Northern India Explorer
Explore some of Northern India’s most famous cities. Take a walk in the old city of Varanasi, witness an Aarti on the banks of the Ganges, see erotic temples, and visit Orchha's temples before spending time in India's famed Golden Triangle. This itinerary lets you experience Northern India's greatest monuments, culture and traditions.
Touring style: Professional English-speaking guide and driver, private basis.
The best time to visit Northern India is from October to March.
Guide Price: £1299 per person (based on 2 adults sharing a room).
Air-conditioned private vehicle, English-speaking driver/guide and additional local guides in each city.
Standard hotel accommodation including breakfast.
Entrance fees to monuments.
Not Included - International flights.
The guide price is subject to availability, fluctuations in the exchange rate and travel dates. Please call us for an individual quote.
- Experience and sights and sounds of New and Old Delhi
- Witness a Ganga Aarti on the banks of the Ganges
- See the erotic temples of Khajuraho
- Sunset visit to the majestic Taj Mahal
- The famed wall city of Jaipur and Baapu bazaar
- Day L Arrival Delhi
- Day 2: Delhi to Varanasi
- Day 3: Varanasi walking tour
- Day 4: Fly to Khajuraho
- Day 5: Khajuraho erotic temples
- Day 6: Khajuraho to Orchha
- Day 7: Orchha to Jhansi and Agra
- Day 8: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
- Day 9: Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri
- Day 10: Jaipur
- Day 11: Departure
Day 1: Arrival Delhi
On arrival, transfer to your hotel and begin a half-day orientation tour of Delhi. Some of the historic places which you would be visiting are the Qutab Minar, constructed by Qutabuddin Aibak during the 12th or 13th century. The India Gate was constructed in memory of the Indian soldiers who died during World War II. The Red Fort is located along the banks of the Yamuna River, the Rashtrapati Bhawan, and the Parliament House. The other places which you would be visiting include the Jama Masjid and the Chandni Chowk. The Chandni Chowk is one of the most popular bazaars of Delhi and the Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques located in the country.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi touring and departure for Varanasi
Make a morning visit to the Lotus Temple and the Laxmi Narayan Temple. After a short tour of Humayun's Tomb, transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi. Varanasi is situated on the banks of the River Ganges, which is believed to have the power of washing away all of one's sins. On arrival at Varanasi, you will be met for a transfer to your hotel. En-route visit Sarnath- the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples. The attractions at Sarnath are the Buddha temples, the Dhamekha stupa, Chaukhandi stupa and the archaeological museum
In the evening, witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti at the Ghat.
Overnight in Varanasi.
Distance and journey times: From Airport to Hotel 26 km, 40 mins.
Day 3: Varanasi
Morning visit to Ghats to see the lovely Sunrise, Take a boat ride and witness the amazing sights of the bathing ghats. The scene in the morning is of hundreds of devotees taking a bath in the holy water of the Ganges. Afterwards, take a walk on the narrow streets and see the life of locals going about their daily rituals.
In the afternoon, visit Bharat Mata Temple: Bharat Mata Temple is among the beautiful temples constructed in 1936 by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt, a Gandhian follower. Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is the largest residential university in Asia. It has been developed as a centre for education in Indian art, music, culture and philosophy and for the study of Sanskrit.
Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 4: Varanasi to Khajuraho
After breakfast transfer to the airport. Take a flight to Khajuraho - a famous archaeological site known for its sculptured temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain patriarchs. Both internally and externally the temples are richly carved with excellent sculptures that are frequently sensual and, at times, sexually explicit. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Khajuraho.
Day 5: Khajuraho erotic temples
After breakfast, proceed to visit the eastern & western group of temples: The legendary temples of Khajuraho are an incomparable experience. Acknowledged as one of the world’s artistic wonders, these temples dedicated to the Hindu pantheon of Gods are covered in carvings that are a paean to life and love. Built within a short span of a hundred years by the Chandela Rajputs, the 10th-century temples lay forgotten until they were discovered in the present century. Khajuraho has achieved fame for the sensual appeal of its erotic sculptures.
Overnight in Khajuraho.
Day 6: Khajuraho to Orchha
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Orchha - once the capital city of the Bundelas, Orchha, set among a wonderful complex of well-preserved palaces and temples. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Later proceed to visit Jahangir Mahal, Rai Praveen Mahal and Raja Ram temple.
Overnight in Orchha.
Distance and journey times: 170 km, 5 hrs.
Day 7: Orchha - Jhansi - Agra
Depart for Jhansi - famous for its valiant queen Rani Lakshmi Bai. Visit the Fort of Jhansi, Rani Mahal, and the Government museum before continuing your journey to Agra. This evening, you will visit the Taj Mahal for the amazing sunset.
Overnight in Agra.
Distance and journey times:
Orchha to Jhansi: 13 km, 30 mins
Jhansi to Agra: 234 km, 4.30 hrs
Day 8: Agra touring
Begin the day with a visit to the Taj Mahal for sunrise. Afterwards continue with an excursion to the tomb of Akbar, Sikandra. From there proceed to visit Agra Fort.
Overnight in Agra
Day 9: Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri
Visit Fatehpur Sikri, built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar during the 16th century. The place is also listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The historical monuments in Fatehpur Sikri include Ankh Michauli, Diwan I Khas, Astrologer's Seat, Panch Mahal, Girl's School, Turkish Sultana, Anup Talao, Khwabgah and the Diwan I Am. Continue to Jaipur.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Distance and journey times:
Agra to Fatehpur Sikri: 40 km, 1.30 hrs
Fatehpur Sikri to Jaipur: 206 km, 3 hrs.
Day 10: Jaipur touring
Visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, a brainchild of the astronomer King Raja Sawai Jai Singh to see the giant astronomical instruments. Afterwards visit the Palace of Winds, the Hawa Mahal. Afternoon visit Amber Fort and Palace, which depicts the marvellous Rajput architecture and a panoramic view of the pristine surroundings.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 11: Departure
Transfer to the airport or the train station to continue with your Indian adventure.