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 14 days/13 nights in luxury 5-star hotels touring the unique capitals and sights of India, including Mumbai, the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Udaipur and Delhi. India bristles with a mind-stirring mix of landscapes and cultural traditions. Your journey through this intoxicating country will blaze in your memory long after you've left its shores.
Optional Extension in Nepal - March 5 - 8, 2015.
India has a long historical homosexual tradition. Literary evidence shows that homosexuality has been prevalent in India throughout the ages. Erotic sculptures that depict homosexuality can befound in many temples, and is also portrayed in many Mughal paintings.
In recent years and particularly since decriminalization of consensual homosexuality, India is slowly adopting a progressive attitude. Gay life is developing in the major cities where gay communities, clubs, saunas are emerging.
Day 0 - Thursday, February 19, 2015
Depart the USA, Canada, or Europe on any regularly scheduled flight to Mumbai, India. A visa is required for entry into India and must be obtained prior to leaving the USA.
Day 1 - Friday, February 20, 2015
 You will arrive Mumbai's International airport today. Once you have collected your luggage and cleared Customs, exit and look for the Coda representative & driver holding a sign with your name and/or a Coda sign. You will be transferred to the hotel for check in. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Hotel: Trident Nariman Point Hotel, Mumbai, 5*
Room: Premier Ocean View Room
Day 2 - Saturday, February 21, 2015
 This morning will be at leisure for a late start following the flight to India. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and perhaps a swim in the pool.
Lunch is at the hotel before we being our city tour. This afternoon we will depart for sightseeing of Mumbai including the Prince of Wales Museum. Drive past other major landmarks, such as Victoria Terminus. The first train to steam out of Mumbai was from here to Thane in 1853. Mani Bhawan: A small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi is also on the schedule. Noteworthy is a visit to the Hanging Gardens. Last on the program is the "Dhobhi Ghat"- a unique outdoor laundry. Return to the hotel.
Tonight we gather for a welcome dinner with cocktails to get to know our fellow travelers.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Welcome Dinner
Hotel: Trident Nariman Point Hotel, Mumbai, 5*
Room: Premier Ocean View Room
Day 3 - Sunday, February 22, 2015
 After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and depart to visit the Gateway of India, the postcard landmark of Mumbai. It was the principal port when visitors came to India by ship. We will embark on a regularly scheduled boat bound for the Elephanta Caves. Located across the sea from the Gateway of India, the island of Elephanta is the glorious abode of Lord Shiva. The island is famous for its great cave shrine, excavated in the sixth century. (Note this excursion requires a significant climb or the use of a hired sedan chair (additional cost.)) After our visit, return to Mumbai for lunch at the Taj Mahal Hotel and then transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Udaipur.
Upon arrival we will be met and transferred to our hotel, The Oberoi Udaivilas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Oberoi Udaivilas Hotel, Udaipur, 5*
Room: Premier Room
Day 4 - Monday, February 23, 2015
 Breakfast will be at the hotel before we set off to explore Udaipur. We will begin at the City Palace, a conglomeration of buildings added by various Maharanas, yet it manages to retain a uniformity of design. The Crystal Gallery houses a rare collection of Osler's crystal. Also see the Maharana's Vintage & Classic car museum.
Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure for independent/spa activities. The pool is irresistible.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Oberoi Udaivilas Hotel, Udaipur, 5*
Room: Premier Room
Day 5 - Tuesday, February 24, 2015
 Following breakfast our morning excursion is to Eklingji temple, believed to be the ruling deity of the once Princely State of Mewar. The beautifully sculpted temple complex includes 108 temples and the main temple dates to the 15th century. Continue to Nagda, now in ruins, was the scene of frequent Muslim invasions. It has two 11th-century temples ornamented with unusual carvings.
Lunch today is in the lavish 18th-century fort-palace Devigarh. The multi-cuisine restaurant offers both Indian and international cuisines. After lunch return to hotel.
