Day-By-Day Itinerary

This itinerary can be fully customized; to tailor this package to your specific requirements please call one of our travel specialists at 1-800-22-SWAIN.

Day 1 Fly USA to New Delhi

Please note international air from the USA has not been included in the package price.

Day 2 Welcome to New Delhi, India

The Golden triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur is a microcosmic representation of India. Delhi is the harmonious osmosis of power and heritage. Agra is immersed in soft romanticism and Rajasthan confronts you with its fierce magnificence. The golden triangle has beckoned travelers for centuries. The sights and the sounds are intrinsically Indian and something that one can savor for years to come.

You will be met and assisted at the International airport by our representative upon arrival and transferred to your hotel.

The story of Delhi is about wealth and who held the keys to that wealth. From the native sons of Hindusthan who fought over it to the foreigners who plundered, crushed and rebuilt their own Delhi each time. The British also delivered a blow by changing the capital to Calcutta (Kolkatta) but later changed back to Delhi in 1911. After independence a New Delhi was crowned the capital of a free India, fulfilling a destiny that confirmed that history will always be determined in this city. Spread across the city from the posh colonies in the south to the unchanged mohallas of the north, Delhi is both a trip into the past and a survey of the present.

Day 3 Tour - New Delhi city tour

Commence your combined sightseeing tour of the famous historical sights in Old and New Delhi, visiting the Raj Ghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Drive past the Red Fort (1639-48) built by the builder of The Taj Mahal - Shah Jehan; visit Jama Mosque - the largest mosque in India; the Qutab Minar (72 m high) - one of the most perfect towers of the Persian world. End the tour with a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and President's Residence.

Day 4 Transfer New Delhi to Agra

The drive today is around 5 hours.

Agra is famous the world over as the home of the magnificent Taj Mahal which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The city is also laden with smaller architectural treasures. It is famous for marble carvings, semi-precious stones, and silk embroidery. This charming city never ceases to amaze with its heady mix of history and culture.

Day 5 Tour - Taj Mahal and Agra Fort tour

The Taj Mahal is an extravagant marble monument of love, built by Shah Jahan in 1653 as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble took 22 years and 22000 craftsmen to build.

The tour also includes a visit to the Agra Fort, the original red sandstone fort built by Moghul Emperor Akbar in 1565, whose maze of courtyards; a marble mosque and private chambers reflect the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. Sikandra the tomb of Emperor Akbar and Itmad Ud Daula are also a part of this tour.

Day 6 Transfer Agra to Ranthamnbore

Today you will transfer to Ranthambhore Wildlife Reserve.

A prime example of India’s conservation efforts, Ranthambhore National Park covers 820 miles and is home to jackals, panthers, abundant birdlife, and the world-renowned “friendly tigers”. Watch as a tiger languidly stretches in the midday sun unperturbed by visitors, or sit back and take in the wild beauty of verdant bush as it creeps towards dense forest on a jeep safari. For a slower pace, visit the park’s creeper-covered tenth-century fort and make an offering to Ganesh, the elephant-headed god of good fortune.

Day 7 Tour - Game viewing safari

Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary extends over an area of 392 square kilometers of thick forests.  The place abounds in the scenic beauty and is a refuge for both the carnivorous and herbivorous animals.  The numerous valleys and flat hill tops form picturesque surroundings of the 10th century historical Ranthambore Fort.  One can spot predators like the Tiger and Leopard and other carnivorous animals like the Hyena, Jackal and Sloth Beer.  The sanctuary also abounds in Wild Boar and various varieties of Deer like spotted Deer, Sambhar, Chinkara and Nilgai (blue bull). The common Langaur (monkeys) abound in the trees.

Day 8 Transfer Ranthambhore to Jaipur

Drive from Ranthambore to Jaipur today.  Drive time is around 3.5 hours.

Jaipur - The capital of Rajasthan, this picturesque city is a symphony in pink, a color that symbolizes hospitality in Rajput culture. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century it is surrounded by hills topped with rugged fortresses and dotted with fairy tale palaces. Ambling camels and brightly dressed peasants, reflect Jaipur’s desert heritage while teeming markets display a profusion of handlooms and crafts.

