New Delhi – Udaipur – Ahmedabad – Mumbai – Goa – Kochi – Bengaluru – Hampi – New Delhi
Mainly intended for repeat visitors who have been to Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, this itinerary offers an overview of India’s fascinating west and south. On this luxury tour, not only will you visit some of India’s most important cultural and historical landmarks, but you will get to peek into India’s future during your stays in Mumbai and Bengaluru, known respectively as India’s financial capital and “Silicon Valley of India”.
Important Features
- Small group size – average 15, maximum 20.
- Multilingual expert guides.
- All meals – quality Indian & Western cuisines.
- No annoying forced shopping of any kind.
- Unlimited supply of bottled water during group activities.
- Free Wi-Fi in all hotels.
Meal Code: B = breakfast / L = lunch / D = dinner
Day 01/Mon: Departing for New Delhi
The trip begins with your international flight for New Delhi from a city of your choice. You’ll lose a day upon crossing the International Date Line.
Day 02/Tue: Arrival in New Delhi
Meet your guide on arrival and transfer to the hotel in a private vehicle. No activity is scheduled for today and no meal is included.
Day 03/Wed: New Delhi (B/L/D)
Spend the day at leisure. Sightseeing with a private guide and driver can be arranged on request. Optional day trip to Agra (Taj Mahal etc.) by express train ( 2 ½ each way) is also available.
Day 04/Thu: New Delhi – Udaipur (B/L/D)
The morning flight to Udaipur takes about an hour and 20 minutes.
Udaipur, meaning “City of Sunrise”, is a medium-sized city in southern Rajasthan and boasts a multitude of magnificent ancient palaces. Our schedule today takes in the City Palace, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, and a boat ride in the evening on Lake Pichola.
The City Palace is a complex built over a period of nearly 400 years beginning in 1553. Sitting atop a hill, the complex awes the visitor with its size and flamboyant style.
Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal is a cultural institution engaged in the study of local folk art including music and dance.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Garden of the Maidens) is an elegant garden built from 1710 to 1734 with obvious influence by English garden design. The garden was constructed on the order of Maharana Sangram Singh, the local ruler, and was used as his family’s green retreat in the otherwise dry lands of Rajasthan.
Day 05/Fri: Udaipur (B/L/D)
We spend the morning exploring Bagore Ki Haveli (a palace turned museum), Shri Ekling Ji (a Hindu temple complex originally constructed in the 8th century), and Udaipur Market.
The afternoon is set aside for relaxation or exploration on your own.
Day 06/Sat: Udaipur – Ahmedabad (B/L/D)
The drive to Ahmedabad following breakfast takes about 5 hours (260 km). Ahmedabad is the largest city in the state of Gujarat with a current population around 8.5 million.
We spend the time available today visiting Sabarmati Ashram, a riverside home of Mahatma Gandhi who lived here for a total of 12 years with his wife Kasturba Gandhi and some of his followers. It was from here that Gandhi led the Salt March, an act of nonviolent civil disobedience from March 12 to April 6, 1930 against British colonial government.
Day 07/Sun: Ahmedabad – Mumbai (B/L/D)
Our morning sightseeing takes in Hutheesing Jain Temple, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque and Adalaj Stepwell.
Hutheesing Jain Temple is named after the family that financed its construction. This not-so-ancient temple (built in 1848) combines the old Maru-Gurjara temple architecture style with haveli (partition or private space) design that became popular during the Mughal Empire (1526-1857).
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque was built by Shaikh Sa’id Al-Habshi Sultani, a slave-turned general and nobleman originally from what is today’s southern Pakistan. What made this mosque particularly famous are its ten intricately carved stone latticework windows.
Adalaj Stepwell was built in 1498 in memory of Rana Veer Singh, a local ruler. Stepwells, designed to collect rain water for drinking, washing and bathing, were once common in arid areas on the Indian subcontinent. The Adalaj Stepwell stands out because of its elaborate design and embellishments.
The late afternoon flight to Mumbai takes just over one hour.
