8 days from $2229*

Includes airfare, fuel surcharges, great hotels, transfers, buffet breakfast daily plus a farewell dinner, touring and more!

Taj Mahal Express

India has become one of the world's hottest destinations for savvy travelers, and we've got just the right tour—at just the right price—so you can check out this incredible country. Our Taj Mahal Express will take you to the "Golden Triangle" of India, from fascinating and exotic Delhi, to Agra and the Taj Mahal, the world's most famous and lovely monument to love, to Jaipur, the "pink city", full of gorgeous, lavish mansions and palaces. An optional extension to mysterious Nepal is also available. At $2229 including airfare, you can't afford to miss the chance to see India for yourself.

Our Touring Program

Day 1: Depart USA. Your exotic journey to India begins this evening as you depart from New York for Delhi.

Day 2: Arrive Delhi. Evening arrival in India's capital. You'll be escorted to your first class hotel. Claridges Hotel

Day 3: Delhi & Agra. After a good night's sleep and breakfast, drive to Agra, an ancient city that came into prominence in Medieval times under the patronage of the Mughal rulers and was once the capital of a sprawling Mughal kingdom that covered much of southeast Asia. Highlight of your day is a visit to the fabled, perfectly proportioned Taj Mahal. This white marble mausoleum was built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan to enshrine the mortal remains of his beloved Queen, Mumtaz Mahal. Even today, it remains one of the most buildings in the world, surrounded by immaculate gardens. Clarks Shiraz Hotel (B)

Day 4: Agra. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore Agra. You will be offered several interesting optional tours, including a visit to the magnificent Agra Fort, where the Emperor Shah Jahan, imprisoned by his own son, watched the completion of the Taj Mahal that he had started; Itmad-ud-daulah, known as the "baby Taj", the first Mughal structure totally built from marble; Sikandra, the sandstone and marble tomb of Akbar which blends Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Christian motifs and styles, and other interesting sites. (B)

Day 5: Agra, Fatehpur Sikri & Jaipur. After breakfast, depart Agra for Fatehpur Sikri, the once-glittering capital later abandoned due to scarcity of water. You'll marvel at the well-preserved buildings and red sandstone palaces. Later, continue to Jaipur and check into your hotel. Mansingh Hotel. (B)

Day 6: Jaipur. This morning's tour takes you to the Amber Fort, ancient capital of Rajasthan. You'll have a chance to ride an elephant (or a jeep, if elephant riding isn't your favorite means of transportation) up the steep hill to the where the Amber Fort is perched, its magnificent ramparts & watchtowers commanding an excellent view of the surrounding mountains and the lake below.

The ornate and sprawling structure was initially a palace complex within the original Amber Fort, now known as Jaigarh Fort, on the hill above, to which it is connected through fortified passages. Within the palace lies the famous Jai Mandir (Temple) with its world renowned Sheesh Mahal, a hall full of tiny inlaid mirrors.

This afternoon, explore the markets and lanes of Jaipur on your own, where you can buy spices or haggle for one of the beautiful, hand-woven wool carpets. Or take an optional tour to some of the famous pink sandstone buildings for which this city is known, including the City Palace Museum, housing the magnificent art collections of the Maharajas of Jaiputo. (B)

Day 7: Jaipur & Delhi. After breakfast you'll drive back to Delhi. This afternoon, explore Delhi on your own or take an optional tour that includes the imposing 12th century Qutub Minar tower, the Birla Temple and the India Gate, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, and the magnificent Red Fort, built in 1648 as a symbol of Mughal's power. Tonight, you are our guests for a festive farewell dinner at a popular Delhi restaurant. Claridges Hotel (B,D)

Day 8: Delhi/USA. Early this morning bid farewell. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive New York this afternoon. (B)

Nepal Extension

Why not take advantage of your already included airfare and add a fascinating extension to mysterious Nepal? The Nepal Extension will include 3 nights in Kathmandu with a full touring program, buffet breakfast daily, and an extra night in Delhi at the end, plus flights from Delhi to Kathmandu and return.

Few countries on Earth that can match Nepal, at the foot of Mt. Everest, for its combination of spectacular scenery, exotic culture and hospitable people.