This evening we have planned a lake cruise aboard our own boat, sailing the placid, mystical waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the midst of the enigmatic deserts of Rajasthan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Oberoi Udaivilas Hotel, Udaipur, 5*
Room: Premier Room
Day 6 - Wednesday, February 25, 2015
 After breakfast our drive from Udaipur to Jaipur will take about 7 hour. Lunch is at the Bijayniwas Palace, half way between Udaipur & Jaipur. Away from noise and pollution set amidst vast farms, orchards and rare trees. The very well laid out artistic building, a virtual art gallery, ideal for a lunch stop-over. The palace is set over 50 acres of orchard and is a majestic heritage retreat. Our hotel in Jaipur is the opulent Oberoi Rajvilas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Oberoi Rajvilas Hotel, Jaipur, 5*
Room: Premier Room
Day 7 - Thursday, February 26, 2015
 A special treat is in store this morning. Embark on an elephant safari through the Indian countryside before stopping to enjoy a champagne breakfast. Afterwards, our excursion continues to the magnificent Amber Fort. Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for the excellence of its design and decoration.
In the afternoon visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory. Although built in the 1700s, it still appears futuristic. Continue to the City Palace that houses the Maharaja's private collection of textiles and armory. Culminate the tour with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal, fondly called the 'Palace of Winds'
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Oberoi Rajvilas Hotel, Jaipur, 5*
Room: Premier Room
Day 8 - Friday, February 27, 2015
 After breakfast we depart again on a 6 hour drive. This time we are headed to Agra, home to the magnificent Taj Mahal. En route we visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century.
Our lunch stop is at Laxmi Niwas Palace in Bharatpur. After lunch continue to Agra. Check-in at the luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas. The Oberoi Amarvilas offers breathtaking views of the Taj from all its exquisite rooms.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel, Agra, 5*
Room: Premiere Room
Day 9 - Saturday, February 28, 2015
 Early this morning we visit the glorious Taj Mahal – one of the most perfect architectural monuments in the world. Words do not do it justice. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Later in the day visit Agra Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) & Itmad-Ud-Daulah mausoleum, considered as the imminent precursor of the Taj Mahal as far as elaborate carvings and inlay work are concerned.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel, Agra, 5*
Room: Premiere Room
Day 10 - Sunday, March 1, 2015
 After breakfast our drive from Agra to Delhi will take about 5 hours. En-route we will visit Sikandra, the tomb of the great Mughal emperor Akbar, located just outside Agra.
In Delhi our hotel is the Taj Mahal. The remainder of the day is at leisure for independent activities.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Taj Mahal Hotel, Delhi, 5*
Room: Deluxe Room
Day 11 - Monday, March 2, 2015
 Breakfast. This morning we begin our exploration in Old Delhi visiting the Jama Mosque, the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi. Drive past the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch is at Olive Bar & Kitchen.
This afternoon we drive through Lutyens' Delhi, Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President's Palace and India Gate, a war memorial arch built in honor of Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. Explore the famed Humayun's Tomb and culminate the tour at Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, at 238 feet.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Taj Mahal Hotel, Delhi, 5*
Room: Deluxe Room
Day 12 - Tuesday, March 3, 2015
 Transfer to the airport for flight to Varanasi. Check-in at the hotel Taj Gateway.
Varanasi, formerly Benares, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. The Ganges, where it flows through the 'eternal city', is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals. Mark Twain said: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together." For the pious Hindu, the city has always been a special place, and it is considered a particularly auspicious place to die, ensuring an instant route to Heaven.
This evening, we go down to the banks of the River Ganges and board our private boat to witness the 'Aarti', a prayer to the mother river, conducted every evening by five priests on the banks of the river.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Taj Gateway Hotel, Varanasi, 5*
Room: Executive Room
Day 13 - Wednesday, March 4, 2015
 Early this morning, we drive to Daswamedh Ghat and watch the wonderful colors of the sunrise as we meander along the sacred Ganges River in a boat. As part of their pilgrimage rites, the faithful walk down steps into the river to perform their religious ablutions. Watching the people worshipping at the ghats is an extraordinary experience. You may also witness a funeral pyre, an essential part of the traditional Hindu funeral ceremony.
Stop off at a few of the many Hindu temples that line the Ganges River, each dedicated to a different deity and return to your hotel for breakfast.
In the afternoon, stroll along the fascinating lanes and colorful bazaars full of shops selling, among many other things, the world-famous Benaras silks. Continue on to Benares Hindu University, one of the most revered institutions for higher learning in India. Later take an excursion to the Buddhist city of Sarnath, just outside Varanasi. The place Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon, Sarnath is as holy to the Buddhists as Varanasi is to the Hindus. Explore the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and look around a museum with an interesting collection of Buddhist art and sculpture. The Ashoka pillar of Sarnath is the National emblem of India.
