Leisures Legendary 14-Day Historical India Tour

Day 1: Arrive Delhi and Introductory Tour

Welcome to India! After passing through customs, meet your guide for the transfer to your hotel. 

After checking in to your hotel, set off on an afternoon tour of Old Delhi with your guide and driver. Begin at Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; and Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Hop onto cycle rickshaws and set out through the bustling marketplace, Chandi Chawk. Pass through Dariba Kalan, the gold and silversmith district, then through Kinari Bazaar, with the most colorful shops in Old Delhi, and Khari Baoli, famous for its nut and spice  shops. Return to your hotel for the evening. You may wish to schedule an evening massage to help you sleep and avoid jet-lag. 

Delhi luxury hotel suggestions: The Park New Delhi,  Leela Palace, Imperial Hotel

Day 2: Touring Delhi Old and New

Your guide will meet you in the lobby later this morning to continue touring India's capital city. New Delhi is reminiscent of grand cities such as Washington D.C. or Paris, with its broad boulevards, monumental government buildings, and lush gardens.

Begin the tour with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Humayuns Tomb, a red sandstone edifice constructed in the 16th century. The dome of the tomb inspired the design of the Taj Mahal, built 60 years later. Then, proceed to the India Gate monument, the circular Parliament building, and the impressive Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of Indias President.

Proceed to the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, with its eye-catching golden dome. Here you can see Skihs worshiping in the community temple and preparing meals for all visitors. If you like, you may help out in the community kitchen. End the tour with some shopping at Khan Market which houses popular shops such as Anokhi and Fab India. 

Day 3: Delhi to Agra

This morning, your driver will transfer you to Agra (about 3.5 hours) to check into your hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, begin your tour. Agra is famous worldwide for the Taj Mahal, but this Moghul city has many other cultural highlights. Tour the fascinating Agra Fort, which provides magnificent views of the Taj. Shah Jahan was deposed and imprisoned here by his son, Aurangzeb, and spent his last years gazing at the tomb he had commissioned for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Also visit Itmad-ud-daulah, a 17th century tomb Mirza Ghiyath Beg. Later, proceed to the Taj Mahal to see it bathed in late afternoon light as the sun starts to set. One of  the most photographed buildings in the world, the Taj delights visitors with its ideal proportions and delicately jeweled walls. 

Agra luxury hotel suggestions: Trident Agra, The Oberoi Amarvilas 

Day 4: Transfer to Ranthambore

Following a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, you will be transferred to Ranthambore (drive time in about five hours, not counting stops).Along the way, stop at the fantastical abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. Constructed in the 16th century, severe water shortages drove residents away not long after its completion. The remaining buildings are beautifully preserved specimens of classical Moghul architecture. 

Check into your accommodations and get ready for your first safari drive this afternoon in Ranthambore National Wildlife Park. Once famous for friendly tigers that regularly roamed in broad daylight, the tigers are more reclusive now, but this is still one of the best places to see them in their natural habitat. Many other wild animals live in the park, including hyenas, deer, antelope, leopards, wild boar, mongoose, and many species of birds.

Ranthambore luxury hotel suggestions: Vivanta by Taj - Sawai Madhopur Lodge,  The Oberoi Vanyavilas 

Day 5: Tiger Safaris

Today you will have both morning and late afternoon safari drives through Ranthambore National Wildlife Park to increase your chances of seeing tigers and other wildlife. 

Day 6: Overland to Jaipur

If you like, have one more safari drive early this morning. Then, you will be transferred by road (about four hours) to Jaipur to check into your hotel. 

Your guide and driver will be available for flexible touring and shopping in the afternoon. The local bazaars are a riot of colors and activity; Jaipur is famous for its traditional embroidered slippers, block prints, silver and gold jewelry, and the tie-dyed cloth known as bandhni. Should you like to have clothing custom made for you, your guide can take you to a tailor for measurements and selecting a fabric and style.

Jaipur luxury hotel suggestions: Taj Jai Mahal Palace, Oberoi Rajvilas, Samode Haveli

Day 7: Jaipur Tour

Your full day tour with your guide and driver begins with a drive to Amber Fort, a splendid example of Rajput fort architecture. Fortified by natural hills and a series of gates, the fort contains a stunning Hall of Public Audience facing a beautifully painted Ganesh pole. Tour the palace and walk along the fort walls to take in the view. 

In the afternoon, a tour of Jaipur will include the Observatory, the Maharajas City Palace (now a museum), and the Hawa Mahal, a lovely pink faade with over 900 windows. This evening, witness an aarti ceremony (a traditional  Hindu prayer) at the famous Birla Temple.

Day 8: Flight from Udaipur to Jaipur

You will have a private transfer to the Jaipur airport for the flight to Udaipur. You will meet your guide and driver on arrival and begin your private tour. 

