Highlights of Northern India - Summer itinerary
From CAD $2470
Guarantee
Small Group
Unknown
Rating
(2 reviews)
Discover the best of northern India on this highlight-packed adventure. Led by an expert tour leader, we marvel at the always-impressive Taj Mahal, a New Wonder of the World, and explore the Pink City of Jaipur. We also have an early morning boat ride along the mist-shrouded ghats of Varanasi, an experience only equalled by wildlife spotting in Sariska National Park. Add to that the everyday wonders – smiling locals, whizzing rickshaws and flavoursome curries – and you will see why North India is such a favourite with our groups.
Want to travel outside of summer? Visit our standard Highlights of Northern India page.
Profile
— Accommodation: 8 Classic nights (hotels) — Travel by air-conditioned private bus and train — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 8 Classic nights (hotels) — Travel by air-conditioned private bus and train — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
It is ideal for culturally curious travellers eager to explore and experience as much as possible. We cover the highlights of northern India in a short time, which means the itinerary is generally fast paced – prepare for some long days and early starts. India can be challenging, while the heat and bustle of some cities can be a little overwhelming. That said, there are peaceful spots and you will undoubtedly return with memories to last a lifetime.
Journeys: Departures in summer may experience train delays or cancellations. If a severe delay occurs, the group travels on a private comfortable bus instead between Agra and Varanasi. In the rare event we can’t travel by bus or fly, we have an alternative itinerary in which we visit Bharatpur, Deeg Palace and Mathura instead of Varanasi.
Monuments: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India, including the Taj Mahal, and very occasionally this may mean that work is taking place at sites visited on this trip. The ASI schedule is never published, so it is not possible to warn you when work will be taking place.
Group Description
Our Indian team of leaders has proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Indian culture than letting an Indian guide show you around their country.
During the game drives, each vehicle has a local Forest Guard (mandatory by the local authorities). The Forest Guards are part of a national park initiative to generate employment for the local villages. They are skilled spotters and trackers so, though there English is sometimes very limited, they greatly improve the experience.
Eating Drinking
India is famous for its food and there is ample opportunity to try various curries such as the familiar tandoori, biriyani and rogan josh. If you are a vegetarian, India is a great destination. There are wonderful desserts and excellent beers, soft drinks and Indian specialities such as lassi, a refreshing yoghurt drink.
Allow at least 1,400-2,400 rupees (US$16-US$28) per day for lunch and dinner. In most towns we visit, there is a good selection of restaurants and a choice between Indian and Western food. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A (large!) bottle of beer is approximately 300 rupees (approximately US$4).
Mineral water is widely available, but drinking water is provided in a large container in the bus to reduce our use of plastic, so please bring your own refillable water bottle.
Transportation
We use a combination of private minibus and trains for our journey.
Road: private minibus, air-conditioned.Train: The train from Varanasi to Delhi will be the Vande Bharat Express booked in the A/C Chair Car, Executive Class.Game drives: In Sariska, we use 4×4 jeeps, which may not all have seat belts available.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Sariska Tiger Camp, Village Dhawala, Alwar - Jaipur Rd, Rajasthan 301001, India
Phone: +91 93140 17210
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately three to four hours’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Meet at the airport
Your easiest option is to join the group at Indira Gandhi International Airport - you can confirm the meet time with your sales representative.
Meet at a named hotel
Alternatively, you can meet at Iris Park, Delhi (A 1/23&24, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi 110029)
You should be at the hotel by 9am, where you are met by a local representative and transferred to the airport to join the rest of the group. Please note, this time may change and will be confirmed in your pre-travel Joining Instructions.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers from the end hotel to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) for all customers. If you would like further information on joining a transfer, we will require all flight details two weeks prior to departure to secure the transfer. Please speak to your sales representative to arrange.
Weather Information
In July, August and September, expect very hot days and warm nights (28C-40C/82F-104F). Rain is also likely at any time from the end of June until September and can be very heavy. However, it moderates the temperatures and humidity.
Spending Money
Many sites now charge a small fee for video cameras (handy cams) and you should allow another 665 rupees (approximately US$9) for these. Also allow at least 570 rupees (approximately US$8) per day for personal expenditures, such as soft drinks. There are endless shopping opportunities throughout this tour and we suggest you take money for souvenirs; even the most shop-shy travellers often succumb to the tempting selection of handicrafts available.
