India’s roots run deep into the world’s history, and its boundaries hold many cherished places.  It has monuments that are some of the most regarded in the world, major pilgrimage sites for a range of religions, a collection of regions that will captivate you with their natural beauty, and a booming film industry.  A trip through India is an experience in and of itself, and it often takes more than a month to see all of its sights. With our deep local knowledge, you’ll move through this fascinating country like a local and see everything it has to offer!

EXPLORING INDIA’S NORTH
 You’ll meet your fellow group members and trip leaders in Delhi, where you’ll take an insightful tour and orientation through the capital city.You’ll visit such sites as JamaMasjid, India’s largest mosque, India Gate and Gandhi Smriti. You’ll also take in the Old City and learn about the mesh of religions, cultures, and languages that make up India’s diverse population.  You’ll then travel to the holy city of Amritsar, which is home to the Sikh religion’s most sacred site – the Golden Temple.  You’ll absorb this fascinating place, learn about the region, and possibly see the truly unique border closing ceremony between India and Pakistan – a tradition that emerged from the rich history that surrounds these two countries following the Great Partition.  You will then adventure down to Rajasthan, where you will take a camel ride through the desert and explore the cities of Jaipur and Jodhpur, which are steeped in history of maharajas, palaces, and rich traditions. 

TAKING IN THE TAJ MAHAL
After your time in Rajasthan, you’ll head through a region that is full of some of India’s most iconic places!  You’ll experience the sunrise over the TajMahal as you wander across the white marble of Shah Jahan’s architectural masterpiece and learn why it is considered a monument of love.  You’ll travel to Khajuraho, which is home to some of the world’s most exquisite temple art, before continuing across to the holy Ganges River in Varanasi and setting a lotus flower afloat and as you row past people bathing in the riverside ‘ghats.’  Nearby, you’ll also get the time to explore Sarnath, which is said to be the place where Gautama Buddha gave his first teachings and is one of Buddhism’s four main pilgrimage sites. 

BOLLYWOOD AND INDIA’S SOUTH
A quick flight to Mumbai will put you in one of India’s hippest cities on the coastal waters of the Arabian Sea.  You’ll hope to catch glimpses of Bollywood stars in action as you tour of some of the Bollywood film industry’s biggest studios.  You’ll then continue south to some of India’s best beaches, perhaps making a stop at a beachside resort in Goa before arriving at one of India’s last undiscovered oases of natural beauty.  As you travel through Kerala,you’ll try to spot elephants or tigers in a breathtaking wildlife preserve, take a houseboat trip through the world-famous backwaters, which Lonely Planet considers one of the “top ten things to do before you die,” or watch dolphins play as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea.  This is the perfect way to finish up an adventure through India as you catch your breath, relax and take in some of the country’s stunning scenery. 
This trip is the perfect overview of India’s best and most breathtaking places.  You’ll travel with locals who will expose the secrets of this immense corner of the world.  After this Must See adventure, you’ll be ready to travel just about anywhere else in the world.  This trip is meant to easily connect with any of our other Gap Year opportunities, so what are you waiting for?  Come hop on board for the trip of a lifetime in inspiring India! 

For more information on this or any of our other extensive Gap Year offerings, please e-mail us at gap@rusticpathways.com. 

 

 
EXPERIENCE sunrise at the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, and then learn about the Sikh religion during a stop at Amritsar’s Golden Temple.
TAKE a safari in India’s famous wildlife reserves and keep an eye out for the elusive Bengal tiger.
EXPLORE Kerala’s 900 kilometers of world-famous backwaters, one of India’s hidden treasures.
WITNESS the real Bollywood during a tour of Mumbai’s film studios – you may meet the stars!
SET a candle afloat on the Ganges River in Varanasi and ride camels across the desert in Rajasthan.
DEVELOP a deep understanding of Khajuraho’s exquisite temple art – some of the finest in the world.
   
 

$2,955* + Internal Air*
Departs
Returns
1 March
31 March