Explore in superb luxury the cultural, historical, architectural heritage, wild life and icons of India in this sweeping tour from Kolkatta in the east to Mumbai in the west. The tour encompasses the very best in accommodation, fine dining and transportation - it will be an experience in India like no other!
Day 01 – Arrive Kolkata
Arrive Kolkata airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Stay two nights at the Oberoi Grand.
Day 02 – Kolkata
Your morning introduction to cosmopolitan Kolkata includes visits to Howrah Bridge, a photo stop at the majestic Fort William, the Victoria Memorial, the Maidan Park, and landmarks such as Writers’ Building and the Town Hall, ending with a visit to Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. The afternoon is free before dinner at the award winning La Terrasse restaurant at your hotel. (B,D)
Day 03 – Kolkata to Varanasi
Continue sightseeing with visits to the imposing Dakshineswar Temple overlooking the Ganga River, the Indian Museum and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi – the City of Light.
Stay two nights at the Taj Nadesar Palace. (B,D)
Day 04 – Varanasi
On a pre-dawn boat ride on the sacred River Ganges, you will see Hindu pilgrims descending the wide steps leading down to the banks to perform age-old rituals. Visit the Kashi-Vishwanath Temple then return to the hotel for breakfast and a rest before a tour to Varanasi Hindu University, the Durga and Bharat Mata Temples. Walk through the old lanes, past endless pilgrims, worshipers, sadhus and children selling flowers and floating lights to place in the river. In the evening take another boat ride to witness the Aarti Ceremony, or evening prayers. (B,D)
Day 05 – Varanasi to Khajuraho
Fly to Khajuraho, capital of the 12th – 14th century Chandela kings. Tour some of the temples which are in the north Indian Nagara style with intricately carved stone Hindu sculptures. Dinner is at the Panna overlooking lush landscapes.
Stay one night at the Lalit Temple View. (B,D)
Day 06 – Khajuraho to Gwalior
Tour more of the Chandela Temple Complex before travelling by road to Jhansi then rail to Gwalior. The Silver Saloon offers a dining experience befitting Indian royalty with classical music in a courtyard setting.
Stay one night at the Taj Usha Kiran Palace. (B,D)
Day 07 – Gwalior to Agra
Visit the imposing Gwalior fort, perched high on a rocky massif, and the 16th century mausoleum of Ghaus Mohammed, an Afghan prince who turned to Hindu. Continue by road to Agra, arriving in time to visit the Taj Mahal at dusk. (Closed on Fridays.) Dinner is at your hotel in the Bellevue restaurant.
Stay two nights at the Oberoi Amar Vilas. (B,D)
Day 08 – Agra
In the morning, proceed to Mehtab Bagh, a park offering views of the magnificent Taj mausoleum, then visit the Taj Mahal once more. After time to admire the delicate inlay work in this extravagant white marble structure, proceed to Itmad–Ud–Dulah, an elaborately carved tomb often regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal. Visit Agra Fort, the seat of power during the Mughal period, and witness the art of marble carving. End the day with a cultural show depicting the saga of the immortal love of Sha Jahan for Mumtaj Mahal, his beautiful wife, and dine at Taj Bano. (B,D)
Day 09 – Agra – Fathehpur Sikri – Ranthambore
Travel to Bharatpur, visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route, the short lived capital of the Mughal emperor Akbar. After lunch at The Bagh in Bharatpur board a train bound for Sawai Madhopur. Dinner is at your hotel which is situated close to Ranthambore National Park, a conservation area for tigers.
Stay two nights at the Oberoi Vanya Vilas. (B,L,D)
Day 10 – Ranthambore National Park
Rise early for a sunrise wildlife viewing safari in the Park accompanied by a naturalist guide. If you are lucky you may spot a tiger! Take another safari in the late afternoon and, in between, visit the 10th century Ranthambore Fort that stands atop a hill overlooking the entire game park, making the 1.5 km walk to the top so worthwhile. (B,L,D)
Day 11 – Ranthambore to Jaipur
There is time for one more safari before a hearty breakfast and departure for the Pink City – Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan. Relax in the surrounds of your magnificent hotel before dinner in the grand dining hall featuring high ceilings, gilded mirrors and Florentine frescoes.
Stay two nights at the Taj Rambargh Palace. (B,D)
Day 12 – Jaipur
Make an early morning photo stop at Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, before travelling outside the city to the Amber Fort. Ascend to the fortress by jeep then stroll through the sprawling complex with your guide explaining the many features. Next, visit the 17th century Nahargarh Fort and view Jal Mahal Palace. Lunch will be at Spice Court Restaurant before visiting Jantar Mantar and the City Palace. Take a guided rickshaw ride through Jaipur’s old quarters and visit the bazaars displaying textiles and traditional block prints. (B,L)
Day 13 – Jaipur to Delhi
Sit back and relax on the six hour drive to Delhi today. Your evening dining experience is at the Dhaba Restaurant of nearby Claridges Hotel.
Stay two nights at The Imperial. (B,D)
Day 14 – Delhi
Tour Old and New Delhi, beginning with Humayun’s Tomb and Raj Ghat, the simple memorial at the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation. View the Red Fort and take a short tour by cycle rickshaw to Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India. Visit Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India, and the central administrative area of New Delhi designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens. Dinner is a touch of the Mediterranean at Olive Bar & Kitchen. (B,D)
Day 15 – Delhi to Jodhpur
Fly to Jodhpur, known as the “Blue City” due to the vivid blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. Take a Tonga (horse carriage) to the local bazaar. Dine at Risala with views of the gardens, city and fort.
Stay two nights at the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace. (B,D)
Day 16 – Jodhpur
Tour the immense Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada, the traditional cremation ground of Jodhpur rulers. Take a cultural safari by 4WD visiting villages to see traditional stone carving and weaving. Dinner is al fresco at the Sunset Pavilion, the highest dining point in the city. (B,D)
Day 17 – Jodhpur to Udaipur
Travel by road to the distinctly carved Jain Temples at Ranakpur. Lunch is at Fateh Bagh Palace before the drive through the wooded hills of the Aravalli Valley to Udaipur.
Stay two nights at the gleaming white Taj Lake Palace Hotel on an island in Lake Pichola. (B,L)
Day 18 – Udaipur
Tour the vast City Palace – a maze of courtyards, apartments and beautifully decorated halls – and nearby temples, mansions and gardens. Lunch is on a terrace overlooking the lake before an afternoon at leisure. A magical day concludes with an evening cruise on Lake Pichola and visit to the island palace of Jag Mandir. (B,L)
Day 19 – Udaipur to Mumbai
Fly to Mumbai and take a panoramic tour of the city on the transfer to your hotel. Make photo stops at Dhobi Ghat, Haji Ali Dargah and Mani Bhawan and drive along Malabar Hill via the Hanging Gardens.
Stay one night at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. (B)
Day 20 – Depart Mumbai
Walk with your guide past the Gateway of India to embark on an hour long steam boat ride to the Elephanta Caves, a series of rock-cut temples (closed on Mondays). In the afternoon visit the Prince of Wales Museum and tour the landmark buildings and streetscapes of the city. Time to refresh (late check-out to 8pm is included) before a farewell dinner at Khyber then a transfer to the airport for departure flight. (B,D)
