India: Opulent Kingdoms

Whenever you arrive you’ll be personally met and privately transferred to the The Oberoi in the city.
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Modern Delhi is British colonial architecture mixed into a super-modern, congested metropolis, so today’s sightseeing focuses on Old Delhi with its spectacular UNESCO World Heritage monuments and holy sites. Start at the Red Fort, followed by the impressive India Gate on the way to Qutab Minar, a 13th-century Islamic tower that rises 238 feet above the Quwwatul-Islam Masjid, the tallest brick minaret in the world. Some free time to pick up your lunch at a traditional café before the afternoon visit to Humayun’s Tomb, a grand dynastic, 16th-century mausoleum topped by a bulbous dome and revered as the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. A remarkable example of Mughal architecture, Humayun’s Tomb later influenced the exceptional Taj Mahal. Overnight at the The Oberoi.
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Leave the hotel after an early breakfast for the short transfer to the railway station to board the executive class coach of the Gatimaan Express to Agra. The 100-minute high-speed luxury train avoids the normal 3½+ hour congested drive to Agra. On arrival at 9:50a, a local guide will take you to the Unesco Heritage Site, the Agra Fort. The fort was originally built in the early 1500's entirely of red sandstone. A century later, delicate marble buildings were constructed within its walls by Shah Jahan, who later built the Taj Mahal. Lunch is included before continuing to Itmad-ud-Daulah, an ancient tomb whose architecture is said to have inspired that of the Taj Mahal. Overnight tonight is at the The Oberoi Amarvilas, one of India’s finest hotels and with a privileged view of the Taj from every room. Relax on your private balcony with an incredible view of the Taj before visiting this Unesco World Heritage site at sunset. The evening is independent.
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You’ll be guided to the Taj Mahal for sunrise. Return to the hotel for breakfast before driving to Jaipur. The drive is broken up with a wonderful little visit to the Chand Baori Well, an ingenious and stunningly beautiful water system dating from the 9th century. Lunch is also included before touring another Unesco World Heritage Site, the remarkable Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory). Fatehpur was the capital of the expansive Moghul empire of the 16th century. Within the walls, the Panch Mahal or Palace of Five Storeys is recognized as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture rivaling the Taj Mahal. Arrive Jaipur in the late afternoon and check into the Taj Rambagh - a majestic palace once the home of the Maharaja of Jaipur.
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Tour the city of Jaipur with a local professional guide. Built in the 18th century as the first “planned city” of India its buildings were painted rose in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales and now must remain pink by government decree! The Palace of the Winds is perhaps the most beautiful building in Jaipur, while another Unesco World Heritage site, the Jantar Mantar Observatory with its 18th century astronomical instruments is perhaps the most interesting. Clearly it demonstrates that Indian civilization at that time included a level of science even Europe could not match. Return to the hotel for some midday free time before visiting the Amber Fort. This was the site of one of the first forts built by India’s emerging elite at the turn of the first millennium. Subsequent rulers rebuilt and renewed the fortress for more than 700 years. A stroll through the colorful bazaars completes the day. An independent evening and overnight in the Taj Rambagh.
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After an early breakfast transfer for the 9:25a hour-long flight to Udaipur, scheduled to arrive at 10:15a. Udaipur completes the trilogy of India’s greatest classic cities of the 15th and 16th centuries. On the way to your palace hotel you’ll visit Eklingji, a complex of 108 Hindu temples carved from sandstone and marble first constructed in the 8th Century and which continues to draw devout Hindi visitors from across India. Its centerpiece is a four sided black marble figure of Lord Shiva. Enjoy a local lunch before continuing to the shores of the legendary Lake Pichola. Take the private launch to the Taj Lake Palace Hotel, an opulent and beautifully restored 18th century palace, perfectly converted to a modern luxury hotel. Completely covering the island the palace appears to float atop the shimmering lake. The evening is independent.
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Morning tour of India’s “most romantic city,” whose beauty was extolled by Rudyard Kipling. Founded in 1559 Udaipur was the final capital of the Mewar Kingdom and became a state capital when the British created the Raj system in 1858. Visit the City Palace on the lake built over the course of 400 years in a flamboyant fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. You’ll also visit the three-storied Jagdish Temple, famous for its magnificently carved pillars and decorated ceilings. Stroll through the "Garden of the Maidens" which legend claims was designed by a king for his bride as an oasis from the turmoil of her royal duties. After lunch at a local restaurant, time to roam with your local guide among the colorful shops and ateliers of the local bazaar. The day ends with a private sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola. Independent evening and overnight in the Taj Lake Palace Hotel.
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You’ll depart Udaipur at 9 a.m., connect through Delhi and arrive Kathmandu at 3:30p to join the main Nepal tiger safari.
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