India – by Luxury Train

Package Price Includes:

Package Price: $9,895*

**Per person cash discount price, based on double occupancy.
Does not include international airfare, tips and visas or Bhutan extension.

Note: The land Itinerary, the train itinerary, the hotels and the flights are all subject to changes that are out of our control.

REGULAR TOUR DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1: December 27: Fly to Mumbai (Bombay) India
Fly from the U.S. to Mumbai.

Day 2: December 28: Arrive Mumbai
Late Evening: For those flying on our group airfare or those that meet at the airport at the time of our group arrival flight – Jim and Carol, along with our staff in India will meet you outside the arrival lounge area at the airport. Transfer to the 5-Star Luxury Trident Hotel in Mumbai.  (Transfers are included if you booked our group airfare or your flight arrives on or before and departs on or after our group flights.)

Day 3: December 29: Mumbai
Leave for an orientation tour of the city. Our first stop do quick photo stop at University of Mumbai. Thereafter we will stop to visit famous Mumbai VT Station. Next we will visit another popular site in Mumbai-Dhobi Ghat. Even if you are not possessed of an interest in other people’s dirty laundry, you’ll be fascinated with the sight. Each morning washing from all over Mumbai is brought here soaped, soaked, boiled, beaten, and thrashed. This will be a fascinating photo stop that you will never be able to duplicate anywhere else! Visit Gateway of India, the principal landmark of Mumbai, was the principal port when the visitors came to India by ship.  Later in the afternoon embark on a mechanized boat as you leave for an excursion to Elephanta Island (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The island is famous for its great cave shrine, excavated in the sixth century, dating back to the period, when the island was known as Gharapuri, the Fortress City. Return to the hotel. Accommodation: Overnight 5-Star Luxury Trident Hotel.

Day 4: December 30: Mumbai — Kathmandu
Fly nonstop from Mumbai to Kathmandu – estimated flight time 11:30 arriving around 2pm. Upon arrival into Kathmandu we will visit Swayambhunath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, dedicated to Buddhism is situated in a hillock 80 m above the ground level and is claimed to be 2000 years old. There are numerous Buddhist monasteries (Gumba) around. The view of the valley is spectacular from here. Kathmandu Durbar Square, one of the seven World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley is worth visiting. It was the center of ancient and medieval Kathmandu. You will visit the Hanumandhoka Palace of Malla Kings. You would also like to have an audience of Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal, Kasthmandap Temple that is said to have been built of a single tree trunk. Thereafter arrive and check in at your 5-Star Luxury Marriott Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 5: December 31: Kathmandu
This morning we have scheduled a flight to view Mount Everest. After returning we will return to our hotel for breakfast and freshen up. From here, you will drive to Boudha Nath Stupa, the biggest stupa in the world. This is one of the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley. Thereafter, visit Pashupati Nath Temple, the holiest Hindu Temple that draws devotees from all over Nepal and India. This temple is situated on the bank of Bagmati River, which is considered as holy as Ganges. Cremation goes throughout the days and nights on the bank of Bagmati River. Later visit Bhaktapur, one of the three principalities of medieval Kathmandu. Bhaktapur, the youngest city in the valley has preserved its ancient look and originality. You would love to see the “Golden Gate” of the “Palace of 55 Windows”. There are temples with intricate woodcarving, houses with different kinds of windows and balconies, stone sculptured water tanks, monastic complexes etc. Return to your luxury Marriott hotel for our special New Year’s Eve dinner and cultural entertainment.

Day 6: January 1: Kathmandu — Kolkata
This morning we fly to Kolkata. We do not know the schedule of the airlines yet, several times a week there is a non-stop between Kathmandu and Kolkata the other days you have to fly through a connection in Delhi. Either way we plan to fly this morning to Kolkata. Depending on timing of arrival between today and tomorrow we will experience Kolkata. 5 Star-Luxury Hotel: Taj Bengal.

Day 7: January 2: Kolkata
Today will be a full day city tour will drive by the Dalhousie Square [covering Raj Bhavan, St. John’s Church, High Court, GPO, Town Hall, Writer’s Building and other important colonial buildings. We will also visit the Flower Market, Howrah Bridge, Jain Temple, Belur Math, Dakshineswar, and Kumartuli before returning to our Luxury Taj Bengal Hotel.

Day 8: January 3: Kolkata — Varanasi
We will take a mid-morning flight from Kolkata to Varanasi on the Ganges – the most sacred place on earth for the Hindu Religion. Upon arrival we will check into our 5-star Luxury Taj Ganges Hotel. After a little free time we will depart late afternoon for an exciting rickshaw ride and evening Aarti on the Ghats overlooking the Ganges River – before returning to our luxury hotel.

Day 9: January 4: Varanasi — Delhi — Luxury Train
This morning will be a highlight as we plan on an early morning boat ride on the sacred River Ganges. After we will return to our hotel before heading to the airport for our early afternoon flight to Delhi. Late this afternoon we will transfer to the Deccan Odyssey Train in Delhi where you will receive your traditional Indian welcome and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink. After completion of all formalities, you will be shown to your delightful cabins. Tonight your luxury train will depart for Agra.

Day 10: January 5: Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train — Agra
Arriving at Agra, you will realize that the Mughals were not just the greatest dynasty to rule,India but also its greatest builders. After a leisurely breakfast on board, you will visit the Taj Mahal, which was Emperor Shah Jahan’s gift of love to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and is truly the world’s most wondrous monument. The making of the Taj Mahal is as much a fable as the edifice itself. It took 20,000 men 22 years to build this unrivaled mausoleum and its exquisite white marble was brought from 200 miles away by caravans of elephants and camels. Special Lunch at a City Hotel. After lunch, your tour of Agra continues as you visit Itmad-ud-Daulah, a marble mausoleum built by Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, in memory of her father, Ghiyas Beg. Sometimes called the ‘Baby Taj’, it is beautifully conceived in white marble, mosaic and lattice. Thereafter proceed to Agra Fort, another outstanding example of Mughal architecture, and the seat of Mughal reign and administration for three generations. The present structure owes its origins to Emperor Akbar who had its first buildings of red sandstone erected on the eastern bank of the river Yamuna. His grandson Shah Jahan, the most artistic and prolific builder of the dynasty, later added the impressive marbled private quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. A visit to the Diwan-e-Am, ‘Hall of Public Audience’ and the Royal Pavilions is not to be missed. Later, you have the opportunity to visit the local markets to admire the exquisite Pietra Dura (marble inlay) artefacts and Mughal ornaments OR as an optional activity you may avail of spa facilities at a hotel before completing your tour of this historical city. Late evening, you return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner and your onward journey to Sawai Madhopur. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey (train scheduled departure at 9pm).

Day 11: January 6: Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train — Sawai Madhopur — Ranthambhore National Park  
Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan is the alighting point for the famous Ranthambore National Park, and India’s efforts to conserve the dwindling tiger population can be seen here. The park is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country and the most likely place to spot one of these majestic animals. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you set out for your village safari.  The people of Rajasthan’s villages are mostly tribal who subsist on farming and hunting. These friendly folk are warm and welcoming, happy to show guests around their villages, giving deep insights into their daily lives. The women here wear bright colors to offset the drab desert, and most people live in mud huts. Visit a local home and interact with the family. When you’re done with the village safari, return to the comfort of the Deccan Odyssey. Enjoy a leisurely lunch before you set out for a tiger game drive. Ranthambore is home to several other species as well; you might have a chance to see herds of Chital and Sambhar deer as well as wild boar, Nilgai antelope and chinkara gazelles. There are also sloth bear, a few leopards and crocodiles. Extensive bird life includes jungle fowl, partridges, quails, the crested serpent eagle, woodpeckers, flycatchers etc. There are also water birds like storks, ducks and geese at the lakes and waterholes. If it’s your lucky day, you could spot a tiger lolling around lazily in the sun, or feverishly hunting down deer around the lakes! After a fulfilling afternoon, proceed for high tea at the Sawai Madhopur Lodge, the former hunting lodge of the erstwhile royal family of Jaipur. Feel free to share the spoils (of your photo-shoots).

Day 12: January 7: Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train — Udaipur   
The Deccan Odyssey rolls into Udaipur in the morning. Set on the shores of the placid Lake Pichola, Udaipur, known as the City of Lakes, is easily one of the most romantic cities of India, surrounded by scenic hills. Enjoy your breakfast as you admire the picturesque landscape of the Aravali hills. Rest of the morning at leisure. After lunch, you will disembark to visit the famous City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas, which also houses the spectacular Crystal Gallery. The tour of this magnificent city is completed with a boat cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola. Later proceed on a walking tour through the Old City of Udaipur. On this tour you will explore the Old City’s lively, busy and old fashioned colorful bazar which still retains local charm and feel. As we walk along on the serpentine narrow streets, the place gives us the opportunity to see the shops selling spices, tea, bamboo baskets, flowers, sweets and other household items. Thereafter you return to the Deccan Odyssey for a relaxed evening and dinner as we depart for Jodhpur. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey (Scheduled Departure at 9pm).

Day 13: January 8: Deccan Odyssey Train — Jodhpur  
This morning as the Deccan Odyssey travels through the stronghold of the Marwar region, enjoy a relaxing morning on board as you breakfast, unwind and experience the striking panorama of the Thar Desert, arriving at Jodhpur. The morning is at leisure on board the Deccan Odyssey. Following lunch, set out to explore the magnificent city of Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City, after the vivid blue-painted houses that surround the Mehrangarh Fort. Set like a pearl amidst the stark desert, this former capital of Marwar boasts some of the finest architecture from the Rajput era, renowned for its superb forts and glorious palaces. Experience glimpses of the lifestyle of the residents as you explore the city. Walk through the bustle of the Old Clock Tower market, past old havelis and houses, continue to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, the pride of Jodhpur. Marvel at the intricate carvings and expansive courtyards of the several palaces inside as well as the amazing view of palanquins, arms, paintings, costumes and the arts and crafts of a bygone era at the museum. In the evening enjoy a wide array of sumptuous Marwar barbeque delights served in the royal courtyard of Mehrangarh Fort as you admire the cityscape from atop of the Fort. Having taken in your share of the sublime beauty of Jodhpur, return to the Deccan Odyssey and head for Jaisalmer – Overnight on Deccan Odyssey (Scheduled Departure at 8pm).

Day 14: January 9: Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train — Jaisalmer  
Arrive at Jaisalmer which is the heart of Thar Desert. Jaisalmer was founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D. Explore the Jaisalmer city and the fort area. Enjoy the day in this beautiful desert town. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey (Scheduled Departure at 9:30pm).

Day 15: January 10: Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train — Jaipur  
Legendary for the triumphs of its proud Rajputs, Jaipur, the City of Victory, is surrounded by the rugged Aravali hills – crowned by formidable forts – and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens. Royal processions and parades, in all their splendour, graced these palaces and forts once. The city is a colorful oasis in the desert and you will notice a timeless quality to Jaipur’s bazaars and its people. After breakfast you drive to Maharaja Mansingh’s 17th century masterpiece, the Amber Fort that overlooks the beautiful Maota Lake. The fort is a sprawling complex of courtyards, halls and rooms adorned with beautiful paintings, precious stones and mirrors. Behold the Sheesh Mahal, ‘Hall of Mirrors’, where a single lamplight reflects in many mirrors, and lights up the entire room, creating a dazzling effect. En-route to Amber Fort visit the Palace of Winds, otherwise known as the Hawa Mahal, famous for its intricate pink sandstone carving and a beautiful view of the city. Thereafter you will visit the famous City Palace of Jaipur, an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes and carpets. Walk across to the adjacent Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory built in the 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh. A wondrous achievement for its time the observatory gives accurate readings even to this day. Lunch at a City hotel. After your full day of delving in the royal past of Jaipur you will return to the Deccan Odyssey as it departs for Delhi. (Scheduled Departure at 8pm).

Day 16: January 11: Disembarkation in Delhi 
Upon arrival in Delhi, after saying good bye to our luxury train, we will proceed for our sightseeing tour of New Delhi – visit the 12th century Qutab Minar, gracefully hand- carved for its entire height of 234ft, and the iron pillar, which has withstood the ravages of time not rusting even after 1500 years. It was designed by a Persian architect named Mirak Mirza Ghiyas. Drive past the India Gate (war memorial dedicated to the lives of the Indian soldiers), Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President’s house) – formerly the Viceroy’s Palace, Parliament House and the Secretariat Buildings- an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture. Late afternoon we will check into our 5-Star Luxury Trident Gurgaon Hotel.

Day 17: January 12: Delhi Sightseeing — Late evening flight home or depart for extension group to Bhutan  
Today after breakfast we proceed for sightseeing tour of Old Delhi visiting Jama Masjid – The largest mosque in India. Here you will also enjoy Rickshaw Ride in narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk – once an imperial avenue of Mughal Royalty which today is the busiest commercial market of City. Visit Raj Ghat – the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, drive pass from the magnificent Red Fort – a marvel in red sandstone, built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. In the evening transfer to Delhi International to catch your return flight back to the U.S. Note: Bhutan extension passengers will overnight tonight in the Luxury Trident Gurgaon Hotel. See details on Bhutan Extension below.  (Transfers are included if you booked our group airfare or your flight arrives on or before and departs on or after our group flights.)

Day 18: January 13: Arrive Home

 

BHUTAN EXTENSION DAY BY DAY TOUR ITINERARY

Important note:  Tourism is very restricted in Bhutan. They limit the number of tourists visas each year and all visitors must travel as part of a pre-arranged package or guided tour, it is not open to independent travelers. Airfare into Bhutan is limited, usually only flown 3 days during a week.  Bhutan charges a large number of expensive tourist and visa fees to discourage tourism.  In fact, almost ½ of your cost to visit Bhutan can be found in the many fees and the cost of the airline into and out of Bhutan.  Having stated all of the above, our group does have permission to tour Bhutan and even though it is expensive – WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!!

Day 17: January 12: Delhi
Today after breakfast we proceed for sightseeing tour of Old Delhi visiting Jama Masjid – The largest mosque in India. Here you will also enjoy Rickshaw Ride in narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk – once an imperial avenue of Mughal Royalty which today is the busiest commercial market of City. Visit Raj Ghat – the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, drive pass from the magnificent Red Fort – a marvel in red sandstone, built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. We will overnight tonight in the Luxury Trident Gurgaon Hotel.

Day 18: January 13: Bhutan
This morning we will fly through breathtaking mountains before we land in Paro, Bhutan. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our 5-Star Luxury Taj Tashi hotel in Thimpu. Dinner is included tonight.

Day 19: January 14: Thimpu Valley
This morning you will drive to Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world and is Bhutan’s seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family. In Thimpu we will visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), the National Memorial Chorten, the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums, and the Tashichho Dzong, this impressive fortress/monastery houses the secretariat building, the throne room of his majesty, the king and various government offices. This evening we will return to the Taj Tashi – dinner is included.

Day 20: January 15: Paro Valley
Today we will visit Ta Dzong which was built as a watchtower to Rinpung Dzong. It is now a national museum. After the museum, we will visit Rinpung Dzong, which was built in 1646 and is also called the “fortress of the heap of jewels”. After we are done touring we will transfer to our 5-Star Luxury Le Meridian hotel. Dinner is included tonight.

Day 21: January 16: Tiger’s Nest
Today will be the best highlight day of all of India, Nepal and Bhutan. We will visit the Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, which is nestled up on a cliff of the mountain. We will ride horses 1/2 of the way up and then we will have to hike and climb many stairs the rest of the way. We will have to hike down to the bottom. We will then drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought off Tibetan invader’s centuries ago.  End back at our hotel.

Day 22: January 17: Fly to Delhi and continue home
This morning we will be leaving beautiful Bhutan and fly back to Delhi.  Then continue later this evening with our flights back to the USA and home.  (Transfers are included if you booked our group airfare or your flight arrives on or before and departs on or after our group flights.)

Day 23: January 18: Arrive home