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  Rebecca Bliefernich
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  Isae Lafferty
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  Noriko Sato
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  Yuko Duin
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  Jason Hedrick
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Mystical India
Starting at $4,395
October 24 and November 4, 2010

Mystical and spiritual, chaotic and confounding, India is a land rich in contrasts. Join Smithsonian Journeys on an intimate exploration of northern India's multi-layered culture, history, and traditions, as you travel the classic Golden Triangle: from bustling Delhi to Agra, home of the sublime Taj Mahal, and Jaipur, great city of the Rajput. You'll also search for the elusive Bengal tiger at Ranthambore National Park, admire Khajuraho's ancient temples, and observe the spiritual ambiance of Varanasi. Experience the magnificence of India's treasures on this one-of-a-kind Smithsonian Journey.

Days 1-2 - U.S. and Delhi
Depart the U.S. for Delhi on individual flights. Upon arrival late in the evening, transfer to your hotel.

Days 3-4 - Delhi
Built by a succession of empires, Delhi is comprised of many cities. Explore both Old and New Delhi beginning with an afternoon tour of the 16th-century Tomb of Humayun, Qutab Minar, and India Gate. The next day your exploration of Old Delhi begins at the Gandhi Memorial and continues with many highlights, including Lal Qila, the Red Fort complex of palaces; Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque dating to 1656; a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk market; a Sikh temple; and a tour of the National Museum. In the evening enjoy a home-hosted dinner with a Delhi family.

Day 5 - Jaipur
Travel by coach to the "pink city" of Jaipur, one of the great cities of the Rajput, with historic forts, palaces, and gardens. Upon arrival late in the afternoon, settle into your hotel, once a Maharajah's palace.

Day 6 - Jaipur
Explore the city's rich history beginning with the stunning Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, an elaborate facade of carved pink sandstone. Tour the famous Amber Fort, a Rajput capital from 1037 to 1728 and considered the pinnacle of Mughal architecture. Visit an open-air observatory, then view some of the Maharajahs magnificent art collections at the City Palace Museum.

Day 7 - Jaipur and Sanganer
In the nearby village of Sanganer, learn about traditional block printing and handmade paper industries, then experience the colorful sights and sounds of a local market. Enjoy an invitation to be dinner guests in the home of a multi-generational Rajasthan family.

Days 8-9 - Ranthambore
Once the hunting ground of the Maharajah of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park is now a 512-square-mile nature preserve that is home to hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, mammals; and of course, the endangered Bengal tiger. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive, and enjoy additional game drives the next day.

Day 10 - Kalakho
Early today depart for Kalakho and the Dera Lake View Retreat on the banks of glacial Madhosager Lake. Enjoy an afternoon camel safari to meet the local Meena tribespeople in their homes?mud huts adorned with floral and animal designs along the walls and floors.

Days 11-12 - Fatehpur Sikri and Agra
Travel this morning to Fatehpur Sikri, the late 16th-century city of red sandstone that is an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and a World Heritage Site. Arrive in the ancient Mughal stronghold of Agra in the early afternoon. Spend a day exploring Agra, including a visit to the imposing Agra Fort, a vast complex that served for generations as the seat of Mughal power. After a cooking lesson and lunch, embark on a sunset tour of the Taj Mahal, the magnificent tomb built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife.

Days 13-14 - Jhansi, Orchha, and Khajuraho
Travel by train to Jhansi, then continue by coach to the village of Orchha, renowned for its 16th-century palaces and temples. Continue to Khajuraho, whose collection of 22 Hindu temples dating back to the 10th century is a World Heritage site. Spend the next day exploring several of Khajuraho's well-preserved temples, considered the finest examples of temple architecture in northern India.

Day 15 - Varanasi
Today, fly to Varanasi, Hinduism's holiest city and a sacred place of pilgrimage. This evening attend a traditional aarti offering ceremony during a cruise along the Ganges.

Day 16 - Varanasi
Early this morning return to the Ganges, where Hindu pilgrims perform their rituals along the ghats (steps) leading to the river. Visit several of the important ghats by boat as you experience the spiritual mystique of these hallowed waters, and stop at Kashi- Vishwanath Temple, the most sacred of the shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later travel to Sarnath, birthplace of Buddhism and still a major center of the practice. Tonight, celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner.

Days 17-18 - Delhi
Fly to Delhi this afternoon and enjoy an evening at leisure. Depart early the next morning for the U.S. on individual flights.

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