Essence Of India

Your hotel is available for immediate occupancy. Design Your Day from the option provided below. You also have the opportunity to visit the Deepalaya School. Tonight join fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. DESIGN YOUR DAY - DELHI: Visit three temples of Delhi: Sikh, Birla (Hindu) and Bahai, or explore the bustling shopping areas of Delhi Haat. The Oberoi New Delhi B L

Explore the cultures and contrasts of both Old and New 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. The Oberoi New Delhi B L D

Travel overland to Agra, stopping en route at Sikandra. End your day watching the sunset over the breathtaking Taj Mahal. The Oberoi Amarvil?s B L D

Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Agra, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage sites, the imposing Agra Fort, built of red sandstone and marble, and the Taj Mahal at sunrise. This afternoon you have the option of an excursion to Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted red sandstone city. The Oberoi Amarvil?s B L D

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

Visit Amber Fort, then enjoy an elephant ride at a local Indian village accompanied by a professional mahout (trainer). Also visit Jantar Mantar Observatory, and view the "Palace of the Winds." The Oberoi Rajvil?s B L D

DESIGN YOUR DAY in Jaipur from the following activities: 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 B D

Travel overland to Pushkar, possibly the largest camel- and cattle-trading fair in the world. Settle into your private majarajah tent, your home for two nights. Maharajah tents B L D

Spend a full day with your expert A&K Tour Director and local guide enjoying the wonder and incredible photographic opportunities, or spend a quiet morning walk amid the gypsy campfires. Maharajah tents B L D

Travel overland to Jodhpur. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Umaid Bhawan Palace B L D

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

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 Udaipur. The Oberoi Udaivil?s B L D

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

Fly to Mumbai. 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. Trident Nariman Point, Mumbai B L D

This morning, 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. Celebrate an end to this fascinating journey with fellow travellers over cocktails and a farewell dinner. Trident Nariman Point, Mumbai B L D

Transfer to the airport to board a homebound flight. B