World Heritage Sites on this Visit: Agra Fort    Ajanta Caves    Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus    Ellora Caves    Fatehpur Sikri    Humayun's Tomb, Delhi    Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi    Red Fort Complex    Taj Mahal

This 'Visit' gives you some of the best highlights of North, South & Central India.

It is available either as one of our monthly small group departures or as a customizable visit.

Dates, hotel and travel information, as well as inclusions are given below the detailed itinerary.

Day 1: Depart from the United States (you can ask us to include international flights if you choose).

Day 2: Arrive at Delhi (most flights arrive either in the evening or at night). You are greeted at the airport by an ETI travel facilitator or your Tour Director, and then ushered to a chauffeur driven vehicle. You are then driven to your hotel where you are assisted with your check in. The next day’s plans are briefly reviewed and the travel facilitator or Tour Director hands over travel documents such as your air tickets and hotel vouchers to you.

Day 3: Delhi. Start your exploration of India with a city tour of Old Delhi that includes visits to the Jama Masjid (1650 AD) which is the largest mosque in India, and the amazing Red Fort (1639-48) which was the seat of the Moghul Empire for more than 250 years. Enjoy a rickshaw ride along the alleys of the ancient bazaar at Chandni Chowk. You also visit the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi (Raj Ghat). 
There is a break for lunch.
Afternoon – enjoy a city tour of New Delhi that begins with a drive past Safdarjang’s Tomb (1753 AD) while driving to the Qutab Minar (1193 A.D.) which is a striking medieval tower of victory of Persian architectural style and is 73 m high. Within the Qutab complex, amidst the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam mosque, stands the Iron pillar which has stood the vagaries of weather and has not rusted over 1500 years. Later, visit the Tomb Moghul Emperor Humayun and then drive through Lutyens New Delhi which includes the Embassy area (Diplomatic enclave), Government buildings, India Gate, a golden domed Sikh Temple (Bangla Sahib Gurudwara), Birla Temple and Connaught Place, which is New Delhi’s main shopping area.

Day 4: Delhi – Agra. Board the early morning (6 am) Express train - two hour journey - to Agra. Half day tour of Agra – The tour includes a visit to Itmad -Ud –Daulah’s tomb, built by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir’s queen as a memorial to her father. It has beautiful ornamentation with ‘Pietra Dura’ inlay and lattice marble screens. The mausoleum rests in a walled garden with a view of the river Yamuna. Constructed in the year 1628, most historians believe that its design provided the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. You then visit the original red sandstone fort in North India, the Agra Fort. It was built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, the greatest Mughal ruler of India. Its maze of courtyards, marble mosque, and private chambers all serve as reminders of the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.
There is a break for lunch.
Afternoon - Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the incomparable Taj Mahal. The world’s greatest monument dedicated to love, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1653 AD as a memorial to his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal. This pure white marble mausoleum took 22 years and 22,000 craftsmen to build.
Tour the amazing monument and its surroundings till it is time to admire the sun’s rays setting on the Taj Mahal’s façade.
Agra is famous for its marble art & manufacturing of the same.

Day 5: Agra – Ranthambore. You have the option (no charge) of a sunrise visit to Mehtab Bagh, which is a 500 year old Mughal garden located across from the Taj Mahal on the other side of the Yamuna River. If you do that, you will return to your hotel to freshen up after the visit.
Check out of your hotel and proceed for the drive to Bharatpur. Stop at Fatehpur Sikri for a tour. This deserted, red sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar, between 1570 and 1585.  Visit the towering Bulund Darwaza (The Gate of Victory), which is set in the south wall. In the northern part of the courtyard is the superb white marble tomb of Shaik Salim Chishti, built in 1570.
Lunch is included this afternoon at Bharatpur.
After lunch - board the Express train for Ranthambore – a two and a half hour journey to Ranthambore.
Arrive at Ranthambore in the evening and check in at your resort.

