Day 1 Fri: Arrive Mumbai (Bombay)
Arrive tonight in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India's most cosmopolitan city. You are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the famous colonial TAJ MAHAL HOTEL.
Day 2 Sat: Mumbai Sightseeing
After a leisurely morning, embark on a tour of Mumbai. Visit the Gateway of India, the Hanging Gardens and the Malabar Hills where Mumbai's rich and famous live, the Prince of Wales Museum, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and Jain Temple. (BD)
Day 3 Sun: Elephanta Caves / Udaipur
Cruise across the harbor to the Elephanta Caves, filled with carvings and sculptures dating to 550 A.D. In the evening fly to Udaipur and check-in at the world-famous LAKE PALACE HOTEL (Luxury), once a royal island retreat and now a luxurious hotel seemingly floating upon the waters of Lake Pichola. (BD)
Day 4 Mon: - Udaipur Sightseeing
Tour Udaipur, the 'City of Lakes,' known as one of the most picturesque and romantic cities of India. Visit City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden of Maids and the folklore museum where you can see a presentation of the string puppets typical to this area. Afternoon is at leisure. (BD)
Day 5 Tue: Udaipur / Ranakpur / Jodhpur
Drive to Jodhpur, en-route visiting the beautifully sculpted Jain temples of Ranakpur. Stop for lunch at Maharani Bagh, a mango grove and private gardens of the Maharajah of Jodhpur. (BD)
Day 6 Wed: Jodhpur Sightseeing
Visit the invincible Mehrangarh Fort followed by a visit to the Jaswant Thada, a graceful marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, and cenotaphs of other Maharajahs of Jodhpur. Afternoon is at leisure. (BD)
Day 7 Thu: Jodhpur / Jaipur
Travel to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, also known as the 'Pink City.' Check in at the Maharajah's former residence, the magnificent RAMBAGH PALACE HOTEL (Palace Room). This afternoon visit the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of Winds,' City Palace and the ancient observatory. (BD)
Day 8 Fri: Amber Fort Excursion
You are transported back in time today, riding royally atop elegantly draped and painted elephants, to the mountain fortress of Amber. Afternoon is at leisure. This evening enjoy a performance of Rajasthani folk dancing. (BD)
Day 9 Sat: Jaipur/Fatehpur Sikri/Agra
Drive to Agra, stopping en route to visit the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. This nearly intact Mughal City is a masterpiece of Muslim, Hindu and Jain architecture, unique to India. Your afternoon tour of Agra, the last capital of the Mughal Empire in India, includes a visit to the 16th-century Agra Fort before experiencing the magnificent Taj Mahal, a monument to the memory of love. Your romantic encounter is further enhanced by the opportunity of viewing this beautiful edifice in the warm glow of sunset. (BD)
Day 10 Sun: Agra / Khajuraho
This morning experience the train ride to Jhansi. Continue by road to Khajuraho, en route visiting Orcha, a medieval city frozen in time and space, existing to this day, as it must have in the 17th century. (BD)
Day 11 Mon: Khajuraho / Varanasi
Visit the Western & Eastern group of Temples before flying to Varanasi (Benares), India's holiest city. Visit the stupas, ruins and museum at Sarnath, scene of Buddha's first sermon. This evening meet with an expert astrologer who will read your palm, if you so desire. (BD)
Day 12 Tue: Varanasi / Delhi
A sunrise boat ride on the Ganges presents an incredible tableau, as multitudes of devotees pay homage to the Sun God. Cruise past the bathing ghats and crematoriums, followed by a walking tour of the old city. Later fly to India's bustling capital city of Delhi, where you are met and transferred to the TAJ MAHAL HOTEL (BD).
Day 13 Wed: Delhi Sightseeing
This morning's tour of the Old Delhi includes the Red Fort, Raj Ghat - a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Ashoka Pillar and the mile-long Chandni Chowk bazaar. Afternoon embark on a tour of New Delhi. Drive along Rajpath, the capital's broadest avenue, for a view of the Parliament House, the President's House and India Gate. Visit the Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar and Birla Temple. This evening, enjoy a home hosted dinner with an Indian family. (BD)
Day 14 Thu: Akshardham Temple Sightseeing
This morning visit the beautiful Akshardham Temple. Built without steel, it consists of 234 ornately carved pillars, 9 ornate domes, 20 quadrangled shikhars, a spectacular Gajendra Pith (plinth of stone elephants) and 20,000 statues of India's great sadhus, devotees, acharyas and divine personalities. Afternoon is at leisure. Late evening you are transferred to the International Airport for your flight back home. (BD) |
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