Welcome to India ! Arrive in Delhi at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into to the hotel (check-in time is 12.00 midday) and enjoy the city. In the early afternoon after lunch (approx 13.30) you will meet your fellow group members to go over the details of your trip and the leader will collect your local payment. Check the notice board (or ask reception) to see the exact time and location of this group meeting.

If you arrive early wander through the heart of India's capital city and explore Old and New Delhi. Travel by the new metro or auto rickshaws and visit the famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) where you could climb the minaret for a bird's eye view of the old city. Explore Chandni Chowk, one of India's oldest and busiest markets or head to the colorful spice market a great photo opportunity.

From Old Delhi it's easy to get to Connaught Place, more commonly known as CP, one of the most prominent architectural remnants of British rule, by the metro (station at CP is called Rajiv Chowk). In CP wander the markets and shops or visit the Gandhi museum, built on the site of his assassination. If people watching is your thing head down to India Gate and relax on the lawns, or enjoy a stroll through the peaceful Lodi Gardens in nearby upmarket South Delhi.

Other options include the ruins of Qutab Minar, the fabulous architecture of Humayun's Tomb, the beautifully lotus shaped Bahai Temple (closed Monday), or the stunning Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple carved out of pink sandstone and white marble. The amazing Craft Museum or the huge and rambling National Museum are also worth a visit. (Note many museums are closed on Monday).

There are so many options for dining, from age-old eateries in the by lanes of the Old Walled City to glitzy, specialty restaurants in five-star hotels, Delhi is a movable feast. Restaurants and bars cater to all tastes and budgets.

A delightful outlet offering a range of Indian cuisines are the food stalls at Dilli Haat. Here, the cuisine of different states is made available. Set in the midst of a spacious crafts bazaar these cafes are a very pleasant place to enjoy food.

After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city visiting Old Delhi visiting the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame, Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & a Rickshaw ride past through the silver street in Chandani Chowk, Later New Delhi to include Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war; the Laxmi Narayan Temple, built by the Birlas, one of India's leading industrial families; Humayun's Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai's Temple , Qutub Minar , built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty; in the evening you can visit to see light an sound show at Red fort. Return to the hotel for overnight at the hotel.

Early morning transfer to the airport to board the schedule flight to Varanasi at 0940 hrs, arrival at 1055 hrs. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Later take a boat ride on the River Ganges and see the various Ghats with people ritually cleansing their sins. While on the boat you will also see the cremation ceremonies of dead bodies as per Hindi Rituals. After breakfast proceed on a tour of the temples of Varanasi visiting the Golden Temple dedicated to lord Shiva, the Durga temple dedicated to goddess Durga. Interestingly the Durga Temple is also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large number of monkeys found in the Temple premises. Evening one can take boat ride again in River Ganges. Overnight at the hotel in Varanasi.

Morning after breakfast checkout and transfer to the airport to board the flight to Khajuraho at 1220 hrs departure, arrival at 1300 hrs. On arrival check in to the hotel. Later visit Western group of Temples consisting of the massive Laxman Temple dedicated to lord Vishnu, the Laxmi and Varaha temples dedicated to Vishnu's consort Laxman, the Kandariya Mahadev temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Chausath Yogini temple dedicated to goddess Kali. Also visit Archaeological museum with its collection of stone sculptures of the Chandela dynasty. Return to the hotel for overnight.

Early morning visit the Eastern group of Temples and visit the Jain temples of Parsvanath, Adinath, and Shanti Nath. Also visit the temples of Vamana and Brahma/Hanuman both dedicated to lord Vishnu. Later drive to Satna 117 kms, on arrival transfer to the railway station to board the schedule train to Agra at 1750 hrs, arrival in Agra next day morning. Overnight at the board.

Travel by early morning train to the Muslim city of Agra. Indian Railways, the world’s largest employer with 1.6 million employees, can certainly be counted as one of the marvels of modern India, and no visit is complete without at least one train trip.

Agra is best known as the site of India’s most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal. Visit this icon of Mughal architecture either in the morning or late afternoon for the best light, and be sure to bring lots of film! Ride one of the ubiquitous cycle rickshaws to visit the Lal Qila or Red Fort, the Taj’s less famous—but no less impressive—sister monument.

Constructed between 1631 and 1654 by a workforce of 22 000, the Taj Mahal was built by the Muslim Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his favourite wife, Arjumand Bano Begum, better known as Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz had already borne the emperor fourteen children when she died in childbirth, and it is the romantic origin of the Taj as much as its architectural splendour that has led to its fame worldwide. Actually an integrated complex of many structures, the Taj Mahal is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, itself a combination of Islamic, Hindu, Persian and Turkish elements.

The walled palatial city of Lal Qila, or the Red Fort, was first taken over by the Moghuls, at that time led by Akbar the Great, in the late 16th century. Akbar liked to build from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble and intricate decorations, and it was during his reign that the fort began changing into more of a royal estate.

