Your room is available for immediate check-in. After a morning at leisure, visit the Prince of Wales Museum to enjoy its excellent collection of ancient Indus Valley artifacts dating back to 2000 BC, in addition to priceless Tibetan and Nepali Art. Next stop is the Gateway of India, an 85-foot-high arch in front of the sea, followed by Mani Bhawan, the former residence of Mahatma
Gandhi that includes a reference library with over 2,000 books, a photo exhibition of Gandhi's life and an old charkha or spinning wheel that Gandhi used. Afterward, view the colossal Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai's outdoor hand laundry.
Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai B D
Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Mumbai, India
After a morning flight, you are met in Kochi and transferred overland to Kumarakom, where daily life continues unaltered as it has for centuries. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax at the resort, stroll along the shores of Vembanad Lake or enjoy an Ayurvedic spa treament.
Radisson Plaza Resort & Spa B D
Day 3: Mumbai
An early morning nature tour introduces you to both resident and migratory birds around the banks of Vembanad Lake. This afternoon, travel through lush backwaters by private boat to the Spice Plantation Farmhouse for lunch with the owner and his family.
Radisson Plaza Resort & Spa B L
Day 4: Mumbai/Kochi/Kumarakom
Transfer by jetty to your individual kettuvallam (rice barge). Two boatman using punting poles propel the palm-covered kettuvallam gently through the backwaters of Kerala, a truly unforgettable experience.
Journey through Kerala by Houseboat B L D
Day 5: Kumarakom
Disembark your houseboat in Alleppey and drive to Kochi. After
sightseeing and lunch, board a flight to Mumbai before connecting
to Delhi where you are transferred to your hotel.
The Imperial B L
Day 6: Kumarakom/Vembanad Lake
This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi including Jama Masjid Mosque and a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar, with views of the Red Fort and Raj Ghat. After lunch, visit Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Rajpath and the India Gate.
The Imperial B L D
Day 7: Alleppey/Kochi/Delhi
Depart this morning for Agra, stopping en route at Sikandra, the tomb of the great Mughal emperor Akbar. This afternoon, explore Agra and its two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Agra Fort and the spectacular Taj Mahal.
The Oberoi Amarvil?s B D
Day 8: Delhi
Greet the sunrise at the Taj Mahal before today's journey to Alwar, which takes you through peaceful rural India. Along the way, stop at the deserted red sandstone 16th-century city of Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
Amanbagh B L D
Day 9: Delhi/Agra
Travel to Jaipur for a day of exploration, including the spectacular outdoor Jantar Mantar Observatory, which houses precise 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." Next, a visit to a local Indian village includes an elephant ride with a skilled mahout.
This afternoon, you have the option to visit the Amber Fort or go shopping in Jaipur, including visits to the fine jewelry stores for which the city is known.
Amanbagh B L D
Day 10: Agra/Alwar
The morning is free to enjoy the facilities and activities of your resort. This afternoon, travel by resort jeep to Bhangarh to view the splendid ruins of this now uninhabited city. Then proceed to the surrounding villages for a glimpse of local life.
Amanbagh B L
Day 11: Alwar/Jaipur/Alwar
Fly to Udaipur; then travel to the Aravalli Hills to your spectacular
fort-palace hotel. Enjoy an evocative visit to the temples of Eklingji
and Nagda followed by a camel cart ride at sunset.
Devi Garh B D
Day 12: Alwar
Spend a full day in the lovely city of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace, take a private tour of the Crystal Gallery and visit Sakelion Ki Bari, the "Garden of the Maids of Honor." Later, cruise Lake Pichola (water levels permitting) and view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert; your cruise also includes a stop at the island palace of Jag Mandir. This evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner.
Devi Garh B L D
Day 13: Alwar/Jaipur/Udaipur
After a morning at leisure, transfer to the Udaipur airport for a
flight to Mumbai.
The Leela Kempinski Mumbai B
Day 14: Udaipur
Transfer to the airport to board a homebound flight.
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Day 15: Udaipur/Mumbai
Day 16: Mumbai/USA or Canada