Mystical and spiritual, India is a land of rich contrasts. Explore its multifaceted culture as you travel through the classic Golden Triangle and east to Varanasi, stopping in Kalakho where local Meena tribespeople invite you into their homes.
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Mystical India
The Golden Triangle and Varanasi With an Optional Extension to Nepal
17 days from $5,787 | includes airfare, taxes and all fees
Mystical and spiritual, India is a land of rich contrasts. Explore its multifaceted culture as you travel through the classic Golden Triangle and east to Varanasi, stopping in Kalakho where local Meena tribespeople invite you into their homes.
Tour Details
TOUR BROCHURE
brochure
WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY
- Ron Z.Of all the overseas trips we've taken, this trip ranks right at the top. Smithsonian did an outstanding job of balancing sites and activities with learning. We saw and did so much but we learned even more. We'll always remember India.
- Brenda S.I have wanted to visit India all my life and, therefore, had very high expectations. This trip far exceeded all those expectations. It was everything I hoped for and more!
- Kenneth N.India is not only mystical, but it is memorable, and magic. An initial visit only whets one's desire to return to experience the unique physical and spiritual senses over and over again.
- Previous Journeys TravelerI am so happy I saw India with the Smithsonian. It has such a rich and extraordinary history, and Smithsonian was the way to go!
JOURNEYS DISPATCHES
Overview
Activity Level 3: Moderate / Active
Expectations: Most trips will feature long touring days, many full-day excursions, and a full and active itinerary with a faster pace and longer distances. Some tours may have activities with higher intensity and more active choices/options. Excursions require standing and walking for extended periods of time over more difficult terrain (cobblestones, city hills, stairs without handrails, limited or no access to elevators, muddy/slippery walking/hiking trails), and walking to city centers where coaches are prohibited. Specific itineraries may feature hiking, use of local transportation, extended overnight train travel, extensive use of Zodiac crafts or other smaller ship conveyances, or multiple internal plane rides. Some itineraries may require early morning departures and later evening returns. Travelers may be in remote and/or rugged regions, and may be touring at higher altitudes with steep ascents/descents. Leisure time may be limited (sometimes only in the later evenings). Certain tours feature more active excursions (such as moderate hiking, swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, bicycling, rafting, or kayaking), though another choice may be offered for an alternate skill level. Walking/hiking tours may feature up to six-mile walks/hikes.
Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, lead active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities, and expect some physical exertion.
- Ron Z.Of all the overseas trips we've taken, this trip ranks right at the top. Smithsonian did an outstanding job of balancing sites and activities with learning. We saw and did so much but we learned even more. We'll always remember India.
- Brenda S.I have wanted to visit India all my life and, therefore, had very high expectations. This trip far exceeded all those expectations. It was everything I hoped for and more!
- Kenneth N.India is not only mystical, but it is memorable, and magic. An initial visit only whets one's desire to return to experience the unique physical and spiritual senses over and over again.
- Previous Journeys TravelerI am so happy I saw India with the Smithsonian. It has such a rich and extraordinary history, and Smithsonian was the way to go!
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Depart the U.S. for Delhi, India
Depart the U.S. for Delhi on individual flights.
Day 2 — Arrive Delhi
Arrive in India’s hyperactive capital late evening and transfer to your hotel.
Day 3 — Delhi
After a morning briefing with your tour director, this afternoon tour Old Delhi, including Raj Ghat, the simple black marble slab honoring Mahatma Gandhi and Ghandhi Smriti, a museum dedicated to the Indian icon. The exploration continues with many highlights including 17th-century Lal Qila, the Red Fort complex of palaces, where you stop for photos; Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque dating to 1656; a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk market; and the 16th-century Tomb of Humayun, now a World Heritage site. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel. (B,D)
Day 4 — Delhi
Today explore more of this city beginning at Qutab Minar, the 379-step tower dating to 1192, and pass by India Gate, honoring the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Following lunch at a local restaurant, visit a Sikh temple before returning to the hotel. (B,L)
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. En route to Jaipur stop for lunch at Shahpura Haveli, a 300-year-old Rajput fort and palace complex with extensive courtyards, staircases, and arches that typify Indo-Saracenic architecture. Late this afternoon reach Jaipur and your hotel, where you dine together tonight. (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 Rajput 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, enjoy a traditional 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)
Day 8 — Ranthambore
Travel today to Ranthambore National Park. Once the hunting ground of the Maharajah of Jaipur, the 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 through the park. (B,L,D)
Day 9 — Ranthambore
Enjoy both morning and afternoon game drives today to see not only game but also picturesque ruins of forts and palaces. (Tiger and leopard sightings are not guaranteed.) (B,L,D)
Day 10 — Kalakho
Early today depart for Kalakho and the Dera Village Retreat. Enjoy an afternoon camel safari to meet the local Meena tribespeople in their homes. (B,L,D)
Day 11 — 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 the ancient Mughal stronghold of Agra in the early afternoon. After lunch on your own, visit Itimad-ud-Daulah, the two-story marble “Baby Taj” that inspired the Taj Mahal. Dinner tonight is at the hotel. (B,D)
Day 12 — Agra
This morning visit the Taj Mahal, the magnificent tomb built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. After an Indian cuisine cooking lesson and lunch, visit the imposing Agra Fort complex, a vast complex that served for generations as the seat of Mughal power. (B,L)
Day 13 – Varanasi
Depart by coach this morning for Delhi, where you board a late afternoon flight to Varanasi, the holiest city in Hinduism. Dinner tonight is at the hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 14 – Varanasi and Sarnath
Today visit nearby Sarnath, where the Buddha first taught after achieving enlightenment. One of Buddhism’s four holiest sites, Sarnath draws pilgrims from the world over. See some of the temples and stupas then tour Sarnath Museum, housing a superb collection of Buddhist artifacts from excavations here. Highlights include a statue of the Buddha turning the wheel of law, and the celebrated Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka, dating to 250 B.C. Back in Varanasi tonight attend a traditional aarti offering ceremony during a cruise along the Ganges. (B,D)
Day 15 – 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. Enjoy a private Kathak dance performance, then celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day 16 – Delhi
Fly to Delhi this afternoon where the evening is at leisure. (B)
Day 17 — Return to the U.S.
Early today transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S.
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)
