Northern India Journey – 9 Days

The Northern India Journey starts from and ends in New Delhi. It is a local culture tour that takes 9 days taking you through Agra, Varanasi and New Delhi in India. The North of India conjures up vibrant and unforgettable images of turbans, saris, flavorsome curries and rickshaws. We head to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur houses the fantastic former Maharaja’s Palace, the splendid hilltop Amber Fort. Agra & the serene Taj Mahal are not to be missed and fully live up to expectations. In the early morning, we take a boat ride through the mist along the ghats of Varanasi is probably the most sensory intoxicating excursion in India and is both fascinating and deeply moving – an experience only equaled by spotting a tiger in Ranthambore National Park.

Categories: India Tours, South Asia Tours

General Information

Tour Highlights

See the unforgettable Taj Mahal
Search for the elusive tiger
Meander along the Ganges at Varanasi
Sample flavorsome and familiar curries

Tour Detail

Duration: 11 Days/ 10 Nights
Start/ End: Ulaanbaatar / Beijing
Tour Route: Ulaanbaatar – Dalanzadgad – Khongoryn Els – Gobi – Bayanzag – Moltsog Els – Ulaanbaatar – Beijing
Tour Type: Tailor-made tour
Tour Customizable: Definitely! Tell us your interest
Transportation: private air-conditioned vehicle and licensed driver
Guide Service: private English-speaking guide
Tour Departure: No fixed departure. Anytime you wish!

Brief Itinerary

Day 01: Delhi Arrival – Drive to Jaipur
Day 02: Jaipur
Day 03: Ranthambore
Day 04: Agra
Day 05: Agra – Overnight Train to Varanasi
Day 06: Varanasi
Day 07: Boating on the Ganges – Flight to Delhi
Day 08: Delhi
Day 09: Delhi Departure

Full Itinerary

Day 01: Delhi Arrival – Drive to Jaipur

Upon arrival, our representative will be waiting to warmly greet and escort you to Jaipur. As you reach Jaipur, check into the hotel and relax at leisure as the rest of the day will be yours.

Day 02: Jaipur

Today, we visit the City Palace in the center of Jaipur, formerly the residence of the Maharaja, now a fine museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments, and weapons. Near the palace is one of the most of India’s intriguing sights, the observatory of Jai Singh. Also, you can see Jaipur’s impressive landmark, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. Then, head to the impressive and splendid Amber Fort, a few miles from the main city, rising above a lake. Jaipur is a center of many handicrafts like durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones, leatherwear, etc. It is hard for you to leave a workshop without buying anything!

Day 03: Ranthambore

Breakfast and we make our way through the villages of rural India to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. We stay in a hotel not far from the park entrance and make 2 game drives into the park in which, the first one in the late afternoon and another one in the following morning. Ranthambore is one of the tiger reserves under Project Tiger in India. After initial success, poaching has drastically reduced the tiger population & an opportunity of spotting a tiger is small; however, many Exodus groups have seen tigers over the last few years. There is other wildlife to spot like some of the species of deer, crocodiles, and birdlife including purple heron, kingfishers, cormorants, parakeets, jacanda, waders, and partridges.

Day 04: The Second Game Drive to Agra

This morning, take the second game drive. Try to find that elusive tiger before beginning our journey to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri. Total driving time approx. 7 hrs.

Day 05: Agra – Overnight Train to Varanasi

Today, head to the beautiful white marble Taj Mahal built by the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj is serenely stunning and never fails to surprise the first-time visitor; the white marble exterior changes color according to the position of the sun during the day and is matched by the rich interior detail. Later, transfer to Agra train station and join the overnight sleeper train to Varanasi.

Day 06: Varanasi

After breakfast, we arrive in Varanasi. Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in India and stands at the center of the Hindu Universe. There are thousands of pilgrims, strolling holy men (Sadhus), religious elders as well as casual visitors. It is a city to get indulged in by discovering its maze of narrow lanes as well as the many temples, watching the Hindu ceremonies that take place around the clock. There is time to open your horizon with the emporiums specializing in silks and brocades or maybe take a massage by the banks of the Ganges.

Day 07: Boating on the Ganges – Flight to Delhi

Just before dawn, take a boat out on the Ganges to marvel at the extraordinary spectacle on the ghats, the steps leading down to the river. Day by day, thousands of Hindu pilgrims come to these 3 miles of riverbank to soak in the holy waters. This afternoon we fly back to Delhi.

Day 08: Delhi

Today is yours. Relax at leisure and do what you want.

Day 09: Delhi Departure

Time to say goodbye to India. Breakfast and morning at leisure until getting escorted to the airport for a flight coming home. Your vacation ends. Hope you enjoyed it and wish that if you are going to enjoy Asia travel packages, let us be your sidekick