Overnight international flight to New Delhi.

Upon arrival and airport reception, transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Here see the Red Fort, recognized as the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk; the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars.


Also visit Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), Chandni Chowk, and the bustling and colorful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial center of Delhi in the old time; see it come alive in the morning as the trading day starts, and Raj Ghat. Raj Ghat has a simple memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, marking the spot where he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in 1948. A commemorative ceremony is held here every Friday. The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Lal Nehru, was also cremated to the north of the memorial at Shanti Van (Forest of Peace). The area is now a beautiful park laden with trees. The Zinat-ul Masjid (Most Beautiful of Mosques) towers over the Raj Ghat.


After the metro ride continue to visit New Delhi where two monuments from Delhi's past - Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb – will be visited. In 1199, Qutub-ud-Din raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. Humayun's tomb, which was built by emperor Humayun's wife, took eight years to complete and is regarded as an example of the early Mughal architecture. The emperor's wife, Begai Begum, was buried in the tomb and the structure is the first of its kind built in the center of a well-planned garden. The combination of white marble and red sandstone was a great influence on later Mughal architecture. It is generally regarded as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of Agra.


The drive meanders along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate. At the center of New Delhi stands the 42m high India Gate, an Arc-de-Triomphe like Archway in the middle of a crossroad. It commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the First World War and bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the North-western Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. The foundation stone was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and was designed by Edwin Lutyens. The Presidential House is a palatial building built on an area of 330 acres with a private garden designed by the illustrious Lutyens, originally as the official residence of the Viceroy of India during British reign, is now the official residence of the First Citizen and the Parliament House.


Note: Yampu recommends an optional tour (price not included) to enjoy a fine dinner at the Veda Restaurant, a lavishly designed nouvelle cuisine curry house that offers a fusion of traditional Indian food with a modern spin. A second option is a visit to Akshardham, a unique, yet stunning monument that boasts 234 elaborately carved pillars, 9 decorative domes, 20 quadrangled shikhars (towers of Hindu architecture), stone elephants sculptures, and 20,000 murtis (Hindu images portraying Divine spirits). Please inquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more information.
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Begin with a drive to Agra that will take approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Then proceed for a sightseeing tour of the stunning Taj Mahal, India’s most picture perfect work of architecture and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
The area around the Taj Mahal is a protected area and the parking is approximately one kilometer away from the monument. Here we disembark and board battery buses to the Taj.


That magnificent monument of love - The Taj Mahal, was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 22 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working round the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori.


In the impressive Agra Fort, wander through the chambers of this royal residence. Driving through the city, witness the local life and bazaars and the hustle bustle of everyday India. Agra Fort is officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort is often described as a walled palatial city and as the most important fort in India. The great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived here, and the country was governed from here. It contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travelers and the highest dignitaries who made history in India.


Note: Yampu recommends an optional tour (cost not included) to a showing of Mohabbat The Taj, a live show with a touch of Bollywood. This 80 minute presentation is a charming way to top off the day at the Kalakriti Auditorium. Please inquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more details.
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Drive approximately 4-5 hours to Jaipur. En route, stop to enjoy an excursion to the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, the once imperial city of the Mughal dynasty that was mysteriously deserted years after its inception. This ornate city was built with such grandeur that words do not do justice to the glorious atmosphere created by its buildings. Once arrived, check in and have some time to relax before a sound and light show at the city’s Amber Fort.


The Amber Fort was originally built by the Meenas in the town they consecrated to Amba, the Mother Goddess, whom they knew as Gatta Rani or Queen of the Pass. Built over the remnants of an earlier structure, the palace complex which stands today was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh, Commander in Chief of Akbar's army and a member of the Emperor's inner circle of nine courtiers, in 1592. The initial structure of the fort was entirely completed by his descendant, Jai Singh I. Amber was modified by successive rulers over the next 150 years, until the Kachwahas shifted their capital to Jaipur during the time of Sawai Jai Singh II.


The sound and light show at the Fort was scripted by the noted lyricist and filmmaker Gulzar for which superstar Amitabh Bachchan will lend his baritone. The one-hour show, which will be in English, will blend the visual splendor of a light show with the gripping historical narrative surrounding the Amber Fort's history.
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This morning return to the Amber Fort for a half day excursion. Strolling through the magnificent rooms and chambers, observe the various intricate ivory, mirror and glass work. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour that will begin at the City Palace Museum, followed by a visit to Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726), and great photographic opportunity at the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds – a spectacular five storied, honeycomb styled building exemplifying superb Rajput artistry.

Note: Yampu recommends an optional tour (price not included) of an evening elephant safari. After a chance to feed these gentle creatures, ride upon their backs through a private jungle area, passing many villages, fields, and a medieval fortress as the sun sets. Please inquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more information.
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Transfer to Jodhpur. This is approximately a 5 hour drive. Once settled in, begin an afternoon tour of the city. Exploring the second largest city of Rajasthan, visit the Mehangarh Fort. Mehrangarh (meaning Majestic Fort) is one of the largest forts in India. Though the fortress was originally started in 1459 by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur, most of the fort which stands today dates from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638–78). This magnificent fort is located at the centre of the city spreading over 5 kilometres atop a 125-metre high hill. Its walls, which are up to 36 metres high and 21 metres wide, protect some of the most beautiful and historic palaces in Rajasthan. Mehrangarh (meaning Majestic Fort) is one of the largest forts in India. Within the fort, several brilliantly crafted and decorated palaces are found. Of these, Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Sileh Khana, and Daulat Khana are notable. One also finds the fort museum comprising several palaces. This museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. The ramparts of the fort provide not only excellently preserved canons (including the famous Kilkila) but also a breath-taking view of the city.


