Depart From: Depart from US for flight to India.

Afternoon: Late afternoon arrivals in Delhi.

Dinner: A light meal at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Suryaa New Delhi

Meals Included: Dinner

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: Convene with your fellow participants for a program orientation. Then discover Old Delhi on a bicycle rickshaw ride around the heart of Chandini Chowk, named for the silver merchants. Navigate its narrow dirt roads, its myriad of people and colorful bazaars, as you end up at the Jama Masjid, the largest Muslim mosque in India. Continue on to the Raj Ghat - the cremation ground of Mahatma Gandhi.

Lunch: In a local restaurant.

Afternoon: This afternoon, depart on a discovery of New Delhi's monuments: India Gate - the archway built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War; Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India; Parliament House; and the government secretariat buildings at Connaught Place. Then visit Qutub Minar. Explor Qutub Minar. Qutab Minar is a great masterpiece of Mughal architecture. The tall minaret was constructed in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, and later completed by his successor Iltutmish. The soaring conical tower is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture. Qutub Minar is a World Heritage Site and has survived the ravages of time impressively.

Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Suryaa New Delhi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Drive from New Delhi to Agra is a 4 hour bus drive with rest stops.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Depart to Agra. En route, your Study Leader presents an overview of Indian History.

Lunch: Lunch en route to Agra.

Afternoon: Discover Sikandra and the Moghuls land and explore the Mausoleum of Akbar. The mausoleum is built partially in red sandstone and in marble, with a mixture of Hindu and Moslem design elements. It can be seen as a transition between the older architectural style, based on red sandstone and the new, with marble as the main element and finer ornaments and carvings. Then in the late afternoon, after checking into the hotel, cross the Yamuna River to view the Taj Mahal at sunset and join a local expert on a discusson about Moghul history.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Lodging: Trident Hotel Agra

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Standing required for about 1 to 2 hours at a time.

Breakfast: In the hotel upon return from the Taj Mahal.

Morning: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty as you watch the sunrise at the Taj Mahal. The building is unique due to its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, and medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. Take some time to explore the exquisite grounds and view the highly decorated inside chamber. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then explore the Tomb of Itmad Ud Daulah, this beautiful mausoleum was the first one to be built on a riverbank, which was normally used only to build pleasure gardens till then. The marble mausoleum is designed like a silver jewel box with stunning and delicate inlay work.

Lunch: Observe a cooking demonstration in a traditional Indian home and then feast on the meal specially prepared for you.

Afternoon: This afternoon, visit Agra Fort-a UNESCO World Heritage site. Originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar, the Agra Fort, over a period of time, acquired all the elegance, lavishness and majesty of an imperial palace. Rest of the afternoon is yours at leisure.

Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.

Lodging: Trident Hotel Agra

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Note: The drive from Agra to Jaipur will take about 5 to 6 hours with enroute stops.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Depart for the drive to Jaipur. En route, explore Fatehpur Sikri, the sandstone city built by the 14 Mughal Emperor Akbar. A variety of architectural styles are found here, due to the employment of craftsmen representing many different schools. Originally planned as the capital, a shortage of water compelled Akbar to abandon his plans. Your Study Leader will also discuss the role of Indian royal families in the modern age. Learn about the evolution of the caste system and it's deep roots in Indian society.

Lunch: In the hotel in Jaipur.

Afternoon: Take in the riot of colors on a walk with your Study Leader through the local market.

Dinner: Share an exclusive evening in the company of a Nobal family in their palace home.

Lodging: Trident Hotel Jaipur

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Enjoy the morning exploring the Amber Fort. Amber, the capital of Rajasthan for 6 centuries before Jaipur was built, lies 11 km north of Jaipur. Rising majestically on the slopes of a hill, this 11th century fort and palace complex is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles. Ride elephants up to the Amber Fort as it rises majestically on the slopes of a hill (use jeeps for the descent). Also, make a photo stop at Hawa Mahal.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Explore Jaipur, known as the “pink city” because of the pink-colored sandstone of the buildings in the old walled city. Visit the City Palace, still the the Maharaja's residence but largely given over to a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings, royal apparel and an armory. Continue to the Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds - whose elaborate, honeycombed sandstone is a famous icon of the city. At Jantar Mantar, built by the city founder Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, learn how the huge stone instruments were devised to study the movements of the sun, moon and planets and remain incredibly accurate today.

Dinner: Dinner on own.

Lodging: Trident Hotel Jaipur

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast: Early continental breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: After early breakfast drive to the airport to board the flight to Guwahati. On arrival at the Guwahati airport you will be met by your representative and transfer to lunch.

Lunch: In at a restaurant in Guwahati.

Afternoon: After lunch, drive to Kamakhya Temple. This Temple is devoted to the eternal feminine, the goddess of desire whose name is Kama Khya, granter of desires. The Kamakhya Temple in Assam symbolizes the "fusion of faiths and practices" of Aryan and non-Aryan elements in Assam. The different names associated with the goddess are names of local Aryan and non-Aryan goddesses. Animal sacrifices take place here almost every day. The M.V. Mahabaahu sets sail at 14:00 hrs on the Brahmaputra River to Kiriakara. Guests will be given safety briefing followed by a special welcome dinner.

Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.

Lodging: MV Mahabaahu

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.

Morning: The upstream cruise offers a perfect vantage point for life on the mighty Brahmaputra River while we spend the day sailing to Tezpur. Enjoy a massage in our spa, soak in the jacuzzi or swim laps in the pool. One may prefer to scan the river for a fleeting sight of the Gangetic Dolphin or do some bird watching from the decks.

Lunch: Lunch on-board.

Afternoon: We enjoy a presentation on ‘Wildlife of Kaziranga’ late afternoon. Then watch a DVD on the tribes of Assam.

Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.

Lodging: MV Mahabaahu

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.

Morning: We start sailing this morning to Tezpur. After breakfast, we will visit a Tea Plantation in Tezpur. Wander through the manicured tea gardens of the Wild Mahseer Tea Plantation, watch tea pickers at work and taste the perfect cup of Assam tea. Wild Mahseer Tea Plantation is a top class resort in the Planter bungalow tradition; it provides a step back in time to colonial days.

Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.

Afternoon: After lunch, depart for jeep safari of Kaziranga National park Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Kaziranga National Park is located in the flood plains on both sides of the Brahmaputra. The most prized inhabitant of Kaziranga is the Greater One-Horned Indian Rhinoceros but the Park is home to as many as 180 different mammals including wild elephants, deer, bison, and a rich variety of birds.

Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.

Lodging: MV Mahabaahu

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast a resort.

Morning: Rise before the sun to set off for the Kaziranga National Park and an once-in-a-lifetime elephant-backed safari where we search for the elusive rhinoceros and tiger. After breakfast at the resort in Kaziranga, we return to the jungle to explore the wildlife on jeeps. The jeep safari ensures, we have had complete coverage of this UNESCO World Heritage Park.

Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.

Afternoon: We return to the ship for lunch and continue sailing to Bishwanath. We take the smaller boats to visit this charming village. We watch the women weaving cotton and silk in almost all the households here. They are very happy to share their experiences while the Children look at us with dreamy eyes.

Dinner: On board the ship.

Evening: Enjoy a dance performance on board followed by a demonstration of the technique of wearing an Assamese sari.

Lodging: MV Mahabaahu

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.

Morning: While the ship sails to Majuli, there is time to enjoy a massage in our spa, soak in the jacuzzi or swim laps in the pool. One may prefer to scan the river for a fleeting sight of the Gangetic Dolphin or do some bird watching from the decks.

Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.

Afternoon: Continue sailing.

Dinner: Dinner will be on a remote island.

Lodging: MV Mahabaahu

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.

Morning: Cruise until lunch.

Lunch: Lunch on shore or on board the ship.

Afternoon: Arrive at Majuli this afternoon. Majuli is the treasure house of Assamese culture, ancient monasteries dedicated to preservation of the arts have existed here since the 15th century. Written records are found of the visit of Shankardeva, a social reformer, during the 16th century. He promulgated a form of Hinduism that was also called Vaishnavism. He established monasteries or hermitages that were called Satra. These Satras became the hub of culture, art, religion and lifestyle. Even today, Satra preserve antiques like weapons, utensils, jewelry and other articles of cultural importance. Enjoy a masked dance and meet the Mishing people. Then, return to the M.V Mahabaahu and enjoy a talk on "Vaishnavism in Assam".

Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.

Lodging: MV Mahabaahu

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.

Morning: Today morning, visit Auniati Satra. Here, we visit the prayer hall, Monks quarters walk and fan making. A drum dance is the perfect way to end this cultural experience.

Lunch: Lunch on board or on shore.

Afternoon: Sail to Nimati, where we disembark and travel overland to Sibsagar, the ancient city of the Ahom Kings. The town, which literally means 'the ocean of Lord Shiva', is strewn with the tell-tale ruins of a powerful empire, the Ahom. Sibsagar was the capital of the Thai-speaking Ahoms who came to the area from Yunnan, China, in the 13th century AD. Their unique architectural style is evident in the well-preserved monuments scattered around the town. The town is built round the Sibsagar Lake (or tank), dug over 200 years ago. On its banks are located some of the famous temples of Sibsagar. The Shiva Temple, constructed in the year 1734 is believed to be the highest Hindu temple in India.

Dinner: Farewell dinner on-board.

Lodging: MV Mahabaahu

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.

Morning: After breakfast, disembark the cruise and drive to Dibrugarh Airport.

Lunch: Lunch in town.

Afternoon: Fly to Kolkata. On arrival, check-in to the Hotel.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Taj Bengal, Kolkata

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: This is a late night / early morning flight.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: After breakfast, enjoy the charm of this old historical city. Visit the Birla Planetarium which is the second largest of its kind in the world. Birla planetarium is a spectacular asset of modern Kolkata.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: This afternoon, visit the Indian Museum which has over 60 galleries and is divided into six main sectors of Art, Anthropology, Archeology, Geology, Industry and Zoology and is an independent institution funded by the Government of India. Also visit the Victoria Memorial, a majestic white marble building surrounded by a sprawling garden which now serves as a museum.

Dinner: Dinner on your own.

Evening: Evening transfer to International Airport to connect the outbound flight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch