India is not what I expected. There is a distinctive smell that is a cross between incense and smoke that is pleasant and not overpowering. It is hard to capture the feel of the streets. They are a cacophony of color, sound, and motion that can be overwhelming unless you allow yourself to relax and flow into the vividness of the culture. Cars, motorcycles and tuk-tuks (three wheeled, open air vehicles) all are vying for their little bit of space by blowing their horns while people, carts, and cows move in and around traffic. Here, driving is a creative art form where a good horn, good brakes, and good luck are the rules of the road. Even the women who sweep, wore beautiful saris. While I had expected our trip to India to be an amazing adventure, I did not expect the country to leave such a deep imprint on my heart…Blair
Everything is decorated, even the trucks
Below is a sample itinerary. While prices fluctuate, they start around $2669 per person including air, or $1349 land only!
Call us at 800-882-9000, email us at info@WorldCruisesandTravel.com, or fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page so you can stop dreaming and start traveling.
The quality of the guides a tour company uses can make or break your tour experience. Not all travel companies offer the same level of service or have the same level of integrity. At World Cruises and Travel, we don’t do business with every company – only the ones who we know will consistently provide the “wow” we know you want.
Lalit, our tour guide extraordinar!
All guides are expected to speak multiple languages and are knowledgeable about the destination. However, our guide, Lalit, also possessed a big heart and a genuine caring for people . He looked after his tour passengers like a mother hen making sure we had bottled water, ate at places that were safe and even negotiated with street vendors so we would not over pay.
Speaking freely about himself, his family, and his life created a living history, while giving us an in-depth look and greater understanding at this very complex culture. Lalit is a rare individual with a deep understanding of both the American and Indian cultures. The world needs more people like Lalit who have the ability to focus on our human similarities, while creating bridges between different cultures without judging either.
DAY 1, Tuesday – Depart the USA
Delhi airport: modern, a nice surprise
Depart the USA for India. Your international flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment
DAY 2, Wednesday – Arrive in Delhi
Welcome to India! Arrive in the energetic capital city of Delhi; meet your representative and transfer to the hotel. Time to rest and relax after your journey and acclimate to the new time zone
Overnight: Delhi
Old Delhi street
DAY 3, Thursday – Old & New Delhi
Wake up this morning to the incredible journey in India that awaits you. Begin in the walled city of Old Delhi, founded by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. Travel along the winding streets to Raj Ghat, memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation and site of his cremation. Stop to photograph the massive Red Fort, a reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughal emperors. Then, ride a cycle rickshaw along the lanes of Chandni Chowk, once the imperial avenue of Mughal royalty. The tour continues to New Delhi, a city of airy boulevards, lush parks and gardens. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qutab Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret (spire) and the 20th-century Birla Temple, honoring the Hindu goddess of wealth. Drive past the imposing India Gate War Memorial to Indian and British soldiers, Parliament House and the Presidential Palace. Tonight, return back to the hotel, and enjoy an orientation meeting with your fellow travelers and tour manager. The remainder of your evening at leisure
Overnight: Delhi Meals: Breakfast
Qutab Minar, world’s tallest minaret.
Even though illegal, snake charmers pay off the police so they can collect tips from tourists.
Akshardham Temple
DAY 4, Friday – Delhi to Agra
Morning visit to Akshardham Temple, it is a beautifully ornate structure carved by 7000 sculptors out of pink sandstone and white marble with over 20,000 statues, floral motifs and exquisite carved pillars made of stone that epitomizes the spirituality and beauty of the country’s rich Hindu culture. This architectural masterpiece, built along the river Yamuna, lies in an area of over 100 acres with beautiful gardens, water fountains and carved pavilions. Afterwards, on to Agra, with its celebrated past, rich heritage and architectural treasures. This evening enjoy dinner together at the hotel in Agra
Overnight: Agra Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Taj Mahal, located in Agra India
Taj Mahal, Agra India
DAY 5, Saturday – Taj Mahal & Agra Fort
Visit the astonishing Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved Queen. Perhaps this is the most perfect architectural monument in the world, built of white marble and precious stones – regarded as the finest example of Mughal design in the world. Afterwards, stop at a local marble shop to see the wide selection of hand-crafted marble arts and crafts. Later, a visit to the red sandstone Agra Fort, with its incredible maze of walled courtyards, mosques and lavish private chambers, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, to the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah built of the finest Indian marble embellished with mosaics and inlay of semi-precious stones.Tonight, celebrate “love” at an optional evening performance of “Mohhabbat-e-Taj” – a series of plays that portrays the intense love of the Shah Jahan for his wife and depicts the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal era
Overnight: Agra Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Sunday – Agra to Ranthambore National Park
Depart Agra to the small ancient village of Abhaneri in northern Rajasthan. Here, we visit
Chand Baori step well
the Chand Baori step well, fortified on all sides, one of the oldest and largest in India dating back to the 8th or 9th century. This unique idea, conceived by the early natives to function as a water reservoir, is situated adjacent to the temple dedicated to Harshat Mata, the goddess of joy and happiness. After lunch, drive to the Ranthambore National Park region, one of the largest and most renowned national parks in Northern India, the former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Time to enjoy the beautiful new surroundings. Enjoy dinner together tonight at the hotel
Overnight: Ranthambore Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wild tiger seen at Rathambore
DAY 7, Monday – Ranthambore National Park Safari
Set out this morning on an early morning drive to the wildlife sanctuary at Ranthambore National Park. A local naturalist-guide joins you in your park-assigned Jeep or Canter vehicle as you begin your search for elusive tigers as well as hyenas, jackals and foxes. The park is dotted with structures making it is a unique and wonderful mixed flavor of nature, history and wildlife. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and in 1974 it gained the protection of “Project Tiger.” The park is truly a wildlife enthusiasts and photographer’s dream,most famous for its tigers and one of the best locations in India to see these majestic predators in their natural habitat. Enjoy lunch at the hotel, with time to relax before the evening safari that is sure to thrill you. Return to the lodge in time for dinner.
Overnight: Ranthambore Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wild bird landed on guides head
Wild Blacked Faced monkey
DAY 8, Tuesday – Travel to Jaipur
Travel to Jaipur, gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan. Arrive in this glorious city, with its colorful stucco buildings lining the wide streets and you’ll understand why it’s nicknamed the “Pink City.” The city was painted this unique color in 1876 to celebrate the first visit of the Prince of Wales to Jaipur. Drive past
Palace of Winds
stunning hilltop forts and glorious palaces en route to the hotel. Time to visit a jewelry Shop where you can bargain to your heart’s content. Then, to the world-famous Raj Mandir Cinema, a popular symbol of Jaipur with its astonishing meringue-shaped auditorium, ever-changing colored lighting and a symmetrical shaped exterior
Overnight: Jaipur Meals: Breakfast
David & Blair
DAY 9, Wednesday – Amber Fort and Highlights of Jaipur
Excursion to the spectacular Amber Fort, a stunning fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles, with its gorgeous Palace of Mirrors. On the way, drive past the Hawa Mahal, the “Palace ofWinds” with its lacy ornamental façade accented by delicate latticework and honeycomb windows. Arrive to the Amber Fort and ascend the hill to the ramparts by jeep, or on the back of an elephant (if available). From here, view the breathtaking panorama of Jaipur’s original city walls and Maotha Lake. Enjoy some refreshments while browsing a local
Sweepers
Rajasthan textile and handicrafts store with silk-weaving, embroidery, clothing and carpets created by the villagers. This afternoon’s tour includes the beautifully preserved 18th century Jantar Mantar Observatory with its ingenious instruments, and the opulent City Palace, a former royal residence, now a grand museum with an extraordinary collection of paintings, costumes and armory. Tonight’s optional evening is highlighted by the exotic flavors of Indian cuisine at a local neighborhood restaurant, while you’re entertained by performers in traditional attire as they perform various interesting dance moves on the rhythm of the accompanying musical instruments
Overnight: Jaipur Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Thursday – Jaipur to Jodhpur
Arrive in the blue-hued old city of Jodhpur, which lies at the foot of the massive 
Mehrangarh Fort that dominates the skyline. Time to relax before the visit to the Jaswant Thada Memorial, built in 1899 out of the finest marble in honor of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Afterwards, walk along the winding medieval streets lead to homes painted blue in the Brahmin tradition (the “Blue City” is really blue!) and shops and bazaars selling everything from musical instruments to saris. Glimpse into the daily life of this energetic city while exploring the markets and shopping for locally crafted items. Tonight, an optional dinner at a local Jodhpur restaurant accents the area’s very special cuisine
Overnight: Jodhpur Meals: Breakfast
Jain Temple
DAY 11, Friday – Jodhpur and Ranakpur to Udaipur
Before departing Jodhpur, ascend to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, built in 1459 of burnished red sand stone, often called the “Citadel of the Sun.” This fort, one of the most impressive in all of Rajasthan is acknowledged as one of the best preserved forts in all of India. On our drive, we stop in Ranakpur to visit one of the Jain’s holiest pilgrimage centers and the Jain Temple, dating back to the 14th and 15th century, crafted of pure white marble with more than a thousand columns. See the magnificent views of the surrounding landscape before departing to Udaipur, known as the “City of Lakes” and celebrated for its fairy-tale marble palaces that seem to rise from the waters of Lake Pichola. Spend the rest of the day acquainting yourself with this beautiful city
Overnight: Udaipur Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Saturday – Udaipur and Lake Pichola
On our morning tour of Udaipur we visit the spectacular City Palace, a soaring creation of marble and granite perched on the lake’s edge. This extravagant palace complex, the largest in Rajasthan, blends medieval, European, and Chinese architecture and is richly decorated with glittering Belgium mirrors. After, on to the Jagdish Temple, with its exterior reliefs of alligators, elephants, horsemen and celestial musicians rising in tiers, the 
largest and most splendid temple of Udaipur. The serene setting of the Sheliyon-ki-Bari gardens is our next stop, with its lovely fountains, lotus pools and marble elephants. Linger at the gardens, return to the town, or return to the hotel. Later enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Pichola
Overnight: Udaipur Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13, Sunday – Mumbai (formerly Bombay)
Flight this morning to Mumbai (formerly Bombay), the most populous city in India, with a rich blend of Eastern and Western heritage. Begin at the commanding Gateway to India Arch, built to commemorate the 1911 royal visit of King George V, and ironically used 24 years later to parade the last British regiment as India marched towards Independence.
Dhobi Ghat
Continue to Dhobi Ghat, where dirty laundry from all over Mumbai is brought to a massive open-air laundry and painstakingly hand washed by the “dhobis” (washermen) in endless rows of concrete troughs fitted with flogging stones. It provides an unforgettable glimpse into the workings of the city and unlike anything you have ever seen. Stop at the Mani Bhavan Mahatma Gandhi Museum where Gandhi’s movement was launched in 1942 and the serene Jain Temple. Drive through colonial Mumbai with its many buildings, structures and historical monuments still remaining from the colonial era. Tonight, share wonderful memories of
Sunset over the Arabian Sea
your journey in India at a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Mumbai Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 14, Monday – Full Day in Mumbai
Enjoy the day at leisure to explore Mumbai on your own. Late evening transfer to the airport for your flight back to the USA
Day Use: Mumbai Meals: Breakfast
DAY 15, Tuesday – Arrive USA
Transfer to the airport for the departure flight to the USA
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