from $10,990* per person | 21 Days | January, February, October, November |
Luxury accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
Operator: Travcoa | 24 people max |
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India, Asia
New Delhi, India
Arrive in New Delhi,
a magical fusion of ancient and modern cultures, in the late evening of
Day 2. In New Delhi visit the landmark Qutb Minar tower, Parliament
House, and the official residence of the President of India. Reflecting
the city’s Mughal past, Old New Delhi takes you through the labyrinthine
streets passing through elaborate mosques, majestic monuments and
colorful bazaars. Visits include the 17th-century Red Fort, India’s
largest mosque, Bahai Temple, Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial and the National
Museum.
Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi
Agra
From all over the world,
travelers have ventured to Agra’s renowned Taj Mahal, the ultimate
requiem to love. This perfectly proportioned masterpiece in white marble
was built by 20,000 craftsmen from all over Asia and Europe and took 17
years to complete. Experience the Taj Mahal at sunrise and sunset from
the balcony of your room.
Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Khajuraho
Board the Shatabdi Express for your transfer to Jhansi, where you’ll be met and assisted to the railway station for your scenic journey to Khajuraho. En route you’ll stop at Orchha, a well-preserved medieval city with palaces and temples built by the Bundela Rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries. A highlight will be Jahangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful Chhatris, which commands a spectacular view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs.
You will visit the Eastern and Western Group of Temples, including
the Ghantai Temple; the Vamana Temple, dedicated to the “Vamana” or
dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu; and the Javari Temple. There are also
three Jain Temples here featuring beautiful carvings and sculptures of
Vaishnav deities.
Hotel Chandela, Khajuraho
Varanasi
Explore Varanasi, one of the
oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi is known for being the site
where Buddha preached his very first sermon. The holiest of all the
Indian rivers, the Ganges, flows through here, and you will witness the
sacred cleansing rituals of thousands of pilgrims on the west bank of
the river.
Taj Ganges, Varanasi
Jaipur
Enjoy an early morning
Varanasi boat cruise on the Ganges and witness the rituals performed on
the banks of this sacred river. In the early afternoon, continue on to
the famed “Pink City” of Jaipur which is universally renowned for its
beautiful pink palaces and buildings. Your luxury accommodations will be
at the Rambagh Palace, which became the residence of the Maharaja of
Jaipur and is now a luxury hotel. Also, enjoy a visit to the spectacular
Amber Fort.
The Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Udaipur
One of the most
romantic cities in the world, Udaipur is known as “the Venice of the
East.” Its beautiful lakes, royal palaces, forts, gardens and temples
are straight out of a fairytale. Visit the City Palace built on the
banks of Lake Pichola, a complex of palatial splendor that blends Rajput
and Mughul influences. Half of it is still occupied by the royal
family, and part of it is converted into a museum. Stroll around
Shaelion-ki Bari, an ornamental pleasure garden designed for the ladies
of the palace in the 18th century, with beautiful fountains, trees and
flowers. Enjoy an evening cocktail cruise on Lake Pichola.
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Mumbai
Once a sultry
archipelago of seven islands, today Mumbai is an exciting metropolis
that blends the old and the new. Take a morning excursion to the
Elephanta Caves across the harbor. Inside the cave, the main hall houses
fascinating sculptures of various gods of Hindu mythology. In the
afternoon, take a tour of Mumbai city, a rich blend of east and west.
You will see the landmark “Gateway of India,” the Hanging Gardens of
Kamla Nehru Park and the Mani Bhawan house where Mahatma Gandhi used to
stay.
Taj Mahal Palace & Tower or Taj Lands End, Mumbai
Mumbai
Those with limited time may leave this journey on Day 16.
Cochin
Known as the “Queen of the Arabian
Sea,” the Cochin harbor was once a major center of trade and commerce
for the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British — all cultures
which have left their mark on these beautiful islands. Highlights today
will include a tour of Fort Cochin and a private dinner and special
presentation of Kathakali — a dramatic mask dance, one of the four major
classical schools of Indian cultural dance.
Taj Malabar, Cochin
Kumarakom
Take a city tour of
Cochin, visiting St. Francis Church and the Mattancherry or “Dutch”
Palace. The central hall of the Dutch Palace was the coronation hall of
the rajas of Cochin. Rooms in the palace feature artwork depicting Hindu
legends and gods. Then spend a few leisurely days in Kumarakom.
Situated on the banks of the renowned Vembanad Lake, it is famous for
being one of the finest watery destinations in the state.
Taj Garden Retreat, Kumarakom
Kovalam
On Day 19, embark on your “Kettavalum” (houseboat) as we sail
through the meandering back waters of Kerala to Toddapully and then
drive to Kovalam. Kovalam is one of India’s most popular beaches, with
breathtaking views of the water, lush landscapes and coconut palms.
Enjoy leisure time to explore and take advantage of independent
activities or indulge in an Indian aromatherapy treatment at the hotel’s
excellent spa.
Taj Green Cove, Kovalam
Transfer to the Trivandrum Airport for your return flight home or continue on with your choice of extensions to Sri Lanka or the Maldives.
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