Day 08/Mon: Mumbai (B/L/D)
Mumbai, officially known as Bombay until 1995, is the capital of the state of Maharashtra and the de facto financial centre of India. It is also India’s second largest city with a population of roughly 20 million as of 2022. Mumbai was a centre of maritime trade with Persia and Egypt as early as 1000 BCE. Beginning in the first half of the 16th century, Mumbai came under Portuguese influence under duress. Afterwards, the British and the Dutch replaced the Portuguese in the control of Mumbai. The Bombay Presidency or Bombay Province, an administrative subdivision of British India, was restructured into Bombay State when India gained independence from the British in 1947. In 1960, the State was dissolved and split into the two states of Gujarati and Maharashtra along linguistic lines. India’s prolific Hindi film industry, dubbed as Bollywood (a portmanteau of Bombay and Hollywood), is primarily based in Mumbai.
Our schedule today includes the Gateway of India (a monument built during British Raj), Mani Bhavan (Gandhi’s Mumbai headquarters from 1917 to 1934, now a museum), Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (a historic railway terminus and UNESCO World Heritage Site), Flora Fountain (built in 1864), and Crawford Market (known for its colourful displays of fruits, vegetables and spices).
We conclude the day with a pleasant ride on Marine Drive.
Day 09/Tue: Mumbai (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we set out for Elephanta Island located 10 kilometres east of Mumbai. The Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consist of ancient rock-cut temples that date back to the 2nd century BCE.
We then visit the Rajabai Clock Tower and the University of Mumbai.
Free afternoon to explore on your own.
Day 10/Wed: Mumbai – Goa (B/L/D)
The morning to Goa takes about an hour and a half.
Once a Portuguese colony for over 450 years and now a state of India, Goa is known for its beautiful beaches, historic Portuguese architecture, and vibrant culture. Goa is also one of the smallest states in India with an area of 3,700 square kilometres and a population around 1.5 million.
We start our sightseeing in Goa with a visit to Fort Aguada, a 17th-century Portuguese fort that offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Next, we head to Anjuna Beach, known for its vibrant nightlife and flea market. Later in the day, we take a boat ride on the Mandovi River and visit the Dudhsagar Waterfalls.
We end the day with a traditional Goan seafood dinner.
Day 11/Thu: Goa (B/L/D)
We begin the morning with a tour of Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is followed by a visit to the Goa State Museum, and a leisurely walk through the colorful streets of Panaji, the state capital.
After lunch, we head to Colva Beach for some down time. This is one of Goa’s most popular beaches and known for its white sand and clear waters. Those who prefer to spend the time in the hotel can be easily accommodated.
After dinner, we go out for a cruise on a traditional Goan boat to enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Arabian Sea.
Day 12/Fri: Goa – Kochi (B/L/D)
We fly to Kochi in the morning. The direct flight takes 1 hour and 20 minutes but it is likely we might have to go via Bengaluru (Bengalore), which would make the journey 4 to 5 hours long.
Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a port city in the state of Kerala. Its culture and history bear strong influences of the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British. The city is known for its picturesque backwaters, beaches, and historical landmarks such as the Fort Kochi neighbourhood.
We begin our sightseeing in Kochi with a visit to the Mattancherry Palace. Also known as the Dutch Palace, Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and features murals and frescoes depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
Next, we head to the Fort Kochi area to see the famous Chinese fishing nets – large cantilevered fishing nets introduced by Chinese seafarers during the early years of China’s Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Afterwards, we stroll through the Fort Kochi neighbourhood to check out the colonial-era buildings including the St. Francis Church. Built in 1503, St. Francis Church is one of the oldest European churches in India.
Day 13/Sat: Kochi (B/L/D)
We begin today’s sightseeing at the Hill Palace Museum, which is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala and houses a collection of antique royal furniture, oil paintings, and sculptures.
Visit to the spice market in Mattancherry comes next.
In the afternoon, we tour the Santa Cruz Basilica. Thus is a beautiful 16th century church that features stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
We wrap up the day with a sunset cruise on the backwaters of Kochi to see the local villages and experience the tranquil atmosphere of the area.
