Arrive in Mumbai, where your room is available for immediate occupancy. This afternoon, visit the Prince of Wales Museum, the Gateway of India, an 85-foot-high arch in front of the sea, followed by Mani Bhawan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Afterward, view the colossal Dhobi Ghat. Tonight, join fellow
travellers for a welcome dinner.
Trident Nariman Point, Mumbai B L D
Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Mumbai, India
A privately chartered cruise through Mumbai Harbor brings you to the rock-cut cave temples on Elephanta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can ride a Toy Train to the steps leading up to the sculptures. Later, fly to Udaipur.
The Oberoi Udaivil?s B L D
Day 3: Mumbai
Spend two days in the romantic, wistful and serene city of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace and take a private tour of the Crystal Gallery, located in Fateh Prakash Palace. Stroll through Sahelion Ki Bari, the "Garden of the Maids of Honor." Also explore the temples of Eklingji and Nagda and have lunch at Devi Garh, a fort-palace hotel in the Aravalli Hills. Take a private cruise to Jag Mandir on Lake Pichola (water levels permitting) and enjoy a private dance
performance during dinner.
The Oberoi Udaivil?s B L D
Day 4: Mumbai/Udaipur
Today, drive through the picturesque Aravalli Hills to the Jain pilgrimage center of Ranakpur. Over 1,444 exquisitely detailed marble pillars support the temple. After lunch, continue to Jodhpur, once the capital of the former princely state of Marwar and an important stop on the ancient silk road.
Umaid Bhawan Palace B L
Days 5-6: Udaipur
After breakfast, enjoy a four-wheel-drive safari to the Salawas area and spend time with local potters in a Bishnoi village, which was created soon after the great famine of 1485. A wise local man observed that the famine was the result of the deforestation in the region and formulated a list of 29 rules (Bish-noi means "29"in the Hindi language), including the prohibition of tree cutting, that form the basis of the Bishnoi philosophy. This afternoon's exploring includes the Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India,
and Jaswant Thada, a 19th-century cenotaph.
Umaid Bhawan Palace B L D
Day 7: Udaipur/Ranakpur/Jodhpur
After a morning at leisure, take an afternoon flight to Jaipur, known
as the "pink city"for its abundance of pink plastered stone.
The Oberoi Rajvil?s B L D
Day 8: Jodhpur
A tour of the Amber Fort precedes an elephant ride at a local Indian
village accompanied by a professional mahout.
The Oberoi Rajvil?s B D
Day 9: Jodhpur/Jaipur
Continued from previous day
Also visit Jantar Mantar Observatory and view the "Palace of the Winds."
Design Your DaySM:
Tour a spice market followed by a Thali dinner, journey through the Mughal empire with a Royal historian, relax at a private yoga session or shop with your guide.
The Oberoi Rajvil?s L
Day 10: Jaipur
Enjoy a morning at leisure before boarding a flight to Agra.
The Oberoi Amarvil?s B L D
Day 11: Jaipur
After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Agra, visiting two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the imposing Agra Fort, built of red sandstone and marble, and the Taj Mahal. This afternoon you have the option of an excursion to Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted red sandstone city. End your day watching the breathtaking sunset over the Taj Mahal.
The Oberoi Amarvil?s B L D
Day 12: Jaipur/Agra
After a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, travel overland towards Delhi, stopping en route at Sikandra, the tomb of the great Mughal emperor Akbar.
The Oberoi New Delhi B L
Day 13: Agra
Spend two days exploring the cultures and contrasts of both Old
and New Delhi.
The Oberoi New Delhi D
Day 14: Agra/Delhi
View the awe-inspiring Red Fort, pause at Ghandi's memorial on the banks of the Yamuna River and visit Humayun's Tomb, a Mughal complex whose designs prefigured the Taj Mahal.
You also have the opportunity to visit the Deepalaya School and deliver supplies. The Deepalaya School supports the education of destitute and handicapped children.
Choose how you want to explore Delhi further with the Design Your Day options: Visit three temples of Delhi: Sikh, Birla
(Hindu) and Bahai or explore the bustling shopping areas of Delhi Haat.
Celebrate an end to this fascinating journey with fellow travellers over cocktails and a farewell dinner.
The Oberoi New Delhi B L
Day 15: Delhi
Transfer to the airport to board a homebound flight.
B
Day 16: Delhi
Day 17: Delhi/USA or Canada