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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Protecting the Environment
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12 days
11 nights
23 meals
9B 8L 6D
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.
What You'll Learn
- 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).
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
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.
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.
India
Wolpert's reflections on India -- its religion and philosophy, its art, culture and politics -- make for a literate, succinct primer.
Taj Mahal
An enlightening pocket guide to the myth, meaning and legends of the celebrated tomb, "the queen of architecture."
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.
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.
Lonely Planet India Phrasebook
A handy, palm-sized guide to pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Culture Smart! India
A concise, well-illustrated guide to both social and business customs in India.
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.
Meals
23 Meals
9 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
6 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Salt
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
- Nov 06, 2024 - Nov 17, 2024
- Oct 09, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024 (Delhi to Varanasi)
- Oct 23, 2024 - Nov 03, 2024 (Delhi to Varanasi)
- Nov 06, 2024 - Nov 17, 2024 (Delhi to Varanasi)
- Jan 15, 2025 - Jan 26, 2025 (Delhi to Varanasi)
- Feb 05, 2025 - Feb 16, 2025 (Delhi to Varanasi)
- Feb 19, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025 (Delhi to Varanasi)
- Mar 12, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025 (Delhi to Varanasi)
- Oct 08, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025 (Delhi to Varanasi)
- Oct 22, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025 (Delhi to Varanasi)
3 nights
New Delhi
The Suryaa New Delhi is located in the heart of New Delhi, a mere 35 minute drive from the international airport and adjacent to Delhi's business districts - Nehru Place, Pragati Maidan-International Trade Fair venue, Okhla & Noida Export Promotion Zone.
2 nights
Agra
Near the Taj Mahal, Trident Agra is one of the best hotels in the city. Beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountains welcome you to this charming leisure hotel. Built in local red stone, reminiscent of the Mughal era, the hotel features 135 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, which overlook the central courtyard and gardens.
2 nights
Jaipur
Trident Jaipur is situated near the renowned Amber Fort and overlooking the Mansagar Lake. The rose-colored facade of the hotel is reminiscent of traditional Rajasthani architecture.
2 nights
Varanasi
The hotel is set amidst 40 acres of lush green gardens, just 13 miles (45 mins drive) from the airport, The Taj Ganges Hotel is the veritable haven of peace and tranquility in this crowded and ancient temple city. The hotel is 4 miles away from the city Center or the commercial hub of Varanasi also commonly known as The Chowk. The Taj Ganges Hotel offers recently renovated & refurbished world-class contemporary rooms & suites with choice of views ranging from the lush green gardens or the swimming pool, located on 12 acres. The hotel has 130 rooms divided in four categories - Standard Rooms, Executive Rooms, Executive Suites and Deluxe Suites.
3 nights
New Delhi
The Suryaa New Delhi is located in the heart of New Delhi, a mere 35 minute drive from the international airport and adjacent to Delhi's business districts - Nehru Place, Pragati Maidan-International Trade Fair venue, Okhla & Noida Export Promotion Zone.
2 nights
Agra
Near the Taj Mahal, Trident Agra is one of the best hotels in the city. Beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountains welcome you to this charming leisure hotel. Built in local red stone, reminiscent of the Mughal era, the hotel features 135 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, which overlook the central courtyard and gardens.
2 nights
Jaipur
Trident Jaipur is situated near the renowned Amber Fort and overlooking the Mansagar Lake. The rose-colored facade of the hotel is reminiscent of traditional Rajasthani architecture.
2 nights
Varanasi
The hotel is set amidst 40 acres of lush green gardens, just 13 miles (45 mins drive) from the airport, The Taj Ganges Hotel is the veritable haven of peace and tranquility in this crowded and ancient temple city. The hotel is 4 miles away from the city Center or the commercial hub of Varanasi also commonly known as The Chowk. The Taj Ganges Hotel offers recently renovated & refurbished world-class contemporary rooms & suites with choice of views ranging from the lush green gardens or the swimming pool, located on 12 acres. The hotel has 130 rooms divided in four categories - Standard Rooms, Executive Rooms, Executive Suites and Deluxe Suites.
3 nights
New Delhi
The Suryaa New Delhi is located in the heart of New Delhi, a mere 35 minute drive from the international airport and adjacent to Delhi's business districts - Nehru Place, Pragati Maidan-International Trade Fair venue, Okhla & Noida Export Promotion Zone.
2 nights
Agra
Near the Taj Mahal, Trident Agra is one of the best hotels in the city. Beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountains welcome you to this charming leisure hotel. Built in local red stone, reminiscent of the Mughal era, the hotel features 135 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, which overlook the central courtyard and gardens.
