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Our Continental Airlines flight will arrive into Mumbai (Bombay) at 9:40PM and we will stay at the lovely Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, located on the waterfront. We will stay here for the next four nights.

This 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 truly gracious landmark, showcasing contemporary Indian influences along with beautiful vaulted alabaster ceilings, onyx columns, graceful archways, hand-woven silk carpets, crystal chandeliers, a magnificent art collection, an eclectic collection of furniture, and a dramatic cantilever stairway.

We’ll have some time to explore Mumbai, a city Rudyard Kipling extolled as the ”Mother of cities.” The history of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is the story of an incredible transformation.The British built it expressly for trade and over the years it changed hands many times -- from the fishing village of the Kolis, through the Portuguese conquest, to Catharine of Aragon who took the seven islands of Mumbai as her dowry to Charles II of England.

Mumbai was -- and still is -- the Gateway to India, commemorated by a monument of that name built to mark the visit of King George and his consort, Mary. Today, Mumbai is India’s premiere commercial and financial city.

Today we will begin the day at 10:30AM with a half-day tour of Mumbai city visiting Mani Bhawan, the Hanging Garden, Dhobi Ghat & Victoria Terminus.

In the afternoon we will have a private visit of the Bombay Stock Exchange, the oldest stock exchange in Asia. Popularly known as "BSE," it was established as "The Native Share & Stock Brokers Association" in 1875.

Tonight we will have our first introduction to investing in India prior to our dinner at Trishna Restaurant. B, D

After breakfast, we will walk across the street to the Tower Gate and board a boat to Elephanta Island and Caves.Elephanta island is located 10 km away from the Gateway of India at Mumbai. These caves house rock-cut temples dating back to the 5th century. The Elephanta island was named by the Portuguese, after the statue of an elephant near the landing area of the island. These rock cut temples dedicated to Shiva Mahadeva are rich in sculptural content.

In theafternoon you can enjoy the wonderful pool and spa at the Taj or join us on a shopping trip. Tonight we will enjoy our last night in Mumbai as a group with a wonderful dinner at the Taj. B, D

This morning we fly to Hyderabad. Hyderabad is the fifth-largest cosmopolitan city in India, rich in culture, enduring history and industrial growth. It is unique in being one of the few cities where tradition and technology co-exist. With a dynamic leadership, the state is steering the nation to new dimensions in the fields of Information Technology, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, and Business Management, and Hyderabad is emerging as a city of immense business opportunities.

We will be met by our local guide and enjoy an excursion to Golconda Fort, one of the most magnificent fortress complexes in India, situated about 11km from Hyderabad. It’s built on a granite hill 120 meters high, surrounded by massive crenellated ramparts. It dates back to the early 13th century, when this south eastern part of the country was ruled by the Kakatiyas. Though the bulk of the ruins date from the time of the Qutub Shahi kings in the 16th and 17th century.

After our visit to the fort we will enjoy lunch before heading to our luxurious hotel for the next two nights, The Taj Krishna. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax. B, L

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Today we will visit two companies, beginning with Satyam. We will enjoy a wonderful lunch at the elegant lakeside Novotel in between meetings. And then we will have a late afternoon return to the hotel. The evening is free for you to relax. B, L

Tuesday, February 10: HYDERABAD – COCHIN

We will fly this morning to go to Kochi (colonial name Cochin). This is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as “God's Own Country.” Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.

From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay).

This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience in a moderate equatorial climate.

We will arrive and check in at the waterfront Taj Malabar. Situated on Willingdon Island, with a magnificent view of Cochin harbor, the Taj Malabar combines old-world elegance with modern-day convenience. In its heritage wing, built in 1935, graceful Victorian interiors aptly reflect the inherent beauty of Cochin. Its tower wing houses newly renovated guestroom suites, each a delicate mix of the classic with the contemporary.

