Drive to Agra. Once the capital for several ruling dynasties, Agra is known for its glorious past and eclectic architecture. Discover the Agra Fort (4), a powerful fortress founded by the Emperor Akbar. Spend the rest of your morning discovering this imposing city and its fabled past as you explore the monuments, the majesty of the buildings, and the exquisite arts and crafts. In the late afternoon, visit the fabled Taj Mahal (5) and enjoy the monument as the sun sets. ITC MUGHAL.

Visit Taj Mahal first thing this morning, then drive to Bharatpur. En route, visit the magnificent ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri (6). Built by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1571, it was the Mughal capital for 14 years after which it was abandoned due to paucity of water. It is made of red sandstone and combines influences from both Hindu and Mughal architecture. UDAI VILAS PALACE.

In the morning, head to Keoladeo Ghana Reserve (7), a World Heritage site wetland reserve and considered one of the world’s best birding sites with over 350 species. Then transfer to Bharatpur railway station to board the Jan Shatabdi Express for Ranthambhore National Park (8), one of the best places in the world to see tigers in the wild. On safari expeditions, look for jackal, mongoose, sloth bear, leopard, Sambar, spotted deer, and marsh crocodile. Amongst the 272 bird species, look for the Indian Gray Hornbill, commonly sighted in pairs. VIVANTA BY TAJ SAWAI MADHOPUR LODGE.

Drive to the “Pink City” of Jaipur, with its imperial history and tales of grand Mughals, British dignitaries, and even U.S. Presidents. Attractions include the Amber Fort (9) with its rugged walls, elegant palaces, and gardens; the Palace of Winds with its intricate carved trelliswork; Jantar Mantar (10), the largest observatory of its kind in the world; and the City Palace complex, the former residence of the royal family. ITC RAJPUTANA.

Fly to Aurangabad via Delhi. Upon arrival, head to your hotel, where the rest of your day is at leisure. VIVANTA BY TAJ AURANGABAD.

Aurangabad is the gateway to a famous World Heritage Site, the Ajanta Caves (11). These caves are considered to be one of the finest examples of ancient rock-cut caves. Explore the rock-cut cave temples – an impressive site, complete with elaborate sculptures, shrines, pillars, and paintings. Ajanta caves are an amalgamation of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu monuments as the complex includes both Buddhist monasteries as well as Hindu and Jain temples. VIVANTA BY TAJ AURANGABAD.

Enjoy a tour of Ellora Caves (12), an archaeological site, and the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. The 34 “caves” are actually structures excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills. This afternoon’s flight whisks you off to Chennai, a major center for music, art, and culture in Tamil Nadu, via Hyderabad. Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel. THE LEELA PALACE CHENNAI.

Tour the city of Chennai, formerly known as Madras. This place has a rich heritage of fine arts, sculpture, and architecture. Visit Fort St. George, built by the British East India Company in 1640. Next stop is at the Saint Thomas Cathedral Basilica. The last visit for the day is one of the most important localities of Chennai, the unified complex of Mylapore, where the Kapaleswara Shiva temple, the tank, market area, and old Brahmin residential houses are situated. THE LEELA PALACE CHENNAI.

Head to Mahabalipuram (13), a visually and architecturally stunning town. In the afternoon, visit the Shore Temple, built in the 8th Century A.D. and a good example of the Dravidian style of architecture. It also has the world’s largest bas-relief measuring 80ft x 27ft. Continue with your drive to Pondicherry, the French Riviera of the East. PALAIS DE MAHE HOTEL.

Drive to Gangaikonda Cholapuram (14), a testimony to the architectural and engineering genius of the region and the pride of one of the greatest empires of India – Chola Empire. Continue to Darasuram (15), a town known for the Airavateswara temple. From there, an hour’s drive takes you to Thanjavur and the Bridadeeswarar Temple (16), an ancient Hindu temple. THE SVATMA.

Fly to Goa via Bangalore. Upon arrival, you will be met and escorted to your hotel. CIDADE DE GOA.

Visit some of the well-known attractions in Goa. Head to Shantadurga Temple, devoted to Goddess Shantadurga the Goddess of Peace which is a combination of Indo-Portuguese architecture. Enjoy a spice plantation tour, where visitors can see how spice plants look in their natural environment, and how they are grown and processed. Explore the Churches (17) and museums at Old Goa while walking around the city and reliving the days of the Portuguese here. Last stop for the day is at Goa’s Fontainhas Latin Quarter, one of the main attractions in the capital city, Panjim also known as Panaji. CIDADE DE GOA.

You have the day at leisure to enjoy Goa on your own! CIDADE DE GOA.

Your morning is at leisure. Fly to Mumbai in early afternoon, where you will be met and escorted to your hotel. The center of Imperial Bombay, an area known as Fort, contains a breathtaking array of High Victorian buildings. The Victoria Gothic and Art Deco buildings (18) are a World Heritage Site. TRIDENT NARIMAN POINT.

Take an hour boat ride to Elephanta Caves (19). Stroll around these caves viewing the magnificent art inspired by worship for Lord Shiva. Return to Mumbai, where you’ll explore the city by road. Drive past the Afghan Church, the Secretariat of the Maharashtra Government and along the famous Marine drive. Enjoy the city tour of Mumbai – visiting the Gateway of India, Mumbai’s principle landmark. Your drive will also take you by the Victoria Terminus (20) which is another World Heritage Site, the last one you will see on this trip. Visit the Dhobi Ghats, one of many unique sceneries of Mumbai. Later you will be transferred to the airport for your return flights home.

This morning finds you in USA with incredible memories of spectacular wildlife, ancient ruins and incredible people.