However, it was only during the reign of Akbar's grandson, Shah Jahan (who would eventually build the Taj Mahal) that the site finally took on its current state. Unlike his grandfather, Shah Jahan preferred buildings made from white marble, often inlaid with gold or semi-precious gems, and he destroyed some earlier buildings inside the fort in order to build others in his own style. At the end of his life Shah Jahan was imprisoned in the fort by his son, Aurangzeb. It is said that Shah Jahan died in Muasamman Burj, a tower with a marble balcony with an excellent view of the Taj Mahal.

The fort was also a site of one of the most important battles of the Indian rebellion of 1857, which caused the end of the British East India Company's rule in India, leading to a century of direct rule of India by Britain.

Early morning, optionally you can visit again to see the Taj in the Sunrise, a breath taking view of the historical monument. After breakfast checkout and drive to Jaipur, enroute sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri the city built by Mughal Emperor Akbar, visit Bulund Darwaza, Jama Masjid, and Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti; continue to Jaipur visiting Fatehpur Sikri. On arrival in Jaipur transfer to hotel, Later in the evening visit to Birla Temple, speculator marble temple, glitters in the in the night, later at the time of dinner visit to Chokhi Dhani - an ethnic 5 star resort serving Rajasthani & Continental cuisine with live music, astrology, games, folk dances and music, puppet shows in an ambiance of an ethnic village. Return to the hotel for overnight.

Today we take a bus ride—always an adventure itself in India— to the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, former capital of a princely state of the same name. Clothed in pink stucco (in imitation of sandstone), wide-avenued Jaipur is one of the most important heritage cities in India, and home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. Here follow in the footsteps of the royal harem, or ride an elephant to Amber Fort Palace, one of the most spectacular forts in India.

Founded in 1728, Jaipur, or “The Pink City” as it is often called, is unlike any other pre-modern Indian city, in that the entire town was planned according to the principles of Hindu architectural theory. The city is in fact built in the form of a nine-part mandala known as the Pithapada, which combined with wide streets makes for an unusually airy, orderly atmosphere. That the results of this urban planning have so endured to this day is nothing short of miraculous.

Enter the heart of the mandala (on foot or by cycle rickshaw) and you are in the central palace quarter, with its sprawling Hawa Mahal palace complex, formal gardens and a small lake. Built in 1799, the "Palace of Winds" was part of the City Palace, an extension of the Zenana or chambers of the harem. Its original intention was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. Constructed of red and pink sandstone highlighted with white lime, the five-storied facade is peppered with 953 small windows. The breeze (hawa) that comes through the windows keeps it cool even in hot months, and gives the palace its name.

Just 15 km from central Jaipur is the ruined city of Amber, former capital of Jaipur state. Founded by the Meenas, Amber was a flourishing settlement as far back as 967 AD. Overlooking the artificial lake south of Amber town stands the Amber Fort/Palace complex, famous for its mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. At the bottom of a hill sits Amber Fort, initially a Palace Complex within the Fort of Amber on top of the hill (today known as Jaigarh fort). The two forts are connected through well-guarded passages, and there is even the option of an elephant ride from the town up to the palace courtyard.

After breakfast checkout and drive to Bikaner. Optionally en route you can visit at Mandawa fort or lunch & can visit to Laxmangarh sightseeing of old Havelis. Continue to proceed to Bikaner. On arrival transfer to the hotel.

After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Bikaner covering Junagarh Fort - constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, fort has a 986 meter long wall with 37 bastions & two entrances, Bandh Sagar Temple - The 16th century Jain temple, is the most important temple of this complex. After lunch take an excursion tour to Deshnok to see the Temple of Karnimata - at this temple rats are held sacred & roam freely within the temple complex. Spotting a white rat in this temple is believed to by lucky. Later checkout the hotel and drive to Jaisalmer, on arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening enjoy the city atmosphere. Optionally you can visit Gadisar Lake, Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Jaisalmer covering Jaisalmer Fort - built on the highest point of the Tricuta hill, consisting of 99 bastions. Outstanding features are Megh Durbar & various temples, Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli & Patwon-Ki-Haveli - some of the beautiful mansions with stone carving and latticework of breath taking intricacy. Later after lunch drive to Sam Sand Dunes - 45 kms enroute visit the ancient Temple of Lodurwa, Amar Sagar and Mool Sagar Lakes. At Sam Sand Dunes and transfer on Camels and enjoy camel rides on the dunes till the sunset. Drive back to Jaisalmer for overnight.

After breakfast checkout and drive to Jodhpur, on arrival transfer to hotel. Day free for leisure and individual activities. Overnight at the hotel in Jodhpur.

Morning after breakfast take a sightseeing of Jodhpur visiting Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and Umaid Bhawan Palace. Evening visit Balsamand Lake and Palace, after lunch checkout and drive to Udaipur, enroute visit the famous Ranakpur Temples of 12th Century, and later visit Kumbhalgrah Fort enroute to Udaipur. Kumbhalgrah Fort is known for its longest wall of 36 kms surrounding the fort with 360 inbuilt temples in the wall, some of the temple now leis in the state of ruin. Proceed to Udaipur, on arrival transfer to hotel. Evening free to relax, overnight at the hotel.