Day 8: Delhi/Kathmandu. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel, conveniently located for exploring and shopping. Rest of the afternoon will be at leisure. Hyatt Regency Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 9: Kathmandu. Morning excursion to Bhadgaon, a Newar city founded in the 9th century. Visit the ancient copper gateway, Durbar Square the royal Residential quarter of Bhupatindra Malla, famous five storey temple of Nyatapola in pagoda style and other temples. Later visit Bodhnath, a 2500-year-old Buddhist stupa, or holy place, for Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet. Also visit Pashupatinath temple area. (B)

Day 10: Kathmandu. Morning city tour visiting the Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka the ancient royal residential quarter, Mahadev and Parvati temple, Machhender Bahl-Holy place for the Buddhists and Hindus, temple house of Kumari, the virgin or the living Goddess. Walk around the local Bazaars. (B)

Day 11: Kathmandu, Mt. Everest Tour & Delhi. This morning you will have an opportunity to experience an optional Mt. Everest scenic flight over the breathtaking Himalayas (weather permitting). Or, enjoy the morning at leisure in Kathmandu to shop and explore independently. Transfer to the airport this afternoon for your flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Claridges Hotel (B)

Day 12: Delhi/USA. Early this morning bid farewell. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive New York this afternoon. (B)

Bhutan Extension
(Bhutan extension is only available when booking Taj Mahal Express w/Nepal)

Bhutan, located on India's northeastern border, is a rare jewel of a country, where people allow themselves the time to savor friendships, explore spirituality, honor their ancient traditions and deeply respect the land and the environment.

This special extension can be added after the Taj Mahal Express as well as the Taj Mahal Express and Nepal, and it can be reserved for as few as two people traveling together. Prices for our Bhutan Extension are on request.

A longer and more comprehensive tour to Bhutan will soon be available from Friendly Planet. Please check back soon for additional information about our longer Bhutan tour.

Day 11: Arrive Paro, Bhutan/Thimphu. Your exciting journey to this remote country begins this morning as you board your Druk Air flight in Delhi or Kathmandu bound for Bhutan. On a clear day, you can experience breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas as you approach Paro, Bhutan. A representative will greet you upon arrival at Paro International Airport. After customs formalities, you'll board the motorcoach for your 1½ hour drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 12: Thimphu Valley. Your first full day in Bhutan begins with a visit to Thimphu's famous weekend market, a congregation of vendors and artisans from throughout the region and a place where village people jostle with well-heeled Thimphu residents for the best—and cheapest—produce, and where visitors can find unique, handcrafted souvenirs and gifts. After a morning of leisurely shopping and people-watching, you'll visit the Zangdopelri temple and the Changlimithang, where you can see young Bhutanese practicing their favorite archery game. Following lunch at the hotel, continue your sightseeing with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the Dupthop Lhakhang monastery for nuns, and other sites of interest. Overnight in Thimpu. (B, L).

Day 13: Punakha/Thimphu. After breakfast this morning, travel by bus to the town of Punakha, making stops for scenic treks along the way. Stop first at Dochula Pass for panoramic views of the Himalayas. After a brief trek, enjoy a picnic lunch at a picturesque spot in the juniper and pine forest, complete with the peaceful chirping of the many rare species of birds found in Bhutan. Continue driving to Lobesa, where you'll hike up a small hill to the Chimi Lhakjang Temple, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenly, the great 14th century Yogi. Locals believe that this temple blesses women who seek fertility.

Continue driving north to the majestic Punakha Dzong. Situated between Phochu and Mochu, this dzong (fortess) is the most magnificent in all of Bhutan and served as the country's capital in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, it serves as the district's administration and judiciary office as well as the winter home for Bhutan's spiritual leader, Je Khenpo, and the 600 monks of Thimphu and Punakha. Return to Thimphu for overnight at hotel. (B, L).

Day 14: Paro Valley. Today, you'll explore the wonders of the Paro Valley, where you can take in impressive views of Mount Chomolhari. Upon arrival in Paro, check in at your hotel for lunch and then proceed for an afternoon of touring. Sightseeing includes a tour of the Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgya. Continue with visits to Satsam Chorten and the Kyichu Lhakhang. Your next stop will be the Paro Rimpung Dzong. This ancient fortress houses the local civil administration, monasteries, the judiciary and also serves as the residence for the Paro Monks. Spend the rest of the afternoon and your final night in Bhutan at leisure. (B, L).

