india, hawa mahal, jaipur
The Palace of Winds in Jaipur

Mystical India

Discover the cultural and natural treasures of Northern India, featuring Ranthambore National Park
Starting at $5,794
Including airfare, airline taxes & departure fees
Call 855-330-1542
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Overview
  • Mystical and spiritual, chaotic and confounding, India is a land rich in contrasts. Join us to explore northern India’s multifaceted culture, history, and traditions as we travel through the classic Golden Triangle and east to Varanasi. In sprawling Delhi, tour both Old and New Delhi and enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk market. In the “pink city” of Jaipur, marvel at historic forts, royal palaces, and gardens built by maharajas. Visit the nearby village of Sanganer to watch craftsmen work at traditional block printing and papermaking.

    During game drives in Ranthambore National Park look for Bengal tigers, monkeys, langurs, and exotic birds, and join a camel safari in Kalakho, where local Meena tribespeople invite you into their homes. In Khajuraho, view temple architecture that is considered the finest in northern India. You’ll also experience the haunting beauty of the Taj Mahal, a World Heritage site, and then conclude in the holy city of Varanasi to witness the powerful spiritual rituals along the Ganges River.
    • Special Value
  • This tour is specially designed for a small group of 16 to 24 Smithsonian travelers and offers outstanding travel value. Prices include airfare, airline taxes, fuel surcharges, and departure fees.
    • Smithsonian Experts
  • Throughout this tour, travel in the company of an exceptional Smithsonian Study Leader. Minhazz Majumdar is a writer and curator of Indian art, and co-founder of the Earth & Grass Workshop, an organization promoting arts and crafts as livelihood. Minhazz has served as a development consultant for the government of India and for many Indian NGOs and has extensive experience leading groups through India. Minhazz will be on the October 17, November 21 and January 16 departures. Rita Sodha is a lecturer in the Department of Art History at the University of Baroda’s Faculty of Fine Arts. With a Ph.D. in art history, Rita is an expert on Indian painting and has published several articles on contemporary art in India. Rita will be on the February 20 departure. The March departures will be led by comparable experts.
    • Special Highlights
  • Enjoy a private home-hosted dinner with a family in Jaipur.
  • Spend two nights at Ranthambore National Park, one of India's premier tiger reserves.
  • Experience an intimate tour of the holy city of Varanasi and enjoy an exclusive dance performance.
  • Take a camel safari and visit with a tribal family in Kalakho.
  • Join in a yoga demonstration and chanting at a local ashram.
  • Attend a traditional aarti offering ceremony on the Ganges.
    • Don't forget to check out our photo slide show to glimpse the excitement of this special program!
  • View photos by clicking "Next Photo" at top of page!
    • World Heritage Sites
  • This tour features the following World Heritage sites in India:
    • Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
    • Qutab Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
    • The Red Fort Complex, Delhi
    • Jantar Mintar, Jaipur
    • The Khajuraho Group of Monuments
    • The Agra Fort, Agra
    • The Taj Mahal, Agra
    See a complete list of all Smithsonian tours featuring World Heritage sites.
    • TRAVELER COMMENT
  • "Smithsonian provides excellent tours, rich in content, well-informed guides, contrasts in experiences (plane, train, camel, elephant, and rickshaw). Every need of the traveler is looked after—transfer of luggage from hotels, trains, and aircraft—absolutely hassle-free." Brendan M. Keegan


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