Daily from Nov. to Apr.
FROM USD 1320 PP
12 Days / 11 Nights
Gay India Tour
Mumbai, Varanasi, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Udaipur Overload your senses - Test your limits - Restructure your basic assumptions. This tour will touch your soul. Our 12-day India adventure of discovery takes you on a journey of more than just a destination, but perhaps even long offer you leave you will be gently haunted by memories of a place, a person, even a sound, or the smells of tea, jasmine blossoming, truly awakening & mesmerizing your senses.
Arrive at Mumbai's International Airport this evening. You will be met at the airport by our representative who will give you a warm welcome with fresh flower garlands, and transfer to the landmark hotel by air-conditioned vehicle. Your room is available for immediate checkin. Accommodation: the luxurious TAJ MAHAL PALACE & TOWER hotel centrally located and overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Enjoy Buffet Breakfast at leisure in hotel. Morning: The "City of Gold," Mumbai (Bombay), is surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea. We explore this legendary city and visit the Gateway of India, the entrance to the port of Mumbai and then cruise towards Elephanta Island. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this island was originally known as Gharapurti and was renamed as Elephanta after the Portuguese found a carved elephant there. The main attraction of the island is the four rock cut cave temples dating back to 5th-8th century AD. The most renowned is the cave sculpture of 'Trimurthi', a three headed figure almost 20 feet in height, of Lord Shiva as a creator, preserver and destroyer. The historical and spiritual vitality of this place is the perfect experience to get our feet wet in what we will experience along this trip.
Late Morning: Time permitting, we may also visit Dhobi Ghat, the city's open-air municipal laundry where thousands wash clothes brought daily from around the city. Also see the memorial at Mani Bhawan, once the residence of Mahatma Gandhi.
Afternoon: Afternoon cover some more attractions of the city including the Prince Wales Museum, India's finest museum, housing treasures, artifacts, paintings and sculpture from the many periods covering India's history.
Evening: we head out for Gays Night Life in the town followed by welcome cocktail dinner at one of the best restaurants in city.
Accommodation: The iconic TAJ MAHAL PALACE & TOWER, over looking the Arabian Sea. Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast and Welcome Dinner.
Enjoy Buffet Breakfast at leisure in hotel. Morning: Morning flight takes us to the oldest living city in the world, Varanasi also said to be the India's most sacred city situated on the western bank of the holy river Ganga. Varanasi cannot easily be described, only experienced.
Evening: Our evening rickshaw (Tricycle with driver) ride passing through the busy streets and bazaars of Varanasi takes us to the holy river Ganges where we cruise to witness the ceremonies amidst hundreds of lighted candles and flower offerings. Evening introduction to Astrology by expert astrologer who will also read
our palms, if we so desire. This evening you will see things you have never seen before. Accommodation: The vibrant TAJ NADESAR PALACE hotel, Varanasi. Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast.
Quick Breakfast in hotel.
Morning: We rise before dawn and step gingerly onto a rustic boat as the wizened boatman coasts off. We wait, still, for the daily miracle to unfold. Just then, as if having waited for the audience to settle reverently in their assigned places, the Sun God appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches and temple bells rent the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas, now rises, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety and joy. We tour Sarnath, an important pilgrimage center for Buddhists. This is where the Buddha preached his first sermon after achieving enlightenment. Sarnath's temples and Archaeological Museum are full of Buddhist art treasures.
Afternoon: Afternoon flight to the capital and the third largest city of India, Delhi, a fusion of the ancient and the modern.
Accommodation: The Legendry IMPERIAL HOTEL, DELHI. Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast.
Buffet Breakfast at leisure in hotel.
Morning: Today's Delhi exploration includes the 11th century Qutab Minar Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty, who took possession of Delhi in 1206. It is a red sandstone tower, standing tall at a height of 72.5 meters and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the holy Qur'an. National Museum, having the collection of 5000 year old relics of the Indus valley civilization, varied exotic paintings, old manuscripts and mural paintings from Buddhist shrines in Central Asia. Lunch at a stylish restaurant set in a historic mansion.
