India in Style 17 Days

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Stay in world renowned luxury hotels and palaces, dine like royalty, and experience one of the world’s great train journeys on the opulent Maharajas’ Express. What more could one desire?
 
Mumbai  •  Udaipur  • Jodhpur  •  Jaipur   •  Delhi  •  Agra  •  Gwalior  •  Khajuraho  •  Bandhavgarh National Park  •  Varanasi  •  Lucknow
 
  • Itinerary and Tour Map
    India in Style  17 Days

    Day 1 – Arrive Mumbai
    Arrive Mumbai where you will be met and transferred to your hotel, the legendary Taj Mahal Palace & Towers for a two night stay. (D)
    Day 2 – Mumbai
    Enjoy a morning excursion by ferry to the Elephanta Caves, a series of rock-cut cave temples.  Lunch is at Khyber Restaurant situated in the heart of Mumbai’s art district. Take a city tour visiting Gateway of India, Mumbai’s principle landmark, the Aquarium, Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens on the slopes of Malabar Hill, and Dhobi Ghat.  (B,L,D)
    Day 3 – Mumbai to Udaipur
    Fly to Udaipur, the “City of Lakes”. Transfer to the magical Taj Lake Palace Hotel for a two night stay. (B,L,D)
    Day 4 – Udaipur
    Explore the courtyards, corridors and gardens of the City Palace. Afternoon at leisure before an evening cruise on Lake Pichola, a picturesque lake surrounded by hills, palaces and bathing ghats. (B,L,D)
    Day 5 – Udaipur to Jodhpur
    Travel by road to Jodhpur, a day-long journey, stopping enroute for lunch and to visit the beautiful Jain Temples at Ranakpur.  In Jodhpur stay two nights at the art deco styled Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace.  (B,L,D)
    Day 6 – Jodhpur
    On a city tour visit magnificent Mehrangarh, one of Rajasthan’s finest forts. Still run by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, this impressive and formidable structure houses a fabulous collection of trappings  of Indian royalty including a superb collection of miniature paintings, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. Also visit the memorial cenotaph of Jaswant Thada. Travel by jeep to nearby villages of the Bishnois, a hard working and hospitable tribal community. See village folk in their rustic and traditional attire, women clad in their ancestral silver jewellery. (B,L,D)
    Day 7 – Jodhpur – Jaipur
    Morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for a flight to Jaipur. On arrival in the “Pink City”, transfer to the stately Taj Rambagh Palace for a two night stay.  (B,L,D)
    Day 8 – Jaipur
    An exciting day awaits you as you drive to the ancient capital of Amer to see the fabulous Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city. Mount an elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate. Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for the excellence of its design and decoration. Lunch follows a cooking demonstration at Spice Court boasting an array of traditional Indian curries.  The City Palace Museum is visited in the afternoon, along with the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the Hawa Mahal, a five-storey wonder with latticed screens, domes and spires.  (B,L,D)
    Day 9 – Jaipur to Delhi
    Drive on to Delhi where a dining treat awaits with lunch at the Olive Beach Restaurant, a Mediterranean inspired rustic hideaway. The remainder of the day is at leisure.  Stay two nights at the Imperial Hotel.  (B,L,D)
    Day 10 – Delhi
    Tour Old and New Delhi, visiting Raj Ghat – the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, and the Red Fort, built at the pinnacle of the Mogul empire. From here proceed in bicycle rickshaws through the bustling streets to the large mosque, Jama Masjid. Visit Qutab Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, and drive past the Parliament buildings. (B,L,D)
    Day 11 – Board the Maharajas’ Express to Agra
    Early morning transfer to the Railway Station to board the Maharajas’ Express luxury train for the six night Classical India journey. Enjoy a leisurely brunch on board as you travel through picturesque countryside, arriving into the ‘City of Mughal Splendour’ Agra.  Disembark and explore the spectacular monuments of the city including the unrivalled Taj Mahal. Partake in high tea atop the Taj Khema, sipping champagne as you admire the Taj Mahal at sunset. Return to the train for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
    Day 12 – Gwalior
    Over breakfast onboard admire the passing landscape of dramatic ravines and undulating sandy hills interspersed with rich fields. Late morning arrival into the royal city of Gwalior. Lunch is at the 120 year old Usha Kiran Palace before a tour of mighty Gwalior Fort. A grand finale to the day is a tour of the opulent Jai Vilas Palace followed by a supper of the finest delicacies from the royal kitchens. (B,L,D)
    Day 13 – Orchha – Khajuraho
    The train continues on to the bejewelled town of Orchha. Visit Jahangiri Mahal, a striking feature of which is the sandstone walls embellished with lapis lazuli tiles and ornate screens. Journey on to Khajuraho, a city renowned for its architecture and exquisite sculptures.  Tour some of the magnificent World Heritage listed temples.
    In the evening a Son-et-Lumière evokes the life and times of the great Chandela Kings. Return to the comfort of the train for overnight.  (B,L,D)
    Day 14 – Bandhavgarh National Park
    As you enjoy breakfast the train rolls into Umaria, stepping off point for Bandhavgarh National Park. With the highest known density of tigers, the park was the former hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Rewa. Animals such as deers, langurs, sloth bears and exotic birds can also be found here. Explore the park on a jeep safari on the lookout for tigers. (B,L,D)
    Day 15 – Varanasi
    Travel on through jungles and rich agricultural fields to Varanasi. One of the oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi has a spiritual legacy of over 3000 years. It epitomizes the chaos and colour of India. Lively bazaars, bright silks, festivals, temples, mosques and palaces – all can be found here. Visit the ancient ruins of Sarnath, and take an evening cruise on the sacred Ganges, witnessing evening aarti at the ghats. (B,L,D)
    Day 16 – Lucknow
    Traverse Uttar Pradesh enroute to Lucknow, fabled ‘City of Nawabs’. Explore the British imperial history at the Residency and tour other architectural wonders. The afternoon is at leisure either on the train or in Lucknow’s bustling markets. Dinner this evening is typical of the traditional hospitality of the Royal Houses, celebrating an ‘Indian Evening’ with mesmerising music, dance and culinary delights. (B,L,D)
    Day 17 –  Depart Delhi
    Disembark the Maharajas’ Express in Delhi after breakfast. You will be met and transferred to the Hotel Taj Palace for day use of the room and a Farewell Dinner before transfer to the airport for evening flights home.  (B,D)

  • Group departure dates and prices

    Departure date: Twin share  Single Sup.
    30 Dec 10 $17480 $10865
    20 Jan 11 $16932 $10317
    10 Feb 11 $16932 $10317
    03 Mar 11 $16932 $10317
    24 Mar 11 $16932 $10317
    06 Oct 11 $17344 $10658
    03 Nov 11 $17612 $10926
    01 Dec 11 $17344 $10658

  • Price Includes:

    Accommodation in luxury 5 star hotels and palaces
    Luxury train journey for 6 nights
    All transfers and internal transportation and flights
    Services of local English speaking guides for sightseeing tours
    Sightseeing as listed, with entrance fees included
    Meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) including fine dining in some of India’s best restaurants
    Hotel service charges and taxes
    InterAsia travel bag
    Tour prices and inclusions are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

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