Backwaters, following canals and broader waterways bordered by coconut groves, waterside homes and agricultural land.

Spend the afternoon observing local boats, village activity and everyday life along the waterways. The precise cruising route depends on navigation and operational conditions. Settle into the confirmed accommodation as evening approaches and enjoy the quieter backwater setting. Overnight stay in Alleppey.

After breakfast, complete the backwater stay and leave Alleppey for Kovalam. The road travels south through Kerala, moving from inland waterways and agricultural countryside towards the Arabian Sea coastline.

On arrival, check into the hotel or resort. Later, visit Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam's best-known stretch of coastline, overlooked by the prominent Vizhinjam Lighthouse. Access to the lighthouse itself remains subject to official opening hours and visitor regulations.

Spend the later afternoon around Kovalam Beach, or simply relax at the resort after the journey. Swimming should only be considered when sea conditions are suitable and local safety guidance permits it. Enjoy the evening at leisure beside the coast. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

After breakfast, leave Kovalam and travel towards Kanyakumari, crossing from Kerala into Tamil Nadu. The route approaches the southern end of the Indian mainland, where pilgrimage traditions and a broad coastal landscape give the destination its distinctive identity.

On arrival, proceed towards the waterfront and, subject to safe sea conditions and ferry operations, visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Nearby stands the monumental Thiruvalluvar Statue, dedicated to the renowned Tamil poet and philosopher. Ferry operations may be altered or suspended according to weather and sea conditions.

Visit the surroundings of Kumari Amman Temple, subject to religious entry regulations, and spend time along the Kanyakumari seafront. If weather permits, enjoy the changing evening light across the coastal horizon before checking into the hotel. Overnight stay in Kanyakumari.

After breakfast, leave Kanyakumari and travel north towards Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). The final road sector returns to Kerala and completes a journey that has crossed Rajasthan's forts and countryside, Karnataka's royal heritage, the Nilgiri Hills and Kerala's mountains, backwaters and coast.

If the confirmed departure schedule allows, visit the surroundings of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of Trivandrum's most important religious landmarks. Strict dress, security and religious entry regulations apply. Depending on available time and opening schedules, also visit the Napier Museum and Sri Chitra Art Gallery.

At the appropriate time, transfer to Trivandrum International Airport or railway station for onward departure. The tour concludes after a wide-ranging journey through the Taj Mahal, Rajasthan's royal cities, Ranthambore National Park, Karnataka's historic centres, the Nilgiri Hills, Munnar's tea country, Alleppey Backwaters, Kovalam Beach and Kanyakumari.