21-Day Grand India Discovery: North India Heritage, Rajasthan Safaris & South India Backwaters by Travel Astu
Tour Overview
Embark on the ultimate all-India tour package with Travel Astu, your premier authority in bespoke, high-end expeditions. This 21-day "Grand India Discovery" by Astu is a masterfully curated North to South India itinerary that bridges the spiritual heights of the Golden Temple in Amritsar and the Himalayan charm of Shimla with the royal palaces of Rajasthan and the tropical serenity of Goa and Kerala backwaters. Travel Astu Pvt Ltd has designed this comprehensive India travel program to ensure international travelers experience a seamless transition between the best places to visit in India, from the Taj Mahal in Agra to the houseboats of Alleppey.
Your luxury India vacation with Astu Travel is defined by elite logistics, including domestic flights from Jaipur to Udaipur, Goa, and Cochin, alongside the nostalgic UNESCO Shimla-Kalka Toy Train. To ensure a world-class experience, we provide government-approved licensed guides fluent in English, Spanish, German, French, Russian, Italian, Tamil, and Hindi. A soulful highlight of our cultural India tours is an intimate evening at the Family Table India in Delhi, featuring a private cooking demonstration and Hindu family dinner. From tiger safaris in Ranthambore National Park to elephant activities in Thekkady and boat cruises on Lake Pichola, Astu ensures every detail of your 21-day India expedition is executed with 24/7 guest support and absolute precision.
Day to day itinerary
Arrive Delhi. Travel Astu diver and company representative will be there at the airport with paging board/name placard and TravelAstu logo to receive you and then transfer you to hotel.
In Hotel, our representative will handover you all the travel documents like your printed itinerary, flights tickets, train tickets and all other hard copy documents and he will also explain you about day by day trip.
After relaxed breakfast, afternoon visit old Delhi Chandni Chawk and Spice Market area by paddle Rickshaw ride. Visit Agrasen Ki Baoli Stepwell, Raj Ghat (Memorial of Mahatma Gandhi) or Gandhi Museum, Lotus Bahai Temple, Drive passed to India Gate, President House, New Parliament House.
Evening Experience: An immersive Cooking demostration with a local Hindu family. Learn the secrets of Indian spices and enjoy a shared dinner with family.
Night in Delhi.
Breakfast at hotel. As per flight time, we will transfer you to Delhi airport for Amritsar. As per flight time, our driver will be there at the Amritsar airport with a paging board / placard of your name along with the logo of TravelAstu. He will receive you and transfer you to the hotel.
Check-in and relax in the hotel. In the evening, the Palki Ceremony of Harminder Shahib and local market visit.
Back to the hotel and night stay.
Full day tour of Amritsar with guide.
Visit: Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib), Jallianwala Bagh. After the Amritsar tour, drive to Wagah Border to attend the lowering of the flags ceremony. After the “Beating the Retreat” ceremony, back to the hotel.
Night in Amritsar.
Drive to Chandigarh (around 4hrs 15 min)
Visit - The Rock Garden & Sukna Lake
Night in Chandigarh.
Drive to Shimla (3 hrs 15 min). Reach Shimla, hotel check-in and relax a little.
Visit - The Ridge, Kali Bari Temple and enjoy the local market of Mall road. Night in Shimla.
Shimla to Kalka by TOY TRAIN: A must-try ride for holidaymakers of all ages, the Kalka Shimla Toy Train passes through more than 100 tunnels and 800 bridges to cover some 60 miles. Built in 1903, this UNESCO World Heritage Site takes you back in time with a display of awe-inspiring landscapes.
Enjoy this amazing experience and then another train to Delhi in first class AC or Executive class.
Travel in The Himalayan Queen (first class) train (52456) departs at 10:40 am from Shimla and reaches Kalka at 4:10 pm. In this case we will book KLK SHATABDI train with an executive class which departs at 5:45 Pm and will reach Delhi at 09:50 PM
(Toy train tickets and KLK SHATABDI train tickets included) Night in Delhi.
After breakfast, drive to Agra. Hotel check-in and relax.
VisitAgra Fort, Baby Taj, Mehtab Garden (To see Taj Mahal with river Yamuna view from Taj View point)
Night in Agra.
5:30 AM, Be ready for sunrise visit tour of Tajmahal. After Taj, back to hotel and have relax breakfast.
Check-out and then drive to Ranthambore. Resort check-in and relax.
Evening visit to Ranthambore Fort and Ganesh Temple with driver.
Night in Ranthambore.
Safari in Ranthambore national park. (Included - Morning and Afternoon Safari along with park entry fee)
Your all three meals are included in the resort.
Night in Ranthambore.
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur. En-route visit Galta Ji – Best place to see human friendly monkeys, Peacocks, Neel Gae (Blue Bull), and other wild animals and also beautiful Sarovars (natural water Swimming pools).
If you will interested, we will also take you to Laxmi Narayan Birla Temple to attend Aarti ceremony.