Day 15: Paro Bhutan/Delhi. This morning your amazing Bhutanese journey comes to a close as you transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight to Delhi. There you will be transferred to a hotel to rest.  Late this evening, transfer back to the airport for your flight to the USA. (Actual extension itinerary may vary according to flight schedules. You will receive a final itinerary and flight schedule in your confirmation packet).

Optional Tours in India

To take full advantage of your visit to India, we offer these optional tours to other "must see" sites. These are not "seat in coach" tours that pick up passengers in various hotels. All the optional tours are operated for Friendly Planet groups only. The special package price is available when booked and prepaid prior to departure. These same optional tours, if booked and paid in India, will cost $105 per person. If you don't want to book the entire package, individual optional tours will be available once you arrive in India.

• Half day tour in Agra, including the Agra Fort, It-mad-ud-Daulah and Sikandra
• Half day tour in Jaipur including the Hawa Mahal, the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar
• Half day tour of Old & New Delhi, including the Red Fort, Qutub Minar and the India Gate

Optionals Package Price, per person: $80 if booked and prepaid before departure. Our optional tours package includes the following sites in Agra, Jaipur and Delhi.

AGRA

Agra Fort: Built by Emperor Akbar on the ruins of earlier fort in 1573 (employing some 1,444,000 builders for eight years), and then beautified with palaces and gardens by subsequent Mughal rulers, Agra Fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. Today the crescent-shaped fortress with its 20-metre high, 2.4-km outer walls dominates the centre of Agra. Of the four original gates, one can now enter the fort only through the Amar Singh Gate, and from there then wander through the maze of white and red marble palaces, arcades and mosques, through the private apartments of the Mughal kings and queens, through the geometric gardens, or along the massive battlements overlooking the Yamuna river and the Taj Mahal. It was here in the Muasamman Burj, a tower with a marble balcony, that Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son and watched the completion of his Taj Mahal.

Jama Masjid: Built in 1648 AD, in memory of Sheikh Salim Chisthi and his grandson Islam Khan by Jehanara Begum, Shahjahan's daughter, the masjid has a wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture. The building with its rectangular open forecourt, has no minarets but its sandstone domes have a striking marble patterning.

Itmad-ud-daulah's Tomb, Agra: To the north of the fort, on the opposite bank of the Yamuna lies the tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah, built in memory of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Jehangir's wazir. Also known as the 'baby Taj', it was the first Mughal structure totally built from marble and first to make extensive use of pietra dura. The place is the least visited of Agra's three great monuments.

Sikandra, Agra: In the centre of a peaceful garden at Sikandra, 4 km north-west of Agra, lies the sandstone and marble tomb of Akbar. The mausoleum represents Akbar's philosophy and secular outlook blending Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Christian motifs and styles.

JAIPUR

Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds, Jaipur: A Pandora's box of wonders, Jaipur's most famous building is a beehive-like multi-layered palace built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The elaborate facade boasts an interplay of red and pink sandstone, painstakingly outlined with white borders and motifs, which served as an latticed screen behind which the cloistered ladies of the court would watch the daily goings on in the street below.

City Palace, Jaipur: A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the city palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. The City Palace complex houses several palatial structures in the heart of the old city and occupies a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum. The former Maharaja still lives in part of the palace.

Jantar Mantar - The Observatory: At the entrance to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the 'Yantralaya' of Sawai Jai Singh II, the last great classical astronomer of India. This is the largest of five observatories founded by him in 1716 AD. Its massive masonry instruments are of an extraordinary precision & can still be used to measure local time, the sun's declination, azimuth & altitude, the declination of fixed stars & planets also to determine the time of an eclipse of the sun.

DELHI

Delhi, Old & New: Sprawling on the banks of the river Yamuna, Delhi, the capital of India, typifies the soul India, where many layers of civilizations flourished for more than three thousand years. Indraprastha, according to legends, the city founded by the Pandavas in the times of the epic Mahabharata (1500 B.C.), was located near the Old Fort that stands on a large mound overlooking the river.

