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Feb 19 - Mar 2, 2025
India
Highlights of India: Discover Delhi, Agra, Jaipur & Varanasi
Program No. 22519RJ
Watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal, experience the Ganges River and its spiritual meaning and much more on this immersion into the history and culture of India.
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12 days
11 nights
24 meals
9B 8L 7D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
9
Drive & Fly to Varanasi
Varanasi
12
In Transit from Program
In Flight
At a Glance
Learn about Sikh culture in a local temple. Watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal. Visit Varanasi, one of the holiest places along the Ganges River. India's most fascinating treasures are yours to discover on this learning adventure that begins in Delhi and makes its way through Agra, Jaipur and ending in Varanasi. Along the way, share meals with local families, learn how incredible mausoleums and forts were built generations ago and admire architectural relics that are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Extend Your Adventure
This program includes an optional program extension.
Extension: The Splendor of Nepal
Continue your learning adventure with a 6-day extension into Nepal. Explore grand temples, discover ancient palaces, and learn about Hinduism and Buddhism from local experts.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking over varied terrain and cobblestones; extensive driving; hot and humid conditions.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Learn about Sikh culture as you observe prayer at a local temple and volunteer in their soup kitchen.
- Watch the sun rise and set over the Taj Mahal in Agra, and explore the gardens of Mehtab Bagh.
- Observe and learn about the daily rituals that people perform at ghats along the Ganges River in Varanasi, the holiest city in Hinduism.
General Notes
Want to extend your adventure? Join us on "Extension: The Splendor of Nepal" (#22521).
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Dheerendra Singh
Dheerendra Singh comes from the pink city of Jaipur and belongs to the family of Nathawat "Rajputs" (Warriors). Passionate about travel, he has journeyed with people of various English speaking countries, showing them around the heritage of India. He is also well traveled in South Asia and leads various trips there. He holds a masters degree in international business and is fluent in Hindi and English.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Dheerendra Singh
View biography
Dheerendra Singh comes from the pink city of Jaipur and belongs to the family of Nathawat "Rajputs" (Warriors). Passionate about travel, he has journeyed with people of various English speaking countries, showing them around the heritage of India. He is also well traveled in South Asia and leads various trips there. He holds a masters degree in international business and is fluent in Hindi and English.
Shailesh Chauhan
View biography
Shailesh Chauhan was born in central India and grew up among tribal ways and natural beauty. He graduated from the University of Agra with a degree in Indian history and began working an office job after receiving a master’s in business administration. Realizing his passion is to be in the outdoors, study history and culture, he left his desk job to become a Group Leader. He enjoys traveling, photography, bird watching, sports and cooking. He lives in Delhi and is happily married with two children.
Suggested Reading List
(22 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Highlights of India: Discover Delhi, Agra, Jaipur & Varanasi
Program Number: 22519
The White Tiger, A Novel
Mordant, funny, angry, horrifying, this Booker Prize-winning tale of a village pauper turned success (and murderer) skewers the ambition, inequity and corruption of 21st-century India.
Capital, The Eruption of Delhi
A fascinating look at sweeping economic changes in Delhi. Dasgupta examines how the influx of wealth into the city has spawned excess and gangsterism.
Gandhi, An Autobiography, or the Story of My Experiments with Truth
There is no substitute for reading Gandhi in his own simple, direct prose. A highly recommended glimpse into the personality and life of this remarkable figure.
Eyewitness Guide Delhi, Agra and Jaipur
With chapters on the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort Palace, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the Red Fort and dozens of other highlights for the traveler, this compact, gorgeously illustrated guide to Delhi and its environs features 900 color photographs, maps and site plans.
Around India in 80 Trains
A terrific account of Rajesh’s epic four-month, 25,000-mile journey to the India of her youth. She begins in her hometown of Chennai, chugs up the Konkan Coast, watches for tigers in Ranthambore and survives Mumbai’s chaotic local lines.
Midnight's Children
Crowned Best of the Booker in 2008, Rushdie's greatest novel is a madcap, comic take on the birth of modern India in all its splendid and unexpected manifestations.