Day 9 Tour - Jaipur city tour and Amber Fort

The Amber Fort is one of the most magnificent destinations in Jaipur and is situated on the rugged hills outside the town. It is an example of fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture built in red sandstone and white marble. The highlight of the fort is the Seesh Mahal (mirror Palace), a palace known for its craftsmanship in mirrors.

Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs until Sawai Jai Singh II moved down the hill to his newly created capital, Jaipur. This is one of the most magnificent destinations located on the hills just outside Jaipur. It was built by Raja Man Singh in 1600 AD and completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century.

Visitors riding painted elephants can ascend to the Fort to see magnificent gateways, courtyards, pavilions, and a glittering chamber of inlaid mirrors. It also locates in itself large ramparts, terraces and pavilions. Painted scenes of hunting and war adorn the walls with precious stones and mirrors set into the plaster. In the foreground is the Maota Lake with breathtaking reflections of the magnificent Amber Fort Palace.

Tour the walled city of Jaipur, a shopper’s paradise famous for handicrafts, jewelry and the list goes on. Visit the unique Jantar Mantar magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728. The Hawa Mahal, the intriguing Palace of Winds which is really a facade built in 1799, to allow royal ladies to view the city from the windows. Continue the tour to visit the City Palace, former royal residence built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style. Its museums offer an excellent collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armory.  A part of this Palace is still in use by the present royal family as their official residence.

Day 10 Fly Jaipur to Udaipur

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Udaipur. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle.

Dubbed the ‘Venice of the East, ’Udaipur is built around the picturesque Lake Pichola. The city’s labyrinth of temples and havelis (ornate houses) invites hours of quiet contemplation. The two islands in the lake command attention with their lotus-lined waters and floating palaces, one of which was formerly the royal summer palace and is now a Taj Hotel.

Tour - Lake Pichola cruise

Enjoy a motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. Maharana Udai Singh enlarged the beautiful Lake Pichola after he founded the city.  The city palace extends a considerable distance along the east bank of the lake. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. One would get an interesting view of the Dhobi (laundry) ghats. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - a lovely island palace in the middle of the lake.

Day 11 Tour - Udaipur city tour

Begin your tour with a visit to the City Palace. At this Palace complex, one will marvel at the rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, windows with colored glass, inlaid marble balconies and the peacock courtyard. Visit the temple of the Sun God, with its erotic sculptures. We also visit lovely gardens, the Jagdish temple and the local Museum.

Day 12 Fly Udaipur to Mumbai

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle.

India’s answer to Hollywood, Mumbai more affectionately known as “Bollywood” is the heart of Hindi cinema, the largest film industry in the world, and has all the kitschy glamour of its western rival. Escape the humidity and mingle with locals in a gigantic air-conditioned cinema, while watching star-crossed lovers’ battle gun-wielding thugs before breaking into song. For glamorous settings off the screen, view ornate gothic architecture and enjoy a cool cocktail at the stunning Taj Mahal Palace & Tower.

Tour - Mumbai city tour

The tour begins at the Prince of Wales Museum, built to commemorate King George V first visit to India in 1905. Designed in the Indo-Saracenic style, the museum has sections of art, paintings archeology and natural history dated back from the 18th to the 19th century. Across the road is the Modern Art Gallery, which is a must for any connoisseur of art. Continue the tour to visit The Gateway of India, Mumbai (Bombay)’s foremost landmark overlooking the harbor, was conceived following the visit of King George V in 1911 and officially opened in 1924.

A drive up to the Malabar Hill, to the hanging gardens, gives a panoramic view the city and the Queens Necklace the Marine Drive. The tour concludes with a drive through the Flora Fountain and fort area and views the Gothic and Victorian style buildings. Visit the Victoria Terminus (now known as Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus) India’s finest Gothic building and a bustling Railway Station. Continue drive around Horniman Circle and visit the Town Hall, right besides the docks.

Day 13 Tour - Elephanta Island

Enjoy a morning excursion to Elephanta Island by boat. This island originally known as Gharapurti, was renamed as Elephanta after the Portuguese found the carved elephant there. The main attraction of the island is the four rock cut temples dating back to 5th-8th century AD.   The most renowned is the cave sculpture of 'Trimurthi', a three headed figure almost 20feet. in height, of Lord Shiva as a creator, preserver and destroyer.

Day 14 Fly Mumbai to USA

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.