50 Day India Grand Tour
Tour Overview
The Grand Indian Odyssey: A 50-Day Private Expedition of Heritage, Spirit, and Tropical Splendor by Travel Astu
Embark on the definitive exploration of the Indian subcontinent with Travel Astu, your premier architect of long-form, high-access cultural travel. This "Lifetime Memory" expedition by Astu is a masterfully choreographed 50-day grand heritage itinerary that seamlessly unites the desert citadels of the North, the spiritual banks of the Ganges, the colonial soul of the East, and the tropical serenity of the Dravidian South. Travel Astu Pvt Ltd has engineered this monumental 50-day immersive program to offer a transition beyond the typical tourist path, diving deep into the living traditions of 12 distinct Indian states.
Your private subcontinental sanctuary with Astu Travel is defined by logistical mastery and absolute comfort. You will navigate this epic journey via a sophisticated network of fully AC premium private vehicles, high-speed AC First Class rail, and strategically timed domestic flights. To ensure a world-class experience, we prioritize "The Human Connection"—from a private Hindu home-cooking demonstration in Delhi to witnessing the ancient martial arts of Kerala. Stay in a curated selection of 3, 4, and 5-star hotels and luxury palaces, supported by our 24/7 guest relations team. With Astu, your 50-day Indian pilgrimage is a seamless story of discovery, luxury, and soul-stirring memory.
Day to day itinerary
Phase 1: The Golden Triangle & Royal Rajasthan
Welcome: Meet and greet at IGI Airport by a Travel Astu representative.
Transfer: Private transfer to your hotel.
Delhi Sightseeing: If you have morning or day time arrival, then we will plan your Delhi tour. Visit - New Delhi: Qutub Minar, India Gate, Parliament House, and Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's House).
Overnight: Delhi.
Old Delhi: Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi Memorial), Red Fort (UNESCO Site), and Jama Masjid.
Experience: Traditional Rickshaw Ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk.
Spiritual Visit: Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple (Note: Closed on Mondays).
Local Culinary Experience: Visit a Delhi family home for a traditional culture exchange, a live Indian cooking demonstration, and a home-cooked dinner.
Overnight: Delhi.
Transfer: 5-hour drive to the Shekhawati region.
Sightseeing: Explore the famous Mandawa Fort and the intricately painted Havelis (Merchant Mansions).
Evening: Traditional Bhopa-Bhopi folk music performance.
Overnight: Mandawa.
Transfer: Drive to the desert city of Bikaner.
Sightseeing: Junagarh Fort, Camel Breeding Farm (Asia's largest), and the famous Karni Mata Temple (Deshnok Rat Temple).
Overnight: Bikaner.
Transfer: Journey into the heart of the Thar Desert.
Sightseeing: Evening visit to the Royal Cenotaphs (Bada Bagh).
Overnight: Jaisalmer.
Highlights: Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila), Jain Temples, Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, and Patwon Ji Ki Haveli.
Culture: Tazia Tower and Gadisar Lake.
Overnight: Jaisalmer.
Village Life: Transfer to Lakhmana Village.
Activity: Camel Safari, traditional puppet show, and folk dance performances under the stars.
Overnight: Desert Camp/Village.
Transfer: Drive to Jodhpur.
Free Time: Explore the local spice markets and the clock tower area.
Overnight: Jodhpur.
Highlights: Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada (The Marble Memorial), and Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum.
Overnight: Jodhpur.
In-route Visit: Ranakpur Jain Temples (Famous for its 1,444 unique marble pillars) and the Sun Temple.
Evening: Traditional folk dance show at Bagore Ki Haveli.
Overnight: Udaipur.
Highlights: City Palace Museum, Jagdish Temple, and Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of the Maidens).
Experience: Sunset Boat Ride on Lake Pichola visiting Jag Mandir.
Overnight: Udaipur.
Excursion: Full-day visit to Chittorgarh Fort (India's largest fort complex and a UNESCO World Heritage site).
Overnight: Chittorgarh
Transfer: Drive to the capital of Rajasthan.
Evening: Aarti Ceremony at the white marble Birla Temple.
Overnight: Jaipur.
Highlights: Amber Fort (including an Elephant ride or Jeep safari), City Palace, Jantar Mantar (Royal Observatory), and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds).
Shopping: Visit local markets for handicrafts and world-famous carpets.
Overnight: Jaipur.