Since those early days many dynasties and rulers flourished on its regal soil. The legacy of that past survives in the many monuments left behind by the regents, each a chronicle of the glory of its time and an imprint of the character of the ruler. Today, the city is a curious blend of the modern and traditional, skyscrapers, beautiful gardens and wide tree-lined avenues perpetuate the Mughal passion of landscaping and architectural excellence. More important, however, Delhi blends within its folds the great cultural variety of India; an unceasing range of activity, a million ways of saying "You are Welcome".

Delhi's history is so ancient that the story of its origin derives more from mythology than written history. Recorded history testifies to the fact that at least eight different cities have been established here. Through the ages, different rulers and their followers have left their mark on Delhi in the form of numerous architectural gems of great historical and social value. Following are some of the major sites covered in our optional tour.

The Red Fort, Delhi is laid out along the river Yamuna as an irregular octagon, surrounded by a wall of about 2.4 km in circumference and is built of red sandstone. The Mughal king Shah Jahan transferred the capital from Agra to Delhi and the Fort was completed in 1648. The fort has two main entrances , the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate which faces the famed Chandni Chowk market.The Fort has Diwan-e-am, and Diwan-e-Khas where the king would grant audience to the public and would grant audience to important people respectively. Another attraction is Light and Sound show held in the evenings.

India Gate, Delhi: Straight down the road from Rashtrapati Bhavan is India Gate which is primarily a memorial to unknown soldier. Designed by Lutyens, the 42 meter high structure is a war memorial in honor of more than 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the Afghan Wars and World War I. The structure has an eternal flame (Amar Jawan Jyoti) to honor the memory of the unknown soldiers.

Qutub Minar, Delhi: This magnificent leaning tower in the southern part of the capital was built by a Muslim King, Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1199 A.D. A part of it which he could not finish was completed by another Muslim King Iltutmish. Minar is 72.5 m high and has as its base a mosque. In front of the imposing structures an Iron Pillar believed to have been built in the 5th century A.D. which has never rusted since it was built.

Destination FAQs

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to India, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Nepal, click here.

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Taj Mahal Express
Included Features

• Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) via scheduled Jet Airways wide-body jet including fuel surcharges (flight schedule)

• Intra-India ground transportation

• Accommodations at Superior hotels with private bath

• Full American buffet breakfast daily (B)

• Farewell dinner at a popular Delhi restaurant (D)

• Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri tours including entrance fees

• Full array of inexpensive optional tours

• Comprehensive Nepal Extension including Delhi/Kathmandu/Delhi flights, deluxe hotel accommodations, full touring program including entrance fees and an optional air tour to Mt. Everest

• Experienced English-speaking tour director

Shop & Compare

Our tours may look similar to others you've seen, but we invite you to shop & compare. There are important differences that make Friendly Planet tours the best you can find.

No Compromise on Quality: Despite our extraordinary prices, there are no compromises on our India & Nepal tours. Throughout your tour you'll stay in Superior & Deluxe, centrally located hotels that are noted for their amenities and service.

Incredible Pricing: Despite huge increases in the cost of services - in some cases up to 30% and more - we have managed to hold the line on our India tour prices without changing a single quality feature in this amazing trip. Our Taj Mahal Express, from only $1299 including flights, is the same price as last year, despite higher prices for hotels and other services in India. Incredible pricing? It's all in a day's work at Friendly Planet!

Included Features:  Your transfers as well as important visits to the Taj Mahal, Fatephur Sikri and Delhi are all included, not expensive extras as in other tours.

Credit Cards or Cash :  There's no extra cost to charge your dream vacation to India. Whether you pay by check, money order or your favorite major credit card, your tour price on this tour is the same. Credit Card Authorization Form.

Free Comprehensive Destination Guide: To help you prepare for your trip, you will receive a free, comprehensive Friendly Planet India & Nepal destination guide - a Friendly Planet exclusive - filled with plenty of helpful information about the destinations themselves (including history and other fascinating facts), weather, tipping, local customs, how to dress, plus insider shopping, nightlife and restaurant suggestions, organized by cuisine and cost

Personal Service: Most important of all, the extra ingredient that makes our tours stand apart from others—the wonderful, personal attention you'll receive from our friendly staff in the USA and our representatives in India —is completely free of charge. Compare our India programs to others, feature for feature. You'll see for yourself that ours are the very best value for money you'll find anywhere.

