Tour Details
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Delhi
We’ll spend our first afternoon in India’s capital city exploring New Delhi – where a Hindu fortress, a Mughal tomb, an Islamic minaret, and a Baha’i temple lie within minutes of each other. After our festive Welcome Dinner, we’ll spend tomorrow exploring Delhi.
Varanasi
A short morning flight takes us to India’s most sacred city, the center of Hindu faith. We will visit Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, and witness the sunset Aarti Ceremony on the sacred Ganges River amidst jingling bells, floating lanterns, and chanting mantras.
Khajuraho
At dawn, we return to the Ganges where we once again witness the moving rituals of the faithful.
A brief flight takes us to Khajuraho, ‘The City of the Gods,’ renown for some of the most creative examples of Indian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Agra
Leaving Khajuraho, we travel first by road to the medieval city of Orchha to visit the ancient fort, tiered palace, and the beautiful Raj Mahal. In late afternoon, we board the Shatabdi Express for a comfortable rail journey to Agra, home of the legendary Taj Mahal. You can view this magnificent monument by moonlight and sunrise from the balcony of your luxurious hotel room. In the morning, we will enjoy a private, escorted tour of this monument, whose beauty lies not only in design and technique, but also in desire and intent.
Ranthambhore
A scenic morning drive takes us from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent fortified city. This perfectly preserved example of a Mughal city seems untouched from the days of the Empire’s splendor. We’ll reach Ranthambhore National Park, famous for its elusive tigers, in late afternoon. Our luxurious tent accommodations are unmatched in the world.
Jaipur
A comfortable drive takes us to the rose-hued capital city of Rajasthan. After a late afternoon elephant safari, we'll arrive at the enchanting forest camp, Dera Amer, where we will enjoy a grand private dinner. A morning excursion brings us to the ancient Amber Fort with its lavish courtyards and hall of mirrors.
Udaipur
In this city of palaces, your hotel will be one of the most beautiful of all. See the Crystal Gallery at Fateh Prakash, where the Maharana Sajjan Singh ornamented the furnishings with an exquisite collection of 600 crystals. You’ll also see the splendid Jagdish Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Mumbai
Our morning flight arrives in Mumbai for an afternoon tour of this vibrant city. We’ll see the cacophony of the famous Dhobi Ghat laundry and the serenity of the Jain Temple. The following morning, a private launch takes us to Elephanta Island, where we’ll visit the cave temple complex.
Mumbai & Home
We will take you to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination.
The Imperial, New Delhi
The Imperial is a legend that offers a unique experience embracing facets of India's history, and stands witness to the birth of the capital city of New Delhi. Built in 1931 by Blomfield; one of Sir Edwin Lutyen’s associates and inaugurated by Lord Willingdon in 1936, the Hotel is known for its contemporary colonial style. As New Delhi’s landmark Hotel, it is located on Janpath, the erstwhile Queensway, steps away from the renowned shopping district and major attractions of the city. A 2015 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel
The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi, Varanasi
A haven of peace and tranquility in the bustling temple city, the Gateway Varanasi is set amidst 40 verdant acres, and offers calm and relaxation in the heart of this crowded, ancient temple city. A wide range of services provides opportunities for recreation and relaxation, from swimming in the fresh-water pool to tennis and yoga, or indulging in an herbal massage or special steam bath. This Taj hotel also offers distinctive dining experiences that explore the nuances of the finest Indian and international cuisines, serving traditional and contemporary favorites. Rich in colors and textures, all guestrooms at Taj Gateway celebrate luxurious Indian style and comfort. Room amenities include Internet connectivity, international direct dial facility, satellite TV, coffee/tea maker and a hairdryer.
The LaLit Temple View Khajuraho, Khajuraho
Located near the famous Khajuraho temples, the LaLit Temple View Khajuraho is built over 9 acres of land surrounded with lush green landscapes. The Lord Krishna temple besides its beautiful clove shaped pool adds up to a very holistic feeling with priest chanting the mantras and flutist playing the flute every evening during the Sandhya Aarti. This hotel offers an array of other features and services including a full service holistic spa, steam room, sauna, fitness center, a business center, boutique shop and laundry services. Twenty-four hour multi-cuisine is served at the Panna restaurant, where guests can enjoy the food from cuisine of their choice and also watch chef prepare the food of their preference through our live kitchen. Guests can also enjoy a quiet evening over their favorite drink at Mahua - the bar. The 47 air-conditioned rooms have garden or pool views, and amenities include cable TV, mini-bar, coffee/tea maker, in-room safe, wireless internet access (fee), ceiling fan, and deluxe bathroom with makeup mirror, slippers and a scale.
