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Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1677266
Rolled out like a fine carpet, India is an intriguing tapestry of discovery, its ancient cities full of decadent palaces, ornate mausoleums and tranquil gardens shaped by centuries of rule by maharajas and Mughal emperors.Discover India’s most iconic cities on this unforgettable journey from Mumbai to Delhi, via the lakeside palaces of Udaipur, rose-hued Jaipur and the Taj Mahal, in all its symmetrical majesty. Perfectly tailored to your tastes, this journey connects you with in-the-know local guides who will bring India’s fascinating stories to life, and hands you the keys each night to exceptional hotels – among the finest in the world – fit for a maharaja.
10 nights | Call for pricing
1 Arrive Mumbai, India
India’s most populous city hums with the energy of 21 million people. Cricket games spring up in narrow alleyways; negotiations permeate bazaars; and the scent of street food wafts through the air. Dome-topped palaces, opulent and grand, recall the city’s rich history. The Gateway of India, a national symbol on the waterfront, glows as the setting sunlight streams through its arch.
Mumbai’s colonial architecture takes center stage on a privately guided tour, its grandeur epitomized by the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. Continuing onward, see the elegant residences lining Marine Drive and ascend Malabar Hill. A visit to Mani Bhavan provides a poignant view into the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. India’s artistic heritage then unfolds at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum with its impressive collection of miniature paintings and artifacts.
A boat trip across Mumbai Harbor whisks you to Elephanta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Disembarking, climb 120 steps to explore incredible cave temples, all dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Later, catch a flight to Udaipur, where you settle into your hotel overlooking beautiful Lake Pichola.
Impressive City Palace marks the beginning of the day. Hathi Pol (elephant gate) then welcomes you into the palace grounds. At Jagdish Temple, observe paintings, mosaics, intricately carved cenotaphs and its striking exterior. Within Fateh Prakash Palace, the Crystal Gallery displays a collection of fountains and vases to furniture and beds. Saheliyon Ki Bari, the Garden of the Maids of Honor, graces the shores of Lake Fateh Sagar.
After your flight to Jaipur, embark on a private guided tour of the "Pink City.” The walled City Palace — a sprawling mix of Rajput and Mughal architecture — is marked by courtyards and gardens. Next, Jantar Mantar, an observatory showcasing 18th-century astronomical instruments, including the Dhruva Yantra, offers a glimpse into India’s scientific past. The day ends at pink sandstone Hawa Maha (Palace of the Winds).
The Central Museum immerses you in Rajasthani village life through costume, pottery, woodwork and brassware displays. From there, continue to Anokhi Museum, housed in a restored haveli and dedicated to the art of block and hand printing. Red sandstone, Mughal-style Amber Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — stands among India’s finest hill forts with ornate temples, grand halls and imposing exteriors rising from the surrounding hills.
Rise early and proceed to Agra, pausing at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, a now-unpopulated 16th-century city with palaces, mosques, tombs, courts and hidden passageways. Arriving in Agra, visit the Taj Mahal as fading light bathes it in a warm, orange glow.
As the rising sun paints its marble façade, view the Taj Mahal in a new light. Later, explore Agra Fort, a Mughal palace blending defensive and decorative architecture. At Itmad-Ud-Daulah — “Baby Taj” — discover a Persian-style tomb rivaling the Taj Mahal in grace.
Overland travel leads to Delhi, where the crimson towers of the Red Fort, former residence of Mughal emperors, evoke the city’s rich history. Lodi Gardens, graced with grand palm trees and opulent mausoleums, offer a serene respite. By contrast, the vibrant energy of Delhi’s markets reveals the city’s dynamic present.
In lively Old Delhi, navigate Chandni Chowk by rickshaw and see Raj Ghat — marked by a black marble platform —the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. In New Delhi, visit Humayun’s Tomb, a grand 16th-century mausoleum that influenced the Taj Mahal. Ending the day, see the iconic India Gate, the pond-flanked Rajpath and copper-domed Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President’s residence.
Depart Delhi.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
5970 Guilford Rd.
Rockford, IL 61107
USA
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