From Taj to Tiger

This journey interlaces some of India’s most compelling sights with one of the country’s finest wildlife parks. Though a great introduction to India, our itinerary veers far off the heavily trodden “Golden Triangle.” (Also in GeoEx’s favor: Our group size is considerably smaller than that of other companies’ ostensibly similar trips, we stay in absolutely top-notch hotels throughout, and our leaders are the best in their field.)

After a good look at Delhi, we fly to Varanasi, Hinduism’s most important pilgrimage site, for an early-morning glimpse into the soul of India from a boat on the sacred Ganges. Then on to the Chandela temples at Khajuraho, their artwork a kind of 10th-century erotica. Next to Agra for the Taj Mahal, a monument to love, as well as to excess. We also spend a day wandering in Jaipur, but only after stopping at Ranthambore National Park—home to a quickly multiplying number of tigers, among other creatures. Then deeper into Rajasthan, first to the ancient village of Narlai, where we join locals to celebrate the much-anticipated and enthusiastically fêted Holi or Diwali Festival, before exploring the expressive Jain Temples of Ranakpur. We move on to Udaipur, the city of sunrise, a fine place to unwind before returning to Delhi.