Grand Tour of India

Come with us and enjoy a fabulous escorted adventure to India where you’ll discover one of the world’s most captivating countries. A place which has to be seen to be believed, India is a land of chaos and colour, history and charm, impressive sights and unforgettable scenery.
This is an all-out exploration of India, from the Golden Triangle in the north – that’s Agra for the Taj Mahal, Old and New Delhi and the pink city of Jaipur – as well as to Ranthambore National Park for tiger safaris. We travel on to Kerala’s peaceful backwaters in the south and through the coffee-growing regions and some amazing scenery. . You’ll stay in beautiful 4* or 5* hotels and finally end up on the coast in Kovalam for some relaxation on the beach.

Date

06/11/2019 - 24/11/2019

Grand Tour of India

About this excursion

£3149

This is a wonderful opportunity to join us to explore the very best highlights of India at a very special price. From the hustle and bustle of the north to the peaceful backwaters of Kerala. All escorted excursions are included on this 19 day half board holiday which we have arranged with our friends at Travelsphere. We shall be staying half board in excellent 4* or 5* hotels + a Lodge and 2 nights in flight.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTSGrand Tour Map

  • New Delhi tour
  • Old Delhi and walk with former street children
  • The world-famous Taj Mahal
  • Agra Fort visit
  • The deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri
  • Search for tigers on morning and afternoon safaris in Ranthambore
  • Abhaneri Stepwells
  • The ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur
  • Discover the Amber Fort
  • Temple towns of Belur and Halebid
  • Bylekuppe, home to the spectacular Golden Temple
  • Tour a coffee plantation
  • Spice plantations visit
  • Srirangapatnam, the island fortress of the warrior King Tipu Sultan
  • Kerala’s beautiful port city of Cochin
  • Cookery demonstration including lunch
  • Kathakali dance (evening)
  • Cruise amongst Kerala’s tranquil backwaters

Your Holiday Includes:

  • Return flights from Heathrow with Jet Airways and internal flights
  • The comfort of an airport lounge at London Heathrow
  • VIP Door to Door airport transfers (if booked before 31/7/2018 and living within 75 miles from London Heathrow Airport)
  • 16 nights half board in 4 and 5-star hotels and a lodge plus 2 nights in flight
  • 36 meals: 16 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 17 dinners
  • Travelsphere Tour Manager and Local Guides
  • Overseas transfers and other transportation
  • Porterage​​
  • Travel Treats escort

Useful InformationIndia 6

Deposit for this holiday: £300. (The balance will be due August 2019)

Single Supplement: – £850 – This will be a double/twin room for single occupancy.

Visa: Travelsphere can arrange this for you for a cost of approx. £105 per person or you can do this yourself on-line where the cost is approx. £94 per person.

Travel Insurance: – Worldwide Travel Insurance is needed for this holiday.

Passport: You will need a 10 year passport with validity of 6 months after return to the UK.

Immunisations: The World Health Authority recommends the following vaccines for India:

  • Diptheria
  • Tetaus
  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis A

Do please check with your doctor a few months before travel

Protection: For your peace of mind and financial protection Travelsphere is fully ATOL and ABTA bonded.

YOUR ITINERARYDelhi 2

6th November – DAY 1 UK/DELHI

Depart on your scheduled flight to Delhi today.

7th November DAY 2 DELHI

On arrival in Delhi this morning we’ll transfer you to your hotel. Your sightseeing starts in the 17th century walled city of Old Delhi. Here you’ll delve into a maze of crowded streets and vibrant markets, and stroll through the fabled street bazaar of Chandni Chowk. We’ll stop to admire the marble domes of Jama Masjid Mosque before visiting the Gandhi Smriti Museum and Humayun’s Tomb.

8th November DAY 3 AGRA

Your day is filled with wonderful experiences, starting with a short tour of Paharganj, in central Delhi. You’ll do this in the company of former street children, who now work with the Salaam Baalak Trust. This charity equips the youngsters with a range of skills and helps them to better their lives. Next you’ll tour New Delhi, where highlights include the India Gate, Parliament House and the Qutub Minar, a soaring sandstone tower. Our next base is going to be Agra, which we’ll reach by road.

9th November DAY 4 AGRATaj Mahal

Today is the day that you’ll see one of India’s most famous landmarks, the incredible Taj Mahal. This mausoleum on the banks of the Yamuna River was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz, and it’s a sight that will take your breath away. ** Please note: Vital restoration work is now being carried out on the Taj Mahal and will be completed in November 2018.

Close by is Mehtab Bagh, a centuries-old garden complex, which sits on the other side of the river and is exactly aligned with this iconic masterpiece. You’ll get to see an alternative view of the Taj Mahal from here. Later, you’re going to visit the red-sandstone Agra Fort.

10th November DAY 5 RANTHAMBORE

Today we’ll drive to the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri for a stroll through its pavilions and palaces. We’ll then travel by train to Modhopur, and transfer from here by road to Ranthambore.

11th November DAY 6 RANTHAMBORERanthambore

An exciting day is on the cards, with morning and afternoon safaris in Ranthambore National Park, said to be the best game reserve in India. We’ll make our way through thick forest interspersed with pretty waterfalls, which provides the perfect habitat for more than 300 species of birds. With the help of a Local Guide we’ll look for wildlife including crocodile, hyena, jackal and more. If you’re lucky you may spot the elusive tiger or the even rarer leopard.

12th November DAY 7 JAIPUR

Your grand tour continues this morning as we drive to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, with a stop en route in the village of Abhaneri. Here we’ll admire the unique carved stepwells, an ancient water storage system constructed to provide a water supply during dry periods.

13th November DAY 8 JAIPURJaipur - Palace of the Winds

Jaipur’s City Palace is your destination this morning, with the elaborate façade of the Palace of the Winds just one highlight.

14th November DAY 9 BANGALORE

A morning of discovery takes you to the Amber Fort, a 17th century stronghold set high on a hill above the parched desert. Step inside to see the Temple of Kali, the Palace of Mirrors and the Hall of Pleasures. In the afternoon, we’ll fly to Bangalore. If you choose to head out to explore you’ll find many western-style bars and restaurants as well as traces of the city’s former British colonial past.

15th November DAY 10 HASSAN

We’re heading west to Hassan today. This is the oldest town in Karnataka, and it is located close to one of India’s coffee-growing regions. Spend your afternoon exploring the temple towns of Belur and Halebid on an included excursion.

16th November DAY 11 COORGOmkarrshwara Temple and Abbey Falls

En route to Coorg this morning, we’ll drive into the heart of coffee country. We’re going to spend the afternoon at the Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe, which is home to monasteries and temples including the spectacular Golden Temple.

17th November DAY 12 COORG

A day of discovery starts with a visit to Madikeri Fort, Omkareshwara Temple and Abbey Falls. Later, you’ll find out all about coffee production on a plantation tour.

18th November DAY 13 MYSORE

The fabled city of Mysore is our next destination. You’ll head out on a tour this afternoon, with fabulous sights including the opulent city palace.

19th November DAY 14 COCHINCochin - Fishing nets

We’re going to head back to Bangalore by road today. En route we’ll visit Srirangapatnam, the island fortress of the warrior King Tipu Sultan. From Bangalore we’ll fly to Cochin in Kerala.

20th November DAY 15 COCHIN

We’ll get to know Cochin on a morning tour, with highlights including the Jewish Quarter, the Dutch Palace and St Francis Church. This is where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was originally buried. A wonderful treat today is a cookery demonstration, with lunch included, and we’ll also see a display of Kathakali classical dancing.

21st November DAY 16 KOVALAM BEACH AREA

Kovalam is our final base, and en route we’re going to enjoy a lovely cruise on Kerala’s tranquil palm-fringed backwaters.

22nd November DAY 17 KOVALAM BEACH AREAKovalem 3

You might choose to enjoy some ‘me’ time today on the beach. Perhaps you’ll get the chance to watch as the fishermen haul in their huge nets.

23rd November DAY 18 KOVALAM BEACH AREA/UK

Today we’ll fly to Mumbai, where there’s time for a short tour and dinner before we transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

24th November DAY 19 UK

You’ll arrive back in the UK today .

ACCOMMODATION

Every hotel you will stay in on your holiday is hand-picked by Travelsphere. We relish the challenge of finding the right accommodation for each and every tour, whether it’s chosen for its location, its facilities or its downright quirkiness.

DAY 2 : NEW DELHI – VIVANTA BY TAJ DWARKA

As one of the most opulent hotels in New Delhi, Spanning 7 acres,this is one of the best hotels near New Delhi airport. It wraps you in luxury the minute you step in. The stylish space is home to a chic lobby, never-ending rooms and multiple outlets for the finest culinary experiences. Facilities include:

  • Bathtubs with rain shower
  • Bath amenities are Forest Essentials made from natural ingredients
  • 100% cotton robes
  • Egyptian cotton towels
  • Ionic hair dryer
  • INTERNET ACCESS – High bandwidth 2 Mbps wireless internet (usage fee applies)
  • ENTERTAINMENT – 40″ LED TV and sound to personalise your entertainment.

DAY 3 – 4 : RADISSON HOTEL AGRA TAJ EAST GATE ROAD

With its modern architecture and timeless appeal, this is more than a hotel—it is a destination. Located on 4.5 acres of land in the heart of the business and leisure precincts and within walking distance of the Taj Mahal, our hotel in Agra, India proudly offers everything that savvy international travellers have come to expect in cutting-edge accommodations. Guests will enjoy such amenities as flat-screen TV, safe, and large work desk in all rooms.

Our modern and contemporary Agra hotel rooms feature:

  • LCD flat-screen, satellite television
  • Coffee and tea maker
  • Dual-line telephone with data port and direct national and international dialling
  • High-speed, wireless Internet access (complimentary)
  • In-room dining (available 24 hours)
  • Iron/ironing board and hair dryer
  • Mini bar
  • Oversized work desk with table lamp
  • Bathrooms in all guest rooms feature a shower cubicle

DAY 5 – 6 : TREEHOUSE RESORT RANTHAMBOREFortune-select-metropolitan

The Treehouse Anuraga Resort is located in the ancient city of Sawai Madhopur. Hotel amenities include:

  • bar and swimming pool.
  • Bedrooms have private facilities,
  • TV, mini-bar, hairdryer, safe and tea/coffee-making facilities.

DAY 7 – 8 : HOTEL ROYAL ORCHID, JAIPUR

The hotel boasts of a rooftop swimming pool. Spend some quality time with like-minded people along with some fine beverages and a wide range of Tandoori snacks, Continental, Thai and Mexican cuisine at our Salsa Lounge Bar.

Room facilities:

  • Bathrooms with bathtub or shower cubicles
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • LCD TV with 24 hr cable connection
  • Mini-bar
  • Electronic safe
  • Tea & coffee maker
  • Iron & ironing board

DAY 9 : HOTEL ROYAL ORCHID, BANGALORE

Opulent Rooms: Our hotel has 195 Rooms with Garden & Golf View that are well-appointed with complimentary Wi-Fi and more facilities. Delectable dining offerings: During your stay, experience our award-winning restaurants. Choose from Limelight (All Day Dining), Ginseng – Pan Asian fine dining and Tiger Trail – Authentic Indian cuisine. Roof Top – Infinity Heated Pool

Room facilities:

  • Beautiful view of the city & golf course view
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi & Buffet Breakfast
  • Mini-bar
  • Electronic safe
  • Tea & coffee maker
  • LCD TV with 24 hr cable connection

DAY 10 : HOYSALA VILLAGEWindflower Resort Coorg

Hoysala Village, is a botanical wonderland. Elegantly designed and tastefully decorated with a variety of artefacts, constructed with rosewood and traditional materials, while trees and flowers line pathways, Hoysala Village Resort keeps you astounded.

DAY 11 – 12 : WINDFLOWER RESORT & SPA COORG

The 5-star Windflower Resort & Spa is ideally located in Coorg, surrounded by three wildlife sanctuaries and a national park. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, spa and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning and a TV.

DAY 13 : COUNTRY INN AND SUITES BY RADISSON, MYSORE

With welcoming amenities like a modern fitness centre and free Wi-Fi, the Country Inn & Suites in Mysore invites you to rest and recharge during your stay in Karnataka. Whether you’re looking to energise your morning with a workout in the fitness centre or unwind in the evening with a swim in the outdoor pool, the Country Inn & Suites offers an attractive array of services designed to meet your needs and there are 3 restaurants on site.

All rooms include:

  • Free Wi-Fi & Weekday Newspaper
  • 32-Inch LCD Satellite TV with HD Channels
  • Fully Stocked Private Bar
  • Well-Appointed Work Desk
  • Coffee/Tea Facilities with Daily Replenishment
  • Hair Dryer, Iron & Ironing Board
  • Electronic In-Room Safe
  • Individual Climate Control
  • 24-Hour Room Service, Magnifying Mirror, Packaged Drinking Water
  • Shower Cubicle, Weighing Scale, Bathroom Amenities
  • Turndown Service

DAY 14 – 15 : TRIDENT HOTELFortune JP Palace Mysore

The 4-star Trident Hotel is situated in Cochin. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, safe, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV.

DAY 16 – 17 : UDAY SAMUDRA LEISURE BEACH HOTEL & SPA

Uday Samudra Hotel is located just 15 meters away from the famed beach of Kovalam. The hotel is equipped with Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and tea/coffee-maker. The hotel also has spacious lawns, a harmony of architecture, blue water pools and soaring coconut grove in four tranquil acres by the sea.

Travelsphere

 

Map Unavailable

Book on this excursion

Bookings are closed for this event.