During your trip, it is likely your local guides will take you to emporiums and handicraft workshops. Guides often assume visitors want to shop, it is very much part of the culture, but if you do not wish to go, please make this clear to your guide and Exodus leader at the time. Many people find this a great opportunity to buy local handicrafts, silk, jewellery and carpets.
Optional excursions
There are plenty of opportunities for local excursions and cultural experiences throughout this trip, some of which are detailed in the daily itinerary. For an overview of the optional extras, please see below:
Delhi (start or end of trip):
— Half-day city tour: approximately 1,500-5,500 rupees (US$18-US$53) per person (depending on the group size)
Tour includes: visit to old Delhi, drive past Red Fort, visit Gandhi memorial and drive past colonial buildings and visit India Gate. Price includes transportation, local guide and tipping. Monument entrances are not included, the sightseeing is for unpaid monuments.
— Morning Old Delhi city walk with Salaam Baalak Trust: approximately 3,500-5,500 rupees (US$42-US$53) per person (depending on the group size)
Led by ex-street kids of Delhi, this insightful walk starts from Jama Masjid and takes you through the narrow alleys in the heart of the old city. Price includes transportation, local guide and tipping. Entrance to Jama Masjid monument is not included. Tour is subject to availability at time of request.
Jaipur:
— Cooking class (Day 2): approximately 2,500 rupees (US$30) per person
Visit a local home where your host guides you through traditional dishes, such as vegetable pakora, vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes such as chicken or mutton curry, matter paneer and chapattis. After devouring your home-cooked meal, finish by preparing a Rajasthani sweet dish called laapsi. Price includes: cookery class with a four-dish meal, rice, rotis and tea/coffee and transportation to/from the home.
Varanasi:
— Visit to Sarnath: approximately 1,000-3,800 rupees (US$12-US$46) per person (depending on the group size)
Price includes monument entrances, local guide, transportation and tipping.
— Evening ceremony at Ganges ghats: approximately 1,500- 4,000 rupees (US$18-US$48) per person (depending on the group size)
Price includes boat fees, auto ride/rickshaw fees and tipping.
Tipping
Tipping is a part of Indian culture and usually expected. It can often be an awkward affair, especially when in an unfamiliar country where you are not sure when or how much to tip. As such, your tour leader will offer to arrange and look after a group tipping kitty, which will be used to tip hotel staff, sightseeing guides, bus drivers and other support staff used throughout your trip. Your leader will suggest how much to contribute, depending on group size, but it is usually in the region of 2,200 rupees (approximately US$30) per person based on the maximum group size of 16 passengers. For smaller groups, the leader may ask to collect more than the suggested amount relative to the group size, this is to assist with covering the standard tipping expectations for things like the local guides, drivers, and hotel staff (which, are generally fixed amounts no matter the group size).
At any time during the trip, your leader will happily show you an account of how the kitty is being distributed. Please note, for smaller groups the leader may have to collect more than the above amount.
Tipping of leaders is not included in the kitty and is at your own discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation a tip of around 475 rupees (US$6) per person per day would be appreciated.
