India: Delhi to the Taj Mahal

Step back into India’s royal past on a guided tour of Old Delhi, once the heart of the Mughal Empire. Admire the magnificent Jama Masjid Mosque, completed in 1656 and still the largest in India. Explore the Lal Quila (Red Fort), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as both the Mughal royal residence and later the British military headquarters. Conclude your visit at Raj Ghat, the serene memorial marking the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation, a place of reflection and national reverence.

Discover New Delhi, India’s capital and a showcase of grand architecture and modern energy. Drive along the Rajpath, or Royal Mall, lined with government buildings and national monuments, and see Connaught Place, the city’s bustling commercial hub. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, India’s first garden-tomb and a stunning example of Mughal design with its red sandstone and white marble dome. Stroll through Janpath Market, where colorful stalls sell jewelry, handicrafts, and fragrant essential oils.

Take a guided walk through lively streets filled with local flavor. Sample pakoras, aloo tiki, samosas, and sweets from favorite vendors. Watch jewelers, silversmiths, and foil makers at work, and try your hand at the intricate art of henna painting.

Join a yoga class in India, the birthplace of this 5,000-year-old spiritual practice. Experience the balance of movement, breath, and mindfulness in a culturally rich setting. Enjoy a beginner-friendly session led by expert instructors; mats provided, no prior experience required.

Before electricity or air conditioning, how could a palace stay cool in India’s sweltering heat? The answer lies in the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, built with 953 windows that allow air to flow freely through its halls. Made of red, pink, and white sandstone and shaped like the crown of the Hindu god Krishna, this stunning five-story structure remains one of Jaipur’s most unique and beautiful landmarks.

Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is one of India’s most beautiful and well-planned historic cities, famous for its broad avenues and vibrant architecture. See the iconic Palace of the Winds and the stunning Jal Mahal, the “Water Palace” set in the middle of Mansagar Lake. In the rainy season, the lake fills and reflects the palace like glass, surrounded by purple water flowers.

Hop aboard a canter and set out on an unforgettable wildlife adventure in Ranthambore National Park, Northern India’s most famous tiger reserve. Keep your binoculars ready as you travel along rugged dirt trails, watching for the park’s most elusive resident, the majestic Bengal tiger, along with deer, monkeys, and colorful birds in their natural jungle habitat.

Indian Railways is one of the largest train networks in the world and offers a quick, scenic way to travel across the country. This short journey provides a glimpse of daily life in the Indian countryside. Please note: Seating is in an air-conditioned Chair Car coach.

Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries as one of the four capitals of the Mughal Empire. Descended from Central Asia’s Timurids, the Mughals made Agra a center of political power and artistic brilliance, reaching their cultural peak here. Though its imperial grandeur has faded, modern Agra remains a lively city rooted in trade, craftsmanship, and echoes of its glorious past.

Spend the afternoon visiting Mother Teresa’s Charity Home in Agra, a mission dedicated to caring for those in need. The home provides shelter for 48 children who are orphaned or from families unable to support them, as well as 150 adults who can no longer care for themselves. Entirely supported by private donations, the mission continues Mother Teresa’s legacy of compassion and service.

Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, built in 1632 by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. This masterpiece of Mughal architecture, with its gleaming white dome and intricate detail, is recognized across the globe. Sit beside the reflecting pool and admire the mausoleum’s perfect symmetry, surrounded by manicured gardens and fragrant blossoms.

Considered one of India’s most important forts, Agra Fort was once home to powerful Mughal rulers. Surrounded by seventy-foot walls and four ornate gates, it beautifully blends Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. Though often overshadowed by the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort remains a monumental symbol of Mughal strength and artistry, drawing visitors from around the world.

Enjoy a scenic drive along India’s newly built expressway, offering a glimpse of both modern innovation and rural charm. Pass by the Gautam Buddha International Circuit, the country’s only world-class motor racing track, before continuing through stretches of green farmland and small villages scattered along the horizon.