Phase 2: Mughal Splendor & Spiritual Ganges
In-route Visit: Chand Baori Stepwell in Abhaneri and the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Evening: View the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh (The Moonlight Garden).
Overnight: Agra.
Highlights: Sunrise at the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj).
Overnight: Agra.
Transfer: Train to Jhansi, then drive to Orchha.
Highlights: Orchha Fort Complex, Jehangir Mahal, and the riverside Chattris (Cenotaphs).
Overnight: Khajuraho.
Sightseeing: Western and Eastern Group of Temples (UNESCO sites famous for erotic carvings).
Transfer: Evening overnight train to Varanasi.
Arrival: Transfer to hotel.
Evening: Witness the spiritual Ganga Aarti Ceremony on the banks of the River Ganges.
Overnight: Varanasi.
Morning: Early morning Boat Ride on the Ganges to witness the bathing ghats and cremation rituals.
Sightseeing: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath (where Buddha preached his first sermon), Dhamekh Stupa, and Sarnath Museum.
Culture: Visit Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Tulsi Manas Temple.
Overnight: Varanasi.
Phase 3: Cultural Capital & The Financial Hub
Transfer: Flight to Kolkata.
Sightseeing: Birla Planetarium, Kalighat Temple, and Dakshineswar Kali Temple.
Heritage: Belur Math (Ramakrishna Mission HQ) and the Nakhoda Mosque.
Architecture: St. John’s Church (Job Charnock Mausoleum) and Pareshnath Jain Temple.
Shopping: Traditional textile exploration at Bada Bazar and Dakshinapan for Saris.
Overnight: Kolkata.
Spiritual Experience: Visit The Mother House (Missionaries of Charity).
Highlights: Mother Teresa’s Tomb and the Museum "Life, Spirit, and Message of Mother Teresa."
Volunteer Opportunity: Option for short-term volunteer work at the Mission.
Overnight: Kolkata.
Transfer: Flight to Mumbai.
Evening: Scenic drive along Marine Drive and a stroll at Chowpatty Beach.
Overnight: Mumbai.
Architecture: Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus), Mumbai High Court, and the Rajabai Clock Tower.
Sightseeing: Hanging Gardens (Malabar Hill) and Flora Fountain.
Experience: Explore the vibrant markets of South Mumbai.
Overnight: Mumbai.
Morning: Tour of Kala Ghoda Art District and the famous Dhobi Ghat (Open-air laundry).
Transfer: Flight to Aurangabad.
Overnight: Aurangabad.
Highlights: Full-day excursion to the Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the Kailasa Temple) or Ajanta Caves.
Overnight: Aurangabad.
Phase 4: Tropical Kerala & The Dravidian South
Transfer: Flights via Mumbai to Cochin (Kochi).
Evening: Relax at the harbor.
Overnight: Cochin.
Highlights: Chinese Fishing Nets, Jew Town, Paradesi Synagogue, and Mattancherry Dutch Palace.
Culture: St. Francis Church and a Kathakali Dance Performance in the evening.
Overnight: Cochin.
Experience: Board a traditional Houseboat (Kettuvallam).
Activity: Cruise through the scenic canals and lagoons with full board on ship.
Overnight: Houseboat.
Transfer: Drive to the cliffs of Varkala.
Relaxation: Beach time and optional Ayurvedic Yoga & Massage treatments.
Overnight: Varkala.
Relax in Beach. Optional Ayurvedic Yoga & Massage treatments.
Overnight: Varkala.
Transfer: Flight from Trivandrum to Chennai.
Highlights: Evening walk at Marina Beach.
Overnight: Chennai.
Sightseeing: Santhome Cathedral, Fort St. George, and Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
In-route: Kanchipuram (The City of 1,000 Temples and Silk Saris).
Overnight: Mahabalipuram.
Highlights: Shore Temple, Five Rathas (Pancha Pandava), Arjuna’s Penance, and Krishna Mandapam.
Overnight: Mahabalipuram.
Phase 5: Grand Temples & Tech Cities
Highlights: Rock Fort Temple and the massive Srirangam Temple (Ranganathaswamy).
Overnight: Trichy.
Transfer: Scenic drive to Madurai (approx. 2 hours).
Evening: Witness the Light and Sound Show at Thirumalai Nayak Palace.
Overnight: Madurai.
Highlights: Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace, and the Gandhi Memorial Museum.
