Icons of India: The Taj, Tigers & Beyond with Udaipur & Southern India

Hello, Delhi!

Welcome to India! Hotel check-in available mid-afternoon.

Delhi Delights

Today's sightseeing starts with an orientation to see the Red Fort, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Then, visit Jama Masjid and take a rickshaw ride through a local bazaar. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a bit of free time. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner that includes a cooking demonstration and talk on Indian cuisine with a local chef. (B/L/D)

LOCAL FAVOURITE - MARKET HIGH: Hop on a rickshaw and explore Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling a variety of goods and souvenirs-from silver and saris to spices and electronics.

Remembrance & Worship

This morning, visit Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, visit Humayun's Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in for the evening. (B/L/D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - A RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE: As Delhi's largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship), Gurudwara Bangla Sahib has religious significance and splendid architecture. The grand edifice is built in the Sikh architectural style, while this magnificent house of worship is made using stunning white marble below its commanding golden dome.

Moghul Monuments

Start your day with a sunrise visit to the captivating Taj Mahal. After a bit of down time, travel to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LOVE REMEMBERED: Explore the extravagant Taj Mahal, a marble monument to love. Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth.

By Road & Rail

Today, stop at Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for merely 10 years before it was completely abandoned due to the lack of adequate water. After lunch in Bharatpur, board a train bound for Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park, one of the best places in India to spot the elusive Bengal tiger! (B/L/D)

The Game is Afoot

Today, explore Ranthambore National Park on morning and afternoon game drives in an open-air safari vehicle. Between game drives, enjoy free time to relax. (B/L/D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE: In addition to Bengal tigers, Ranthambore National Park is home to leopard, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyena, and more. Take the opportunity to spot them all on guided game drives today.

Jaunt to Jaipur

Today, travel to Jaipur. In 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales and known as the "Pink City" ever since. After lunch, visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar, consisting of 19 astronomical instruments used for measuring time and dates back to 1728. Next, visit the City Palace Museum, once the royal residence and now showcases a collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes from the past. (B/L)

Jewels of Jaipur

Today, visit the amazing Amber Fort in the morning. Lastly, visit a local vocational training program for children. Tonight, enjoy a home-hosted dinner with an Indian noble family, followed by a sari-and turban-tying demonstration. (B/D)

LOCAL FAVOURITE - CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE: Ladli is a training program teaching orphaned children valuable skills to keep them off the streets. Here, learn about the project while interacting with the children and helping them practice their English skills.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - FORMIDABLE FORTRESS: Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the "Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan," built entirely of white marble and red sandstone. This fortress-palace has a somber exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including an alabaster Hall of Victory and a superb Chamber of Mirrors.

Radiant Rajasthan

Today, fly to Udaipur, known as the "City of Lakes," to continue your exploration of Rajasthan, India's largest state. (B)

Only You, Udaipur

Join your Local Guide in this romantic City of Lakes for a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace in Rajasthan. Then, visit the Jagdish Temple and the Crystal Gallery. After some free time in the middle of the day, embark on a scenic sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. (B/L)

City Slicker

Today, fly to Mumbai, a multicultural metropolis with a vibrant history - now India's premier seaport and home to the "Bollywood" movie industry. (B)

Magical Mumbai

Join your Local Guide for an orientation of the city's famous sites, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India. Then, witness Mumbai's fascinating tiffin lunch box delivery system. Stop to see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. After lunch, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. (B/L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LUNCH BOX HEROES: At Churchgate Station, the dabbawalas (box carriers) transfer the lunch boxes onto a wooden cart on a local train. This colour-coded lunch delivery system began over 100 years ago as migrants moved to work in what was then Bombay. Board the train for the short ride to Mahalaxmi Station where you'll disembark and watch the boxes being sorted by colour for final delivery, just as they have since the inception in 1890.

Headed South

Today, fly to Kochi, the "Gateway to Kerala," India's southernmost state known for its natural beauty. (B)

Diversity & Heritage

Your Local Guide takes you to visit the Chinese fishing nets that are the livelihood of many fishermen in the area. You'll also take a walk through the Jewish Quarter. Then, visit the Kerala Folklore Museum, created to educate people about the unique culture and heritage of South India. (B)

Just out for a Cruise

Today, drive out of the city to embark on an unforgettable private afternoon cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. Afterward, continue to your lakeside resort. (B/L/D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - GOD'S OWN COUNTRY: Explore the serene waters of Kerala - India's tropical paradise of waving palms and wide sandy beaches on the narrow coastal region below the mountains of the Western Ghats. Cruise through a world of lush green vegetation and paddy fields in a paradise that stretches to the Arabian sea. See why Kerala is named one of the "10 paradises of the world" and one of National Geographic Traveller's "50 Places of a Lifetime!"

Free day, Yes!

A full day at leisure to explore the area or enjoy resort amenities. (B/L/D)

FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE A LITTLE, RELAX A LOT: Consider a trip to visit a local village, relax by the pool, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. More optional excursions throughout your tour are available at My Account.

Homeward Bound

Your India exploration ends with breakfast this morning. (B)