Globus Icons of India: The Taj, Tigers & Beyond with Udaipur & Southern India(ODE4)
17 Day Tour from Delhi to Kumarakom
How do you express your eternal devotion to the love of your life? Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan enlisted the help of more than 20,000 workers and 1,000 elephants to erect a towering white marble mausoleum in honor of his wife who died during childbirth. A sunrise visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the New7Wonders of the World, is just the beginning of your love affair with India. Beyond India’s most sparkling jewel lies a priceless gem mine of experiences you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Hop in a rickshaw for a ride through Delhi’s centuries-old Chandni Chowk bazaar, sit down for traditional Indian cuisine in the home of a noble family in Jaipur, and embark on three thrilling open-air safari game drives through Ranthambore National Park in search of marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and the elusive Bengal tiger. In Udaipur, explore the Jagdish Temple and take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola. Tour bustling Mumbai and witness its tiffin lunch box delivery system and visit the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Tour the highlights of Kochi and cruise the backwaters of Kerala to witness life along the scenic and serene waterways. A mosaic of memories awaits on this radiant tour of India.
Itinerary (2024)| Day 1 | ARRIVE IN DELHI, INDIA | | | Hello, Delhi! Welcome to Delhi, India’s capital city. Hotel check-in available mid-afternoon. | | Day 2 | DELHI | | | Delhi Delights Today’s sightseeing starts with an orientation to see the Red Fort, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Then, visit Jama Masjid and take a [LF] rickshaw ride through a local bazaar. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a bit of free time. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner that includes a cooking demonstration and talk on Indian cuisine with a local chef. (B,L,D)LOCAL FAVORITEMARKET HIGH Hop on a rickshaw and explore Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Here, ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling all sorts of goods and souvenirs—from silver and saris to spices and electronics. | | Day 3 | DELHI–AGRA | | | Remembrance & Worship This morning, visit Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in for the evening. (B,L,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTA RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE As Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship), Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is known as much for its religious significance as for its splendid architecture. The grand edifice is built in the Sikh architectural style, while this magnificent house of worship is made using stunning white marble below its commanding golden dome. | | Day 4 | AGRA | | | Moghul Monuments Start your day with a sunrise visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal. After a bit of down time, travel to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLOVE REMEMBERED Explore the extravagant Taj Mahal, a marble monument to love. Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. | | Day 5 | AGRA–FATEHPUR SIKRI–RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK AREA | | | By Road & Rail Today, stop at Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years before it was completely abandoned due to the lack of adequate water. After lunch in Bharatpur, board a train bound for Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park, one of the best places in India to spot the elusive Bengal tiger! (B,L,D) | | Day 6 | RANTHAMBORE AREA | | | The Game is Afoot Today, explore Ranthambore National Park on morning and afternoon game drives in an open-air safari vehicle. Between game drives, enjoy free time to relax. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE In addition to Bengal tigers, Ranthambore National Park is home to leopard, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyena, and more. Take the opportunity to spot them all on guided game drives today. | | Day 7 | RANTHAMBORE AREA–JAIPUR | | | Jaunt to Jaipur Today, travel to Jaipur. In 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales and it’s been known as the “Pink City” ever since. (B)FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE Enjoy a fascinating walk mingle and talk with the locals while sampling some of the region's culinary delights; try pakoras, aloo tiki, samosa, and sweets from some of the city’s most popular street food vendors. | | Day 8 | JAIPUR | | | Jewels of Jaipur Today, visit the amazing Amber Fort in the morning. After lunch, visit Jantar Mantar and explore the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes. Lastly, visit a [LF] local vocational training program for children. Tonight, enjoy a home-hosted dinner with an Indian noble family, followed by a sari-and turban-tying demonstration. (B,L,D)LOCAL FAVORITECHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE Ladli is a training program teaching orphaned and destitute children valuable skills to keep them off the streets. Here, learn about the project while interacting with the children and helping them practice their English skills.TOUR HIGHLIGHTFORMIDABLE FORTRESS Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan,” built entirely of white marble and red sandstone. This fortress-palace has a somber exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including an alabaster Hall of Victory and a superb Chamber of Mirrors. | | Day 9 | JAIPUR–UDAIPUR | | | Radiant Rajasthan Today, fly to Udaipur, known as the “City of Lakes,” to continue your exploration of Rajasthan, India’s largest state. (B) | | Day 10 | UDAIPUR | | | Only You, Udaipur Your morning sightseeing tour with a Local Guide in this romantic City of Lakes starts with a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace in Rajasthan. Then, visit the Jagdish Temple and the Crystal Gallery. After some free time in the middle of the day, embark on a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. (B,L) | | Day 11 | UDAIPUR–MUMBAI | | | City Slicker Today, fly to Mumbai, a multicultural metropolis with a colorful history. This vibrant city is now India’s premier seaport and home to the “Bollywood” movie industry. (B) | | Day 12 | MUMBAI | | | Magical Mumbai Join your Local Guide for an orientation of some of the city’s famous sites, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India. Then, witness Mumbai’s fascinating tiffin lunch box delivery system. Lastly, stop to see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. After lunch, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLUNCH BOX HEROES At Churchgate Station, the dabbawalas (box carriers) transfer the lunch boxes onto a wooden cart on a local train as they have done since the late 1800s. This color-coded lunch delivery system began over 100 years ago as migrants moved to work in what was then Bombay. Board the train for the short ride to Mahalaxmi Station where you’ll disembark and watch the boxes being sorted by color for final delivery. | | Day 13 | MUMBAI–KOCHI | | | Headed South Today, fly to Kochi, the “Gateway to Kerala,” India’s southernmost state known for its natural beauty. (B) | | Day 14 | KOCHI | | | Diversity & Heritage Your Local Guide takes you to visit the Chinese fishing nets that are the livelihood of many fishermen in the area. You’ll also take a walk through the Jewish Quarter. Then, visit the Kerala Folklore Museum, which aims to educate people about the unique culture and heritage of South India. (B) | | Day 15 | KOCHI–KUMARAKOM | | | Just out for a Cruise Today, drive out of the city to embark on an unforgettable private afternoon cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. Afterward, continue to your lakeside resort. (B,L,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTGOD’S OWN COUNTRY Explore the serene waters of Kerala – India's tropical paradise of waving palms and wide sandy beaches on the narrow coastal region below the mountains of the Western Ghats. Cruise through a world of lush green vegetation and paddy fields in a paradise that reaches to the Arabian sea. See why Kerala is named one of the “10 paradises of the world” and one of National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Places of a Lifetime.” | | Day 16 | KUMARAKOM | | | Free day, Yes! A full day at leisure to explore the area or enjoy resort amenities. (B,L,D)FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE A LITTLE, RELAX A LOT Consider a trip to visit a local village, relax by the pool, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. More optional excursions throughout your tour are available at MyGlobus. | | Day 17 | KUMARAKOM | | | Homeward Bound Your India exploration ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
Included Globus Meals Breakfast daily, 9 lunches, 7 dinners
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