Mystical India

Your Travel Itinerary

Days 1-2 — U.S. and Delhi
Depart the U.S. for Delhi on individual flights. Upon arrival late in the evening, transfer to your hotel.

Days 3-4 — Delhi
Built by a succession of empires, Delhi is comprised of many cities. Explore both Old and New Delhi beginning with an afternoon tour of the 16th-century Tomb of Humayun, Qutab Minar, and India Gate. The next day your exploration of Old Delhi begins at the Gandhi Memorial and continues with many highlights, including Lal Qila, the Red Fort complex of palaces where we stop for photos; Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque dating to 1656; a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk market; a Sikh temple; and a tour of the National Museum. (2B,2D)

Day 5 — Jaipur
Travel by coach to the "pink city" of Jaipur, one of the great cities of the Rajput, with historic forts, palaces, and gardens. Upon arrival late in the afternoon, settle into your hotel, once a Maharajah's palace. (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Jaipur
Explore the city's rich history beginning with the stunning Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, an elaborate facade of carved pink sandstone. Tour the famous Amber Fort, a Rajput capital from 1037 to 1728 and considered the pinnacle of Mughal architecture. Visit an open-air observatory, then view some of the Maharajah's magnificent art collections at the City Palace Museum. (B,L)

Day 7 — Jaipur and Sanganer
Early this morning, drive to a local ashram and join a yoga demonstration and chanting. In the nearby village of Sanganer, learn about traditional block printing and handmade paper industries, then experience the colorful sights and sounds of a local market. Enjoy an invitation to be dinner guests in the home of a multi-generational Rajasthan family. (B,D)

Days 8-9 — Ranthambore
Once the hunting ground of the Maharajah of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park is now a 512-square-mile nature preserve that is home to hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, mammals— and of course, the endangered Bengal tiger. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive, and enjoy additional game drives the next day. (2B,2L,2D)

Day 10 — Kalakho
Early today depart for Kalakho and the Dera Village Retreat on the banks of monsoon Madhosager Lake (which is seasonally dry). Enjoy an afternoon camel safari to meet the local Meena tribespeople in their homes. (B,L,D)

Days 11-12 — Abhaneri and Agra
Travel to the village of Abhaneri to see the fortified Chand Boari stepwell (c. 800), whose 3,500 steps descend some 13 stories into the ground. Arrive in Agra in the early afternoon. The next morning, tour the Taj Mahal, the magnificent tomb built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. After an Indian cuisine cooking lesson and lunch, visit the imposing Agra Fort, a vast complex that served for generations as the seat of Mughal power. (2B,1L,1D)

Days 13-14 — Jhansi, Orchha, and Khajuraho
Travel by train to Jhansi, then continue by coach to the village of Orchha for lunch. Continue to Khajuraho, whose collection of 22 Hindu temples dating back to the 10th century is a World Heritage site. Spend the next day exploring several of Khajuraho's well-preserved temples, considered the finest examples of temple architecture in Northern India. (2B,1L,2D)

Day 15 — Varanasi
Today, fly to Varanasi, Hinduism's holiest city and a sacred place of pilgrimage. This evening attend a traditional aarti offering ceremony during a cruise along the Ganges. (B,D)

Day 16 — Varanasi
Early this morning return to the Ganges, where Hindu pilgrims perform their rituals along the ghats (steps) leading to the river. Visit several of the important ghats by boat as you experience the spiritual mystique of these hallowed waters, and stop at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the most sacred of the shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later, travel to Sarnath, birthplace of Buddhism and still a major center of the practice. Enjoy a private kathak dance performance. Tonight, celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner. (B,D)

Days 17-18 — Delhi
Fly to Delhi this afternoon and depart early the next morning for the U.S. on individual flights. (B)