18 Days • fr. $9,990
India is steeped in history and culture and this unique tour guides you from the lavish palaces and forts in the north to the Ganges River and then south to the canal-laced Kerala. Discover the many colors of India. Stay in the world’s top luxury hotels, participate in unique tours and events and meet the local people to better understand the many unique cultures that make up India.
The 18 day A Portrait of India tour from Tauck Tours is an incredibly journey through one of the most exciting countries to visit these days. Indian life is far beyond what the capital, New Delhi, is all about. Getting a full portrait of India is important and this nearly 3 week tour spans far beyond the cities you read about in headlines and see on travel television shows. Your 18 day A Portrait of India tour from Tauck Tours will also feature luxury hotels and other accommodations that you've come to expect from this excellent tour provider.
New Delhi, India
Your India tour begins at 2:00 PM at The Leela Palace New Delhi. A transfer is included from Indira Gandhi International Airport to your luxury hotel, The Leela Palace New Delhi, renowned for gracious service in the heart of the city. Because most flights arrive late at night or very early in the morning, you may want to travel a day early to ease the effects of jet lag and relax a bit before Tauck’s India tour begins – just mention this at the time of booking; Tauck can arrange an extra night a
Your trip begins this afternoon with a welcome briefing by your Tauck Director, followed by a guided orientation tour of New Delhi including a drive through of Vijay Chowk, with views of the Secretariat buildings, Parliament House, the Presidential Palace and the India Gate, commemorating Indian and British soldiers.
Next, stop at the Gandhi Smriti Museum, paying tribute to the inspiring leader, Mahatma Gandhi, who forced change through non-violent protest, leading to an independent India in the late 1940s. You'll have much to discuss this evening at the welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
Dinner
THE LEELA PALACE NEW DELHI HOTEL
New Delhi, India
You'll tour two UNESCO World Heritage Sites today as you explore the centuries-old history and culture of Old Delhi and environs. The first, which you'll visit this morning, is Humayun’s Tomb, constructed for the Mughal Emperor Humayan and other members of his family in the 1570s, and set within beautiful gardens.
The first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent and the first large structure of its kind built of red sandstone, this Mughal creation popularized Persian-influenced architecture in India, and was an inspiration for the Taj Mahal in Agra.
After an orientation tour of Old Delhi followed by lunch, visit the five-story sandstone Qutb Minar Victory Tower, an imposing minaret built over eight centuries ago, part of one of the earliest surviving mosque complexes in India. Return to your hotel in New Delhi and spend the rest of the afternoon and evening as you please.
Breakfast, Lunch
THE LEELA PALACE NEW DELHI
Varanasi, India
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, take 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 Tauck's India tour.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
THE GATEWAY HOTEL GANGES VARANASI
Varanasi, India
Awaken early for a cruise on the River Ganges to view the Varanasi sunrise ceremonies, then fly to Agra for a two-night stay and tomorrow's visit to one of the world's most famous and recognizable buildings, the Taj Mahal.
Agra, India
An incredible domed mausoleum complex of white marble, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to memorialize and house the tomb of his beloved third wife and completed in 1653, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be the greatest architectural achievement in the whole range of Indo-Islamic architecture – and yes, you'll have a view of it from your room in your award-winning luxury hotel, The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
THE OBEROI AMARVILAS, AGRA
Agra, India
Guests who wish may visit the Taj Mahal in time for sunrise – the gates open at sunrise. Those not going quite so early will join your Tauck Director a little later than sunrise (but still early morning) for a guided visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal, which reveals the love story behind the white marble wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its unique design and relief work in marble and inlay with precious and semi precious stones; your visit also includes time to explore on your own.
A guided tour of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, follows. Inside, you'll get a very good look at medieval lifestyles of 16th- and 17th-century Mughal emperors. Following an afternoon spent at leisure, dine as you please this evening from among a selection of your hotel's fine restaurants.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
THE OBEROI AMARVILAS, AGRA
Jaipur, India
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 – all built by Maharajah Jai Singh II in the 18th century.
Attend a special evening fit for Maharajah royalty tonight, celebrating India's cultural traditions, music, dance and cuisine.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
THE OBEROI RAJVILAS, JAIPUR
Jaipur, India
Today's sightseeing includes the many gems of Jaipur, from the massive gateways and pillared pavilions inside Amber Fort to a tour of Amber Palace, with its magnificent domes, massive ramparts and glittering hall of mirrors. After a thali style lunch preceded by a puppet show, enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Jaipur, pursuing what interests you most.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
THE OBEROI RAJVILAS, JAIPUR
Jaipur, India
Rise early and begin the day with a hot air balloon ride over Jaipur before breakfast. Enjoy some free time, a sari and turban demonstration and lunch at your Jaipur hotel before flying from Jaipur to Udaipur for a three-night stay at your luxury Oberoi hotel in Udaipur – nestled along the banks of Lake Pichola and spread over fifty acres, which includes a twenty-acre wildlife sanctuary with deer and wild boar.
