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Highlights of Northern India - Summer itinerary

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Fully Guided Small Group Scenic
Our Price From 1,827 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 425 Per Person
 Trip Length
9 Days
 Trip Starts
Delhi
 Trip Finishes
Delhi
9 Day Highlights of Northern India - Summer itinerary Itinerary (Exodus)
Countries Explored: India
Trip Style
Culture
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Easy
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
AICA

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Exodus 9 Day Highlights of Northern India - Summer itinerary. Northern India conjures up colourful images of turbans, saris, rickshaws and flavoursome curries. On this trip we sample it all, visiting the Pink City of Jaipur, home to the former Maharaja’s Palace and hilltop Amber Fort. We also stop at Agra and the serene Taj Mahal, which fully live up to expectations. Our early morning boat ride along the mist-shrouded ghats of Varanasi is both fascinating and deeply moving; an experience only equalled by wildlife spotting at Sariska National Park.

Itinerary

Our adventure begins in Delhi, a thrumming city chock full of architectural masterpieces and spice-crammed street food. We'll gather for the first time at the start hotel (normally the Florence Inn) before departing for Sariska National Park, a drive which may take between three and four hours depending upon traffic. Stay: Sariska Tiger Camp (or Similar).

This reserve 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 of this national park mainly on sealed roads (there will not be an opportunity to see tiger during these summer months). 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. Stay: Fort Chandragupt (or similar) (B).

Built in the late 18th century, Jaipur is a planned city of broad avenues built of sandstone and painted pink at a later stage. We visit the City Palace in the centre of Jaipur, formerly the residence of the Maharaja, now a fine museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments and weapons. Close to the palace is one of the most intriguing sights in India, the observatory of Jai Singh. This is an assembly of immense astronomical instruments made of marble and brass set in a pleasant garden.

We will also see Jaipur's impressive landmark, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. We then visit the splendid Amber Fort, a few miles from the main city, which rises above a lake. Jaipur is a centre of many handicrafts, including durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherwear. It will be difficult to leave a workshop without buying anything. Stay: Fort Chandragupt (or similar) (B).

Today 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. We arrive in Agra early evening. Stay: Hotel Avalon Palms (or similar) (B/L).

Today we wake early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, which was built by the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first-time visitor; the white marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun and is matched by the rich interior detail.

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 will transfer to Agra train station and join the overnight sleeper train to Varanasi. Stay: Sleeper train (B).

We arrive in Varanasi in the morning and transfer to our hotel. 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 river banks.

In the 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. Amid natural surroundings, lies also the Archaeological Museum; which exhibits the Buddhist Cultural wealth and houses the findings and excavations at the archaeological site of Sarnath. Your leader can organise various optional sightseeing trips during your two days here. Stay: Hotel Surya (or similar) (B).

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 will be served onboard and you will arrive into Delhi and transfer onto your hotel late evening. Stay: Florence Inn (or similar) (B/D).

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. Stay: Florence Inn (or similar) (B).

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, make your way to the airport and begin your return journey home (B).

Trip Inclusions

  • See the unforgettable Taj
  • Explore the spectacular 'Pink City' of Jaipur
  • Meander along the Ganges at Varanasi
  • Sample flavoursome and familiar curries

  • 7 nights hotels, 1 nights air-conditioned sleeper train
  • Travel by air-conditioned private bus and train
  • All breakfasts, one lunch and one snack dinner included
  • Entrances fees to Monuments in Jaipur & Agra (as per itinerary)
  • Sariska Game Drive (as per itinerary)
  • Tour leader throughout
  • Free departure transfers for everyone

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
About Exodus Travels
About Exodus Travels

From classic small group tours & family adventures, to walking holidays, cycling trips and self-guided tours. Read more

Exodus Trip Leaders
Exodus Trip Leaders

Exodus chooses their Leaders carefully. Professional, dedicated and are passionate about sharing their home countries. Read more

Accommodation with Personality
Accommodation with Personality

Wherever possible, Exodus chooses properties that are locally owned and that reflect the area you are visiting. Read more

Availability

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Sunday 21 Jul 2024
Monday 29 Jul 2024
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Sunday 06 Jul 2025
Monday 14 Jul 2025
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Sunday 20 Jul 2025
Monday 28 Jul 2025
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Exodus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Exodus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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