Ultimate northern India tour

Delhi

Tag 1: Welcome to Delhi!

Welcome to Delhi! Upon your arrival at the airport, take a private transfer to your accommodation, where you'll have time to relax and settle in after your travels. Private transport is arranged for sightseeing - perfect for those who are already itching to head out and explore.

Spend some time getting to know the draws of Old Delhi: visit the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and the bustling market stalls of Chandni Chowk, in an afternoon filled with colour and vibrancy. After tasting your way across the city for dinner, return to your accommodation for an overnight stay.

Delhi

Tag 2: A second day of exploring in Delhi

Today you'll set out on a tour of New Delhi, starting with the iconic India Gate before venturing on to the Qutab Minar, part of the Qutb complex at the site of Delhi's oldest fortified city, Lal Kot. Further attractions to explore at your own pace include the scenic expanse of Lodhi Garden and Humayun's Tomb, the tomb of Mughal emperor Mirza Nasir al-Din Muhammad.

Private transfers are provided for your city explorations, enabling you to enjoy a worry-free day before your return to your accommodation for an overnight stay.

Delhi - Jodhpur

Tag 3: Journey to Jodhpur

From Delhi, fly to your next destination: Jodhpur, a Rajasthani city in the Thar Desert. Here, you'll have a chance to visit the iconic Mehrangarh Fort, which offers panoramic views over the city, followed by Jaswant Thada, a beautiful and historic cenotaph hewn out of white marble. Spend the rest of the day at your own pace, exploring more of what the stunning Blue City has to offer, and head to your accommodation to relax for an overnight stay.

Jodhpur

Tag 4: An exciting desert experience

Today, you'll immerse yourself in the surreal surroundings of Jodphur, as you set out on a day trip to experience the Thar Desert. Embark on a camel safari, tackling the desert in true nomadic style. Then, you'll pay a visit to the Sachiya Mata Temple in Osian, dedicated to the Shakti goddess of faith, power, and protection. Return to your hotel in Jodhpur for an overnight stay.

Jodhpur - Udaipur

Tag 5: Historic marvels en-route to Udaipur

Today, take a private five-hour transfer from Jodhpur to Udaipur, exploring a selection of entrancing sites along the way. First you'll stop at the Ranakpur Jain temple, where you'll get to admire its intricate carvings and 600-year-old history. Then, set your sights on Kumbhalgarh Fort, a Mewar fortress known for its massive walls and history.

You'll reach Udaipur in the afternoon, with enough time to find your bearings and perhaps set out to explore at your leisure, before settling in for the night.

Udaipur

Tag 6: A serene day in enchanting Udaipur

Take a full day to enjoy the charms of Udaipur, from the extravagant City Palace to the shores of Lake Pichola. The former is a true and elaborate showcase of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, while the latter is perfect for slipping down a few gears and relaxing; you'll in fact have the chance to enjoy a serene boat ride on its waters, soaking up the lake's romantic atmosphere. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, uncovering the city's secrets before relaxing for an overnight stay.

Udaipur - Bhopal

Tag 7: Journey to one of India's greenest cities

Today, you'll say goodbye to Udaipur as you board a flight to Bhopal via Delhi. Dotted with picturesque lakes and home to the expanse of Van Vihar National Park, it's considered to be one of India's greenest cities. Spend the day here exploring at your own pace, with many sights to see including the Birla Mandir temple, the Indira Gandhi National Museum of Humankind, and the historic grounds of the Gauhar Mahal.

Bhopal

Tag 8: History-packed tours in beautiful Bhopal

Another day is yours to spend and enjoy in Bhopal, where you'll enjoy tours of two of its most iconic sights: the Taj-ul-Masjid, one of the country's largest mosques and a grand sight to behold; and the Bhopal State Museum, where regional history and culture can be uncovered in greater depth. Return to your accommodation after a day of pounding the pavements, to relax for an overnight stay.

Bhopal

Tag 9: Explore Bhopal to your heart's content

At leisure for a third and final day in Bhopal, plan your own itinerary and be sure to make the most of your time here: engage in local experiences, visit markets brimming with sounds and scents, or venture off the beaten path to find some of the city's hidden gems.

Bhopal - Khajuraho

Tag 10: Journey to Khajuraho

From Bhopal, you'll take an eight-hour transfer to the small town of Khajuraho. Relax and and enjoy the ride, as arrangements have been made for a private and personalised experience.

En-route to Khajuraho, you'll stop at a handful of historically important sites. First up is Bhojpur's Bhojeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva; it houses a colossal Shiva lingam and is known for its unfinished architectural marvels dating back to the 11th century. You'll then visit Raisen Fort, which stands atop a hill and offers historical significance along with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes; its strategic location and architectural brilliance make it a worthwhile stop along your journey.

Khajuraho

Tag 11: The magnificent temples of Khajuraho

Today you'll set out to explore the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a collection of Hindu and Jain temples near the centre of town. Adorned with erotic sculptures, these temples were built between 885 CE and 1000 CE by the Chandela dynasty, and are filled with intricate carvings - they're a true showcase of architectural brilliance, and viewing them in all their splendour is an unmissable experience. Later, return into the heart of Khajuraho town to spend the rest of the day at leisure, before settling down for an overnight stay.

Khajuraho

Tag 12: A day of leisurely exploration

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Khajuraho, exploring the best that this town has to offer. Dive into local life, uncovering unique cultural offerings, handicrafts, and flavourful cuisine as you go. The day is yours to spend exactly as you wish, so make the most of it!

Khajuraho - Varanasi

Tag 13: On the way to Varanasi

Today, continue your Indian adventure with a private eight-hour transfer from Khajuraho to Varanasi, stopping at two key sites en-route. First up is Vindhyachal, a city known for its religious landmarks - particularly the Vindhyavasini Devi Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. Take the time to soak up the ambience of this revered pilgrimage site, before continuing on to Ramnagar Fort: located on the banks of the Ganges, near Varanasi, this historical fort reflects the cultural heritage of the region and hosts a museum filled with royal collections, vintage cars, and artifacts.

Varanasi

Tag 14: Sacred ghats & scenic boat rides

Varanasi is without doubt one of the highlights of your trip, famously considered to be the spiritual heart of India - indeed, Hindu pilgrims flock here to bathe and perform funeral rites in the waters of the Ganges.

You'll get to spend a full day here at your leisure. Experience the city's spiritual fervour along the ghats of the river, and enjoy a mesmerising boat ride - whether you choose to take it during sunrise or sunset, an epic and most memorable experience is guaranteed.

Varanasi

Tag 15: An immersive day in Varanasi

Today in Varanasi, you'll have the chance to attend a captivating Ganga Aarti - a ritual worship of the river. Spend the rest of your time at leisure amidst the city's buzz and charms. Whether you'd rather take it easy or up the pace on your final full day in India, be sure to immerse yourself in local life and traditions, and truly get to know one of the country's most famous cities. Here you'll find around 2,000 temples and a rich silk-weaving heritage to explore, as well as the historic grounds of Sarnath nearby.

Varanasi - Delhi

Tag 16: Farewell, India!

Today, it's time to say your last goodbyes to India: board a domestic flight from Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, where your departure flight home awaits.