Exploring North & South India

Welcome to Delhi! Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.

(Shangri-La Hotel) 

Heading out after an early breakfast you explore “Old Delhi,” with its narrow dirt roads, its myriad people and inexpensive and colorful bazaars that keep alive the traditional workmanship for which Delhi has always been famous.

Driving past the Red Fort (you will visit the grander red fort in Agra), you trade your motor vehicle for a bicycle rickshaw, which will take you into the heart of Chandni Chowke (the silver square - so named because of the silver merchants). Negotiating alleyways, which seemingly get narrower and narrower you end up at the Jama Masjid, the largest Muslim mosque in India.

Visit Raj Ghat – the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, which has become a major pilgrimage site for India. On any day one can expect to see visitors from all parts of India spending time in the gardens. 

Sunset will find us at the famous India Gate with its vast lawns, where tens of local families come to enjoy sunset and picnic. We will mingle with the local families, play on the lawns before heading off to an Indian restaurant for our welcome dinner.

(Shangri-La Hotel; B, D) 

Your journey continues as you drive down to Agra. After checking into your hotel, drive over the Yamuna River to explore the forerunner of the Taj Mahal - the elaborately ornate Itmad ud Daula. In memory of her father, this mausoleum was built by Queen Nur Jahan in 1622, and is a perfect example of the fine inlaid stonework and translucent marble screens for which Agra is so famous. Many historians believe that this monument was the inspiration for Shah Jahan to build the Taj, and it is often described as the “petite Taj.” 

(Taj Hotel & Convention Center; B) 

This morning, you will make a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal—an unforgettable way to start off your day. Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in 1631 to enshrine the mortal remains of his Queen Mumtaz Mahal. It took seventeen years, 20,000 workers and a King’s treasury to build this wonder. 

With your guide, explore the inner chambers of this monument to love, the planet’s most famous and most entrancing exercise in Muslim architecture. Experience the Taj up close and watch the light play on its magnificent lines from other parts of the city.

In the afternoon visit Agra Fort, built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1565-73 in the finest architectural style. It is an almost perfect fusion between military might and lavish beauty. The fort, approachable through its two lofty main portals on the west and south, was successively occupied by three great Mughals - Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan - each of whom made significant structural contributions to this complex. Shah Jahan died here, imprisoned by his son, gazing at the Taj Mahal he had built in memory of his wife.

(Taj Hotel & Convention Center; B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head off to explore Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s eerily abandoned city, full of elegant small palace structures carved from red sandstone. An hour outside of Agra, Fatehpur Sikri was built as the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1586. Akbar built the city to celebrate the birth of an heir (the future Emperor Jehangir). 

This afternoon, you will experience the quintessential Indian mode of transportation – the train. On arrival, you are met and transferred to your lodge located just outside the National Park. Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, at 150 sq. miles, is the smallest of the “Tiger Project Reserves” but boasts an impressive array of animal and bird life. Situated in the junction of Aravalli and Vindhya mountain ranges, forested with deciduous trees, dotted with natural and man-made lakes, this park was established as a sanctuary in 1959 and 1981was awarded the status of a National Park.

(Sawai Madhopur Lodge; B, D) 

At sunrise head into the wild jungles of India is a novel way to start the day. The wildlife park derives its name from the 11th-century fort of Ranthambore, which sits on a rocky outcrop in the forest. 

The fort was a vital citadel for the control of central India. Though overrun by vegetation, remnants of the summer palaces, temples and guard stones within the fort still remain. Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, chinkara and chital inhabit this park. Sambar, nilgai and the langur are in abundance. Crocodiles are found in some of these lakes, which are also seasonally rich in water birds. The strict conservation measures that have been taken in the park seem to have made the big cat quite accustomed to human presence and are not disturbed by it. Though not the peak season for Tiger sightings, Ranthambore has a high probability of daytime tiger sightings. 

Taking two excursions into the park (sunrise and sunset) each day, we explore the park looking for the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger and other wildlife. 

