Mystical and spiritual, chaotic and confounding, India overflows with riches. While staying at excellent hotels, we travel the classic Golden Triangle: bustling Delhi; Agra, home of the sublime Taj Mahal; and Jaipur, the "Pink City." We also search for elusive Bengals in Ranthambore, and absorb the holiness of Varanasi.
From $5,487
Mystical and spiritual, chaotic and confounding, India overflows with riches. While staying at excellent hotels, we travel the classic Golden Triangle: bustling Delhi; Agra, home of the sublime Taj Mahal; and Jaipur, the "Pink City." We also search for elusive Bengals in Ranthambore, and absorb the holiness of Varanasi.
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Ratings are based on the Hotel & Travel Index, the travel industry standard reference. Unrated hotels may be too small, too new, or too remote to be listed.
Day Day Itinerary Hotel Rating |
1 1 Depart U.S. for Delhi |
2-4 |
5-7 |
8-9 |
10 |
11-12 |
13-15 |
16 |
17 17 Depart Delhi for U.S. |
| 1 | Depart U.S. for Delhi, India Depart U.S. for Delhi, India |
| 2 | Arrive Delhi Arrive Delhi Read More We arrive in India’s capital late this evening and transfer to our hotel. We arrive in India’s capital late this evening and transfer to our hotel. |
| 3 | Delhi B D B D Delhi Read More After a morning at leisure followed by a briefing about the journey ahead, we set out to discover Old Delhi. We stop first at Raj Ghat, the simple black marble slab honoring Mahatma Gandhi, then we see Lal Qila, the Red Fort complex of palaces considered the greatest of all Delhi’s earlier cities and today a UNESCO Site. Next: the red sandstone and marble Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque; and the colorful Chandni Chowk market, where we ride rickshaws. Late this afternoon we return to our hotel, where tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner together. After a morning at leisure followed by a briefing about the journey ahead, we set out to discover Old Delhi. We stop first at Raj Ghat, the simple black marble slab honoring Mahatma Gandhi, then we see Lal Qila, the Red Fort complex of palaces considered the greatest of all Delhi’s earlier cities and today a UNESCO Site. Next: the red sandstone and marble Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque; and the colorful Chandni Chowk market, where we ride rickshaws. Late this afternoon we return to our hotel, where tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner together. |
| 4 | Delhi B L B L Delhi Read More We encounter more of this pulsating city today, beginning at 240-foot Qutb Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret. Next, we pass by India Gate, the majestic arch that stands over an eternal flame to honor the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died fighting alongside the British during WWI and the Afghan war. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we visit a Sikh temple then learn more about Gandhi at the Gandhi Smriti museum. After this full day, we return to our hotel where the evening is at leisure and dinner is on our own. We encounter more of this pulsating city today, beginning at 240-foot Qutb Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret. Next, we pass by India Gate, the majestic arch that stands over an eternal flame to honor the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died fighting alongside the British during WWI and the Afghan war. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we visit a Sikh temple then learn more about Gandhi at the Gandhi Smriti museum. After this full day, we return to our hotel where the evening is at leisure and dinner is on our own. |
These select departures will be 19 days in duration, with two additional nights spent at the festival — after the stay in Delhi and prior to arriving in Jaipur.
Lively and exotic Hindu gatherings, with camel trading, feasts, and traditional sports and entertainment. We spend 2 nights at a nearby tented camp (Nagaur); or at a nearby resort (Pushkar).
