However, India remains a romantic, exotic and enticingly different destination. The country’s storied past lives on in cherished monuments like the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort and the Ajanta Caves, and Royal Bengal tigers pad through the ruins of maharajah’s palaces in nature reserves.

Neighboring Bhutan, nestled in the eastern Himalayas between India and Tibet, offers another experience entirely. Long isolated from the world at large, Buddhist Bhutan is — slowly and carefully — opening its doors to outsiders. Travellers are an important source of foreign exchange, but nonetheless their numbers are strictly controlled to protect traditional ways of life. Visitors should be prepared for the pleasures (and minor limitations) of a journey “back in time.” Bhutan’s landscapes are pristine and its traditional cultures fascinating, but remember too that some modern conveniences (like purchases by credit card and your favorite soft drink) will likely not be available.

Days 1-2:
Depart the USA or Canada aboard a flight to Mumbai.

Day 3:
Your room is available on arrival for immediate occupancy. Later, embark on a tour of Mumbai.

Days 4-5:
Fly to Bangalore and enjoy a city tour. Spend a full day exploring Mysore, visiting the Royal Palace, Zoological Gardens, Arts and Crafts Center and Chamundi Temple.

Days 6-7:
Fly to Cochin, where sightseeing includes the Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church and a cruise to visit Bolghatty Palace, ending with a Kathakali dance performance.

Days 8-10:
Drive to Alleppey and travel by boat to Kumarakom, for a glimpse of village life. Spend two full days in the Kerala area with visits to a spice plantation and lunch with a local family, sightseeing through the green hills and blue waters of Periyar and an afternoon cruise on Lake Periyar.

Day 11:
Following an afternoon tour in Madurai, visit the Meenakshi Temple to witness a Pooja ceremony.

Day 12:
Fly to Chennai for a day of sightseeing in the city and a visit to Santhome Cathedral and Fort St. George.

Day 13:
This morning enjoy an excursion to Mahabalipuram with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

Day 14:
Transfer to the airport to board a homebound flight.