DAY 1 : Delhi
Fly into bustling Delhi. We take you to the Taj Mahal Hotel for a 3-night stay.
Enjoy refreshments at your hotel, relax and unwind.
DAY 2 : Delhi
Today, experience Old Delhi. Visit Raj Ghat, a beautiful memorial to the
late Mahatma Gandhi. Then, admire Jama Masjid, principal mosque of Old Delhi,
commissioned by 17th-century Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj
Mahal. Enjoy a sightseeing tour by trishaw before returning to your hotel for a
festive welcome dinner.
DAY 3 : Delhi
This morning, visit the eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum, dedicated to the
"Father of India" who inspired nonviolent civil rights resistance movements
worldwide. Drive past India Gate and the president\'s house in New Delhi, and
visit Qutab Minar, the world\'s tallest brick minaret, and Humayun\'s Tomb, both
UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You are invited to lunch with a retired Indian
general at his home, where you wander amongst the peacocks in the garden and
enjoy stories and conversation. After a visit to the Sanskriti Foundation, dine
and relax at your hotel.
DAY 4: Agra
Early this morning, depart for a scenic first-class ride on the Shatabdi
Express, traveling toward Agra at nearly 100 mph. There, a fleet of tongas
carries you to the gates of the inspiring, otherworldly Taj Mahal. This romantic
crown jewel of India\'s diverse attractions was commissioned by emperor Jahan as
a monument to his beloved late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site and also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This afternoon, check
in to your hotel, then tour Agra Fort. Also a UNESCO World heritage site, this
walled city comprises several palaces, audience halls and mosques. Lunch and
dinner are at your hotel.
DAY 5 : Agra, Bharatpur & Ranthambore
This morning, ride to Bharatpur, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri on the way. An
administrative capital in the late 16th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site
was abandoned due to lack of water but is now of enormous architectural
interest. Enjoy a brief tour and lunch there. Ride the Kota Jan Shatabdi Express
to Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park; check in to your hotel.
DAY 6 : Sawai Madhopur
Rise early for a game drive through Ranthambore National Park, once private
hunting grounds of the maharajas. This is the best time of day to observe many
of the animals, including Bengal tigers and crocodiles, and enjoy a sweeping
view across the Tiger Reserve from the 10th-century Ranthambore Fortress. After
a hearty breakfast, visit the Dastkar Ranthambore Project. Relax this afternoon
and enjoy an informative wildlife lecture tonight.
DAY 7 : Ranthambore & Jaipur
Relax in Ranthambore this morning. After lunch, travel to Jaipur, which presides
over the desert state of Rajasthan. See the city\'s rose-colored buildings as you
arrive and check in to the stunning Jai Mahal Palace; Enjoy its beautiful
gardens and collection of miniature paintings. Dine at Jaipur\'s popular Spice
Court, where you can participate in the preparation of your meal.
DAY 8 : Jaipur
Your first stop is Hawa Mahal, also known as the palace of Winds, an elaborate
façade behind which the ladies of the court once watched the street below.
Proceed to the nearby ancient capital of Amber to visit the Amber fort. Ride on
an elephant to the top of the fortress complex and stroll through its sprawling
courtyards and halls. Lunch at Chandra Mahal Verandah, an exclusive private area
of the City Palace. Explore City Palace and Jantar Mantar, an astronomical
observatory built in 1726. Take time to roam and shop at the bustling local
markets. On your way back to the hotel, visit the S.O.S. Children\'s Village of
India.
DAY 9 : Jodhpur
Today you set out for magnificent Jodhpur, stopping en route to enjoy lunch and
spectacular views at the Nimaj Palace Hotel. Arrive this evening; check in to
the Taj Hari Mahal Hotel and dine there.
DAY 10 : Jodhpur
Start your day at soaring Mehrangarh Fort, "Citadel of the Sun"; see its rich
palaces and museums. Walk through Jodhpur\'s old city, then proceed to the
intricately carved Jaswant Thada mausoleum. After lunch, take a jeep safari to a
Bishnoi tribal village, where you meet local craftspeople and see the
free-roaming wildlife sacred to the Bishnoi people.
DAY 11 : Ranakpur & Udaipur
Journey to the extraordinary marble Jain temple at Ranakpur, constructed during
the late 14th and early 15th centuries and dedicated to Adinatha, the First
Lord. After lunch in Ranakpur, continue to Udaipur and check in to the dazzling
Taj Lake Palace Hotel, built on Lake Pichola more than 250 years ago, for a
2-night stay.
DAY 12 : Udaipur
This morning, enjoy an in-depth city tour. Visit the City Palace, a majestic
fortified monument, and admire the Crystal Gallery. Visit the school of
miniature painting, then return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure to
enjoy this extraordinary property. Celebrate your India experience with a
spectacular farewell dinner.
DAY 13 : Udaipur & Delhi
Enjoy one last morning at leisure in Udaipur; after lunch, we take you to the
airport for your flight to Delhi. Check in to the Taj Mahal Hotel and dine
there.
DAY 14 : Delhi
Today, we take you to the Delhi airport for your flight home. Or extend your
journey with 5 nights in Bhutan.
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