Forts and Palaces of India: Hotels & Sightseeing (Flight additional)

About the destination: Situated on the shores of the Yamuna River in the northern region of the country, Delhi serves as the capital of India and the seat of the Government. Delhi is a massive, bustling city, filled with contrasts. Although Delhi embodies modern India in many respects, its extensive history has left it with numerous ancient and medieval monuments, archaeological sites, and significant remains, making it one of the oldest existing cities in the world. Delhi is split between the cramped, congested lanes of Old Delhi, including its main thoroughfare Chandni Chowk, where little has changed in recent years, and the broad, tidy, tree-lined avenues of New Delhi. The government and its offices are located in New Delhi, the official capital, while the majority of its historic neighborhoods and monuments are found in Old Delhi. Delhi boasts an impressive array of magnificent monuments from various architectural periods, making it a delight to explore this captivating city. However, the key tourist attractions not to be missed include the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub complex, the National Museum, India's largest mosque Jama Masjid, the India Gate, Gandhi Smriti, Lodi Gardens, and the Lotus Temple. Enigmatic and enchanting, Delhi is currently a thriving cosmopolitan city with fashionable lounge bars, themed restaurants, attractive shops, and all the amenities expected of a modern capital city. Delhi is a city of the present and future, but it is deeply rooted in history and has much to offer.

About the destination: Jodhpur is the second biggest city in the state of Rajasthan, India. It's often referred to as the Gateway to Thar, since it's situated right on the edge of the Thar Desert. It's also known as the Sun City because the sun shines nearly every day of the year. Jodhpur is also recognized as the Blue City, a fitting name since most houses in the old city are painted in various shades of blue. This is especially noticeable on the north side of the town, known as Brahmpuri. The Mehrangarh Fort, the largest fort in all of Rajasthan, towers over the city. The term "Fort" doesn't quite capture the size of the complex, which contains the Maharaja's palace, several temples, and a large garden that is still cultivated today. Notable features within the palace include the Pearl Hall or Moti Mahal, the Mirror Hall or Sheesh Mahal, the Flower Hall or Phool Mahal, the palace's inner sanctum, Zenana Deodi, and the Chamunda Mataji Temple. The city's forts and palaces, temples and havelis, culture and tradition, spices and fabrics, colors and textures, and thriving handicrafts industry all combine to make this historic city worth visiting.

About the destination: The so-called "City of Lakes" or the "Venice of the East" is situated in the state of Rajasthan and is regarded by many as one of the most romantic cities in India. A gem of the Mewar kingdom, which included a portion of the Aravali Mountains, Udaipur boasts up to five lakes that contribute to its reputation as the "Venice of the East" due to its enchanting landscapes, only interrupted by ancient palaces that have been transformed into the epitome of luxury and grandeur today. From the medieval allure of the 11 palaces that make up the renowned City Palace, to the 19 chhatris (or Rajasthani cenotaphs) that comprise the Ahar mausoleum, to its Monsoon Palace, perched atop a hill, Udaipur is steeped in history from every angle. It's a city that encourages you to wander its streets and appreciate its craftsmanship, gaze from balconies of a bygone era and feel a part of a rich royal lineage, but most importantly, to end any journey on Lake Pichola, the heart of Udaipur. An artificial lake whose islands host various resorts including The Leela Palace Udaipur and notably The Taj Lake Palace, two of India's most luxurious hotels.

About the destination: Chaotic and cosmopolitan Mumbai, previously known as Bombay, is the commercial and cultural hub of India and its most vibrant city. The city's diverse blend of cultures, ethnicities, religions, and languages makes it the most cosmopolitan city in India. Bollywood, India's equivalent to Hollywood, is located in Mumbai, with hundreds of films produced annually in Mumbai studios. Mumbai is a city of contrasts. Its skyline is dotted with skyscrapers, the Gothic and Art Deco architecture from its colonial past, and the Indo-Saracenic buildings from the city's more traditional side, all contributing to an eclectic vibe that makes the city truly unique. There's plenty to see in Mumbai, with the main attractions located in South Mumbai. Key sights include the Gateway of India on the waterfront, from where you can take a day trip to the renowned Elephanta Caves, the Prince of Wales Museum, which houses numerous noteworthy artifacts, the Jehangir Art Gallery, the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Banganga Tank, the Walkeshwar temples, the Hanging Gardens, the Parsi Towers of Silence, Mahatma Gandhi's former residence now turned into a museum, and the Bhau Daji Lad Museum. Exotic Mumbai is a thrilling and captivating destination, and it is India's most culturally active, lively, and bustling city.