Best of North India Itinerary

The labyrinthine streets and lively markets of Old Delhi are a perfect introduction to India. Wonder at the tall brick minaret of Qutub Minar. Visit Delhi's oldest mosque, Jama Masjid, an architectural delight that can hold 25,000 people.

Discover India's spiritual heart. Take a boat on the Ganges, ramble along the ghats and attend a sunset candle flower ceremony.

Swap the chaotic pace of the city for the relaxed pace of river life on a sailing trip along the holy River Ganges. Pass by rural village communities by day and by night, sleep under the stars with bellies full of traditional vegetarian fare.

Hop into a jeep and safari through the wilds of the Bandhavgarh National Park. Tigers live here in relative abundance so keep a look out for these magnificent creatures. At night, sleep soundly in a jungle resort.

The intricate carvings of the exquisite temples of Khajuraho celebrate Hindu legends, epic battles and the famed Kama Sutra. Take time to explore the temples and surrounding countryside. In the evening, visit a local Indian family and enjoy a home cooked meal.

Enjoy a guided walk around the temples and palaces that dot the picturesque Orchha countryside. See the stunning Orchha Palace, and experience an evening puja ceremony at the Ram Raja Temple. Visit a community-run papermaking plant where local tribeswomen craft paper from recycled clothing and wood pulp.

Soak up the small-town charm of relatively tourist-free Chanderi. Explore ancient rock paintings, Jain temples and peaceful mosques before sitting down to a tasty dinner with a local family.

Travel by train to the Mughal city of Agra. Learn the tragic love stories and mysterious legends of the Red Fort. Visit the iconic Taj Mahal - constructed from marble and inlaid with jade, crystal and sapphire, it must be seen to be believed.

Journey to rural Rajasthan to stay at a royal family residence. Explore the village, meet villagers and chat with traditional craftspeople for a unique insight into local life.

Visit the Amber Fort en route to Jaipur, Rajasthan's 'Pink City'. Jaipur is bursting at the seams with markets filled with jewellery, textiles and folk-based arts. After bargaining for souvenirs, there's an opportunity to laugh, shout and cheer with locals at a lively Bollywood film.

Safari into the heart of the Indian bush to discover lakes and ruined palaces. Keep an eye out for deer, monkeys and reclusive Bengal tigers.

Journey through rural Rajasthan to Bundi. Admire stunning murals at the palace that presides over the town's Brahmin-blue rooftops, explore the enchanting alleyways and experience life in remote Rajasthan.

Experience the best of both worlds in Bijaipur. Camp lakeside under the stars, then spend the next night in the luxurious Castle Bijaipur.

Rolling hills, white marble palaces and lakes come together to make Udaipur the most romantic city in Rajasthan. Visit City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India.

With India's only Brahma temple and a holy lake, Pushkar is the place to rub shoulders with pilgrims and sadhus (holy men). For a change of pace, take a camel ride into the desert and witness a magical sunset among the dunes. In free time, shop, explore or head to a hilltop temple for views over the town. A hot chai at the top makes the effort worthwhile!

Come full circle on return to the hum of Delhi.