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Make 2009 an exciting year! Adventure in India’s spectacular north exploring effervescent Delhi, magical Varanasi, the “Pink City” of Jaipur, and Udaipur. Discover India with its fascinating history, breathtaking architecture, priceless artist treasures, varied cultures and beloved traditions in an unforgettable way with Tauck. With accommodations fit for a Maharaja, the finest of Indian cuisine and experiences that will leave you dazzled, book your mystical India escorted tour today and make your dream real.
| January – December | Land Price |
On-Tour Air |
Total |
| Double | $6,695 | $695 | $7,390 |
| Single | $8,279 | $695 | $8,974 |
| Triple | $6,761 | $695 | $7,456 |
* All prices are per person in U.S. dollars
2009 Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to India
Your adventure begins with a transfer from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport to The Oberoi, New Delhi. This day is given to you at your leisure, to rejuvenate on the morning of a full day of adventure of day 2.
*Accomodation at The Oberoi, New Delhi, India
Day 2: The essence of New Delhi
The day begins with Vijay Chowk, otherwise known as, “Victory Square,” here evidence of modern day India is apparent with the Secretariat Building; the Presidential Palace with its intriguing combination of classical and Indian design elements; and the India Gate memorializing Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Travel into Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating from 1570 AD and the first garden-tomb on the Indian Subcontinent, and the Qutb Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, begun in 1193 AD. After a scrumptious lunch, venture into the Gandhi Smriti Museum where you’re bound to discover the life, philosophy and impact on the world of Mahatma Gandhi, otherwise known as the “Father of the Nation.” Later this evening, you are invited to a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
*Breakfast, lunch, and dinner inclusive
*Lodging at The Oberoi, New Delhi, India
Day 3: Old Delhi delights
Between the 12th and 20th centuries, Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India. On its walls, a Persian couplet is inscribed on the Red Fort saying, “If on earth be an eden of bliss, it is this, it is this, none but this." Constructed in 1639 AD, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has plush private apartments and trappings of Mughal opulence, wealth and power. The nearby Jama Masjid Mosque, the largest in India can hold 25,000 worshippers in its courtyard. A visit to Gandhi’s cremation site, the Rajghat will humble anyone to pay respects to the one man who has changed the world. A free afternoon is given to explore of what Delhi has to offer.
*Breakfast and dinner inclusive
*Lodging at The Oberoi, New Delhi, India
Day 4: Virtuous Varanasi
A flight to Varanasi, which is know as “Holy City of India” have devout Hindu pilgrims flock to its waters from all over India to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges in the belief that doing so washes away sins and cleanses one of all evil. One of the holiest sites of Buddhism, the Sarnath; discover where Buddha is said to have preached his first sermon. Later, return the Ganges where you will view a beautiful exhibition of evening prayers on the great “ghats,” stairways leading down to the river, and of the “putting the river to sleep” before boarding small boats that row along the river for a different view of Varanasi. A special dinner awaits in an authentic Brahmin refectory dating from the 19th century, enhanced by traditional songs and dances that bring live this old city.
*Breakfast, lunch and dinner inclusive
*Lodging at The Taj Ganges, Varanasi, India
Day 5: From the Ganges to Khajuraho’s temples
Wake up to a beautiful sunrise and an early morning cruise, here you will find thousands of gatherers on the ghats bathe in its sacred waters. Travel on to the Khajaraho, a site where a large group of impressive medieval Hindu and Jain temples exist dating all the way from 950 to 1050 AD; the intricate craftsmanship of the stone carving and statues are sure to awe-inspire you; and temples that simply perfect the balance between art and architecture is simply marvelous.
*Breakfast, lunch and dinner inclusive
*Lodging at The Grand Temple View, Khajuraho, India
Day 6: The cenotaphs of Orchha
The historic city of Orchha has 14 outstanding cenotaphs, monuments that honor the dead; here is where locals come to commemorate their deceased heroes and rulers.
Admire this impressive site, as well as ruins of temples and palaces before boarding a train headed for Agra.
*Breakfast, lunch and dinner inclusive
*Lodging at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, India
Day 7: Mughal memories
Agra welcomes you with its three World Heritage Sites. Here you will admire the Taj Mahal, built by a Mughal king as a symbol of his love and final resting place for his beloved wife; this surely inspires anyone who sees its delicate, symmetrical beauty and eternal love that it represents. The famour Agra Fort is sure to impress, it is the most important for in India continuing to entrance visitors today. The 16th-century walled city of Fatehpur Sikri served as the capital of the famous Mughal Emperor Akbar for fourteen years which boasts a blend of varied regional design concepts and architectural skills. You are given a choice to join in on the excursion of this spectacular site, or wander at your own desire.
