Day 1: India's Graces
Tour begins: The Oberoi, New Delhi. Transfer from Indira Gandhi International Airport to your landmark hotel, The Oberoi, New Delhi, renowned for gracious service; it's set right in the heart of the city. Due to flight schedules, you will probably arrive at the hotel after midnight local time. You may want to travel a day early to ease the effects of jet lag and relax a bit before Tauck's India tour begins - just mention this at the time of booking.
Lodging: The Oberoi, New Delhi, India
Day 2: Explore New Delhi
Explore India's capital city with an insider guide; a sightseeing excursion shows you the Secretariat buildings, Parliament House, Presidential Palace, and India Gate, commemorating Indian and British soldiers. Stop at the Gandhi Smriti Museum, paying tribute to the inspiring leader who forced change through non-violent protest. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the 234-foot-high sandstone Qutb Minar Victory Tower, built in 1193, and Humayun's Tomb, set in beautiful gardens. This Mughal creation popularized Persian-influenced architecture and was an inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Discuss favorite sights at the welcome dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Oberoi, New Delhi, India
Day 3: Discover Old Delhi
Take a trishaw ride past colorful bazaars, sacred temples, and colonial monuments through the winding streets of Old Delhi, the capital of Muslim India from the 12th through the 19th centuries. See the sumptuous Red Fort palaces, the symbol of Indian nationhood. Visit India's largest mosque, the white marble Jama Masjid, and see Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi's cremation site. Spend the afternoon as you wish.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Oberoi, New Delhi, India
Day 4: Ceremonial rituals on the Ganges
Fly to the ancient city of Varanasi built on the banks of the sacred River Ganges. Since the 6th century BC, this city has been a key destination for pilgrims who seek blessing and purification in the river's holy waters. A sightseeing tour visits Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, and the National Museum, home to a priceless sculpture collection dating back to the 3rd century BC. Tonight, enjoy an unforgettable ceremonial dinner at the Peshwa Haveli, and take a boat ride in the River Ganges to witness ceremonies amidst hundreds of lighted candles and flower offerings - one of the many highlights of Tauck's India tour.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Radisson Hotel Varanasi, India
Day 5: Ganges River cruise and fly to Khajuraho
Rise early for a cruise on the Ganges River to view the Varanasi sunrise ceremonies on the Ganges before flying to Khajuraho for an overnight stay. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site's impressive millennium-old Chanella temples, known for their exquisitely detailed sculptures.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Grand Temple View, Khajuraho, India
Day 6: Orchha / Train to Agra
Your India tour continues to historic Orchha, where ancient palaces, temples and cenotaphs speak volumes about India's Mughal empire. Once inhabited by royalty, today the eerily silent ruins are home to briliant green parakeets and chattering langurs. Travel aboard a train to Agra today, home of the magnificent Taj Mahal. Your rooms in this luxurious Oberoi hotel offer a privileged view of this stunning man-made wonder what a sight to wake up to!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, India
Day 7: Experience the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
An early morning visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal is followed by a guided tour of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, witness the medieval lifestyles of 16th- and 17th-century Mughal emperors. This afternoon, join us if you wish on an excursion to the walled imperial city of Fatehpur Sikri for in-depth exploration of this remarkably preserved site.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, India
Day 8: Enjoy royal treatment in Jaipur
Arrive in Jaipur for a two-night stay at the former palace home of a Maharaja, the Rambagh Palace. See the sights of Jaipur today, including the City Palace Museum and the Jantar Mantar Observatory. Attend a special evening fit for royalty tonight, celebrating India's cultural traditions.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, India
Day 9: The palaces and pavilions of Jaipur
A highlight of your India tour, today's sightseeing includes the many gems of Jaipur, from the massive gateways and pillared pavilions of Amber Fort to a tour of Amber Palace, with its magnificent domes and hall of mirrors. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, pursuing what interests you most in Jaipur.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, India
Day 10: Scenic lake cruise and a world-renowned resort stay
Fly to Udaipur to continue your India tour with a tranquil cruise on Lake Pichola, taking in views of island palaces, ancient temples along the shore, and the old walled city. Enjoy a two-night stay amidst the romance and splendor of your palatial lakefront resort, rated the 'number one hotel in the world' by the readers of Travel + Leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India
Day 11: Discover the treasures of Udaipur
Visit the 18th-century fountain gardens of Saheliyon ki Bari, and the Jagdish Mandir Temple. View the City Palace, a labyrinth of richly decorated courtyards, frescoed galleries, and marble temples. Learn the art of dressing in a sari and turban this afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India
Day 12: Sunset cruise on the Arabian Sea
Fly to Kochi (Cochin) in the state of Kerala, on the southern tip of India, home to coconut groves, paddy fields and wide beaches. Cruise its inland waterways before setting off on a spectacular sunset cruise on the Arabian Sea. Enjoy a performance of the renowned Kathakali Dancers prior to dinner tonight at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Le Meridien Cochin Resort, Cochin, India
Day 13: Traditional cuisine and more in historic Kochi
Kochi (Cochin) dates back to the 15th century, boasting myriad historic sites. After a lecture on southern India's unique heritage and cultural diversity, see the Dutch Palace, Jew Town, St. Francis Church, and Fort Cochin, the oldest European settlement in India. Visit the home of an acclaimed Kerala chef for a cooking demonstration and dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Le Meridien Cochin Resort, Cochin, India
Day 14: Kumarakom Lake Resort
Explore the small villages of coastal Kerala as you make your way to your lakefront resort on the picturesque island of Kumarakom to continue your Tauck India tour. Attend an evening of local cultural entertainment tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala, India
Day 15: Cruise on a Kerala houseboat
Board unique houseboats for a cruise along the canals of Kerala, often referred to as the 'Venice of the East.' An unforgettable martial arts demonstration tonight entertains you tonight; there is no other ancient martial practice in the world that can compete with its training system and application techniques.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala, India
Day 16: Welcome to Mumbai (Bombay)
Fly to the 'City of Gold,' Mumbai (Bombay), surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea. Explore this legendary city during a two-night stay.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: To be advised
Day 17: Elephanta Island temples
Visit the Gateway of India, and then cruise to Elephanta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the rock-cut cave temples with sculptured interiors dating back to the 6th century. A highlight is the Mahesamurti, a triple-headed Shiva statue. Following an afternoon spent as you please, join us this evening for a farewell cocktail reception as your Tauck India tour comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: To be advised
Day 18: Journey home
Tour ends: Mumbai (Bombay). Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from your hotel in Bombay to Sahar International Airport. Most international flights depart between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. |
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