Night in Jaipur.
Full day tour of Jaipur with guide. Visit - Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal.
Night in Jaipur.
Jaipur to Udaipur by morning flight. Reach Udaipur, check into hotel and relax for the rest of the day.
(Flight ticket included)
Night in Udaipur.
After breakfast, Udaipur tour with guide. Visit City Palace, Enjoy boat cruise ride in Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir Temple, Shaheliyon Ki Bari, Gardens of Maids.
Night in Udaipur.
Fly Udaipur to Goa (via Mumbai) (Flight tickets included).
Reach Goa and relax in the beach.
Night in Goa.
Relax in Goa.
Night in Goa.
Relax in Goa. Or if you like, we will give you Goa sightseeing tour.
Fly Goa to Kochi (21:15 – 22:35) (Flight tickets included).
Evening transfer to airport for flight to Kochi. Night in Kochi.
After breakfast, tour of Fort Kochi. Visit - Chinese Fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, St. Francis CSI Church, Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi etc.
Kochi to Alleppey by drive (2 hrs drive). Check-in resort and relax.
Night in Alleppey.
After breakfast, check-out and transfer to backwaters houseboat.
Today you will enjoy the highlight of Kerala - Kerala Backwaters Houseboat. You’re all three meals included in the houseboat.
Night in the houseboat.
After breakfast, check-out and drive to Periyar National Park. Do park activities with boating in Periyar Lake inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve to spot wildlife, including herds of wild elephants.
Experience traditional Kerala arts with a Kathakali dance and Kalaripayattu martial arts show at a local theatre in Thekkady.
Night in Thekkady.
After breakfast, check-out and visit spice plantation or Ayurvedic garden in Kumily to learn about local cardamom, cinnamon, and coffee. If you like, we will also take you for local market where you can do shopping of souvenirs, spices, and handicrafts. Then drive to Cochin. Hotel check-in and relax.
Night in Cochin.
Breakfast at hotel. As per airline rules and regulation, passenger must be in airport 3 hours before flight time. As per flight time drive to airport and Bye – bye from India with incredible memories.
Trip Highlights
- The Travel Astu Elite Service: Benefit from a dedicated 24/7 Guest Relation Manager, a private AC vehicle with a professional driver, and personalized airport/station greetings.
- Global Language Expertise: Explore India’s history with professional, licensed guides with selected cities.
- Spiritual & Colonial Hearts: Witness the moving Palki Ceremony at the Golden Temple, the Wagah Border retreat, and the colonial heritage of Shimla and Fort Cochin.
- Tiger Territory Immersion: Stay at the prestigious Khem Villas and embark on morning and afternoon Canter Safaris in Ranthambore with an expert naturalist.
- The Family Table India Evening: Join a local Hindu family in Delhi for an authentic cooking masterclass and dinner, experiencing the true warmth of Indian hospitality.
- Tropical & Backwater Serenity: Relax on the beaches of Goa, explore the spice plantations of Thekkady, and glide through the Alleppey backwaters on a traditional boat.
- Iconic Monument Access: Enjoy skip-the-line entry to all sites, including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and the majestic palaces of Jaipur and Udaipur.
- Seamless Sky & Rail Transitions: Save days of travel with included flights for four major sectors and Executive Class rail travel from Kalka to Delhi.
Questions about this trip (FAQs)
Yes, when managed by Travel Astu (also known as Astu). We utilize a "Flight-First" strategy, including four domestic flights to connect Rajasthan, Goa, and Kerala. This eliminates over 60 hours of road travel, allowing you to spend your time experiencing the cultures of the North and the serenity of the South.
Absolutely. Astu Travel provides a consistent multilingual experience. From the temples of Amritsar to the churches of Cochin, we provide government-approved, professional guides in English, Spanish, German, French, Russian, Italian, Tamil, and Hindi.
We provide a high-end wilderness experience at Khem Villas, including all three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Your morning and afternoon safaris are led by expert naturalists, and all national park entry fees are pre-paid by Astu.
Travel Astu handles everything. We include your domestic flight tickets (Delhi–Amritsar, Jaipur–Udaipur, Udaipur–Goa, Goa–Cochin) and all train tickets, including the UNESCO Toy Train and the Executive Class Express to Delhi. We even manage the luggage transfers.
Very much so. With private AC transportation, hand-picked premium hotels, and 24/7 guest relations, we cater to those who want an adventurous "pan-India" experience without sacrificing comfort or safety.
This is a professional yet warm cultural exchange. You are invited to a local Hindu family's home for a Traditional Indian dinner. You’ll participate in a cooking session to learn about Indian spices and share stories about daily life in India. Explore guest memories on the Family Table India Facebook Page.
Every guest is assigned a dedicated Astu Guest Relation Manager available via WhatsApp and Phone 24/7. Whether you need a local restaurant recommendation in Goa or want to adjust a pickup time in Kerala, our team is always just one message away.
