Highlights of Northern India

9 Days Starting and ending in Delhi

Visiting: India

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

AIC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Easy & Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1725 $1380 Operator discount: -$345 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 23-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Discover the best of northern India on this highlight-packed adventure. Led by an expert tour leader, we marvel at the always impressive Taj Mahal, a New Wonder of the World, and explore the Pink City of Jaipur. We also have an early morning boat ride along the mist-shrouded ghats of Varanasi, an experience only matched by spotting one of the elusive tigers in Ranthambore National Park. Add to that the everyday wonders – smiling locals, whizzing rickshaws and delicious curries – and you will see why North India is such a hit with our groups.



For departures in July 2025 and 2026, visit Highlights of Northern India – Summer Itinerary.







Join us to celebrate Exodus’ 50th anniversary! The 1 December 2024 departure of this trip features extra inclusions to mark the occasion: a cooking experience and dinner with a royal family in Jaipur, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag.

Highlights

  • Discover the highlights of northern India: rich culture, amazing wildlife and tasty cuisine

  • Complete the famed Golden Triangle, visiting Delhi, Agra and Jaipur

  • See the unforgettable Taj Mahal at sunrise, the most beautiful time to visit

  • Maximize your chances of spotting a tiger in Ranthambore National Park with two game drives

  • Marvel as thousands of pilgrims soak in the holy waters of the Ganges on a dawn boat ride in Varanasi

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Delhi; Transfer To Jaipur

Our adventure begins in Delhi, a city full of architectural masterpieces. Meet the group either at a named meeting point (normally the Hotel Bloom Karol Bagh) or Delhi Airport – see the Joining Instructions for more information.



Once everyone has arrived, we depart for Jaipur, which may take between five and seven hours, depending on traffic conditions. There’s a lunch and toilet stop along the way and we have a welcome briefing at the hotel just before dinner.



If you don’t want to do this journey straight after your flight, we recommend spending a pre-tour night in Delhi – speak to your sales representative to book.



Accommodation: 7 Apple Hotel – Jalmahal (or similar)

Day 2 : Explore Jaipur; Tour A Textiles Factory

Meals Included: Breakfast

Built in the late 18th century, Jaipur is a planned city of broad avenues constructed of sandstone and later painted pink. On a city tour led by a local guide, we visit the highlights with a chance to see impressive landmarks, such as the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and hilltop Amber Fort, which sits above a lake a few miles from the main city.



After, the tour leader generally takes the group to a textiles factory, employing over 400 locals. You will tour the building seeing every step of the process from block printing materials, pattern designing, assembly room and all the way through to packaging and shipping. At the end, a chance to browse the shop and pick up anything from a complete outfit to handmade notebooks using the off cuts of material so nothing is wasted on the factory floor. Jaipur is a hub of many handicrafts, including durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherwear. It will be difficult to leave a workshop without buying anything!



Accommodation: Hotel 7 Apple – Jalmahal (or similar)

Day 3 : To Ranthambore; Afternoon Game Drive In Search Of The Elusive Tiger

Meals Included: Breakfast

We wind through the villages of rural India to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (approximately a five hour drive); staying in a hotel not far from the park entrance, we’re well located for our two game drives in the park; one in the late afternoon and one the following morning.



Ranthambore is one of the reserves set up by Project Tiger, a government-backed conservation programme launched in 1973. There was initial success, but poaching has drastically reduced the tiger population here and the chance of spotting one is small; however, many of our groups have seen tigers over the last few years. Additionally, the latest census, the results of which were announced in late 2023, saw a 25 percent increase in tiger numbers: up to 88 from 69 in 2022.



As we search for tigers, we also hope to see the other wildlife living here: several deer species, crocodiles, and bird life including purple herons, kingfishers, cormorants, parakeets and partridges.



Accommodation: Raj Palace Resort (or similar)



Please note, occasionally the game drive timings or zones may be adjusted depending on government restrictions and changes in national park zonal opening/closing times.

Day 4 : Morning Game Drive; Drive To Agra Via Fatehpur Sikri

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We have an early start this morning, heading out before breakfast for our second game drive. Returning to the hotel in time for breakfast and a chance to freshen up before check out. We next continue our journey on to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar's deserted royal city.



This impressive and well-preserved citadel became his capital in 1571, after the blessing of a local Moslem holy man correctly predicted the birth of a longed-for son: his successor, the emperor Jehangir. The mosque, designed to hold 10,000 worshippers, the palaces, residences, and halls of audience, are all made of decorative red sandstone. But this magnificence only lasted 14 years. In 1584, Akbar left Fatehpur Sikri to secure his outlying territories, leaving this city much as we see it today – in perfect condition.



We arrive in Agra early evening, this is another very full but rewarding day. The total driving time is approximately seven hours.



Accommodation: Hotel Avalon Palms (or similar)

Day 5 : Visit The Incredible Taj Mahal And Agra Fort; Overnight Train To Varanasi

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we wake early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, which was built by the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first-time visitor; the white marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun and is matched by the rich interior detail. Within striking distance is the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of Emperor Akbar’s sons and successors: Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It is here that the latter spent his last years, imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb. Later in the day, we transfer to Agra train station and join the overnight sleeper train to Varanasi. A light snack is provided on the overnight train journey.