Day 14/Sun: Kochi – Bengaluru (B/L/D)
We conclude our sightseeing in Kochi with a morning visit to the Paradesi Synagogue located in the Jew Town. Built in 1568, this is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations.
Transfer to the airport for our one-hour flight to Bengaluru following lunch.
Bengaluru, officially known as Bangalore prior to November 1, 2014, is one of India’s most prosperous cities. It is often referred to as the “Garden City” and “Silicon Valley of India”. Located on the Deccan Plateau and 900 metres above sea level, the Bengaluru is blessed with an agreeable climate. The city’s modern metro system, glitzy shopping malls and dining scene are also the envy of the country.
Bengaluru has a long history dating all the way back to the 9th century CE and there is no shortage of historical sights here. Visitors to Bengaluru are equally attracted by the landmark corporate headquarters and business parks located on the outskirts of the city.
Our afternoon sightseeing takes in the Vidhana Soudha (grand state government building) and the beautiful Cubbon Park across the street.
Day 15/Mon: Bengaluru (B/L/D)
Full-day sightseeing includes ISKCON Temple, the 200-year-old Lalbagh Botanical Garden, National Gallery of Modern Art, UB City – 6 blocks of buildings in Bengaluru’s central business district catering to the needs of large corporations and wealthy consumers.
Day 16/Tue: Bengaluru – Hampi (B/L/D)
Our morning flight to Vidyanagar Airport, closest airport to Hampi Village, takes about one hour. Note that the airport was shut down prior to the COVID pandemic due to lack of demand. At the moment there’s only one small airline flying to it from Bengaluru and Hyderabad. However, there is no guarantee that a direct flight from Bengaluru to this airport will be available at the time of your travel.
The austere site of Hampi was the last capital of the last great Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar (1336 – 1646). The grandiose Dravidian temples and palaces won profuse admirations from traders and travellers who came here between the 14th and 16th centuries. Conquered by the Deccan Muslim confederacy in 1565, the city was pillaged over a period of six months before being abandoned.
In 1986, the UNESCO designated an area of 4,187 hectares (42 sq km) containing over 1,600 surviving remains of the ancient palaces and temples as a World Heritage Site (Group of Monuments at Hampi). The carved stone chariot standing in front of the exquisitely ornate Vittala Temple has become the most recognizable symbol representing the historical site.
Dravidian architecture flourished under the Vijayanagara Empire. Its ultimate form is characterized by massive dimensions, cloistered enclosures, and lofty towers over the entrances encased by decorated pillars. Dravidian architecture survives in the rest of Southern India but Hampi remains probably the most ideal location for the visitor learn all about this spectacular style of architecture.
If time permits, we’ll visit a couple of key spots inside the protected area today.
Day 17/Wed: Hampi (B/L/D)
We’ll start our sightseeing today at Matanga Hill that overlooks Hampi Bazaar. From there, we’ll walk about 6 to 8 kilometres to visit some of the most important spots including Vittala Temple and Gajashala (elephant stables).
Day 18/Thu: Hampi – New Delhi (B/L/D)
Our travel back to New Delhi by air requires us to fly to Hyderabad or Bengalulu first because Hampi is not close to any airport (within 3 hours of drive) that offers direct flight to New Delhi.
Depending on the flight schedule, additional sightseeing may be arranged in Hampi.
Day 19/Fri: Departing New Delhi (B)
Your India tour ends this morning. Transfer to the airport any time today for return flight. Airport transfer is included in the tour price.
| City | Nights | Hotel | Category |
| New Delhi | 2 | Le Meridien | 5 stars |
| Udaipur | 2 | Trident Hotel | 5 stars |
| Ahmedabad | 1 | Hyatt Regency | 5 stars |
| Mumbai | 3 | Trident Hotel Bandra Kurla | 5 stars |
| Goa | 2 | Larisa Resort Ashwem | 5 stars |
| Kochi | 2 | Trident Hotel in Cochin | 5 stars |
| Bengaluru | 2 | ITC Gardenia | 5 stars |
| Hampi | 2 | Evolve Back, Hampi | 5 stars |
| New Delhi | 1 | Pride Plaza Hotel | 5 star |
Dates & Prices
discount available
Price based on double occupancy. See Terms & Conditions for cancellation penalty. Scroll down for what the tour price includes and excludes.
| Depart (Mon) |
Return (Fri) |
Land Only* CA$/US$ |
Single Supplement CA$/US$ |
| 2024 | |||
| 22-Jan | 09-Feb | $10,200/$7,560 | $2900/$2150 |
| 29-Jan | 16-Feb | $10,200/$7,560 | $2900/$2150 |
| 05-Feb | 239-Feb | $10,200/$7,560 | $2900/$2150 |
| 12-Feb | 01-Mar | $10,200/$7,560 | $2900/$2150 |
| 19-Feb | 08-Mar | $10,200/$7,560 | $2900/$2150 |
| 26-Feb | 15-Mar | $10,200/$7,560 | $2900/$2150 |
| 04-Mar | 22-Mar | $10,200/$7,560 | $2900/$2150 |
| 11-Mar | 29-Mar | $10,200/$7,560 | $2900/$2150 |
| 18-Mar | 05-Apr | $10,200/$7,560 | $2900/$2150 |
| For departures beyond March 28, please contact us. | |||
* Land Only price does NOT include international airfare. Please contact us for a fare quote.
What the tour price includes:
|
What the tour price excludes:
See Terms & Conditions for more information. |
Passport
Your passport must have at least 2 blank visa pages and 6 months of validity at the end of the tour.
Visa – India e-Visa & Fee
Visa is required. India issues electronic visa to eligible applicants. Details can be found on Indian government’s website. India tourist e-Visa for Canadians and Americans, valid for 30 days to 1 year or 5 years, currently cost US$25, US$40 and US$80 respectively. Payment can be made by Visa or MasterCard. Please note that a card payment surcharge of 2.5% applies to all transactions in addition to any applicable foreign transaction and/or currency conversion costs.
Immunization
Visitors may be asked to show proof of vaccinations against COVID-19 prior to or on arrival. Nucleic acid or PCR testing prior to arrival is no longer required. Where applicable, updated information on this will be provided to the guest when their balance of payment is due (90 days prior to departure).
We are not aware of any other inoculation requirements and we suggest that you visit the websites of your national government’s disease control centre and the Indian High Commission or embassy in your country for the latest. We recommend all of our guests to be vaccinated against hepatitis A.
Tips on Staying Healthy
Do not drink from the tap when you travel. Ask for bottled or boiled water when eating in restaurants. When buying bottled water from street vendors, especially at tourist sites, make sure the cap is properly sealed because some vendors may be selling tap water in recycled bottles.
Try to avoid uncooked food. Raw food, even clean, may cause stomach upset or diarrhoea.
Always carry a roll of toilet paper and a bottle of hand sanitizer containing more than 60% of alcohol, no matter where you go.
Always have an N95 type of facemask handy when you travel by public transport. Passengers sitting next to you may be sick and cough loud but wear nothing to cover their mouth. This was a big problem before the pandemic that may return soon.
Banknotes in general carry all kinds of germs. Minimize your contact with local banknotes and coins by keeping them in a plastic bag and sanitize your hands every time you touch them. Use plastic for payment as much as possible.
Local Currency & Credit Card
The Indian currency is called rupee (ISO code: INR), which can be withdrawn from ATMs upon arrival in India. Please keep your inventory of local currency to the minimum. The tour fare already covers all the expensive items and most, if not all, of the meals. You only need some local cash, which can be easily obtained as you go, for such incidentals as souvenirs and tips not included in the tour price.
Consider using credit cards for transactions over $20. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted across India. Street vendors may ask for U.S. dollars but please exercise caution if you want to play along.
Travel Insurance – When to Buy
You are strongly advised to buy trip cancellation & emergency medical insurance when your balance is due. Without proper coverage, the loss can be devastating if you are forced to cancel the trip prior to departure or return prematurely due to an emergency. Ask us for a premium quote if necessary.
