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Golden Triangle & South India Temples 13 days

  • Private tour
  • Solo friendly
  • Family friendly

Experience a taste of India on this outstanding tour of the country's most fabled sights. Explore the Golden Triangle that combines the country's capital city, Delhi, with the wondrous sites of the Mughal capital of Agra, the legendary Fatehpur Sikri, and the Pink City of Jaipur. Then fly to South India's colonial port city, Chennai. Explore the city, then visit Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram & Pondicherry. Continue to visit the UNESCO WHS of the Great Living Chola Temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Darasuram & Thanjavur. See some of the largest active temples in India at Trichy and Madurai.

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi airport, you will be greeted by our representative who will assist you with the transfer to your hotel. Take some time to relax and acclimate to the city.

Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing

Embark on a full-day city tour of Delhi. Start with Old Delhi, visiting Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, and take a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk. Explore the historical landmarks of Red Fort and Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. In the afternoon, visit New Delhi, including the iconic India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House), Humayun's Tomb, and the towering Qutub Minar.

Day 3: Delhi - Agra (210 km)

After breakfast, drive to Agra. Check in at the hotel and freshen up. Later, visit the magnificent the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the intricate marble craftsmanship and learn about the love story behind this architectural masterpiece. Continue to Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. End the day with a visit to the Baby Taj (Itmad-ud-Daulah), known for its exquisite white marble work.

Day 4: Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Abhaneri - Jaipur (245 km)

Drive to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. En route, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted Mughal city known for its well-preserved palaces and architectural marvels. Continue the journey to Abhaneri, famous for the stunning Chand Baori stepwell. Arrive in Jaipur and spend the evening exploring the local markets known for handicrafts, textiles, and traditional jewellery.

Day 5: Jaipur Sightseeing

Begin the day with an excursion to the Amber Fort, a magnificent fort-palace situated on a hilltop. Enjoy an elephant ride to ascend to the fort and admire its impressive architecture. Visit the City Palace, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles, and explore its museums and galleries. Next, visit the Jantar Mantar observatory, an astronomical marvel from the 18th century. Drive past the Hawa Mahal, the iconic Palace of Winds, and visit the Sisodia Rani Garden and Birla Temple. In the evening, you can explore the bustling bazaars of Jaipur.

Day 6: Jaipur - Chennai (flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chennai. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Later, embark on a city tour of Chennai. Drive along Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world, and visit Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India. Explore the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and browse through the vibrant markets of Chennai.

Day 7: Chennai - Mahabalipuram (120 km)

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram. En route, visit the city of Kanchipuram, known for its beautiful temples and silk sarees. Explore the ancient temples of Kanchipuram, including the Kailasanathar Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple. Continue the journey to Mahabalipuram and check in at the hotel. Spend the rest of the day visiting the famous rock-cut temples and sculptures, such as the Pancha Rathas, Shore Temple, and Arjuna's Penance.

Day 8: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (120 km)

Drive from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and take some time to relax. Later, embark on a sightseeing tour of Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry. Visit the Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and known for its tranquil atmosphere. Explore the French Quarter, with its charming colonial architecture, and stroll along the picturesque Promenade Beach. In the evening, you can enjoy a leisurely walk around the vibrant streets of Pondicherry.

Day 9: Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Darasuram - Thanjavur (180 km)

Drive from Pondicherry to Thanjavur, with en route visits to Chidambaram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Darasuram. In Chidambaram, visit the Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his dancing form. Proceed to Gangaikonda Cholapuram and explore the magnificent Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, built by the Chola dynasty. Continue to Darasuram and visit the Airavatesvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate carvings. Arrive in Thanjavur and check in at the hotel.

Day 10: Thanjavur - Trichy (60 km)

In the morning, visit the Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest temples in India. Explore the Vijayanagar Fort and the Thanjavur Art Gallery, which houses a remarkable collection of ancient artefacts. Visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library, known for its extensive collection of rare manuscripts and books. Afterwards, drive to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli) and check in at the hotel. Later, visit the famous Rockfort Temple, situated on a massive rock, and explore the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Day 11: Trichy - Madurai (135 km)

Drive from Trichy to Madurai. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax for a while. In the evening, visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a grand temple complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. Explore the intricately carved gopurams (gateway towers) and marvel at the vibrant sculptures. Witness the evening ceremony, known as the "Aarti," a captivating ritual filled with devotional music and dance.

Day 12: Madurai - Delhi (flight)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be assisted with the transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the city or indulging in some last-minute shopping.

Day 13: Delhi - Departure

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for shopping or sightseeing in Delhi. Later, you will be transferred to the Delhi airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your tour.

What's included

* Please check prices for full list of inclusions and exclusions


Inclusions

  • Assistance on arrival at the airport
  • 12 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels
  • Daily breakfast at hotels
  • Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per the program
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary
  • Bottled drinking water in the car
  • Government taxes

Exclusions

  • Jaipur - Chennai & Madurai - Delhi flight fare approx INR 15, 500 per person in economy class
  • Camera charges at monuments if any
  • Meals other than those mentioned in the inclusions
  • Expenses of a personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc
  • Gratuities and optional activities
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

Details

Available in

English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish
(Other languages guide available on request at an additional cost.)


Available for

Infants, Children, Adults, Seniors, Students



Departure & Return

Start city: New Delhi , National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, India

Pick-up times available: 09:00

Pick up location: Delhi Airport

Ends at: Delhi Airport

Nearest airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)



Eco Features:

  • Education & exploration
    The product is educational rather than entertainment-focused - it respects and gives insight into local traditions and/or environment Education & exploration
    The product is educational rather than entertainment-focused - it respects and gives insight into local traditions and/or environment
  • Licensed tour guide
  • Local or indigenous tour guide(s)

Cancellation policy

0% cancellation fee - 31 days or more before the travel date
50% cancellation fee - between 16-30 days before the travel date
75% cancellation fee - between 7-15 days before the travel date
90% cancellation fee - between 4-6 days before the travel date
100% cancellation fee - between 0-3 days before the travel date

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