2 nights
Jaipur
Trident Jaipur is situated near the renowned Amber Fort and overlooking the Mansagar Lake. The rose-colored facade of the hotel is reminiscent of traditional Rajasthani architecture.
2 nights
Varanasi
The hotel is set amidst 40 acres of lush green gardens, just 13 miles (45 mins drive) from the airport, The Taj Ganges Hotel is the veritable haven of peace and tranquility in this crowded and ancient temple city. The hotel is 4 miles away from the city Center or the commercial hub of Varanasi also commonly known as The Chowk. The Taj Ganges Hotel offers recently renovated & refurbished world-class contemporary rooms & suites with choice of views ranging from the lush green gardens or the swimming pool, located on 12 acres. The hotel has 130 rooms divided in four categories - Standard Rooms, Executive Rooms, Executive Suites and Deluxe Suites.
3 nights
New Delhi
The Suryaa New Delhi is located in the heart of New Delhi, a mere 35 minute drive from the international airport and adjacent to Delhi's business districts - Nehru Place, Pragati Maidan-International Trade Fair venue, Okhla & Noida Export Promotion Zone.
2 nights
Agra
Near the Taj Mahal, Trident Agra is one of the best hotels in the city. Beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountains welcome you to this charming leisure hotel. Built in local red stone, reminiscent of the Mughal era, the hotel features 135 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, which overlook the central courtyard and gardens.
2 nights
Jaipur
Trident Jaipur is situated near the renowned Amber Fort and overlooking the Mansagar Lake. The rose-colored facade of the hotel is reminiscent of traditional Rajasthani architecture.
2 nights
Varanasi
The hotel is set amidst 40 acres of lush green gardens, just 13 miles (45 mins drive) from the airport, The Taj Ganges Hotel is the veritable haven of peace and tranquility in this crowded and ancient temple city. The hotel is 4 miles away from the city Center or the commercial hub of Varanasi also commonly known as The Chowk. The Taj Ganges Hotel offers recently renovated & refurbished world-class contemporary rooms & suites with choice of views ranging from the lush green gardens or the swimming pool, located on 12 acres. The hotel has 130 rooms divided in four categories - Standard Rooms, Executive Rooms, Executive Suites and Deluxe Suites.
3 nights
New Delhi
The Suryaa New Delhi is located in the heart of New Delhi, a mere 35 minute drive from the international airport and adjacent to Delhi's business districts - Nehru Place, Pragati Maidan-International Trade Fair venue, Okhla & Noida Export Promotion Zone.
2 nights
Agra
Near the Taj Mahal, Trident Agra is one of the best hotels in the city. Beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountains welcome you to this charming leisure hotel. Built in local red stone, reminiscent of the Mughal era, the hotel features 135 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, which overlook the central courtyard and gardens.
2 nights
Jaipur
Trident Jaipur is situated near the renowned Amber Fort and overlooking the Mansagar Lake. The rose-colored facade of the hotel is reminiscent of traditional Rajasthani architecture.
2 nights
Varanasi
The hotel is set amidst 40 acres of lush green gardens, just 13 miles (45 mins drive) from the airport, The Taj Ganges Hotel is the veritable haven of peace and tranquility in this crowded and ancient temple city. The hotel is 4 miles away from the city Center or the commercial hub of Varanasi also commonly known as The Chowk. The Taj Ganges Hotel offers recently renovated & refurbished world-class contemporary rooms & suites with choice of views ranging from the lush green gardens or the swimming pool, located on 12 acres. The hotel has 130 rooms divided in four categories - Standard Rooms, Executive Rooms, Executive Suites and Deluxe Suites.
3 nights
New Delhi
The Suryaa New Delhi is located in the heart of New Delhi, a mere 35 minute drive from the international airport and adjacent to Delhi's business districts - Nehru Place, Pragati Maidan-International Trade Fair venue, Okhla & Noida Export Promotion Zone.
2 nights
Agra
Near the Taj Mahal, Trident Agra is one of the best hotels in the city. Beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountains welcome you to this charming leisure hotel. Built in local red stone, reminiscent of the Mughal era, the hotel features 135 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, which overlook the central courtyard and gardens.
2 nights
Jaipur
Trident Jaipur is situated near the renowned Amber Fort and overlooking the Mansagar Lake. The rose-colored facade of the hotel is reminiscent of traditional Rajasthani architecture.
