Overview
Discover the blend of cultures, colors, and contrasts that is India in this Private Journey. Encounter temples and palaces with serene settings that are unmatched in the world. From the vast laundry of Mumbai to the reverent Jain Temple . . . this land beckons you. Tour the Taj Mahal and view the famous mausoleum from your room in both morning and evening light. In the temple city of Khajuraho, spend a day among elaborately carved Hindu and Jain monuments. Witness the sacred rites of Hindu pilgrims performed on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world. At the "“Pink City"” of Jaipur, enjoy a visit to the spectacular Amber Fort. Explore the colonial architecture and bustling city life of cosmopolitan Mumbai. Journey Pace: Active

Tour Details

DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Starts any day except Friday. January to June; October to December

17 days from $8945.00

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Itinerary
Day 1

Arrive Delhi, India

Welcome to Delhi. You are met on arrival at Delhi airport, and then transfer to your luxury hotel located in the heart of New Delhi. 

Day 2

Delhi Sightseeing

This morning is yours to relax at leisure.

This afternoon explore New Delhi, an area designed and built by the British in the 1920's. See the imposing India Gate, a war memorial dedicated to the 70,000 Indian soldiers killed in WWI, and the president’s palace. Visit the Mausoleum of Emperor Humayun, a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture, and Qutab Minar, with its graceful 12th century hand carving, and its iron pillar that has not rusted after 1500 years. ​(B)

Day 3

Delhi Sightseeing

This morning enjoy the fascinating sights of Old Delhi. See the magnificent Red Fort, built in 1648 on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan; it is a marvel in red sandstone. Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, and Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Explore Chandni Chowk (Silver Street), once the imperial avenue, and today, a bustling colorful market.

This afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore more of Delhi on your own. ​(B)

Day 4

Delhi to Sarnath & Varanasi

This morning fly from Delhi to Varanasi, one of India’s most sacred cities and the Center of Hindu faith. Located on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, Varanasi has drawn Hindu pilgrims from all over India for centuries.

In the afternoon drive outside Varanasi to explore historic Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore the gardens to see the remains of the 3rd century BC monuments built by Emperor Ashoka. See Ashoka’s pillar, the Mulagandhakuti Vihara Temple, the magnificent Dharmekh Stupa and view some of the world’s greatest Indian Buddhist art at the Archaeological Museum.

This evening, take a boat ride on the Ganges River – an unforgettable look at a very sacred location. See the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the most sacred of the more than 100 bathing ghats (steps) along the Ganges. ​(B)

Day 5

Varanasi to Khajuraho

This morning experience an early morning boat cruise on the Ganges and witness the rituals performed on the banks of this sacred river.

Midday, take a short flight from Varanasi to Khajuraho, called “The City of the Gods.” Built between 950 and 1050 A.D., is renowned for some of the most creative examples of Indian architecture.

This afternoon, visit the Western group of temples, a collection of large and small shrines surrounded by a compound wall. Among the most noteworthy is the Devi Jagdambi, a small and delicately proportioned temple, and the famous Lakshmana Temple, a grand edifice dedicated to Lord Vishnu – the preserver of the Hindu Trinity of Gods. Explore the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, built approximated 1025–1050 AD it is the largest and most handsome monument at Khajuraho. ​(B)

Day 6

Khajuraho Sightseeing

Today explore Khajuraho’s Eastern group of temples, most belonging to the Jain faith. Visit the Parsvanath Temple, the largest, with intricate stone carvings. See the Adinath Temple, with beautiful delicate sculptures, and the Ghantai Temple, a Jain temple with remarkable frescos depicting the 16 dreams of the mother of Lord Mahavira at the time of his birth. You also visit the Hindu Brahma temple, Vamana Temple dedicated to the “Vamana” or dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and the Javari Temple, with an opulently carved doorway and ostentatious sculptures on its exterior walls. ​(B)

Day 7

Khajuraho via Orcha to Agra

Travel by road to Orcha, a well-preserved medieval city with palaces and temples built by the Bundela Rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries. A highlight is the stop at Jahangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful Chhatris, which commands a spectacular view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs. Later, board the ‘Shatabdi Express’ train to Agra.

Arrive in Agra and relax in your luxurious room at the famed Amarvilas. From your balcony, enjoy a direct view of the Taj Mahal. A poem in white marble, built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan (and 20,000 workers) to honor the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal. Today India's most fascinating and beautiful masterpiece, this perfectly symmetrical edifice is set amidst landscaped gardens on the banks of the Yamuna River. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. ​(B)

Day 8

Agra Sightseeing

Arise early this morning to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise from your room, and then enjoy a morning tour of this incredible monument.

