Highlights:

Day 1: Arrive at Delhi
Welcome to India! On your arrival, after you collect your luggage, you will be greeted by our travel facilitator at the airport. You will then be taken in a chauffeur-driven vehicle to your hotel and assisted with your check-in. After making you comfortable, our travel facilitator will hand over your travel documents and briefly go over the next day’s program.

Day 2: Delhi
Your exploration of India will commence at Old Delhi, which was the citadel of the Mughal Empire between the 17th and 19th centuries. You will visit the impressive Red Fort built in 1648, which was the seat of the Mughal Empire. You will be amazed at the imposing 1.24-mile long red sandstone walls of the fort. Next will be a thrilling experience of a cycle rickshaw ride through the vibrant alleys of Chandni Chowk, past sacred temples, and old houses with fascinating architecture. This will provide you with an insight into the real India. You will also visit India's largest mosque, Jama Masjid, built by Shah Jahan in 1658, an architectural delight as much as a holy place. Later, visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. A humble black marble amid lush green lawns marks the cremation spot.

Afternoon:
After the Old Delhi tour, you will be driven to New Delhi, which was built by the British as a regal capital. The difference between Old & New Delhi is the division between the two capitals – Mughal & British. You will visit the Qutub Minar – the 234-feet high sandstone Victory Tower built in 1193. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the 138-feet high stone arch of triumph which bears the names of 90,000 Indian Army soldiers who laid down their lives in various wars across the world. It has an eternal flame in honor of the Unknown Soldier. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, a beautiful Mughal red sandstone structure. After this, you will drive through Lutyen’s New Delhi, which includes the Diplomatic enclave, various spectacular Government buildings that originated in the Victorian era, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara (a magnificent temple for people of the Sikh religion), and the impressive and ornate Hindu Birla Temple. Finish your tour of New Delhi at Connaught Place, New Delhi’s main shopping, business, and tourist center.

Day 3: Delhi – Agra
Check out from your hotel after breakfast and then drive to Agra (about 4 hours) on North India’s newest highway. Arrive at Agra and check in to your hotel.

Afternoon:
You will visit the massive red sandstone Agra Fort, built by the famous Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, primarily as a military structure. During Shah Jahan’s reign, it was converted into a palace. It finally became a prison for Shah Jahan after his son came to power in 1658. The fort has numerous courtyards, private chambers, and a marble mosque. On the opposite side of the Yamuna River is the exquisite Itmad-ud-Daulah, built in 1628 by Mughal Emperor’s queen, Nur Jahan, in memory of her father. The tomb is the first monument constructed entirely of marble inlaid in Pietra Dura.

Late Afternoon:
Sunset visit at the spectacular white marble mausoleum and one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. Tourists come from all over the world throughout the year to gaze at the extravagant monument dedicated to love. This wonder was built by Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, in 1653 AD. It took 22 years and 22,000 craftsmen to build the Taj. The white marble is inlaid with semi-precious stones in beautiful patterns in a process called pietra dura. A minaret at each corner of the Taj gives it a perfectly symmetrical look. The Taj houses in its basement the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.

Day 4: Agra – Jaipur
Check out of your hotel by noon and drive to Jaipur. Enroute, stop to visit the Chand Baori stepwell at Abhaneri. The Chand Baori is one of the oldest, deepest, and largest baoris (stepwells) in Rajasthan. The oldest parts of the structure date back to the 8th century. This colossal stepwell has a depth of 20 meters, with 13 levels. Despite being so huge, the well still has delicate and intricate carvings which are a visual treat. Arrive at Jaipur and check in to your hotel. Jaipur is the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, also known as the ‘Pink City’.

Day 5: Jaipur
After breakfast, drive 7 miles north of Jaipur to visit the Amber Fort and Palace. This was the ancient capital of Jaipur state. Mount your caparisoned elephant to ascend up (an option to use a jeep is available) to the main gate of the splendid Amber Fort situated on a hillock overlooking a lake. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Rajput rulers, a clan famous for its military heroism. In sharp contrast to the rugged exteriors of the soaring fort is the opulent ambiance of the interiors, especially the Sheesh Mahal or the Hall of Mirrors, which is a result of the intricate and delicate use of mirrors.

Afternoon:
Continue your tour of Jaipur city; visit the City Palace Complex, a fine blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture consisting of courtyards, gardens, and buildings. The royal family of Jaipur still resides in a part of the Palace. You will then visit the Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory. Enjoy your visit to the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds. Located in the heart of the old city’s bustling marketplace, the Hawa Mahal is a pink sandstone five-story building that has a fascinating façade of numerous intricately designed and embellished windows. It was originally built to enable the royal ladies to look at the bustling city without being seen.

Day 6: Jaipur – Jodhpur
Check out of your hotel and drive to Jodhpur. The second biggest city of Rajasthan is at the edge of the Thar Desert. Arrive at Jodhpur and check in to your hotel.

Late Afternoon:
Walk with your guide through the bustling Sadar Bazaar, often referred to as the Clock Tower Market, due to the monument that forms the center of the circle around which the bazaar is laid out. Return to your hotel after this exploration.

Day 7: Jodhpur
After breakfast, drive through the narrow winding alleys to the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, which is perched on a rocky hill soaring 400 feet. The fort dominates the horizon of the city and is spread over an area of 5 sq. km. Made of red sandstone, Mehrangarh Fort is one of the most beautiful forts of Rajasthan. Inside the fort are magnificent palaces and museums replete with palanquins, royal furniture, vessels, miniatures, musical instruments, and costumes. Visit the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), the Sukh Mahal (Pleasure Palace), Sheesha Mahal (Mirror Palace), and the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace).

Afternoon:
You will next visit the Jaswant Thada, a 19th-century royal cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur. Jaswant Thada, a unique work of architecture, is made out of marble and boasts intricate carvings.

Day 8: Jodhpur – Udaipur
Check out of your hotel in the morning and drive to Udaipur, the city of lakes, palaces, temples, and havelis. En route, visit Ranakpur, famous for its 15th-century Jain temples. Ranakpur is situated in the Aravalli Range, 37 miles from Udaipur. The main temple, Chaumukha or Four Faced Temple, is dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara (revealer of truth), Adinath. It contains 1,444 exquisitely carved marble pillars, no two alike. Neminath, Parasnath, and the Sun Temple are some of the other ornate temples in the complex.
Late Afternoon: Arrive in Udaipur and check in to your hotel.

Day 9: Udaipur
After breakfast, visit the City Palace, a conglomeration of buildings built by various Emperors. There are many palaces within the palace, each dedicated to a theme. The palaces are resplendent with glasswork, mirror work, ornamental tiles, paintings, miniatures, mosaics of peacocks, and ivory doors. Walk through the Crystal Gallery, which has an amazing collection of exquisite crystal. The palace features balconies, courtyards, towers, and cupolas that offer fine views of the lake.

Afternoon: Visit the 18th-century fountain gardens called Saheliyon-ki-Bari or Garden of the Maids of Honour. The tour also includes a visit to the local museum.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola and spend some time at Jagmandir (if available). Although a fairly shallow lake, it is one of the main attractions of Udaipur. There are two islands in the lake—Jagniwas and Jagmandir. It is believed that Shah Jahan got the inspiration to build the Taj Mahal after staying at Jagmandir. Built in the 17th century by Emperor Karan Singh, it has a row of enormous stone elephants. There is a scenic view of the city from Jagmandir.

Day 10: Udaipur – Mumbai
You are at leisure this morning with your guide and chauffeur or to enjoy the facilities at your resort. There are many excursions and activities available around Udaipur. Check out from your hotel by noon and then drive to the airport in time to board your afternoon flight to Mumbai. Bid farewell to your Tour Director. You are greeted upon arrival at Mumbai airport and driven to your hotel, where you are assisted with your check-in.

Day 11: Mumbai – Aurangabad
Check out from your hotel after breakfast and proceed for a guided city tour of Mumbai. The tour begins at the historic Gateway of India, built during the British rule. Drive around Horniman Circle and visit the Town Hall, right beside the docks of Mumbai. Visit the Victoria Terminus, which represents Gothic architecture at its best and is a source of pride for many citizens. Next, visit the Prince of Wales Museum & Modern Art Gallery.
Later, drive through the Flora Fountain and Fort area to view Gothic and Victorian-style buildings. Continue your drive to Malabar Hill to visit the Hanging Gardens, which offer a panoramic view of the city and the Queens Necklace, a road known as Marine Drive. The tour ends with a visit to the famous Dhobi Ghat, also known as the world's largest open-air laundromat, where you can observe the age-old tradition of the Dhobis doing Mumbai’s laundry.
After this tour, you are driven to Mumbai airport in time to board your early evening flight to Aurangabad. You are greeted upon arrival at Aurangabad airport and driven to your hotel, where you are assisted with your check-in.

Day 12: Aurangabad
Enjoy a full-day guided excursion to Ajanta Caves, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caves include paintings and rock-cut sculptures described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art. You will see a variety of carvings, sacred texts, frescoes, and paintings created by Buddhist monks using primitive tools like chisel & hammer and materials from hard rocks. These richly decorated caves are nearly two thousand years old and a marvelous craftsmanship of mankind.

