A Portrait of India – Historic Rajasthan to Tropical Kerala

Live like a maharaja on travels from northern India to its southern tip, while taking in cultural treasures and staying in lavish palace hotels. A two-night stay in luxurious accommodations with views of the spectacular Taj Mahal is but one of many highlights on Tauck's India tour. Travel from Delhi to Agra by rail, ride a rickshaw through back streets and bazaars, and cruise by houseboat through Kerala's canals. Unique cultural experiences include a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River to witness spiritual rituals and a traditional dinner in the home of a Kerala chef.

2007 Itinerary

Day 1: India's Graces
Tour departs: Delhi International Airport. Transfer to your landmark hotel, renowned for gracious services in the heart of New Delhi. Due to flight schedules, you will probably arrive at the hotel after midnight local time. You may want to travel a day early to ease the effects of jet lag and relax a bit before Tauck's India tour starts – just mention this at the time of booking.
Lodging: The Oberoi, New Delhi, India

Day 2: Explore New Delhi
Explore India's capital city with an insider guide, including the Secretariat buildings, Parliament House, Presidential Palace, and India Gate, commemorating Indian and British soldiers. Stop at the Mahatma Gandhi National Museum, paying tribute to the inspiring leader who forced change through non-violent protest. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the 234-foot-high sandstone Qutb Minar Victory Tower, built in 1193, and Humayun's Tomb, set in beautiful gardens. This Mughal creation popularized Persian-influenced architecture and was an inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Discuss favorite sights at the welcome dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Oberoi, New Delhi, India

Day 3: Discover Old Delhi
Travel by rickshaw past colorful bazaars, sacred temples, and colonial monuments through the winding streets of Old Delhi, the capital of Muslim India from the 12th through the 19th centuries. See the sumptuous Red Fort palaces, the symbol of Indian nationhood. Visit India's largest mosque, the white marble Jama Masjid, and see Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi's cremation site. Spend the afternoon as you wish.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Oberoi, New Delhi, India

Day 4: Ceremonial rituals on the Ganges
Fly to the ancient city of Varanasi built on the banks of the sacred River Ganges. Since 6 BC, this city has been a key destination for pilgrims who seek blessing and purification in the river's holy waters. A sightseeing tour visits Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, and the National Museum, home to a priceless sculpture collection dating back to the 3rd century BC. After dinner, take a boat ride and witness ceremonies this evening amidst hundreds of lighted candles and flower offerings.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Radisson Hotel Varanasi, India

Day 5: Ganges River cruise
Rise early to view the Varanasi sunrise ceremonies on the Ganges. A brief tour introduces you to the city, a center of Sanskrit, art, and cultural studies. A local lecturer provides insight into Hindu life and the spiritual rituals of the Ganges and Varanasi. Fly to Delhi for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Oberoi, New Delhi, India

Day 6: The wondrous Taj Mahal
An early train to Agra precedes a visit to the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, certain to be an India tour highlight; the day's changing colors on the white marble building give it a mythical aura. Completed in 1643, this exquisitely detailed monument is considered one of the finest architectural achievements the world has ever seen; your hotel offers a privileged view of this stunning man-made wonder.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, India

Day 7: Experience Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort
A morning excursion heads to the walled imperial city of Fatehpur Sikri for in-depth exploration of this remarkably preserved site. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, witness the medieval lifestyles of 16th- and17th-century Mughal emperors.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, India

Day 8: Enjoy royal treatment in Jaipur
Arrive in Jaipur for a two-night stay at a luxurious palace hotel that from the 1920s to the 1950s was the royal residence of the Maharajah of Jaipur. Attend a special evening fit for royalty tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, India

Day 9: Jaipur journey
Today on Tauck's India tour view Jaipur's sightseeing gems, including the massive gateways and pillared pavilions of Amber Fort. Tour Amber Palace, and visit the City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar Observatory.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, India

Day 10: Scenic lake cruise
Fly to Udaipur where a tranquil afternoon cruise on Lake Pichola takes in views of island palaces, ancient temples along the shore, and the old walled city. Enjoy a two-night stay amidst the romance and splendor of your palatial lakefront resort.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India

Day 11: Discover Udaipur
Visit the 18th-century fountain gardens of Saheliyon ki Bari, and the Jagdish Mandir Temple. View the City Palace, a labyrinth of richly decorated courtyards, frescoed galleries, and marble temples. Enjoy palm readings this afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India

Day 12: Sunset cruise on the Arabian Sea
Fly to Kochi (Cochin) in the state of Kerala, home to coconut groves, paddy fields, wide beaches, and canal waterways. Enjoy a spectacular sunset cruise on the Arabian Sea prior to dinner at leisure in your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Taj Malabar, Cochin, India

Day 13: Traditional cuisine and more in historic Kochi
Kochi (Cochin) dates back to the 15th century, boasting myriad historic sites. After a lecture on southern India's unique heritage and cultural diversity, see the Dutch Palace, Jew Town, St. Francis Church, and Fort Cochin, the oldest European settlement in India. Visit the home of an acclaimed Kerala chef for a cooking demonstration and dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Taj Malabar, Cochin, India

Day 14: Kumarakom Lake Resort
Explore the small villages of coastal Kerala as you make your way to your lakefront resort on the picturesque island of Kumarakom, a special Tauck India tour touch. Enjoy local cultural entertainment tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala, India

Day 15: Cruise on a Kerala houseboat
Board unique houseboats for a cruise along the canals of Kerala, often referred to as the "Venice of the East." Spend the remainder of the day as you wish at your resort; you can choose to go boating, go bird watching, learn to make pottery, or have an Ayurveda massage at the spa.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala, India

Day 16: Welcome to Mumbai (Bombay)
Fly to the "City of Gold," Mumbai (Bombay), surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea. Explore this legendary city during a two-night stay at your landmark waterfront hotel adjacent to the triumphal Gateway of India.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai (Bombay), India

Day 17: Elephanta Island temples
Visit the Gateway of India, and then cruise to Elephanta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the rock-cut cave temples with sculptured interiors dating back to the 6th century. A highlight is the Mahesamurti, a triple-headed Shiva statue. Following an afternoon spent as you please, join us this evening for a farewell cocktail reception.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai (Bombay), India

Day 18: Journey home
Tour ends at Mumbai (Bombay) International Airport. Airport transfers are included to Sahar International Airport. Most international flights depart between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.

Book Tauck's India tour now to experience the privileged world of the maharajas!

Departure Dates

Oct 1, 22, 29
Nov 5, 12
Dec 3, 10, 17

Prices

18 Days from $8,370 plus airfare

*Triples are accommodated in two rooms in most hotels.

46 meals included.

Air Price Per Person

On-Tour Airfare Per Person (6 flights) from $950 and must be purchased through Tauck as a part of your tour package.

International airfare is additional. Call us for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the United States (subject to availability); airport departure tax is additional.

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.

All prices are per person in U.S. dollars.