Kaleidoscope City, A Year in Varanasi
Whether he is attending Ramalila -- the city's annual performance of the Ramayana, talking to members of the caste who man the cremation ghats along the Ganges or simply searching for the best mithai, or sweet, in town, Ede presents a vibrant, kaleidoscopic portrait of contemporary Varanasi.
Nine Lives, In Search of the Sacred in Modern India
From Sufi dervish and Buddhist monk to outcast and temple worshiper: nine people, nine lives, all captured by Dalrymple as he journeys throughout India in search of remarkable individuals transformed by religion. At turns bemusing, dazzling and heart-wrenching, this is his first travel book in 15 years.
India, A Traveler's Literary Companion
Each of these 14 stories evokes place and landscape, providing an excellent introduction both to contemporary writers and to India's diverse cultures and history.
The Buddha, The Story of Siddhartha
The Buddha is a 2010 PBS documentary directed by David Grubin and narrated by Richard Gere. The film follows the story of the Gautama Buddha's life and discusses the history and teachings of Buddhism. A simple and rich documentary explaining the Buddha's birth, live, death and his teachings.
India, Land of Tigers and Temples
In his book of photographs, acclaimed wildlife photographer Axel Gomille brings readers up-close and personal with the exotic world of the Indian subcontinent. His simple, yet intriguing, collection includes tigers, sloth bears and elephants as well as holy sites and scenes of everyday life around the subcontinent.
India Birds
A folding wildlife guide designed for quick reference in the field. With full-color images and text, it features more than 100 birds often seen in India.
Taj Mahal
An enlightening pocket guide to the myth, meaning and legends of the celebrated tomb, "the queen of architecture."
India
Wolpert's reflections on India -- its religion and philosophy, its art, culture and politics -- make for a literate, succinct primer.
May You Be the Mother of a Hundred Sons, A Journey Among the Women of India
A wonderfully written and fascinating portrayal of Indian women from Bollywood stars to Indira Gandhi to prostitutes. It's an insightful portrait of the country as seen through the eyes of its women.
Mughal India, Splendours of the Peacock Throne
This illustrated pocket guide presents the history, culture and splendor of the Mughal court and its celebrated architecture in hundreds of archival photographs and drawings.
India Northwest Adventure Map
A double-sided, full-color map of Northwest India at a scale of 1:1,400,000 with good shaded relief, topographic detail, roads, waterways and basic travel information. Printed on waterproof, tear-resistant paper.
Incarnations, A History of India in Fifty Lives
This sophisticated and entertaining collection of bite-sized biographies move well beyond Mahatma Gandhi to the warriors and film stars, entrepreneurs and corporate titans who have made India extraordinary.
City of Djinns: A Year in Delhi
Dalrymple infectiously interweaves his own experiences over a year in Delhi with its art, architecture, history and literature.
Lonely Planet India Phrasebook
A handy, palm-sized guide to pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler.
Culture Smart! India
A concise, well-illustrated guide to both social and business customs in India.
Darsan, Seeing the Divine Image in India
Tremendously useful for the traveler, this rigorous guide explains the significance and meaning of Hindu temples, festivals and ritual. Darsan, which translates as "seeing," reveals religious expression in India.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
12 days
11 nights
What's Included
24 meals (
9B, 8L, 7D
)
6 expert-led lectures
19 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
2 hands-on experiences
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
9 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Delhi, Hotel Check-in
Location:
Delhi
Meals:
D
Stay:
The Suryaa New Delhi
Activity Note
Hotel check-in is available from 2:00pm. There is no official programming today. Arrivals throughout the day and early evening. Any early morning arrivals today will need to book a pre-program hotel night if they would like to guarantee their room will be available prior to 2:00pm.
Afternoon:
Arrivals throughout the day. Transfer from the airport to the hotel for check-in and relaxation after your long flight.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Buffet, with coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
Settle in and get a good night's rest.
