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Map of North India Highlights including India

Explore north India on a trip that hits all the highlights including Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Varanasi

Explore the highlights of the north on this epic adventure from Delhi to Varanasi. Discover the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, witness the Mughal splendours of Delhi and Agra, and soak up the ambiance of holy Varanasi. This wonderful introduction to the magic of India includes lavish palaces, vibrant bazaars, Bollywood blockbusters, and the incomparable Taj Mahal. Packed with highlights, take time to discover the beating heart of India.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Delhi, India
Finish
Delhi, India
Destination
India
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
HHKH
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Soak up the unique atmosphere of a candle flower ceremony at dusk on the Ganges River in Varanasi, then wake up early for a sunrise boat ride, where you can watch the light gradually illuminate the many ghats and temples along the river as you pass

  • Explore the Taj Mahal – one of the most recognisable buildings in the world – and learn of its lesser-known poetic history from a local expert

  • Discover the secret flavours and spices of traditional specialities during a cooking class in a local home, then – arguably the best part – sit down to feast on your creations

  • From exploring a bustling bazaar to hanging out with the locals at a cinema showing a Bollywood blockbuster, feel the magic of India that runs through everything

  • Stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the cultural heart of India on guided walking tours of Delhi, Jaipur and Varanasi

Is this trip right for you?

  • Don’t underestimate the weather at any time of year in India. In the summer months, heat can be extreme. In winter months, some travellers have been surprised at the cool of the evenings. A hat, sunscreen, and clothing that can be layered will serve you well year-round.

  • There are some early starts on this trip, allowing you to see more of the country in the captivating morning light.

  • Between December and February, flights and trains can be delayed due to fog.

Group of travellers standing in front of Jama Masjid, Delhi, India
India Agra Taj Mahal
Locals in front of Hawa Mahal palace, Jaipur, India
India Jaipur Amber Fort
India Varanasi Woman
The historic Chand Baori step well in Rajasthan, India
India Varanasi local man

Itinerary
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Welcome to India. Arrive in Delhi and take your complimentary airport transfer to the hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, make sure to get out and explore this exciting capital. Filled with historical sites from different eras, museums and galleries, shops, and endless bazaars, there’s much to see and do.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand.

The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

After breakfast, your tour 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. Make a visit to 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, sit down to a traditional (and delicious) Thali lunch. The rest of the day is free for further exploration, perhaps visit the World Heritage-listed Mughal masterpiece of Humayun's Tomb, the first garden-tomb in India, built in 1570. Wonder at the tall brick minaret of Qutub Minar, which was started all the way back in the 12th-century, or explore the mighty Red Fort of Delhi. Part palace and part fort, the Red Fort played an integral part in the history of the city with former residents ranging from royal families to British soldiers.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
  • Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Optional Activities
  • Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR500
  • Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR500
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Farewell Delhi’s hypnotising chaos this morning and set off for Agra, home to one of the world’s most recognisable monuments. Get a taste of India’s rail system with an express train journey to Agra (approx 2 hours). The best way to uncover Agra is by cycle rickshaw, so after arriving you’ll be taken on a rickshaw tour of the city. You’ll visit the spectacular Taj Mahal. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th-century Taj is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Agra is also home to one of the finest looking forts in India. Enter the dark red sandstone stronghold of Agra 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. A visit to Sheroes Cafe, which employs women who have been affected by acid attacks, is highly recommended.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Agra - Agra Fort
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s train ride is approximately 2 hours.

Today we head to Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital, by private vehicle. Stop enroute to Jaipur 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. After some time here, we’ll continue to the Pink City of Jaipur and discover more of its trademark pink hues on a walking tour with your group leader. Navigate crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks, and bicycles, past traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches, while observing the city’s intricate architecture. Visit a bazaar to browse handcrafted textiles, folk art, and the local specialty of semi-precious stones. Make a photo stop at India's most photographed building after the Taj Mahal, the Hawa Mahal, or 'Palace of the Winds'. You have the option of also visiting Jantar Mantar, an observatory filled with instruments to track the stars, built by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Jai Singh. This evening, 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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema
  • Abhaneri - Chand Baori stepwell
  • Jaipur - Orientation walk with a local guide
Optional Activities
  • Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 6 hours.

This morning, an optional early morning hot air balloon experience won’t disappoint – 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 enjoy a walking tour to explore the Amber Fort with a local guide today. 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. Then, this evening meet the rest of 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 our welcoming hosts and then get to feast on your creations.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Jaipur - Cooking class in a local home
Optional Activities
  • Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD260
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
For additional information about today’s optional hot air balloon excursion, please see the 'Important Notes' section of the Essential Trip Information.

Arrive in the holy centre of Varanasi after a short flight from Jaipur. Varanasi is awash with shrines and temples, and the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel from far and wide to experience this spiritual city. Take 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 the pungent aroma of incense. This evening soak up the unique atmosphere of 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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
  • Varanasi - Sunset candle flower ceremony
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s flight time is approximately 2 hours. Today’s total travel time is approximately 8 hours.

Currently, there are no direct flights between Jaipur and Varanasi, so you will fly through Delhi. This flight will require an early morning start time, and you will arrive in Varanasi in the afternoon.

Today starts early with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, where you can watch the light gradually illuminate the many ghats and temples along the river as you pass. There is an 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. Alternatively, the day can be spent exploring the laneways and alleys behind the ghats, or picking up some examples of the excellent local silk industry.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
Optional Activities
  • Varanasi - Sarnath - INR250
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Use a free morning to delve further into the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi, wander through the ghats or perhaps haggle with vendors in colourful bazaars. Then, return to Delhi by plane for a last chance to explore India's capital. Perhaps head to the legendary Connaught Place for some last-minute shopping. This evening, why not share a meal with your group to reminisce about your travels.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s flight time is approximately 1.5 hours. Today’s total travel time is approximately 4 hours.

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. There are no other activities planned for the day and you can depart the accommodation at any this morning. For those who wish to stay on in Delhi to further explore the city, we are happy to help in booking accommodation (subject to availability). If you have time, Hauz Khas village is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Delhi – a chic artistic enclave set right next to the remnants of a historical site.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Auto rickshaw, Boat, Cycle rickshaw, Metro, Plane, Private vehicle, Train

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
  • Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Agra - Agra Fort
  • Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema
  • Abhaneri - Chand Baori stepwell
  • Jaipur - Orientation walk with a local guide
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Jaipur - Cooking class in a local home
  • Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
  • Varanasi - Sunset candle flower ceremony
  • Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our North India Highlights trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

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 domestic flights 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 flight 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.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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