North India Treasures

You'll arrive Delhi on an evening flight and meet your representative who will assist with your transfer and check-in at your India homestay. This lovely Indian home is nestled in the quiet and green colony of Gulmohar Park in South Delhi. Each room contains a modern en suite bathroom and is elegantly decorated. There are two separate sitting areas with warm rugs, Indian artifacts, and comfortable seating as well as a large breakfast table and separate computer desk. You can choose to curl up with a book, watch television, surf the internet, or just sit back with a cup of tea on the sofa or balcony and allow yourself to feel right at home. The owners love hosting people and the bed and breakfast is their opportunity to extend their hospitality to those visiting their city.

Meals: None
Lodging: Indian Homestay (B & B)

Today, you have all morning to experience Delhi on your own. In the afternoon, enjoy a combined sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit Qutab Minar, the India Gate (War Memorial), Lakshmi Narayan Temple-Modern, Hindu Temples, and Jama Masijid. Also visit Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana – the cremation sites of Mahatama Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. On the road, you will drive past the President’s House, the Parliament House and Secretariat buildings, the Red Fort, and Chandni Chowk.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Indian Homestay (B & B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head for the airport on a flight bound for Varanasi. On the way to your hotel, you will visit Sarnath, the buried Buddhist city where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Sarnath was renowned for its school of learning around 6th century BC to 12th century AD. Here, you will visit the ruins, the stupa, the Buddhist temple and the Museum. Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon where you'll have the rest of the day free to relax at the guesthouse and watch life on the Ganges.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Radisson Hotel or similar

Enjoy an early morning boat excursion on the holy river Ganges to see the bathing ghats and cremation site. Watching people bathing and worshipping at the ghats is one of the most extraordinary experiences of a visit to India. Next, head to Khajuraho, where, upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will visit the world famous Khajuraho temples built by the Chandela Kings between 95AD and 1050 AD. The most important are: the Chaunset Yogini Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, the Mahadev Temple and the Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with lovely images of 11-headed Vishnu, the Vishvanath and Nandi Temples, the Lakshmana Temple, and the Visha Temple dedicated to Shiva, which is the largest and most typical of temples.  Overnight in Khajuraho.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Radisson Jass or similar

After breakfast, you will travel by express train from Khajuraho to Agra, with a stop in Orchha to see its interesting complex of well preserved palaces and temples. Some of the temples still receive Hindu devotees. From here, head on to Agra, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Utkarsh Vilas or similar

You will be met early in the morning at the hotel for a sunrise view of India’s most famous site, the majestic Taj Mahal. This legendary monument, dedicated to love, was built by Emperor Shah Jehan in 1630 to enshrine the mortal remains of his Queen Mumtaj Mahal. This architectural marvel is a perfectly-proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble. It stands today as testimony to the skill of craftsmen brought in from Persia, Turkey, France, and Italy and to 17 years of labor by 20,000 workers. Also visit the Agra Fort, home to three Mughal Emperors. Here you will see the transition from the military might of the stern citadel raised by Akbar to the lavish beauty of shimmering white marble palaces built by Shah Jehan. Within the fort are palaces and the Halls of Public and Private Audience. Later, visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Dalha, a Mughal mausoleum, also known as the “Baby Taj”. It was built between 1622 and 1628 by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, for her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg, the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal for whom the Taj Mahal was built.  In the evening, witness an amazing performance depicting the tale of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz, known as the Mohabbat the Taj. This colorful and mesmerizing light and dance show is a love story that is sure to leave you emotional. Return to your hotel for the night.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Utkarsh Vilas or similar

In the morning, you will be transferred to Jaipur, visiting Fatehpur Sikri on the way. The deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and later abandoned due to scarcity of water. The graceful buildings within this city are remarkably well preserved, including the Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and Panch Mahal. The red sandstone palaces are in such a perfect state that it seems as if Emperor Akbar left yesterday. You stay two nights at a charming Middle Class Indian style home that has been converted into a B & B.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Indian Homestay (B & B)

After breakfast, set out on a morning excursion to Amber Fort, Jaipur's ancient capital of the state until 1728. You have the option of ascending the hill to the fort on elephant (on request and not guaranteed). Visit Jai Mahal, the Temple of Kali, and the Jagmandir, or the Hall of Victory that glitters with mirrors. Later, visit Tiger Fort, also known as Jaigarh Fort.  Return to your hotel for the night.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Indian Homestay (B & B)

Today, you will visit the Maharaja’s City Palace and the Observatory. Drive past either the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), and then through the rose-pink residential and business areas of Jaipur.  Late in the day, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Udaipur, where you will settle into your charming hotel for a two-night stay.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Chunda Palace or similar

In the morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Udaipur, visiting the city palace and Jagdish temple, and then drive around Fatehsagar Lake, Sahelion Ki Bari, and Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Pichola Lake and see the Jag Niwas Palace, which is beautifully set in the Lake. Return to your hotel for the night.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Chunda Palace or similar

In the morning, you will depart Udaipur for Jodhpur, visiting Ranakpur on the way. The cluster of temples in Ranakpur, made of intricately-sculpted white marble, are marvelous feats of architecture. It would take anyone by surprise to learn that they were built in 1460 since they are so well preserved and sparkling in marble. The main temple is supported on 1,444 pillars, none of which are similarly carved. The four beautifully-carved main domes look down upon you inside this temple. The Jain Temples house statues of Mahavira and other Jain saints. Head to your Jodhpur hotel for the night.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Balsamand Lake Palace or similar

In the morning, tour Jodhpur and its many marvelous sights, visiting the Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone hill, including Moti-Mahal and Phool Mahal. You will also visit Jaswant Thada, an imposing Marble Memorium built in 1899 and the museum located in the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Late in the day, head to the airport for your flight to Mumbai.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Vits Hotel or similar

In the morning, enjoy a half-day excursion across the harbor to the world famous 1,200-year-old Elephanta caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The famous tribute sculpture signifying the trinity of the creator, the preserver, and destroyer is located here. (Note: the Elephanta Caves are closed on Mondays.) In the afternoon, you will tour the city of Mumbai, visiting the Gateway of India, the Prince of Wales Museum, the Fish Aquarium, Jain Temples, the hanging gardens on the slopes of Malabar Hills that offer a nice view of Marine Lines, Chowpatty Beach, Kamla Nehru Park, Mani Bhawan (where Mahatama Gandhi used to stay), and then finally the Dhobi Ghat. You will also be driven past the Afgan church, Flora Fountain (the Mumbai nerve center), and the colorful Crawford Market and Marine Drive.  Afterward, transfer to the airport for your evening flight onward or perhaps consider continuing your Indian adventure by  joining the Serene South India tour.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: None