India · UNESCO Heritage Sites

Heart & Soul of India

18 Days Round trip from Pickup service provided in New Delhi. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Old and New Delhi, including Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, and India Gate
  • 02 Witness the evening Aarti Ceremony and enjoy boat rides on the Ganges in Varanasi
  • 03 Visit Mumbai landmarks including Marine Drive, CST, Dhobhi Ghat, and Mani Bhawan
  • 04 Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora
  • 05 Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola and a folk dance show at Bagore ki Haveli
  • 06 Tour Rajasthan’s royal cities: Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Pushkar
  • 07 See Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort, City Palace, and Birla Temple in Jaipur
  • 08 Experience sunrise at the Taj Mahal and visit Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri

Discover India’s rich heritage on an 18-day journey through some of the country’s most iconic cities, sacred sites, and royal capitals. From the historic monuments of Delhi and the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi to the vibrant energy of Mumbai and the ancient cave complexes of Ajanta and Ellora, this itinerary brings together culture, history, architecture, and local traditions.

Travel onward through Rajasthan’s grand forts, palaces, lakes, and temples in Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaipur, before ending with the timeless beauty of Agra and the Taj Mahal. With guided sightseeing, private transport, monument entrances, and memorable experiences such as boat rides, a cycle rickshaw ride, and cultural performances, this tour offers a wide-ranging introduction to the heart and soul of India.

Evening boat ride to witness the the magical Aarti Ceremony performed at Dasashwamedh Ghat.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 18 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Delhi, Mumbai, Aurangabad, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Agra, Varanasi, Pushkar, Fatehpur Sikri, Sarnath
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrive DelhiOn arrival at IGI airport assistance and transfer to hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax.Overnight at hotel.

2
Day 02

DelhiBreakfast at hotel, city tour of Delhi. Visit Old Delhi which include Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market. Enjoy Cycle Rickshaw ride. After lunch visit New Delhi which includes Qutab Minar, Humayun Tomb, Lotus Temple. Drive thru VVIP areas which includes President House, Parliament house, India Gate & War Memorial within India Gate.Overnight at hotel.

3
Day 03

Delhi - Varanasi (flight)Breakfast at hotel transfer to airport to board flight for Varanasi one of India's oldest and holiest cities.Evening boat ride to witness the the magical Aarti Ceremony performed at Dasashwamedh Ghat.Overnight at hotel.

4
Day 04

VaranasiEarly morning boat ride and Ghat visit along the Ganges and catch the scene of devotees bathing and praying in the sacred water. Breakfast at hotel.City tour of Varanasi visit World famous Benaras Hindu University, The Ramnagar Fort Palace. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath one of the three holiest sites for Buddhists where the Buddha delivered his first sermon in 528 BC. There are many temples here, representing the many cultures where Buddhism is the dominant religious philosophy.Overnight at hotel.

5
Day 05

Varanasi - Mumbai (flight)Breakfast at hotel transfer to airport to board flight for Mumbai the commercial capital of India. On arrival assistance and transfer to hotel. Rest time free for personal activities relax, you can take a walk to have a glance of the city, visiting local markets and restaurants.Overnight at hotel.

6
Day 06

MumbaiBreakfast at hotel. Drive thru Marine Drive one of the most beautifully laid boulevards in the city. Parliament House, the Maharashtra State Assembly (view from outside), Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), formerly Victoria Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (view from outside). Visit Dhobhi Ghat to see the city's famous open-air laundry in action, Prince of Wales Museum (Monday closed), a heritage museum comprises of a number of ancient artifacts, Mani Bhawan, also known as Gandhi Museum, here Gandhi laid the foundation for many independence movements. Mount Mary Church, an ancient church, built in 1640 and then rebuilt in 1761, The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount is also an important religious place in Mumbai. In the evening, visit Iskcon Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, the architectural splendour of the ISKCON Temple is adorned with murals and sculptures.Overnight at hotel.

7
Day 07

Mumbai – Aurangabad (flight)Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board the flight for Aurangabad. On arrival assistance and transfer to hotel.Later visit Bibi ka Maqbara Built by Azam Shah in 1678, a son's loving tribute to his mother. Also visit Panchakki - which literally means 'Water Mill'. It receives water from an underground channel, with its source being 6 km away in the mountains.Overnight at hotel

8
Day 08

Aurangabad – Ajanta (105kms/ 2 hrs approx one way)Breakfast at hotel. Full day excursion to Ajanta Caves (Monday closed). The Buddhist Caves of Ajanta were discovered by the British officers in 1819 while tiger hunting. The Caves at Ajanta are older than those at Ellora, which date from about 200 B.C to 650 A.D. Thirty beautiful Buddhist Caves with mesmerizing sculptures and paintings depicting Buddha's life as well the lives of the Buddha in his previous births. Five of these Caves are Chaityas (Place of worship) while the other twenty-five are Viharas (monasteries). Ajanta Caves are divided in two categories based on two schools of Buddhist thought - Hinayana Caves and Mahayana Caves.Evening back to hotel in Aurangabad for overnight stay.

9
Day 09

Aurangabad – Ellora (36kms/ 1 hrs approx one way) / Mumbai (flight)Breakfast at hotel, excursion to visit Ellora, a UNESCO World heritage sites (Tuesday closed). It houses 34 monasteries and temples with some exclusive uninterrupted sequence of monuments that date back from 600 to 1000 AD. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana. On way back visit Daulatabad Fort one of the most powerful forts of the medieval Deccan.After sightseeing transfer to airport to board flight for Mumbai. On arrival at Mumbai airport assistance and transfer to hotel.Overnight at hotel.

10
Day 10

Mumbai - Udaipur (flight)Breakfast at hotel transfe to airport to board flight for Udaipur. On arrival assistance and transfer to hotel. Evening boat ride on Lake Pichola followed by folk dance show "Dharohar" at Bagore ki Haveli.Overnight at hotel.

11
Day 11

UdaipurBreakfast at hotel full day city tour of Udaipur, visiting Fort, Palaces, Havelis, Gardens, Temples. Evening boat ride on Lake Pichola.Overnight at hotel.

12
Day 12

Udaipur - Jodhpur (265kms/ 5hrs approx)Breakfast at hotel drive to Jodhpur. En route visit either Ranakpur Jain Temple or Kumbhalgarh Fort as per your interest. Continue drive to Jodhpur, check in at hotel. Rest time free to relax and personal activities.Overnight at hotel.

13
Day 13

JodhpurBreakfast at hotel full day city tour visiting the attraction like Mehrangarh fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace visiting area & Museum. Later excursion to visit Mandore temples, Chhatris & gardens.Overnight at hotel.

14
Day 14

Jodhpur - Pushkar - Jaipur (330km/ 6hr approx)Breakfast at hotel drive to Jaipur via visiting Pushkar. On arrival check in at hotel. Rest time free mnd easy to relax and visit the local market with your driver. As per your interest wrap up your day by watching Bollywood movie at the opulent Rajmandir Cinema. Overnight at hotel Taj Rambagh Palace or The Oberoi Rajvilas Palace.Overnight at hotel.

15
Day 15

JaipurBreakfast at hotel. Visit the majestic Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort. Enjoy Jeep ride at Amber Fort. Later visit the city monuments including City Palace, Observatory, Palace of Winds, Albert Hall Museum and Birla Temple.Overnight at hotel.

16
Day 16

Jaipur - Abhaneri - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (245kms/ 5hrs approx)Breakfast at hotel drive to Agra enroute visit Abhaneri a small village popular for the amazing step wells and Hindu Temple. Further drive and visit Fatehpur Sikri the 16th century ghost town. On arrival check in at hotel. Evening watch live show Mohabbat the Taj.Overnight at hotel.

17
Day 17

Agra - Delhi (204kms/ 4hrs approx)Sunrise visit Taj Mahal followed by breakfast at hotel. Later visit Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb.Afternoon drive to Delhi check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax.Overnight at hotel.

18
Day 18

Delhi - Departure (flight)Breakfast at hotel as per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in New Delhi. 11 cities · 18 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Breakfast
  • Assistance on arrival at the airport.
  • 17 Nights' accommodation (if option selected) in selected price category 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 activity charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in the car.
  • Government taxes.

What's Not Included

  • Any flight ticket.
  • Camera charges at monuments if any.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet, etc.
  • Gratuities and optional activities.

Know before you go

  • WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
  • STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Hotels used or similar

    Delhi x 2 nights
    3* - Madhuban Hotel/ Meridian Plaza
    4* - The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket
    5* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges

    Varanasi x 2 nights
    3* - Meraden Grand/ Amaya Hotel
    4* - Rivatas by Ideal/ Palace On Ganges
    5* - Radisson Hotel/ Gateway Hotel Taj

    Mumbai x 2 nights
    3* - Hotel Suba Palace/ BW Hotel Sahil
    4* - Sun-N-Sand Hotel/ Fariyas Hotel
    5* - Trident Hotel/ ITC Grand Central

    Aurangabad x 2 nights
    3* - Keys Hotel The Aures/ Aurangabad Gymkhana Club
    4* - Ambassador Ajanta / VITS Hotel
    5* - WelcomHotel Rama International / Lemon Tree Hotel

    Mumbai x 1 nights
    3* - Hotel Suba Palace/ BW Hotel Sahil
    4* - Sun-N-Sand Hotel/ Fariyas Hotel
    5* - Trident Hotel/ ITC Grand Central

    Udaipur x 2 nights
    3* - Lake Pichola Hotel/ Jaiwana Haveli
    4* - Shikarbadi Hotel/ Hotel Lakend
    5* - Shiv Niwas Palace/ Trident Udaipur

    Jodhpur x 2 nights
    3* - Devi Bhawan/ Pal Haveli
    4* - The Ummed/ Ranbanka Place
    5* - Welcome Hotel/ Ajit Bhawan

    Jaipur x 2 nights
    3* - Redfox Hotel/ Park Ocean
    4* - Fortune Select Metropolitan/ Lemon Tree Premier
    5* - ITC Rajputana/ Hilton Jaipur

    Agra x 1 nights
    3* - Howard Plaza the Fern/ Atulyaa Taj
    4* - Four Point by Sheraton/ Crystal Sarovar Premier
    5* - Mansion Grand/ Courtyard by Marriott

    Delhi x 1 nights
    3* - Madhuban Hotel/ Meridian Plaza
    4* - The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket
    5* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in New Delhi.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in New Delhi.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 18 days finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in New Delhi..

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