The City Palace, perched on a hill surrounded by crenelated walls, is the perfect place to start your tour. Inside, see the Crystal Gallery, and nearby Vintage Car Museum. Continue to Jagdish Temple, Udaipurs largest and most exquisite temple, and the lovely gardens of Saheliyon Ki Bari. 

The rest of the day with your guide and driver is tailored to your interests. You may choose to shop the local bazaars for miniature paintings, textiles, wooden toys, or the other  many collectibles on offer. Later in the afternoon we recommend a boat trip on Lake Pichola. Admire serene views of the city, the Lake Palace, the island of Jag Mandir,  while the golden glow of the Monsoon Palace lights up the surrounding hillside.

Udaipur luxury hotel suggestions: Taj Lake Palace, The Oberoi Udaivilas 
 

Day 9: Touring Royal Udaipur

This morning, we recommend a yoga class at the hotel, followed by a treatment at the spa. In the afternoon, your guide and  driver will take you out of the city to the Devi Garh Fortress, a beautiful resort in a former royal residence, a perfect blend of past and present in Rajasthan. Stroll through the nearby Dilwara Village, which retains its culture  and authentic style, with most of its inhabitants pursuing traditional agriculture as a profession. This 450-year-old village has a  varied community comprising Jhalas, Patels, Gametis (Bhil tribe), Muslims, and Jains. Then enjoy dinner at the palace restaurant. You'll be returned to your hotel later in the evening

Day 10: Nagda and Eklingji Temples Tour

After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you to the Nagda and Eklingji temples. Nagda is about 14 miles away from Udaipur, and was the capital of the ancient Mewar people. See ruins of the Vishnu, Shiva, Jain temples that reflect the great architecture of past days. A few miles away is the temple of Eklingji, built in 734 AD. It has an ornate mandap (pillared hall) and the huge pyramidal roof is composed of hundreds of knots very vividly carved and finely decorated with the colored stones.

Day 11: Flight from Udaipur to Mumbai

You will have a private transfer from the hotel to the Udaipur airport for the flight to Mumbai. Your local guide will meet you in the arrivals hall of the Mumbai airport for the transfer to your next hotel. 

With an estimated population over 22 million, Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) is the most populous city in India. It is the commercial and entertainment capital of India, home of the world-famous industry known as  Bollywood. After dropping your luggage at the hotel, set off on a sightseeing tour with your guide, beginning at the Gateway of India, Mumbais iconic arch by the sea. Explore Crawford Market, where you can spend some time at the fresh market, walking through a labyrinthine maze of fresh fruits, vegetables, spices and exotic birds. Continue to Dhobi Ghat, an incredible outdoor laundromat  for the city, then take a look at the stunning Gothic Victorian facade of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station. Than, take a stroll to see the beautiful  flowers of Hanging Gardens, and popular Chowpatty Beach, a favorite place for locals to relax. Nearby is Mani Bhawan, former home of Mahatma Gandhi, now a small museum. End the tour with a ride along Marine Drive, a sweeping seaside promenade with glittering street lights lining the road. 

Mumbai luxury hotel suggestions: The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Trident, Nariman Point Mumbai Hotel

Day 12: Bollywood Tour

Today, embark on a full day Bollywood tour. Begin with a drive past the homes of Bollywood stars as you head to the studio. See the fabulous homes of actors from yesteryear and current favorites while your guide fills you in on Bollywood gossip. Then, begin your Bollywood studio tour. Depending on the production schedule, you see an action sequence, a choreographed dance number, or dramatic scenes being rehearsed and filmed. Return to the city later in the afternoon. If you like, spend some time shopping in Colaba, an area known for its trendy boutiques, cafes, markets, and restaurants. You'll have time to pack and rest at your hotel before departing for the airport around  midnight.

Day 13: Mumbai Tour

This morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel to continue your exploration of Mumbai. Away from the towering skyscrapers of the city is the quaint  Worli Fishing Village, a six hundred-year-old village settled by the original inhabitants of Mumbai, a fishing community. The locals here have held fast to their traditional way of life and surprisingly little has changed over the centuries. Walk inside Worli Fort, a British watchtower from another era that overlooks the Arabian Sea. 

 

In the afternoon, head to the dock for a boat to Elephanta Island. These cave temples, dedicated to the Shiva, the Hindu deity, date back over 1500 years. Look out for the striking carved figure of Trimurti, the three-headed Shiva. Take in a panoramic view of Mumbais skyline from the boat on your way to and from the caves.

Return to the hotel for your final evening in India. 

Day 14: Depart India

Today, your guide and driver will pick you up for the transfer to the Mumbai airport for your international departure flight.