Day 1 - Arrive New Delhi
Arrive tonight in India's bustling capital city of Delhi, where you are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to your hotel.

Day 2 - Akshardham Temple Sightseeing
After a leisurely morning, visit the beautiful Akshardham Temple. Built without steel, it consists of ornately carved pillars, domes, quadrangled shikhars, and 20,000 statues of India's great sadhus, devotees, acharyas and divine personalities. This evening welcome cocktail and dinner. (BLD)

Day 3 - Delhi Sightseeing
This morning's tour of the Old Delhi includes the Red Fort, Raj Ghat - a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Ashoka Pillar and the mile-long Chandni Chowk bazaar. Afternoon embark on a tour of New Delhi. Drive along Rajpath, the capital's broadest avenue, for a view of the Parliament House, the President's House and India Gate. Visit the Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar and Birla Temple. (BD)

Day 4 - Delhi / Varanasi
Today fly to Varanasi (India's holiest city), located on the sacred Ganges River. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon visit the stupas, ruins and museum at Sarnath, scene of Buddha's first sermon. This evening take a rickshaw to the Ganges to view the evening ceremony. Meet with an expert astrologer who will read your palm, if you so desire (BLD)

Day 5 - Varanasi / Khajuraho
Early morning enjoy, the sunrise on the Ganges River with a boat ride followed by a walking tour of the old city. Later fly to Khajuraho, capital of the 9th to 13th century Chandela Dynasty. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. Visit the Western group of temples containing the largest and loveliest temples, including Kandariya Mahadev (representing Chandela art at its best). (BLD)

Day 6 - Khajuraho /Agra
This morning visit the principal Eastern group of temples, modest and less ornate than the Western Group. These temples reflect the simplicity inherent in Jainism. Later, drive to Jhansi to board the train to Agra, en route visiting Orcha, a medieval city frozen in time and space, existing to this day as it must have in the 17th century. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. (BLD)

Day 7 - Agra Sightseeing
An early morning visit to the Taj Mahal presents an opportunity to admire this dream in marble as it welcomes the rising sun. After breakfast, explore the 16th century Agra Fort with its battlements, apartments, gardens and audience halls. Later visit the magnificent Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved queen Mumtaj Mahal. The monument is made of white marble and is a fine example of symmetry, balance of design and traditional inlay work. (BLD)

Day 8 - Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur
Depart by surface for Jaipur, en route visiting Emperor Akbar's 16th century abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. This ghost town is remarkably well preserved and presents a perfect synthesis of Muslim, Hindu and Jain architecture. The sculptured columns bear mute testimony to this gallant experiment to unite Hindus and Muslims. Continue on to the 'pink city' of Jaipur. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. (BLD)

Day 9 - Amber Fort Excursion & Jaipur Sightseeing
In the morning visit the mountain fortress of Amber, riding royally atop regally painted and decorated elephants. Later, enjoy a tour of Jaipur City, visiting Hawa Mahal or the 'Palace of Winds,' City Palace and the ancient observatory. (BL)

Day 10 - Jaipur / Udaipur
This morning fly to Udaipur. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Your afternoon is at leisure. (BLD)

Day 11 - Udaipur Sightseeing
Morning embark on your tour of this famous 'City of Lakes,' known as one of the most picturesque and romantic cities of India and maybe 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. Afternoon at leisure. (BLD)

Day 12 - Udaipur / Mumbai
Fly to Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India's most cosmopolitan city. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon enjoy your tour of Mumbai. Visit the Gateway of India, the Hanging Gardens and the Malabar Hills where Mumbai's rich and famous live, the Prince of Wales Museum, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and Jain Temple. (BLD)

Day 13 - Elephanta Caves
Cruise across the harbor to Elephanta Island and its famous caves, filled with carvings and sculptures dating back to 550 A.D. Afternoon at leisure. Evening farewell dinner. (BLD)

Day 14 - Mumbai / Cochin (Kochi)
Fly to Cochin in the state of Kerala, known for its well-balanced ecosystem. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy sunset cruise followed by presentation of the colorful costumed Kathakali dance drama. (BLD)

Day 15 - Cochin Sightseeing
Your tour this morning includes a visit to the Portuguese Church built by St. Francis in 1562, the Jewish Synagogue, the famed Mattancherry Palace, and the Chinese fishing nets-ingenious devices requiring little human attention.. Afternoon at leisure. (BLD)

Day 16 - Cochin / Kumarakom
Depart this morning 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. (BLD)

Day 17 - Backwaters Cruise
In the morning set out to enjoy the Backwaters. Your boat cruises through the series of canals and lagoons snaking their way through several tiny villages and 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. (BLD)

Day 18 - Kumarkom / Cochin / Depart
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon drive to Cochin airport in time to connect your onward flight. (BL)