Taj Mahal Express Departures & Prices* Depart Return Book by Jun 13 After Jun 13 2008 DEPARTURES Apr 15 Apr 22 $1499 Apr 22 Apr 29 $1449 May 13 May 20 $1399 May 20 May 27 $1299 Sep 16 Sep 23 $1529 $1929 Sep 23 Sep 30 $1529 $1929

Tour prices are per person, double occupancy, including airfare. Prices in red reflect an early booking discount if you reserve by June 13, 2008. * Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee for this tour of $65.

Taj Mahal Express plus Nepal Departures & Prices* Depart Return Book by Jun 13 After Jun 13 2008 DEPARTURES Apr 14 Apr 25 $2199 Apr 28 May 9 $2149 May 5 May 16 $2099 May 19 May 30 $1999 Sep 11 Sep 22 $2229 $2629 Sep 15 Sep 26 $2229 $2629 Sep 18 Sep 29 $2279 $2679

Tour prices are per person, double occupancy, including airfare. Prices in red reflect an early booking discount if you reserve by June 13, 2008. * Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee for this tour of $95.

Taj Mahal Express Taxes & Fees Service Price Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee $65

Taj Mahal Express plus Nepal Taxes & Fees Service Price Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee $95

Taj Mahal Express Supplements, Optionals & Upgrades Service Price Travel Insurance (Recommended) $129 Single Room Supplement $320 Optional Tours Package $80

Taj Mahal Express plus Nepal Supplements, Optionals & Upgrades Service Price Travel Insurance (Recommended) $129 Single Room Supplement $560 Optional Tours Package, India $80 Mt. Everest Flight Option* $155 Nepal Visa Fee** $30 Bhutan Visa Fees*** $20

* This optional excursion is paid upon arrival in Nepal. ** NOTE: IMPORTANT: see information below about obtaining a visa for Nepal. *** Paid to Friendly Planet with other tour costs.

Taj Mahal Express plus Nepal Bhutan Extension Service Price Double Occupancy $1649 Single Supplement $165

Taxes, fuel surcharges and visa fees are subject to change without notice.

Flight Schedule: Click here for a full flight schedule.

Important Note: If you are reserving this tour less than 60 days prior to departure, confirmation is subject to space availability. We will advise you within 48 hours if we can confirm your reservation. In the meantime, no credit cards will be debited for deposits or payments until we are able to confirm your reservations.

Wait-listing on Friendly Planet Sold-Out Departures: If your preferred departure is sold out, you can place yourself on a waitlist by completing the online reservation form and submitting it to us. Just click on the "waitlist" button, complete the form and click "submit". In the comments box at the very bottom of the form, please write any notes regarding your request, especially any flexibility you might have in your dates of travel. This way, if your first choice doesn't clear, we can try for a second or third choice. We will make every effort to clear your space in a timely way so that you can join us on tour. You do not need to send any deposits for waitlists. When we clear your space, we'll contact you immediately by phone or email, and if you still wish to travel, we will arrange for deposits or payments at that time. We regret that we cannot accept waitlists beyond 35 days prior to departure. If you see "sold out" next to the dates you wish to reserve or waitlist, please note that this departure is now closed, including waitlist possibilities.

India visa: All visitors to India must obtain a visa. The Indian Consulate requires all visitors to obtain their tourist visa directly through Travisa Outsourcing. For detailed instructions, go to: http://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com.

Nepal visa: The visa for Nepal is granted upon arrival in Kathmandu. You will receive comprehensive visa information with your confirmation materials. Note that visa fees are not paid to Friendly Planet.

Bhutan visa: The visa for Bhutan is arranged for you by Friendly Planet and our representatives in Bhutan. You will receive comprehensive visa information with your confirmation materials. Visa fees presently are $20 and will be included on your invoice from Friendly Planet. Visa fees are subject to change without notice.

Already Booked? Print and complete your Tour Registration Form (PDF).

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* Some tour prices reflect an early booking discount on select dates. Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee.

Though we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information on our site about our tours, sometimes oversights and typographical errors can occur. Please confirm all tour prices and details with us via email or phone prior to booking. We will not be held responsible for misunderstandings arising from such errors.