This afternoon journey outside the city to visit the Agra Fort, a massive red sandstone Mughal Fort built on the banks of the Yamuna River in 1565 by Emperor Akbar. The fort is surrounded by a 70-foot high wall, and houses a beautiful Pearl Mosque. ​(B)

Day 9

Agra to Ranthambore

From your balcony, there is another opportunity to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise before you depart by private car for Ranthambore.

En route stop to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful and deserted medieval city built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire. The complex consists of religious, residential and administrative buildings. Continue driving to Ranthambore National Park, hailed as one of India’s finest wildlife destinations.

Ranthambore National Park derives its name from an 11th century fort, of which the remnants of summer palaces and temples still stand. It is famous for its elusive tigers and is a favorite with photographers. Tigers may be spotted during the day while stalking, hunting, or taking care of their young. ​(B)

Day 10

Ranthambore

Today enjoy both morning and afternoon game drives.

Ranthambore National Park has a rich diversity of flora and fauna. In addition to the tiger, other predators found in the park include leopards, striped hyenas, jackals, caracals, jungle cats and more. Many bird species, including the crested serpent eagle and paradise fly-catcher also populate the park. ​(B)

Day 11

Ranthambore to Jaipur

This morning enjoy another morning safari through the park before departing by private car for Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, and India’s first planned city. Designed by the 18th century warrior-astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II, Jaipur is a walled city with rectangular blocks. Most of the buildings in the city were made from pink sandstone and hence Jaipur also came to be called the “Pink City.”

Arrive in Jaipur by early afternoon, with the remainder of the day to relax or explore the city at your leisure. ​(B)

Day 12

Jaipur Sightseeing

Today enjoy a full day excursion to Jaipur, starting with a visit to the Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world, with 17 large instruments. Next, stop at Hawa Mahal - the Palace of the Winds. Built in 1799, this five-story building is a pink sandstone masterpiece with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows.

At the City Palace, the royal residence of the King of Jaipur, examine a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and an armory of Rajput and Mughal weaponry, much of it inlaid with enamel and embellished with jewels.

This afternoon journey outside Jaipur to visit the ancient Amber Fort. This is a classic Rajasthani fort palace, with time-ravaged exterior walls hiding lavish courtyards and beautiful interior plaster walls embedded with precious stones and mirrors. ​(B)

Day 13

Jaipur to Udaipur

This morning, transfer to the Jaipur airport for your flight to Udaipur, known as the “Venice of the East.”

Upon arrival, visit the City Palace, built on the bank of Pichola Lake in 1570 by Maharana Udai Singh. The palace has been preserved as a museum with a large and diverse collection of artifacts.

Continue to the famed Taj Lake Palace built on the banks of Lake Pichola, a complex of palatial splendor that blends Rajput and Mughal influences. Stroll around Sahelion-ki Bari, an ornamental pleasure garden designed for the ladies of the palace in the 18th century, with beautiful fountains, trees and flowers.

Enjoy a private evening cruise on the lake. (B)

Day 14

Udaipur Sightseeing

This morning, visit the Jagdish Temple; built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651. The temple enshrines a black stone image of Lard Vishnu, and a brass image of Garuda the Lord bird carrier. The exterior and the plinth are covered with base relief of alligators; elephants, and horsemen while celestial musicians rise in tiers.

The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. (B)

Day 15

Udaipur to Mumbai

After breakfast, enjoy a morning at leisure.

This afternoon you are transferred to the airport for your flight from Udaipur to Mumbai (Bombay). Once a sultry archipelago of seven islands, Mumbai today is an exciting metropolis that blends the old with the new.

Upon arrival in Mumbai, you will be transferred to hotel where you will be met by our representative who will assist you for check in process. Enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure. ​(B)

Day 16

Mumbai Sightseeing

This morning walk through the Kala Ghoda (Black Horse), a cultural heritage center housing a collection of art galleries, museums and architectural example from various periods of India’s past. Explore the exhibits along with the unique shops and restaurants. Then visit the Prince of Wales Museum housing rare artwork and archaeological finds.

The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. ​(B)

Day 17

Mumbai and depart

Today you are taken to the airport in Mumbai for your departing flight home or on to your next destination. ​(B)

Accommodations

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 Oberoi, Mumbai

Located in Nariman Point, The Oberoi, Mumbai overlooks the Arabian Sea. Luxuriously appointed guestrooms offer a host of innovative features using the latest technology. A rich variety of dining experiences ranges from global cuisine to Italian, to a signature Indian restaurant under the direction of a Michelin-starred chef. A 2015 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel