The one and only Taj Mahal, the famously erotic temples of Khajuraho and the intensity of Varanasi – this trip covers some of the significant historical and cultural sights of the North, while also focusing on the finer details of everyday, uniquely Indian experiences.

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.

Day 1 Delhi

On arrival you will be met by your trip leader and transferred to your hotel.

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 Dausa

Morning drive 2 hours to Dausa.
Our home for the night is a restored palace, in an area normally passed over en route from Jaipur to Agra. In the afternoon, head out into the local village with hotel staff to get a feel for life in a typical small Rajasthani town.

Day 6 Agra

Morning drive 4 hours to Agra, with a visit to the deserted ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri en route. This former capital of the Mughal empire was abandoned promptly after completion, leaving it in a particularly well-preserved state. Arrive Agra in time for lunch followed by an afternoon visit to 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 7 Orchha

Early start for sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. Our guide will explain all the intricacies, history and myth of this amazing monument. After breakfast, begin the drive to Orchha with a stop en route at Gwalior for lunch and a visit to Gwalior Fort.

Day 8 Khajuraho

Orchha is dominated by a series of magnificent 17th century temples, which are still in use today and visited regularly by thousands of devotees. The soaring spires of Ram Raja Temple and the wellpreserved murals of the Lakshmi Naraya Temple, are especially worth a visit. After morning sightseeing in Orchha, continue on to Khajuraho, where we will arrive mid-afternoon. The famously erotic temples of Khajuraho are one of India’s gifts to the world; beautiful physical manifestation of the images conjured up by the Karma Sutra. In the evening enjoy a sound and light show at the main temple complex.

Day 9 Khajuraho

Today we will see a few of the more significant temples which are scattered throughout the area. We start at the Western Group of temples, where the main shrine soars 31 metres high, and is in an almost perfect state of preservation. In the afternoon visit the Eastern Jain and Hindu temples. For the active amongst the group, Khajuraho makes for great bike riding, with flat, quiet roads arriving at some magnificent yet less visited temple ruins. In the evening there is the option to watch a regional folk dance performance.

Day 10 Allahabad

Early start for 1 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 safari and lunch near the park, drive 6 hours to Allahabad.

Day 11 Varanasi

In the morning, we visit the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers. This is a particularly sacred place for Hindus to bathe; it is said to wash away all sins. Afterwards drive 3 hours to Varanasi. Later in the afternoon head out for a walk through the old city, which has an unbelievable amount of life crammed into its very narrow, ancient laneways – walking is really the only way to get a sense of Varanasi. We will reach the main ghat in time for the evening ‘Aarti’ ritual, a beautiful sight for visitors and a sacred ceremony for Hindus, which our local guide will help us to understand.

Day 12 Varanasi

In Varanasi, life and various activities revolve around the river. The city stirs before dawn when thousands of pilgrims come down to the river to offer early morning prayers. This morning we take a dawn boat ride on the Ganges, enjoying a spectacular view of sunrise over the river, and the sight of the city coming to life. After breakfast, we take a guided walk, visiting some of the various ghats and important temples. Afternoon free for enjoying the tranquillity of our hotel after a busy morning.

Day 13 Delhi

This morning we can enjoy a leisurely breakfast; we then take a short drive out of the city to the small town of Sarnath, famous as the location of Buddha’s first sermon. This is a pleasant place, and a welcome respite from the intensity of Varanasi. In the afternoon, we encourage you to head out into the heart of old Varanasi, without a guide or escort, to wander and discover at your own pace. Have a chai from one of the many tiny laneway stalls or join a game of cricket on the ghats. After an early dinner we transfer to the station to board a Delhi-bound overnight train.

Day 14 Delhi

Early arrival in Delhi; transfer to hotel. Today, our final day, there are many options: shopping will no doubt be high on the agenda for some; a chance to see some of Delhi’s ‘secondary’ sights that we didn’t catch the first time around; a walk through Old Delhi, including the spice market; or just taking it easy at the hotel. After a final dinner together, transfer to the airport for flights home or to onward Indian city for further travel.