DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Delhi.
On arrival in Delhi you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights. The capital of modern India, Delhi is a magnetic blend of old and new boasting a fascinating array of sights, from elegant shops and lively bazaars to impressive forts and mosques that were once the power-base for India's Mughal emperors. This afternoon is free for you to relax or start exploring.

DAY 3: Delhi. Included sightseeing.
Your day starts with a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, gazing at landmarks such as the majestic three-domed Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia, and the splendid 17th century Mughal Red Fort before visiting Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana, the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. This afternoon, enjoy New Delhi's major sights, including the towering Qutab Minar, ancient tomb of the Emperor Humayun, the grandiose India Gate war memorial, then a drive past the President's House and Parliament. (B)

DAY 4: Delhi - Mandawa.
This morning, leave for Mandawa, a busy market town famed for its intricately painted havelis - the ornate mansions of India's merchants and temples. Admire the splendid views over Mandawa from its fortress-topped hill, before an afternoon visit to its havelis and monuments close-up. Later, visit Fateh Pur, a nearby 15th century town, to see its extravagant Devra and Singhania havelis. (B)

DAY 5: Mandawa - Bikaner.
Say farewell to Mandawa as we travel to Bikaner in northwestern Rajasthan. Surrounded by desert, this royal walled city was a major trading centre on the ancient caravan routes between central Asia and India. At the heart of the temple-filled city is the massive Junagarh fortress, a formidable complex housing courtyards and palaces. This afternoon we take a tour of this amazing edifice, with its 37 pavilions and exquisitely decorated balconies, chapels and mirrored palaces. (B)

DAY 6: Bikaner - Jaisalmer.
Our destination today is the exotic desert city of Jaisalmer. Strategically located on camel trade routes and often dubbed the 'Golden City', Jaisalmer is a feast for the senses. Filled with intricately latticed, beautifully preserved 19th century havelis, it is best known for its impressive fort, standing 80 metres above the city. (B)

DAY 7: Jaisalmer.
This morning, enjoy a tour of Jaisalmer's fort, built in the 12th century and where a fourth of the city's population now lives. After admiring the richly carved Jain temples and havelis nearby, this afternoon brings a highlight of your trip - an excursion to Sam Sand Dunes. Enjoy a short camel ride over the dunes as the sun dips behind the horizon, casting a radiant glow over the desert. (B)

DAY 8: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur.
Leave Jaisalmer for Jodhpur, once one of India's princely states. Set in the sand dunes of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur's mesmerising old city is ringed by a 10-kilometre, eight-gated wall outside of which the new city stands. Brimming with enchanting palaces, temples, havelis and a beautiful fort, this imperious city exudes grandeur and warm hospitality. (B)

DAY 9: Jodhpur.
Look forward to an absorbing morning at Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort. Marvel at its grand palaces and admire the splendid Jaswant Singh II memorial - beautifully constructed from thin marble sheets to let sunlight filter in. In the afternoon, experience a jeep safari to visit the local Bishnoi tribes of the desert - communities of nature lovers living an ascetic lifestyle, protecting endangered plant and tree species and prohibiting poachers from killing animals. (B)

DAY 10: Jodhpur - Udaipur.
This morning we travel to Udaipur, visiting the spectacular Jain temples at Ranakpur en route. Known as the 'City of Lakes', Udaipur, founded in 1568, is built around three lakes and is made up from a maze of narrow lanes, exquisite palaces, pavilions and gardens. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

DAY 11: Udaipur.
Today, marvel at Udaipur's mirage-like beauty on a tour of its City Palace and Museum, comprising of a series of enchanting palaces overlooking Lake Pichola. Later, admire the Jagdish Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the ornamental gardens of Sahelion ki Bari. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. (B)

DAY 12: Udaipur - Pushkar.
Today we travel to Pushkar. Once a mighty Mughal residence, this holy city is famed for its colourful camel and cattle fair and home to 400 temples and ghats. (B)