Accommodation: Sleeper train

Day 6 : Relax And Enjoy The Wonders Of Varanasi

Meals Included: Breakfast

We arrive in Varanasi in the morning and transfer to our hotel. For information about hotel check-in times please see our "Worth Knowing" section within the Trip Notes.



On the river Ganges, Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in India and stands at the centre of the Hindu universe. As such, the city lives and breathes Hinduism: there are thousands of pilgrims, wandering holy men (Sadhus), religious elders and casual visitors. It is a city to immerse yourself in: explore the maze of narrow lanes and many temples and watch the Hindu ceremonies that take place around the clock. There is time to visit emporiums specialising in silks and brocades or maybe take a massage by the riverbanks.



In the afternoon, we can take an optional visit to nearby Sarnath Temple. Sarnath is as sacred to Buddhists as Varanasi is to Hindus. The main monument at Sarnath is the Dhamekh Stupa, the very spot where Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon. There’s also an archaeology museum, which exhibits Buddhist artefacts and houses the findings of excavations from the Sarnath site.



Your tour leader can organise various optional sightseeing trips during your two days here.



Accommodation: Hotel Surya (or similar)

Day 7 : Dawn Boat Ride On The Ganges Visiting The Bathing Ghats; Afternoon Train To Delhi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Just before dawn, we take a boat ride on the Ganges to witness the extraordinary spectacle on the ghats, the steps leading down to the river. Every day, thousands of Hindu pilgrims come to this 3mi (5km) stretch of riverbank to soak in the holy waters.



This afternoon, we board the Vande Bharat Express train back to Delhi, a great opportunity to see and experience more of India as you pass through rural villages, towns and cities. A light snack dinner is provided, which usually includes a soup and light meal with rice and vegetables. You may wish to pick up some additional snacks/fruit prior to boarding.



We arrive in Delhi late evening and transfer to the hotel.



Accommodation: Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh (or similar)

Day 8 : Delhi Free Day Or Optional Sightseeing

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you are free to relax or explore the sites of New and Old Delhi (an optional sightseeing trip will be organised if you wish). Recommended sites include the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) and Raj Ghat.



For last-minute shopping, visit the market area of Chandni Chowk or Karol Bagh.



Accommodation: Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh (or similar)

Day 9 : End Delhi

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our adventure through northern India ends today. If you’ve still a few pages left in your travel diary, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Delhi. Alternatively, catch your free transfer to the airport and begin your return journey home – remember to provide your details at least two weeks prior to arrival to secure your seat.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts and one snack lunch included

  • All accommodation

  • All transport

  • Entrances fees to Monuments in Jaipur and Agra (as per itinerary)

  • Two Jungle Safari (as per itinerary)

  • Tour leader throughout

  • Free departure transfers for everyone

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas and vaccinations

  • Single supplement

Food

All breakfasts, one lunch and a light snack dinner are included in this trip.



India is famous for its food and there is ample opportunity to try various curries such as the familiar tandoori, biriyani and rogan josh. If you are a vegetarian, India is a great destination. There are wonderful desserts and excellent beers, soft drinks and Indian specialities such as lassi, a refreshing yoghurt drink.



You should allow at least 1,400-2,400 rupees (US$16-US$28) per day for lunch and dinner. In most towns we visit, there is a good selection of restaurants and a choice between Indian and Western food. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A (large!) bottle of beer is approximately 300 rupees (approximately US$4).



Mineral water is widely available, but drinking water is provided in a large container in the bus to reduce our use of plastic, so please bring your own refillable water bottle.

Accommodation

We stay in centrally located city hotels that mix heritage and modern styles, plus a jungle hotel in Ranthambore National Park and the overnight sleeper train from Agra to Varanasi.



The accommodations typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the notable accommodations on this trip.



Jaipur: 7 Apple Hotel (nights 1-2)







The 7 Apple sits directly across from Jal Mahal Lake in the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Recently refurbished, it has modern and bright rooms with lake or Nahargarh Hill views.



Ranthambore: Raj Palace (night 3)







Within Ranthambore National Park, the Raj Palace is conveniently located so we don’t have far to go in search of tigers and other wildlife. When not in the forest, relax in the pool or just sit in the gardens giving your senses a break, away from the city noise and heat.



Agra to Varanasi: Sleeper train (night 5)





Experience an icon of travel: the Indian sleeper train! Our journey takes us from Agra to Varanasi, skipping the long drive, while also allowing us to interact with the local people and sample the snacks often sold on board. The accommodation is basic: we normally stay in two-tier sleepers, the compartments sectioned off from the aisle by privacy curtains. Seats are allocated at the time the tickets are issued, so the whole group isn’t always together; however, our tour leader is an expert at making the journey as hassle-free as possible and will regularly check in with you.



