Wonderful West India

Delhi

Experience Old Delhi, from the opulent Red Fort and massive Jama Masjid mosque to the narrow bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk. New Delhi’s Gateway to India and the Presidential Palace showcase modern history, yet the 12th century Qutub Minar and Humayun’s tomb show that even this part of Delhi has an ancient past.

Agra is home to one of the world’s most famous monuments: the Taj Mahal, seventh wonder of the world and an impeccable ode to undying love. Before we see Shah Jahan’s masterpiece on this tour of West India, though, you will visit the mighty Agra Fort, a massive palace where Mughal emperors lived and ruled for centuries.

Set on the ancient river Yamuna, the venerable Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz Mahal. You’ll catch this marvel at dawn, when the sun gently graces the etched marble, painting it in hues of pink, light yellow and bright white. Visit Fatehpur Sikri—the short-lived Mughal capital that is now a ghost town—en route to Jaipur.

This “Pink City” teems with grand palaces and captivating legends of the ancient Rajputs. Ascend to the toweringAmber Fort on elephant back, and marvel at the `Palace of Winds.” Wander the ornate City Palace and admire Jantar Mantar, an enigmatic stone observatory. Later, enjoy an authentic Indian cuisine demonstrationwith a local family.

Set on the shores of shimmering Lake Pichola and nestled in the Aravali hills, Udaipur is one of the most romantic cities in India and a must on any tour of West India. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the lake. At night, there is nothing quite like seeing the Lake Palace—once the seat of power, and now a luxury hotel—floating in the middle of the lake, moonlight dancing on the water.

Allow Udaipur to enchant you, starting at Jagdish Temple, built in 1651. Admire the heritage mansions, boutiques and bathing ghats, and experience the opulence of the City Palace—the largest palace in Rajasthan.

After breakfast, discover the Eklingji and Nagda temples—two ancient masterpieces of storytelling in stone that include carvings from the Kama Sutra and other ancient Indian texts. In the afternoon, fly to Mumbai and onward toAurangabad, the former capital of the last great Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. This is the ideal launching point for explorations of the world-famous Ajanta and Ellora caves.

This morning explore the Ellora Caves. In all, there are 34 cave temples, dating as far back as the 6th century. Kailas Temple, the central attraction at Ellora, is the most remarkable. Chiseled by hand from a single massive rock, it is believed to have taken 7,000 laborers 150 years to build. Later, take a tour of Aurangabad, which includes seeing Bibi Ka Maqbara, the impressive mausoleum built by Aurangzeb in memory of his wife.

Today, take an excursion to the famous Ajanta Caves. The 30 caves of Ajanta date from the 2nd century BC, and are startling achievements that took around 600 years to create. The exquisite wall and ceiling paintings, panels and sculptures of Buddha’s life are famous throughout the world as the earliest and finest examples of Buddhist pictorial art. This evening will be at leisure.

Fly to Goa today, via Mumbai, and prepare for a completely different experience. Situated on the west coast of India, Goa is undoubtedly one of the most delightful states in India. Formerly a Portuguese colony, it has miles of palm-dotted beaches, a lush green countryside, glorious churches, temples, forts and monuments, and an incredible medley of Eastern and Western influences. Because of its tropical climate, Goa is a destination for all seasons.

Explore Old Goa, which showcases the Christian roots of this unique region. See the Church of St Francis—perhaps one of the most magnificent buildings in Old Goa—as well as the simple-yet-impactful Immaculate Conception Church and the impressive bell in Panjim Church.

Today enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this beach paradise. Laze around in Goa, grab a bike and explore, hit the beach, enjoy some water sports or do nothing at all… it’s all up to you.

Fly to Mumbai, a modern megalopolis infused with the country’s ancient ways and eclectic personality. Sample the many sites of Mumbai today: the Gateway of India, the Prince of Wales Museum, iconic Marine Drive, the Dhobi Ghat, a huge open-air laundry, the Jain Temple and the famed Victoria Terminus.

This morning, enjoy a boat ride from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, famous for the cave temples that have been carved out of rock. After an afternoon to enjoy your last taste of India, transfer to the international airport for your flight back home.