Day 6: Ranthambore. Covering an area of 410 sq. km, Ranthambore runs along the eastern spur of the Aravalli mountain range till they meet with the Vindhya ranges.  Ranthambore used to be the private hunting ground for the Royal family of Jaipur. In 1972 it was declared a Sanctuary and was brought under the Project Tiger Conservation platform.
Dry deciduous forest covers open valleys with lush vegetation around the lakes in this park, and there are open grasslands on the higher slopes.  This varied flora supports a large number of animals including a variety of deer, the sloth bear, the shy caracal, leopards and of course, the tiger.   
Enjoy wildlife safaris’ into the park in the morning and evening.
In between safaris’ you can visit the jungle fort at Ranthambore.  This is one of the finest examples of the ancient Hindu concept of “vana-durg”, or a fort protected by a jungle.  The history of this Fort (first built in AD 944) is a chronicle full of tales of blood and valor. Occupied by the Muslims, Rajputs and Mughals, the insides of the fort today lie in ruins, but there are superb views of the park to be had from the ramparts.

Day 7: Ranthambore – Jaipur. Enjoy your last safari into Ranthambore in the morning.
Check out of your hotel and proceed on a drive to Jaipur. Arrive at Jaipur and check into your hotel.
There is a break for lunch.
Afternoon - Proceed for a half day city tour of the walled city of Jaipur, including the magnificent City Palace. Visit the unique Jantar Mantar magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728. View the ‘Hawa Mahal’ (Palace of the Wind), the intriguing facade built in 1799 to allow royal ladies to view the city and bazaar from the windows. Continue the tour to visit the City Palace, the former royal residence (a part of it is still occupied by the Royal family and is not accessible to the public), built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. This immense complex also houses a number of museums that offer a large and impressive collection of miniature paintings, costumes, and armory.
Jaipur is famous for its carpets, jewelry, & handicrafts.

Day 8: Jaipur. Start your day with an excursion to Amber Fort & Palace, located 12 kilometers from the center of the City. Arrive at the complex well before 9 a.m. so as to be able to partake in the elephant back ascent. The Fort was originally built by Raja Mansingh and is one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. Enjoy the ascent to the palace on the back of a brightly caparisoned elephant. Visit the chambers and hallways of the Palace which are famous for their design and decorations.
From here you will proceed on a drive to Samode for sightseeing and a camel back (or camel cart) safari through local villages. Please bear in mind that there are no sand dunes in this area.
Enjoy a Rajasthani lunch (included) at the Samode Palace.
A guided tour of Samode Palace and the other monuments in the area is included.  Drive back to Jaipur in the late afternoon.
Evening – Watch the show at your hotel and then drive to have dinner with a Rajasthani family at their home. Or drive to a cultural show and dinner.

Day 9: Jaipur – Udaipur. Fly to Udaipur in the morning. Arrive at Udaipur and proceed for a city tour, including a tour of the City Palace. At this Palace complex, explore the gorgeous rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, windows with colored glass, inlaid marble balconies and the peacock courtyard. You walk through the Crystal Gallery which has an amazing collection of exquisite Crystal (including complete bedroom furniture set in crystal, discovered recently in a store room in the palace). Visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-bari gardens and the local Museum after the Palace tour.
Check in to your hotel after the tour.
There is a break for lunch.
Late afternoon - cruise on Lake Pichola and visit Jag Mandir (if available).
Udaipur is famous for its artists and paintings, including exquisite miniatures.

Day 10: Udaipur. Start the day with a drive to Ranakpur. Tour the famous 15th Century Jain Temples, located 90 km's north of Udaipur. The temples 29 halls are supported by 1444 intricately carved pillars, and no two are of the same design. There is an abundance of exquisite sculptures and friezes.
Lunch is included this afternoon.
Return to Udaipur in the afternoon.
Late Afternoon – You are at leisure to explore the beautiful city of Udaipur on your own.

