Classical India Tour

Mughal Splendors, exotic wildlife, erotic temples and holy rivers – the best of northern India.

Vibrant, intoxicating, colorful and chaotic; teeming with life and absolutely unforgettable – this is India. This tour reveals the splendors of India 's Mughal past, celebrates the Hindu epics carved on thousand year old temples and joins pilgrims as they undertake their daily rituals on the banks of the Great Mother Ganges.

Where are you going?

Day 1: Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel.

Day 2: Drive to Sariska. Evening is the best time for a jeep safari in the National Park. There are about 35 tigers at Sariska; other predators include panther, jungle cat, jackal, hyena, and fox. Also found are sambhar, chital, wild boar, hare, Nilgai, civet, four-horned antelope, gaur (Indian bison) and porcupine.

Days 3 & 4: Jaipur, the ' Pink City ', is a fascinating place with bazaars filled with jewelry, textiles and folk crafts. It is home to the famous Palace of the Winds, India 's most photographed building after the Taj Mahal. Nearby, the palace complex of the old capital of Amber sits majestically on a ridge.

Day 5: Deserted Fatehpur Sikri is poignant testimony to the achievements of the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. The city, built in red sandstone to commemorate the birth of his son, is a fine example of Mughal Architecture and is usually crowded with pilgrims. The Taj Mahal is a spectacular monument; built by Emperor Shahjahan in pure white marble in memory of his beloved Mumtaz. Akbar's magnificent Red Fort dominates central Agra .

Days 6 & 7: Gwalior is dominated by an imposing fortress harboring palace ruins and mysterious Jain statues carved into the hillside. Jai Vilas Palace is full of Maharajah treasures including the second largest chandelier in the world. Orchha, beautifully situated on the banks of the Betwa River is known as the ' Hidden Place '. With its palaces and temples scattered amongst a classic rural landscape, it is perfect to explore on foot.

Days 8-9: The intricate carvings of the 1,000 year-old temples of Khajuraho celebrate Hindu legends and epic battles.

Day 10: Visit Triveni Sangam, at the confluence of the green Yamura River and the shallow, muddy Ganges .

Days 11 - 13: In Varanasi rise early to drive to the Ganges to watch the fascinating early morning rituals being performed by Hindu devotees along the riverbank, which includes the cremation Ghats . Walk through narrow lanes along the river to the Golden temple. Drive to Sarnath, the tranquil Deer Park , where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. Nearby are the magnificent Stupas built in third century by the Emperor Ashoka. In the evening of Day 13 board an overnight train to Delhi .

Day 14: Early morning arrival in Delhi where you visit India-Gate, Birla (Laxmi Narayan) Temple , the Qutab Minar and Lotus Temple . In Old Delhi visit Raj-Ghat and the Friday Mosque.

Day 15: Departure. Transfer to airport.