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
The Oberoi Amarvilas is the only hotel with direct, uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The breathtakingly luxurious hotel is a haven that reflects the exotic grandeur of the monuments and provides guests with every modern service in luxury and comfort. Straight out of an Indian fairytale, the Oberoi Amarvilas is set among lush and serene Mughal-inspired pools and terraced gardens. In the spectacular cobalt blue and gold domed entrance hall, the windows frame a fabulous vista of the Taj Mahal. Sixty-four fountains, filigreed stone bridges, and pillars greet guests as they cross the torch-lit forecourt of the ceremonial entrance pavilion of what appears to be a Mughal palace. Set in a terraced garden and lit with torches, the beautiful white marble colonnaded swimming pool is straight from the fairytale pages of the Arabian Nights. All 105 bedrooms enjoy breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal. Ancient and traditional Persian and Moorish influences combine with the very best in modern Indian interior design. The rooms have 24-hour butler service and feature a separate walk-in closet with electronic safe, color satellite TV, DVD/CD player, full mini-bar, tea and coffee. The beautiful marble bathrooms have bathtub, separate shower and deluxe toiletries. A 2015 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel
The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore
The Oberoi's luxury resort is adjacent to the famous Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, recognized for its variety of wildlife. Though the tiger is an elusive animal, sightings in the reserve are frequent. This resort has been designed as a "Jungle Camp," the first luxury jungle camp in India. It is set over 20 acres of land, with over 1,500 trees. Pathways throughout the property traverse bridges crossing an 850-foot lake with lotuses and colorful fish. Facilities include a heated swimming pool and jogging track; private therapy rooms to rejuvenate mind, body and soul; a game room and a lecture room for films and talks on wildlife; an amphitheater for live performances; and a watch tower from where guests can view the reserve and its wildlife. Each of the 25 luxury air-conditioned tents have a private walled garden and private deck located discreetly so as to ensure maximum privacy, and are set within beautifully landscaped gardens full of orchids. Views of the nearby hills are afforded from virtually all tents. All tents have daily fresh fruit baskets, flower arrangements, daily newspapers, complimentary tea and coffee facilities, mini-bars, DVD players, satellite TV, safes, data ports, free-standing Victorian bathtubs and separate shower cubicles, hairdryers, imported toiletries, slippers, and adapters. A 2014 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List & Condé Nast Traveler Platinum Circle Hotel
The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur
Recreating the magnificence of princely Rajasthan in a beautiful fort setting with Jaipur as its backdrop, this resort is set in 32 acres of landscaped gardens with pavilions and reflection pools that create the romance and grandeur of Rajasthan. At Rajvilas, superb attention to detail creates a soothing blend of warm, effortless service and harmonious spaces. A full service spa, gym, steam room, Jacuzzi, beauty salon, boutique, and laundry service are among the various facilities and service available. The hotel offers distinctive dining experiences, exploring the nuances of the finest Indian and international cuisines in its two restaurants and two bars. Reflecting the best in Indian craftsmanship, each one of the 54 rooms at Oberoi Rajvilas Hotel has a sumptuous four-poster bed and an indulgent sunken bath that looks out onto its own private walled ornamental garden. There is also a walk-in closet, personal bar, satellite TV, in room safe, an electric kettle, internet access, as well as an en suite spacious marble bathroom with a double vanity counter. A 2015 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Accommodations at the Taj Lake Palace, a leading small hotel, are as delightful as its white marble exterior. Indulge in royal Mewar fare at the Lily Pond, where courtesans once welcomed royalty into the folds of the palace, or sail into a purple sunset on a 150-year old ceremonial barge, complete with candlelight and resplendently dressed oarsmen. Each and every one of the 66 rooms and 17 suites offer stunning views and intricate décor to envelop guests in royal mystique. A 2015 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel
The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai
The history of Mumbai and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel are dramatically intertwined. The hotel is Mumbai’s first harbor landmark (built 21 years before the Gateway of India) and the site of the first licensed bar in the city. For more than a century, the Taj has played an intrinsic part in the life of the city, hosting Maharajas, dignitaries and eminent personalities from across the globe. Today it is a Leading Hotel of the World and a favorite destination for discerning travellers. A treasure-trove of invaluable memorabilia, there is a story to tell behind every pillar, a landmark deal in every boardroom, and a storied celebration under every awning. Come be a part of the legend. A 2015 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List & Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel