India: Land of the Maharajahs

On arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the Leela Palace. Our luxury city-center hotel blends lavish style and traditional Indian hospitality in the heart of the prestigious Diplomatic Enclave. Settle in to your Grand Deluxe Room which offers more than 550 square feet of elegantly furnished space.

After breakfast, you’ll join our engaging native-born guide for a full-day tour of India’s vibrant capital. The morning begins at a fascinating archaeological site rarely included on other tour itineraries, despite its cultural and historic significance. Indeed, the Mehrauli Archaeological Park encompasses landmarks that showcase India’s rich heritage from Pre-Islamic times to the Colonial era. Of particular importance are the ruins of the 11^th-century capital of the Tomar Dynasty. Not far away, you’ll discover Qutab Minar c, the tallest brick minaret in the world—a graceful, fluted, tapering tower completed in the 14^th century.
 
After visiting Jama Masjid, India’ largest mosque, you’ll hop aboard a traditional pedicab—the best way to experience all the sights, sounds and aromas of the exotic spice market. Then learn about India’s cultural diversity at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, a monumental Sikh temple with a community kitchen that feeds over 35,000 people every day! Returning to your luxury hotel, we’ll take you along the famous Rajpath boulevard to see Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of India’s President. This evening, delight in an elegant 4-course dinner with wine at Jamavar, famed for its fine Indian cuisine.  Meals B+L+D

After breakfast, we’ll take you to the airport for our included nonstop flight to Varanasi, the venerated ancient city along the Ganges River. On arrival, you’ll be escorted to the 5-star Taj Ganges Hotel where Deluxe Rooms have been reserved for our guests. Take some time to refresh before sitting down to dinner and wine at Chowk. Meals B+D

Arise early this morning and journey to the banks of the Ganges for a guided boat excursion on this sacred river. In the soft golden light of dawn, you’ll witness thousands of devotees descending to these holy waters for purification – a powerfully moving ritual that has played out daily for centuries. This unforgettable excursion ends along one of the many ancient ghats that descend to the riverbanks. From here, a guided stroll through the narrow lanes of Varanasi immerses you in the timeless rhythms that endure in this millennia-old city. Watch as market vendors open for business, and see Assi Ghat; situated where the Assi River flows into the Ganges, these ancient steps are the southernmost of Varanasi’s 88 riverfront ghats. Then visit two local institutions for deeper insight into the city’s ancient traditions, including a school where classes are still taught in Sanskrit – one of the world’s oldest languages!
 
Returning to the hotel, you’ll have ample time to relax or explore on your own before our guided sightseeing resumes late this afternoon with a visit to Manikarnika Ghat. Mentioned in ancient inscriptions dating to the 5^th century, this is one of the oldest and most sacred Ghats here in Varanasi. Indeed, Hindus believe that cremation at this site ensures that one’s soul will have eternal peace. Then continue to Dashashwamedh Ghat. Situated close to Vishwanath Temple with broad steps leading down to the Ganges, this is an evocative setting to experience the Aarti Ceremony, an ancient and mesmerizing Hindu ritual of light and devotion.  Meals B+D

You’ll be escorted to the airport this morning for your included flight to Delhi. Then continue overland to Agra, the ancient capital of Mughal Emperors during the 16^th and 17^th centuries. On arrival, check in to the luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas where our guests enjoy spacious Premier Room accommodations that include Butler Service and unforgettable views of the Taj Mahal. This evening, you’ll dine at Bellevue, conveniently situated right here at our luxury hotel.  Meals B+D

Arise early this morning for a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal c when its shimmering marble façade, domes and towers are bathed in the soft glow of dawn! Behold this magnificent monument to love as our engaging guide shares the tragic story behind its construction in the 17^th century. Then return to your hotel for a leisurely breakfast and free time to relax or explore as you wish.
 
Later this afternoon, rejoin your guide to visit the stupendous Agra Fort c. Behind its impressive 1.5-mile long fortress walls, you’ll discover lovely grounds, sacred mosques, audience halls and fairytale palaces. Dating back to the 16^th century and reflecting elements of both Islamic and Hindu architectural styles, this fort is more aptly described as a magnificent, walled palatial city. Then as the sun dips towards the horizon, we’ll take you across the Yamuna River to Mehtab Bagh. Most visitors don’t know or don’t take the time to come here, but this erstwhile Mughal garden located on the river banks across from the Taj Mahal offers some of the most captivating views of the iconic monument—especially in the golden light of the setting sun. This evening, you’ll enjoy another fine dinner with wine.  Meals B+D
 

Sit back and enjoy the scenery along an overland route that will take you along the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes of the Vindhya and Aravalli Mountains. Your destination is Sawai Madhopur, a historic town founded in 1765. On arrival, check in to the fabulous Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, where your spacious Luxury Tent features a shaded patio, private walled garden, elegant interior furnishings, and an en suite bath complete with claw foot soaking tub and teakwood floors. This evening’s dinner in The Dining Room features authentic Rajasthani cuisine and complimentary wine.  Meals B+L+D

Most travelers visit this world-famous reserve in a traditional Indian canter, an open-air bus that seats 20 people. But our exclusive safari drives find you in special open-air jeeps that seat only 4 to 6 guests. There’s an experienced naturalist guide in each jeep and these vehicles are faster and much more maneuverable than the canter! They can even take you off-road for more rewarding up-close wildlife encounters. Today, you’ll venture deep into the wild beauty of the reserve on early morning and late afternoon safari excursions - when the animals are most active. Ranthambore’s residents include sloths, bears and hyenas—and with luck and sharp eyes, you might even encounter the elusive Bengal tiger!
 