DAY 13: Pushkar - Jaipur.
This morning is dedicated to Pushkar's 14th century Brahma temple - the only one in India - a vision of white, rising from the banks of the sacred Pushkar Lake, and unbelievably beautiful in the early morning or evening light. Afterwards we travel to Jaipur, Rajasthan's quintessential royal city. (B)

DAY 14: Jaipur.
Following a photo opportunity at the intriguing red sandstone Hawa Mahal, the 'Palace of the Winds', we arrive at the legendary Amber Fort, known as the 'Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan'. This fortress-palace has a sombre exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including a stupendous Chamber of Mirrors and alabaster Hall of Victory. Later enjoy the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons and costumes, followed by a visit to the Jantar Mantar Observatory and explore the bustling markets of the old city. (B)

DAY 15: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra. Included Taj Mahal visit.
An early morning departure for Agra, stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned city. Tour the elegant courtyards, sandstone palaces and victory gate of this ghostly place, built in 1569 and deserted by its people when the water ran out. In Agra, look forward to another highlight - your late afternoon visit to the Taj Mahal. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, this remarkable edifice was commissioned by Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Taking 22 years to build and completed in 1653, its breathtaking marble-inlaid interiors are a shrine to the emperor's passion and contain both his and his beloved's mausoleum. (B)

DAY 16: Agra - Delhi.
After breakfast, visit Itmad-ud-Daulah tomb, built in pure marble with its walls etched by translucent stones. Continue to Agra Fort, a colossal redstone monument stretching for 2.5 kilometres. Admire its forbidding battlements and spectacular Mughal palace with its chambers, room of mirrors and the poignant pavilion where Shahjahan spent his last days. This afternoon, leave Agra for Delhi. (B)

DAY 17: Delhi - Chennai.
After breakfast, transfer to Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport for your flight to Chennai. Upon arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. The capital of the south eastern state of Tamil Nadu, this beautiful city on the Bay of Bengal was formerly known as Madras and has grown from a small fishing village into India's fourth largest metropolis.
(B)

DAY 18: Chennai - Mahabalipuram.
This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Chennai, visiting its Fort St George, St Mary's Church, National Art Gallery and Government Museum, before driving along the elegant 12 kilometre long Marina to Mylapore to see its Portuguese Basilica and Hindu Temple. This afternoon, we head south to Mahabalipuram for a two night stay. (B)

DAY 19: Mahabalipuram.
This morning, visit Kanchipuran, among the most famous of Tamil Nadu's temple towns and a centre for hand-woven silk sarees. Its multitude of temples include the soaring Ekambareshwara Temple featuring a remarkable pillared hallway, as well as the stunning Kailasanatha, Sri Varadaraja, and Sri Vaikuntaperumal Temples. In the afternoon, admire the legendary Shore Temples at Mahabalipuram - beautiful domed edifices which overlook the Bay of Bengal and have stood for twelve centuries. (B)

DAY 20: Mahabalipuram - Tanjore.
Depart this morning visiting the temple town of Chidambaram and the Nataraja Temple en-route, before arriving at Tanjore this afternoon. Known as the 'rice bowl of Tamil Nadu', Tanjore is best known for its Brihadeshwara Temple, built over a thousand years ago. (B)

DAY 21: Tanjore - Madurai.
Today begins with a fascinating look at Tanjore's sights, including the iconic Brihadeshwara, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enclosed in two courts, this towered temple houses an exquisitely decorated shrine. You'll also visit the Tanjore Royal Palace and museum with its fascinating collections of 19th century royal artefacts. This afternoon, travel to Madurai for a two night stay, calling in at Trichy on the way, to view its 3,800 year old high rock fort. One of south India's oldest towns, Madurai was a centre of religious pilgrimage for centuries. This evening, get a glimpse of its devout religious culture on a visit to the Meenakshi Temple at prayer time. (B)
Note: The rock fort is perched upon a rocky outcrop, 272 feet above the plains. The visit involves uphill walking and stair climbing.

