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India is a true feast for the senses, and there is no better way to experience its riches than in the company of a small group of alumni and their guests. This is a small group trip of not more than 25 people.

This well-paced journey traces the country's classic Golden Triangle: Delhi, the bustling capital; Agra, home of the sublime Taj Mahal; and Jaipur, one the great cities of the Rajput. Delight in India's natural beauty during an included side trip to the former hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Jaipur. A five-day/four-night post-tour extension to Kerala in southern India is available.

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Delhi, India

Day 2: Arrive in India's capital of Delhi and check in at your hotel after midnight.

Day 3: Over the millennia at least eight cities have stood where New Delhi now stands. The city reflects a mix of indigenous and Western architecture, including Sir Edwin Lutyens' 1920s Imperial City of broad boulevards and stately government buildings. After an informal morning briefing with your tour director, begin exploring this ever-changing capital, visiting the 16th-century Tomb of Humayun, with its groundbreaking Mughal design, and 376-step Qutab Minar, the "seventh wonder of Hindustan" dating to 1193. Then enjoy a welcome dinner in the home of a local Indian family headed by a former military officer.

Day 4: The capital of Moslem India from the 12th to 19th centuries, Old Delhi boasts two renowned 17th-century landmarks on the morning tour: the Red Fort complex of palaces, considered the greatest of all Delhi's cities; and the red sandstone and marble Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, completed in 1656 as the last monument commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal. Walk the crowded narrow lanes of colorful Chandni Chowk marketplace, the former imperial avenue now lined with sidewalk shoemakers, photographers, doctors, dentists, barbers, and jewelers. After lunch on your own visit the National Museum, which houses a superb collection of Indian and international art and artifacts—some two million pieces covering five thousand years of cultural heritage.

Day 5: On the way from Delhi to Agra, visit the inspiring S.O.S. Children's Village where abandoned and orphaned children live in a family-like setting. Later reach ancient Agra in India's heartland, once a stronghold of Mughal rulers who built elaborate forts, tombs, and palaces of sandstone and marble inlaid with semi-precious gems. Dine within view of the Taj Mahal.

Day 6: In the morning visit the imposing Red Fort of Agra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising fairy tale palaces, two beautiful mosques, audience halls, pavilions, courtyards, and gardens all surrounded by a massive wall, a moat, and yet another wall. A travel highlight, in the afternoon tour the Taj Mahal, the magnificent tomb built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz.

Day 7: A full day of touring includes Mughal Emperor Akbar's mausoleum at Sikandra, a harmonious blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, and Jain motifs, and the beautiful tomb at Itmad-ud-daulah, believed to have been an inspiration for the Taj Mahal.

Day 8: Leaving Agra, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the elegant late 16th-century city of red sandstone built by the Emperor Akbar. Though the inhabitants deserted Fatehpur Sikri for lack of fresh water after a mere 15 years, it remains largely intact, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop for lunch at Chandra Mahal Haveli, an 1850s palace converted to an intimate lodging in the style of Fatehpur Sikri. By late afternoon, arrive at Ranthambore National Park.

Day 9: The former hunting ground of Maharaja of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park is now a 512-square-mile natural preserve that is home to hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and of course, tigers and leopards. The park is part of India's groundbreaking Project Tiger, dedicated to preserving and protecting the once plentiful Royal Bengal Tigers. On the morning and evening game drives, you're sure to see game, though tiger and leopard sightings are not guaranteed. The varied landscape of beautiful lakes, lush grasslands, deep ravines, wooded valleys, and open scrub also features picturesque ruins of old fortifications, palaces, and a thousand-year-old fort. At mid-day visit local artists in a nearby village.

Day 10: Following an early morning game safari, enjoy free time and lunch at the lodge before departing for Jaipur, one of the great cities of Rajasthan, home of India's legendary Hindu warriors. Called the "pink city" for its buildings of rose-hued sandstone, Jaipur today retains the exquisite symmetry of its original construction, as well as the eight historic gates that protected the city centuries ago. Reach your hotel, a 250-year-old palace, in late afternoon.

Day 11: Built by the Kkachhawah Rajputs as their capital from 1037 to 1728, Amber Fort is considered the pinnacle of Mughal architecture; indeed, this hilltop palace stands among the most impressive in the land. Tour the opulent and uninhabited citadel, approaching on elephant-back to admire the magnificent fresco-covered portal, the opulent room of mirrors, walls of jewel-encrusted marble, and the royal apartments offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding valley. In the afternoon tour Jaipur itself, including Jantar Mantar ("magical device"), the incredible open-air Royal Observatory, and the City Palace Museum, home of the magnificent art collections of the Maharajahs of Jaipur.

Day 12: Visit the nearby village of Sanganer to see the traditional cottage industries of block printing and hand-made paper. Using processes that date back centuries—and very little modern machinery—villagers craft coveted hand-printed textiles and unique paper goods. Return to Jaipur for lunch and an afternoon at leisure.

Day 13: Return by coach to Delhi and check in at your hotel. Enjoy free time for last-minute shopping before gathering for your farewell dinner.

Day 14: Depart for U.S.

Colby College Crawford Family Professor of Religion Nikky-Guninder Singh will accompany the trip.