Highlights Of Northern India

Delhi is an ideal introduction to India's unmistakable vitality. Arrive at your hotel, where your room is available for immediate occupancy. This afternoon you have an opportunity to visit the Deepalaya school. Meet fellow travellers tonight for cocktails and a welcome dinner. The Taj Mahal Hotel B D

Today embark on a full day of explorations of Old and New Delhi. Highlights include the Red Fort, which represents the pinnacle of Mughal architecture during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan (AD 1639); the Jama Masjid, the most important mosque in India; Chandni Chowk bazaar and Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of the Yamuna river. After lunch, visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb. The Taj Mahal Hotel B L D

After a morning at leisure, fly to Udaipur. Later, board a motorboat launch (water levels permitting) for a lake cruise with views of Udaipur as it rises above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the 17th-century Jag Mandir Palace, built for royal parties and functions on its very own island. The approach is fronted by a row of splendidly carved elephants. Taj Lake Palace B D

After visiting the City Palace along the shores of Lake Pichola, enjoy a private visit to the Crystal Gallery, located in Fateh Prakesh Palace. Continue to Sahelion-Ki-Bari, also known as the "Garden of the Maids of Honor." The afternoon is free for optional activities. Taj Lake Palace B L

Early this morning you fly to the princely city of Jaipur, and 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

Today you have an entire day to enjoy the wonder, the absurdity and the chaos that define this fascinating fair. Your guide arranges a visit by camel cart so that you can cover a great part of the fairgrounds in relative comfort allowing for an unforgettable photographic and/or shopping expedition. Early risers might like to take a stroll in the morning light to see the gypsy inhabitants rising up and preparing breakfast around their campfires. Camels lay in the sand and munch on grain from enormous feedbags while men in long robes sit in circles, drinking coffee and carrying on deep discussions. Maharajah tents B L D

The morning is at your leisure. This afternoon you depart overland to the once royal city of Jaipur, the "Pink City of Rajasthan." Rambagh Palace B L

This morning you enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Visit the spectacular outdoor Jantar Mantar Observatory which houses instruments for measuring and calculating the sun's position and Hindu calendar. View Jaipur's most famous building, the pink sandstone Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Built in 1799, the palace, part of a huge complex, overlooks one of Jaipur's main streets and was built for women of the court, to allow them a way, from behind stone-carved screens, to watch life in the bazaar below. Rambagh Palace B D

Begin the day at the Amber Fort. Next, an exclusive visit to a local village includes an elephant ride with a skilled mahout. Rambagh Palace B L

Today's journey to Agra takes you through rural India. After lunch, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. This evening view the Taj Mahal, considered the world's finest example of Mughal architecture, at sunset. It was built by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the final resting place for his second wife. Watch as the light dances off the crisp white marble and rich pietra dura (designs inlaid with colored stones). The Oberoi Amarvil?s B L D

Early this morning greet the sunrise at the Taj Mahal. After breakfast enjoy a sightseeing tour of Agra, including a visit to the Agra Fort. Your afternoon is at leisure. The Oberoi Amarvil?s B L

Travel by express train to Jhansi, gateway to the abandoned Hindu temples of Orchha. After lunch, continue to Khajuraho. Hotel Chandela B L D

Khajuraho is one of the most popular tourists spots in India, with the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples in the country, famous for their erotic sculpture as well as their depiction of life in all its forms. Spend a full day amid Khajuraho's exquisitely carved temples, which pay homage in delicate detail to Hindu deities. Hotel Chandela B L

After a morning at leisure, fly to Varanasi to explore the buried Buddhist city of Sarnath, where the Great Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon 25 centuries ago. Visit the ruins of a once flourishing monastery and a wonderful museum with an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculpture. Tonight, join fellow travellers for cocktails and a farewell dinner. The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi B D

Take a private sunrise cruise on the sacred River Ganges to view the ghats, embankments of wide stone steps leading down to the water where locals and pilgrims alike cleanse themselves, literally and spiritually. Return to Delhi this afternoon. The Taj Mahal Hotel B D

Board your homebound flight. B