Consistently voted among the top luxury hotels in the world, The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur is a destination experience unrivaled anywhere – while Udaipur itself is a Rajasthan city of palaces and lakes, often called the "Venice of the East" and the “Most Romantic City in India.” Dinner is at your leisure in your hotel, named India’s best hotel by Condé Nast Traveler and 4th in the world’s top 100 hotels.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
THE OBEROI UDAIVILAS, UDAIPUR
Udaipur, India
An Udaipur sightseeing tour with your local guide includes a stop at the City Palace complex – a labyrinth of richly decorated courtyards, frescoed galleries, and marble temples overlooking a lake that was once the elegant home of the Maharajah of Udaipur – and, a short walk away, the Jagdish Mandir Temple, where music or chanting is heard throughout the day.
Following lunch with a view of the lakeside palace, visit the 18th-century fountain gardens of Saheliyon Ki Bari, then enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Pichola. Enjoy for a memorable Tauck Exclusive private dinner at Royal Repast, a restaurant owned by descendants of the Bedla clan who have played a significant role in the affairs of the Udaipur State – serving as Prime Ministers, valued advisors, commanders in chief of the armed forces and hosting the dignitaries visiting Udaipur as state guests.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
THE OBEROI UDAIVILAS, UDAIPUR
Udaipur, India
Today's sightseeing begins in Udaipur with an auto-rickshaw ride around the city's bustling spice and vegetable markets, for an insightful glimpse into everyday life in Udaipur. In the vegetable markets, women in brightly colored saris sit amongst the stalls, surrounded by baskets brimming with their fresh and equally colorful produce, while burlap bags or metal pans entice with a kaleidoscopic array of curries and spices.
The rest of the day is free to explore more of this "City of Lakes" as you wish. Due to its many picturesque locations, Udaipur has supplied scenic backdrops to many a film or television show over the years; portions of movies including Darjeeling Limited, Opening Night, Heat and Dust, Octopussy and Gandhi, plus the TV miniseries The Jewel in the Crown, were filmed here. Enjoy a demonstration in the art of donning a sari or a turban before dinner at your leisure at the hotel this evening.
Breakfast, Dinner
THE OBEROI UDAIVILAS, UDAIPUR
Cochin, India
Fly via Mumbai to Kochi (known as Cochin during colonial times) in the state of Kerala, on the southern tip of India, home to coconut groves, paddy fields and wide beaches. Cruise its tropical 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.
Breakfast, Dinner
TAJ MALABAR RESORT & SPA, COCHIN
Cochin, India
Kochi (Cochin) dates back to the 15th century, boasting myriad historic sites reflecting its founding by the Portugese, as well as the influence of Dutch and British settlers. After a lecture on southern India's unique heritage and cultural diversity, Kochi sightseeing includes Fort Cochin, the oldest European settlement in India, the Dutch Palace and the 16th-century St. Francis Church.
Later, visit the private home of an acclaimed Kerala chef for a cooking demonstration and dinner this evening. Lively conversation, lively spices and delectable dishes await!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TAJ MALABAR RESORT & SPA, COCHIN
Kumarakom Lake Resort, India
Travel through the small villages of coastal Kerala as you make your way to the picturesque island of Kumarakom in Lake Vembanad to continue your Tauck India tour with a two-night lakeside stay at Kumarakom Lake Resort.
En route, board a thatched-roof rice boat that's been converted into a luxury houseboat for a cruise through Kerala's palm-fringed canals; this region is often referred to as another "Venice of the East." Tonight at your resort, you'll be treated to a program featuring dancers performing the classical Indian dance form known as Mohiniattam, dating to the 16th century.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
KUMARAKOM LAKE RESORT
Kumarakom Lake Resort, India
After an exclusive morning walk for Tauck guests only in one of Kerala's villages, spend the entire afternoon enjoying the many activities and amenities offered by your beautiful lakefront resort. 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. Have dinner at your leisure at the resort.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
KUMARAKOM LAKE RESORT
Mumbai, India
Fly to the "City of Gold," Mumbai (known in earlier times as Bombay), surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea. Upon arrival, an introductory sightseeing tour maps out the city and its landmark sites for you. Your accommodations for the next three nights are at The Oberoi, Mumbai; dine tonight at your choice of selected restaurants.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
THE OBEROI, MUMBAI
Mumbai, India
Explore Mumbai today, including the Gateway of India – erected by the British to commemorate the landing of the King and Queen in 1911 – and a Heritage Walk through some of the city's historic sites.
Following lunch in Mumbai, head to the Dharavi district – one of the most densely populated areas on Earth, which figured prominently in the Oscar-winning 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire (featuring several child actors from this area) – for a walking tour of the neighborhood and its thriving small industries, with insights on its difficulties and challenges from your local guide. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free.
Breakfast, Lunch
THE OBEROI, MUMBAI
Mumbai, India
From the Gateway of India in Mumbai, take a boat cruise this morning to Elephanta Island (or Gharapuri, the "city of caves") with a local guide to explore the Elephanta Caves, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This series of rock-cut cave temples, most of which are dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, was hewn from solid basalt sometime between the fifth and seventh centuries AD. Return to your Oberoi hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon as you please in Mumbai.
Join the group this evening for a farewell cocktail reception and dinner at the hotel, as your incredible journey to India draws to a close.
Breakfast, Dinner
THE OBEROI, MUMBAI
Mumbai, India
Tauck's comprehensive India tour ends: Mumbai. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from your hotel in Bombay to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Most international flights depart between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM.
Breakfast
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