Compare Cruising in Assam by Audley Travel vs Grand Tour of North India by Turban Adventures

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Calcutta.

Day 2 : Calcutta

Arrive into Calcutta where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.Depending on the time of your flight, the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Day 3 : Calcutta

Explore the old colonial streets of Calcutta on a fascinating walking tour, or select a different tour to see an unusual side of the city.

Day 4 : Guwahati

Fly from Calcutta to Guwahati and board your comfortable cruise boat. You will have the opportunity to tour Guwahati with guests from the cruise boat, before setting off along the Brahmaputra.

Day 5 : Guwahati

Spend the day cruising along the Brahmaputra. Explore riverside villages, visit silk weaving workshops and a hilltop Muslim shrine.

Day 6 : Guwahati

Cruise deeper into Assam, visiting the poignant Commonwealth War Graves cemetery en route, as well as Peacock Island; known for its population of Golden Langur monkeys.

Day 7 : Kaziranga National Park

Visit the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary this morning before disembarking your boat and making the journey to Kaziranga National Park. Relax this afternoon in your lodge - it's common to spot birds right on your private sit-out.

Day 8 : Kaziranga National Park

Wake up in a beautiful lodge on the park's outskirts. Enjoy both morning and afternoon safaris in this protected area of Assam. Hopefully you will spot one-horned rhino as well as deer, otters and turtles.

Day 9 : Jorhat

Continue northeast today to Jorhat, where you will stay in a colonial bungalow for the next two nights. This afternoon you might like to take a walk through the local village near your hotel.

Day 10 : Jorhat

Visit Majuli Island, the worldâs largest river island which is home to colourful monasteries, craft workshops and the Missing people. They also provide an excellent opportunity for bird watching.

Day 11 : Dibrugarh

Travel onwards to Dibrugarh via the ancient Ahom city of Sibsagar which you will visit en route. The temples are unique to this area and little visited - you're likely to have them to yourselves.

Day 12 : Dibrugarh

Explore the tranquil tea estates of Dibrugarh and learn the complex art of tea production. You will have the opportunity to meet some of the small tribal villages if you wish.

Day 13 : Calcutta

After a leisurely start to the day, fly back to Calcutta for your final night. Stay near the airport ready for your flight home tomorrow.

Day 14 : International return flight

Transfer to the airport for your international flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.

Day 1 - Arrive in Delhi

A warm welcome on arrival at Delhi Airport by our team member & get transferred privately to your hotel located in New Delhi & staying here takes you back to the time of British Era.This afternoon is at leisure to get settled from international journey. Depending on your time of arrival, if you wish to start exploring this afternoon, our car & driver is available at your service. We are just a call away from you (mobile phone given to you on arrival).Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 2 - Exploring Delhi

According to itinerary we have incorporated the famous sights to visit in Old & New Delhi. The tour starts from Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Spice market tour & takes you to New Delhi. Explore Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb (A UNESCO World Heritage Site) & the renowned India Gate. Drive past through President’s House & Parliament House.The above itinerary is just completely flexibility & runs at your own package. So at any point you may wish to customize it, just let your guide know & he will tailor the day to suit your tastes.Return to The Imperial by evening for overnight stay.

Day 3 - Delhi - Jaipur

This morning start your drive to Jaipur after a late breakfast.Make a halt at Neemrana to visit the 14th century fort in the Aravali Mountains.On arrival in Jaipur, check in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 4 - Jaipur

After breakfast in the morning you will be met by our guide for sightseeing of Jaipur. Starting with an excursion to Amber Fort, A perfect example of Mughal & Rajput architecture. Get on the electronic vehicle to reach at the top of fort. Visit 16th century step well famous as Panna Meena ka kund located in the foothills of mountains.While return to city stop at Jal Mahal for photo tour. Later visit City Palace - residence of former royal family of Jaipur, Jantar Mantar ( A UNESCO World Heritage Site ) is a astronomical observatory designed by Maharaja Jai Singh II & The Palace of Winds famous as Hawa Mahal, the landmark of Jaipur.Take a heritage walk with our guide in old city, passing through the narrow streets, exploring flower & vegetable markets. See the local artisans & experience the lifestyle of people in Pink City.Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 5 - Jaipur - Agra via Tordi Village

Have a sumptuous breakfast in hotel & drive to Agra en-route we will visit Tordi Village & explore the local houses in an open jeep followed by lunch at the palace.Drive straight towards Agra & check in at hotel overlooking to Taj Mahal. Capture the sunset views of Taj from your room & spend overnight at hotel.

Day 6 - In Agra

Early morning get ready to indulge in the beauty of Taj Mahal to experience this most visited monument at sunrise.Come back to hotel.Relax for a while & after lunch join our tour guide for sightseeing of Agra Fort, the red sandstone building which was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Continue visit Imad-ud-daullah tomb famous as Baby Taj.See Taj Mahal in evening light from opposite side & visit Kachpura village. Overnight in Agra.

Day 7 - Agra - Jhansi (Train), Jhansi - Khajuraho via Orchha (185 kms / 4.5 hrs)

Early morning board train to Jhansi. Meet our driver at Jhansi Railway Station & start your journey towards Khajuraho.En-route you will stop at Orchha to visit The Fort complex to cover the three palace located in open quadrangle. Have lunch at Orchha Mahal & drive straight to the place which is listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site named ‘Khajuraho’.On arrival check in at your pre-booked hotel in Khajuraho which is very closely located to Western Group of temples. Overnight stay in Khajuraho.

Day 8 - Khajuraho

Day reserved for sightseeing of Khajuraho covering the famous Western Group of Temples comprises Kandariya Mahadev Temple - dedicated to Lord Shiva, Chausath Yogini Temple - the oldest & the only temple surviving temple of Goddess Kali etc.Also visit Eastern Group of Temples & Southern Group of Temples at sunset. Overnight in Khajuraho.

Day 9 - Fly to Varanasi

Board flight to Varanasi. Meet our staff at Varanasi Airport & get transferred to your hotel which is exactly overlooking to Ganges & dates back to 18th century.Set out this afternoon for excursion to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit the various monasteries & come back to Varanasi.

In the evening visit the Dashaswamedh Ghat to see the holy Aarti on the banks of Ganges, opt for boat ride to see the rituals performed by devotees on the ghats.

Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 10 - Varanasi

A special highlight of this trip is to have sunrise boat ride on River Ganges. So get up early morning & enjoy boat cruise on the great Ganges River to see the temples bathed in soft light.

Take a guided walking tour of old city with our guide to explore Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple & Sankat Mochan Temple.

Complete your day by visiting Sarai Mohana village famous for silk weaving. Return to hotel.

Day 11 - Fly to Delhi & depart

Its time to day goodbye after a unforgettable trip to exotic & most visited destinations. Fly to Delhi & board your onward flight back to home.