18 Days A Portrait of India Tour Package
Duration: 18 Days / 17 Nights
Priced From: $7340 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Jan - Apr, Sep - Dec

You will be absolutely amazed by all that is included on A Portrait of India, This most comprehensive India tour that gives you a complete look this complex country from north to south - Value for 2010 is unbeatable in both additional inclusions and price! Live like a maharajah on travels from northern India to its southern tip, while taking in cultural treasures and staying in some of the world's top-rated hotels. Two-night stays at the award-winning The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, include views of the spectacular Taj Mahal - and in Udaipur, you'll long remember the magnificent The Oberoi Udaivilas, a palace-style hotel overlooking a serene lake. Our popular India tour is applauded by guests for its unique sightseeing experiences and many inclusions. Travel by traditional trishaw several times, including a memorable ride in Old Delhi through back streets and bazaars; view the amazing temples of Khajuraho; and cruise by houseboat in southern India through Kerala's beautiful canals. Some of the most moving experiences include a special private dinner and boat ride in Varanasi to witness spiritual ceremonies along the River Ganges; an exclusive insider visit to a chef's private home in the southern region of Kerala - with a cooking demonstration and a taste of local cuisine and hospitality; a special Maharajah evening with dinner and entertainment; a sari or turban demonstration; housboat and river cruises, a martial arts demonstration, a dance performance... and so much more. With special insights provided by our local experts, this India tour is a must for any world traveler!

Day 1 - Quiet Grace & Charm
Your India tour begins at The Oberoi, New Delhi.  Transfer from Indira Gandhi International Airport to your landmark hotel, The Oberoi, New Delhi, renowned for gracious service; it's set right in the heart of the city. 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 this India tour begins - just mention this at the time of booking; we can book your international flights for travel originating in the U.S. and can arrange a pre-stay at The Oberoi, New Delhi.
Meals:
LodgingThe Oberoi, New Delhi

Day 2 - Explore New Delhi
Explore India's capital city with an insider guide; a sightseeing excursion shows you the Secretariat buildings, Parliament House, Presidential Palace, and India Gate, commemorating Indian and British soldiers. Stop at the Gandhi Smriti Museum, paying tribute to the inspiring leader Mahatma Gandhi who forced change through non-violent protest. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the five-story sandstone Qutb Minar Victory Tower, built over 8 centuries ago, and Humayun's Tomb, set in beautiful gardens. This Mughal creation popularized Persian-influenced architecture and was an inspiration for the Taj Mahal. You'll have much to discuss this evening at the welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingThe Oberoi, New Delhi

Day 3 - Delving into the past in Old Delhi
Take a trishaw ride 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 - and for your dining pleasure this evening, it's your choice. Dine à la carte at a selection of fine restaurants in the hotel.
Meals:Breakfast, dinner
LodgingThe Oberoi, New Delhi

Day 4 - Ceremony on the River Ganges
Fly to the ancient city of Varanasi, built on the banks of the sacred River Ganges. Since the 6th century 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. Tonight, travel by trishaw through the city for a journey by boat along the River Ganges to witness ceremonies "putting the river to sleep." Amidst hundreds of lighted candles and flower offerings, tonight will be a special highlight of your India tour. A special dinner completes this moving evening.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingRadisson Hotel Varanasi. Varanasi

Day 5 - Sunrise cruise on the Ganges & off to the temples
This India tour continues when you rise early for a cruise on the River Ganges to view the Varanasi sunrise ceremonies. A lecture precedes departure for the airport for the flight to Khajuraho for an overnight stay. "Wow" is a word that is very expressive when it appears stand-alone - and that is the best description of the treasures you're about to explore. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986; during the Chandella dynasty about a millennium ago, between 950 and 1,050 temples were built. They were described as striking a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture; though only about 20 remain today, their exquisitely detailed sculptures make them one of India's most revered works of art. Dine à la carte this evening at your leisure at the hotel.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingThe Grand Temple View, Khajuraho

