India Tour
Treasures of North & South India
ACTC Tours SPECIAL FEATURES:
- First class, Boutique & Heritage hotels with private bath/shower
- American Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner daily
- Assistance by ACTC representative at airports and hotels
- All transfers and sightseeing tours as per itinerary
- Local English speaking guides for sightseeing tours
- Monument entrance fees & guide fees etc.
- Baggage handling and porterage
- Welcome & farewell dinners
- Train tickets – AC chair car
SMALL GROUP ESCORTED TOUR (Max 16)
GUARANTEED DEPARTURES- begins every Saturday (Oct. to Mar.)
PRIVATE TOURS -daily departure
This itinerary is perfect for those who will only visit India once, covering the highlights of two of India’s most diverse and popular parts. The ever-busy north offers a vibrant bustle of forts, palaces and cities with impressive architecture and quirky markets. In contrast, the south with rich cultural and architectural history of Tamil Nadu, visiting ancient temples, colonial outposts and quirky cities. Paired well with the more relaxed pace of Kerala, where you can cruise the backwaters on a houseboat and old trading town of Cochin. Discover the beautiful contrasts of India’s North, South & much more.
Other Small Group Escorted Tour Options:
1. Golden Triangle Tour- 6 days. 2. Highlights of India Tour- 9 days. 3. Exotic North India Tour – 15 days.
4. Mystical Southern India Tour-14 days. 5. Big 7 India wildlife Safari -16 days. 6. Royal Rajasthan Tour -16 days
7. Incredible India Tour – 22 days.
Your tour of North & South India begins:
DAY 1 – SUNDAY – DELHI
Arrive in Delhi, India’s bustling capital city. You’ll be greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the hotel. New Delhi reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the segregation between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The rest of the day is at your leisure to adjust to the time difference. Enjoy meeting your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner tonight. HOTEL (D)
DAY 2 – MONDAY – DELHI TOURING
Today’s tour of Old and New Delhi begins with visiting the exquisite audience halls, marble domes and slender minarets of the Jama Masjid; the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat; and the famous Chandani Chowk bazaars, once the shopping arcade of Mughal royalty. Then, take a rickshaw ride through the narrow and colorful lanes of the old market. After lunch, drive along Rajpath to photograph the Parliament House, President’s Palace and India Gate, a memorial to India’s soldiers. Visit Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most popular places of worship for Sikhs in Delhi. Continue your visit to Humayun’s Tomb, a spectacular Mughal building that was a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Visit the famous Qutab Minar, and the ruins of Hindu temples destroyed during the Qutab Shahi era. HOTEL (B, L)
DAY 3 – TUESDAY – TUE: DELHI / VARANASI
After breakfast, you are free until your flight to Varanasi. This holy Hindu city is crowded with temples and its labyrinth of streets with their throngs of people is exciting and enticing. This afternoon’s excursion is to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after his enlightenment revealing the eight-fold path of Buddhist doctrine. Tour the museum and many stupas, ruins and Mulagandhakuti Vihara, which contains relics found during the early excavations.
Optional:Evening prayer ceremony on the banks of the Ganges River
HOTEL (B, D)
DAY 4 – WEDNESDAY – BOAT CRUISE & CITY TOUR – VARANASI / AGRA
Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the River Ganges and witness the Hindus absolving themselves of sin and paying homage to the sun god. Later, disembark for a walk past the local markets and shops, and visit a local resident’s home. Visit the Golden Temple before returning for breakfast at your hotel. Your time is free to explore the city on your own until your afternoon flight to Agra. On arrival, transfer to your hotel where the rest of the evening is free.
Optional:Visit Taj Mahal by sunset
DAY 5 – THURSDAY – AGRA
Agra, to the lover of art and the traveler seeking the wonders of India, is the sublime destination. Emperor Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan lavished this fabled city with love and riches, transforming it into one of the greatest centers of art, culture, learning and commerce. Visit the Agra Fort built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. Stop at the Taj Museum of Agra for a close look at the original pieces of drawings of this wonderful marble monument. Continue to the Taj Mahal, constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52 as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace). The afternoon is free to explore the city on your own. Or, take an optional tour or revisit Taj at sunset. HOTEL (B, L)
DAY 6 – FRIDAY – FATEHPUR SIKRI / JAIPUR
Travel overland to Fatehpur Sikri, once an imperial capital constructed by Akbar around 1570. Now frozen in time, it was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. Visit Sheikh Salim Chisti Dargah, originally built of red sandstone, it was later rebuilt in white marble by Jehangir. Continue to Bharatpur where you will board an express train to Jaipur, owing its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Check in at HOTEL (B, L)
DAY 7 – SATURDAY – JAIPUR TOURING
Proceed to the ancient capital of Amber, ascending the Palace Fortress on the back of a gaily-caparisoned elephant. Enroute to Amber, make a photo stop for a major Rajput landmark, Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) built in 1799 A.D. In the afternoon, tour the City Palace, once the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Visit Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory and largest of Jai Singh’s five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments, whose setting and shapes are scientifically designed, represent the high points of Indian astronomy. This evening, enjoy a presentation of Rajasthani music and dances followed by dinner. HOTEL (B, D)
DAY 8 – SUNDAY – JAIPUR – day at leisure / MUMBAI (Bombay)
Your day is free to explore the city on your own. Visit the colorful markets to shop for handicrafts or to photograph the camel caravans and lively activities. This evening, fly to Mumbai, a cluster of seven islands named for Mumbadevi, patron goddess of the Koli fisher folk, the area’s oldest inhabitants.
Optional:Tour of Samode Palace and Village, including a camel ride and lunch
HOTEL (B, D)
DAY 9 – MONDAY – ELEPHANTA & MUMBAI CITY TOUR
Your day is free to explore the city on your own. Visit the colorful markets to shop for handicrafts or to photograph the camel caravans and lively activities. This evening, fly to Mumbai, a cluster of seven islands named for Mumbadevi, patron goddess of the Koli fisher folk, the area’s oldest inhabitants.
Optional:Tour of Samode Palace and Village, including a camel ride and lunch
After breakfast at your hotel, take a boat ride to Elephanta Island, site of the magnificent Elephanta caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing beautiful carvings and sculpture. Your afternoon tour includes viewing the British-built Arch Gateway of India, Mumbai’s landmark, built in commemoration of King George V’s visit in 1911; Dhobi Ghat; the open-air laundry; Jain Temple; Marine Drive; the Hanging Gardens; and Malabar Hills. Visit Mani Bhawan, a memorial dedicated to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.
Optional:Night tour of Mumbai by horse carriage
HOTEL (B, L)
DAY 10 – TUESDAY – MUMBAI / KOCHI (COCHIN)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and the rest of your morning is free. This afternoon, fly to Kochi set on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas. The influence of Chinese, Jews, Arabs and Europeans is evident in its people. The rest of your evening is free.
Optional: Kathakali Dance drama performance
DAY 11 – WEDNESDAY – CITY TOUR & KOCHI BACKWATERS – HOUSEBOAT STAY
Your city tour starts with a visit to the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1557. You’ll then stop in St. Francis Church, constructed in 1503 by the Portuguese Franciscan friars. Tour the Jewish Synagogue, constructed in 1568, and view the Chinese fishing nets, reflecting the traditional method of fishing. Continue to the spice markets, a rich trading center in medieval times. This afternoon, depart for Alleppey aboard a deluxe houseboat to cruise the backwater through the narrow canals, and glimpse into the unhurried village life of rural Kerala. Watch for a variety of kingfishers as you ply the waters. Spend the night on your HOUSE BOAT. (B, D)
DAY 12 – THURSDAY – KOCHI (COCHIN) / CHENNAI (MADRAS) / MAHABLAIPURAM