(Sawai Madhopur Lodge; B, L, D) 

You have the morning for one final safari. Late morning or after lunch, you depart for Jaipur. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, the home of the Rajputs, a group of warrior clans who ruled this part of India for a thousand years. Jaipur is popularly known as the “Pink City” due to the pink-colored sandstone of the buildings in the old walled city. 

(Jai Mahal Palace; B) 

You have the day to explore Jaipur. You will wander in the colorful bazaars of the “old city” and tour the interior of Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and the City Palace, where the present Maharaja resides. There is a Mughal art museum which houses a lovely collection of Rajasthani & Mughal miniature paintings. Part of the complex is an outdoor 18th-century astronomical and astrological observatory, Jantar Mantar, with several incredible sundials (accurate to 0.2 seconds) and very modern-looking astrological markers.

(Jai Mahal Palace; B)

After breakfast, drive to Udaipur, described as the “City of Sunrise,” sits in a valley amid green hills on the banks of Lake Pichola. Udaipur is truly a royal city, founded as the capital of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar by the Maharana Udai Singh in the 16th century. The city abounds with spectacular palaces and is blessed with a beautiful natural setting.

Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

(Taj Lake Palace; B)

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Jagdish Temple, the largest and most venerated temple in Udaipur. Built in 1651 by Maharaja Jagat Singh, the temple is decorated with friezes and enshrines a black stone image of Vishnu. Walk about the Garden of Maidens (Sahelion Ki Bari), which consists of an ornamental lotus pool with delicately carved cenotaphs of black and white marble and soapstone. You will also explore the rest of the Maharajah’s City Palace, an imposing edifice of granite and marble, standing atop a ridge overlooking the blue waters of Lake Pichola, the exquisite Lake Palace and the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, a museum dedicated to the folk art, culture, songs and festivals of Rajasthan.

This evening you will take a cruise on Lake Pichola, watching the sunset on the magical Lake Palace, the lovely City Palace complex and scenic Udaipur.

(Taj Lake Palace; B) 

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, explore the Dharavi slums of Mumbai - considered to be one of the world’s largest slums. After exploring the site with your guide you are dropped off at your hotel and the rest of the evening is at your leisure. 

(Taj Mahal Palace & Tower; B) 

This morning you will take a boat from Mumbai’s Wharf to the Elephanta Caves (closed on Mondays), a UNESCO World Heritage Site found on the eponymous island in Mumbai Harbor. The caves – some Hindu, others Buddhist – were cut into the basalt rock between the 5th and the 8th Centuries. The main cave is devoted to Shiva with carvings that measure more than 16 feet in height. There is also a superb view of the Mumbai skyline from the thickly wooded island. A narrow-gauge train runs from the pier to the 120-steps at the base of the caves. Upon your return, you can stop by the Apollo Bunder and see the Gateway of India; built at the water’s edge in 1927, this structure was used to commemorate the visit of King George and Queen Mary to the Delhi Durbar in 1911.

(Taj Mahal Palace & Tower; B) 

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the ancient 4th-century temple town of Madurai, renowned for the phenomenal Meenakshi Sundareshvara Temple. Here you will spend the next two nights at the Taj Gateway Hotel, nestled on the Pasumalai Hill overlooking the city.

This evening, you can explore the bazaar and go to the Meenakshi Temple in time for the evening Arthi, a ceremony where the Lord Shiva is reunited with his wife, Meenakshi, for the night.

(Taj Gateway Hotel; B) 

After breakfast, explore one of the most important temples in the South, the awe-inspiring Meenakshi Temple, whose complex occupies an area of six hectares. The Meenakshi Temple of Madurai is estimated to receive 10,000 pilgrims every day. A riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture with twelve gopuras ranging in height from 130 to 165 feet, the towers are covered from top to bottom in a breathtaking profusion of multicolored images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. Legend has it that the temple was founded by Indra (King of Gods) himself. You will notice that every point in the temple has a legend attached to it.