Day 11: Udaipur – Mumbai. Board the morning flight to Mumbai. Arrive at Mumbai and proceed for a Mumbai City tour. The tour begins at the “Prince of Wales Museum“, built to commemorate King George V first visit to India in 1905. Designed in the Indo-Saracenic style, the museum has sections of art, paintings, archeological exhibits, and natural history. Across the road is the Modern Art Gallery which is a must for any connoisseur of art, we make a brief stop here. Continue the tour to visit “The Gateway of India”, Mumbai’s foremost landmark overlooking the harbor. This structure was conceived following the visit of King George V in 1911 and officially opened in 1924. A drive up to the Malabar Hill, to the hanging gardens, gives a panoramic view the city and the "Queens Necklace", a road called Marine Drive. You then drive through the Flora Fountain and Fort area, where you can view the Gothic and Victorian style buildings. Visit the Victoria Terminus (now known as Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus) India’s finest Gothic building and a bustling Railway Station. Continue on your drive around Horniman Circle and visit the Town Hall, right besides the docks of Mumbai.
Check in to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Day 12: Mumbai – Aurangabad. Board the early morning flight to Aurangabad. Arrive at Aurangabad and proceed for half day guided excursion to Ellora. Explore the magnificently sculptured caves of Ellora. These caves illustrate a resurgence of Hinduism, reflected by the creation of these 17 caves with Hindu themes, sculpture, and art; including Cave 16, the awe-inspiring "Kailash Temple". Like all of the other Cave temples, this one was created out of one rock. However, the significance of that fact changes when you put it in perspective of this enormous structure.
Check into your Hotel after the tour of Ellora.

Day 13: Aurangabad. Full day guided excursion to Ajanta. Buddhist monks and other craftsmen began excavating, sculpting, and painting at Ajanta in the 2nd century BC. The incredible variety of paintings and sculpture were created in hard rock by using elaborate and ingenious lighting, tools, and materials. These 28 caves are a testimony to the devotion of the Buddhists, as well as the talents of their skilled craftsmen. Ajanta's incredible paintings are even more amazing considering that the color and texture you're admiring today was created by artists about two thousand years ago.

Day 14: Aurangabad – Cochin (Kochi). Board the morning flight to Mumbai. Connect with the flight to Cochin. Arrive at Cochin and check in to your hotel.
Afternoon - The tour begins from the St. Francis Church, established by the Portuguese Franciscan friars in 1503. Vasco Da Gama was buried in the courtyard of this European church, one of the first built in India. Visit the Chinese fishing nets. More than a century old and still in use, they form one of the highlights of this tour.
Evening - Drive to watch a Kathakali dance (the art of storytelling  through dance) performance. After the show, you are driven to dinner with a famous Keralan chef and her family at their home. Cooking tips and recipes are included.

Day 15: Cochin – Backwaters cruise. Check out from hotel and visit the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays & Saturdays) built in 1568.
After the tour, drive to Alleppey in the morning & board your houseboat. Relax and have a great time till the next morning as you cruise the amazing backwaters. The cook and other staff make sure that all your needs are taken care of, while serving you with delicious Kerala cuisine.

Day 16: Kumarakom – Cochin: Disembark from your boat at Kumarakom. You are at leisure at Kumarakom till after lunch. Enjoy the beautiful, lush lakeside environment and have a nice lunch at one of the resorts if you are so inclined.
Afternoon – Drive back to Cochin and check in to your hotel.

Day 17:  Cochin – Delhi/Mumbai. Drive to the airport and board the morning flight to Delhi/Mumbai. Arrive at Delhi/Mumbai and you are greeted at the airport by your personal driver. If you are doing this visit as part of a small group, you are provided with personal vehicles for each single traveler / couple / family traveling together. Do any last minute shopping and sightseeing that you feel you may have left for the end.
Your vehicle and driver stay with you till your late evening assisted check in at the airport.
Our services end at Delhi/Mumbai airport.

Day 18: Arrive in the United States.

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Scroll to the bottom of the page for inclusions & Hotels.

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