A Portrait of North India
Mumbai • Udaipur • Jaipur • Agra • Delhi • Varanasi
A Portrait of North India
Mumbai • Udaipur • Jaipur • Agra • Delhi • Varanasi
A BUCKET LIST TRIP! India is a kaleidoscope of colors, smells, sights and sounds. There is really no place like it. India is a civilization to discover more than a country to be explored. Our Coda tours takes you to the most famous and most sought after destinations in Northern India. Highlights include the Taj Mahal, the Amber Palace of Jaipur and the amazing ghats of Varanasi. We have selected the very best accommodations to make our trip, not only culturally and historically significant, but luxurious as well. Coda has taken many Coda travelers to India over 20 years, and we are ready to make this mystical and spiritual journey with you!
Book Your Adventure
Trip Overview
Highlights
- Taj Mahal – the world’s most beautiful structure
- The Amber Palace of Jaipur
- Udaipur, India’s prettiest town
- Varanasi – another world altogether
- Stunning hotels – palaces to ultra-luxurious
- Exotic & Exciting markets
Dates & Prices
Your Trip | Depart USA | Return USA | Double Occupancy Price | Single Occupancy Price | Intra Tour Air |
India | March 6, 2023 | March 18, 2023 | $8595 | $12695 | (Economy - subject to change until ticketed) Approx. $620 |
Special Notes:
- Single Occupancy rates can be avoided if you wish to be matched with another single traveler who also wishes to share. If no share is available, the single rate will apply.
- Rates are based on current rates and currency exchange rates at the time of publishing the tour online.
- Rates are subject to change until final payment has been made. Rates are based on a minimum participation and if the minimum participation is not met rates may need to be revised.
Do these dates not fit in with your schedule?
CODA can help design a tailor made tour to suit you!
Tour Map
Itinerary
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Day 1 | DEPART THE USA
Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Mumbai, India.
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Day 2 | ARRIVE MUMBAI
Mumbai is a city of dreams, the glamour of the movie world, the razors edge of the skyscrapers to the mainland of the harbor, people here come from diverse ethnic backgrounds yet nurture the dream of success, their undying spirit adds color and flavor to this multicultural city. A throbbing, cosmopolitan metropolis, it still retains the glory of the past, the colonial legacy that coexists with the Maratha influence. Still considered as the heart of business India, Mumbai houses the country's vibrant Stock Exchange. The Gateway of India is almost literally a symbol of entry into the country by sea or air.
Hotel: Taj Mahal Palace★★★★★
Room: Superior City View Room – Tower Wing
Meals: None -
Day 3 | MUMBAI
We take you on a walk through the colonial precinct of Mumbai covering major landmarks such as Gateway, VT, Taj, Yacht club etc. While hearing stories about Mumbai's history, you will stumble upon the dabbawalass scampering through to maintain those six sigma ratings. Mumbai being a coastal city, sample costal Konkan cuisine and then take a walk down the famous Spice Market. Here, you can not only buy the spices, but can also get them dry roasted and ground into the masala mix of your choice before your own eyes.
This evening meet for a Welcome Dinner at a specialty Indian restaurant.
Hotel: Taj Mahal Palace★★★★★
Room: Superior City View Room – Tower Wing
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 4 | MUMBAI – UDAIPUR
Arrive Udaipur and check in for your stay.
Udaipur: Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. From the late 16th century, peace brought about an era of renaissance in the arts and encouraged the building of beautiful palaces around the lake, culminating in the City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in the world. The lake itself is a romantic setting surrounding the gleaming white Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir, a refuge of the rebel Mughal prince, Shah Jahan, soon to be the creator of the incomparable Taj Mahal.
Rest day at leisure to explore the city by own or enjoy the hotel facilities.
Hotel: The Oberoi Udaivilas★★★★★
Room: Premier Room
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 5 | UDAIPUR
Stop off next at the three-storey Jagdish Temple, a wonderful Indo-Aryan temple built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651. Climb up stone steps flanked by sculpted elephants and admire the intricate pillars, carved ceilings, stunning frescoes and the massive black, stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe.
Break for lunch at a local restaurant.
Continue on to the Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the Handmaidens), a good example of the Hindu art of landscape gardening on a princely scale. Ornamental pools with finely sculptured cenotaphs of soft black stone are surrounded by a profusion of fountains.
Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the facilities at hotel. Transport is available should you wish to explore the shopping options.
Hotel: The Oberoi Udaivilas★★★★★
Room: Premier Room
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch -
Day 6 | UDAIPUR – JAIPUR
This afternoon embark on a guided tour of Jaipur visiting City Palace and Observatory. City Palace is now converted into a museum to showcase the royal life style. Additionally, in a private visit of City Palace you will also explore the private rooms in the Palace, which is a part of royal family residence till date. This private visit of City Palace would indeed add a royal flavor in the journey.
Also visit Observatory - a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the world's largest stone sundial. The instruments also allow the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan province is known for its arts and crafts, jewelry, hand-painted fabrics and stone sculptures. It’ old town is one of North India’s finest examples of a planned city embodying the best of Rajput and Mughal architecture.
Hotel: Rambagh Palace★★★★★
Room: Palace Room
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 7 | JAIPUR
Returning to the hotel, there’ll be time to relax and unwind for the reminder of the day.
This evening, enjoy a special home-hosted dinner and learn about daily life inside the old city from your local hosts.
Hotel: Rambagh Palace★★★★★
Room: Palace Room
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 8 | JAIPUR – AGRA
Stop for lunch before continuing our drive to Agra.
Agra - Once a small village on the banks of the Yamuna, it was transformed by two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and his grandson Shah Jehan into the second capital of the Mughal Empire – Dar-ul-Khilafat, or ‘seat of the Emperor’ in the 16th & 17th century. A world of contrasting edifices of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys, bustling streets and small buggies, Agra retains the irresistible charm that made this the favorite city of the Mughals.
Before checking in to the hotel, visit Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Approachable by two imposing gates and constructed of red sandstone, the citadel was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar between the years 1565 and 1573. Encircled by a moat, this dramatic city within a city was the palace of three emperors, Akbar, Shah Jehan and Aurangzeb, each of whom made significant contributions to the wonderful architecture of the inner buildings – a combination of Persian (Islamic) and local Hindu styles. Continue to the hotel for check in.
Hotel: The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra★★★★★
Room: Premier Room
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch -
Day 9 | AGRA – DELHI
Said to be one of the most elegant and a harmonious building in the world, Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in 1630 AD to enshrine the mortal remains of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal manifests the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in architecture and garden design, painting, and calligraphy. The 144 foot double dome of the Taj is capped with a finial and the four minarets each 131 ft. high and crowned by an open octagonal pavilion highlight the perfect symmetry of the tomb.
After our visit drive to Delhi. Check in to the Leela Palace Hotel. Enjoy an afternoon & evening at leisure.
Hotel: The Leela Palace★★★★★
Room: Deluxe Grand View
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 10 | DELHI
Next drive through New Delhi, passing by Presidential Palace - the one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate - a memorial raised in honor of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war, Parliament house and other government buildings built in the first quarter of the 20th century by two famous English architects, Sir Herbert Baker and Sir Edwin Lutyens. It was during this time period that the capital of the British Empire was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi.
Later embark on a guided visit of Humayun’s Tomb – one of the finest example of Mughal architecture, built by Hamida Banu Begum for her husband. Unlike most of the other Mughal monuments which were built by men for their wives, this one was built by the lady for her husband.
This evening we will dine outside the hotel at Masala Library.
Hotel: The Leela Palace★★★★★
Room: Deluxe Grand View
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 11 | DELHI – VARANASI
On arrival, visit Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Here our lucky group members will have an exclusive meeting with a Buddhist Monk to learn more about the religion from a monk’s perspective and observe a small prayer ceremony.
Continue to the hotel and on arrival, check in to The Gateway hotel Ganges Varanasi – a modern hotel set amidst 12 acres of beautiful greenery.
Evening, drive to the ghats (banks of river Ganges) to watch illuminated aarti ceremony at Dasahwamedh Ghat. In this century old ritual, the holy river is worshipped with flowers, incense, sandalwood, milk and vermilion. First the blazing camphor lamp and then the many flamed aarti lamps are raised high and then arched back to the water, the dark river reflecting the golden flames as Ganges accepts the worship. This is a passionate and divine journey as the music and the oil lamps create a trance-like experience. You will get the chance to float your own illuminated lamp down the river too!
Tonight our Farewell Dinner in the haveli on the waterfront. Note that his restaurant specializes in vegetarian Satvik cuisine (food based on the concept of Yogic philosophy).Hotel: The Gateway Hotel Varanasi★★★★★
Room: Deluxe Room
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 12 | VARANASI – DELHI
Return to hotel for breakfast and rest of the morning is at leisure for independent exploration.
Afternoon fly to Delhi (Please note, luggage allowance on this flight is 15 kg checked in baggage and 7 kg hand luggage).
Arrive Delhi and check in to your flight for onward destination
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 13 | ARRIVE USA
Arrive Saturday, March 18.
What's Included
What's Included
- 2 nights at the 5-★ Taj Mahal Palace Hotel; 2 nights at the 5-★ Oberoi Udaivilas; 2 nights at the 5-★ Rambagh Palace Hotel; 1 night at the 5-★ Oberoi Amarvilas; 2 nights at the 5-★ Leela Palace; 1 night at the 5-★ Gateway Hotel Varanasi. Room categories as specified.
- Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 5 dinners (Welcome Dinner in Mumbai, & Farewell Dinner in Varanasi)Transportation in air conditioned vehicles
- All sightseeing and visits to places of interest and sites as given in the itinerary, conducted by English speaking Guides
- Coda Tour Manager on minimum of 6 participants
- Entrance fees to the places of visit as per the itinerary
- Elephant ride at Amber Fort, Jaipur
- Rickshaw ride at Old Delhi
- Boat ride on river Ganges in Varanasi
- Packaged drinking water in the coach throughout
- Complete pre-departure assistance and information
- Final document portfolio
What's Not Included
- International airfare
- Intra-Tour airfare (quoted separately)
- Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance (highly recommended)
- Visa and Passport fees
- A visa is required for India, more information on what is required and how to obtain visas will be provided in both the confirmation letter and Information Portfolio given to registrants of the tour, provided by Coda Tours
- Personal meals & drinks
- Telephone
- Gifts & expenses not outlined in the itinerary
- Any optional sightseeing excursions or additional visits not outlined in itinerary
- Gratuity for local guides
- Drivers and Coda Tour Manager
Travel Prep
Delta, United Airlines, several European carriers and Air India are among airlines that can be used for this trip. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to try to use Frequent Flyer Miles for free tickets or upgrades or the American Express Platinum card 2-4-1 program. Coda Tours can assist you with your international air booking in Business or Coach class (First Class is rare nowadays on international flights, but if available, we can quote it.) Please ask us to quote for you. We often have favorable rates. There is a standard $35 per ticket ticketing for this service.
Intra- tour flights will be booked and issued through Coda Tours. Pricing is quoted separately under RATES. Only economy class will be booked. If you wish to have a quote for Business Class on these flights, please inquire.
A single entry visa for India is required for American/Canadian passport holders.
You may obtain your visa upon arrival at the airport in Mumbai or New Delhi by applying for an E-VISA. To arrange for this, please refer to this webpage https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html for current costs and to complete forms. An EVISA is the least expensive and easiest way to obtain your visa. You cannot obtain this authorization upon arrival in India. It must be done in advance.YOU CANNOT OBTAIN A VISA AUTHORIZATION FOR INDIA MORE THAN 34 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR DEPARTURE. You should obtain you visa within a few days to a week. Please ask Coda Tours if you have questions. You should also have a minimum of two empty passport pages.
It is recommended you have your regular vaccinations up-to-date before traveling. For further information, visit the Center For Disease Control website: http://www.cdc.gov/
Coda trips are casual at all times. There is no need for a jacket or tie unless you personally opt to dine at a fine restaurant requiring formal dress. We do not book these restaurants for our group experiences. Pack for a variety of weather. Bring a light jacket or sweater. Jeans, khakis and shorts are fine for daily wear. Comfortable shoes are a must. All hotels offer laundry service but it can be expensive.
In general the weather should be very nice in India at this time of the year. Highs in the low to mid-80’s and lows in the 60’s. Rain is unusual.
All departures are guaranteed on a minimum number of participants. A Coda Tour Manager will accompany a tour also based on a minimum number of participants. This tour can be operated as a Private Tour, can be customized and repriced based on a final itinerary. Rates are based on a minimum participation of 6. For fewer than 6 participants, rates may be revised.
A complete portfolio of pre-departure information will be mailed to you approximately three weeks prior to departure.