A Farewell dinner will be arranged at the hotel this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Taj Gateway Hotel, Varanasi, 5*
Room: Executive Room
Day 14 - Thursday, March 5, 2015
After breakfast, morning at leisure. Transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi. For those of you returning Home, connect with your international flight* or for those going onto the Nepal extension, you will connect with your flight to Kathmandu. (*If a hotel room is required to await a late evening flight, we can arrange this at additional cost.)
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Extension to Nepal - March 5 - 8, 2015
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• 5* Accommodations:
2 nights at Trident Nariman Point Hotel in Mumbai;
3 nights at Oberoi Udaivilas Hotel in Udaipur;
2 nights at Oberoi Rajvilas Hotel in Jaipur;
2 night at Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel in Agra;
2 nights at Taj Mahal Hotel in Delhi;
2 nights at Taj Gateway Hotel in Varanasi
Room categories as listed in the itinerary. Upgrades are based on availability and at additional cost.
• Breakfast daily in the hotels
• 7 lunches & 2 dinners
• Air conditioned transportation
• Entrance fees at key site / monuments
• Services of English speaking local guide during sightseeing
• Accompanying guide from Udaipur until departure in Varanasi for 7+ participants
• Local guide for the sightseeing in Mumbai
• Economy class *airfare (subject to change) *On sectors Mumbai/Udaipur & Delhi/Varanasi/Delhi
(Business Class upgrade may be available.)
• All currently applicable taxes, tolls, parking fees, porterage and service tax
• Special site events included:
- Elephant visit by common launch in Mumbai
- Exclusive boat ride for the group in Udaipur on Lake Pichola
- Elephant safari through the Indian countryside in Jaipur
- Decorated Rickshaw ride in Agra
- Morning & Evening boat ride on Ganges in Varanasi
• International airfare round trip to India;
• Passport and Visa fees for India & Nepal (Required for USA citizens. India must be obtained prior to departing USA. Nepal visa may be obtained at the airport in Kathmandu.);
• Any gratuities to guides an drivers;
• Any Insurance for Trip cancellation / interruption (recommended);
• Any meals or options not mentioned in the itinerary; drinks with meals;
• Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc.
Trident Nariman Point Hotel, Mumbai
 Nestled in the heart of vibrant and bustling Mumbai lies Trident, Nariman Point. Soaring 35 storeys tall, it offers panoramic views of the Marine Drive or the Queen's necklace, as the beautiful promenade is lovingly called. An iconic Mumbai landmark, featuring one of the finest accommodations in the city, this is the address to be seen at.
The 555 rooms and suites at Trident, Nariman Point, offer stunning views of the ocean and the famous city skyline. Spacious and well-appointed with all modern amenities, the rooms are well complemented by our attentive yet unobtrusive service.
 Head to one of our award winning restaurants - Frangipani or India Jones, which offer cuisine ranging from Indian to Italian and Asian. Relax and rejuvenate in the calm environs of the Trident spa or recharge with an energising workout at the fitness centre.
In a city that never sleeps, there is always much to discover and Trident, Nariman Point Hotel is perfectly located to do so. Art galleries, museums, fashion boutiques, clubs and dining hot spots, all lie within a short distance of the hotel. The highlight of your stay, though, will most certainly be an early morning or late evening walk down the promenade to take in the cool sea breeze and feel the pulse of the city.
Oberoi Udaivilas Hotel, Udaipur
 Located on the bank of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi, Udaivilas stands on the 200 year old hunting grounds of the Maharana of Mewar. Spread over a luxurious fifty acres, which includes a twenty-acre wildlife sanctuary with deer and wild boar, The Oberoi Udaivilas affords spectacular views across the verdant gardens and sparkling Lake Pichola.
The hotel's intricate layout of interconnecting domes and corridors reflects the layout of Udaipur itself - whose seven lakes are linked by canals. These domes and walkways are flooded with sunlight, caressed by balmy breezes and offer magnificent views of the lake and gardens. The Oberoi Udaivilas has 3 restaurants, 2 heated outdoor pools and a luxurious spa.
 Spacious and modern, each Oberoi Udaivilas room has a seating area by the window. Artworks and rugs decorate the rooms, which are equipped with a flat-screen satellite TV, DVD player and electronic safe. They also include a minibar and marble bathroom.
A variety of movies and audio CDs are available for guest to borrow. Practice yoga, learn a Rajasthani folk dance or attend a cooking lesson with the in house chef.