Day
3
Orientation, Qutub Minar, Gandhi Smriti, New Delhi Discovery
Location:
Delhi
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Suryaa New Delhi
Activity Note
Standing and walking for up to 1 hour in the Qutab Minar on stone walkways and uneven steps. Walking at Gandhi Smirti mainly on flat, level ground.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options from Indian and American cuisine. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. All transfers and transportation throughout the program will be conducted via motorcoach and most field trips will be led by our Group Leader unless specified otherwise. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, engaging in activities on your own, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may be changed due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Today we board our coach to explore New Delhi. With our Group Leader we experience Qutub Minar, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and one of the finest monuments in all of India, soaring up 237 feet. Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, began construction in 1192. The conical tower is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture. Qutub Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has survived the ravages of time impressively. From here, we depart by coach to visit Gandhi Smirti, where Mahatma Gandhi - the "Father of the Nation" - spent his last 144 days from September 9, 1947 until he was assassinated on January 30, 1948. It has been preserved as a museum that displays Gandhi's few personal effects as well as paintings, pictures, sculptures and other relics. The memorial perpetuates Gandhi's legacy and highlights his values and ideas.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Buffet featuring Indian cuisine. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we board the motorcoach for an introduction to New Delhi. En route, our Group Leader gives us an overview of the Indian System of Government, the world's largest parliamentary democracy. We take in various sites, including India Gate, reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, a site that commemorates Indian soldiers who died during World War I, Parliament (Sansad Bhawan), the nation’s supreme legislative body, and President House (Rashtrapati Bhavan), a huge complex that serves as the official residence of the President of India. After our exploration, we return to the hotel to rest and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Welcome Dinner with complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Old Delhi, Jama Masjid, Sikh Temple, Home-Hosted Dinner
Location:
Delhi
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Suryaa New Delhi
Activity Note
Jama Mosque and the Sikh Temple each have around 40 wide steps with limited or no handrails; steps are also steep. Walking sticks are recommended for those who have difficulty climbing. Jama Mosque provides gowns to be worn by women. The Sikh Temple provides scarves to both men and women to cover the head. Neither location allows shoes, shorts or socks to be worn inside. The bicycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi is through an extremely crowded market.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet.
Morning:
We begin our day with a presentation at the hotel on the Religions of India, led by a local expert. We then head out to visit Old Delhi on our motorcoach. Driving past the massive sandstone walls of the Red Fort, we gain an appreciation for this symbol of Mughal power and pomp. Arriving at Jama Masjid, we explore the largest Muslim mosque in India. Later, we embark on a delightful change of pace as we take a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, a centuries-old market bazaar. Be amazed at the small narrow lanes and the flurry that surrounds this busy market place.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We explore the living culture of India as we visit a Sikh temple. After spending time listening to the prayers, we visit the soup kitchen that offers daily free meals for anyone in need of food. We will explore the kitchen and, for those interested in lending a helping hand, we make some rotis with the women there. Sikh Temples are special places of worship where everything is run by volunteers. It is a requirement for all Sikhs to volunteer time at the temples. We return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Dinner:
At a local home. We divide into smaller groups of 6-8 for home-hosted dinners with local urban Indian families. Enjoy this opportunity to interact with family members and learn about their culture and traditions.
Evening:
At leisure. Pack and prepare for our journey to Agra tomorrow.
Day
5
Drive to Agra, Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb, Sunset View Taj Mahal
Location:
Agra
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Trident Hotel Agra
Activity Note
Drive from Delhi to Agra is approximately 127 miles (207 kilometers) / 4 hours, with rest stops along the way. At the Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb in Agra, shoes need to be removed.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we board our motorcoach and depart for Agra. En route, the Group Leader will provide an introduction to Indian history and discuss the impact of British rule on India. We arrive at the hotel in Agra around midday.
Lunch:
At the hotel. Buffet featuring international and Indian cuisine. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we check in to the hotel and have some down time. In the late afternoon, we take our motorcoach on a field trip to the mausoleum of Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb, popularly known as the “Baby Taj.” It was the first monument in India built entirely in marble rather than red sandstone. The tomb was built from 1622 to 1628 by the Queen of Jahangir, Nurjahan, as a memorial to her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Its fascinating history chronicles the “rags to riches” saga of a poor merchant who rose to become chief minister of the Mughal emperor. The elaborately carved tomb in the Islamic style — like a jewel box set in a tranquil garden on the banks of the Yamuna River — was an inspiration for the Taj Mahal years later. We continue to Mehtab Bagh, a garden complex across the Yamuna River opposite the Taj Mahal. Here we are joined by a local expert to learn about Mughal Architecture as the sun sets over the Taj Mahal.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Buffet featuring international and Indian cuisine. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue enjoying the company of new Road Scholar friends, sharing your favorite experiences of the day.