In between our game-viewing expeditions, you can relax at our luxury wilderness resort and take advantage of the many amenities, from its verdant landscaped grounds and crystal-clear swimming pool to the onsite spa and fitness center.  Meals B+L+D

After another exciting game-viewing drive, return to your resort for breakfast before our midday departure for Jaipur. On arrival in India’s fabled Pink City, you’ll check in to the Jai Mahal Palace Hotel, set in an exquisitely restored 18^th-century palace and surrounded by landscaped Mughal gardens. This afternoon, you’ll meet with a local tailor to be fitted for your traditional Indian Kurta. This custom-tailored tunic will be delivered to you before we leave Jaipur so you can wear it with our compliments! We’ve also arranged for our guests to enjoy a free massage at the Jiva Spa, located on the grounds of our palace hotel. Enjoy dinner in the elegant Marble Arch restaurant and then retreat to your Luxury Garden View Room.  Meals B+L+D

Founded in the 11^th century and beautifully constructed from yellow and pink sandstone and gleaming white marble, the spectacular Amber Fort c stands in testament to the once-powerful and never-conquered Rajput Kingdom. Entering through the towering Sun Gate, your guided tour reveals lavish courtyards, beautifully decorated halls and the dazzling Chamber of Mirrors.
 
Your exploration of the Pink City continues with the Palace of Winds; this lovely, oft-photographed landmark was built at the end of the 18th century so that women of royal families could conceal themselves behind its latticed façade as they watched the hustle and bustle of the street activity below. You’ll also visit Jantar Mantar c, an observatory built in 1726. You’ll be astounded by these architectural instruments - ingeniously designed and meticulously constructed of stone to measure time, predict eclipses and track the movements of the stars and planets. The largest instrument stands 90 feet tall and all are amazingly accurate! End your sightseeing with a guided tour of the Palace Museum, highly regarded for its extensive collection of miniature paintings, weapons and traditional Rajasthani royal costumes. Back at the hotel, the rest of your afternoon and evening are free to enjoy as you wish.  Meals B+L

Founded in 1727, Jaipur is one of India’s newer cities. But with its rich cultural heritage and unique pink-hued buildings inside the old walled city, Jaipur is also one of the country’s most fascinating places to visit. So take this free day to explore the city at your own pace—or to simply relax amidst the verdant gardens of our palace hotel. In midafternoon, you’re welcome to join our guide for a tour of the Bapu Market. Located within the old city walls of Jaipur, this is one of India’s best textile markets. Jaipur is renowned for the skill of its artisans and this lively and colorful bazaar is also a great place to shop for other items including jewelry, leather goods, pottery and woodcarvings.  Meals B

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then transfer to the airport for your included flights to Delhi and then onward to Udaipur. Upon arrival, you’ll be escorted to the lavish Taj Lake Palace Hotel, set on a private island in the middle of Lake Pichola. Delight in your Luxury Lake View Guestroom with its spectacular vistas, carved lattice-work ceilings, rich teakwood furnishings and fine Indian textiles. This evening’s dinner with wine at Neel Kamal showcases the fine royal cuisine of Udaipur.  Meals B+D

Hailed as the most romantic city in all of India, Udaipur is famed for its rich history, culture and Rajput-era landmarks. Your guided sightseeing begins this morning at the immense City Palace, set magnificently on a ridge overlooking Lake Pichola. With its courtyards and grand halls, all wonderfully ornamented with pillars, balconies, towers and cupolas, this architectural masterpiece was built over several dynasties, but the harmony of its design makes it one of the finest palaces in all of Rajasthan. Now a museum, the richly decorated Palace is famed for its superb collection of cultural treasures including Mughal paintings and carvings.

Venturing into the heart of the city, you’ll enjoy a guided stroll through the bustling streets to Jagdish Temple. Built in 1651 and decorated with towering tiers of bas relief carvings, this Hindu temple enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle, a mighty bird called Garuda.
 
Have lunch on your own and then take some time to explore or relax as you wish. Late this afternoon, we’ll take you to the elegant Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel, set in a splendidly restored 17^th-century mansion on the shores of Lake Pichola. Delight in a Sundowner Cocktail and magnificent views of the sun as it sets across the lake and surrounding hills. Then sit down to an elegant dinner at Chandni, famed for its fine cuisine and spectacular lakeside setting.  Meals B+D

Indulge in a leisurely breakfast and a free morning at our luxury palace hotel surrounded by the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola. At midday, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your included nonstop flight to Mumbai. On arrival, transfer to The Oberoi, our luxury hotel ideally situated overlooking Marine Drive and the Arabian Sea. You’ll have time to settle in to your spacious Premier Ocean View Room before dining tonight at Vetro, The Oberoi’s fine-dining Italian restaurant.  Meals B+D
 

From its ancient origins as a center for maritime trade with Persia and Egypt, Mumbai (formerly Bombay) has grown and evolved into a pulsating metropolis of 20 million people. It’s a financial hub and a fashion powerhouse known for its nonstop energy, ornate Colonial-era architecture and cultural diversity. Begin your sightseeing late this morning with the iconic Gateway of India and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station c; built at the end of the 19^th century and formerly known as the Victoria Terminus, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is hailed as an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture.
 
For more than 140 years, the workers at Dhobi Ghat, a virtual outdoor Laundromat, have been hand-washing an estimated 500,000 articles a day – from hotel linens to personal clothing items. There is no other place like this in the world and today’s visit with our expert guide offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look into the people and stories of this sprawling metropolis. End your sightseeing at the colorful Mangaldas Market, a collection of narrow lanes famous since Colonial times for its many textile and clothing merchants. Back at our luxury hotel, for a complimentary Sundowner Cocktail – served at The Eau Bar with its enchanting sunset views followed by dinner at the hotel.  Meals B,D

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your homeward flight.  Meals B