| 5 | Delhi/Jaipur B L D B L D Delhi/Jaipur Read More Today we travel by coach to the “pink city” of Jaipur, renowned for its historic forts, palaces, and gardens, and now a UNESCO site. We reach our hotel late this afternoon. Today we travel by coach to the “pink city” of Jaipur, renowned for its historic forts, palaces, and gardens, and now a UNESCO site. We reach our hotel late this afternoon. |
| 6 | Jaipur B L B L Jaipur Read More Our first stop is the stunning Hawa Mahal, the elaborately carved pink sandstone “Palace of the Winds.” We continue on to Amber Fort, built by the Kachhawah Rajputs as their capital from 1037 to 1728; Jantar Mantar, the open-air observatory; and City Palace Museum, housing the magnificent art collections of the Maharajahs of Jaipur. Our first stop is the stunning Hawa Mahal, the elaborately carved pink sandstone “Palace of the Winds.” We continue on to Amber Fort, built by the Kachhawah Rajputs as their capital from 1037 to 1728; Jantar Mantar, the open-air observatory; and City Palace Museum, housing the magnificent art collections of the Maharajahs of Jaipur. |
| 7 | Jaipur/Sanganer B D B D Jaipur/Sanganer Read More This morning we visit the village of Sanganer to see traditional block printing and handmade paper industries. Later we see local life up close as we explore an outdoor market. Tonight we are dinner guests in the home of a multi-generational Rajasthan family. This morning we visit the village of Sanganer to see traditional block printing and handmade paper industries. Later we see local life up close as we explore an outdoor market. Tonight we are dinner guests in the home of a multi-generational Rajasthan family. |
| 8 | Jaipur/Ranthambore B L D B L D Jaipur/Ranthambore Read More We travel today to Ranthambore National Park, the former hunting ground of the Maharajah of Jaipur and now a 512-square-mile natural preserve that is home to hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and, of course, Bengal tigers. This afternoon we take our first game drive through the park. We travel today to Ranthambore National Park, the former hunting ground of the Maharajah of Jaipur and now a 512-square-mile natural preserve that is home to hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and, of course, Bengal tigers. This afternoon we take our first game drive through the park. |
| 9 | Ranthambore B L D B L D Ranthambore Read More We take both morning and afternoon game drives today to see not only game (though tiger and leopard sightings are not guaranteed), but also picturesque ruins of forts and palaces. We take both morning and afternoon game drives today to see not only game (though tiger and leopard sightings are not guaranteed), but also picturesque ruins of forts and palaces. |
| 10 | Ranthambore/Gadoli B L D B L D Ranthambore/Gadoli Read More We depart early for Gadoli, where we set out on a village walk to meet local Meena tribespeople in their homes. Tonight we enjoy a traditional folk dance performance. We depart early for Gadoli, where we set out on a village walk to meet local Meena tribespeople in their homes. Tonight we enjoy a traditional folk dance performance. |
| 11 | Gadoli/Abhaneri/Agra B D B D Gadoli/Abhaneri/Agra Read More En route to Agra, we stop in the ancient village of Abhaneri to see the fortified Chand Baori step well (c. 800 CE), whose 3,500 steps descend some 13 stories into the ground. Continuing on, we reach the ancient Mughal stronghold of Agra, where this afternoon we visit Itimad-ud-Daulah, the two-story marble “Baby Taj” that inspired the Taj Mahal. En route to Agra, we stop in the ancient village of Abhaneri to see the fortified Chand Baori step well (c. 800 CE), whose 3,500 steps descend some 13 stories into the ground. Continuing on, we reach the ancient Mughal stronghold of Agra, where this afternoon we visit Itimad-ud-Daulah, the two-story marble “Baby Taj” that inspired the Taj Mahal. |
| 12 | Agra B L B L Agra Read More This morning we visit the Taj Mahal, the magnificent tomb built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. Then we take an Indian cuisine cooking lesson and enjoy the results for lunch. Later: imposing Agra Fort. This morning we visit the Taj Mahal, the magnificent tomb built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. Then we take an Indian cuisine cooking lesson and enjoy the results for lunch. Later: imposing Agra Fort. |
| 13 | Agra/Delhi/Varanasi B L D B L D Agra/Delhi/Varanasi Read More We depart by coach this morning for Delhi, where we board a late afternoon flight to Varanasi, Hinduism’s holiest city. We depart by coach this morning for Delhi, where we board a late afternoon flight to Varanasi, Hinduism’s holiest city. |
| 14 | Varanasi/Sarnath B D B D Varanasi/Sarnath Read More Before breakfast today, those who wish can join in a private yoga session. Then we 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. We see some of the temples and stupas then tour Sarnath Museum, housing a superb collection of Buddhist artifacts from excavations here. Late afternoon we attend a traditional aarti ceremony: as we cruise along the Ganges, we watch as devout Hindus offer their lit lamps to the deities. Before breakfast today, those who wish can join in a private yoga session. Then we 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. We see some of the temples and stupas then tour Sarnath Museum, housing a superb collection of Buddhist artifacts from excavations here. Late afternoon we attend a traditional aarti ceremony: as we cruise along the Ganges, we watch as devout Hindus offer their lit lamps to the deities. |
| 15 | Varanasi B D B D Varanasi Read More Early this morning we return to the Ganges where Hindu pilgrims perform their rituals along the ghats (steps) leading to the river. We visit several ghats by boat as we experience for ourselves the spiritual aura of the hallowed Ganges waters. Then we return to our hotel with time to rest before this afternoon’s walking tour and private performance of classical sitar. Tonight we celebrate our journey at a farewell dinner at our hotel. Early this morning we return to the Ganges where Hindu pilgrims perform their rituals along the ghats (steps) leading to the river. We visit several ghats by boat as we experience for ourselves the spiritual aura of the hallowed Ganges waters. Then we return to our hotel with time to rest before this afternoon’s walking tour and private performance of classical sitar. Tonight we celebrate our journey at a farewell dinner at our hotel. |
| 16 | Varanasi/Delhi B B Varanasi/Delhi Read More We fly this afternoon to Delhi, where the evening is at leisure. We fly this afternoon to Delhi, where the evening is at leisure. |
| 17 | Return to U.S. Return to U.S. Read More Very early this morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S. Very early this morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S. |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Delhi | 70 | 75 | 83 | 97 | 89 | 82 | 73 |
| Agra | 72 | 77 | 88 | 96 | 91 | 85 | 75 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Delhi | 70 | 75 | 83 | 97 | 89 | 82 | 73 |
| Agra | 72 | 77 | 88 | 96 | 91 | 85 | 75 |
Absorb the beauty of the Himalayan kingdom – and the warmth of its people – on this special journey featuring sacred shrines, royal cities, and indigenous lifestyles.