Day
6
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Cooking Demonstration, Free Time
Location:
Agra
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Trident Hotel Agra
Activity Note
Our early-morning visit to the Taj Mahal is subject to weather conditions. If the weather is not fine, we may visit the Taj Mahal after breakfast. Early morning wake up call, to depart for sunrise at Taj Mahal. Both the Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal involve long periods of standing, walking and a few small steps, low and wide. At the Taj Mahal, a short wait is expected at the entrance gate. Once inside, the walking tour is around 1.5 hours with benches to rest on throughout.
Breakfast:
We will set out pre-dawn to watch the rising sun bathe the pristine white marble of the Taj Mahal in warm hues of gold, ochre and orange (subject to weather conditions). As the UNESCO World Heritage Convention states, “An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.” The building is unique due to its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, and medium of construction and ornamentation. You will have some time to explore the exquisite grounds and view the highly decorated interior chamber before we return to the hotel for breakfast.
Morning:
After breakfast, we set off to explore Agra Fort with our Group Leader. We visit the important sections of the fort and learn about its historical significance. Originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar, over a period of time the Agra Fort acquired all the elegance, lavishness and majesty of an imperial palace. Our morning concludes with a unique cooking demonstration at a local family’s house.
Lunch:
At the family's house. Enjoy lunch made especially for us.
Afternoon:
After lunch we return by motorcoach to the hotel for a free afternoon. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most, or simply rest and relax at the hotel. The Group Leader will also be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At own arrangements. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
Pack and prepare for our journey to Jaipur tomorrow.
Day
7
Drive to Jaipur, Jaipur Market, Home-Hosted Dinner
Location:
Jaipur
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
ITC Rajputana, Jaipur
Activity Note
The drive to Jaipur is approximately 149 miles (240 kilometers) / 6 hours with stops along the way. Our walk in the market is mainly on even ground with a few steps.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet.
Morning:
Today we head west towards Jaipur. Along the way, we learn about modern India from our Group Leader. We arrive in Jaipur in time for lunch.
Lunch:
At the hotel. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, we take a late afternoon walk through a local market. We can appreciate the essence of this amazing city as we absorb the riot of colors and activities at the market.
Dinner:
Traditional dinner with a family at their home. Coffee, tea and bottled water included.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Lecture, Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar
Location:
Jaipur
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
ITC Rajputana, Jaipur
Activity Note
At the Amber Fort we board Jeeps to drive to and from the main gate. The fort is set up on a hill and has several flights of stairs with uneven walkways in between. Walking at the fort for approximately 0.5 mile. City Palace, walking up to ½ mile on mainly flat surfaces. Hawal Mahal is a stop en route for a nice view or photo. Jantar Mantar, walking up to ½ mile on mainly flat surfaces.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet.
Morning:
This morning we are joined by a local expert for a presentation on Contemporary Women's Issues. We then board our motorcoach and set out for Amber (pronounced Amer) Fort, set in rugged hills approximately six miles from Jaipur. En route, we stop for photos at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), located on the edge of the City Palace. Hawa Mahal allowed the royal ladies of the palace to be able to watch any processions and activities on the street without being seen by the public. At Amber Fort we learn about the Construction of this ancient citadel, which began in 1592. The formidable exterior of red sandstone and white marble with its terraces and ramparts is reflected in Maota Lake. The fabulous interiors are a blend of Hindu and Mughal art and architecture. These former royal halls are decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work, complemented by exquisite wall paintings. After our morning's exploration, we transfer by motorcoach to lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We visit the City Palace. Although it is still the Maharaja's residence, it has been largely given over to a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings, royal apparel and an armory. Next, we visit Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by city founder Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh between 1727 and 1734, the Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best-preserved in India. We then return to our hotel.
