You will be absolutely amazed by all that is included on A Portrait of India, this most comprehensive India tour that gives you a complete look this complex country from north to south – the Value for 2012 is unbeatable in both additional inclusions and price! Live like a maharajah on travels from northern India to its southern tip, while taking in cultural treasures and staying in some of the world's top-rated hotels. Two-night stays at the award-winning The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, include views of the spectacular Taj Mahal – and in Udaipur, you'll long remember the magnificent The Oberoi Udaivilas, a palace-style hotel overlooking a serene lake.

This popular India tour is applauded by guests for its unique sightseeing experiences and many inclusions. View the amazing temples of Khajuraho, and cruise by houseboat in southern India through Kerala’s beautiful canals. Some of the most moving experiences include a boat ride in Varanasi to witness spiritual ceremonies along the River Ganges; an exclusive insider visit to a chef's private home in the southern region of Kerala – with a cooking demonstration and a taste of hospitality; a special Maharajah evening with dinner and entertainment; a sari and turban demonstration; houseboat and river cruises, a martial arts demonstration, a dance performance... and so much more. With special insights provided by local experts, this India tour is a must for any world traveler!

Day 1 Quiet grace & charm
Meals
Your India tour begins at The Oberoi, New Delhi. Transfer from Indira Gandhi International Airport to your landmark hotel, The Oberoi, New Delhi, renowned for gracious service; it's set right in the heart of the city. Due to flight schedules, you will probably arrive at the hotel after midnight local time. You may want to travel a day early to ease the effects of jet lag and relax a bit before this India tour begins – just mention this at the time of booking; we can book your international flights for travel originating in the U.S. and can arrange a pre-stay at The Oberoi, New Delhi.

Lodging The Oberoi, New Delhi

Day 2 Explore New Delhi
Meals B, L, D
Explore India’s capital city with an insider guide; a sightseeing excursion shows you the Secretariat buildings, Parliament House, Presidential Palace, and India Gate, commemorating Indian and British soldiers. Stop at the Gandhi Smriti Museum, paying tribute to the inspiring leader Mahatma Gandhi who forced change through non-violent protest. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the five-story sandstone Qutb Minar Victory Tower, built over 8 centuries ago, and Humayun’s Tomb, set in beautiful gardens. This Mughal creation popularized Persian-influenced architecture and was an inspiration for the Taj Mahal. You'll have much to discuss this evening at the welcome cocktail reception and dinner.

Lodging The Oberoi, New Delhi

Day 3 Delving into the past in Old Delhi
Meals B, D
Check out the colorful bazaars, sacred temples, 17th-century havelis (mansions) and colonial monuments in the winding streets of Old Delhi, the capital of Muslim India from the 12th through the 19th centuries. See the sumptuous Red Fort palaces, the symbol of Indian nationhood. Visit India’s largest mosque, the white marble Jama Masjid, and see Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site. Spend the afternoon as you wish – and for your dining pleasure this evening, it's your choice. Dine à la carte at a selection of fine restaurants in the hotel.

Lodging The Oberoi, New Delhi

Day 4 Ceremony on the River Ganges
Meals B, L, D
Fly to the ancient city of Varanasi, built on the banks of the sacred River Ganges. Since the 6th century BC, this city has been a key destination for pilgrims who seek blessing and purification in the river’s holy waters. A sightseeing tour visits Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, and the National Museum, home to a priceless sculpture collection dating back to the 3rd century BC. Tonight, take a journey by boat along the River Ganges to witness ceremonies "putting the river to sleep." Amidst hundreds of lighted candles and flower offerings, tonight will be a special highlight of this India tour.

Lodging The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi

Day 5 Sunrise cruise on the Ganges & off to the temples Meals B, L, D
This India tour continues when you rise early for a cruise on the River Ganges to view the Varanasi sunrise ceremonies, then fly to Khajuraho for an overnight stay. "Wow" is a common and appropriate response to the treasures you're about to explore. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986; during the Chandella dynasty about a millennium ago, between 950 and 1,050 temples were built. They were described as striking a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture; though only about 20 remain today, their exquisitely detailed sculptures put them among India's most revered works of art. Dine à la carte this evening at your leisure at your hotel, surrounded by lush gardens near the temples.

Lodging The LaLiT Temple View Khajuraho

Day 6 Orchha's ruins and a train to Agra Meals B, L, D
This India tour continues to historic Orchha, where ancient palaces, temples and cenotaphs speak volumes about India's Mughal empire. Once inhabited by royalty, today the eerily silent ruins are home to brilliant green parakeets and chattering langurs. See the soaring spires of the cenotaphs before you travel by train to Agra, home of the magnificent Taj Mahal. Your room in the luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas offer a wonderful view of this stunning man-made wonder...what a sight to wake up to!

