Expedition Details
India captivates: from its exquisitely carved fortresses and temples to the colorful bustle of everyday life. Its rich cultural heritage during its spectacular festivals. On a journey to the evocative cities of Rajasthan and the fascinating spiritual center of Varanasi, experience the Diwali (October), or the Pushkar Camel Fair (November). Explore the wetlands of Keoladeo Ghana National Park by rickshaw, venture into Fatehpur Sikri, and observe ancient rituals on the Ganges River.
Trip Highlights
- Watch the rising and setting sun transform the glorious Taj Mahal.
- Experience village life in Bharatpur and spot wildlife in Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Participate in the celebrations during one of India's legendary festivals.
- Witness timeless Hindu ceremonies as you cruise past sacred sites that line the banks of the Ganges River.
Itinerary - 12 Days
Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Delhi, India
Depart on an overnight flight, arriving in Delhi the next evening.
Day 3 — Delhi
After a morning at leisure, set out into New Delhi. Explore Humayun's Tomb, a milestone in the history of Mughal architecture, and the looming sandstone tower of Qutb Minar.
(B,L,D)
Day 4 — Delhi/Jaipur
Fly to the "pink city" of Jaipur, named after its buildings of soft rose-colored stucco. Encounter Rajasthani grandeur at the City Palace where rare manuscripts, swords, and paintings are on display. At the 17th-century astronomical observatory Jantar Mantar, view a 90-foot sundial, and then admire the elaborate facade of the Palace of Winds. This afternoon, there is time to explore Jaipur's vibrant arts and crafts markets on your own. Travel into the countryside for a special dinner with folk entertainment.
Raj Palace (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Jaipur (Diwali Festival)
Spend the morning at the Amber Fort, a majestic fortress-palace decorated with intricate paintings and mosaics. Then join the festivities as the city comes alive for one of the most important Hindu celebrations of the year—Diwali, the Festival of Lights.
Raj Palace (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Jaipur/Bharatpur
Travel to Bharatpur this morning and check into our hotel. Venture into the village to meet locals, visit with children at a school, and experience daily life in India. Tonight, enjoy a private dance performance.
The Bagh (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Keoladeo Ghana National Park/Agra
Travel by rickshaw through the wetlands of Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site harboring more than 400 species of birds. Search for wildlife and birds, including kingfishers and various species of cranes, and discuss preservation efforts with a park official. Later, learn the intricacies of Rajasthani cuisine at a cooking demonstration. After lunch, continue to Agra, stopping to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the perfectly preserved 16th-century Mughal capital of Emperor Akbar. Settle into the deluxe Amarvilas, where all rooms overlook the extraordinary Taj Mahal— considered the most extravagant monument ever built for love.
(B,L,D)
Day 8 — Agra
Rise early to witness dawn's first light wash over the Taj Mahal. After breakfast, explore Agra Fort's maze of courtyards, mosques, and private chambers, which bring to life the story of the Mughal Empire. During an afternoon at leisure, stroll the gardens of our hotel, or take a dip in the pool. Return to the Taj Mahal late in the afternoon to experience the monument at sunset.
(B,L,D)
Day 9 — Agra/Delhi/Varanasi
Drive to Delhi this morning and fly to the holy city of Varanasi, India's spiritual capital. Settle into our hotel and embark on a city tour this afternoon.
The Gateway Hotel Ganges (B,L,D)
Day 10 — Varanasi
Cruise the Ganges River aboard wooden rowboats to view pilgrims bathing, offering morning prayers, and performing religious rituals. At the venerated Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sarnath, see the symbol of India in the ancient stone Lion Capital of Ashoka. Observe the mystical evening prayer ritual, or aarti, on the mighty Ganges River. Tonight's extraordinary farewell dinner takes place in a palace resplendent with candles and flowers, overlooking the river set aglow with lanterns. End the evening with a classical dance performance.
The Gateway Hotel Ganges (B,L,D)
Days 11 & 12 — Varanasi/Delhi/U.S.
After a free morning in Varanasi, fly to Delhi. Relax in day rooms before transferring to the airport for your overnight flight, arriving home the next day.
Radisson Airport Hotel (B,L,D)
Related Trip
View LargerNational Geographic Expert
David Silverberg
Geographer David Scott Silverberg has received National Geographic research grants for his work on the Indian subcontinent. He is a fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, has served as executive director for research at EarthWatch, and has helped launch AmeriCorps's environmental programs. During the past 20 years, David has worked in northern India, investigating the geological and physical development of the region. He currently spends several months there each year.
David will join the following departures:
Oct 31 - Nov 11, 2010 • Nov 15 - 27, 2010Expedition Dates 
2010
- Oct 31 - Nov 11, 2010
- Nov 15 - 27, 2010
indicates a departure that has a slightly different itinerary than the one shown on this page. Click the icon to see the day-to-day itinerary.
The October departure includes Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on Day 5. The November departure is 13 days and includes an extra night in Pushkar during the Camel Fair.
Expedition Costs
All flights within India are included in the expedition cost. Round-trip economy airfare between Newark and Delhi is not included and is estimated at $1,450.
There is an additional Indian value-added tax ranging from $210-$224 per person, double occupancy, and $315-$340 per person, single occupancy.
