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North India Highlights

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North India Highlights

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Description

Take an epic adventure of northern India’s highlights, including one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World, street food that will make you salivate and bustling city streets next to spiritual havens. Discover the Pink City of Jaipur, witness the Mughal splendours of Delhi and Agra and soak up the ambience of holy Varanasi. This 10-day trip through captivating and colourful India includes lavish palaces, vibrant bazaars, and of course, the incomparable Taj Mahal. You’ll take a sunrise cruise along the Ganges River, witness a candle flower ceremony in a popular pilgrimage site, wander the Old City of Delhi and eat your fill of spicy curries and filling flatbreads. India is calling your name!

Trip Name
North India Highlights
Last Updated
2024-09-03
Days
10
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Soak up the unique atmosphere of a candle flower ceremony at dusk on the Ganges River in Varanasi, then wake up early for a sunrise boat ride, where you’ll watch the light gradually illuminate the many ghats and temples along the river.
  • Explore the Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and learn of its lesser-known poetic history from a local expert among the surrounding gardens.
  • Discover the secret flavours and spices of traditional specialities during a cooking class in a local home, then – arguably the best part – sit down to feast on your creations. Is there anything better than deliciously fresh Indian cuisine?
  • Rub shoulders with the locals, go on a sightseeing adventure in a rickshaw and immerse yourself in the cultural heart of India on guided walking tours of Delhi, Jaipur and Varanasi.
  • Wander the streets of the gorgeous Pink City of Jaipur and maybe even start your morning here with a sunrise hot air balloon ride – this optional activity is well worth the early start!

