Essence of India: -16 Days - 16 Days 15 Nights

Day 1

Met at the airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight Hotel.

Day 2

After a morning at leisure, visit the Prince of Wales Museum, the Gateway of India and the Dhobi Ghat, a unique and colorful outdoor laundry. Then drive up Malabar Hill to the lovely Hanging Gardens and Kamla Nehru Park. Back in the city, visit Mani Bhawan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi, and end your day at bustling Crawford Market. This evening, join fellow travellers for welcome drinks and dinner. Overnight Mumbai.

Day 3

A cruise through Bombay Harbor brings you to the magnificent 6th-8th century rock-cut cave temples on Elephanta Island, created during the golden age of the Guptas and inspired by the worship of Shiva. After touring Elephanta, fly to Udaipur this afternoon. Overnight Udaipur.

Day 4

A morning excursion to the temples of Eklingji and Nagda offers evocative glimpses of their bygone glories. This evening (water levels permitting), board a motor boat launch to visit the Jag Mandir, built in the 15th century as a pleasure palace. Overnight Udaipur.

Day 5

Tour Udaipur's opulent City Palace; the Sahelion-Ki-Bari, or "Garden of the Maids of Honor" and the Crystal Gallery. Overnight Udaipur.

Day 6

After a morning drive to Kumbhalgarh, arrive at your hotel in time for lunch. This afternoon, visit Kumbhalgarh Fort to enjoy its superb views, high above the pass to Udaipur. Overnight Kumbalgarh.

Day 7

A daylong drive to Jodhpur begins this morning, with an en-route stop for lunch and sightseeing at Ranakpur, nestled in the picturesque Aravali Hills, whose intricate white marble temples date back to the 15th century. Then, on to Jodhpur and your hotel, where you dine this evening. Overnight Jodhpur.

Day 8

Once the capital of the princely state of Marwar, Jodhpur is now Rajasthan's second largest city. Today's sightseeing includes the Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace and Mandore Garden. Overnight Jodhpur.

Day 9

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur. Check into hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight Jaipur.

Day 10

Jaipur epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana - despite its current incarnation as a bustling metropolis, the city still retains its 18th-century character and history. Here a morning excursion to the Amber Fort precedes an afternoon at leisure. Overnight Jaipur.

Day 11

City sightseeing includes the Hawa Mahal, the Jantar Mantar Observatory, and the City Palace. Overnight Jaipur.

Day 12

Drive from Jaipur to Agra, with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri en route. Built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century, "ruined" Fatehpur Sikri is in pristine condition, a fairytale city built of red sandstone. Another stop shows you the Bulund Darwaza, largest gateway in the world. Overnight Agra.

Day 13

Tour the imposing Agra Fort, built of red sandstone and marble. Later today, a visit to the Taj Mahal is timed for sunset, to watch its beautiful white marble turn slowly to soft, rosy pink. Overnight Agra.

Day 14

Depart for Delhi by land, visiting Sikandra, tomb of the great Moghul emperor Akbar, en route. Tonight, in the capital, gather for farewell drinks and dinner. Overnight Delhi.

Day 15

Tour both Old and New Delhi today, visiting Raj Ghat, the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, the Red Fort, once the Moghul Empire's most opulent fortress/ palace, Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar and the landmark Iron Pillar and Embassy Row leading to the Presidential Palace. Overnight Delhi.

Day 16

Transfer to the airport to board your onward flight.