India in the Grand Manner
$0.00
per item
Highlights:
This is the definitive exploration of India and could be considered as a segment of a luxury bucket list. Start your visit in the British Hill station of Shimla high in the Himalaya Mountains but more like an English town. Tour in splendor through Rajasthan before searching for tigers from an exclusive Lodge. Sail through the Kerala Backwaters in a luxury boat exclusively designed for these waters and complete your exotic journey in the Multi-cultural enclave of Cochin. While we think it hits all the buttons we are, of course, committed to modifying the program to make it just right for you. To take an additional worry off your shoulders, a minimum of two meals per day are included and what meals they are!
This is the definitive exploration of India and could be considered as a segment of a luxury bucket list. Start your visit in the British Hill station of Shimla high in the Himalaya Mountains but more like an English town. Tour in splendor through Rajasthan before searching for tigers from an exclusive Lodge. Sail through the Kerala Backwaters in a luxury boat exclusively designed for these waters and complete your exotic journey in the Multi-cultural enclave of Cochin. While we think it hits all the buttons we are, of course, committed to modifying the program to make it just right for you. To take an additional worry off your shoulders, a minimum of two meals per day are included and what meals they are!
SKU:
Explore: India in the Grand Manner
Customizable Itinerary - 18 Days (from $12,874 per person)
Day 1: Depart USA
Tonight you board an aircraft for the overnight flight to Delhi the capital of modern India. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities spanning a period from the 11th through the 20th Century and has seen the rise and fall of many emperors finalizing in independence from Britain in the mid-20th Century.
Day 2: Arrival in Delhi
You will arrive in Delhi in the afternoon where you will be met and escorted to your elegant hotel. An early dinner completes the day and prepares you for the adventure ahead.
Dinner
Day 3: Delhi Old and New
Start your day with breakfast and then meet your private guide for the day. First you will be back 400 years as you ride on a cycle rickshaw through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk known as the Moonlight Square of India. As you make your way you observe the architectural marvels, the multicolored facades, beautifully decorated shops, ethnically dressed men and women and be bombarded by the cries of hawkers and fragrances emanating from the potpourri of eateries that line the historic alleyways. Your guide will explain how it came to be created by an Emperor’s daughter. Finish up your morning at an old Haveli (mansion) built in 1860 where you can relax and enjoy some local snacks. In the afternoon you switch to New Delhi developed by the British and still in use today. You will pass through the diplomatic quarter, government buildings and the President’s house formerly the home of the British Viceroy. Switching gears you also visit Humayun’s tomb built by the widow of the second Mughal emperor and the inspiration for the much later Taj Mahal.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Chandigarh and the Scenic Mountain Road to Shimla
You will be met at the hotel and driven to the airport for the flight to Chandigarh in the foothills of the Himalaya. Upon arrival you are met by a guide who will be taking you to the village of Mashobra and your hotel which was the former home of Lord Kitchener, head of the British Army. Nearby is Shimla which was established by the British Raj in 1820 as their summer capital when it was the perfect sanctuary for those escaping the summer heat of the plains’. You arrive at your hotel where you can relax and look out over the Himalayas either from the terrace or from your Mountain View room. Enjoy a cocktail at the Cavalry Bar before moving into dinner at the restaurant.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: A Walk Down Memory Lane
The best way to explore this lovely hill town is on foot. With your private guide you walk through the lanes and trails and learn about the stories of a bygone era. You can visit the Gaiety Theatre, once a major focus for social life. The architectural styles are numerous ranging from Georgian to modern with Tudor thrown in. You will also have the chance to ride on a portion of the “toy train” which carries passengers over 863 bridges and 103 tunnels while offering glorious views.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6: Hiking the Foothills of Himalaya
In the morning you will have breakfast, pick up a packed lunch and meet your guide as you head out about 24 miles to the beginning of a trail that will take you to a temple at Shali Tibba. You will be walking through hill villages, thick forests, clouds dipping in the valleys, hanging cliffs, calls of Himalayan birds and, on a clear day a stunning view of the Himalaya. You reach your destination and relax as you enjoy the view before returning to the trailhead where your driver will be waiting to take you back to the hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Udaipur, the City of Dawn
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Udaipur, a city dotted with marble palaces, hibiscus-laden gardens and fountain pavilions. Over the years it has appealed to the imagination of poets and painters, travelers and writers like no other city in the country. Upon arrival you are met and taken to your hotel overlooking the waters of Lake Pichola. Take some time to relax before enjoying an alfresco dinner.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8: Arts and Crafts of Udaipur
Today, along with your guide you will get an immersion in the culture and history of Udaipur. As you start your tour at Jagdish Temple, notice how many heritage mansions line the city boulevards, the art shops and boutiques that lead to old bathing Ghats that fringe the banks of Lake Pichola. Visit the City Palace to view one of the largest collections of crystal in the world and peacock mosaic. Take a private cruise on Lake Pichola and pass by the Lake Resort situated on an island in the lake. Join a family at their private residence for a cup of tea and snacks in their 150 year old residence decorated with frescoes and mirror work. Finish up with a walk through the bustling markets.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9: Introduction to Jaipur
After breakfast you will be driven to the airport for a one hour flight to Jaipur known as the Pink City. It got its name because the city was painted Pink for the visit by the Prince of Wales in the late 19th Century. It was started in 1727 by Maharajah Sawai Jai (hence Jaipur) Singh who laid out the plan on a grid system which made it the only planned city of its time. After checking in you tour the City Palace, the Royal Observatory and the “Palace of the winds” before returning to the hotel.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10: The Amber Fort and a Fascinating Evening
In the morning you start your tour visiting the magnificent Amber Fort which was once the ancient Capital of the Rajput Empire. From the road you walk up to the fort or you can take a jeep or an elephant. ( It is your option but we do not encourage riding on the elephants ) Once on the top you will stroll with your guide through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings. After your visit the afternoon is left open but the driver is at your disposal should you wish to visit various markets. Evening is reserved for a special cooking lesson and dinner with Thakur Durga Singh the custodian of Dera Manawa. He is what one could call a modern traditionalist actively seeking the use of modern technology and methods to support the principles of traditional living. You will be engaged and well-fed simultaneously.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11: Journey to Ranthambore
Today you will head off in search of Tigers or adventure at least. You will drive to Ranthambore which will take the morning. Ranthambore is considered by many to be one of India’s most beautiful national parks. Encircled by a series of high escarpments, the forests, lakes and dry scrub that make up the park are dotted with old forts and temples, creating a wonderful atmosphere for both bird and mammal viewing amongst a landscape oozing with ancient Rajput history and Rajasthani culture. Upon arrival you are met and taken to your luxury “tent” replete with carpets and fine furniture. Have lunch at the lodge before heading out on a private afternoon game drive with a knowledgeable guide. Ranthambore is most famous as one of the founders of Project Tiger reserves and it still affords one of the best opportunities anywhere in India of seeing a Tiger in the wild. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: A Day at Ranthambore
You will have two more private game drives today. Hopefully you will get one or two Tiger sightings but even if not there are a wide variety of other animals to occupy your search including Sloth Bears, Crocodiles and Jackals. In between game drives relax around the lodge.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Fatehpur Sikri and Agra
Today you will drive to Agra with a worthwhile stop at Fatehpur Sikri a deserted red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar but abandoned soon after when the wells ran dry. Enjoy lunch at The Bagh in Bharatpur before continuing your drive to Agra which was once the capital city of the mighty Mughals and much if its majesty can be attributed to the vision and power of Akbar the Great and his grandson Shah Jahan. You will arrive in Agra in time to see the sun set on the Taj Mahal. An opportunity made easier by the proximity of your hotel to the shrine.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
Arise early to walk to the Taj Mahal as the sun begins to rise. The monument changes with light and presents itself differently at different times of the day with Sunrise being one of the most dramatic. You then return to the hotel for breakfast. You will then get a private tour of the Agra Fort originally started by Emperor Akbar. If the Taj Mahal is about love, loss and beauty, the Agra Fort is about power, intrigue and betrayal. Your guide will provide a detailed narrative. You will also visit the tomb of Mirza Ghiyath often called the Baby Taj since it was the first building to be constructed of pure marble. In the evening enjoy your final dinner at your hotel looking out at the Taj Mahal in Moonlight.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 15: Cochin, Kerala and a Backwaters Cruise
You have an early departure to transfer to Delhi for the flight to Cochin in the heart of Southern India. Upon arrival you are met and driven to Alleppey where your board your luxury vessel which is docked on Vembanad lake. Your vessel is owned by Oberoi and has just eight cabins and offers 24 hour butler service. A visit to Kerala is incomplete without a visit to the backwaters. A series of canals, which thread their way through the state to the sea, allows you a glimpse of life in Kerala impossible to access by vehicle. Once guests are on board you set off for a four hour sail. You can actively participate with the local fishermen and pass rice fields, tiny villages, boats transporting children to school and farmers transporting their produce to the market. You return to the lake to anchor and enjoy the sunset. Have dinner on board followed by dancing and music performances. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16: Cruising in Kerala
You will continue cruising today but part of the day will be after you transfer to a traditional rice boat which can navigate through the narrower sections of the backwaters. Return to the M/V Vrinda for lunch before visiting Alleppey known as the “Venice of the East”. Another musical evening enhances dinner on board.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 17: Cochin and a Return to the USA
After breakfast, you disembark and transfer to the airport to connect with a flight back to the USA which will arrive the next morning.
Breakfast
Day 18: USA Arrival
You arrive back in the USA, usually in the morning depending on air carrier.
Tonight you board an aircraft for the overnight flight to Delhi the capital of modern India. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities spanning a period from the 11th through the 20th Century and has seen the rise and fall of many emperors finalizing in independence from Britain in the mid-20th Century.
Day 2: Arrival in Delhi
You will arrive in Delhi in the afternoon where you will be met and escorted to your elegant hotel. An early dinner completes the day and prepares you for the adventure ahead.
Dinner
Day 3: Delhi Old and New
Start your day with breakfast and then meet your private guide for the day. First you will be back 400 years as you ride on a cycle rickshaw through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk known as the Moonlight Square of India. As you make your way you observe the architectural marvels, the multicolored facades, beautifully decorated shops, ethnically dressed men and women and be bombarded by the cries of hawkers and fragrances emanating from the potpourri of eateries that line the historic alleyways. Your guide will explain how it came to be created by an Emperor’s daughter. Finish up your morning at an old Haveli (mansion) built in 1860 where you can relax and enjoy some local snacks. In the afternoon you switch to New Delhi developed by the British and still in use today. You will pass through the diplomatic quarter, government buildings and the President’s house formerly the home of the British Viceroy. Switching gears you also visit Humayun’s tomb built by the widow of the second Mughal emperor and the inspiration for the much later Taj Mahal.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Chandigarh and the Scenic Mountain Road to Shimla
You will be met at the hotel and driven to the airport for the flight to Chandigarh in the foothills of the Himalaya. Upon arrival you are met by a guide who will be taking you to the village of Mashobra and your hotel which was the former home of Lord Kitchener, head of the British Army. Nearby is Shimla which was established by the British Raj in 1820 as their summer capital when it was the perfect sanctuary for those escaping the summer heat of the plains’. You arrive at your hotel where you can relax and look out over the Himalayas either from the terrace or from your Mountain View room. Enjoy a cocktail at the Cavalry Bar before moving into dinner at the restaurant.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: A Walk Down Memory Lane
The best way to explore this lovely hill town is on foot. With your private guide you walk through the lanes and trails and learn about the stories of a bygone era. You can visit the Gaiety Theatre, once a major focus for social life. The architectural styles are numerous ranging from Georgian to modern with Tudor thrown in. You will also have the chance to ride on a portion of the “toy train” which carries passengers over 863 bridges and 103 tunnels while offering glorious views.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6: Hiking the Foothills of Himalaya
In the morning you will have breakfast, pick up a packed lunch and meet your guide as you head out about 24 miles to the beginning of a trail that will take you to a temple at Shali Tibba. You will be walking through hill villages, thick forests, clouds dipping in the valleys, hanging cliffs, calls of Himalayan birds and, on a clear day a stunning view of the Himalaya. You reach your destination and relax as you enjoy the view before returning to the trailhead where your driver will be waiting to take you back to the hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Udaipur, the City of Dawn
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Udaipur, a city dotted with marble palaces, hibiscus-laden gardens and fountain pavilions. Over the years it has appealed to the imagination of poets and painters, travelers and writers like no other city in the country. Upon arrival you are met and taken to your hotel overlooking the waters of Lake Pichola. Take some time to relax before enjoying an alfresco dinner.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8: Arts and Crafts of Udaipur
Today, along with your guide you will get an immersion in the culture and history of Udaipur. As you start your tour at Jagdish Temple, notice how many heritage mansions line the city boulevards, the art shops and boutiques that lead to old bathing Ghats that fringe the banks of Lake Pichola. Visit the City Palace to view one of the largest collections of crystal in the world and peacock mosaic. Take a private cruise on Lake Pichola and pass by the Lake Resort situated on an island in the lake. Join a family at their private residence for a cup of tea and snacks in their 150 year old residence decorated with frescoes and mirror work. Finish up with a walk through the bustling markets.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9: Introduction to Jaipur
After breakfast you will be driven to the airport for a one hour flight to Jaipur known as the Pink City. It got its name because the city was painted Pink for the visit by the Prince of Wales in the late 19th Century. It was started in 1727 by Maharajah Sawai Jai (hence Jaipur) Singh who laid out the plan on a grid system which made it the only planned city of its time. After checking in you tour the City Palace, the Royal Observatory and the “Palace of the winds” before returning to the hotel.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10: The Amber Fort and a Fascinating Evening
In the morning you start your tour visiting the magnificent Amber Fort which was once the ancient Capital of the Rajput Empire. From the road you walk up to the fort or you can take a jeep or an elephant. ( It is your option but we do not encourage riding on the elephants ) Once on the top you will stroll with your guide through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings. After your visit the afternoon is left open but the driver is at your disposal should you wish to visit various markets. Evening is reserved for a special cooking lesson and dinner with Thakur Durga Singh the custodian of Dera Manawa. He is what one could call a modern traditionalist actively seeking the use of modern technology and methods to support the principles of traditional living. You will be engaged and well-fed simultaneously.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11: Journey to Ranthambore
Today you will head off in search of Tigers or adventure at least. You will drive to Ranthambore which will take the morning. Ranthambore is considered by many to be one of India’s most beautiful national parks. Encircled by a series of high escarpments, the forests, lakes and dry scrub that make up the park are dotted with old forts and temples, creating a wonderful atmosphere for both bird and mammal viewing amongst a landscape oozing with ancient Rajput history and Rajasthani culture. Upon arrival you are met and taken to your luxury “tent” replete with carpets and fine furniture. Have lunch at the lodge before heading out on a private afternoon game drive with a knowledgeable guide. Ranthambore is most famous as one of the founders of Project Tiger reserves and it still affords one of the best opportunities anywhere in India of seeing a Tiger in the wild. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: A Day at Ranthambore
You will have two more private game drives today. Hopefully you will get one or two Tiger sightings but even if not there are a wide variety of other animals to occupy your search including Sloth Bears, Crocodiles and Jackals. In between game drives relax around the lodge.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Fatehpur Sikri and Agra
Today you will drive to Agra with a worthwhile stop at Fatehpur Sikri a deserted red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar but abandoned soon after when the wells ran dry. Enjoy lunch at The Bagh in Bharatpur before continuing your drive to Agra which was once the capital city of the mighty Mughals and much if its majesty can be attributed to the vision and power of Akbar the Great and his grandson Shah Jahan. You will arrive in Agra in time to see the sun set on the Taj Mahal. An opportunity made easier by the proximity of your hotel to the shrine.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
Arise early to walk to the Taj Mahal as the sun begins to rise. The monument changes with light and presents itself differently at different times of the day with Sunrise being one of the most dramatic. You then return to the hotel for breakfast. You will then get a private tour of the Agra Fort originally started by Emperor Akbar. If the Taj Mahal is about love, loss and beauty, the Agra Fort is about power, intrigue and betrayal. Your guide will provide a detailed narrative. You will also visit the tomb of Mirza Ghiyath often called the Baby Taj since it was the first building to be constructed of pure marble. In the evening enjoy your final dinner at your hotel looking out at the Taj Mahal in Moonlight.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 15: Cochin, Kerala and a Backwaters Cruise
You have an early departure to transfer to Delhi for the flight to Cochin in the heart of Southern India. Upon arrival you are met and driven to Alleppey where your board your luxury vessel which is docked on Vembanad lake. Your vessel is owned by Oberoi and has just eight cabins and offers 24 hour butler service. A visit to Kerala is incomplete without a visit to the backwaters. A series of canals, which thread their way through the state to the sea, allows you a glimpse of life in Kerala impossible to access by vehicle. Once guests are on board you set off for a four hour sail. You can actively participate with the local fishermen and pass rice fields, tiny villages, boats transporting children to school and farmers transporting their produce to the market. You return to the lake to anchor and enjoy the sunset. Have dinner on board followed by dancing and music performances. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16: Cruising in Kerala
You will continue cruising today but part of the day will be after you transfer to a traditional rice boat which can navigate through the narrower sections of the backwaters. Return to the M/V Vrinda for lunch before visiting Alleppey known as the “Venice of the East”. Another musical evening enhances dinner on board.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 17: Cochin and a Return to the USA
After breakfast, you disembark and transfer to the airport to connect with a flight back to the USA which will arrive the next morning.
Breakfast
Day 18: USA Arrival
You arrive back in the USA, usually in the morning depending on air carrier.