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi, where you’ll have a complimentary airport transfer to the hotel. Tonight, meet your group and trip leader at a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, get out and explore at your own pace. Filled with historical sites from different eras, museums, galleries and endless bazaars, this thriving capital has plenty to do and see. Maybe head to the Red Fort or the Lotus Temple, get a photo at India Gate or explore the World Heritage-listed Humayun’s Tomb. Later, why not get your new group together for a welcome meeting and sample of this country’s famed food.
Day 2 - Varanasi
Early this morning, you’ll take a train to Varanasi. This holy city is awash with shrines and temples and is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel from far and wide to experience the spirituality of this haven. When you arrive this afternoon, you’ll head out on a walking tour of the Old City, through narrow laneways packed with stalls and shops, past the dhobi wallahs and the endless temples that echo with bells and permeate the aroma of incense. This evening, soak up the unique atmosphere with a candle flower ceremony at dusk. A beautiful ritual to witness, you’ll watch on as locals give offerings of small candles cradled by leaves and flowers to the Goddess Ganga – then float the glowing hand-made pieces down the river as the sun sets in the background.
Day 3 - Varanasi
Today starts early, but it’s very much worth it – you’ll take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, where you can watch the light gradually illuminate the many ghats and temples along the river. After, there’s the option to take a trip to nearby Sarnath – one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The site is where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment and features a number of stupas and museums to explore. Your afternoon is free to spend how you wish – maybe explore the laneways and alleys behind the ghats or pick up some keepsakes from the array of excellent local silk. For dinner, you’ll enjoy a group meal of vegetarian thali at a local restaurant. A thali is a popular style of serving food in India, offering a selection of dishes, sides and condiments on a single large plate.
Day 4 - Delhi
This morning, take a flight back to India’s buzzing capital. When you arrive, check in to your accommodation, freshen up and then enjoy a free afternoon to spend how you wish. Maybe visit Swaminarayan Akshardham, set on a vast 100 acres of gardens. Maybe just go searching for the perfect street food snack or go on a photo-taking walk.
Day 5 - Jaipur
Today you’ll head to Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital, by private vehicle. Arrive in the Pink City and discover its trademark pink hues on a walking tour with a local guide. Navigate crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles, past traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches. Make a photo stop at India's most photographed building after the Taj Mahal – the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds'. You will also have the option of visiting Jantar Mantar – an observatory filled with instruments to track the stars, built by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Jai Singh. Tonight, maybe continue to indulge in the wonders of Indian culture by watching a Bollywood blockbuster – an elaborate combination of action, romance, drama and music, at the spectacular Raj Mandir Cinema.
Day 6 - Jaipur
An optional early morning hot air balloon experience is the perfect way to start the day – wake early for a breathtaking overhead view of the Pink City bathed in early morning light. Later, climb the twisting roads of the Aravalli Hills and round the final bend to see the massive Amber Fort loom into view. You’ll head on a walking tour to explore the Amber Fort with a local guide – the legacy of a fallen empire, the opulent palace is a superb example of Rajput architecture and is packed with elaborate rooms of lavish murals, frescoed arches, and delicate jali work. Don’t miss the sparkling Mirror Palace, covered floor-to-ceiling in thousands of reflective tiles, the hall becomes a dazzling fantasy with the light of a single match. The afternoon is free to explore more of Jaipur that you might have missed yesterday. This evening, meet your group and leader for a special cooking class in a local home for dinner. You’ll learn the secrets, flavours and spices of traditional specialities from your welcoming hosts and then feast on your creations.
Day 7 - Agra
Leave the Pink City behind and travel by private vehicle to Agra. Along the way, stop at Chand Baori stepwell – built over 1000 years ago, this is one of the largest stepwells in India. The architectural wonder was once a gathering place for locals and royals alike. The series of narrow steps creates a beautiful pattern that leads to a body of water below. When you arrive in Agra, you’ll visit one of the finest forts in India – Agra Fort. Enter the dark red sandstone stronghold of the fort, part fortress, part palace and part prison, and search through throne rooms and tiny but incredibly decorated mosques. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. Maybe ask your leader for the best dinner spots for a local feed.
Day 8 - Delhi
This morning is a real treat – bright and early, you’ll pay a visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal, one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th-century wonder is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture and is surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Take your time here, snap your bucket list photos and take in the majesty of one of the most famous buildings in the world. After, you’ll take an express train journey to Delhi. When you arrive, maybe head to the legendary Connaught Place for some souvenir shopping or take the chance to rest and recharge. This evening, maybe head out for a streetside chaat or ask your leader for the best spot for aloo kulche and chole (flatbread with a spiced mashed potato filling served with chickpea curry) with a side of pickles (and a mango lassi if the spice gets a bit much).
Day 9 - Delhi
After breakfast this morning, your leader will take you to the city’s historic heart with a guided walking tour of Old Delhi. Set off on the city's modern metro system, then get a taste of India's famed public transport with an optional cycle rickshaw ride through chaotic streets, such as the famous Chandni Chowk. Visit the Jama Masjid – Delhi's oldest mosque and one of its most impressive buildings, then visit the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about the Sikh religion. After a jam-packed morning of sightseeing adventures, rest your feet and refuel over a lunch of local favourites. The rest of the day is free for further exploration – maybe wander around Humayun's Tomb, the first garden tomb in India built in 1570, if you haven’t already. Tonight, why not head out to a farewell dinner with your group and hit the nightlife of Delhi to celebrate a trip well-travelled.
Day 10 - Delhi
With no further activities planned after breakfast today, your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in majestic India, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-12-202414-12-2024AUD $ 2,860-
08-12-202417-12-2024AUD $ 2,660-
15-12-202424-12-2024AUD $ 2,764-
19-12-202428-12-2024AUD $ 2,660-
22-12-202431-12-2024AUD $ 3,130-
05-01-202514-01-2025AUD $ 3,010-
19-01-202528-01-2025AUD $ 2,750-
26-01-202504-02-2025AUD $ 2,779-
02-02-202511-02-2025AUD $ 2,779-
16-02-202525-02-2025AUD $ 3,026-
23-02-202504-03-2025AUD $ 2,750-
02-03-202511-03-2025AUD $ 2,560-
09-03-202518-03-2025AUD $ 2,755-
16-03-202525-03-2025AUD $ 2,674-
23-03-202501-04-2025AUD $ 2,764-
05-04-202514-04-2025AUD $ 2,161-
23-04-202502-05-2025AUD $ 2,161-
23-08-202501-09-2025AUD $ 2,161-
07-09-202516-09-2025AUD $ 2,161-
21-09-202530-09-2025AUD $ 2,161-
02-10-202511-10-2025AUD $ 2,161-
08-10-202517-10-2025AUD $ 2,161-
12-10-202521-10-2025AUD $ 2,161-
19-10-202528-10-2025AUD $ 2,247-
26-10-202504-11-2025AUD $ 2,247-
02-11-202511-11-2025AUD $ 2,247-
09-11-202518-11-2025AUD $ 2,247-
16-11-202525-11-2025AUD $ 2,247-
23-11-202502-12-2025AUD $ 2,247-
07-12-202516-12-2025AUD $ 2,247-
14-12-202523-12-2025AUD $ 2,332-
21-12-202530-12-2025AUD $ 2,455-
25-12-202503-01-2026AUD $ 2,455-
28-12-202506-01-2026AUD $ 2,455-
04-01-202613-01-2026AUD $ 2,575-
18-01-202627-01-2026AUD $ 2,575-
01-02-202610-02-2026AUD $ 2,575-
15-02-202624-02-2026AUD $ 2,575-
08-03-202617-03-2026AUD $ 2,485-
15-03-202624-03-2026AUD $ 2,485-
22-03-202631-03-2026AUD $ 2,485-
05-04-202614-04-2026AUD $ 2,390-
19-04-202628-04-2026AUD $ 2,390-
16-08-202625-08-2026AUD $ 2,390-
06-09-202615-09-2026AUD $ 2,390-
20-09-202629-09-2026AUD $ 2,390-
01-10-202610-10-2026AUD $ 2,390-
04-10-202613-10-2026AUD $ 2,390-
11-10-202620-10-2026AUD $ 2,390-
18-10-202627-10-2026AUD $ 2,485-
25-10-202603-11-2026AUD $ 2,485-
01-11-202610-11-2026AUD $ 2,485-
08-11-202617-11-2026AUD $ 2,485-
15-11-202624-11-2026AUD $ 2,485-
22-11-202601-12-2026AUD $ 2,485-
06-12-202615-12-2026AUD $ 2,575-
13-12-202622-12-2026AUD $ 2,575-
20-12-202629-12-2026AUD $ 2,575-
24-12-202602-01-2027AUD $ 2,575-
27-12-202605-01-2027AUD $ 2,575-

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

Transport

Auto rickshaw,Boat,Cycle rickshaw,Metro,Plane,Private vehicle,Train

Map

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