Highlights
— See the unforgettable Taj Mahal, one of the New Wonders of the World — Go wildlife watching in Sariska National Park — Take a boat ride along the mystical Ganges at Varanasi — Explore the major landmarks in the Pink City of Jaipur
Trip Details
Product Code: 4332
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: vailable.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: AICA
Starts: Delhi, Ganges
Finishes: Delhi, Ganges
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts and one lunch — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Departure transfersAccommodation
City and jungle hotelsWe stay in centrally located city hotels (two- or three-star, local rating) that mix heritage and modern styles, plus a jungle hotel in Sariska National Park. The accommodations typically used can be found on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the notable accommodations on this trip. Sariska: Sariska Tiger Camp (night 1) A resort situated close to the Sariska Tiger Reserve offering comfortable accommodation with modern amenities. The restaurant serves authentic regional dishes, plus you can relax in the pool or just sit in the gardens giving your senses a break, away from city noise, smells and heat! Jaipur: 7 Apple Hotel (nights 2-3) The 7 Apple sits directly across from Jal Mahal Lake in the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Recently refurbished, it has modern and bright rooms with lake or Nahargarh Hill views. Worth knowing For Varanasi, standard check-in time at the hotel is 2pm. Early check-in is not available to pre-book due to high room occupancy. However, we have a good partnership with the hotel, and they always try to prioritise rooms for Exodus travellers as early as possible on the check-in day. Prior to check-in at Varanasi, the hotel communal areas are available and you may leave your luggage in the hotel until your room is available.It’s common for hotels in India to have limited times in the day for hot water use to save energy. If you find your shower is cold, please let your leader or reception know so they can make sure the water heater is on.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2470 ($274 /day)
Itinerary
Our adventure begins in Delhi, a thrumming city chock full of architectural masterpieces. Meet the group either at a named meeting point (normally Iris Park hotel) or Delhi Airport – see the Joining Instructions for more information. We than drive to Sariska National Park, which may take between three and four hours depending upon traffic. If you don’t want to do this journey straight after your flight, we recommend spending a pre-tour night in Delhi – speak to your sales representative to book. Accommodation: Sariska Tiger Camp (or Similar)
Sariska National Park was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and is home to nilgai, wild boar, jackals, hyenas and chowsingha (four-horned antelope). The game drive will be in the buffer zone, mainly on sealed roads. Although these departures operate during the rainy season, the crowds are reduced and those with an interest in bird life will find an abundance in Sariska. In the afternoon, we drive to Jaipur and transfer to our hotel. Accommodation: 7 Apple Hotel – Jalmahal (or similar)
Enjoy a full day to explore Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and one of the most attractive cities in India. Built in the late 18th century, it is a planned city of broad sandstone avenues that were later painted pink. Early risers can join a dawn walking tour as the Pink City begins to wake. Visiting different chowkris (blocks) within the walled city, we can see the local people start their day and watch the rituals that take place in early morning markets and small temples. We can also interact with different artisan communities, while also sampling local food and drink. We return to the hotel in time to join anyone preferring a more leisurely start for a later breakfast and to freshen up, before the whole group heads out mid-morning. We visit one of the most intriguing sites in India, Jantar Mantar (Jaipur Observatory), an assembly of immense marble-and-brass astronomical instruments in a pleasant garden. We also see the impressive landmark, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). Then, travel just outside the main city to the Amber Palace, an imposing hilltop fort above a lake with large courtyards, finely decorated interiors and a Chamber of Mirrors. The evening is free for you to relax. Accommodation: 7 Apple Hotel – Jalmahal (or similar)
Relax this morning and enjoy a well-earned later start. Mid-morning, we drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar’s deserted royal city. This impressive and well-preserved citadel became his capital in 1571, after the blessing of a local Moslem holy man correctly predicted the birth of a longed-for son: his successor, the Emperor Jehangir. The mosque, designed to hold 10,000 worshippers; the palaces; residences; and halls of audience are all made of decorative red sandstone. But this magnificence only lasted 14 years. In 1584, Akbar left Fatehpur Sikri to secure his outlying territories, leaving this city much as we see it today – in perfect condition. Accommodation: Hotel Sun Ring (or similar)
Wake early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the white-marble exterior is illuminated by the soft early light, the crowds are smaller and the birds chatter among themselves. After admiring it from the outside, we head inside, with a chance to explore the beautiful inner chambers and mausoleum, while our tour leader shares the history of this New World Wonder. Within striking distance is the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of Emperor Akbar’s sons and successors: Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It is here that the latter spent his last years, imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb. Later in the day, we visit the Mughal mausoleum of Itmad-ud-Daula (also known as Baby Taj) and then head to Mehtab Bagh, the Moonlight Garden, ending the day across the river from the Taj Mahal. Here we can witness the sunset as it falls across the white marble of the Taj Mahal. Accommodation: Hotel Sun Ring (or similar)