Dinner:
At own arrangements. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Pack and prepare for our early-morning departure for Varanasi tomorrow.
Day
9
Drive & Fly to Varanasi
Location:
Varanasi
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Taj Ganges
Activity Note
The drive from Jaipur to Delhi is 180 miles, approximately 5 hours. The flight from Delhi to Varanasi is approximately 1 hour.
Breakfast:
Early-morning cold breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:
Early morning, we board our coach for the transfer to New Delhi airport for our flight to Varanasi.
Lunch:
At the airport.
Afternoon:
Our flight to Varanasi arrives in the evening. We transfer to the hotel and check in.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Coffee, tea and bottled water included.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Boat Ride, Sitar Performance, Sarnath, Aarti Ceremony
Location:
Varanasi
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Taj Ganges
Activity Note
The morning boat ride and evening ceremony require walking down the ghats (steps) to get to the Ganges River to board small boats to go out on the river. Participants must be able to climb down and up ghats for approximately 20 - 40 steps depending on the water level, and get in/out of small boats. To get to the ghats also requires walking ½ mile on busy, narrow, cobblestone streets possibly with smoke from cremations. Walking at Sarnath mainly on flat, level ground.
Breakfast:
We begin before breakfast with an early morning boat ride on the Ganges River to see the daily rituals on the ghats along the Ganges. We continue with a short walk along old Varanasi to explore some of the temples in this area before returning to the hotel for breakfast.
Morning:
After breakfast, we depart by motorcoach to visit the home of a professional musician and watch a classical sitar performance. After learning something of classical Indian music, we board our motorcoach and return to the hotel.
Lunch:
At own arrangements. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
We set out for an excursion to Sarnath, the holy site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya. In the late afternoon, we depart to the River Ganges to witness an Aarti Ceremony while enjoying a river cruise (subject to weather conditions). We will witness the sacred Hindu prayer ritual of "puja" and "aarti". Puja refers to a variety of rites, one of which is aarti (also arti, arati), a ceremony in which light from little lamps with wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor is offered to one or more deities. Aarti also refers to the songs sung in praise of the deity when lamps are being offered. We return to our hotel for dinner.
Dinner:
Farewell Dinner with complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Pack and prepare for departures tomorrow.
Day
11
Free Morning, Departures, Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B,L
Activity Note
There is no programming today. 11:00am hotel check-out followed by lunch at the hotel. Early afternoon airport transfers to Varanasi Airport. Mid-afternoon flight to Delhi is approximately 1 hour. Flight from Varanasi to Delhi is included in program cost. Arrive at Delhi Airport in late afternoon/early evening. International flights home should depart Delhi Airport no earlier than 10:00pm. Participants booked on the Nepal extension will depart early morning from Varanasi to Kathmandu via Delhi.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
For those joining the program extension to Nepal (Program # 22521 Extension: The Splendor of Nepal), you will board a very early morning flight to Kathmandu via Delhi. Your Group Leader will provide the flight itineraries and information required for those joining this extension program. For all other participants, we have a free morning. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions for your free time. Late morning check-out of hotel.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
Transfer from the hotel to Varanasi Airport. Participants will board flights leaving Varanasi early in the afternoon for Delhi. These flight tickets are booked by our local vendor in India and will be given to you by your Group Leader. Once in Delhi, our program concludes. Your flight leaving Delhi must not leave any earlier than 10:00pm in order to allow enough travel time from Varanasi. Once in the Delhi International Airport, participants will check in for their international flights home. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for this program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page to share photos of your program or visit our Instagram page! Best wishes for all your journeys!
Day
12
In Transit from Program
Location:
In Flight
Morning:
Arrive in North America.
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
24 Meals
9 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
7 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 22, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025
- Feb 19, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025 (Delhi to Varanasi)
- Mar 12, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025 (Delhi to Varanasi)
- Oct 15, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025 (Delhi to Varanasi)
- Oct 22, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025 (Delhi to Varanasi)
Participant Reviews
Based on 39 Reviews
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A program full of interesting sight and insights from dawn to after dusk. I experienced new worlds full of color, mystery, and warmth that I am taking home to influence my life and what I’ve learned is my small corner of this earth. The world is indeed bigger after experiencing India on this trip.
