Northern India Itinerary
DAY 1 – 07 Jan – Arrive into Delhi. Transfer to hotel
Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Delhi for the start of your trip (24 hour service). After check-in our local reps will then go through the itinerary with you and introduce you to the local area.
OVERNIGHT
Delhi – Singh Sons Hotel
MEALS None
DAY 2 – 08 Jan – Delhi. Sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi
A half-day tour to explore the sights of India’s capital. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the intricate and chaotic streets around Old Delhi and visit the Jama Masjid mosque, Red Fort and Rajghat, site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation ground. The tour will include an introduction to Indian street food and tips on using rickshaws and other local transport.
In the afternoon explore further independently or take a further half day tour exploring the Lutyens inspired wide avenues of New Delhi, the Indian parliament buildings as well as India Gate and Humayun’s Tomb.
OVERNIGHT
Delhi – Singh Sons Hotel
MEALS Breakfast
DAY 3 – 09 Jan – Delhi to Agra. Visit to Taj Mahal
This morning we depart Delhi by private AC minibus/coach for the journey to Agra. Upon arrival in Agra we visit the UNESCO world heritage site at Agra Fort. Later in the afternoon we enjoy a full sightseeing tour of the beautiful Taj Mahal at sunset. Truly one of the wonders of the world this elaborate monument to love was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and took over twenty two years to complete.
OVERNIGHT
Agra – Light House Hotel
MEALS Breakfast
DAY 4 – 10 Jan – Agra to Ranthambore. Fatehpur Sikri visit
You have the option this morning to revisit the Taj Mahal at sunrise when the changing light makes the monument look truly magical.
After leaving Agra, we break today’s journey to Ranthambore to visit the strange and well preserved city of Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned city, constructed by Emperor Akbar, served as the Mughal Empire’s capital from 1571 until 1585 and is an eerie place to explore.
OVERNIGHT
Ranthambore – Ankur Resort
MEALS Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5 – 11 Jan – Ranthambore – morning and afternoon wildlife safaris
Get ready to explore the jungle as we enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives into Ranthambore National Park. These shared canter (open-backed truck) rides enable us to travel deep into the park as we begin the quest for sightings of India’s unique wildlife, hopefully spotting a tiger. The park is one of the largest national parks in northern India and was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973.
OVERNIGHT
Ranthambore – Ankur Resort
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 – 12 Jan – Ranthambore to Jaipur
This morning there is time to go on the hunt for tigers one more time if you wish (subject to availability and payment locally). We then continue our exploration through rural India, arriving into Jaipur in the afternoon. The ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur is the capital of the desert state of Rajasthan and forms a perfect gateway to explore this fascinating region further. This evening you have the option of an exciting evening at Dera Amer for an elephant safari and delicious dinner.
OVERNIGHT
Jaipur – Kalware Haveli Hotel
MEALS Breakfast
DAY 7 – 13 Jan – Amber Palace & optional Elephant ride. Afternoon Jaipur tour
This morning we visit the nearby Amber Palace and can take an optional elephant ride up to the ramparts before being guided through the site. In the afternoon take a guided tour of Jaipur, taking in the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), Jantar Mantar (Observatory), City Palace and some local temples and street life.
OVERNIGHT
Jaipur – Kalware Haveli Hotel
MEALS Breakfast
DAY 8 – 14 Jan – Board the train from Jaipur to Varanasi
Trains:
| Date | Sector | Train | Timings | Class |
| 14-01-2016 | Jaipur / Varanasi | Marudhar Express | 1545 / 1030 | 2nd AC |
| 17-01-2016 | Varanasi / Delhi | Shiv Ganga Express | 1930 / 0810 | 01st AC |
Varanasi Extension:
14 Jan – DAY 8 Jaipur. Free time. Tour ends. Afternoon transfer to railway station for overnight train to Varanasi (Train Marudhar Express timing 1545/1030 AM Class – 2nd AC sleeper) highest class of travel available on this train is 2nd Class air conditioned sleeper carriage. Overnight on train (B)
15 Jan – Day 9 – Arrive Varanasi today at 1030 AM and transfer to hotel. Relax and evening visit to see an Aarti ceremony. Overnight in The New Temple Town Hotel. (B)
16 Jan – Day 10 – Today early morning enjoy boat ride on Ganges. Enjoy sightseeing tour of old city visiting narrow lanes, temples, ghats and Banaras Hindu university. Later visit Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Overnight in The New Temple Town Hotel. (B)
17 Jan – Day 11 – Day at leisure to explore on own. Evening transfer to railway station for overnight train to Delhi. (Train Shiv Ganga Express timing 1930/0810 AM Class- 1st AC Sleeper) highest class of travel available on this train is 1st Class air conditioned sleeper carriage. Overnight in train. (B)
18 Jan – Day 12 Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel. Day at leisure and late evening transfer to airport for your flight back to home at 0130 AM. (no meals)
