The north is India at its seductive best; a landscape filled with colour, history and mythology. Visit the sacred River Ganges at Varanasi, the Taj Mahal in Agra, and explore the mighty forts and elaborate palaces of Rajasthan.
North India 19 Days
- Itinerary and Tour Map
Day 1 – Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Stay two nights at The Metropolitan.
Day 2 – Delhi
Your first taste of India will be a guided tour of Old & New Delhi. Visit Humayun’s Tomb and Raj Ghat, the memorial to Gandhi. See the Red Fort and take a rickshaw or walk through Chadni Chowk Bazaar, and tour Jama Masjid Mosque, the largest in India. Drive to New Delhi past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Presidential Rastrapathi Bhawan, and visit Qutub Minar. (B,D)
Day 3 – Delhi – Jodhpur
Fly to Jodhpur. Climb aboard a 4WD for a cultural safari to nearby traditional villages. See local stone masons, potters and weavers at work and meet the Bishnois, a community of protectors of nature and bio-diversity, dating back 500 years.
Stay two nights at the Taj Hari Mahal. (B,D)
Day 4 – Jodhpur
Today’s tour of the ‘blue city’ of Jodhpur features a visit to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort and nearby Jaswant Thanda, a pillared marble memorial to the popular ruler Jaswant Singh II. Take a tonga (horse carriage) ride through the busy bazaar. (B,D)
Day 5 – Jodhpur – Kumbhalgarh
Take a morning drive to Kumbhalgarh to visit the remarkable fort with fortifications stretching 36 kilometres making it the second longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. Tour some of the many gardens, palaces and temples inside the fort.
Stay one night at Club Mahindra. (B,D)
Day 6 – Kumbhalgarh – Udaipur
Travel through the rugged hills of Rajasthan and visit the grand Jain temples of Ranakpur on the way to Udaipur. Explore the old city lanes on a walking tour.
Stay two nights at Shiv Niwas. (B,D)
Day 7 – Udaipur
Your sightseeing today includes a tour of the City Palace with its many chambers and precious walls of mosaics and miniatures. Early afternoon is at leisure before a cruise on scenic Lake Pichola. (B,D)
Day 8 – Udaipur – Pushkar
The destination today is Pushkar. Visit the Lord Brahma temple, built of marble decorated with silver coins, and see the many bathing ghats around Pushkar Lake.
Stay two nights at Ananta Spa & Resort. (B,D)
Day 9 – Pushkar
A day at leisure exploring this small ancient city beside a holy lake. (B,D)
Day 10 – Pushkar – Jaipur
Drive on to the Pink City of Jaipur. In the afternoon visit the astronomical observatory, the nearby City Palace and Tripolia Bazaar.
Stay two nights at the Royal Orchid. (B,D)
Day 11 – Jaipur
Take an elephant ride up to the Amber Fort, then time to stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. See Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of the Winds, whose elaborately carved façade captured cooling breezes and concealed from view the ladies of the court watching the activity in the streets below. Afternoon at leisure. (B,D)
Day 12 – Jaipur – Agra
On the way to Agra visit the ruins at 8th century Abhaneri and 15th century Fatehpur Sikri.
Stay two nights at the Radisson Blu. (B,D)
Day 13 – Agra
Visit the Taj Mahal beginning with a photo stop at Mehtab Bagh for views across the gardens to the famous memorial to Mumtaz Mahal. You will have ample time to stroll around this outstanding piece of architecture. Perfection can be seen from almost any angle. Close up, the marble inlay work is astounding. Agra Fort is visited in the afternoon. (B,D)
Day 14 – Agra – Khajuraho
Travel by train to Jhansi then drive to Khajuraho. Visit Orcha Palace along the way.
Stay two nights at the Taj Chandela. (B,D)
Day 15 – Khajuraho
Take a guided tour of the 1000 year old temple complex with hundreds of beautiful carvings depicting all aspects of life. (B,D)
Day 16 – Khajuraho – Varanasi
Fly to Varanasi at midday. Visit the banks of the Ganges this evening and take a boat ride to view the lamplight Aarti ceremony.
Stay two nights at the Taj Ganges. (B,D)
Day 17 – Varanasi
Rise early for a sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges to see the bathing ghats and daily rituals along this most sacred river. Take a walking tour through the narrow lanes including temple visits. Visit the popular weaver colony situated in Badi Bazar and Pili Kothi (yellow mansion) lane. (B,D)
Day 18 – Varanasi – Delhi
Visit Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, then fly to Delhi.
Stay one night at the Holiday Inn Aero City. (B,D)
Day 19 – Depart Delhi
Time at leisure before a transfer to the airport for the flight home. (B) - Make a Booking
- Tour Prices
- Price Includes:
Photo Gallery
Highlights
- The graceful women in their bright, bright saris
- The lamp lit Aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges
- Seeing peacocks, camels and elephants becomes almost commonplace
- The Taj Mahal and the history behind it
- The beauty and intricacy of palace and temple design and decoration