— Review left November 27, 2024
Excellent trip. Great itinerary and staff. The group leader was a joy to travel with.
— Review left November 16, 2024
India is a country to put on your bucket list. Be aware, however, that the flight to Dehli is very long, there are 2 five-hour bus rides, 2 additional fights, and some very early morning activities. But it is worth it. The Taj Majal is spectacular and the Gangi River experience is something you will never forget. The traffic in India will make you glad you are a passenger.
— Review left November 14, 2024
Excellent program. India is a unique, diverse and wonderful country to visit. Group leader Jayanta Kar was a superb guide and added to my enjoyment of the program.
— Review left November 10, 2024
This trip exceeded my expectations. Accomodations were outstanding and that is not a requirement for myself. Cultural activities were exactly what I would choose. My room mate was very comfortable and nice to be around.
India is one country that I can't get enough information and experience with, so fascinating with all of the complexities. The people are outstanding and cordial.
— Review left July 21, 2024
This trip to India is amazing. The itinerary is full of experiences. So many sights and sounds and smells and tastes. The people are kind and generous. Old and new - high and low- quiet and loud. Rashid our tour guide was excellent and offered us an insight to the Indian culture. He answered all of our questions. Our hotels were beautiful. If you have an adventure in mind -then this is the journey for you.
— Review left April 26, 2024
This was an excellent cultural introduction to Northern India, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to open a window to that part of the world.
— Review left April 19, 2024
I recommend this program highly. It is truly life-changing in the best possible way. India is the most interesting countryI've ever visited.
— Review left March 20, 2024
Highly recommend. Hotel , Guides , food, transportation , places of visit were excellent.
— Review left March 5, 2024
Loved the program and the participants. Wished we visited Ranthambhore National Park rather than go to markets. Maybe one less home visit? All in all, a beautiful learning adventure with fun and interesting people.Thank you, again,, Jay, for all your care and concern
Mary Ellen
— Review left March 1, 2024
India is vast and its culture so very different from western life. It is also endowed with thousands of years of history and the monuments that tell that story. We visited religious sites, Ghandi's last home, forts and palaces and of course, the Taj Mahal, which was the fulfillment of a dream for me. There were lectures on religion, history, politics and women's issues to give context to what we were seeing. We were surrounded by poverty, but also witnessed the government's efforts to combat it. There are long bus rides involved but the time passes quickly when you have a guide like Ritu Sharma, who could not do enough for us and who is the reason the group bonded the way it did and things ran as smoothly as they did. She is knowledgeable, professional, a good storyteller and a joy to be around. The hotels were comfortable and the food in all of them, and the restaurants we visited, was excellent. We also had dinner with local families and were able to experience Indian culture on a personal level. When you see a camel and an elephant being ridden down the main street of Jaipur you know you're not in Kansas anymore :-). Just go - you will never regret it - and hope that Ritu is your group leader.
— Review left February 28, 2024
My friend and I were already seasoned travelers in countries of diverse cultures. Due to the vastness and complexities of nativgating India, we chose Road Scholars. From the beginning, the interaction with our tour guide was trusting and helpful. The way he conducted the trip showed expertize, empathy, and lots of humor.
The places that were chosen were perfect for a survey trip. The accomodations were exquisite... Maybe u necessarily so. Some folks thought shopping was too much, some thought it was too little, but that difference is to be expected.
India is hard due to the poverty, but our guide approaches the subject with realism and empathy.
— Review left February 26, 2024
We had an incredible first trip to India through Road Scholar. Our 10 days through Northern India (wish we had done the whole of India trip, which was sold out) could not have been better, due to the educational nature of the trip and exceptionally knowledgeable guide, Ritu Sharma, who infused the visits to sacred sites and monuments with information about the religions, local customs, family life and more. This cultural trip had wonderful lectures with local experts in each place, where we also visited families in their homes to experience how people live and discuss life and politics. This was my first RS trip and I took my adult daughter. It was wonderful having everything arranged for us - we just had to show up and enjoy everything. The group had interesting people; lots of teachers and experienced travelers. The hotels were all very nice - we particularly liked the Trident hotels (Oberoi Group). The included hotel meals were buffets which offered a wide selection, including continental options. We particularly enjoyed the restaurant meals with the group and would have liked them also offered on the few “nights off”. We can’t wait to go back to India and will definitely travel with Road Scholar again.
