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.