A visa is required for this post-tour extension. Odysseys Unlimited will provide information about entry requirements upon reservation.
Tour Director – Nepal Extension
“Both guides [were] very professional. Gave us a sense of comfort that wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
Clete Willems
Bonita Springs, FL
Tour Director – Nepal Extension
“Very personable – enjoyed his humor & describing customs of Nepal – excellent guide.”
Nancy Whitfield
Hobart, WI
“Rashid was professional, personable, and most accommodating to our wants – a perfect representative of Odysseys’ high standard for tour guides.”
Walter J. Novak
Tolland, CT
Tour Director - Nepal Extension
“Great guy and tour director. Very kind and helpful in all situations. So knowledgeable and shared great information and insights.”
Dedee & Irv Cygler
Charlotte, NC
“Ritu is [wonderful]… She is very knowledgeable about India and made India come alive for us. She is very attentive to everyone’s specific needs. Ritu is fun-loving and flexible.”
Patricia Murphy
Danville, CA
Tour Director – Nepal Extension
“Anup Shrestha was also very kind and knowledgeable. I was the only guest on the Nepal Extension tour, so he offered to customize my experience to include more hiking (as I had hoped).”
Valerie Wagner
New York, NY
"Padmaja was bright, knowledgeable, helpful, fun, and always available for whatever we needed. She knows so much about her country…She's the best tour guide I've ever had."
Nancy Kiskis
Wayzata, MN
“Singh was over-the-top amazing in every way – his knowledge of India was simply incredibly – no question went unanswered. Fabulous personality!”
Carol Caswell
Philadelphia, PA
“Charming, knowledgeable, and attentive to each person’s needs. Couldn’t have a better guide than Girish.”
Lois & Joel Seiden
Sarasota, FL
Tour Director – Nepal Extension
“Calm, kind, adventurous, supremely helpful.”
Carol Morganski
Columbus, OH
Tour Director - Nepal Extension
“Certainly one of the best tour directors that I have had.”
Delores Nance
Tempe, AZ
Tour Director – Nepal Extension
“[They were both] exceptionally committed to the individual needs of the travelers; really seemed to care about us.”
Elaine Bohlmeyer
Forest Grove, OR
Tour Director - Nepal Extension
Tour Director – Nepal Extension
“Both guides [were] very professional. Gave us a sense of comfort that wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
Clete Willems
Bonita Springs, FL
"Padmaja was bright, knowledgeable, helpful, fun, and always available for whatever we needed. She knows so much about her country…She's the best tour guide I've ever had."
Nancy Kiskis
Wayzata, MN
“Charming, knowledgeable, and attentive to each person’s needs. Couldn’t have a better guide than Girish.”
Lois & Joel Seiden
Sarasota, FL
“Ritu is [wonderful]… She is very knowledgeable about India and made India come alive for us. She is very attentive to everyone’s specific needs. Ritu is fun-loving and flexible.”
Patricia Murphy
Danville, CA
Tour Director – Nepal Extension
“[They were both] exceptionally committed to the individual needs of the travelers; really seemed to care about us.”
Elaine Bohlmeyer
Forest Grove, OR
“Great guy and tour director. Very kind and helpful in all situations. So knowledgeable and shared great information and insights.”
Dedee & Irv Cygler
Charlotte, NC
“Singh was over-the-top amazing in every way – his knowledge of India was simply incredibly – no question went unanswered. Fabulous personality!”
Carol Caswell
Philadelphia, PA
Tour Director – Nepal Extension
“Very personable – enjoyed his humor & describing customs of Nepal – excellent guide.”
Nancy Whitfield
Hobart, WI
Tour Director – Nepal Extension
“Anup Shrestha was also very kind and knowledgeable. I was the only guest on the Nepal Extension tour, so he offered to customize my experience to include more hiking (as I had hoped).”
Valerie Wagner
New York, NY
Tour Director – Nepal Extension
“Calm, kind, adventurous, supremely helpful.”
Carol Morganski
Columbus, OH
“Rashid was professional, personable, and most accommodating to our wants – a perfect representative of Odysseys’ high standard for tour guides.”
Walter J. Novak
Tolland, CT
Tour Director - Nepal Extension
“Certainly one of the best tour directors that I have had.”
Delores Nance
Tempe, AZ
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