Voyage of Discovery: North and South India (15 Days) 

     Depart North America on your exciting journey to experience the delights of North & South India.

     Arrive tonight in India’s bustling capital city of Delhi, where you are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to LE MERIDIEN HOTEL.

     After a leisurely morning, embark on a tour of New Delhi. Drive along Rajpath, the capital’s broadest avenue, to view the Parliament House, the President’s House and India Gate. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and Birla Mandir, a colorful and modern Hindu temple. (B)

     This morning, tour Old Delhi. Among your stops are Red Fort—built by Shah Jahan— Raj Ghat—a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi—Ashoka Pillar and the mile-long Chandni Chowk bazaar. Later in the afternoon, drive to Agra, stopping en route at Sikandra to visit the tomb of Emperor Akbar. Upon arrival, check in at CLARKS SHIRAZ. (B)

     In the morning, enjoy a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, the magnificent monument to love. After breakfast, tour the exquisite 16th-century Agra Fort. Proceed to the abandoned and nearly intact Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece of Muslim and Hindu architecture. Continue overland to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, also known as the “Pink City.” Upon arrival, check in at CLARKS AMER. (B)

     Today, you are transported back in time as you ride royally atop elegantly draped and painted elephants up to the mountain fortress of Amber. Later, enjoy a tour of Jaipur City, visiting Hawa Mahal, or “Palace of Winds,” City Palace and the ancient observatory. (B)

     This morning, fly to Udaipur. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to HOTEL SHIKARBADI. Later, tour the famous “City of Lakes,” known as one of the most picturesque and romantic cities in India and perhaps the world. Visit City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden of Maids and the folklore museum where you can see a presentation of the string puppets typical to this area. (B)

     Today’s excursion brings you to the beautiful 15th-century sculpted Jain temples of Ranakpur. The intricately carved white marble temple of Adinath is perhaps the most well-preserved and impressive examples of Western Indian Temple architecture. The temple dedicated to the Sun God is famed for its erotic sculpture. Stop for lunch at Maharani Bagh, a mango grove and the private gardens of the Maharajah of Jodhpur. (B)

     Fly to Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India’s most cosmopolitan city. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to the RAMADA INN. Your afternoon tour of Mumbai includes the British-built “Gateway of India,” the Hanging Gardens, Malabar Hill—where Mumbai’s rich and famous live—the Prince of Wales Museum, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and Jain Temple. (B)

     Late this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cochin in the state of Kerala, known for its well-balanced ecosystem. After checking in at CASINO HOTEL, your afternoon is at leisure to relax and pursue independent activities. (B)

     Tour Cochin this morning. Visit the Portuguese-built St. Francis Church, the Jewish Synagogue, the famed Mattancherry Palace, and see the use of Chinese fishing nets—ingenious devices requiring little human attention. Later depart for Kumarakom, experiencing the rich culture and active lifestyle that has evolved over the centuries in and around the backwaters and waterways that thread this region. Upon arrival, check in at ABAD WHISPERING PALMS RESORT. (B)

     This morning enjoy a boat ride through the Backwaters, a series of canals and lagoons that snake their way through several tiny villages amidst tropical vegetation. Not only do the backwaters of Kerala link the state together, they are an integral element in maintaining ecological balance and creating harmony with nature. Your afternoon is at leisure. You may want to experience an Ayurvedic therapeutic massage, indigenous to this region, which is both relaxing and healing or perhaps take advantage of the rich waters with a bit of fishing. (B)

     In the morning, proceed to Cochin airport in time to connect to your flight for Chennai (formerly known as Madras), the fourth-largest city in India. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to the GRAND HOTEL. Your afternoon is at leisure. (B)

     Today, enjoy an excursion to Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India, which served as a capital for several dynasties. Visit three of the best temples—Kailasanatha and Ekambareshwara (dedicated to Lord Shiva) and Vaikuntaperumal (dedicated to Lord Vishnu). Continue your excursion to the ancient Pallavan port of Mahabalipuram, stopping for lunch at a seaside resort. Later visit the 7th-century rock hewn monuments. The shore temple, the last surviving of seven temples, is a unique example of a temple built of rock quarried elsewhere and carried to shore. (B,L)

     This morning, your tour of Chennai takes you to Victoria Art Gallery, Bronze Gallery and Chennai Museum. Visits to Fort St. George, San Thome Cathedral and Kapaleeswarar Temple complete your visit. After an afternoon at leisure, say farewell to unforgettable India tonight and board your international flight home. (B)