Lodging The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

Day 7 Eighth Wonder of the Modern World... Meals B, L, D
Guests who wish may visit the Taj Mahal in time for sunrise – the gates open at sunrise. Those not going quite so early will join your Tour Director a little later than sunrise (but still early morning) for a guided visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal, with time to explore on your own and take photographs. A guided tour of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, follows. Inside, you'll get a very good look at medieval lifestyles of 16th- and 17th-century Mughal emperors. Join us if you wish on an afternoon excursion to the walled imperial city of Fatehpur Sikri for in-depth exploration of this remarkably preserved site, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dine as you please this evening at your choice of restaurant in the hotel.

Lodging The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

Day 8 Enjoy the royal treatment in Jaipur Meals B, L, D
Travel to Jaipur for a two-night stay at The Oberoi Rajvilas, reflecting the gracious lifestyles of India's legendary Rajput princes. A sightseeing tour of Jaipur includes the City Palace Museum and the Jantar Mantar Observatory – a collection of architectural astronomical instruments for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, figuring out the declinations of planets and determining the celestial altitudes. And the most interesting fact – they were all built by Maharajah Jai Singh II between 1727 and 1734! Attend a special evening fit for Maharajah royalty tonight, celebrating India's cultural traditions and cuisine.

Lodging The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

Day 9 Palaces and pavilions of Jaipur Meals B, L, D
A highlight of your India tour, today's sightseeing includes the many gems of Jaipur, from the massive gateways and pillared pavilions of Amber Fort to a tour of Amber Palace, with its magnificent domes, massive ramparts and glittering hall of mirrors. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, pursuing what interests you most in Jaipur.

Lodging The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

Day 10 Saris & Turbans & on to Udaipur Meals B, L, D
After a morning of leisure at your hotel, join us for a closer look at daily life in Jaipur. Learn the art of dressing in a sari and a turban during a private demonstration, then take a rickshaw ride to visit the Birla Mandir, a modern architectural marvel surrounded by lush green gardens. Fly to Udaipur for two nights at The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, Travel + Leisure’s “Number 1 Hotel in the World” in 2007.

Lodging The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Day 11 A lake cruise plus Udaipur's temples & palaces Meals B, L, D
A leisurely cruise on Lake Pichola sets the stage for a sightseeing tour with our local guide. Visit the 18th-century fountain gardens of Saheliyon Ki Bari, and the Jagdish Mandir Temple. View the City Palace, a labyrinth of richly decorated courtyards, frescoed galleries, and marble temples. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Lodging The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Day 12 Sunset cruise on the Arabian Sea Meals B, L, D
Fly to Kochi (Cochin) in the state of Kerala, on the southern tip of India, home to coconut groves, paddy fields and wide beaches. Cruise its inland waterways before setting off on a spectacular sunset cruise on the Arabian Sea. Enjoy a performance of the renowned Kathakali Dancers prior to dinner tonight at your hotel.

Lodging Taj Malabar

Day 13 Traditional cuisine and more in historic Kochi Meals B, L, D
Kochi (Cochin) dates back to the 15th century, boasting myriad historic sites. After a lecture on southern India's unique heritage and cultural diversity, Kochi sightseeing includes Fort Cochin, the oldest European settlement in India. Later, visit the private home of an acclaimed Kerala chef for a cooking demonstration and dinner this evening. Lively conversation, lively spices and delectable dishes await!

Lodging Taj Malabar

Day 14 Kumarakom Lake Resort Meals B, L, D
Explore the small villages of coastal Kerala as you make your way to your lakefront resort on the picturesque island of Kumarakom to continue your India tour. Tonight you'll be treated to a cultural entertainment program featuring the Mohiniattam dancers.

Lodging Kumarakom Lake Resort

Day 15 Cruise on a Kerala houseboat Meals B, L, D
Board unique houseboats for a cruise along the canals of Kerala, often referred to as the "Venice of the East." An unforgettable martial arts demonstration this evening is both educational and entertaining; there is no other ancient martial practice in the world that can compete with its training system and application techniques.

Lodging Kumarakom Lake Resort

Day 16 Welcome to Mumbai (Bombay) Meals B, L, D
Fly to the "City of Gold," Mumbai (Bombay), surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea. Upon arrival, an introductory sightseeing tour maps out the city for you. Your accommodations for the next two nights are at The Oberoi, Mumbai; dine à la carte tonight at your hotel.

Lodging The Oberoi, Mumbai

Day 17 Elephanta Island temples Meals B, L
Visit the Gateway of India, and then cruise to Elephanta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the rock-cut cave temples with sculptured interiors dating back to the 6th century. A highlight is the Mahesamurti, a triple-headed Shiva statue. Following lunch in Mumbai and an afternoon spent as you please at the hotel, join us this evening for a farewell cocktail reception as your India tour comes to an end.

