Explore Mysteries Of India
15 DAYS
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through India's diverse landscapes, starting with thrilling game drives in Ranthambore National Park, where you can watch for tigers in the wild amidst the rugged beauty of the jungle. Then, cruise the serene waters of the iconic River Ganges, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred waterway. Continue your journey with a visit to the majestic Amber Fort, followed by a stroll through Jaipur, the vibrant "Pink City," with its rich history and architectural wonders. Finally, be awestruck as you behold the Taj Mahal at sunrise, its ivory-white marble glowing in the soft morning light, a symbol of timeless beauty and love. Small group tour with 14-24 travelers. Check off the must-see sights as well as countless moments you couldn't find -
in any guidebook
Day 1: Overnight Flight:
Discover India’s perfect synthesis of nature, spirituality, and regal legacy. From the fabled Taj Mahal to the iconic tigers of Ranthambore, step into a world of captivating mysteries and vibrant color
Day 2: Delhi, India - Tour Begins
The Suryaa New Delhi
:
A paradise of contradiction, Delhi features a bustling energy, age-old monuments, and an all-encompassing vitality that courses its way through the busy streets. Experience everything this dynamic metropolis has to offer, from modern New Delhi to historic Old Delhi.
Day 3: Delhi
The Suryaa New Delhi
Breakfast & Dinner
:
Start your morning at the expansive Humayun’s Tomb, one of the best-preserved Mughal monuments dating back to the 1500s. This sprawling complex inspired countless mausoleums, including the legendary Taj Mahal. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to explore on your own. Gather with your group in the evening for a welcome dinner featuring Indian specialties.
Day 4: Delhi
The Suryaa New Delhi
Breakfast & Lunch
:
Cut through Old Delhi’s buzzing streets on a rickshaw – your mode of transportation for an exhilarating tour of old Delhi. See the city’s friendly vendors as you travel down narrow streets and busy corridors. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, and stand in awe before its iconic red sandstone towers. Your exploration of New Delhi continues on a journey by the city’s famous monuments, including the India Gate and Parliament building.
Day 5: Delhi – Jaipur
Radisson Jaipur City Center
Breakfast & Lunch
Wish the city goodbye and embark on a scenic drive through the countryside. Stop for lunch in a local restaurant before arriving in Jaipur, the “Pink City.” See Hawa Mahal, the former home of a maharaja (Indian prince). Marvel at the city’s architectural brilliance as you stroll through the heart of the Old City during your free time.
Day 6: Jaipur
Radisson Jaipur City Center
Breakfast & Dinner
Take in the extensive palace complex of Amber Fort, India’s former seat of power. Head to the palace by means of a vintage jeep, scaling the hills overlooking Jaipur. In the evening, get to know a local family as you join them for a hosted dinner in their home.
Day 7: Jaipur
Radisson Jaipur City Center
Breakfast
Set out to explore the beautiful city of Jaipur, starting with the City Palace. Nearby, take in the impeccable masonry of the Jantar Mantar – the world’s oldest stone sundial. The afternoon is yours to discover Jaipur however you please.
Day 8: Jaipur - Ranthambore National Park-Juna Mahal
Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Travel to Ranthambore National Park where we will seek out tigers in their natural habitat. Learn about Project Tiger’s conservation efforts and the impact the organization has had on the Ranthambore sanctuary. Connect with a naturalist, introducing you to India’s extensive wildlife.
Day 9: Ranthambore
Juna Mahal
Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Board a canter (open-air truck) for your first game drive. Seek out barking deer, Indian gazelles, and exotic birdlife. Follow the tigers’ paths in search of the sanctuary’s renowned wildlife. Then, it’s your choice! Return to your hotel to relax -OR- experience an Impact Moment with a visit to Dastkar Ranthambore, a social enterprise dedicated to providing employment and training for local women artisans. No matter what you choose, return to the wild for another chance to seek out marsh crocodiles, sloth bears, and the park’s famous Bengal tigers.
handicrafts center & memorial chorten, followed by a drive to Simtokha Dzong, containing 400 yr. old exquisite temples with intricate art work.
Day 10: Ranthambore – Agra
Grand Mercure Agra
Breakfast & Lunch
Today we depart early as we make our way to Agra, a city rich with the splendors of the past. Along the way, visit the impressive Abhaneri step well. Built over 1,000 years ago it is an architectural marvel hidden from visitors until recently. Then stop for lunch and get another taste of local flavors. Home to stone forts and marble mausoleums, Agra features a lively culture and picture-perfect architecture.
Day 11: Agra
Grand Mercure Agra
Breakfast & Lunch
The Taj Mahal, a stunning vision in white marble and sandstone, was built as an expression of love by Emperor Shah Jahan. Experience the romantic spirit of the Taj Mahal in the early morning, when the colors of the sky dance on the bright façade and shimmer in its reflective pool. Visit Agra Fort, the seat of the Mughal Empire. During a second Impact Moment, enjoy lunch at Sheroes' Hangout – a café that empowers female survivors of violence, allowing them to reclaim their lives through employment and sisterhood.
Day 12: Agra – Khajuraho
Radisson Jass Hotel Khajuraho
Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Start your morning with a train ride to Jhansi where you will connect with your coach and make your way to Khajuraho. In the shadow of the Vindhya mountain range, find a city of stone temples and mystifying sculptures. Make the most of time at leisure this afternoon to explore the area on your own.
Day 13: Khajuraho – Varanasi
Radisson Varanasi
Breakfast
Take in the Chandela Temple complex, home to unparalleled temple architecture and intricate stone carvings. Fly to Varanasi – India’s holiest city – where spiritual energy radiates from the ground up. Sail along the River Ganges and pass by the ghats (banks) where locals wade into the river. From the Dasaswamedh Ghat, enjoy a reserved seat to experience the Ganga Aarti ceremony as it illuminates the night sky.
Day 14: Varanasi
Radisson Varanasi
Breakfast & Dinner
Take advantage of a morning boat ride for an opportunity to see the sunrise on the River Ganges. Travel to Sarnath, where Siddhartha Gautama – later known as Buddha – gave his first sermon in the 6th century B.C. Discover this holy site and gain insight into the country’s divine past. Celebrate your adventure through India alongside new friends at a farewell dinner.
Day 15: Varanasi - Delhi - Tour Ends
Lemon Tree Premier, Delhi Airport
Breakfast
Enjoy a morning at leisure before flying back to Delhi, where a room has been reserved for you to freshen up before your return flight home.
Welcome to India
Hawa Mahal
Amber Fort ride on Elephants
Highlights And Inclusions
Your Tour Includes
__Selected Accommodations
__Meals as mentioned 26
__Airfares within India
__Train fares as per the tour
Must-See Inclusions
__Game drives in Ranthambore National Park to watch for tigers in the wild
__Cruise the waters of the Holy River Ganges
__Explore the majestic Amber Fort and vibrant Jaipur, the “Pink City.
__ Behold the Taj Mahal at sunrise.
Cultural Experiences
__Travel to Khajuraho on an exciting train journey.
__Venture through the main streets and back roads of Old Delhi via rickshaw.
__Marvel at the illuminated Ganga Aarti ceremony
Highlights
__Old Delhi
__Jaipur
__Hawa Mahal
__Amber Fort
__Home-Hosted Dinner
__Ranthambore National Park
__Abhaneri Stepwell
__Taj Mahal
__Chandela Temple Complex
__Varanasi
__Ganga Aarti Ceremony
