North India Highlights

10 Days | Explore northern India’s highlights from the Pink City to the Taj Mahal

4.9 out of 5 based on 54 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
NZD $2,495
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Take an epic adventure of northern India’s highlights, including one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World, street food that will make you salivate and bustling city streets next to spiritual havens. Discover the Pink City of Jaipur, witness the Mughal splendours of Delhi and Agra and soak up the ambience of holy Varanasi. This 10-day trip through captivating and colourful India includes lavish palaces, vibrant bazaars, and of course, the incomparable Taj Mahal. You’ll take a sunrise cruise along the Ganges River, witness a candle flower ceremony in a popular pilgrimage site, wander the Old City of Delhi and eat your fill of spicy curries and filling flatbreads. India is calling your name!

Trip overview

Map of North India Highlights including India
Start
Delhi, India
Finish
Delhi, India
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
India
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
HHKH
This trip generates 95 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

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’ll watch the light gradually illuminate the many ghats and temples along the river.
  • Explore the Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and learn of its lesser-known poetic history from a local expert among the surrounding gardens.
  • 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. Is there anything better than deliciously fresh Indian cuisine?
  • Rub shoulders with the locals, go on a sightseeing adventure in a rickshaw and immerse yourself in the cultural heart of India on guided walking tours of Delhi, Jaipur and Varanasi.
  • Wander the streets of the gorgeous Pink City of Jaipur and maybe even start your morning here with a sunrise hot air balloon ride – this optional activity is well worth the early start!

Is this trip right for you?
  • Don’t underestimate the weather at any time of year in India. In the summer months, the heat can be extreme. In winter, some travellers have been surprised by the cool evenings. A hat, sunscreen, and clothing that can be layered will serve you well year-round.
  • This trip has some early starts, allowing you to see more of the country in the captivating morning light. Please refer to the Itinerary for more details.
  • Flights and trains can be delayed between December and February due to fog.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 April 2025 - 31 December 2026

Map of North India Highlights including India

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

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

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

Activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
  • Varanasi - Sunset candle flower ceremony
  • Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
  • Jaipur - Orientation walk with a local guide
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Jaipur - Cooking Class with Dinner
  • Abhaneri - Chand Baori stepwell
  • Agra - Agra Fort
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
  • Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Add on activities
  • Varanasi - Sarnath - INR315
  • Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
  • Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
  • Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
  • Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
  • Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600

Dates and availability

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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 a domestic flight 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 transport 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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 54 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Andy · Traveled August 2024
An amazing snapshot of India, a packed 10 days that will get the senses tingling in all the right ways.
Review submitted 13 Sep 2024

Ashley · Traveled August 2024
This a great itinerary for anyone who is wanting to experience India for the first time or is time poor and really wants to see the highlights of the north including Varanasi. Our tour leader Gajraj exemplifies the exceptional skills and qualities I’ve come to expect from Intrepid tour leaders. He consistently went above and beyond to make this journey truly special and memorable, with his deep passion for his country shining through at every step. His outstanding people skills and ability to forge meaningful connections with each group member further highlighted his strong leadership and dedication. Gajraj’s enthusiasm and attention to detail made this experience unique.
Review submitted 13 Sep 2024

lucy · Traveled August 2024
This was my first intrepid and I was blown away! Such a great way to see India whilst feeling safe. Our tour leader Gajraj was exceptional and truly brought something special to the trip. He has great local knowledge and kept up the laughs and good vibes. The itinerary of this trip was also fab - I felt like I packed in so much of India in just 10 days!
Review submitted 09 Sep 2024

Anne · Traveled March 2024
This is my second trip to India with Intrepid. I cannot rate this experience highly enough. My tour guide was beyond exceptional and helped me to fall in love with India even more than before.
Review submitted 14 Mar 2024

Chris · Traveled March 2024
"Avi" is one the best tour leaders that I have ever had ! His approach to the role, kind nature, attention to detail and all round dedication to making sure that we all had the best time is to be highly commended. He is a great ambassador for the Intrepid brand and if you are lucky enough to have him as your tour leader on a trip, you will be well rewarded !
Review submitted 14 Mar 2024
North India Highlights
From
NZD $2,495