India Luxury Tour Package Duration - 12 Nights / 13 Days

Destinations Covered - Delhi - Agra - Ranthambhore - Jaipur - Udaipur - Mumbai - Elephanta Caves

Day 01 Arrive Delhi
NAMASTE. WELCOME TO INDIA! On arrival in Delhi you are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to your hotel.

Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its fold – the ancient with the modern. Amidst the tall and modern skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. It is not surprising that what constitutes Delhi today is really a conglomerate of seven cities. Down the ages the region in and around modern Delhi saw Lalkot built in mid eleventh century; Siri, established by Allauddin Khilji; and Ferozabad built by the Tughlaks followed by the city of Lodis; and then followed by Shajehanabad, the capital of the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in life styles: the walled city retains its past traditions and one can get a glimpse of a past life with its many facets, colors and spells. New Delhi, in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of twenty-first century standards.

Day 02 New Delhi Sightseeing
This afternoon we start the day with visit to Qutab Minar – A soaring stone tower, 72 meters high, was built by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak in 1193. The tower has five distinct stories’, each with a projecting balcony. The base of the Minar (tower) is 15 m in diameter and the top just 2.5 m in diameter, an amazing piece of work. At its base is the Quwwat-Ul Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. A 7 m high iron pillar (4th century) stands in the courtyard of the mosque. Humayun’s Tomb - An elegant example of early Mughal architecture, the tomb of the second Mughal emperor was built by Humayun’s widowed Queen Haji Begum, in the 16th century. Architecturally the forerunner of the Taj Mahal. On our way back to the hotel we take photo stops at Rashtrapati Bhawan (President Palace) – Designed by Lutyens, is the official residence of the President of India. Its is an imposing structure with 340 rooms, constructed up on Raisina Hill was initially built as the official residence of the vice roy in 1929 and India Gate - The 42 meter high arch shaped structure, stands at the eastern end of Rajpath. On it is inscribed the names of 85,000 Indian Army soldiers who lost their lives in World War I, the North-West Frontier operations of the same time and 1919 Afghan fiasco. Below it burns the Amar Jawan Jyoti (The eternal flame) in tribute to all martyred soldiers of India that was lit after the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the Bistro restaurant, with a presentation of Indian music and dance. (B/D)

Day 03 Old Delhi Sightseeing / Agra
This morning your attention focuses on Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of royal Shahjehanabad. The great Red Fort was the opulent residence of Shah Jehan, builder of the Taj Mahal and the magnificent Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), which dominates the skyline. Also visit the Raj Ghat- cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, Ashoka Pillar and later walk through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shahajahanabad, now a picturesque bazaar. This afternoon depart Delhi by road for Agra, en-route visiting Sikandra.

Eight kilometres north of Agra at Sikandra is the tomb of Akbar, started within his lifetime and completed by his son Jahangir in 1613. The tomb in elevation is pyramidical and consist of three storeys. On top is an open courtyard surrounded by a marble screen enclosing the tomb itself. The buiding is unique in its departure from Islamic architectural tradition, for it has no domed roof. On your arrival in Agra, check into your hotel. (B)

Day 04 Fatehpur Sikri & Agra Sightseeing
This morning visit the abandoned and nearly intact Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece of Muslim architecture. It comprises the remains of the new capital that Akbar built in the 16th century. Predominantly red sandstone buildings sprawl over a huge area. The architectural style is very much in tune with the emperor’s dreams and includes both Hindu and Muslim styles. The sculptured columns bear mute testimony to this gallant experiment to unite the two races. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and many noteworthy structures.

In the afternoon return to Agra to explore the 16th century Agra Fort, seat of the Mughal dynasty in the 16th century. It lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the year 1565-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls red sandstone and a moat. Three great Mughals – Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, each of whom made significant structural contributions to this complex successively occupied the fort, approachable through its lofty main portals on the west and south, besides a private gate on the east.

Followed by a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, the incredible lacy white grandeur built by Emperor Shahjehan in memory of his loving wife Mumtaz Mahal, the “lady of the Taj”. It has been described, as the most extravagant monument ever built for love for the emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died. The most unusual story about the Taj is that there might well have been two of them. Shah Jahan, it is said, had intended to build a second Taj as his own tomb in black marble, a negative image of the white Taj Mahal. Before he could embark on this second masterpiece, Aurangazeb deposed and imprisoned his father. Shah Jahan spent the rest of his life in the Agra Fort, looking out along the river to the final resting place of his favorite wife. The construction is believed to have taken 18 years (1631-48) with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of legendary architect, Ustad Ahmad Lahori. Although the Taj is amazingly graceful from almost any angle it’s the close up detail, which is really astounding. Semi-precious stones are inlaid into the marble in beautiful pattern and with superb craftsmanship in a process known as pietra dura. The precision and care, which went into the Taj Mahal’s design and construction, is just as impressive whether you view it from across the river or from arm’s length. Stroll around the lovely gardens before you enter this intricately carved and inlaid marble structure. Your romantic encounter is further enhanced by the opportunity of viewing this magnificent edifice in the warm glow of sunset. (B)