— Review left February 21, 2024
I’ve been fortunate to be able to travel to many places—however India now is ranked the top trip of my life! So grateful for Dheerendra Nathawat for all he did to provide knowledge, adventure and excitement…and safety.
— Review left January 30, 2024
This yatra (journry) was a pilgrimage for me that raised my understanding of myself and my roots.
— Review left January 30, 2024
The Highlights of India Program was a fantastic way to get a glimpse of some of the main attractions in India. The mix of historical sites, cultural experiences, and educational programs was just right to get some insight into this vibrant and fascinating country. Our guide (Anurag Srivastava) exhibited a vast depth of knowledge and his passion for his country and his skilled 'storytelling' made India truly come alive. Even the 'organized chaos' of the streets was enlightening. If you want to see a piece of India, I highly recommend this program.
— Review left November 27, 2023
This was everything and more that I wanted from this adventure. The group was congenial; our guide Anurag Sreivastava was outstanding. He seemed to deeply care that the group not only enjoyed every minute of our time in India but his desire was to give us detailed knowledge of the culture, history and peoples of North India. He went truly out of his way to satisfy all our wishes and answered any questions or concerns that arose. He encouraged our questions. The sites that were chosen for the tour were excellent and equally as enjoyable were the visits to private homes to know people more intimately than just passing or observing them on the street.
Since we visited during Diwali time it was especially meaningful. I have forever wanted to see the Taj Mahal and that wish was granted and was most definitely a highlight. I have to say however that I found the visit to Varanasi the most fascinating of the whole trip. The Ganges and seeing the cremations and the people coming to the river to bathe was phenomenal! It was so colorful and I felt like I was in the midst of the activities, yet viewing it in a relaxed situation on the boat ride.
If I had any complaint with this trip, it would NOT be the itinerary or the guide - both couldn't have been better. I had some dissatisfaction with the travel agency who booked me originally very poorly and then when I sought to correct it, I was "fined" $200. I live near the Jacksonville, FL airport but was supposed to find my way to Miami then to NJ and then to New Dehli - furthermore they seem somewhat perturbed to make this correction and were not at all helpful in upgrading my seat. I have traveled extensively for work and pleasure and have never encountered this attitude. They seemed too busy and annoyed at the inconvenience they felt they were encountering.
I look forward however to travel with Road Scholar again as the trip as a whole was outstanding!
— Review left November 24, 2023
If you want to be immersed in the culture of old and new India, see and experience all you think you want, and then discover you get so much more than this, then this is the tour for you. Road Scholar has outdone itself in organizing this tour to provide an amazing experience and then hired an outstanding tour guide/presenter/mentor to do the job. Anurag guided and delivered more than just a learning event, he delivered the expertise, knowledge, depth, and insight to make this tour a truly transformational experience.
— Review left November 18, 2023
I enjoyed every moment of this trip. The highlights for me were visiting Gandhi's home, seeing the Taj Mahal, visiting the Bodi tree and a boat ride on the Ganges River. The trip was organized, fun and informative. Anurag was an excellent guide!
— Review left November 16, 2023
I just returned from the Highlights of India trip. It was such a fantastic experience, even more than I expected. Our guide, Anurag, was phenomenal. He was with us from arrival to departure, and took care of every single detail. We were in very good hands. Before I left for the trip, I had some concerns about drinking water and spicy food. This wasn’t a problem at all. There was ample bottled water provided on the bus and in all hotels and restaurants. Some of the food was spicy, but there were always many options of non-spicy foods too. A highlight for me was visiting in peoples’ homes, and we had several opportunities to do that. Visiting Varanasi and witnessing Hindu religious rituals along the Ganges from a boat was amazing. I now wish I had gone on the longer trip to India.
— Review left November 14, 2023
This was an excellent program for the experienced traveler. If you are up for an adventure, this is an excellent opportunity.I feel that this program would be difficult for the casual tourist.
