Often referred to as the cow belt of India, the state of Uttar Pradesh, population 175 million and rising, is the Hindu and Hindi heartland of India.  The River Ganges dominates both religious and secular life.  It provides the necessities of life such as water and fertile land for farming and grazing, while also inspiring many people in their personal religious lives.

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 ‘Kama Sutra in stone’ 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.

Day 1 Delhi

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Delhi, India's capital of around 14 million people – half of whom appear to have come to the airport for your arrival – is a colourful, busy, chaotic city packed with museums, art galleries, historic sites, shops and bazaars.

Day 2 Delhi

Believed to have been founded around the 3rd century BC, Delhi is one of the oldest and most fought over cities in India. In fact, it has been rebuilt out of ruins at least seven times. Among the principal sights are India’s largest mosque Jama Masjid, Gandhi’s simple memorial Raj Ghat, the chaotic shopping street of Chandni Chowk, the lotus shaped modern Baha’i temple, and the towering observatory Qutb Minar. Our guide today will give us a sense of Delhi’s epic history, along with the background to the sights we visit.

Day 3 Jaipur

Morning departure for Jaipur, a 6 hour drive away. The capital of Rajasthan is washed in pink – the colour associated with auspiciousness and Rajput hospitality. Afternoon walk through some of the many bazaars of the old city, with a stop (or two) in search of the perfect lassi and kulfi (buttermilk ice cream).

Day 4 Jaipur

Today a local guide will give you a sense of Jaipur’s regal history, which is evident throughout this charismatic city – from its hilltop forts and city palaces, to its broad avenues, and to its former ruler’s fascination for all things astronomical. Late afternoon free for relaxing at our heritage hotel or head out shopping for Jaipur’s folk-based arts and crafts.

Day 5 Karauli

This morning drive to Karauli. After lunch take a camel cart ride through the nearby village with its handicraft shops. Later visit the once magnificent City Palace; although in need of restoration, it has some impressive architectural features and the Durbar Hall contains some fine wall paintings and stone carvings.   A Krishna temple is located in the palace grounds.

Day 6 Karauli

Your hotel, which houses a collection of vintage cars, is also an organic dairy and farm. It offers a number of activities including yoga, massage, cooking lessons, horse riding, boat rides, cycling, trekking and bird watching. Take a jeep safari to the Kaila Devi Game Sanctuary with its beautiful scenery and assorted wildlife, stopping enroute at the  Kaila Devi temple.

Day 7 Agra

Morning drive 4 hours to Agra, via the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built in the late 16th century, it is in a particularly well-preserved state.  After a tour, continue on to Agra. Later visit the Agra Fort, where a guide will fill you in on Agra’s intriguing and ruthless royal past, as well as the Fort’s innovative architectural features.

Day 8 Orchha

Rise early in order to enjoy the sight of the sunrise over the magnificent Taj Mahal. Your guide will explain all the intricacies, history and myth of this amazing monument. After breakfast, transfer to the train station to board your train to Jhansi, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.  Afternoon at leisure.

Day 9 Khajuraho

After morning sightseeing in Orchha, drive 4 hours to Khajuraho, arriving mid-afternoon. The famously erotic temples of Khajuraho are one of India’s gifts to the world; beautiful physical manifestations of the images conjured up by the Karma Sutra. In the evening enjoy a sound and light show at the main temple complex.

Day 10 Khajuraho

This morning a guide will show you some of the monuments of Khajuraho, starting at the Western Group of temples, where the main shrine soars 31 metres high, and is in an almost perfect state of preservation. Afterwards, visit the Eastern Jain and Hindu temples. In the evening there is the option to watch a regional folk dance performance.

Day 11 Allahabad

Early start for a one-hour drive to Panna National Park, where we take a jeep safari into the park for wildlife viewing. There are tigers in the park, which the wildlife officers are able to track and thus give us the best possible chance of seeing. After lunch near the park, drive 6 hours to Allahabad.

Day 12 Varanasi

Visit the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers before driving to Varanasi - one of the most sacred cities for Hindus. In the early evening go to the main ghat for the daily ‘Aarti’ ritual, a beautiful sight for visitors and a sacred ceremony for Hindus, which your local guide will help you to understand.

Day 13 Varanasi

This morning take a dawn boat ride on the Ganges, enjoying a spectacular sunrise view of the city coming to life. After breakfast, take a guided walk, visiting some of the ghats and temples. In the afternoon visit Sarnath - the location of the Buddha's first sermon - a pleasant place, and a welcome respite from the intensity of Varanasi.

Day 14 Delhi

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi and onward travel.