We will enjoy lunch at the hotel. This area boasts wonderful coconut sauces and lovely blends of spices. After lunch we will visit Fort Cochin, the Jewish Synagogue, and Chinese fishing nets.

Tonight we will have a dinner meeting at hotel with local businessmen and government officials B, L, D

After breakfast we will depart for Allepey to board a river boat for our delightful and tranquil cruise to Kumarakom. We will enjoy the beautiful scenery traveling through Kerala’s emerald backwaters with both lunch and afternoon tea onboard.

Late in the afternoon our riverboat will drop us off at the dock of the Radisson Plaza Resort & Spa Kumarakom. Built on 18 acres, this five-star, deluxe resort with one of the finest spas in the country is right on the shore of the 205 square kilometer Vembanad Lake. These are elegant accommodations that include plush villas with private pool, cottages and deluxe rooms in a tranquil, serene landscape. The resort features spa facilities and services ranging from Ayurveda to “Dead sea water treatment” and other specialized therapies.

This evening we will enjoy a Kathakali Dance show and dinner. B, L, D

This morning we will travel by coach to Cochin for our flight to Udaipur with a change in Mumbai. We will arrive in Udaipur and transfer to the Oberoi Udaivilas. This spectacular Hotel was designed as a Mewari Palace in the Rajasthan era.It is a luxury resort located on Udaipur's legendary Lake Pichola overlooking its beautiful island palaces and the Udaipur City Palace. Accessible by both land and boat,it’s set amidst 30 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains and pavilions. Udaivilas offers a tranquil and romantic ambience against the backdrop of the Aravalli hills. Built like a Rajasthani palace, it is a reflection of the rich heritage of royal Mewar.

Tonight we will enjoy dinner at this spectacular property. B, D

Early this morning we leave for the airport with a box breakfast as our flight departs at 7:40AM with arrival into Jaipur at 8:25AM.

Jaipur was built in 1727 by King Jai Singh, after whom it was named. Its most striking feature is the pink wash applied to the buildings, from which it takes its universal title, the “Pink City.” Jaipur, with its fairy-tale palaces and rugged fortresses displays remarkable harmony in its architectural splendor.

Jaipur's crafts -- especially lacquer bangles -- are famous worldwide. Some of the palaces, once the residence of Maharajas, have been converted to heritage hotels.

Here we will stay at one, the Jai Mahal Palace. Set amidst 18 acres of beautifully landscaped Moghul gardens, this incomparable Palace dates back to 1745 A.D. A masterpiece in the Indo Saracenic style of architecture, it blends spotlight-grabbing opulence with tantalizing comforts that transport guests to a world of Rajasthan magnificence. It is conveniently located downtown, so you’ll be close to the main shopping center and historic monuments.

Since we arrive early, we will first do a half-day tour of Jaipur visiting Palace of Winds (photo stop), City Palace, and Observatory. The afternoon is free to make appointments at the hotel spa orenjoy shopping in the colorful bazaars. This evening we will have a spectacular private dinner at the Royale Palace, which is a once-in-a- lifetime event! B, D

Today we will climb up to Amber Fort on elephant-back (subject to availability). Jeeps will also be available if you prefer to travel the “modern way.”

The construction of the Amber Fort began in 1592 by Man Singh I and was finished by his descendant Jai Singh I. The exterior of the Fort is not in the least like its interiors. The outside is very imposing and rugged looking whereas the inside is comforting and warm, influenced by both Hindu and Muslim styles.

On the walls, paintings depict hunting scenes, and intricate carvings, mosaic and minute mirror work cover many surfaces. The effect is grand, and the halls look majestic and imperial.

The fort is built of white marble and red sandstone. It sits at the edge of Maota Lake. And while the structure is extraordinary in and of itself, watching its reflection shimmer in the water, you get the sense that perhaps it’s just a beautiful illusion.

After our visit to the fort we will enjoy lunch as a group and then return to the hotel where you’ll have the afternoon at leisure. B, L

We will drive by motorcoach to Agra, visiting en route Fatehpur Sikri (265 Kms).

Agra is globally renowned as the city of the Taj Mahal. But this royal Mughal city has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many monuments that epitomize the high point of Mughal architecture.

In the Mughal period -- the 16th and 17th centuries -- Agra was the capital of India. It was here that the founder of the dynasty, Babar, laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of the river Yamuna. Here his grandson, Akbar, raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort. Within its walls, Jehangir built rose-red palaces, courts and gardens, and Shah Jahan embellished it with marble mosques, palaces and pavilions of gem-inlaid white marble. The crowning glory of the city is the Taj, a monument of love and imagination that represents India to the world.

On arrival in Agra we will check into the beautiful Amarvilas.

The Oberoi Amarvilas is located just 600 meters from the Taj Mahal. And all the rooms, suites, lobby, bar and lounge offer breathtaking views of the monument. Built in a style inspired by Moorish and Mughal architecture, the resort is a splendid display of terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions with rich interiors that take you back to an era of Emperors and Princes. An interlude at The Oberoi Amarvilas is truly unforgettable.

This evening we will visit the Taj Mahal at Sunset. The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the mausoleum of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal who died in 1631. Recognized worldwide as a symbol of eternal love, the breathtaking Taj is built of white marble and is surrounded by green gardens. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s considered one of the wonders of the world. Tonight we will enjoy dinner and a dance show at our hotel. B

If you like, you can opt for an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise. At approximately 12:30PM we will check out or our hotel and go by Motorcoach to Delhi.

Delhi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Having been the capital of several empires in ancient India, Delhi was a major city in the old trade routes from northwest India to the Gangetic Plains.

The Mughals built a section of the city (now known as Old City or Old Delhi) that served as the capital of Mughal Empire for a long period. During the British Raj, New Delhi was built as an administrative quarter of the city. And New Delhi was declared the capital of India after India gained independence from British rule in 1947. As the seat of the Government of India, New Delhi houses important offices of the federal government, including the Parliament of India.

Here we will stay at the Oberoi, New Delhi which reflects the city’s spirit in a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary sophistication. Located close to the downtown near business, commercial and shopping districts, the luxury hotel overlooks Delhi’s prestigious Golf Club on one side and the heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb on the other. Exquisite interiors, impeccable service and fine cuisine combine to make this the Capital’s most graceful and elegant hotel. B

Today we will visit Old Delhi and see Jama Masjid, Red Fort (photo stop), Raj Ghat and thencontinue our tour of New Delhi visiting Qutab Minar, and India Gate, driving past President House and Government Buildings, and Connaught Place. Tonight we will have our farewell dinner. B, D

(Note, if you prefer to fly back to the U.S. this evening, the flight departs at 11:45PM. But if you opt for this, you will need to check out of the hotel in the morning. Simply advise us of this when you reserve your place on the tour.)

For those traveling home to the U.S., our group flight will depart on Continental Airlines for Newark at 11:45PM, so you have the day free to explore more of Delhi. (Please note that check out from the hotel will be at noon. But you can store your bags for the day and still enjoy the hotel facilities. We will arrange for your airport transfer at 8:30PM.)

You will arrive in Newark at 5:05AM on February 20.

For those traveling with us to Nepal, we will depart mid-day flying to Kathmandu where we will spend two nights at the Hotel Soaltee.

When we arrive, we will check into our hotel and then have a half-day tour of Kathmandu city visiting Kumari’s Temple, Hanuman Dhoka and the Royal Palace. B, D

Today breakfast is included, and you can join us for a half-day shopping tour. We will depart on our flight back to Delhi at 3:45PM arriving at 5:15PM. You can choose to fly home the same evening on a Continental flight departing at 11:45PM or, if you prefer, stay over this night in Delhi and we will make the necessary arrangements to have you depart when you like. B