Jewels of North India

Be welcomed to North India with a traditional floral garland and red tikka before arriving at your hotel for the next two nights, the luxurious The Imperial New Delhi. A Grand Dame of the East, this iconic heritage hotel, opened in 1936, evokes the opulence of a 19th-century palatial estate with its blend of Victorian, Art Deco and Lutyens' architecture.

Explore Old Delhi, beginning with India's largest mosque, Jama Masjid. Savour the sights, sounds and aromas on a rickshaw ride past the Red Fort and through Khari Baoli, Asia's largest wholesale spice bazaar within the bustling Chandni Chowk market and some of Delhi's oldest streets.

Later, visit Humayun's Tomb, built in 1570 as the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent and an architectural inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Then drive along New Delhi's ceremonial boulevard past India Gate and Presidential Avenue on your way back to the hotel. This evening, enjoy a special Welcome Dinner.

Fly to Varanasi, North India's holiest Hindu city on the banks of the Ganges and check in for two nights at the Taj Ganges Varanasi Hotel.

Scenic Enrich: For your Scenic Enrich event, enjoy a rickshaw ride to the riverfront ghats. Cruise the Ganges at dusk to the sounds of traditional Indian music, release sacred offerings into the water and witness the magical evening Aarti ceremony.

At sunrise, drift slowly along the Ganges and watch the ghats come to life with pilgrims, priests and daily rituals. Afterwards, stroll along the ghats and through the laneways of Varanasi's Old City.

This afternoon, journey to nearby Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha began his teaching. Spend time at Deer Park, one of Buddhism's most important sites, where Lord Buddha first expounded the Dharma.

Scenic Freechoice: This morning, choose between two Scenic Freechoice excursions. Take a yoga lesson or visit a Shiva Temple to observe Rudrabhishek, a ritual to appease the God Shiva.

Fly to Khajuraho, famous for its magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples, and enjoy a two-night stay at The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, a lovingly restored 350-year-old palace overlooking Panna National Park.

Begin the day with a curated tiger safari in Panna National Park, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife. Return to the hotel for lunch before visiting the exquisitely sculpted sandstone temples of Khajuraho, built between the 9th and 10th centuries by the Chandela dynasty. Marvel at carvings depicting deities, warriors, dancers, musicians, animals and exotic Kama Sutra scenes.

This evening, watch a sound and light show at the Western Group of Temples, a 45-minute spectacle using projection and 3D effects to bring Khajuraho's history and legends to life.

Drive to the heritage town of Orchha for a walking tour through its historic streets, lined with 16th-century temples, forts and palaces. Continue to Jhansi and board a train to Agra, arriving in the late afternoon at your luxurious Scenic Special Stay, The Oberoi Amarvilas, located just 600 meters from the Taj Mahal.

Rise early to witness the breathtaking Taj Mahal at sunrise, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and enduring symbol of love built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Return to the hotel for breakfast before visiting Agra Fort, built in the 16th century primarily by Emperor Akbar. Once the main residence of the Mughal emperors, it showcases remarkable Islamic architecture and includes the balcony where Shah Jahan was later imprisoned, gazing towards the Taj Mahal. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure at your hotel before your evening function.

Scenic Sunset Drinks: Gather for evening drinks to admire the Taj Mahal at sunset from the close proximity of your hotel.

Scenic Freechoice Dining: This evening choose your Scenic Free dining experience from the following options, Indian BBQ at Bon Barbeque Restaurant, Chinese at C'est Chine at the Hotel Jaypee Palace or enjoy a buffet meal of Asian and Western cuisine at the Bellevue Restaurant at your hotel.

Scenic Freechoice: This morning, choose from two Scenic Freechoice experiences exploring Agra by bicycle or tuk tuk, either through the surrounding countryside or the city's vibrant streets.

Afterwards, drive to Bharatpur for lunch and then board a train to Ranthambore National Park, one of North India's most renowned tiger reserves. Settle into your two-night stay at Taj Sawai Ranthambore.

Once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park is now one of India's key tiger conservation areas.

Accompanied by an expert wildlife naturalist, set out on private morning and afternoon game drives in search of the elusive Bengal tiger and other wildlife that inhabit this rugged landscape.

Travel to the Pink City of Jaipur, stopping en route at Abhaneri village to visit the remarkable Chand Baori stepwell, one of the largest and oldest in the world, dating back over 1,000 years.

Continue to Castle Kanota for lunch, the filming location of the Viceroy Club in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. On arrival in Jaipur, discover the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), famed for its intricate honeycomb façade of 953 windows designed to capture cooling breezes.

Stay for two nights at Jai Mahal Palace, an authentic luxury palace built in 1745 and now a lovingly restored Rajasthani landmark set amid 18 acres of landscaped gardens. This evening, enjoy a cultural show at the hotel.

This morning, visit the Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory and UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here take a short walk to the City Palace, home to the rulers of Jaipur and its museum. Enjoy lunch in a restaurant attached to the City Palace before returning to your hotel.

Later in the afternoon, visit the magnificent Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed hilltop fortress located just outside Jaipur. Explore its opulent palaces, richly decorated with intricate carvings, mirrored halls and exquisite artwork, before dining at the Restaurant 1136 at Amer fort, located at the top of the complex with commanding views over the fort and countryside.

Bid farewell to North India as you fly to Delhi for your onward journey. 

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. Hotels are indicative and subject to change.