Best Of North India

Best Of North India

15 Days / 14 Nights

The vast majority of first-time visitors to India will come to the north and the reason might be summed up in three words.

The Taj Mahal! Of course it’s a long way to come to visit just one monument, even one as incredible as the Taj, and this itinerary is a good overview of north India in 2 weeks, including the nation’s capital, Delhi, the ‘pink city’ of Agra, Hinduism’s spiritual capital, Varanasi, and, for the lucky few, a tiger sighting at Ranthambore.


Detailed Itineary

  • Day 1 : Arrive Delhi

    You’ll be met on arrival at Delhi and introduced to your driver who will be with you throughout your tour until you fly to Varanasi. Transfer to your accommodation and settle in. Overnight in Delhi.

  • Day 2 : Delhi sightseeing

    It’s difficult to really do justice to a city as vast and multi-layered as Delhi in a single day, but you can certainly see many wonderful monuments and explore some of Delhi’s history in the company of a local guide. Visit the Red Fort, take a cycle rickshaw ride through the busy streets of Chandni Chowk to the Jama Masjid, and later take in New Delhi’s grand colonial buildings, and the tallest minaret tower in India, Qutb Minar. Overnight in Delhi.

  • Day 3 : Delhi - Jaipur

    Depart Delhi and drive around 5 hours to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Take an initial cycle rickshaw tour of Jaipur’s old walled-city area in the afternoon. Overnight in Jaipur.

  • Day 4 : Jaipur

    The Pink City of Jaipur is Rajasthan’s busiest and most modern city and sees by far the most tourists. By starting with an early morning walking tour while most people are still at their hotels, you’ll get a glimpse of the city that few will see. Later, continue to avoid the crowds by seeing the central sights (City Palace, Jantar Mantar observatory) in the morning and leaving Amber Fort until afternoon, by which time many of the crowds have departed. Overnight in Jaipur.

  • Day 5 : Jaipur- Ranthambore

    Drive 3 hours to Ranthambore, arriving in time for your first safari in the afternoon. Ranthambore has a growing population of tigers (relocation to other National Parks will begin soon to ease pressure of numbers) so chances of seeing one (or more) are good. The wildlife here includes many grazing and browsing herbivores, langur and macaque monkeys, crocodiles, small carnivores and a host of bird species. Overnight at Ranthambore.

  • Day 6 : Ranthambore

    Morning and afternoon safaris in Ranthambore National Park; overnight at Ranthambore.

  • Day 7 : Ranthambore - Agra

    A final safari at dawn, followed by breakfast and departure for Agra. No programme on arrival in Agra, simply settle in and relax. Overnight in Agra.

  • Day 8 : Agra

    Despite the, quite deserved, worldwide fame of the Taj Mahal, few visitors spend more than a few hours in Agra. By spending a full day here you can take one or more exploratory tours- we recommend a countryside bicycle tour, which takes you, within a very short distance of the Taj Mahal, into seemingly another world, where the tourist hordes of the Taj are almost unimaginable, as well as a combined heritage and street-food walk in the evening. There will still be ample time to see the Taj, Agra Fort and other Mughal-era monuments. Overnight in Agra.

  • Day 9 : Agra - Orchha

    Your driver will leave very early, taking most of your luggage with you. Our local associates will be on hand to assist you with the transfer to the railway station, and with boarding the express train to Jhansi. Your driver will meet you here, and you can make the short drive into Orchha, a small town which was once the nexus of a thriving empire. Explore the town in the afternoon; overnight in Orchha.

  • Day 10 : Orchha- Khajuraho

    Depart Orchha in the morning and drive 5 hours or so to Khajuraho, home to some of the most famous temples in India. Tour the temples in the soft light of the late afternoon, and in the evening attend a Sound and Light Show which also serves as an introduction to the history of the Khajuraho temples. Overnight in Khajuraho.

  • Day 11 : Khajuraho

    Full day here to tour all the major temple groups, as well as the old village of Khajuraho. Overnight in Khajuraho.

  • Day 12 : Khajuraho - Varanasi

    Transfer to Khajuraho airport for early afternoon flight to Varanasi. Bid your driver farewell at this point. On arrival in Varanasi you’ll be met and assisted with the transfer to your hotel. We recommend very strongly staying on the riverbank in Varanasi- being right beside the Ganges means you won’t need to go more than a few steps outside your hotel until you are in the heart of Varanasi. Overnight in Varanasi.

  • Day 13 to 14 : Varanasi

    Two full days in Varanasi with dawn and dusk boat rides as well as a series of walking and village tours and sightseeing around and outside the city. Varanasi is an incredibly vibrant place and concluding your tour here is sure to leave a lasting impression! Two more nights in Varanasi.

  • Day 15 : Varanasi- Delhi- Depart

    Free time around Varanasi with an afternoon flight back to Delhi and departure from there in the evening.

FAQ

A North India travel package typically includes visits to iconic destinations such as Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal), Jaipur, Ranthambore, Khajuraho, and Varanasi. These packages often feature historical sightseeing, wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, and spiritual tours, providing a well-rounded overview of the region’s diverse offerings.

A Delhi sightseeing tour covers major landmarks such as the Red Fort, Qutb Minar, Jama Masjid, and India Gate. It offers a blend of historical monuments, local markets, and vibrant colonial buildings.

Jaipur's Pink City is known for its majestic forts, palaces, and vibrant markets. Visitors enjoy a rich mix of culture, architecture, and heritage through sites like Amber Fort, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar.

Apart from the Taj Mahal, Agra offers the Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and the beautiful Mehtab Bagh gardens. Visitors can explore these sites and enjoy street food and bicycle tours.

Khajuraho is famous for its stunning temples adorned with intricate erotic carvings. The temples are masterpieces of medieval architecture and hold significant cultural and historical importance.

Orchha is known for its historic palaces and temples. The town was once the capital of the Bundela dynasty and is now an important cultural site with beautiful structures like the Jahangir Mahal and Orchha Fort.

North India cultural tours immerse visitors in diverse traditions, art, architecture, and heritage, offering experiences from Rajasthan's forts to Varanasi's spiritual rituals.

Rajasthan offers a rich collection of forts, palaces, and desert landscapes. Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer are some of the state’s top heritage destinations.

Spiritual travel in India takes you to sacred cities like Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Khajuraho, where visitors can experience ancient rituals, temples, yoga, and meditation practices.

Yes, wildlife safaris in India are generally safe for tourists when conducted through reputable operators. Safety measures are followed, and knowledgeable guides lead the excursions. It’s recommended to follow instructions from the guides during the safari to ensure a secure and exciting experience.