Then visit the spectacular Jaswant Thada, a pure white marble memorial built to commemorate Maharaja Singh II. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the local bazaar of the city.


Note: Yampu recommends a Jeep Safari to the nearby Guda Bishnoi Village (at added cost) to experience a sense of tribal India. 25 kilometers outside of Jodhpur, find the Bishnoi community, a group of faithful worshipers of nature and the sanctity of plant and animal life. A natural desert oasis, this is a great place to experience the customs of tribal life and enjoy its beautiful natural surroundings.
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Begin the drive south from Jodhpur to Udaipur. This is approximately a 5-6 hour drive, but will be broken up by visiting the Jain Temples of Ranakpur. The more renowned Jain temple boasts over 1400 marble pillars that are carved in exquisite detail. Opposite this temple, visit the much older Sun Temple. Then continue the drive to Udaipur. Once checked in at the hotel, have the rest of the day at leisure.

Visit the City Palace Museum - grandeur and intricacy stroked all over in granite, marble and mosaic displayed in the sparkling white filigreed balconies and windows, ornate arches and cupolas atop magnificent octagonal towers, Jagdish Temple - built in 1651 AD. Also visit Sahelion Ki Bari - the spectacular garden displaying the unique life style of the royal ladies who once lived in the palaces.


Later this afternoon take a boat cruise on the serene and beautiful Lake Pichola. The island palace on the lake called Jagmandir Palace is quite fascinating. The banks of the lake provided interesting glimpses of the daily bathing and laundry that takes place here. Looking across the lake, with the city and its great palace rising up behind the island palace, is a scene of rare beauty. Spend time in the bustling market that sprawls behind the City Palace Complex.


Note: Yampu recommends a tour of the Crystal Gallery (price not included), which displays a breathtaking collection of crystal items, including tables, sofa sets, dressers, fountains and even beds. We also offer horseback riding (price not included) through the peaceful nature and stunning landscape outside of the city. Please inquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more details.
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Transfer to the airport for a flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Spend the remaining time at leisure settling in, getting used to the surroundings, or exploring the city.

Transfer to the jetty at the Gateway of India to board a boat to Elephanta Island to see the shrine cut from the hillside. This ancient stone temple is decorated with intricate sculptures of Hindu Gods. Perhaps the most glorious of them all is the Hindu Trinity, which depicts three aspects of Shiva the Creator, Preserver and the Destroyer.
Upon returning to the city, be free to explore and observe the Gateway of India. With four turrets and intricate latticework, the archway was constructed out of yellow basalt stone for the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911, the first visit of any British Monarchs. Near the arch, find steps down to the water, where small motor launches offering short cruises of the harbor can be found (price not included).
Moving to the old British part of town, stroll through the Crawford Market and sample some of the local fruit, vegetable and meat stands. Completed in 1869, this covered market is elegantly designed with an impressive clock tower and steeple that stands above the surrounding skyline.
Also on deck for today is a visit to the Prince of Wales Museum, an odd looking building built with a mixture of Gothic and Moorish styles. With an array of ancient Indus Valley artifacts dating to 2000 BC, priceless pieces of Tibetan and Nepali art, Buddhist scrolls and Tibetan bronzes can all be found. However, the most notable attraction here is the collection of over 2000 miniature paintings from India’s various art schools.
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Flight to Kochi’s international airport. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Jewish Synagogue (of 1568) is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. It is an interesting little place with hand painted willow pattern floor tiles brought from Canton in China in the mid-18th century. The synagogue is located in an area called Jew Town which also is one of the centers of the spice trade in the region.


Visit the ancient Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace built by the Portuguese in 1557. This palace was presented to the ruler of Kochi as a gesture of goodwill. The Palace's alternative name "Dutch Palace" resulted from substantial renovations by the Dutch after 1663. The most important feature of the palace is the astonishing murals that adorn some of the palace rooms, depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharta and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara and Durga.


Also pay a visit to the amazing Chinese fishing nets operating on principles of physics advanced for their times. Kochi's Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.


Another stop is made at the St. Francis Church, the oldest European built church in India. Constructed in 1503 by the Portuguese Franciscan Friars who accompanied the expedition led by Pedro Alvarez Cabral. He famed Vasco de Gama, the first European to reach India by sailing around Africa, died in Kochi in 1524 and was buried here for 14 years before his remains were transferred to Lisbon. His tombstone can be seen inside the church.
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Drive approximately 2 hours to Alleppey to board the houseboat. Once aboard, cruise along the backwaters for a few hours, passing small villages and observing the local lifestyles. En route, see the astounding lushness of the coconut trees. Today coir making, tea shops, paddy fields, temples, and beaches all the way until sunset will all be seen. Once night arrives, the boat will be anchored at a beautiful and serene part of the lake, the comfort of superb local cuisine prepared by a personal onboard cook will be enjoyed. Lunch is also served onboard today. ...read less

Awake to pristine surroundings for a prepared breakfast before disembarkation on land to Kumarakom for the remainder of the trip. Kumarakom is a popular and scenic destination located near the city of Kottayam that is most well-known for its backwater tourism. Located on Kerala’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Vembanad, there are many resorts that offer boating, yachting and fishing. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure enjoying the panoramic views of the lake and exploring the region.

Depart for Kochi for a connection to Mumbai and flight home or continue with an optional Yampu Tours add-on.