India’s subcontinental status is well deserved. Hundreds, maybe thousands of cultures, more than a billion magnificently diverse people, and enough Himalaya-to-tropical land area to fit 633 Delawares. And though travel in India is vastly improved since the sometimes gnarly old days, a trip from the south— Cochin—to the north—Delhi—with much seeing of glorious sights in between, is still a little daunting. Except, of course, if you smooth out the journey by liberal use of private charter aircraft and stays at some of the country’s most salubrious hotels.

Accompanied by expert guides, we begin with restful houseboating in the backwaters of Kerala out of Cochin (see Exotic South India), then fly to Mumbai and its Elephanta Island and on to the famed Ellora and Ajanta Caves. A private flight takes us to the superb Kanha National Park, a great place for tiger viewing, and from there by private air to Khajuraho and Varanasi (see From Taj to Tiger). Another private flight takes us to Agra and the Taj, which we’ll visit at sunrise, then to the royal city of Jaipur, and on to Delhi. Included in this unique look at India are a number of special events, such as a cooking lesson with a renowned Indian chef, dinner and a Bollywood movie, a spot of elephant polo hosted by a local Rajput family, and a stylish dinner at a famous restaurant in Delhi.

Day 1: arrive in Cochin • Day 2: Cochin • Day 3: drive to Alleppey, board houseboat • Day 4: disembark houseboat, commercial flight to Mumbai • Day 5: commercial flight to Aurangabad, Ellora Caves • Day 6: Aurangabad, Ajanta Caves • Day 7: private flight to Kanha National Park • Days 8 & 9: Kanha National Park • Day 10: private flight to Khajuraho for day-touring, continue to Varanasi • Day 11: Varanasi, private flight to Agra • Day 12: Agra and the Taj Mahal • Day 13: drive to Jaipur • Day 14: Jaipur • Day 15: commercial flight to Delhi • Day 16: Delhi • Day 17: international flights home.

• General Description
• Health Precautions
• Reading List
• Travel Conditions
• Visa Information
• Weather Information

• More India Trips
• More Touring Trips