On this 15 Days and 14 Nights tour of Northern India you will get to see the wonders of the country. From the Chandni Chowk market, to Qutub Minar, Sarnath, a boat ride on River Ganges, the Taj Mahal, the Ranakpur Temples and more, you will come away from this vacation having seen the true gems of Northern India.
Speak to our travel experts. They have spent a lot of time exploring our destinations. Their first-hand knowledge is the basis for organizing your perfect trip.
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi in the evening, you are met, greeted and escorted to the Hotel. You are welcomed in the hotel in a Traditional Indian style on arrival and check into the hotel for overnight.
Day 2: Delhi
After breakfast in the hotel, we leave for city sightseeing tour of Old Delhi & New Delhi.
Old Delhi came into prominence when Shah Jahan moved his capital from Agra to Delhi. You visit 300 year old Chandni Chowk market, a maze of lanes crowded with shops selling an extraordinary variety of items and food, the noise and crowds are a quintessential part of any Indian market. From here you continue to the Jama Masjid or Friday Mosque. This is India’s largest mosque designed by Shah Jahan, and was his last architectural legacy. Originally it was called Masjid-I-Jahanuma, which means “mosque commanding a view of the world”. In complete contrast to the noise and crowds of Old Delhi, is Raj Ghat, a simple and stunning memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the main architect of India’s independence. You pass through the Red Fort that dominates this area is the landmark. Built in the mid-17th century by Shah Jahan, it was plundered by the marauding armies of Nadir Shah and later by British soldiers.
Afternoon, we take our tour of New Delhi, visit Qutub Minar, the tapering monument begun in 1199 was built to symbolize the supremacy of Islam. This structure was eventually the prototype of all minars or towers in India. Our next stop is Humayun’s tomb, built by his senior wife and mother of Emperor Akbar. This is the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. It is believed that it was this mausoleum, which inspired Shah Jahan to build the Taj Mahal. We drive pass the India Gate, Presidential Palace and Parliament House. We return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 3: Delhi – Varanasi (By Flight)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Delhi airport for your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi airport, you are received by our representative and escorted to the hotel for check-in.
In the afternoon you will visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon “Maha-Dharma-Chakra Pravartan” (in Buddhist terminology, ‘turned the wheel of the law’) after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of the richest in Buddhist antiquities ranging in date from the times of Ashoka down to the 12th century AD. Ashoka built here the Dharmarajika Stupa and erected a pillar surmounted by the magnificent capital of four adorsed Lions, which today forms the national emblem of India.
Among other structures at Sarnath are the ruins of the brick temple; the Dhamekh Stupa, adorned with delicate floral carvings; the Chaukhandi Stupa and Mahabodhi Society’s Mulgandha Kuti Vihar Temple. We also visit the Archaeological Museum, with an extremely rich collection of Buddhist sculptures comprising of numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva images.
In the evening at sunset we leave to witness Aarti Ceremony (collective prayer) and watch the floating oil lamps on the river Ganges. The Ghats and temples are lit with oil-lamp lights or candles in the evening and people perform prayers. Return to the hotel in the evening for overnight.
Day 4: Varanasi – Khajuraho (By Flight)
Early morning today we leave for a boat ride on River Ganges. A boat ride along the Ghats gives you vantage views of this activity. The sunrise on the Ganges is a soul-lifting experience. We visit the Old city of Varanasi visiting, Bharat Mata Mandir, Durga Temple and drive pass Benaras Hindu University, regarded as the largest residential university in Asia before returning to the hotel for breakfast.
Check out from the hotel and in time transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Khajuraho. Upon arrival at Khajuraho airport, you are received by our representative and escorted to the hotel for check-in.
In the afternoon we visit to the Eastern Group of Temples in the morning includes the Ghantai Temple dedicated to the “Vamana” or dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the Javari Temple. There are also three Jain Temples with beautiful carvings and non-erotic sculptures.
We also visit Western Group of Temples. The most important temple is the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest and most typical of the Khajuraho temples. Our next stop is the Chaunsat Yogini Jain Temple-dedicated to the 64 “Yoginis” or attendants of Goddess Kali. This temple stands apart from the rest. Also see the Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely sculpture of Lord Vishnu in his 11-headed form. We return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 5:Khajuraho – Orchha – Jhansi (180 Kms / 4 Hrs) – Agra
In the morning have the breakfast at the hotel. Later we drive to Jhansi, stop en route to visit Orchha, a medieval temple town situated on the Betwa River in the state of Madhya Pradesh. We explore the 16th and 17th century palaces and temples built by the Bundela rulers; most of them still in their pristine perfection. We visit the fort complex consisting of palaces, temples, cenotaphs, and memorials.
After the sightseeing we continue our drive to Jhansi Railway Station to board the Shatabdi Express for Agra. Upon arrival be met and greeted by our representative and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Overnight stay is at the hotel.
Day 6: Agra
At sunrise, we visit the world famous Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday), built by Shah Jahan in 1632 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who took 22 year to complete this ‘Love Poem in Marble’.
