DAY 01   USA - DELHI

Depart the USA on your flight to DELHI.

DAY 02   DELHI

Upon arrival at the airport you are met by our representative and transferred to your hotel TAJ MAHAL.

DAY 03   DELHI

Morning: At your leisure.

Afternoon: Visit Qutab Minar, the soaring tower of victory. The construction of Qutab Minar began in 1193. Visit also Humayun's Tomb, an early example of Mughal architecture that served as the model for the Taj Mahal, and the Red Fort on the west bank of the Yamuna River, constructed by emperor Shah Jahan as a royal residence and official complex. The palaces, mostly marble, are along the river front. See the Halls of Public and Private Audience, the Royal Baths with inlaid floors, the Pearl Mosque, the private palace of the king, and the ornamental canal. Some of the finest aspects of Mughal art can be seen in the pietra dura panels in the royal mansions. Proceed to Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque built by Shah Jahan, and Chandni Chowk, the principal marketing street of Shahjahanabad and still a colorful commercial area. Also visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, and India Gate, the memorial of the First World War. Drive past the landmarks of Lutyens-Baker New Delhi. These include Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of India’s president and former Viceregal Lodge, the Parliament House, and the Secretariat buildings.

DAY 04   DELHI - VARANASI

Morning: Board your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel TAJ GANGES.

Afternoon: Visit Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit the 18^th century Durga temple, commonly known as Monkey Temple due to its population of monkeys. Proceed to Tulsi Manas Mandir, crafted from white marble, which features  the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also see Benares Hindu University, considered the largest residential university in Asia. The university houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

DAY 05   VARANASI - AGRA

Early Morning: Take a private boat excursion on the holy river Ganges and enjoy sitar recital on board. See the bathing Ghats and cremation site. Watching people bathe and worshipping at the Ghats is one of the most extraordinary experiences of a visit to India.

Afternoon: Board your flight to Agra. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel  AMARVILAS.

DAY 06   AGRA

Morning: Visit Agra Fort, which evolved under the reigns of  three Mughal Emperors. Note the apparent transition from the military might of the stern citadel raised by Emperor Akbar to the lavish beauty of shimmering white marble palaces built by Emperor Shah Jahan. Later visit the tomb of Itmad-Ud-Dulah. This small mausoleum was built by the Mughal empress Noor Jahan for her father. Completed in 1628, it was the first Mughal building constructed entirely of white marble and was a forerunner of the Taj Mahal. Its marble surface is almost completely covered by inlaid semi-precious stones.

Evening: Board a Royal Buggy (Decorated Horse Cart) for a ride to one of the most fabled sights in on earth - The TAJ MAHAL, the legendary monument to love built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630 to enshrine the mortal remains of his Queen Mumtaz Mahal. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble. It stands testimony to the skill of craftsmen brought in from Persia, Turkey, France, and Italy and to 17 years of labor by 20,000 workers. Stroll the grounds and view this most magnificent monument at the magical moment of sunset.

DAY 07   AGRA - JAIPUR

Morning: Drive to the magnificent deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and later abandoned due to scarcity of water.  Remarkably well- preserved are the graceful buildings within the city, including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal, and other palaces. The red sandstone palaces are in such a perfect stat of preservation that it seems as if they were never left alone. After the visit continue to Jaipur Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel RAMBAGH PALACE.

Afternoon: Tour the city of Jaipur. Visit the Maharaja’s City Palace with its fabulous museum. Inside the museum find textiles, arms, carpets, paintings, and manuscripts, along with the Maharaja’s two large urns, the largest silver vessels in India. Proceed to Jantar Mantar the Observatory of Maharaja Jai Singh II, constructed in 1716. Drive past Hawa Mahal Palace of Winds, which was used by the ladies of the palace to view  the outside world. Continue through the rose-pink residential and business areas of the city.

DAY 08   JAIPUR

Morning: Drive to Amber Fort the ancient capital of the state, where the Jaipur royal house held court for seven centuries. Board a splendidly arrayed elephant to ascend the rugged hill. Visit the magnificent gateways, courtyards, and pavilions,  Jagmandir the Hall of Victory glittering with inlaid mirrors, Jai Mahal and the Temple of Kali. Next  visit Jaigarh (Tiger) Fort, one of the few military structures of medieval India. Jaigarh Fort is preserved almost intact, containing palaces, gardens, open and covered reservoirs, a granary, an armory, a canon foundry, the world's largest cannon on wheels and several temples. Jaigarh Fort has been the royal treasury for several years. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Amber Palace and the surrounding area.

DAY 09   JAIPUR - UDAIPUR

Morning: Board your flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel LAKE PALACE.

Morning: Visit the Maharana’s City Palace, which boasts a  labyrinth of courtyards richly decorated with inlaid mirror-work, galleries covered with frescos, temples and kiosks. Proceed to Jagdish temple which houses a remarkable bronze statue of Garuda the mythical bird. Visit Sahellyon Ki Bari the garden of the maids of honor with its exquisite fountains. Enjoy Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal the folk arts museum, and a scenic drive around Fateh Sagar Lake.

Evening: Enjoy exquisite  private boat cruise on Lake Pichola, surrounded by splendid Hills and Palaces.

DAY 10   UDAIPUR - RANAKPUR - UDAIPUR

Morning: Depart to Ranakpur. Visit the Jain temples. The temples, built in the mid-15^th century with intricately sculpted white marble, are extremely well preserved. Take special note of the Rishabji Temple, supported by 1,444 distinct pillars. Stop for lunch at the Maharani’s Orchard.

Afternoon: Return to Udaipur.

DAY 11   UDAIPUR - MUMBAI

Morning: Board your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel TAJ MAHAL.

Afternoon: Tour the bustling city of Mumbai and enjoy the following sights: The Gateway of India, the Fish Aquarium, the Jain Temple with its superb exterior wall carvings, Kamala Nehru Park, and the Hanging Gardens on the slopes of Malabar Hill. The Hanging Gardens offer a superb view of Marine Drive and Chowpaty Beach. Visit Mani Bhawan where Gandhi stayed during his visits to Bombay between 1917-1934 and which is now a remarkable memorial. Visit The Prince of Wales Museum and view their excellent examples of Indian miniature paintings. Drive past the Flora Fountain Bombay nerve center to Victoria Terminus train station, Mumbai’s finest High Victorian Gothic architecture. Finally, pass through the colorful Crawford Market and the long gracefully curving Marine Drive.

DAY 12   MUMBAI

Morning: Board a ferry for an excursion across the harbor to the world famous Elephanta Caves, site of the magnificent 1200 years-old  series of rock-cut cave temples with large sculptured interiors dedicated to Lord Shiva. The carved figures of Hindu deities include an 18-foot high Trimurti sculpture signifying the trinity of the creator, the preserver and the Destroyer.

Afternoon: At your  leisure.

DAY 13   MUMBAI - COCHIN

Morning: Board your flight to Cochin. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel TAJ MALABAR.