DAY 22: Madurai.
Today, enjoy a day trip to Rameshwaram, an island town connected to the mainland by the majestic Indira Gandhi Bridge, a wonder of modern Indian engineering. One of the most important places of Hindu pilgrimage, it boasts the spectacular Ramanthar Temple complete with grandiose pillared corridors, shrines and bathing pools. (B)

DAY 23: Madurai - Periyar National Park.
This morning, revisit Meenakshi Temple and stunning remains of Tirumalai Nayak Palace, before driving to Periyar for an overnight stay. High in Kerala's Western Ghats this magnificent reserve boasts lushly wooded hills, a picturesque lake and a cool, comfortable climate, creating perfect conditions for exotic animals and birdlife, including elephants, deer, boar, kingfishers and the elusive tiger, of which there are thought to be around 40 living in the park. (B)

DAY 24: Periyar National Park. Included Backwater Houseboat cruise.
Enjoy a morning game drive by boat through the Park on the lookout for the wildlife that live here. After visiting one of the area's spice gardens, you will board your houseboat for a cruise, from Kumarakom. Gliding along the still backwaters, you'll pass an incredible mosaic of palm plantations and locals swimming and washing their laundry on the riverbanks, giving you an enthralling insight into hidden Kerala. Overnight stay on Lake Vembanad. (B, L, D)

DAY 25: Backwater houseboat cruise - Cochin.
Say goodbye to your houseboat this morning at Aleppy for our drive to Cochin, a hugely important spice trading port in olden times, and now a cosmopolitan business centre. This afternoon, admire the city's Portuguese-built Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and St Francis Church, which holds the palm-leafed title deed that the Raja handed to the occupying Portuguese in 1503. Also, marvel at the intricate beauty and rhythm of Cochin's legendary Chinese Fishing Nets, unique to this part of Kerala and testament to the Oriental influences. In the evening, enjoy a spectacular show of Keralan classic dance. (B)

DAY 26: Cochin - Ooty.
This morning we head to Ooty known as the 'Queen of Hill Stations'. Ooty is nestled in the slopes of the picturesque Nilgiri mountains and encircled by lush vegetation and sweeping valleys. (B)

DAY 27: Ooty.
Today, board a miniature, narrow gauge 'toy' train for a wonderfully evocative journey meandering through green hills from Ooty to Coonnoor, returning by road. This afternoon, soak up the delights of Ooty's famous Botanical Gardens, marvelling at their exotic flora and fauna, and the 20 million year old fossilised tree trunk. (B)

DAY 28: Ooty - Mysore.
This morning, drive to the traditional town of Mysore. Charming and peaceful, this historic town is hardly touched by modernity and overflows with magnificent palaces, decorative gardens and sacred temples. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

DAY 29: Mysore.
Enjoy a full day's excursion to the Srirangapatnam, a fortress built on a long island in the Cauvery River. Inside the fortress walls, visit the mosque and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, the summer palace of Tipu Sultan, the legendary 18th century ruler. Continue onto Sravenabelagola, one of the oldest and most important Jain Pilgrimage sites dating back to the 3rd century BC. Erected sometime between 980-983AD, the town's Gommateshwara statue is reached by a climb of nearly 700 steps, providing excellent views. (B)

DAY 30: Mysore - Chennai.
Admire the sights of Mysore this morning on a tour of its grandiose Maharajah's Palace, a beautiful synthesis of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. From there, on to Chamundi Hill, the site of a summer palace complex housing an ancient temple and the Nandi, a giant depiction of a sacred bull carved from a single boulder. In the afternoon, transfer to Mysore's railway station to board the Shatabdi Express to Chennai for an overnight stay. (B)

DAY 31: Chennai - UK.
After breakfast, transfer to Chennai Airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)