Icons of India: The Taj, Tigers & Beyond with Mumbai, Varanasi & Kathmandu
Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour, beginning in bustling Mumbai, where you’ll experience the city’s tiffin lunchbox delivery system and visit the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Continue to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities, to observe the striking Ganga Aarti on the ghats leading down to the sacred Ganges River, then witness the symbol of eternal devotion with a sunrise visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal. One of the New7Wonders of the World, this towering white-marble mausoleum was erected by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan with the help of more than 20,000 workers and 1,000 elephants to honor his wife. Beyond India’s most sparkling jewel lies a priceless mine of experiences. Hop in a rickshaw for a ride through Delhi’s centuries-old Chandni Chowk bazaar, sit down for traditional Indian cuisine in the home of a noble family in Jaipur, and embark on two thrilling open-air safari game drives through Ranthambore National Park in search of marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Finally, travel to fascinating Kathmandu to explore the historic seat of royalty at Hanuman Dhoka, the residence of the Living Goddess at the Temple of Kumari, and the massive Bouddhanath stupa—the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Complete your journey through the valley by marveling at the sacred Hindu and Buddhist sites of Patan’s Durbar Square. A mosaic of memories awaits on this Small Group Discovery tour of India and Nepal.
Tour Itinerary
Hello, Mumbai Welcome to Mumbai, a multicultural metropolis with a vibrant history—now India’s premier seaport and home to the “Bollywood” movie industry.
Magical Mumbai Join your Local Guide for an orientation tour of some of the city’s famous sites, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India. Then, stop to see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. After lunch, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. (B,L) Please note: Local Host services are provided in Mumbai and Varanasi. You will meet your Tour Director on day 5 in Delhi.
Packed Lunches & Loyal Pilgrimages Today, witness Mumbai’s tiffin lunch box delivery system. Later this afternoon, fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT LUNCH BOX HEROES Each weekday dabbawalas (box carriers) deliver thousands of home-cooked lunches to people at work. Using a simple coding system of colors, numbers, and letters, deliveries are made with nearly 100% accuracy. Watch and learn about this fascinating process starting at Churchgate Station, where the dabbawalas transfer the boxes onto local trains for distribution. Ride on one of the trains to Mahalaxmi Station, where you’ll disembark and see the boxes being sorted for final delivery.
Sacred Rituals Near dawn, join your Local Guide and board a boat to watch a meaningful religious ritual—the Hindus’ devotional bathing in the Ganges. You’ll observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river’s edge, practicing yoga or meditation. Return to your hotel for breakfast and time at leisure. Early this evening, experience the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the sacred Ganges River. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT FIRE & WATER Witness the light of ancient tradition as night descends on the Ganges River in Varanasi. Witness the devotional offerings made to the Goddess Ganga in the aarti performed at the river’s edge as it has been done throughout the ages. A ritual of fire, faithful Hindus float “diyas” (small candle and flowers) on the waters of the Ganges River while praying for the blessing of Maa Ganga.
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