Mysteries of India
From the iconic tigers of Ranthambore to the legendary Taj Mahal, step into a world of captivating mysteries and vibrant color. Explore Old Delhi on an exhilarating city tour, weaving through the streets on a rickshaw. Join a local family for an unforgettable home-hosted dinner. Walk on the wild side in Ranthambore National Park and seek out its most popular residents: Bengal tigers. Stand in awe before the Taj Mahal in the early morning. Ignite your spirit during the holy Ganga Aarti ceremony in Varanasi. Welcome to India - a perfect synthesis of nature, vitality, spirituality, and regal legacy.
From the iconic tigers of Ranthambore to the legendary Taj Mahal, step into a world of captivating mysteries and vibrant color. Explore Old Delhi on an exhilarating city tour, weaving through the streets on a rickshaw. Join a local family for an unforgettable home-hosted dinner. Walk on the wild side in Ranthambore National Park and seek out its most popular residents: Bengal tigers. Stand in awe before the Taj Mahal in the early morning. Ignite your spirit during the holy Ganga Aarti ceremony in Varanasi. Welcome to India - a perfect synthesis of nature, vitality, spirituality, and regal legacy.
Highlights
- Founded in 1639 and considered to be one of the poshest areas of its time, Old Delhi is full of grand buildings and mansions. A walled city, once called Shahjahanabad after the emperor, it is a living testimony to the rich Mughal heritage and culture of Delhi. Today the congested and hectic area remains true to its origins with the culture of joint families between neighbors in the narrow alleyways.
- Delve into Jaipur, known as the “Pink City” due to the ruddy hue of its stone architecture. This city is the capital of Northern India, and home to architectural icons like the Amer Fort and the Jantar Mantar monument.
- Built in 1799, Hawa Mahal is a monument to the Maharaja of the time. Known as the Palace of Winds, the structure is known for the 953 pink sandstone windows known as "Jharokhas" which create a honeycomb type of architecture to the building and allow ventilation. Behind each window is a small sitting area as they were designed to provide the royal ladies of Rajasthan with a glimpse of city life through a veil.
- Amber Fort, or "pink city," is located near Jaipur and was built in 1952. The former seat of power for the ruling Kachhawa of Amber clan, it is built of red sandstone and white marble and laid out symmetrically in four levels. Visitors today typically travel by elephant or jeep to reach the structure.
- While most people are familiar with Indian cuisine and think of mainly curries and naan bread, the country is known for regional cuisines as well. In Jaipur, the food is influenced by the lifestyle of the Maharajas and Maharani of Jaipur. The lifestyle of the rich people of Jaipur was nowhere less than the lifestyle of prince Charles, the only difference maintained by the definition of royalty in their senses. Cuisines of Jaipur includes all the Rajasthani food which is cooked only under Desi (Indian or S. Asian cuisine) and pure ghee, a type of clarified butter.
- Located in Agra is the white marble mauseleum and UNESCO World Heritage site, the Taj Mahal. Built in the 17th century, the structure took 22 years to build and was built as homage to the Shah Jahan's wife. Representing the palace of the Queen in Paradise, the Taj Mahal translates into Place of the Crown.
- Located in Kharjuraho, the Land of the Moon God, are the temples of the Chandela Dynasty. Built between the 9th and 12th centuries, the temples are unique in that they do not focus on religion or the worshipping of deities, but are unique in their carvings of eroticism. Legend says that the founder of the Chandela dynasty had a dream where his mother requested he display all aspects of the treasure of passion to the world.
- Explore India’s holiest city, one that radiates a powerful mystique. Varanasi, a city that sits on the banks of the Ganges river, is an important central hub for both Buddhism and Hinduism.
- Every night at sunset in Varanasi, a ganga aarti ceremony is performed along the Ganges River. The aarti, or dedication ceremony to a deity—in this case the River Ganges—is performed on a stage by a group of young pandits, all draped in saffron colored robes with their offering plates spread out before them. The ceremony begins with the blowing of a conch shell, and continues with the waving of incense sticks in elaborate patterns and circling of large flaming lamps fueled by ghee that create a bright hue against the darkened sky.
Hotels
- Jaypee Vasant Continental — Delhi
- Radisson Jaipur City Center — Jaipur
- Juna Mahal — Ranthambore
- Jaypee Palace Hotel — Agra
- Radisson Jass Hotel — Khajuraho
- Radisson Hotel — Varanasi
- Lemon Tree Premier — Delhi
Details
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Start City
- Delhi
- End City
- Varanasi
- Duration (Days)
- 15
- Activity Level
- Level 3
What's Included
- 26 meals included
- Inter-tour flights included
- Founded in 1639 and considered to be one of the poshest areas of its time, Old Delhi is full of grand buildings and mansions. A walled city, once called Shahjahanabad after the emperor, it is a living testimony to the rich Mughal heritage and culture of Delhi. Today the congested and hectic area remains true to its origins with the culture of joint families between neighbors in the narrow alleyways.
- Delve into Jaipur, known as the “Pink City” due to the ruddy hue of its stone architecture. This city is the capital of Northern India, and home to architectural icons like the Amer Fort and the Jantar Mantar monument.
- Built in 1799, Hawa Mahal is a monument to the Maharaja of the time. Known as the Palace of Winds, the structure is known for the 953 pink sandstone windows known as "Jharokhas" which create a honeycomb type of architecture to the building and allow ventilation. Behind each window is a small sitting area as they were designed to provide the royal ladies of Rajasthan with a glimpse of city life through a veil.
- Amber Fort, or "pink city," is located near Jaipur and was built in 1952. The former seat of power for the ruling Kachhawa of Amber clan, it is built of red sandstone and white marble and laid out symmetrically in four levels. Visitors today typically travel by elephant or jeep to reach the structure.
- While most people are familiar with Indian cuisine and think of mainly curries and naan bread, the country is known for regional cuisines as well. In Jaipur, the food is influenced by the lifestyle of the Maharajas and Maharani of Jaipur. The lifestyle of the rich people of Jaipur was nowhere less than the lifestyle of prince Charles, the only difference maintained by the definition of royalty in their senses. Cuisines of Jaipur includes all the Rajasthani food which is cooked only under Desi (Indian or S. Asian cuisine) and pure ghee, a type of clarified butter.
- Located in Agra is the white marble mauseleum and UNESCO World Heritage site, the Taj Mahal. Built in the 17th century, the structure took 22 years to build and was built as homage to the Shah Jahan's wife. Representing the palace of the Queen in Paradise, the Taj Mahal translates into Place of the Crown.
- Located in Kharjuraho, the Land of the Moon God, are the temples of the Chandela Dynasty. Built between the 9th and 12th centuries, the temples are unique in that they do not focus on religion or the worshipping of deities, but are unique in their carvings of eroticism. Legend says that the founder of the Chandela dynasty had a dream where his mother requested he display all aspects of the treasure of passion to the world.
- Explore India’s holiest city, one that radiates a powerful mystique. Varanasi, a city that sits on the banks of the Ganges river, is an important central hub for both Buddhism and Hinduism.
- Every night at sunset in Varanasi, a ganga aarti ceremony is performed along the Ganges River. The aarti, or dedication ceremony to a deity—in this case the River Ganges—is performed on a stage by a group of young pandits, all draped in saffron colored robes with their offering plates spread out before them. The ceremony begins with the blowing of a conch shell, and continues with the waving of incense sticks in elaborate patterns and circling of large flaming lamps fueled by ghee that create a bright hue against the darkened sky.
Pricing
| Option | Price | Departure | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | USD 4,149.00 | 2026-10-09 | |
| Single | USD 5,249.00 | 2026-10-09 | |
| Double | USD 4,149.00 | 2026-10-23 | |
| Single | USD 5,249.00 | 2026-10-23 | |
| Double | USD 3,949.00 | 2026-11-06 | |
| Single | USD 5,149.00 | 2026-11-06 | |
| Double | USD 3,949.00 | 2026-11-13 | |
| Single | USD 5,149.00 | 2026-11-13 | |
| Double | USD 4,149.00 | 2027-01-09 | |
| Single | USD 5,249.00 | 2027-01-09 | |
| Double | USD 4,149.00 | 2027-01-15 | |
| Single | USD 5,249.00 | 2027-01-15 | |
| Double | USD 4,149.00 | 2027-01-22 | |
| Single | USD 5,249.00 | 2027-01-22 | |
| Double | USD 4,149.00 | 2027-01-29 | |
| Single | USD 5,249.00 | 2027-01-29 | |
| Double | USD 4,149.00 | 2027-02-05 | |
| Single | USD 5,249.00 | 2027-02-05 | |
| Double | USD 4,149.00 | 2027-03-05 | |
| Single | USD 5,249.00 | 2027-03-05 | |
| Double | USD 4,149.00 | 2027-03-12 | |
| Single | USD 5,249.00 | 2027-03-12 | |
| Double | USD 3,949.00 | 2027-03-26 | |
| Single | USD 5,149.00 | 2027-03-26 | |
| Double | USD 3,849.00 | 2027-04-09 | |
| Single | USD 5,049.00 | 2027-04-09 |
Itinerary
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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.
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Day 2: Delhi, India
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. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Dinner tonight is on your own.
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Day 3: Delhi
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.
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Day 4: Delhi
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.
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Day 5: Delhi - Jaipur
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.
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Day 6: Jaipur
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.
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Day 7: Jaipur
Experience an Impact Moment as you explore the secrets hidden in the walled city of Jaipur on an eco-friendly e-rickshaw. With Pink City Rickshaw Company, which employs women from low-income households, you’ll get a peek into the soul of the old city as your driver steers the way. Continue your exploration of the beautiful city, 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.
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Day 8: Jaipur - Ranthambore National Park
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.
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Day 9: Ranthambore
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! Enjoy some leisure time to relax at the hotel and explore your surroundings at your own pace -OR- take a short trip for an Impact Moment at Dastkar Ranthambore, a social enterprise renowned for empowering 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.
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Day 10: Ranthambore - Agra
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.
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Day 11: Agra
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 an 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.
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Day 12: Agra - Khajuraho
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.
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Day 13: Khajuraho - Varanasi
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 Ganges River 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.
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Day 14: Varanasi
Take advantage of a morning boat ride for an opportunity to see the sunrise on the Ganges River. 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.
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Day 15: Varanasi - Delhi - Tour Ends
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.