2 nights
Varanasi
The hotel is set amidst 40 acres of lush green gardens, just 13 miles (45 mins drive) from the airport, The Taj Ganges Hotel is the veritable haven of peace and tranquility in this crowded and ancient temple city. The hotel is 4 miles away from the city Center or the commercial hub of Varanasi also commonly known as The Chowk. The Taj Ganges Hotel offers recently renovated & refurbished world-class contemporary rooms & suites with choice of views ranging from the lush green gardens or the swimming pool, located on 12 acres. The hotel has 130 rooms divided in four categories - Standard Rooms, Executive Rooms, Executive Suites and Deluxe Suites.
3 nights
New Delhi
The Suryaa New Delhi is located in the heart of New Delhi, a mere 35 minute drive from the international airport and adjacent to Delhi's business districts - Nehru Place, Pragati Maidan-International Trade Fair venue, Okhla & Noida Export Promotion Zone.
2 nights
Agra
Near the Taj Mahal, Trident Agra is one of the best hotels in the city. Beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountains welcome you to this charming leisure hotel. Built in local red stone, reminiscent of the Mughal era, the hotel features 135 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, which overlook the central courtyard and gardens.
2 nights
Jaipur
Trident Jaipur is situated near the renowned Amber Fort and overlooking the Mansagar Lake. The rose-colored facade of the hotel is reminiscent of traditional Rajasthani architecture.
2 nights
Varanasi
The hotel is set amidst 40 acres of lush green gardens, just 13 miles (45 mins drive) from the airport, The Taj Ganges Hotel is the veritable haven of peace and tranquility in this crowded and ancient temple city. The hotel is 4 miles away from the city Center or the commercial hub of Varanasi also commonly known as The Chowk. The Taj Ganges Hotel offers recently renovated & refurbished world-class contemporary rooms & suites with choice of views ranging from the lush green gardens or the swimming pool, located on 12 acres. The hotel has 130 rooms divided in four categories - Standard Rooms, Executive Rooms, Executive Suites and Deluxe Suites.
3 nights
New Delhi
The Suryaa New Delhi is located in the heart of New Delhi, a mere 35 minute drive from the international airport and adjacent to Delhi's business districts - Nehru Place, Pragati Maidan-International Trade Fair venue, Okhla & Noida Export Promotion Zone.
2 nights
Agra
Near the Taj Mahal, Trident Agra is one of the best hotels in the city. Beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountains welcome you to this charming leisure hotel. Built in local red stone, reminiscent of the Mughal era, the hotel features 135 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, which overlook the central courtyard and gardens.
2 nights
Jaipur
Trident Jaipur is situated near the renowned Amber Fort and overlooking the Mansagar Lake. The rose-colored facade of the hotel is reminiscent of traditional Rajasthani architecture.
2 nights
Varanasi
The hotel is set amidst 40 acres of lush green gardens, just 13 miles (45 mins drive) from the airport, The Taj Ganges Hotel is the veritable haven of peace and tranquility in this crowded and ancient temple city. The hotel is 4 miles away from the city Center or the commercial hub of Varanasi also commonly known as The Chowk. The Taj Ganges Hotel offers recently renovated & refurbished world-class contemporary rooms & suites with choice of views ranging from the lush green gardens or the swimming pool, located on 12 acres. The hotel has 130 rooms divided in four categories - Standard Rooms, Executive Rooms, Executive Suites and Deluxe Suites.
3 nights
New Delhi
The Suryaa New Delhi is located in the heart of New Delhi, a mere 35 minute drive from the international airport and adjacent to Delhi's business districts - Nehru Place, Pragati Maidan-International Trade Fair venue, Okhla & Noida Export Promotion Zone.
2 nights
Agra
Near the Taj Mahal, Trident Agra is one of the best hotels in the city. Beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountains welcome you to this charming leisure hotel. Built in local red stone, reminiscent of the Mughal era, the hotel features 135 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, which overlook the central courtyard and gardens.
2 nights
Jaipur
Trident Jaipur is situated near the renowned Amber Fort and overlooking the Mansagar Lake. The rose-colored facade of the hotel is reminiscent of traditional Rajasthani architecture.
2 nights
Varanasi
The hotel is set amidst 40 acres of lush green gardens, just 13 miles (45 mins drive) from the airport, The Taj Ganges Hotel is the veritable haven of peace and tranquility in this crowded and ancient temple city. The hotel is 4 miles away from the city Center or the commercial hub of Varanasi also commonly known as The Chowk. The Taj Ganges Hotel offers recently renovated & refurbished world-class contemporary rooms & suites with choice of views ranging from the lush green gardens or the swimming pool, located on 12 acres. The hotel has 130 rooms divided in four categories - Standard Rooms, Executive Rooms, Executive Suites and Deluxe Suites.
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