Afternoon: Other attractions include The India Gate, a memorial raised in honor of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war. We will drive past the grand government buildings, the President's House and Parliament House all dating back to the time of British Raj. The grand Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple epitomises 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India's ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India's glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind.
Evening: We head out for Gays Night Life in the town. Accommodation: Imperial Hotel, Delhi. Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast and Lunch.
Quick Breakfast in hotel.
Morning: Our journey to the city of Taj, Agra takes us through the beautiful countryside. Upon arrival, visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created.
Accommodation: The magnificent TAJ viewing OBEROI AMARVILAS hotel, offering the finest of luxury & royalties.
Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast.
Enjoy Buffet Breakfast at leisure in hotel.
Morning: You will not be able to get enough of the Taj Mahal, and nothing compares to seeing it at sunrise. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan's beloved wife. It's a wealth of white marble and semi-precious stones, which sparkle to new life with the rising sun. Afternoon: Afternoon tour of imposing Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques. Evening: This evening, watch a beautiful traditional dance performance at the Oberoi Amarvilas. Accommodation: The luxurious and palatial THE OBEROI AMARVILAS hotel. Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast.
Enjoy Buffet Breakfast at leisure in hotel.
Morning: Passing through the images of rural India, a leisurely drive takes us to the vibrant city of Jaipur, also known as 'The Pink City' due to the predominant color of its buildings. Throbbing, vibrant capital city of the colorful state of Rajasthan where the regal ambience of yesteryear is still felt throughout the city's numerous carved arches and once-bejewelled fortress walls. Enroute we visit Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which has been described as “the world's most perfectly preserved ghost town”. Built by Akbar in the late 16th century, it was abandoned after only 14 years, and the elegant buildings of this superb walled city remain intact to this day.
Enroute also visit to Keoladeo Ghana bird sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is a home to an astonishing range of flora and fauna. We will see an incredible variety of birds during the rickshaw (tricycle) ride into the bird Park.
Lunch is enjoyed in the special ambiance of a royal palace. After lunch continue drive to Jaipur. Late Afternoon: Have a unique experience of a Walking Tour in a Village; catch a peek at the rustic ways of life in the villages of India. Explore a lifestyle that has been left largely unblemished by the complexities of modern civilization. See the sights of rural India where life still continues at the pace with which it has done for thousands of years. …The ancient Persian wheel drawing water from river channels and farmers hard at work with bullock drawn hoes… in the backdrop of the golden fields of mustard… are images that are now largely extinct from all the other parts of the world. Accommodation: TAJ RAMBAGH PALACE, fame for its incomparable beauty. Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast and Lunch.
Enjoy Buffet Breakfast at leisure in hotel.
Morning: Day starts with a visit to the dramatic hilltop fortress at Amber ascend the imposing fort on a decorated painted elephant. We wander among glittering inlays and the Hall of Mirrors. On the way back we stop to view the elegant Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds. This elaborate building, now little more than a façade, is encrusted with delicate screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could sneak views of the outside world.
Lunch is served al fresco in the beautiful country setting of the Aravali Forest.
Afternoon: Our afternoon visit includes the Maharajah's City Palace, now partly a museum displaying a unique fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, and houses a rare collection of paintings, Rajput armoury and costumes. Explore the city on our own and indulge in shopping for gemstones, silver jewellery, paintings, blue pottery and hand printed textiles or which Jaipur is renowned. Accommodation: TAJ RAMBAGH PALACE.
Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast and Lunch.
Enjoy Buffet Breakfast at leisure in hotel.
Morning: Fly to the romantic city of Udaipur. There is no place in Rajasthan which appeals more to the imagination of poets and painters, travellers and writers than Udaipur, an oasis in the desert state of Rajasthan.
Afternoon: Private decorated boat cruise on Lake Pichola takes in views of island palaces, ancient temples along the shore, and the old walled city.
Accommodation: The luxurious and palatial TAJ LAKE PALACE hotel, created exclusively to offer the finest of luxury and an experience of life time. Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast.
Enjoy Buffet Breakfast at leisure in hotel.
Morning: Let the glorious sunrise dazzle us at breakfast. Wander through the opulent City Palace grounds and the museum, which are the testament to the valour and chivalry of the Mewar rulers. Private tour of Crystal Gallery - probably the largest single private collection of crystal anywhere in the world. Visit Saheliyon ki Bari (the gardens the maids-of-honor), the Jagdish temple on the shores of Lake Pichola.
Today's lunch setting is in a luxuriously restored 18th century fort palace nestled in the Aravali Hills. Drive to Eklingji and Nagda Temple. Eklingji is believed to be the ruling deity of the once princely state of Mewar. The beautiful sculpted temple complex includes 108 religious structures dating back to the 15th century. We continue to the 11th century ruins of Magda.
This evening enjoy a farewell cocktail dinner in Hotel's Restaurant. Accommodation: the luxurious and palatial TAJ LAKE PALACE hotel. Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, and Farewell Dinner.
Enjoy Buffet Breakfast at leisure in hotel.
Morning at leisure.
Afternoon: Flight to Mumbai. Transfer to the airport and Board your homebound flight or connect to your onward destination.
Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast.
India's Finest 5+ Star Accommodations including the Lake Palace and Amarvilas. Each hotel has been selected based on the following criteria:
Since it opened in 1903, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai has created its own unique history. From Maharajas and Princes to various Kings, Presidents, CEOs and entertainers, the Taj has played the perfect host. The hotel is an architectural marvel and brings together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles. Offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India, the hotel is a gracious landmark of the city of Mumbai.
Situated in one of the oldest living cities of the world, on the banks of the river Ganges, Nadesar Palace has hosted royalty, statesmen and celebrities since 1835. The name Nadesar is derived from the Goddess Nadesari, whose shrine is located in the front of the Palace. Set amidst verdant gardens, mango orchards, marigold and jasmine fields, Nadesar Palace is a haven of peace and tranquility. Named after the celebrities who stayed here as the Maharaja's guests, each room and suite at the Palace draws inspiration from the city, its culture and its timeless tradition. Choose from four luxuriously appointed Palace Rooms, four Historical Suites and two Royal Suites that have a living room, a master bedroom and a dressing area. Royal Suites offer a view of the beautiful landscaped gardens. Historical suites offer views of the gardens, swimming pool or the golf course & Palace rooms offer a view of the lush green gardens.
Located in New Delhi, India's capital city, The Imperial Hotel is connected to a fascinating part of history of the city as well as India. As the name suggests, The Imperial is a downtown legendary hotel that offers you a unique blend of classic and modern India. From the private Jacuzzi, steam and sauna to an expansive bedroom, luxury is evident. In an aura of Victorian and colonial décor inside, to renowned shopping districts, major tourist attractions accessible outside, your experience to Imperial will be memorable. The 24 king palms that lead up to the porch are an integral part of and witness to the very creation of New Delhi. The Hotel was designed to be one of the finest monuments of Lutyens' grand vision of the Capital City's original master plan - a unique blend of Victorian, Old colonial and Art Deco styles. The Imperial has 233 spacious guest rooms and an impressive collection of 43 suites, with high ceilings and thematic décor.
Rated amongst the leading resorts in the world, the hotel offers the sheer opulence. Located merely 600 meters from the Taj Mahal, indulge yourself with a private breathtaking view of the spectacular monument through each of the hotels luxurious rooms. Enriched by royal services comprising of a grand holistic Spa & rejuvenating Yoga sessions, your stay at The Oberoi Amarvilas will be exclusive and unforgettable.
In the finest tradition of Rajput hospitality, the Rambagh Palace offers its guests a taste of royal living a luxury and extravagance that was once the sole preserve of kings. Its elegantly appointed rooms, marbled corridors and majestic gardens echo with history, and every corner has a story to tell. It is no wonder why Rambagh Palace was voted best hotel in the world by the readers of Conde Nast.
The Taj Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is a dream of white marble and mosaic glistening in the moonlight. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Aravali Mountains on one side of the lake, and lofty palaces on the other, the Taj Lake Palace spreads across a four-acre island an almost surreal vision in marble. The Royal Butlers, descendents of the original palace retainers, look after all contemporary comforts and ensure that all guests are treated like Royalty.
Entrance Fees: Monument Entrance fee will be extra.
Air: Domestic airfares will be extra.