While exploring the temple, visit the “Hall of a Thousand Pillars,” where you will be able to see its fascinating study of human expression carved on the pillars, the walls and the ceiling. Just outside you will find the “musical pillars,” each emitting a different musical note when struck.

Explore another hall called the Kambatti Mundapum which contains pillars sculpted with various manifestations of Lord Shiva. The Meenakshi Temple is arguably the preeminent example of South Indian temple architecture and is one of India’s most important places of pilgrimage. You can also visit the Thirumalai Nayaka Palace, built in the 17th century and partially restored by the British in the 19th century. Thirumalai Nayaka Palace is built on an immense grand scale, with towering pillars with a large courtyard where the ruler Thirumalai Nayaka received his audience in bygone days. 

(Taj Gateway Hotel; B) 

After breakfast, drive 4-5 hours to Thekkady, a sanctuary famous for its dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savanna grasslands. It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. Thekkady is also considered a haven for natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, nutmace, ginger and clove.

After you have checked in and gotten yourself settled at Spice Village, enjoy an afternoon guided walking tour of a nearby private spice plantation. During the tour you will learn about the different uses of each of the spices and how you may combine them to create wonderful flavors and aromas. 

(Spice Village; B, L, D) 

After breakfast, embark on a moderate half day hike at the Periyar National Park, also known as the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This wildlife sanctuary is home to tigers and a significant elephant population. Periyar Tiger Reserve is also home to the rare lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards, and Indian bison. You will find a lake in the northern part of the park where you may have the opportunity to board a bamboo raft for an exciting cruise in the rapids of the raging river (subject to availability).

In the afternoon, return to the Spice Village and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

(Spice Village; B, L, D) 

Driving down the “Western ghats” you reach the plains of Kerala and the canals fed by the backwaters of the Arabian Sea to reach your next destination. Board your houseboat for two days of sailing through the canals. 

The Deluxe Houseboat has the following features:

• Spacious, well-appointed, air-conditioned bedroom with en suite facilities, running hot/cold water, showers and washbasins.

• Large dining/lounge area in the bow, offering panoramic views.

• The full kitchen is outfitted with refrigeration and propane stoves. The competent chef is ready to prepare sumptuous South Indian and continental meals for your enjoyment.

(Deluxe Houseboat; B, L, D)

You have the full day to relax on this comfortable floating home, reflecting on your journey across India. As you cruise along the backwater canals of the Arabian Sea, stop and explore some of the many small villages, old temples and churches that you discover along the way.

(Deluxe Houseboat; B, L, D)

After breakfast, you disembark the houseboat and drive to Cochin. Cochin has a long and colorful history. Given its preeminent location on the ancient Spice Route between the Middle East and Southeast Asia, it has seen its fair share of foreign visitors, from Arab spice traders to the British Raj. In the typical style of South India, however, it has managed to absorb these influences without losing its own distinct Keralan style. The best way to see Cochin is on foot, as many of its most important sites are clustered around the northern tip of the peninsula.

Cochin is also the center of “Kathakali,” South Indian classical music and dance and this eveing you enjoy a performance. 

(Brunton Boatyard; B) 

After breakfast, explore “Fort Kochi.” Walk down the Harbor Terminus, with the fishing boats coming in and dozens of “Chinese fishing nets” at work. Here, you can get a glimpse of the fishermen plying their trade as they have done for centuries. 

Visit the Church of St. Francis, established in the early 1500s. Christianity has thrived in Cochin for millennia, having been brought to southern India by the disciple St. Thomas. Built in Old Spanish style, St. Francis is one of the oldest Christian churches in India. The great explorer, Vasco de Gama, was buried here for a number of years before his remains were transferred to Lisbon. Another important church is the Basilica of Santa Cruz, located just a few blocks away. Strolling through the heart of Fort Kochi, you will find a number of charming shops and restaurants.

This afternoon, you will walk through the spice market to visit the Jewish Synagogue in Old Kochi. 

(Brunton Boatyard; B, D) 

Transfer to the airport in time for your departing flight.

(B)