North India Highlights
North India Highlights
North India Highlights
10 Days Starting and ending in Delhi
Visiting: Delhi, Varanasi, Jaipur, Agra
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HHKH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
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!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Location: 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.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Varanasi
Location: Varanasi
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Varanasi
Location: Varanasi
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: breaksfast
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
Location: Jaipur
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Agra
Location: Agra
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: breaksfast
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).
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 10: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (9 nights) -
Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
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Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
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Varanasi - Sunset candle flower ceremony
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Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
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Jaipur - Orientation walk with a local guide
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Jaipur - Amber Fort
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Jaipur - Cooking class in a local home
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Abhaneri - Chand Baori stepwell
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Agra - Agra Fort
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Agra - Taj Mahal
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
- Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
- Delhi - Jama Masjid
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Agra - Taj Mahal
- Agra - Agra Fort
- Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour
- Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema
- Jaipur - Amber Fort
- Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
- Varanasi - Sunset candle flower ceremony
- Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
Transport
- TRANSPORT IN INDIA
- Main roads in India are usually very busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. If you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour leader know immediately. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times.
- TRAVEL TIMES
- Distances in India do not reflect the driving time and to cover 100km may take much longer than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway.
- TRAINS:
- India has a massive network of trains and millions of people travel by rail every day. Trains often travel the length of the country over several days. Trains are a great way to see the countryside and get you away from the busy road system. Delays and cancellations are common on trains. Your tour leader will check the train status to see if there are delays and will do their best to keep you informed of any changes.
- From December to February, delays are more common, especially in the north of the country due to fog. It’s not uncommon for trains to be delayed for up to 12 hours. On occasion, your trip may need to be rerouted to allow for these delays. Your tour leader in conjunction with our local office will advise any changes to the itinerary.
- FLIGHTS
- Airlines in India are of excellent quality. Airports are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor.
- AUTO RICKSHAWS
- On this trip we may travel in a local style of transport called an auto-rickshaw. These small, motorised three-wheeled vehicles are a common form of transport in India and do not have seatbelts.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- ACCOMMODATION
- The hotel accommodation on this trip is in air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
- SHOWERS:
- Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
- WIFI:
- Generally, WiFi is available in most parts of India and at most of the accommodation we use. Sometimes it's free in the room, other times only available in reception or public areas. A general rule of thumb is the more expensive the hotel, the higher charge for WiFi access. Your group leader or local representative can assist locally in accessing the internet.
- ISSUES:
- If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your group leader or local representative right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
- 3. This trip includes a domestic flight as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance is 15kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
- 4. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for transport tickets. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
Mode of Transport
- TRANSPORT IN INDIA
- Main roads in India are usually very busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. If you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour leader know immediately. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times.
- TRAVEL TIMES
- Distances in India do not reflect the driving time and to cover 100km may take much longer than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway.
- TRAINS:
- India has a massive network of trains and millions of people travel by rail every day. Trains often travel the length of the country over several days. Trains are a great way to see the countryside and get you away from the busy road system. Delays and cancellations are common on trains. Your tour leader will check the train status to see if there are delays and will do their best to keep you informed of any changes.
- From December to February, delays are more common, especially in the north of the country due to fog. It’s not uncommon for trains to be delayed for up to 12 hours. On occasion, your trip may need to be rerouted to allow for these delays. Your tour leader in conjunction with our local office will advise any changes to the itinerary.
- FLIGHTS
- Airlines in India are of excellent quality. Airports are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor.
- AUTO RICKSHAWS
- On this trip we may travel in a local style of transport called an auto-rickshaw. These small, motorised three-wheeled vehicles are a common form of transport in India and do not have seatbelts.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- ACCOMMODATION
- The hotel accommodation on this trip is in air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
- SHOWERS:
- Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
- WIFI:
- Generally, WiFi is available in most parts of India and at most of the accommodation we use. Sometimes it's free in the room, other times only available in reception or public areas. A general rule of thumb is the more expensive the hotel, the higher charge for WiFi access. Your group leader or local representative can assist locally in accessing the internet.
- ISSUES:
- If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your group leader or local representativer right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
Don’t underestimate the weather at any time of year in India. In the summer months, the heat can be extreme. In winter, some travellers have been surprised by the cool evenings. A hat, sunscreen, and clothing that can be layered will serve you well year-round.
This trip has some early starts, allowing you to see more of the country in the captivating morning light. Please refer to the Itinerary for more details.
Flights and trains can be delayed between December and February due to fog. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions