India Heritage Cities & Southern Escapes

Explore the contrasts of Old and New Delhi with your private guide. Visit Jama Masjid, enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk and see the Red Fort from outside. Continue to Raj Ghat, India Gate, the Parliament area, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Discover Delhi’s fascinating blend of Mughal heritage, colonial architecture and modern city life. Overnight stay in Delhi.

After breakfast, travel by private air-conditioned vehicle to Agra. Check in at your hotel before visiting the magnificent Agra Fort. Later, experience the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most celebrated monuments and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Your private guide will share the history and stories behind this extraordinary landmark. Overnight stay in Agra.

Depart Agra after breakfast and drive toward Jaipur. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the impressive former Mughal capital built by Emperor Akbar. Explore its palaces, courtyards and gateways before continuing to Rajasthan’s Pink City. Arrive in Jaipur, check in to your luxury hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Spend the day discovering Jaipur with your private guide. Visit the magnificent Amber Fort, stop for photographs at Jal Mahal and admire the iconic façade of Hawa Mahal. Continue to the City Palace and Jantar Mantar observatory. Later, explore Jaipur’s colourful bazaars, famous for textiles, jewellery and traditional handicrafts. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

After breakfast, transfer privately to Jaipur Airport for your flight to Chennai. On arrival, meet our representative and transfer to your luxury hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure, giving you time to relax and prepare for the South India portion of your journey. Overnight stay in Chennai.

Begin with a guided introduction to Chennai, visiting important cultural and historic landmarks such as Kapaleeshwarar Temple, San Thome Basilica and the Marina Beach area. Later, drive along the scenic East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram. Explore this historic coastal town and settle into your hotel for the evening. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

Explore Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO World Heritage monuments, including the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance and Krishna’s Butter Ball. Learn about the remarkable rock-cut architecture of the Pallava dynasty before continuing south to Pondicherry. On arrival, check in and enjoy a relaxed evening. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Discover Pondicherry’s unique combination of Indian and French influences. Walk through the atmospheric French Quarter, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram and explore the seafront promenade and colonial-era streets. You may also visit Auroville, subject to time and local access. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, drive through the landscapes of Tamil Nadu toward Thanjavur, a historic centre of Chola art, architecture and culture. On arrival, visit the spectacular Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its monumental Dravidian architecture. Explore the city’s rich cultural heritage before returning to your hotel. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.

Travel by private vehicle from Thanjavur to Madurai, one of South India’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. After hotel check-in, explore the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple with its colourful sculpted towers and intricate architecture. Depending on timing, experience the lively atmosphere of Madurai’s historic streets and markets. Overnight stay in Madurai.

After breakfast, complete your Madurai sightseeing with visits to selected cultural and historic attractions, depending on your departure schedule. Later, your private chauffeur will transfer you to Madurai Airport for your onward flight, bringing your 12-day luxury journey through North and South India to a memorable close.