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Tauck A Portrait of India

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Tauck’s popular India holidays give you a complete look at this complex country from north to south. Live like a maharajah at some of the world’s top-rated hotels – including a two-night stay at the award-winning The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, featuring views of the Taj Mahal, and three nights in Udaipur at The Oberoi Udaivilas. Cruise by houseboat in southern India through Kerala’s beautiful canals. A boat ride witnesses spiritual ceremonies along the River Ganges in Varanasi, and a cooking demonstration features a taste of hospitality on an exclusive insider visit to a chef’s private home in Kerala. Enjoy a special Maharajah evening with dinner and entertainment… a traditional dance performance… with special insights from Tauck’s local experts and much more…

Multiple-night stays at three hotels ranked among the 15 “World’s Best” hotels by the readers of Travel + Leisure – The Oberoi Udaivilas, The Oberoi Rajvilas and The Oberoi Amarvilas (where you’ll have Taj Mahal views from your room)

  • On-Tour Air included (5 flights)
  • Two nights in Jaipur, highlighted by a visit to the Amber Fort and a Maharajah evening featuring dinner and entertainment
  • A boat ride on the River Ganges, providing an opportunity to experience revered cultural traditions centuries old in Varanasi
  • Exclusive insider visit to a chef’s private home in Kerala and a cooking demonstration for an authentic taste of daily life
  • Houseboat and river cruises, and a martial arts demo
  • Kathakali dance performance in tropical southern India
  • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
  • 45 meals; gratuities to local guides, service charges, admissions, taxes and porterage

Day 1: Arrive New Delhi

Tour begins: 2:00 PM, 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 at The Leela Palace New Delhi. 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.

Day 2: Back in time in Old Delhi

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.

Day 3: Rituals on the River Ganges in Varanasi

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. 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.

Day 4: Ganges cruise & off to Agra & the Taj Mahal

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. 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.

Day 5: Wonders in Agra – the Taj Mahal & Agra Fort

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 and take photographs. 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.

Day 6: 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 – 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.

Day 7: Jaipur’s glittering palaces and pavilions of Amber Fort

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.

Day 8: Ballooning over Jaipur & on to Udaipur

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.

Day 9: Discovering Udaipur’s treasures

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. Join us tonight 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 all the dignitaries visiting Udaipur as state guests.

Day 10: Udaipur’s markets & the city at leisure

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.

Day 11: Fly to Kochi (Cochin) & a sunset cruise on the Arabian Sea

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.

Day 12: Multicultural influences in Kochi & a chef-hosted dinner

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!

Day 13: Kerala houseboat cruise & Mohiniattam dancers

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.

Day 14: Kerala villages & Kumarakom resort leisure

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.

Day 15: Fly to Mumbai and do some city sightseeing

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.

Day 16: Treasures of Mumbai & a Heritage Walk

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.

Day 17: Cruise to Elephanta Island

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 us this evening for a farewell cocktail reception and dinner at the hotel, as your incredible journey to India draws to a close.

Day 18: Journey Home

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.

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

The luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas is located just 600 meters from the world’s most famous monument, the Taj Mahal. Moorish and Mughal in architecture, it is surrounded by terraced lawns, fountains, reflecting pools and pavilions with rich interiors that are reminiscent of the days of princes and emperors. The readers of Condé Nast Traveler named The Oberoi Amarvilas to the prestigious Gold List and the readers of Travel + Leisure rank it as one of the world’s best hotels. Your guest room, with a view of the Taj Mahal, features Burma Teak flooring, spacious marble bathroom with separate shower and tub, minibar, walk-in closet with electronic safe, LCD TV with satellite channels and DVD player and more.

Set in a torch-lit terraced garden, the white marble swimming pool seems straight from The Arabian Nights. If you’re craving some exercise, you’ll find a fully equipped, state-of-the-art gymnasium within the Oberoi Spa. Both the Bellevue, featuring fine international and authentic Indian cuisine, and Esphahan, the specialty Indian restaurant serving traditional Indian dishes, are excellent dining choices. Cap off your evening at the Bar while enjoying your favorite beverage on its terrace with a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal.

The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur evokes the opulent lifestyles of the legendary Rajput princes. Set amid 32 acres of lush, landscaped gardens with pavilions and reflecting pools with Jaipur as a backdrop, guests are surrounded and enveloped with the romance and grandeur that was Rajastan. All guest rooms have regal four-poster beds and sunken marble baths overlooking private, walled gardens and provide LCD TV with satellite channels and DVD player, walk-in closet with electronic safe, minibar and more.

Relax and reflect in the beautiful heated swimming pool set in a garden, play some tennis, hit the ball around a five-hole pitch and put course, burn off some calories in the fully equipped gymnasium or allow the Oberoi Spa to lull you with personalized treatments drawn from both Eastern and Western traditions. End the day feeling like Rajput royalty as you linger over a nightcap in the Rajwada Library Bar. Both Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure give The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur top marks.

The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Capturing all of the splendor and romance of a royal era, palatial The Oberoi Udaivilas sits on the shores of Lake Pichola. Udaipur is a city renowned for its palaces, and this splendid hotel evokes the Rajasthan-era grandeur, romance and splendor once enjoyed by royalty. On its grounds with rambling courtyards, rippling fountains, reflecting pools and verdant gardens – and within its interiors embellished with hand-painted frescoes, intricate mirrors and meticulously crafted artifacts – the ambiance is one of regal splendor.

Guest rooms, each with a private walled courtyard, are elegantly appointed with fine Indian textiles and custom-designed, handcrafted furniture and provide LCD TV with satellite channels and DVD player, minibar and many more welcome amenities. Two magnificent heated outdoor swimming pools await, as does a state-or-the-art gymnasium and The Oberoi Spa, a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation. In the evening, relax in the refinement of the Bar with a variety of spirits. wines and cigars.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.

Please call us free on 0800 707 6229 for pricing and availability

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All Meals Included

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18 Days

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