— Review left November 13, 2023
The Highlights of India trip is a lot of fun plus informative, with a wide variety of activities.
— Review left November 13, 2023
This was an incredible trip. Our tour leader Jay was extremely well educated, patient and personable. The variety of activities was excellent. Hotels and food exceptional. Really enjoyed home visits and shopping!
— Review left November 11, 2023
This was a fabulous program with a great guide best I’ve ever had on an overseas program. It is well worth your time and money. Great experience. Karen
— Review left October 23, 2023
Road Scholar is a program created for people who want to do more than look out a bus window, staying at nondescript hotels filled with other Americans, visiting castle after cathedral after museum. Stopping periodically to take some photos. People who choose Road Scholar want to meet locals, learn some history, eat in local restaurants, experience the local culture and travel with smaller groups guided by a professional local who is well versed in all aspects of his/her country and likes being with people.
— Review left April 13, 2020
Our group leader, Prakash Detha, was amazing. You are very fortunate to have with with your organization. You should know this is the first time I've ever taken a group tour. I'm more of a DIY kinda guy and have felt comfortable navigating around Europe as a solo traveler. Prakash was attentive to our needs both individually and as a group, informative about his country and culture, empathetic to the specific requests by individuals, and very personable. His attention to detail and availability as a group leader went far above what I would have considered sufficient. In short, he went out of his way to make this trip such a success. He is a valuable asset to RS.
— Review left March 19, 2020
The Highlights of India program is a brief and amazing glimpse of India. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. The sights are fantastic! Seeing the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, also called the Pink city with all the palaces and of course the River Ganga is very thrilling. The accommodations surpassed my expectations and the food was excellent. It is a programs that gives a lot of value for the money you spend!
— Review left March 19, 2020
This 12-day outing is a real educational and cultural treat. We not only saw the sights but also had the chance to meet with local hosts in their gracious homes. After moving constantly through the day, we get to relax in luxurious hotels with like-minded fellow travelers. If you can do it, do it.
— Review left January 27, 2020
One of the best Road Scholar trips I have taken!! Great group leader, wonderful experiences, great food!!
— Review left January 26, 2020
This is a wonderful program! Our group leader was superb, and helped us see things that we would never have been able to see on our own. In Delhi, we worked in a Sikh community kitchen; in Agra, we explored the Taj Mahal; in Jaipur, we visited the Red Fort; and in Varanasi, we heard a master sitar player and floated on the Ganges for evening and morning ceremonies.
— Review left January 25, 2020
After my now 5th Road Scholar program, I cannot come up with one that did not meet my expectations; in fact everyone was beyond, especially Group Leader Knowledge and Hotel Accommodations with their variety of food choices
Antoine K.
— Review left December 8, 2019
An excellent program.Instructor with comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter in addition to excellent program management skills. Program highly recommended.
— Review left November 26, 2019
Highlights of India (including the camel festival at Pushkar) introduced us to unique architecture, fabulous food, an array of religions, and the many sights, sounds, and smells of everyday life. Visiting families in their homes was a special treat and we left India reluctantly, wishing to learn more!
— Review left November 18, 2019
India is a fascinating country. It will not leave you indifferent. Just go there with the Road Scholar.
— Review left November 18, 2019
This trip was amazing - probably the best trip I have evert taken in my lifetime. The tour leader, Sandeep, was very knowledgeable, interesting, and informative. He worked with our small group to ensure we develped a great understanding of India. This is a memorable trip that I would recommend in the highest possible terms.
— Review left November 15, 2019
This was an intense and immersive experience in Indian culture that I will never forget.
— Review left March 19, 2019
This program was truly the experience of a lifetime for me. Our Group Leader was so kind and knowledgeable and the educational content was exceptional. Go on this program if you have an open mind and are ready for an adventure.
— Review left February 27, 2019
Highlights of India, exceeded all my expectations, I would urge anyone to try it.
The sights, sounds, beauty etc. that we encountered were overwhelming. So very glad I got to do it. A trip of a lifetime.
— Review left February 24, 2019
An excellent tour! It truly exceeded my expectations in every way.
— Review left January 30, 2019
