The uniquely diverse topography and climate of India provides a natural habitat for an equally varied amount of wildlife, flora and fauna. When visiting wildlife parks in India, game drives tend to take place in the early mornings, setting off just before sunrise and in the late afternoons. It is worth bearing in mind that it can be very chilly in the early mornings until the sun burns through to warm you up, and warm clothing is essential. Usually, when staying at lodges and camps in or near the parks, all meals and game drives are included. It is essential to pre-book game drives before visiting a wildlife park.
Depart on a flight to Mumbai, located on the west coast of India.
Your room is available for immediate check-in. After a morning at leisure, visit the Prince of Wales Museum to enjoy its excellent collection of ancient Indus Valley artifacts dating back to 2000 BC, in addition to priceless Tibetan and Nepali Art. Next stop is the Gateway of India, an 85-foot-high arch in front of the sea, followed by Mani Bhawan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi that includes a reference library with
over 2,000 books, a photo exhibition
of Gandhi's life and an old charkha or spinning wheel that Gandhi used. Afterward, view the colossal Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai's outdoor hand laundry
After a morning flight, you are met in Kochi and transferred overland to Kumarakom, where daily life continues unaltered as it has for centuries. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax at the resort, stroll along the shores of Vembanad Lake or enjoy an Ayurvedic spa treament.
An early morning nature tour introduces you to both resident and migratory birds around the banks of Vembanad Lake. This afternoon, travel through lush backwaters by private boat to the Spice Plantation Farmhouse for lunch with the owner and his family.
Transfer by jetty to your individual kettuvallam (rice barge). Two boatman using punting poles propel the palm-covered kettuvallam gently through the backwaters of Kerala, a truly unforgettable experience.
Disembark your houseboat in Alleppey and drive to Kochi. After sightseeing and lunch, board a flight to Mumbai before connecting to Delhi where you are transferred to your hotel.
This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi including Jama Masjid Mosque and a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar, with views of the Red Fort and Raj Ghat. After lunch, visit Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Rajpath and the India Gate.
Depart this morning for Agra, stopping en route at Sikandra, the tomb of the great Mughal emperor Akbar. This afternoon, explore Agra and its two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Agra Fort and the spectacular Taj Mahal.
Greet the sunrise at the Taj Mahal before today's journey to Alwar, which takes you through peaceful rural India. Along the way, stop at the deserted red sandstone 16th-century city of Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
Travel to Jaipur for a day of exploration, including the spectacular outdoor Jantar Mantar Observatory, which houses precise instruments for measuring and calculating the sun's position and Hindu calendar. View Jaipur's most famous building, the pink sandstone Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Next, a visit to a local Indian village includes an elephant ride with a skilled mahout. This afternoon, you have the option to visit the Amber Fort or go shopping in Jaipur, including visits to the fine jewelry stores for which the city is known.
The morning is free to enjoy the facilities and activities of your resort. This afternoon, travel by resort jeep to Bhangarh to view the splendid ruins of this now uninhabited city. Then proceed to the surrounding villages for a glimpse of local life.
Fly to Udaipur; then travel to the Aravalli Hills to your spectacular fort-palace hotel. Enjoy an evocative visit to the temples of Eklingji and Nagda followed by a camel cart ride at sunset.
Spend a full day in the lovely city of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace, take a private tour of the Crystal Gallery and visit Sakelion Ki Bari, the "Garden of the Maids of Honor." Later, cruise Lake Pichola (water levels permitting) and view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert; your cruise also includes a stop at the island palace of Jag Mandir. This evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner.
After a morning at leisure, transfer to the Udaipur airport for a flight to Mumbai.
Transfer to the airport to board a homebound flight