Day 05 Agra / Ranthambhore
Early this morning visit the Taj Mahal and admire this dream in marble as it welcomes the rising sun. Later, drive to Ranthambhore. Upon arrival check in to your hotel. At Ranthambore, the remains of a thousand-year-old fortress where leopards and tigers prowl the ruins. This afternoon enjoy your first game drive. (B/D)

Day 06 Ranthambhore Game Reserve
Ranthambhore is one of the few preserves where the nocturnal camera-shy tigers may be seen in daylight. Almost hunted to extinction by the local royalty and their British overlords, the population of the Bengal tiger is slowly increasing, thanks to the efforts of “Project Tiger” and the World Wildlife Fund. You’ll take thrilling game drives in the morning and evening to scour the jungle for wildlife. (B/L/D)

Day 07 Ranthambhore / Jaipur
After a morning game drive leave for the “Pink City” of Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. The city capital painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, literally blushed pink when Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, stepped on its soil in 1863. Interspersing the play of red and pink with white borders and motifs, painstakingly outlining the architectural highlights of Jaipur's buildings, the city has retained its glow since 1727 when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II had it built. Surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; with beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts, Jaipur simply exemplifies the lifestyles of an amazing people.

This afternoon tour this incredible city where the past is never far from hand. The Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Winds” provides an excellent view over the city as befitting its former role: enabling the ladies of the royal household to watch, unseen, the daily life and processions in the streets below. Explore City Palace, characterized by balconies, tiny windows, cupolas, courtyards and arched entrances. It now houses an excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes, miniatures and an armory of weapons. The Maharajah’s observatory, originally built in the city's early years, first appears as a collection of abstract sculptures, but is in fact a collection of the huge masonry instruments for studying the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Overnight is at the hotel (B)

Day 08 Amber Fort Excursion
This morning's excursion will take us to Amber Fort. Amber was once the capital of the Mina tribes believed to be the original inhabitants of this area. History recalls the glory and wealth of Amber’s association with the Mughals. Raja Man Singh was the Commander-in-Chief of Akbar’s army and Mirza Raja Jai Singh was a powerfulally of Jahangir. You will have a unique experience of riding a caprisoned painted elephant heralded by musicians from the foothill to the ramparts of the ancient fort. Once inside we explore the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience and the beautiful manicured gardens Afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 09 Jaipur / Udaipur
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur you are met and transferred to your hotel.

This afternoon tour the City Palace, the white and majestic royal palace standing on a hill, surrounded by crenellated walls and overlooks an immense esplanade edged by arcades; the main entrance leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping pavilions, terraces corridors and hanging gardens-a harmonious profusion hard to describe.

Visit Sahelion-Ki-Bari, the “Gardens of the Maids” bring to mind the unique lifestyle of the ladies of court. Your final stop is Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandala, a museum of folk art, displaying a rich collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings. Watch a presentation of the world-renowned puppeteers of Udaipur, custodians of an ancient tradition. (B)

Day 10 Ranakpur Excursion
Today’s excursion brings you to the beautifully sculpted Jain temples of Ranakpur. The intricately caraved white marble is so well preserved it belies the temple’s 500 years. The temple dedicated to the Sun God is famed for its erotic sculpture. Overnight is at the hotel. (B)

Day 11 Udaipur / Mumbai
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight 9W 3401 to Mumbai.
Upon arrival you are welcomed and escorted to to your hotel

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of Maharashtra, and the commercial hub of India. It is the country’s most cosmopolitan city, an ancient port and trading center. This palm-fringed shore of the Arabian Sea was the British Empire’s entrance to its proudest “Crown Jewel.” A city of paradoxes, Mumbai is renowned as the country’s financial nerve center, and also an important center of theater, art, music, and classical dance. Although steeped in tradition is the premier city in India.

Your tour of Mumbai includes the british-built arch "Gateway of India", Mumbai's landmark, built in commemoration of the visit of King George the Vth and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911. See the Hanging Gardens, located on the crest of Malabar Hill, a welcome oasis of green and almost entirely concrete and cement. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum built between 1904 and 1914, which was used during World War I as a hospital. The huge structure can be spotted from a distance as sunshine sparkles on the massive marble dome. The museum houses a priceless collection of art considered one of the best in all India, including a rich display of miniature paintings, ancients sculptures, jade, china and much more. Also visit the affluent community of Malabar Hills, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and Jain Temple. (B)

Day 12 Elephanta Caves
Early this morning cruise across the harbor to the island of Elephanta. The island rises near its centre into two conical hills. Rock temples were hewn out of the hill sometimes toward the end of the Buddhist period in India, probably in the eighth century. Explore the caves consist of several interesting sculptures including some depicting the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, Ravana the demon king, and lesser male and female divinities. The afternoon is at leisure to relax and pursue independent activities. This evening you are transferred to international airport for your homebound flight. (B)

Day 13 Depart Mumbai
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight, filled with colorful memories of your luxurious sojourn through Northern India. (B)