Excursion: Visit the Thirupparankundram Cave Temple (Ancient rock-cut temple).
Evening: Witness the spiritual Aarti Ceremony at Meenakshi Temple.
Overnight: Madurai.
Transfer: Flight to Bangalore (Bengaluru).
Experience: Evening stroll at MG Road to witness the modern side of India's Silicon Valley.
Overnight: Bangalore.
Highlights: Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, and ISKCON Temple.
Overnight: Bangalore.
Transfer: Drive to Hassan (approx. 4 hours).
Experience: Discover the rich landscapes and cultural history of the Hassan district.
Overnight: Hassan.
Architecture: Detailed tour of the Chennakeshava Temple in Belur and the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebid.
Highlights: Explore the intricate soapstone carvings and Hoysala masterpieces.
Overnight: Hassan.
In-route: Visit the historic Srirangapatna Fort and Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.
Evening: Visit Mysore Palace (Illuminations on Sundays and public holidays).
Overnight: Mysore.
Sightseeing: Chamundi Hill, Nandi Bull, Mysore Palace, and the musical fountains of Brindavan Gardens.
Transfer: Board the Hampi Express (Overnight Train) to Hospet.
Overnight: Onboard Train.
Phase 6: The Golden Age of Hampi & Goa Sands
Highlights: King’s Balance, Elephant Stables, Pushkarini Tank, and Mahanavami Dibba.
Overnight: Hospet.
Highlights: Virupaksha Temple and the Vittala Temple Complex (famous for the Stone Chariot).
Transfer: Drive to Badami (approx. 3–4 hours).
Overnight: Badami.
UNESCO Sites: Full-day tour of the Pattadakal Temple Complex and the Badami Cave Temples.
Sightseeing: Agastya Lake and the Bhutanatha Group of Temples.
Overnight: Badami.
Transfer: Drive to Hubli (approx. 2.5 hours) for your flight to Goa.
Welcome: Meet and greet by the Travel Astu team at Goa Airport.
Relaxation: Evening at leisure on the beach.
Overnight: Goa.
Relaxation: Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf of Goa’s pristine beaches.
Overnight: Goa.
Sightseeing: Visit Old Goa Churches (Basilica of Bom Jesus), Portuguese heritage sites, and local markets.
Overnight: Goa.
Transfer: Flight to Delhi or Mumbai to connect with your international flight.
Farewell: End of your 50-day Travel Astu Indian Odyssey.
Your questions and our answers (FAQs)
Travel Astu (also known as Astu) provides a seamless multi-modal experience. For long distances, we include domestic flights and AC First Class train tickets (such as the Hampi Express). For regional sightseeing, you will have a private premium AC vehicle. We coordinate all "meet-and-greet" transfers at every airport and station so you are never left alone.
Yes. Unlike many other operators, Travel Astu Pvt Ltd includes all entrance fees for monuments and heritage sites listed in the 50-day program. Your local guide will have your tickets ready, allowing you to bypass long queues and walk straight into the history.
We believe in local expertise. In every city, you will be joined by a local government-approved and licensed English-speaking guide. These specialists are deeply rooted in their specific regions, providing insights into local dialects, traditions, and hidden history that a general guide might miss.
Beyond the daily buffet breakfast, we have included iconic meals: a private dinner and cooking demo with a Hindu family in Delhi, a traditional Rajasthani dinner in Jaipur, a special lunch in Varanasi, and full-board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during your Kerala Houseboat stay. For all other meals, your guide will recommend vetted, high-quality restaurants.
This tour is designed for comfort but does include light walking through monuments and villages. Highlights like the Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi, the Elephant/Jeep safari in Jaipur, and the Camel safari in Jaisalmer are designed to give you a variety of experiences without excessive fatigue.
Your quote is 100% all-inclusive regarding transport. We cover all fuel, road taxes, toll taxes, and parking fees. Additionally, we take full responsibility for the driver’s night stay and fooding allowances, so there is no need for you to manage their logistics or expenses.
Absolutely. We have strategically placed "Slow Travel" segments, including two nights in the Kerala Backwaters, relaxation on the cliffs of Varkala, and a three-night luxury beach stay in Goa toward the end of your trip to ensure you return home refreshed.
Every Astu Travel guest is assigned a 24/7 dedicated Tour Manager. You will have their direct WhatsApp and mobile number. Whether you need an extra pillow at a hotel or want to change your morning departure time, we are active and responsive in real-time.