Day 13: Aurangabad – Mumbai
Enjoy a half-day excursion of Ellora Caves, also designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the magnificently sculptured cave temples & monasteries. The caves are devoted shrines of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, illustrating the spirit of tolerance characteristic of ancient India. The most remarkable is the Kailash Temple because of its immense scale. The sculpture is twice the size compared to the Parthenon in Athens.
On the way back, stop at the magnificent Daulatabad Fort, which stands on a conical hill and is an impressive sight. The climb to the summit requires a bit of a trek and leads past an ingenious series of defenses, including multiple doorways.
After this tour, you are driven to Aurangabad airport in time to board your evening flight to Mumbai. You are greeted at the airport by a hotel representative and ushered to your chauffeur-driven vehicle. You are then driven to your hotel, where you are assisted with your check-in by hotel staff.

Day 14: Mumbai – Cochin
Check out from your hotel and then drive to the airport in time to board your morning flight to Cochin. Upon arrival at Cochin, you are greeted at the airport and ushered to your vehicle. You are driven to historic Fort Kochi to start your exploration of Cochin.
The guided tour begins with the Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568 (closed on Fridays and Saturdays). From here, walk through Jew Street, famous for its curios and antiques.
After the synagogue, visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, established by Portuguese Franciscan friars in 1503.
Continue the tour to the most photogenic attraction, the Chinese Fishing Nets, which have become synonymous with the enchanting beauty of Kochi’s shorelines.
Later, walk through Fort Kochi to experience the local culture and architecture before you are driven to your boutique hotel, where you will be assisted with your check-in.

Day 15: Cochin – Backwaters Cruise
Check out from the hotel and drive to Alleppey for your backwater cruise. Arrive at Alleppey and board your houseboat. Enjoy the pristine beauty of nature and the incredible lushness of the vegetation around the freshwater canals and lakes. This adventure will become one of your most treasured travel memories. Relax and enjoy as you cruise the amazing backwaters. You will be served delectable Kerala cuisine, and the staff on board will ensure that all your needs are taken care of.

Day 16: Backwaters Cruise – Cochin – International Flight
Disembark from your houseboat in the morning and then drive to Cochin airport in time for your outbound flight.

Luxury Level Lodging

• Delhi: The Oberoi New Delhi - Premier Plus Room
• Agra: Oberoi Amarvilas – Premier Room
• Jaipur: Oberoi Rajvilas – Premier Room
• Jodhpur: Umaid Bhawan Palace – Palace Room / Raas – Garden Room
• Udaipur: Oberoi Udaivilas – Premier Room
• Mumbai: Oberoi Mumbai – Premier Ocean View Room
• Aurangabad: Taj Vivanta Aurangabad – Premium Room
• Mumbai: The Leela – Royal Club Room
• Cochin: Brunton Boatyard – Sea Facing Room
• Backwaters: Premium AC Houseboat
  
  

Deluxe Level Lodging

• Delhi: Taj Palace – Superior Room / Lalit – View Room
• Agra: Taj Gateway - Taj View Room / The Trident - Garden View Room
• Jaipur: The Trident - Lake View Room / Rajputana Sheraton – COE
• Jodhpur: Taj Hari Mahal – Deluxe Garden View Room
• Udaipur: The Trident – Garden View Room / The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace – Valley View Room
• Mumbai: Trident Nariman Point – Superior Room
• Aurangabad: Taj Vivanta Aurangabad – Superior Room
• Mumbai: The Lalit – Club Room
• Cochin: CGH Eighth Bastion – Bastion Room
• Backwaters: Deluxe AC Houseboat
  
  

Inclusions

• 15 nights stay at the hotels on the entire trip
• Breakfast at all the hotels
• All three meals on the houseboat
• All transfers and sightseeing by your personal A/C SUV
• Hotel check-in time is 2 pm and checkout is at noon for almost all the hotels
• One cycle-rickshaw ride to explore the famous Chandni Chowk market in Delhi
• One elephant ride (per couple) at Amber Fort, Jaipur
• Boat cruise at Lake Pichola in Udaipur
• Entrance fees to the monuments as per the itinerary
• Services of an accompanying Tour Director till Udaipur / English-speaking local guides in Mumbai, Aurangabad, and Cochin
• Representative for assistance on all arrivals and departures transfers
• Bottled water during sightseeing/excursions and long drives
• All currently applicable taxes
  
  

Not Included

• Any personal expenses such as tips, laundry, and drinks
• Any meals other than those specified above
• Personal Travel Insurance, visa, etc.
• Camera fees (both still and video)
• International flight tickets
• Miscellaneous