Lodging The Oberoi, Mumbai

Day 18 Journey home Meals
Tour ends: Mumbai (Bombay). Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from your hotel in Bombay to Sahar International Airport. Most international flights depart between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Nights 1 - 3 : The Oberoi, New Delhi - New Delhi, India
Located close to the city center, The Oberoi, New Delhi overlooks the prestigious Golf Club on one side and Humayun’s Tomb on the other. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this elegant hotel is a favorite of sophisticated travelers. The readers of Travel + Leisure rank The Oberoi, New Delhi among the top 50 hotels in Asia, and Forbes Traveler 400 places it among the “The World’s Best Hotels and Resorts.” Guest rooms are artfully decorated in contemporary Indian style and provide such welcome amenities as plasma TV with satellite channels and CD player, wireless broadband Internet access, and mini bar. Pamper yourself at The Oberoi Spa, take advantage of the well-equipped gymnasium or enjoy a dip in the new heated outdoor swimming pool. Three restaurants, Threesixty, Travertino and Taipan, offer a variety of cuisines while The Oberoi Patisserie and Delicatessen invites browsing amidst gourmet treats and international luxury brands.

Night 4 : The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi - Varanasi, India
Recently renovated and refurbished and set within 40 acres of lush gardens, The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi is a haven of tranquility in this bustling city. Guest rooms welcome with Wi-Fi connectivity, TV with satellite channels, in-room safe, minibar, and tea/coffee maker. During leisure time, have a swim in the pool, keep up with your workout in the Fitness Centre or just take a walk in the gardens. International cuisine is featured at GAD, with a choice of an elaborate buffet or an a la carte menu, while Varuna specializes in authentic Indian cuisine. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian snacks are available at the Prinsep Bar along with a good selection of wines and spirits.

Night 5 : The LaLiT Temple View Khajuraho - Madhya Pradesh, India
Set amidst lush green surroundings close to the western group of the temples of Khajuraho, The LaLiT Temple View Khajuraho enjoys an ideal location. Comfortable guest rooms feature such welcome amenities as air conditioning, coffee / tea maker, iron and ironing board, free in-house movies, satellite and cable TV, international direct-dial telephones and refrigerator. During leisure time, stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, have a dip in the pool or indulge yourself at Rejuve – The Spa. Panna, the multi-cuisine restaurant and Mahua, the hotel bar, are sure to please.

Nights 6 - 7 : The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra - Agra, India
The luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas is located just 600 meters from the world’s most famous monument, the Taj Mahal. Moorish and Mughal in architecture, it is surrounded by terraced lawns, fountains, reflecting pools and pavilions with rich interiors that are reminiscent of the days of princes and emperors. The readers of Condé Nast Traveler named The Oberoi Amarvilas to the prestigious Gold List and the readers of Travel + Leisure rank it as one of the world’s best hotels. Your guest room, with a view of the Taj Mahal, features Burma Teak flooring, spacious marble bathroom with separate shower and tub, mini bar, walk-in closet with electronic safe, LCD TV with satellite channels and DVD player and more. Set in a torch-lit terraced garden, the white marble swimming pool seems straight from The Arabian Nights. If you’re craving some exercise, you’ll find a fully equipped, state-of-the-art gymnasium within the Oberoi Spa. Both the Bellevue, featuring fine international and authentic Indian cuisine, and Esphahan, the specialty Indian restaurant serving traditional Indian dishes, are excellent dining choices. Cap off your evening at the Bar while enjoying your favorite beverage on its terrace with a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal.

Nights 8 - 9 : The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur - Jaipur, India
The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur evokes the opulent lifestyles of the legendary Rajput princes. Set amid 32 acres of lush, landscaped gardens with pavilions and reflecting pools with Jaipur as a backdrop, guests are surrounded and enveloped with the romance and grandeur that was Rajastan. All guest rooms have regal four-poster beds and sunken marble baths overlooking private, walled gardens and provide LCD TV with satellite channels and DVD player, wired and wireless broadband Internet access, walk-in closet with electronic safe, mini bar and more. Relax and reflect in the beautiful heated swimming pool set in a garden, play some tennis, hit the ball around a five-hole pitch and put course, burn off some calories in the fully equipped gymnasium or allow the Oberoi Spa to lull you with personalized treatments drawn from both Eastern and Western traditions. End the day feeling like Rajput royalty as you linger over a nightcap in the Rajwada Library Bar. Both Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure give The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur top marks

Nights 10 - 11 : The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur - Udaipur, India
Capturing all of the splendor and romance of a royal era, palatial The Oberoi Udaivilas sits on the shores of Lake Pichola. Udaipur is a city renowned for its palaces, and this splendid hotel evokes the Rajasthan-era grandeur, romance and splendor once enjoyed by royalty. On its grounds with rambling courtyards, rippling fountains, reflecting pools and verdant gardens – and within its interiors embellished with hand-painted frescoes, intricate mirrors and meticulously crafted artifacts – the ambiance is one of regal splendor. Guest rooms, each with a private walled courtyard, are elegantly appointed with fine Indian textiles and custom-designed, handcrafted furniture and provide LCD TV with satellite channels and DVD player, wired and wireless Internet connection, mini bar and many more welcome amenities. Two magnificent heated outdoor swimming pools await, as does a state-or-the-art gymnasium and The Oberoi Spa, a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation. In the evening, relax in the refinement of the Bar with a variety of spirits. wines and cigars.

Nights 12 - 13 : Taj Malabar - Cochin, India
Enjoying a magnificent view of Cochin Harbour from Willington Island, the Taj Malabar, built in 1913, blends modern convenience with old-world elegance. Guest amenities in all distinctive and elegant rooms include wireless Internet access, electronic safe, mini bar, hairdryer, tea/coffee maker and TV with satellite channels. Take advantage of the swimming pool and steam room, keep up with your workouts in the Fitness Centre, or give yourself over to the many pleasures of the Jiva Spa.

Nights 14 - 15 : Kumarakom Lake Resort - Kumarakom, India
Known as the “land of green magic,” Kerala is a lush and beautiful area on the coast of southwest India. It is here that the lovely Kumarakom Lake Resort, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and winner of the World Travel Award as India’s Leading Resort, beckons with the perfect blend of elegance and tradition embodied in its freestanding villas set amidst 25 acres of greenery at the edge of Lake Vembanad. Peace, tranquility and true relaxation abound. Guest accommodations were created with materials from century-old ancestral homes, retaining traditional details as well as New Age amenities welcomed by sophisticated travelers. Swimmers will love the meandering swimming pool!

Nights 16 - 17 : The Oberoi, Mumbai - Mumbai (Bombay), India
Located on Nariman Point with the best view of Mumbai with the tip of the “Queen’s Necklace,” Marine Drive, on its doorstep, The Oberoi, Mumbai couldn’t be in a better location. Away from the hustle and bustle found in other parts of the city, it is still close to shops, restaurants and other pleasant diversions. Like the other famous Oberoi hotels, The Oberoi, Mumbai warmly welcomes guests with top-notch service in a luxurious ambiance. The hotel is in the midst of a multi-million renovation after which more specific information regarding new guest room amenities, recreational facilities and dining options will be available.

INCLUDED
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, entertainment, special dinners, motor coach transportation, sightseeing, porterage, admissions, the services of Tour Directors, local guides and drivers are included. Transportation from Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport to the Oberoi, New Delhi is included provided you furnish us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of your tour. Transportation from The Oberoi, Mumbai to Chhatrapati Shivaji (Mumbai/Sahar) International Airport is also included when you check out of the hotel. Transportation to and from airports and train stations may be shared with other guests.

Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triple requests on this tour will be accommodated in one two-bedded room and one single-bedded room, with the exception of The Grand Temple View, Gateway Hotel Varanasi, and the Kumarakom Lake Resort, where a triple will be accommodated in a two-bedded room with a rollaway bed. These accommodations, when so outfitted, limit the amount of open space in the room.

Tour Director – A Portrait of India is conducted by a Tour Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tour Director is a professional, fully trained employee.

Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.

Gratuities Included – All customary gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff, local guides and drivers are included.

No Options Sold – Your Tour director will assist with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant experience for you.

NOT INCLUDED
Transportation to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.

Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. Airport transfers are included in these bookings as described above in Inclusive Prices. If you wish to spend additional nights, please discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.

Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities.

Lost luggage is an unfortunate possibility in today's world of airline travel. We suggest that you:
Pack at least one change of clothing in your carry-on bag
Split your items between your suitcase and a traveling companion's suitcase
Do not pack any vital medications or valuables in your checked luggage
Confirm that your luggage is checked and tagged to your final destination at airport check-in
Place your luggage claim tags in a secure place for your flight
File a claim for any missing luggage immediately before leaving the baggage claim area
Secure a case number and contact information for follow-up communications
Make certain that the airline has your onward itinerary Your Tour Director will assist you with airline and other carrier communications, but has no inside contacts to guarantee or expedite recovery of lost luggage. All recovery costs, including the communication costs, are your responsibility. Check your travel protection details for covered expenses.

Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual train and airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.

Tour Director Gratuities – The customary gratuity to the Tour Director is not included. We ask that gratuities be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.

January - March
September - December

Prices
From approx $7,940 US per operson based on double occupancy