Day 1, Mumbai
You will be met upon arrival by our professional representative and accorded a traditional welcome.
He will escort you to the hotel in a chauffeur driven limousine and brief you on the next day's program.
Received as dowry by Charles II of England from Catherine de Braganza, the seven islands of Bombay have undergone incredible transformation to the present day Mumbai. The Portuguese and the British have given it a legacy more cosmopolitan than anywhere in the region. Today, the city is an economic powerhouse, vibrant with entrepreneurial energy.
Overnight: The Taj Mahal Palace
Day 2, Mumbai
Situated on an island, Elephanta is a cave-temple shrine hewn out of solid rock in the 8th century A.D. The island is accessible by an hour's boat cruise from the basalt façade of the Gateway of India.
An orientation tour in the afternoon gives you an insight in to the history and lifestyle of the city.
Overnight: The Taj Mahal Palace
Day 3, Mumbai - Hyderabad
Fly to the city of Nizams also known as the City of Pearls.
Overnight Taj Falaknuma Palace
Day 4, Hyderabad
Visit the city's principal landmark, Charminar, often described as the 'Arc de Triomphe of the east' and the Salar Jung Museum housing a one-person collection of exhibits including ancient manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, weapons, costumes and curios.
Overnight Taj Falaknuma Palace
Day 5, Hyderabad - Bengaluru (Flight)
Fly to Bangalore, the Garden City so called because of its countless parks and tree-lined avenues. The year round pleasant climate adds to the attractions of this city, now famous as the Silicon Valley of India.
Overnight: Taj West End
Day 6, Bengaluru
Take a tour of the city of Bangalore visiting the Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, the brilliantly painted and carved summer palace of Tipu Sultan and the Bull Temple with its monolithic bull statue.
Overnight Taj West End
Day 7, Bengaluru - Cochin
Fly to cochin, a city spread across islands and peninsulas in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the Backwaters.
Overnight: The Brunton Boatyard or Vivanta by Taj Malabar
Day 8, Cochin
Start your tour of cochin with visit to the Dutch Palace, which has some of India's most beautiful murals, the Jewish Synagogue in the heart of Jew Town and the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. Visit the St. Francis Church where Vasco da Gama was originally buried and the Santa Cruz Basilica with its pastel coloured interior and carved wooden panels.
Overnight: The Brunton Boatyard or Vivanta by Taj Malabar
Day9, Depart Cochin
Day 1, Delhi
Settled several times over millennia, this city has grown in a way that reflects its past, while retaining its cosmopolitan flavour.
Delhi is India's showcase, be it architecture, religion, shopping, culture - everything is available here - waiting to be discovered.
Overnight: The Imperial
Day 2, Delhi
A drive past the government buildings, art-deco residential quarters, broad avenues with a green cover and a visit to the famous monuments such as the Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar reminds you of the sea change the city has undergone under various rulers. An exhilarating Rickshaw Ride (Pedi-cab) through the narrow, meandering streets of the medieval market of Chandni Chowk is worth experiencing.
Overnight: The Imperial
Day 3, Delhi - Agra (4 Hours)
Drive to the home of the world renowned Taj Mahal. Driving through the countryside one can witness the vast expanse fields and village life. The myriad of colours never lets dullness set in. Visit the awe inspiring monument of love - Taj Mahal. Even after almost four centuries it remains an architectural masterpiece for its stunning white marble, symmetry and the precise inlay work. The imposing Agra Fort with its massive fortified walls stretching almost 2.5 km is the other noteworthy monument in Agra. A demonstration of inlay of precious stones in marble by the master craftsmen can also be arranged. The same art which realised the dream of making the Taj Mahal.
Overnight: The Oberoi Amarvilas
Day 4, Agra - Jaipur (5 Hours)
Drive to Jaipur the "Pink City".
An hour's drive outside Agra, the erstwhile capital of the Moghuls before the seat of power shifted to Agra, Fatehpur Sikri will mesmerise you with its graceful buildings symbolising the fusion of Islamic, Hindu and Jain decorative art and architecture. The route is dotted with numerous monuments reminiscent of prosperity that prevailed in the region. Stop by at an ancestral house for lunch and a chat with the host family. The city was painted Pink in honour of the visit of Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). An intricacy of domes and towers, lattices and verandas is visible in the architecture of this well planned city.
Overnight: Rambagh Palace
Day 5, Jaipur
An unforgettable experience of a lifetime awaits you at the romantic Rajasthani Fort of Amber. Caparisoned Elephants will offer you a gentle ride up the ramparts of the Amber Fort, once a custom of the kings and queens. The Fort has fascinating palaces inside and provides breathtaking views of the hamlets below. Back in the city, the Maharaja’s palace houses an impressive array of weaponry and textiles from the time gone by. Across the road, you will be amazed to learn the precision with which the largest sun dial in the world shows time, at the 18th Century Astronomical Observatory (Jantar Mantar).
Overnight: Rambagh Palace
Day: 6, Jaipur – Jodhpur (6 Hours)
The day starts early with a drive to Jodhpur, the second largest city in state of Rajasthan, located in the region of Marwar. The city takes pride in calling itself ‘the blue city’ because of the indigo-washed houses in the old town.
Overnight: Umaid Bhawan Palace
Day 7, Jodhpur
Visit the Meherangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone hill with its beautifully decorated and house jewellery, costumes, armoury, palanquins, howdahs and other remnants of the past, denotes the skyline of the city.
Stroll through the in house museum at Umaid Bhavan Palace, recommended for its display of items ranging from weapons to an array of antiquities. Ride on World War II Jeeps through hamlets on the outskirts to learn the ideology of the Bishnoi Tribe, considering as one of the first environmentalist tribe in the world.
Overnight: Umaid Bhawan Palace
Day 8, Jodhpur – Udaipur (6 Hours)
Drive to "the Venice of the East" - Udaipur, one of the most romantic settings in India, the lake city is surrounded by the Aravalli hills of south Rajasthan. En route visit the exquisitely carved Jain temples at Ranakpur.
The illustrious history of Mewar is showcased in the city of Udaipur, which is akin to an oasis in the desert state of Rajasthan. It is a rich and beguiling tapestry of lakeside palaces, forts, temples, havelis and gardens, reflecting the varied influences of the centuries.
Overnight: Taj Lake Palace
Day 9, Udaipur
Visit the largest palace complex in India. Also visit the Crystal Gallery situated in the Fateh Prakash Palace hotel. Maharana Sajjan Singh ordered the crystal ware from F & C Osler England. The crystal items include pieces of furniture apart from fountains, decanters and perfume bottles. The city tour is incomplete without a boat cruise at a leisurely pace on the glistening Lake Pichhola, which allows you a panoramic view of the city palace and other residential quarters on the banks.
Overnight: Taj Lake Palace
Day 10, Udaipur - Mumbai
Fly to Mumbai.
Received as dowry by Charles II of England from Catherine de Braganza, the seven islands of Bombay have undergone incredible transformation to the present day Mumbai. The Portuguese and the British have given it a legacy more cosmopolitan than anywhere in the region. Today, the city is an economic powerhouse, vibrant with entrepreneurial energy.
Overnight: The Taj Mahal Palace
Day 11, Mumbai
Situated on an island, Elephanta is a cave-temple shrine hewn out of solid rock in the 8th century A.D. The island is accessible by an hour's boat cruise from the basalt façade of the Gateway of India.
An orientation tour in the afternoon gives you an insight in to the history and lifestyle of the city.
Return to your hotel where the room is booked till departure for your flight on day 12 or indulge in some last minute shopping.
Overnight: The Taj Mahal Palace
Day 12, Depart Mumbai