We return to our hotel for breakfast. Rest of the morning is free for independent activities.
In the afternoon we tour Agra Fort and take a village walk in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal. Agra Fort was built by Emperor Akbar between 1565-1573, reveals the Mughal talent for combining defensive architecture with beauty and design. This fort palace was begun by Akbar as a purely defensive citadel and was subsequently completed by two successive generations that added the delicate mosaic and magnificent marble palaces. The fort is the history of Mughal life in Agra and offers a magical view of the Taj Mahal.
Later, embark on a village walk in the vicinity of Taj Mahal. This walk offers an experience of the Mughal Era with its natural and rustic setting, view of rare rich architectural heritage and the feel of the living traditions. Walk through a historic settlement which depicts the lifestyle of rural India. It is an experience of the traditions, culture of region with its people. As you visit a locals house, you will be welcomed inside in traditional style. If lucky you may also see local folk dance and a small play.
Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 7: Agra – Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (240 Kms / 5 Hrs)
Check out from the hotel after breakfast and drive to Jaipur. We stop en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri, located 40 Km from Agra, the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honour of the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons to the heirless Emperor. Akbar used Fatehpur Sikri as his capital and the city was fully occupied for 14 years but slowly became deserted and ruined after Akbar left the city. Scarcity of water was the prime factor for the abandonment of this beautiful city. Visit the remarkably well-preserved, graceful buildings within the ‘Ghost City’ including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendour of the Mughal empire at the height of its power.
Continue drive to Jaipur. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival. The evening is at leisure to explore the colourful markets of the pink city. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8: Jaipur
After breakfast we leave for excursion to Amber Fort (pronounced Amer). Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded into the plaster. Inside the Fort visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. En route to Amber Fort from your hotel, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal — the Palace of Winds.
In the afternoon, we tour the city of Jaipur. We first visit the Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the city. The main entrance leads to the courtyard at the center, which is the Mubarak Mahal. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armoury Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. The royal families of Jaipur once used most of these weapons. On the first floor is the Textile and Costume Museum, which is the fine example of fabrics and costumes from all over India.
Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world built by Jai Singh from 1728 to 1734. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition. We finish our city tour with a walk through the busy lanes of the city. We return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 9: Jaipur – Jodhpur (330 Kms / 7 Hrs)
Check out from the hotel after the breakfast and drive to Jodhpur. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival.
The evening is at your disposal to explore the majestic city and later in the evening you will experience historical dinning in its original way in our of chosen Heritage Restaurants of Rajasthan, Hanwant Mahal, situated on the Umaid Bhawan Hill right under the Umaid Bhawan Palace giving the most beautiful view of the Majestic building. The interior is a mix of Colonial and Rajasthan architecture. The photo- frames from the collection of Royal family, furniture and artefacts make its ambience very royal. The dinner will be served in a Royal Thaal (platter) — a symphony of culinary specialties of Rajasthan made from the original recipes; making it a truly authentic royal experience. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Jodhpur
After breakfast in the hotel, we spend our day to explore the city of Jodhpur. The tour starts with visit to the Mehrangarh Fort, an impregnable fortress towering above a 10 Kms wall with soaring archways leading into the center. The fort has a series of spectacular palaces, each decorated with exquisite engravings, lattice and mirror work. The museum displays an unusual collection of miniature paintings glided palanquins and solid silver “howdah” presented by a Mughal emperor to the Maharaja. Our next stop is Jaswant Thada — a cluster of royal cenotaphs in the white marble built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
This afternoon, we embark on Brahmins & The Blue City Walking Tour; On this carefully designed Walking Tour dive deep into the heart of Jodhpur to discover the lesser known treasures of this enchanting city. Learn about interesting legends from the past, Peep into the life of locals, Meet and interact with city’s residents, wonder through narrow alleyways dotted with Indigo colored houses. Led by our expert team of City Explorers this walking tour offers a great insight into majestic Marwar. We return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 11: Jodhpur – Udaipur via Ranakpur (280 Kms / 7 Hrs)
After breakfast in the hotel, we leave for Udaipur en route visit Ranakpur Temples, built in the 15th century, situated in a valley on the western side of the Aravali Range. Ranakpur is amongst the five holiest places of the Jain community and exceptional in beauty. Over 1444 marble pillars, each differently carved in exquisite detail, support the temple. It is also said that it is impossible to count the pillars. Not to be missed in this temple is one carving out of a single stone with 108 heads of snakes and numerous tails.
We continue our drive to Udaipur after the visit. Check in at the hotel upon arrival. The evening is at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12: Udaipur
After breakfast at the hotel, we tour the city of Udaipur.
Udaipur with its lakes and palaces, cradled in the hills of the Aravalli range is a very romantic city. The name itself “The City of sunrise” evokes a sense of romance. We first visit the City Palace — the focal point of the city and has several areas of interest like the Suraj Gokhada, Badi Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Mor Chowk (the peacock courtyard), and the Zenana Mahal.
