Highlights of North India

Itinerary

Itinerary:
Delhi - Mandawa - Jaipur - Agra (Taj Mahal) - Orchha - Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh - Varanasi - Delhi
Duration:
16 days / 15 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 2,495.- per person (excluding flights)

Our Highlights of North India roundtrip has it all! Bustling cities, rural desert towns, wildlife safaris, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sacred rivers and, of course, the iconic Taj Mahal. This trip takes you from the capital city, Delhi to the holy city of Varanasi via rural Rajasthan and the pink city of Jaipur. You’ll wonder at the temples of Khajuraho, spot for Bengal Tigers in Bandhavgarh National Park and gaze at the Taj Mahal. If this is your first visit to India, this trip ticks all the boxes and will leave you wanting to return.

Days 1-3 – Welcome to Delhi

When you arrive in Delhi, our local representative will be waiting for you at the airport. In the hustle and bustle of India’s largest airport, a sign with your name on it is a pleasant sight. You’ll be transferred directly to a comfortable hotel, that’s well located on a quiet street in New Delhi. Touching down amidst the commotion of Delhi can be something of a culture shock, so we’ve left the rest of the day free for you to settle in and get used to the assault on the senses!

The following day we’ll arrange a guide in the morning and together you will explore Old Delhi. You’ll travel like the locals, taking the metro, an auto-rickshaw and a cycle-rickshaw. This way, you’ll get to know the real Delhi. During the morning you’ll visit Jama Masjid Mosque and the Red Fort and pass through the narrow streets of Chandni Chowk, the heart of the Old Town. The tour ends at modern Connaught Place, where you can plan your free afternoon with a lunch break in one of the restaurants.

Days 3-5 – Havelis and camel carts

Time to leave the big city behind to explore dust-swirled desert towns and sleep in a traditional clay hut. It’s a 6-hour drive to the remote Shekawati region, where you’ll be staying in the small town of Mandawa. Your unique accommodation for two nights is a fully furnished, air-conditioned clay hut, designed to blend in with the desert landscape. The property champions sustainable tourism by providing jobs for the local communities, using locally sourced food in the restaurant and preserving the cultural heritage of the region. It’s an idyllic and peaceful spot, with a pool and plenty of space to relax.

This desert settlement is famous for its colourful, lavishly decorated havelis, which are the former homes of wealthy merchants and during your stay we’ll arrange a guided walking tour through town so you can admire the havelis with their exotic paintings and frescoes. Also included is a short camel ride through the desert to the surrounding villages, where life continues at a timeless pace.

Days 5-7 – The Pink City of Jaipur

Today, you’ll be driven to Jaipur – a journey of approximately 3.5 hours. The city is also called the ‘pink city’ because many of the buildings are painted in pink-orange tones. It’s a bustling, chaotic mix of camel carts, elephants, beggars, rickshaws, forts and palaces. You’ll stay in a friendly, family-run hotel with lots of character and Rajasthani style. On arrival you can enjoy the peace and quiet of your surroundings and cool off with a dip in the hotel pool, or venture out and explore. The following day we’ll arrange a guided tour of the city, including a visit of the magnificent Amber Fort that’s perched high on a hilltop overlooking the city and surrounding rugged hills.

After breakfast you’ll depart Jaipur and drive to Agra – home of the iconic Taj Mahal. You’ll break the journey up with a few stops along the way including the Monkey Temple at Galta, and the fortified ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri. Your accommodation for two nights in Agra is a comfortable homestay , with a beautiful garden, that’s very close to the Taj Mahal.

The world-famous Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan out of love for his deceased wife. It’s one of the most visited places in India, so we recommend to get up extra early so that you’re at the Taj Mahal before the tourist crowds. A real wonder of the world, it’s a building that will take your breath away. After visiting the Taj Mahal by yourselves, you’ll spend time exploring some of Agra’s (other) historic monuments with a guide. Included in the tour is Agra Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive Mughal forts in the country, Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, a.k.a the Baby Taj, and the gardens of Mehtab Bagh.

Days 9-11 – Riverside ruins and lost temples

A trip to India isn’t complete without a train journey! And to get to Orchha – your next destination – you’ll take the train to Jhansi, then finish the journey by car. Orchha is a small, relaxed town, set on the banks of the beautiful Betwa River. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was the capital of the Bundela dynasty, which had magnificent palaces built here. The palaces that have been preserved to this day can be easily visited on your own.

The next day continue your journey to Khajuraho, which is known worldwide for its artistic temples and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the sacred temples, known for their erotic scenes from the Kama Sutra, with a local guide. The temples are about 1000 years old, but they’re incredibly well-preserved.

Days 11-13 – Bengal tigers in Bandhavgarh

Now for something totally different as you continue on your journey to Bandhavgarh National Park. Despite being a relatively small park, Bandhavgarh has the highest density of tigers in India, giving you one of the best chances to see this majestic animal in the wild. You’ll be staying for two nights in a comfortable, African-style cottage, that’s tucked away amongst the trees. Each cottage has a veranda from which you can enjoy views over the park, and there’s a swimming pool. All your meals are included during your stay.

After breakfast the following morning you’ll be collected by an experienced naturalist guide for extensive wildlife viewing on a jeep safari through Bandhavgarh National Park. You’ll stop for lunch before heading out again in the afternoon. The park is famously home of the Bengal Tiger, but there are many other resident animals which can be spotted here, including nilgai, jungle cats, wild boar and hyenas.

Please note: The park is closed during the rainy season (July 1 to October 15).

Time for another train journey. This morning you’ll be transferred to Katni station in time to board the train to Varanasi. On arrival in Varanasi you’ll be met at the station and transferred to your hotel. Varanasi is one of the oldest and holiest cities in India. It’s a city of constant noise, chaos, colour and wandering cows that can be a bit overwhelming at times. Depending on your time of arrival you may wish to head to the Dashaswamedh Ghat on the banks of the Ganges, to witness the magical Aarti ceremony. The following morning we will arrange a morning boat tour along the sacred River Ganges, followed by a walking tour of the old town. The rest of your stay is free to explore on your own.

Days 15-16 – Back to Delhi and departure

You’ll have some free time for some final sightseeing of Varanasi before being transferred to the airport for your domestic flight back to Delhi. Tonight, for convenience, you’ll stay in a comfortable hotel with a pool, that’s just a 20 minute drive from Delhi Airport. The following day, we’ll arrange a transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.