This 10-day trip across what is the Hindi heartland of India presents a fascinating historical and cultural cross section of North India – modern Delhi, regal Jaipur, Mughal Agra, erotic Khajuraho, and sacred Varanasi.

Starting in modern and ancient New and Old Delhi ...

Starting in modern and ancient New and Old Delhi, followed by Jaipur with its royal overtures, the pinnacle of the Mughal style with the Taj Mahal in Agra, the ‘stuccoed Karma Sutra’ of the temples at Khajuraho, and finally the living temple of the Ganga in Varanasi – this trip will give you a snapshot of the various influences that have been brought to bear on the people and culture of the Gangetic plain over the past 1000 years.

(For a more detailed description of this itinerary please refer to the itinerary of the same name in the Small Group Trip section of the website).

Day 1 Delhi

On arrival you will be met by our local staff, transferred to your hotel and assisted with check-in.

Day 2 Delhi

Full day sightseeing of Old and New Delhi with expert local guide.

Day 3 Jaipur

Drive 6 hours to Jaipur and rest of the day free at leisure.

Day 4 Jaipur

Full day sightseeing of Jaipur and Amber Fort with local guide.

Day 5 Agra

Drive 6 hours to Agra, including a stop en route at Fatehpur Sikri.

Day 6 Orchha

Dawn visit to the Taj Mahal with guide; after breakfast visit Agra Fort. Afterwards, drive 5 hours to Orchha.

Day 7 Khajuraho

Morning visit to the temples and cenotaphs at Orchha before continuing the 4 hour drive on to Khajuraho. In the late afternoon, visit the eastern group of temples.

Day 8 Varanasi

Morning visit to the western group of temples. Afternoon flight to Varanasi. Assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Day 9 Varanasi

Early morning boat ride on River Ganges. After breakfast, visit the local temples and the town of Sarnath, famous as the location of Buddha’s first sermon. Evening board train for overnight trip back to Delhi, or flight in time for international flight departures from Delhi the same evening.

Day 10 Delhi

Arrive Delhi and transfer to airport for international flight departure or to onward Indian destination for further travel.