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.
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
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
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
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
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
Ranthambore
Morning and afternoon safaris in Ranthambore National Park; overnight at Ranthambore
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
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
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
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
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
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
Varanasi- Delhi- Depart
Free time around Varanasi with an afternoon flight back to Delhi and departure from there in the evening.
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