Another early start today to reach the Agra station for our 6am Vande Bharat Express train to Varanasi. Once onboard, you can relax and rest before we arrive in Varanasi around 1pm and transfer to our hotel, where we can check-in from 2pm. On the river Ganges, Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in India and stands at the centre of the Hindu universe. As such, the city lives and breathes Hinduism: there are thousands of pilgrims, wandering holy men (Sadhus), religious elders and casual visitors. It is a city to immerse yourself in: explore the maze of narrow lanes and many temples and watch the Hindu ceremonies that take place around the clock. There is time to visit emporiums specialising in silks and brocades or maybe take a massage by the riverbanks. This afternoon, we can take an optional visit to nearby Sarnath Temple. Sarnath is as sacred to Buddhists as Varanasi is to Hindus. The main monument at Sarnath is the Dhamekh Stupa, the very spot where Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon. There’s also an archaeology museum, which exhibits Buddhist artefacts and houses the findings of excavations from the Sarnath site. Your tour leader can organise various optional sightseeing trips during your two days here. Accommodation: Hotel Surya (or similar)
Just before dawn, we take a boat ride on the Ganges to witness the extraordinary spectacle on the ghats, the steps leading down to the river. Every day, thousands of Hindu pilgrims come to this 3mi (5km) stretch of riverbank to soak in the holy waters. This afternoon, we board the Vande Bharat Express train back to Delhi, a great opportunity to see and experience more of India as you pass through rural villages, towns and cities. A light snack dinner is provided, which usually includes a soup and light meal with rice and vegetables. You may wish to pick up some additional snacks/fruit prior to boarding. We arrive in Delhi late evening and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation: Iris Park (or similar)
Today you are free to relax or explore the sites of New and Old Delhi (an optional sightseeing trip will be organised if you wish). Recommended sites include the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) and Raj Ghat. For last-minute shopping, visit the market area of Chandni Chowk or Karol Bagh. Accommodation: Iris Park (or similar)
Our adventure through northern India ends today. If you’ve still a few pages left in your travel diary, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Delhi. Alternatively, catch your free transfer to the airport and begin your return journey home – remember to provide your details at least two weeks prior to arrival to secure your seat.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Kim Van der Weerd - Traveled, July 2023
Amazing experience This trip far surpassed my expectations. Yes India is a noisy, crowded, chaotic and messy country but WOW it has so much to share. From historical sights to magical landscapes, alongside constant bombardment of exotic smells and people. I cannot recommend this trip enough. It has totally opened my eyes to how wonderful this country and its people are. Most Inspirational Moment Of course, the Taj mahal must always take precedence. The visit there was the purpose of my tour. And it did not fail to astound me. But I fell in love with Jaipur. Its walled city and the markets within. Amazing Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader Krishna was everything you could ever want in a tour guide - extremely knowledgeable, helpful, considerate, courteous, thoughtful, genuine, organized, punctual and had a true passion to share the wonders of his country both historically and present day. He answered every question thrown at him - considering the range of questions this was no easy task! Honestly, I could not have asked for a better person to introduce me to the wonders of India. Advice for Potential Travellers Don't be worried about the negative attention that India often gets. Go on this tour and experience just how magical this place is. Suggestions Ask for Krishna!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/12/2023
Sean C - Traveled, August 2014
Highlights of Northern India A fantastic trip giving you an experience of the countries culture, the local wildlife and numerous modes of transport. It’s an excellent trip for first time travellers. Most Inspirational Moment Watching the sun rise over the Taj Mahal. A magnificent white marble building that turns golden as the sun rises. Our guide ensured we were the very first to witness the Taj in the morning, this made for amazing pictures with nobody else in the background. Thoughts on Group Leader Our guide Chandrajeet Rathore was excellent; he really did make the trip. He was very knowledgeable, insightful and a great story teller. It was really obvious how much he loved his country. Throughout the trip he would explain their religion, food and really did help us experience their culture first hand. Advice for Potential Travellers Its the kind of holiday you truly want to immerse yourself in. The food, the people and the atmosphere as a whole, if you do so you're guaranteed a great trip. Suggestions This trip was a fantastic and truly unique, an experience everyone must try. As this was my first trip solo I was hesitant at first, but the guide was waiting there in the airport after you arrive and everything is organised and ready for you. I loved every minute and would seriously recommend to anyone who has ever wanted to see India.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2014
Download a personalized trip brochure!