Day 6 - Glimpse of village life / train to Agra
Your day begins with a walk through a village for a glimpse at local life. Our India tour continues to historic Orchha, where ancient palaces, temples and cenotaphs speak volumes about India's Mughal empire. Once inhabited by royalty, today the eerily silent ruins are home to brilliant green parakeets and chattering langurs. See the soaring spires of the cenotaphs before you travel by train to Agra, home of the magnificent Taj Mahal. Your rooms in the luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas offer a wonderful view of this stunning man-made wonder...what a sight to wake up to!
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingThe Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

Day 7 - Eighth Wonder of the Modern World...
Guests who wish may visit to the Taj Mahal in time for sunrise - the gates open at sunrise. Those not going quite so early will join your Director a little later than sunrise (but still early morning) for a guided visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal, with time to explore on your own and take photographs. A guided tour of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, follows. Inside, you'll get a very good look at medieval lifestyles of 16th- and 17th-century Mughal emperors. Join us if you wish on an afternoon excursion to the walled imperial city of Fatehpur Sikri for in-depth exploration of this remarkably preserved site, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dine as you please this evening at your choice of restaurant in the hotel.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingThe Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

Day 8 - Enjoy the royal treatment in Jaipur
Travel to Jaipur for a two-night stay at The Oberoi Rajvilas, reflecting the gracious lifestyles of India's legendary Rajput princes. A sightseeing tour of Jaipur includes the City Palace Museum and the Jantar Mantar Observatory - a collection of architectural astronomical instruments for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, figuring out the declinations of planets and determining the celestial altitudes. And the most interesting fact - they were all built by Maharajah Jai Singh II betwen 1727 and 1734! Attend a special evening fit for Maharajah royalty tonight, celebrating India's cultural traditions and cuisine.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingThe Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

Day 9 - Palaces and pavilions of Jaipur
A highlight of your India tour, today's sightseeing includes the many gems of Jaipur, from the massive gateways and pillared pavilions of Amber Fort to a tour of Amber Palace, with its magnificent domes, massive ramparts and glittering hall of mirrors. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, pursuing what interests you most in Jaipur.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch
LodgingThe Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

Day 10 - Scenic lake cruise and a world-renowned resort stay
Fly to Udaipur to continue your India tour with a tranquil cruise on Lake Pichola, taking 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, rated the "number one hotel in the world" by the readers of Travel + Leisure.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingThe Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Day 11 - Discover the treasures of 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. Learn the art of dressing in a sari and turban this afternoon.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingThe Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Day 12 - Sunset cruise on the Arabian Sea
Fly to Kochi (Cochin) in the state of Kerala, on the southern tip of India, home to coconut groves, paddy fields and wide beaches. Cruise its inland waterways before setting off on a spectacular sunset cruise on the Arabian Sea. Enjoy a performance of the renowned Kathakali Dancers prior to dinner tonight at your hotel.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingTaj Malabar, Cochin

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. Lively conversation, lively spices and delectable seafood await!
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingTaj Malabar, Cochin

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 to continue your India tour. Tonight you'll be treated to a cultural entertainment program featuring the Mohiniattam dancers.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingKumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala

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." An unforgettable martial arts demonstration this evening is both educational and entertaining; there is no other ancient martial practice in the world that can compete with its training system and application techniques.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingKumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala

Day 16 - Welcome to Mumbai (Bombay)
Fly to the "City of Gold," Mumbai (Bombay), surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea. Upon arrival, an introductory sightseeing tour maps out the city for you. Your accommodations for the next two nights are at The Taj Mahal Palace & Towers. The hotel features a selection of restaurants ranging from international to acclaimed local cuisine and seafood; dine à la carte tonight at the restaurant of your choice.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingThe Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai

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 lunch in Mumbai and an afternoon spent as you please at the hotel, join us this evening for a farewell cocktail reception as your India tour comes to an end.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch
LodgingThe Taj Mahal Palace & Towers, Mumbai

Day 18 - Journey home
Tour ends: Mumbai (Bombay). Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from your hotel in Bombay to Sahar International Airport. Most international flights depart between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM.
Meals:

Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252

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