Delhi: Bloom Hotel, Karol Bagh (nights 7-8)





Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh is nestled in a commercial and residential area in Karol Bagh, and it’s conveniently located just five minutes from the metro station.

Worth knowing



For Varanasi, standard check-in time at the hotel is 2pm. Early check-in is not available to pre-book due to high room occupancy. However, we have a good partnership with the hotel, and they always try to prioritise rooms for Exodus travellers as early as possible on the check-in day. Prior to check-in at Varanasi, the hotel communal areas are available and you may leave your luggage in the hotel until your room is available.

Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are only a couple of months when the weather can get cold. You can, however, request more blankets if needed or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter.

It’s common for hotels in India to have limited times in the day for hot water use to save energy. If you find your shower is cold, please let your leader or reception know so they can make sure the water heater is on.

Within the sleeper train, you may be sharing a compartment of four beds with members of the public depending on how the seats are allocated.

Single accommodation excludes sleeper trains.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Loved this one..

As always, Exodus didn't disappoint. The itinerary was great, we packed a lot in to the 9 day trip. Some early starts and long drives but the bus was comfortable and the air con worked well! Lots of walking on this trip, and be prepared for the pollution, if you have bad asthma I would consider a different trip as you are literally coughing with the smog! But the busyness of the traffic is part of the adventure! Sunrise in India isn't a thing unfortunately due to the haze of pollution so the Taj Mahal wasn't seen to it's full beauty until the sun is higher in the sky. The dreaded sleeper train definitely is something I never wish to repeat, but it's one night and so long as you don't go to the toilet you'll be ok haha ....I took shoe covers !!! So glad I did ! The beds are as hard as a table top !

An amazing, enthralling, full-on trip.

This trip is not for the faint-hearted. Despite various lengths being quoted, the traveler is effectively on the road in India for 8 days, and flies home on day 9. But in the 8 days you pack in an incredible number of beautiful, memorable sights. You will (hopefully, like we did) meet a smallish group of nice, decent, funny people that you are happy to travel, eat and drink with, and who look out for one another. Transport is effective and comfortable. You'll struggle to take in the volume of sights, sounds and smells that India will provide. The food is wonderful, hotels are comfortable and all in all, it's hard to avoid the 'trip of a lifetime' cliche.

Fast paced but well worth it

Yes, the trip is fast paced, but I think that's pretty well explained on the website so I was expecting it. But the itinerary covers some really incredible places and I felt like I got a good feeling for India (my first time) as a result of it. There were some long drives, but the days spent in places like Jaipur, Agra and Varanasi meant it didn't feel like we were *constantly* on the move. I absolutely loved India! The group gelled really well and we're considering going on a S. India trip with Exodus all together again in 2026!

Life changing

This is the first time I had visited to India and gone solo on a group tour. It was life changing for me . The country was fantastic I felt if I went home on day 3 I would have been happy! Our group was fabulous and we have since met in London for a curry! The itinerary was busy but excellent covering the classic sights of northern India with the added extra of Varanasi which was so memorable riding down the Ganges at 6am, our guide Naveen was simply the best. Great company, funny, kind and kept up on track.

Highlights of Northern India

Absolutely superb. Our guide, Ajay Gupta, was out of this world. All Exodus guides are super but he was just amazing. The sights we saw in such a short time, the standard of the hotels, the food - oh my goodness! I cannot recommend this trip highly enough

Exhausting, Exhilarating, Incredible India

A non stop trip round the highlights

Amazing

The whole trip was awesome, lots of different places visited the tour guide was fabulous lots of knowledge. Did some wonderful things that supported sustainable tourism an experience never to be forgotten

Fantastic trip!

An amazing trip with a very full on itinerary! You’ ll see all the highlights of Northern India, you will do all the must activities like boat ride in Varanasi. Yes, there will be early mornings, but in return you’ll got to see fantastic places during sunrise! Yes, there will be long bus journeys, but you’ll travel through small villages and see how people live and take some amazing photos. Yes, most hotels were basic, but nice and clean with friendly staff. Yes, the overnight train is fun! Read your trip notes to know what to expect, arrive with open mind, ask questions and enjoy this amazing country!

Excellent Varied and Full Trip

Every day was like having 2 days in one! We saw and did so much each day. The itinerary was packed but it all worked really well and we visited so many wonderful sights. Each day was so different and varied and for each site we had our own specialised guide who explained things well and gave us time to enjoy each one. Naveen Bazaz, our Exodus leader, looked after our every need. We all really enjoyed his sense of humour and his caring nature.

Fantastic but full-on trip

The trip delivered exactly what it stated and in that respect was wonderful. However, we felt that the pace was too relentless given the large distances needed to travel. An additional day, perhaps in Ranthambore NP (with a further tiger hunt?) and some time by a pool would have been good to break in the itinerary. Overnight second class train from Agra to Varanasi was 6 hrs delayed adding further to the tight timeframe and was somewhat of a challenging experience. Express train from Varanasi to Delhi very good however. Hotels were fine but mostly tired.

Read all 18 reviews

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    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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