Continuing southwards to the Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces, it certainly lives up to its reputation as India's most romantic city. Most famous of these palaces, and certainly the most photographed, is the Lake Palace, an island-palace where the white marble buildings (now a hotel) entirely cover a small island in Pichola Lake. Originally known as the Jag Niwas, the palace took three years to build and was inaugurated in 1746.

The city’s lakes—Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar—are considered among the most beautiful in Rajasthan. An island in Fateh Sagar is even home to the Udaipur Solar Observatory, one of six stations participating in the international Global Oscillations Network Group (GONG), which studies the physical properties of the solar interior.

If you can pull yourself away from the shopping, there many points of interest, such as the Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon-ki-Bari (the Garden of Maidens) and City Palace with its museums, crystal gallery and wealth of royal treasures to explore.

Alternatively Udaipur's famous Lake Pichola is a serene place to enjoy a boat ride and if you are gastronomically inclined, there is plenty of time to learn the art of Indian cooking at Spice Box. Maybe visit a craft village and a folk museum or take in a fantastic cultural show at the Bagore-ki-Haveli - you might even get up and join in the dancing! Journey out to the hilltop Monsoon Palace for sunset or you can spend lazy afternoons just taking in the views from the rooftop cafes over hot, sweet chai.

For the really adventurous head out to the nearby temple town of Nathdwara (approx 50kms) which enshrines Shrinathji - an image of Krishna, which was originally enshrined at the Vraja Bhoomi at Mount Govardhana near Mathura. The name Nathdwara means 'Gate of the Lord'. Or hire a car and head to Kumbhal Garh Fort built in the 15th century and the nearby Jain Temples at Ranakpur.

Early morning checkout and transfer to the airport to board the schedule flight to Bombay at 0820 hrs, arrival in Bombay at 0935 hrs. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Later take a sightseeing visiting Prince of Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens, Return back to the hotel for overnight.

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, forms the world's fifth most populous metropolitan area when combined with its suburbs, a total population of about 20 million. The city has a deep natural harbour and the port handles over half of India's passenger traffic and a significant amount of cargo. Mumbai is the commercial and entertainment capital of India, and home to the world-famous Hindi-language film industry, Bollywood.

Rise at dawn to watch the morning ritual at the Sassoon Docks, South Mumbai’s main fish loading and trading centre. Shoot a picture of the Gateway to India, facing westward out to sea, and stop in for a cup of tea at the famous Taj hotel next door. From here boats leave for Elephanta Island (also called Gharapuri Island or place of caves), famous for is cave temples caved straight from the rock.

People-watch on Chowpatty Beach or visit Crawford Market, one of South Mumbai's most famous markets. Try some of the many local specialties at one of Mumbai’s many top-notch restaurants, or go out on the town and sample the city’s famed nightlife firsthand.

Morning after breakfast checkout and transfer to the airport to board the schedule flight to Cochin by flight 1040 hours. Assistance on arrival at 1224 hours, transfer to the hotel. After lunch we will proceed for a Harbour cruise to visit Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Vypeen and Gundu islands to see the Chinese fishing nets. Later in the evening enjoy the Kathakali Dance presentation. Overnight at the hotel in Cochin.

Morning checkout & drive to Munnar, on arrival transfer to hotel. Day free to relax & enjoy the serenity of this hill station. Optionally visit Eravikulam Wild Life Sanctuary the only sanctuary in India where Ibex are found in the country. Evening visit the Munnar Lake Side Overnight in Munnar.

After breakfast check out and drive to Periyar 110 kms. on arrival transfer to the hotel, later visit at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries covering 777 sq. Km (300 Sq.miles) is a Tiger Reserve. Its centrepiece, the man-made Periyar Lake at the height of 2000 ft. covers 26 sq.km, running through the forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala & Play, overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast checkout and drive for Alleppey, on arrival embark at the houseboat. The day for the journey of backwaters in the boat, through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters of Alleppey by regattas (snake boats) for which Kerala is very famous, while sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this tourist land, you also enjoy fishing from the houseboats, evening enjoy sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats, moving towards Kumarakom. The Houseboats have generated electricity; sitting cum dinning area, separate bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a Chef, and Srank (Driver). Overnight at the houseboat.

Kumarakom - for the nature-lover. Here in this backwater town, you can laze in a canoe amidst sylvan surroundings where the only presence is yours and the egrets. Later visit at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, to see bird viewing where numerous species of birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of Herons roost are found. For an inquisitive bird watcher, it is always advisable to carry their binoculars at all times. Return to hotel, Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and fresh toddy the favourite fresh water food and the local wine. Overnight stay at Kumarakom.

The breakfast will be served on board, then disembark from the houseboat and drive to Cochin. On arrival transfer to the airport to board the schedule flight for Delhi depart at 1030 hours 1505 hours and arrive Delhi at 1740 hours. On arrival transfer to the international airport to board the schedule flight back to home country. On departure tour concludes with happy memories.