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Tour India and visit Agra’s opulent Taj Mahal

Take the whole family on an unforgettable adventure to charismatic India, a place full of colourful characters, scrumptious cuisine and remarkable landscapes. Get the most out of this sensational subcontinent by tasting sizzling curries in Delhi, strolling through the 'Pink City' of Jaipur and heading deep into Ranthambhore National Park to follow the tracks of the elusive Bengal tiger. Of course, no visit to India is complete without gazing upon the Taj Mahal, an epic monument to love and one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the world. With plenty of cultural highlights for the adults and exciting activities for the kids, this trip is bound to excite, enchant and inspire memories to last a lifetime.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Delhi, India
Finish
Delhi, India
Destination
India
Style
Original
Theme
Family
Code
HHFI
Physical rating
Ages
Min 5
Group size
Min 2, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Act like Mowgli on the hunt for Shere Khan in your own real life version of ‘The Jungle Book’

  • Everyone’s seen a photo of the Taj Mahal, but nothing compares to seeing it in person in the glowing morning light – you’ll understand what beauty really is

  • Little can describe the feeling of nervous anticipation, of the hairs on the back of your neck standing up in hope of seeing a Bengal tiger stalk through the jungles of Ranthambore National Park

  • Experience the moving town that is an Indian train – watch the colourful landscape fly by as the chai wallah walks down the aisle singing about his tea

  • India is bursting with colour, alive with people, dripping with the powerful smells of spice and incense – you’ll never forget what you smell, taste and see as you walk through the markets and bazaars

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip involves some long bus and train rides, which can be tiresome but offer a quintessential experience of the Indian landscape and people.

  • Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned and a great way to travel long distances while still getting maximum time in each place. Beds are padded berths with sheets, pillow and blanket provided (although some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet).

  • We visit a number of temples on this trip, which requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.

Map of Northern India Family Holiday including India
india agra soccer game local kids playing taj mahal
india bengal tiger wild wildlife safari forest national park
india jaisalmer women locals colourful pink green
india old man face paint elder local beard

Itinerary
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Namaste! Welcome to India. Begin your Indian adventure in the one of the oldest cities in the world, Delhi, a magical city of surprising contrasts. There’s a Welcome Meeting today at 1pm – you can arrive any time before, as there are no activities planned. India's capital is an exciting, busy, and often chaotic city, but it's also one of the most interesting in the world – packed with historical sites, museums and galleries, shops and endless bazaars. After a chance to freshen up and have some lunch, take a guided sightseeing tour to explore the contrasts of Old and New Delhi. In the narrow streets of Old Delhi, everything competes for space – squeeze through the old city’s fortified walls on the way to Jama Masjid. Dominating the city’s skyline, the mosque is a social hub as much as a place of worship, and a fascinating insight into Delhi’s way of life. Go with the flow on a rickshaw (own expense) through the throbbing streets, packed with buses, trucks, people and cows, on the way to the brilliantly coloured Red Fort. Then, leave the crowds behind and breathe a little easier in contrasting New Delhi – broad, tree-lined avenues, and former monuments to British power. Visit the main sights – Parliament House, President House, and India Gate, before returning to the hotel.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Taj Princess or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Delhi - Jama Masjid
  • Delhi - Old Delhi tour
  • Delhi - India Gate
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Rise early to catch the morning sun and a train to Agra (approximately 3 hours). The city alternated with Delhi as the capital of the Moghul Empire, and it still grips to its glory days, inextricably linked with the most famous of India’s rulers. When you arrive, take some time to relax after the early start until mid-afternoon, before heading out to see the city’s big hitters. Agra’s not just all about the Taj Mahal, it’s also home to one of the finest looking forts in India, a Friday Mosque and royal tombs. Sitting along the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra Fort is part stronghold, part palace and part prison. Built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, it was converted to a palace by Emperor Shah Jahan, and it eventually became his jail when he lost power. Enter the dark red sandstone fort by crossing the (now empty) crocodile-infested moat. Search through throne rooms and tiny but incredibly decorated mosques, and climb to the top to get your first tantalising glimpse of the Taj across the river.
Accommodation
  • Raj Mahal Palace or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Not many people like really early mornings, but this one is definitely worth it. Get up before the sun to see it rise over the Taj Mahal. Watch the iconic building bathed in early morning light. Many people believe it to be the most perfectly proportioned building ever constructed; at first glance it appears to be simply white marble, but closer inspection reveals that the surface is inlaid with semi-precious stones that form stylised flowers and bowers. This is truly magical. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the Taj is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Next, head east and pass the Kos Minar medieval milestones, which point the way to the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri (approximately 2 hours). Deserted after only a few years because there wasn’t enough water, the incredibly well preserved 16th century royal complex is a haven of courtyards, pavilions, ornamental gardens, the striking Jama Masjid mosque, and home to the intricately carved Rumi Sultana palace. Continue on to Sawai Madhopur and Ranthambhore National Park (approximately 2 hours) – the 'Jungle Book' brought to life!
Accommodation
  • Raj Palace Resort or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Fatehpur Sikri
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Ranthambhore National Park is one of the premier national parks of India – a place where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples, and that is also is teeming with wildlife to spot. You will make a couple of game drives during your stay here, with hopes of getting a sighting of the majestic Bengal tigers that survive among the ruined forts and temples, stalking through the jungle. Game drives take place early in the morning and in late afternoon, as this is when animals are most active. Even if the tigers are being too stealthy, the park is filled with other animals like gazelle, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, three types of antelope (nilgai, sambar and chital) and leopards to watch out for.

Notes: During the hot summer months, Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. Therefore, during this time, we alter our itinerary and take the opportunity to visit the nearby Swai Mansingh Sanctuary instead. A wide variety of interesting wildlife resides here, including hyena, sloth bear, wild boar, panther and cheetah. While there is the rare chance to spot a tiger, this should not be expected. An exciting wildlife walk and a game drive will be included here.
Accommodation
  • Raj Palace Resort or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ranthambore NP - Wildlife safaris
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before heading northwest to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan (approximately 2 hours). Surrounded by a wall dripping in an earthy red colour in the style of the Mughal sandstone cities. Walk through the Pink City’s streets, busy with camels, motorbikes, rickshaws, and past traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches, as monkeys climb wires overhead. Jaipur, like Delhi, has both old and new parts, although you will concentrate on the old. Your free time here in the friendly, busy city is perfect for haggling to your heart's content, the bazaars and backstreets filled with textiles, precious and semi-precious gems, and blue pottery. You can also hit the streets for raj kachori chaat – a big fluffy chaat served with chutney, yoghurt, chilli and potato. Then cool off with a lassi from Lassiwala on MI road, Jaipur's oldest and most famous lassi shop.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Mahal Khandela or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory
Optional Activities
  • Jaipur - Hawa Mahal photo stop - INR200
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Visit the sprawling City Palace, once home to the Maharaja, an amazing complex that's home to various colourful courtyard gates, fascinating museums displaying royal costumes and weaponry, and guards whose moustaches are almost as impressive as the building itself. The palace continues to be a royal residence even after the Jaipur kingdom merged with the Indian Union in 1949. Continue on to the 18th century Jantar Mantar– not a series of elaborate sculptures but actually an observatory filled with instruments to track the stars. Then it’s on to the distinctive five-storied Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, with its detailed honeycombed façade filled with concealed windows. The impressive view makes it the most photographed building in the country after Taj Mahal. Royal maidens once watched the streets below through the fabulous jali (lattice screens), which hid them from prying male eyes. Today snake charmers and fortune-tellers ply their trade below the same hideaway. The rest of the day is free to explore further, or find a spot to people watch and relax.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Mahal Khandela or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jaipur - City Palace
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Climb the twisting roads of the Aravalli Hills and round the final bend to see the massive Amber Fort loom into view (approximately 30 minutes). Pass Maota Lake before turning uphill, past the elephant stables, to Jai Pol ‘Victory Gate’. This is the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs, who gave their loyalty to Moghul overlords. From the spoils of war they gradually built a fabulous complex of royal rooms, which now make up the Amber Fort. The fallen empire’s legacy, the opulent palace 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, and look down over picturesque Moata Lake.

Later, head deeper into the princely state of Rajasthan to Nawalgarh, leaving the city behind for a more relaxed village vibe (approximately 4 hours). Catch glimpses of life in the most colourful of India’s regions – sari-clad women carrying terracotta pots of water, bangles tinkling as they walk. If the sun’s still up, take a walk around the village, meet the locals and maybe accept the challenge of a game of cricket!
Accommodation
  • Hotel Roop Niwas Kothi or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Nawalgarh - Haveli Museum
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Travel to Alsisar, located in the Shekhawati region and uncover the artistic heritage of the area (approximately 1.5 hours).

The semi-arid village of Alsisar is painted with legendary stories with its many hand painted havelis. Our accommodation for this evening is the breathtaking palace of Alsisar “Alsisar Mahal" which was built in the 17th century. With its grand courtyards, colourful dining arcades and heritage rooms it will be a highlight of your trip. And the kids will love the pool!
Accommodation
  • Alsisar Mahal or Similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, leave the countryside behind and get back into the beating rhythm of Delhi by mid-afternoon (approximately 9 hours). Use the rest of the day however you like. Practice your bargaining skills in Chandni Chowk in the maze of shops and kiosks that sell everything imaginable, buy local crafts straight from the hands of the artisan in Janpath market, or gobble down street chaats – snacks like deep fried fritters and flatbread.

Hear the story behind the man at Gandhi’s house, see one last ancient structure at Qutb Minar, or relax in the Mughal gardens. No doubt your leader will arrange one ‘last supper’, where you can look back over the trip of a lifetime and get your head around all the wonders you’ve witnessed.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Taj Princess or Similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Connaught Place Market - Free
  • Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR2500
  • Delhi - Home-Cooked Experience Urban Adventure - INR4000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Bus, Cycle rickshaw, Private Bus, Shuttle Bus, Train

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

Included activities

  • Delhi - Jama Masjid
  • Delhi - Old Delhi tour
  • Delhi - India Gate
  • Fatehpur Sikri
  • Ranthambore NP - Wildlife safaris
  • Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory
  • Jaipur - City Palace
  • Nawalgarh - Haveli Museum

Dates & availability

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Important notes

1. Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.

2. Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.

3.A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children under 17 years of age at time of travel.

4. This trip starts at 1pm on Day 1.

TAJ MAHAL: Using mud pack therapy the Archaeological Survey of India is planning to clean the four small canopies around the main dome of the Taj Mahal from the start of April 2018. This will be followed by the cleaning of the main dome but that could take some time as ASI is yet to calculate its load bearing capacity. The ASI’s science branch officials have stated that cleaning the four canopies will take approximately 2 months while main dome cleaning will be completed in phases. We will continue to update as information becomes available.

Essential trip information

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Reviews

Our Northern India Family Holiday trips score an average of 4.96 out of 5 based on 80 reviews in the last year.

Northern India Family Holiday , April 2018

Rebecca Coombes

Review submitted 15 Apr 2018

Northern India Family Holiday , April 2018

Megan Sansom

Review submitted 13 Apr 2018

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