Next we visit the Crystal Gallery at Fateh Prakash Palace is probably the single largest collection of crystal in the world. It was in 1877 that Maharana Sajjan Singh ordered the crystal collection from Birmingham based F & C Osler Company, including objects d’art, furniture, washing bowls. The gallery also houses the only Crystal bed in the world. Next we visit the Jagdish Temple, located close to the Palace with its imposing sculpted figures and heavily ornamented interiors. Finally, stop by to visit Sahelion ki bari Gardens or the ‘ Garden of maids’; built under the express guidance of Maharana Sangram Singh II, it is believed that the garden was constructed for 48 maids who accompanied the Maharana’s wife as dowry.
Late afternoon, we take a boat ride at Lake Pichola, 4-Km long and 3-Km broad, surrounded by splendid hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. Visit the island palace, Jag Mandir that is beautifully set in the lake. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 13: Udaipur – Mumbai (By Flight)
After breakfast you have time at leisure.
In time you will be transferred to Udaipur airport to catch your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival at Mumbai airport, you are received by our representative and escorted to the hotel for check-in and rest.
Day 14: Mumbai
We leave our hotel after the breakfast with our guide in the morning to the harbour, where we embark on the boat to go to Elephanta Caves (Closed on Monday). We visit the 1200-year old Elephanta Caves housing some of the most beautiful rock-cuts of the period. The famous Trimurti sculpture of three faced Shiva depicting his three aspects as Creator, Preserver and Destroyer is powerfully portrayed in the massive sculpture. We return to the mainland by boat.
In the afternoon we start the tour of Mumbai city; first we visit Gateway of India, the landmark of Mumbai, which, was before the advent of air travel, the only gateway to India. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George and Queen Mary to India in 1911. You will be then driven along Marine Drive. It is also known as the Queen’s Necklace as in the evening, the breeze from the Arabian Sea comes over marine Drive and as the streetlights on this U – shaped road light up to, the view from south Mumbai’s sky scrapers or from the exclusive residential area, is that of a Queen’s Necklace.
Your first stop will be the Jain temples, built of marble and dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara. From the temples you will be driven along Malabar Hill via the tower of Silence -a round stone construction on which Parsis place their dead to be eaten by the vultures and Hanging Gardens which is built over Bombay’s reservoir. From here one can get a panoramic view of picturesque Marine Drive.
We also visit of the Prince of Wales Museum (Closed on Monday), a mid-Victorian Gothic style building made of stone, surrounded by a beautiful garden. It is named after the Prince of Wales who came to India and laid the foundation for it in 1905. This grand structure houses a priceless collection of art, sculpture, china, a fine collection of miniature paintings and much more. Carefully preserved, the museum is a pleasure to visit, the gardens surrounding the building adding to its charm. Jehangir Art Gallery adjacent and within the compound of the Prince of Wales museum is Mumbai’s premier art gallery.
Before returning to our hotel, we take a photo stop at the Dhobhi Ghat, another unique feature of Mumbai, the laundryman, who will collect your dirty linen, wash it, and return it neatly ironed at your door step.
We finish our tour with a farewell dinner at Khyber at Fort Restaurant. It is an award winning premium restaurant in the heart of Mumbai known for its exotic ambiance and lip smacking seafood, mughlai and north Indian cuisine. Frequented by Bollywood stars, socialites, corporate honchos and international celebrities, Khyber at Fort is a gastronomical delight for lovers of rich spicy Indian food. The north-west frontier cuisine served at Khyber is bound to excite your taste buds and you cannot stop admiring the culinary delights and inimitable ambiance of the restaurant after a belly full of wholesome meal.
We return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 15: Mumbai – Journey Home
Check out from the hotel after the breakfast. In time you will be escorted to the airport for your onward flight back home.
Rates include:
- Assistance on arrival/departure at the airport by our office representative
- 14 night’s accommodation on Sharing Twin room on Bed & Breakfast basis at all places
- All transfers, sightseeing excursion as per program using private transportation
- Entrance fee at all monuments of visit. (Single Entry Only).
- Rickshaw Ride in Delhi
- Evening Aarti Ceremony a Ganges Ghat, Varanasi
- Visit of Varanasi City & Sarnath
- Morning boat ride in Holy River Ganges
- Train Ticket on sector Jhansi – Agra in AC Chair Car
- Village Walk in Agra
- Elephant ride at Amber Fort, Jaipur
- Brahmins & Blue City Walks in Jodhpur with English Speaking City Explorer
- Dinner at Hanwant Mahal in Jodhpur on fixed menu basis
- Shared boat ride at Lake Pichola, Udaipur
- Farewell Dinner on last day in Mumbai at Khyber Restaurant
- Private English-speaking local guide visit as per programme
- Government Service Tax (GST)
Rates do not include:
- Any airfare, airport taxes
- Expenses of personal nature like telephone bills, laundry, drinks, tips, etc