*Breakfast, lunch and dinner inclusive
*Lodging at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, India
Day 8: Pretty in pink
Jaipur, known at known as the “Pink City” for the striking pink stucco walls of Old Jaipur is your next stop. An opulent world of the Rajput princess and their treasures is what’s in store at the City Palace Museum. The City Palace complex is draped with Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles that embellish several palatial buildings.
The Maharaja Jai Singh II built Jantar Mantar, the world’s largest stone observatory; with the amazing tools that he used to study the heavens, which up to this day still provide accurate information prove to be a site one should definitely not miss. Meet a maharaja this evening at a special dinner.
*Breakfast, lunch, and dinner inclusive
*Lodging at The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, India
Day 9: The amazing Amber Fort
No India travel would be complete without a visit to the splendid Amber Fort, an architectural masterpiece of great historical significance. Begun in the 16th century and built of red sandstone and marble, the seemingly rough exterior gives no hint of the warm and opulent ambiance of the interior, as you’ll discover this morning. In particular, the intricate and delicate use of mirrors in the Hall of Mirrors in the sumptuous Amber Palace never ceases to astound visitors. It is said that the light of a single candle can illuminate the entire room. Explore more of the “Pink City” on your own during an afternoon at leisure.
*Breakfast, lunch, and dinner inclusive
*Lodging at The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, India
Day 10: From the “Pink City" to the “City of Lakes"
Bid farewell to the “Pink City” of Jaipur this morning as your India travel takes you on to Udaipur, sometimes called the “City of Lakes” and the “Venice of the East.” A cruise on picturesque Lake Pichola reveals some of the spectacular palaces of the Rajput princes, for which Udaipur is famous, on islands and along the shore. You’ll feel like royalty yourself as you spend the next two nights at the palatial Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, rated the one of the best hotels in the world by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure.
*Breakfast, lunch, and dinner inclusive
*Lodging at The Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India
Day 11: Lifestyles of the wealthy and well-known, Maharaja-style
Your discoveries begin in Saheliyon Ki Bari, the “Garden of Maids,” on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake. Once a favorite spot for a little rest and relaxation among royal ladies, today these lovely gardens are dotted with intriguing fountains, elaborately carved pavilions and marble elephants that add to their charm. Up next is a visit to the magnificent Jagdish Mandir, the largest temple in Udaipur, adorned with bas-reliefs of elephants, alligators, horsemen and musicians, and enshrining a black stone image of the supreme Hindu god Vishnu. The City Palace complex, overlooking Lake Pichola, reveals the splendor with which maharajas and their families surrounded themselves. The City Palace Museum exhibits a remarkable collection of ancient curios, antiques, and sculptures, as well as priceless possessions of ages gone by. Miniature paintings on display depict many aspects of the royal lifestyle enjoyed by privileged few who lived here. Spend the afternoon enjoying the amenities of your lavish resort before joining us to discover how saris and turbans are donned. Please join us for our farewell dinner tonight as the conclusion of your India travel adventure draws near.
*Breakfast, lunch, dinner inclusive
*Lodging at The Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India
Day 12: One last day of India travel
Spend your final day of India travel visiting the ancient temples at Eklingji and Nagda. Within the lovely marble complex of Eklingji are 108 intriguing temples, one of which dates back to the rule of Bappa Rawal in 734 AD. The ruins of the Saas Bahu twin temple from the 10th century are found in Nagda. Saas means “mother-in-law” and the translation of Bahu is “daughter-in-law.” After lunch fly back to back to Delhi in preparation for your journey home. Your hotel is very convenient to the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
*Breakfast and lunch inclusive
*Lodging at The Trident, Gurgaon, India
Day 13: Homeward bound
Our India travel adventure ends in Delhi. A transfer from the Trident, Gurgaon to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is included. Please allow a minimum of 2 ½ hours for flight check-in formalities at the airport. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
*Breakfast inclusive
Departure Dates:
| Month | Day | Year |
| January | 9, 19 | 2009 |
| February | 6, 20 | |
| March | 6 | |
| October | 23 | |
| November | 6, 20 | |
| December | 4, 18 |
Tour Inclusions:
- A tour of the magnificent Taj Mahal… and an opportunity to see it at sunrise and sunset from your hotel room
- Unforgettable dinner experience at the Peshwa Haveli
- Visits to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Taj Mahal, Khajuraho, Agra Fort, Qutb Minar & more
- A trishaw ride through Old Delhi, a rail journey to Agra, and a cruise to your island hotel on tranquil Lake Pichola
- A boat ride on the River Ganges to observe the spiritual traditions of Varanasi – a transformational experience
- Most meals – 32 (12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners)
- Service charges, taxes, porterage and airport transfers