Udaimahal Restaurant specialises in traditional Indian food including Rajasthani and North Indian dishes. Order Western, Mediterranean and Thai food at Suryamahal or enjoy open-air dining with traditional music and dance evening performances at Chandni. 24-hour in-room dinning is also available.
Oberoi Rajvilas Hotel, Jaipur
 The Oberoi Rajvilas, is a royal resort set in a breathtaking thirty two acre oasis of beautiful landscaped gardens and exotic birdlife. Built around an 18th century Shiva temple which affords chanting with a Hindu priest, meditation and morning yoga, The Oberoi Rajvilas is a haven of mystical peace and natural serenity.
Traditional techniques have been used to replicate the famous pink lime plaster walls of Jaipur, throughout the resort. Also adorned with Mughal arches, gold leaf frescoes, high domed ceilings and magnificent crystal chandeliers, The Oberoi Rajvilas epitomises traditional Rajasthani charm and Oberoi luxury.
 Decorated with modern interiors and neutral colour tones, the stylish rooms offer large windows that overlook the greenery. Each well-appointed room is equipped with a sofa seating area, flat-screen TV and bathroom with a bathtub.
Oberoi Rajvilas Hotel guests can exercise at the gym or indulge in body treatments at the spa and salon.
Available for all-day dining, Surya Mahal & Courtyard serves international dishes and fine wines. Rajmahal restaurant offers Indian specialities for dinner, while wines and spirits are available at Rajwada Library Bar.
Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel, Agra
 The Oberoi Amarvilas enjoys an unrivalled position, just 600 metres from the iconic Taj Mahal. Each of our rooms affords uninterrupted views of this ancient monument to love, while elements of the layout and design pay homage to its Mughal splendour.
The hotel is approached along a sweeping driveway, verdant with native trees and lit by flaming torches. Just inside, a Mughal style quadrant is ornamented with cascading fountains and framed by an arched passageway and gold leaf frescoes.
By day, guests can travel in our private golf buggies to the Taj Mahal. At night, they can savour a candlelit dinner beside its soft silhouette.
 Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel beautiful rooms come with stylish modern interiors and large windows. All the well-appointed units are equipped with a sofa, personal safe and private bathroom.
Guests can visit the Oberoi Spa for a body massage, swim, or exercise at the gym.
Bellevue restaurant serves international dishes and local favourites, while Esphahan offers traditional Indian specialities. Overlooking the Taj Mahal, the bar offers fine wines and cigars.
Taj Mahal Hotel, Delhi
 At the heart of New Delhi, lies, arguably, the most distinguished address in India's capital. On Number One Mansingh Road stands a tribute to timeless hospitality and service, complementing the broad boulevards and leafy splendour of Delhi's chief architect, Edwin Lutyens. Its proximity to the seat of government, the city's diplomatic corps and business district has furthered The Taj Mahal Hotel's reputation as the epicenter of Delhi. Indeed, it is the one address, visiting dignitaries and heads of state prefer, given its stateliness and security, its original culinary innovations, and the air of quiet, restrained luxury that permeates every aspect of a visitor's stay.
 Central to The Taj Mahal Hotel's prominence is its old-world grace and charm, blended effortlessly with contemporary comforts and amenities. In its unique blend of warmth and welcome and assiduous attention to service, The Taj Mahal Hotel is a true ambassador of the Taj hospitality experience.
Featuring modern Indian-style decor, luxurious rooms at The Taj are equipped with fax machines and flat-screen cable TVs. They come with a safe and a sofa at the comfortable seating area.
7 dining options offer a spread of Asian, international and European cuisines. Dining highlights include Indian specialities at VARQ and fine Japanese dining at Wasabi Restaurant.
Taj Gateway Ganges Hotel, Varanasi
 Spread over 40 acres of tropical gardens, The Taj Gateway Hotel Ganges is a peaceful getaway in the ancient temple city of Varanasi. Offering an outdoor pool and a spa, it also has 24-hour room service.
The modern air-conditioned rooms are all equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. All enjoy views of the garden, pool or city. Bathrooms come with shower facilities.
 Guests can exercise at the fitness centre, relax with a massage or buy souvenirs at the shopping arcade. There is a doctor on-call and a business centre.
Both buffet and a la carte dishes are available at GAD coffee shop, which serves Indian, Pan-Asian and international delights. Varuna offers authentic Indian fine dining, while wines and cocktails can be enjoyed at Prinsep Bar.
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