Disembark after breakfast and travel to Kochi to board your flight to Chennai, a metropolis city with a distinct old world charm. Continue overland to Mahabalipuram. Set on a boulder-strewn landscape, it’s famous for its rock cut temples and as the second capital of the Pallava kings. HOTEL (B, L)
DAY 13 – FRIDAY – MAHABALIPURAM
Tour the famous shore temples at Mahabalipuram, the second capital and seaport of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. The first Tamil dynasty of any consequence emerged after the fall of the Gupta dynasty. The Shore Temples strike a very romantic theme and are some of the most photographed monuments in India. The sculpture depicts scenes of daily life. Your afternoon is at leisure to relax by the beach or take an optional tours. HOTEL (B, L)
DAY 14 – SATURDAY – MAHABALIPURAM / CHENNAI
Morning at leisure. This afternoon travel to Chennai and visit Fort St. George, constructed in 1640 AD, St. Mary’s Church, and oldest surviving British building. Mylapore, the site of the famous Kapaleeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. San Thome Cathedral. Parathasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna; Government Museum and Art Gallery see collections from the major South Indian periods. Enjoy farewell dinner and spend the night at hotel near the airport. HOTEL (B, D)[/tg_program ]
Your time is free until your international flight homewards. Your spectacular journey through northern and southern India comes to an end as you arrive home with fond memories of the sights, sounds and spiritual facets of ancient India. (B)
DAY 15- SUNDAY– CHENNAI / DEPART
SRI LANKA EXTENSION
DAY 15 – SUNDAY – COLOMBO
Fly to Colombo. You will be met by A Classic Tours Collection’s representative and transfer to the hotel. This afternoon, begin your tour of this fast-changing capital city that still retains its old-world charm in many neighborhoods. View the 100-year-old rock clock tower and British colonial buildings, shop for bargains at the Pettah Bazaar and visit Hindu and Buddhist temples. Tour past the stately homes in affluent residential areas and stop by the Colombo Museum and Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), a gift to Sri Lanka by the People’s Republic of China, and see the new Parliament and the Dutch Museum. HOTEL (B)
DAY 16 – MONDAY – COLOMBO / ANURADHAPURA / KANDALAMA
Travel overland to Anuradhapura, the first capital and, undoubtedly, the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka, and home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sri Maha Bodhi (sacred Bo Tree) was brought over as a sapling under which Prince Sidhartha attained enlightenment. At Brazen Palace (2nd century B.C.), the 1,600 stone columns are the remnants of a magnificent multi-storied residence for the monks. Ruwanweliseya (2nd century B.C.), is the most famous Dagoba (stupa), while the Samadhi Buddha statue (4th century A.D.) is renowned for its depiction of Buddha in a state of deep Samadhi or meditation. Isurumuniya Rock Temple (3rd century B.C.) is known for its rock carvings. HOTEL (B)
DAY 17 – TUESDAY – KHANDALAMA / MATALE / KANDY
After breakfast, travel overland to Kandy via Matale, stopping along the way to visit a spice garden. Continue to Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Drive around Kandy Lake, which was built in 1798 by the last Sinhala King, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. Visit Kandy town and bazaar, the arts and crafts center, a gem museum and a lapidary. Tour the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Tonight, enjoy a cultural show of Kandyan dancers and music. HOTEL (B)
DAY 18 – WEDNESDAY – PERADENIYA EXCURSION
After breakfast, embark on a short excursion to Peradeniya. Visit the Botanical Garden, initially built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala King, and expanded by the British. Encompassing 147 acres, the gardens showcase an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers. HOTEL (B)
DAY 19 – THURSDAY – KANDY / COLOMBO / FLIGHT BACK HOME
Return to Colombo. Stay overnight or connect with your international flight. (B)
LAND TOUR PRICE: India
| GROUP TOUR PRICES – Guaranteed departures- Max 16 | PRIVATE TOUR OPTION | |||||||||||||
| VALIDITY | Per person Sharing | Single Supp. | 3- Triple share | 2- Double share | 1- Solo Traveler | Single. Supp. | ||||||||
| Apr. to Sep. 2021 | N/A | N/A | $2,930.00 | $3,190.00 | $5,580.00 | $780.00 | ||||||||
| Oct. 2021 to Mar. 2022 | $3,311.00 | $1,020.00 | $3,295.00 | $3,820.00 | $6,190.00 | $1,020.00 | ||||||||
| Internal India Airfare | TBA | |
| Airfare to Sri Lanka | TBA | |
CALL FOR INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE FROM YOUR HOME CITY. Discounted airfares available in Economy, Premium economy, Business class and First Class.
Airfares for Internal India flights are based on best available fares at time of listing. Thus subject to change, availability and airline schedules.
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