Highlights of Northern India

Name: Highlights of Northern India
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.6 (20 reviews)

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9 Days Excluding Flights

10 Days from

£ 1149

4.6/5 from

Culture

Activity Level

Easy & Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Culture

Group Size :

4 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

AIC

Carbon Footprint :

40kg CO2e per person per day

From the Taj Mahal to the Bengal tigers of Ranthambore, explore a land packed with culture and excitement

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 matched by spotting one of the elusive tigers in Ranthambore National Park. Add to that the everyday wonders – smiling locals, whizzing rickshaws and delicious curries – and you will see why North India is such a hit with our groups.

For departures in July 2025 and 2026, visit Highlights of Northern India – Summer Itinerary.

Join us to celebrate Exodus’ 50^th anniversary! The 1 December 2024 departure of this trip features extra inclusions to mark the occasion: a cooking experience and dinner with a royal family in Jaipur, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag.

Highlights

Discover the highlights of northern India: rich culture, amazing wildlife and tasty cuisine
Complete the famed Golden Triangle, visiting Delhi, Agra and Jaipur
See the unforgettable Taj Mahal at sunrise, the most beautiful time to visit
Maximize your chances of spotting a tiger in Ranthambore National Park with two game drives
Marvel as thousands of pilgrims soak in the holy waters of the Ganges on a dawn boat ride in Varanasi

Key Information

Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels), 1 Simple night (sleeper train)
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Travel by air-conditioned private bus and train
Support TOFTigers’ campaign to protect biodiversity and restore habitat
Holi and Diwali festival departures available (see Dates & Prices tab)

Countries visited: India

What's Included

All breakfasts and one snack lunch included
All accommodation
All transport
Entrances fees to Monuments in Jaipur and Agra (as per itinerary)
Two Jungle Safari (as per itinerary)
Tour leader throughout
Free departure transfers for everyone

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Visas and vaccinations
Single supplement

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.

TRIP

AIC - Highlights of Northern India

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Itinerary

Delhi Delhi

Our adventure begins in Delhi, a city full of architectural masterpieces. Meet the group either at a named meeting point (normally the Hotel Bloom Karol Bagh) or Delhi Airport – see the Joining Instructions for more information.

Once everyone has arrived, we depart for Jaipur, which may take between five and seven hours, depending on traffic conditions. There’s a lunch and toilet stop along the way and we have a welcome briefing at the hotel just before dinner.

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: 7 Apple Hotel – Jalmahal (or similar)

Built in the late 18th century, Jaipur is a planned city of broad avenues constructed of sandstone and later painted pink. On a city tour led by a local guide, we visit the highlights with a chance to see impressive landmarks, such as the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and hilltop Amber Fort, which sits above a lake a few miles from the main city.

After, the tour leader generally takes the group to a textiles factory, employing over 400 locals. You will tour the building seeing every step of the process from block printing materials, pattern designing, assembly room and all the way through to packaging and shipping. At the end, a chance to browse the shop and pick up anything from a complete outfit to handmade notebooks using the off cuts of material so nothing is wasted on the factory floor. Jaipur is a hub 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!

Accommodation: Hotel 7 Apple – Jalmahal (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

We wind through the villages of rural India to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (approximately a five hour drive); staying in a hotel not far from the park entrance, we’re well located for our two game drives in the park; one in the late afternoon and one the following morning.

Ranthambore is one of the reserves set up by Project Tiger, a government-backed conservation programme launched in 1973. There was initial success, but poaching has drastically reduced the tiger population here and the chance of spotting one is small; however, many of our groups have seen tigers over the last few years. Additionally, the latest census, the results of which were announced in late 2023, saw a 25 percent increase in tiger numbers: up to 88 from 69 in 2022.

As we search for tigers, we also hope to see the other wildlife living here: several deer species, crocodiles, and bird life including purple herons, kingfishers, cormorants, parakeets and partridges.

Accommodation: Raj Palace Resort (or similar)

Please note, occasionally the game drive timings or zones may be adjusted depending on government restrictions and changes in national park zonal opening/closing times.

Meals included: Breakfast

We have an early start this morning, heading out before breakfast for our second game drive. Returning to the hotel in time for breakfast and a chance to freshen up before check out. We next continue our journey on 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, this is another very full but rewarding day. The total driving time is approximately seven hours.

Accommodation: Hotel Avalon Palms (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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 transfer to Agra train station and join the overnight sleeper train to Varanasi. A light snack is provided on the overnight train journey.

Accommodation: Sleeper train

Meals included: Breakfast

We arrive in Varanasi in the morning and transfer to our hotel. For information about hotel check-in times please see our “Worth Knowing” section within the Trip Notes.

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.

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. 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)

Meals included: Breakfast

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: Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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: Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Itinerary: This trip is ideal for culturally curious people 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.

Journey times: The times stated in the day-to-day itinerary are driving times and do not include photo, tea, comfort or lunch breaks. Journeys can sometimes take longer due to traffic or road damage. Additionally, fog is common in December and January, which can sometimes slow us down. Departures in these months may also experience severe train delays or cancellations. If a severe delay occurs, the group travels overnight on a private comfortable bus instead. 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.

Festivals: Some departures coincide with Holi and Diwali both fascinating times to visit India. We seek opportunities to see the festivities, though we cannot guarantee what is happening locally during our trip – the festivals are celebrated in different ways throughout the country.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel 7 Apple – Jalmahal, Amer Rd, opposite Jalmahal, Gujarghati, Parasrampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Phone: +91 84529 82777
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately five 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. The meet time aligns with a flight from London, UK.

Meet at the Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh (address: 17A/32, Gurudwara Road, Opposite Jessaram Hospital, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, 110005)

You should be at the Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh 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 are 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.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Delhi
Location end: Delhi

Vaccinations and Health

India

You require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of a polio vaccination may also be required by some visitors. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.

You may also want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.

Additionally, dengue fever and chikungunya are known risks in India. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approximately 6,560ft (2,000m), there is little risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips above 9,840ft (3,000m), there is a risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the Trip Notes for further information.

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

India

To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India.

Travellers from the UK, US, CA and EU normally need a visa to enter India. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html

Travellers eligible for an e-visa, which includes those from the UK, US, CA and EU, can apply at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.

For more information on applying for your Indian Visa, including details required for your start hotel and local reference contacts, please click on this link: Indian Visa Information

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, one lunch and a light snack dinner are included in this trip.

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.

You should 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.

Weather

During October/November and from March to April, the days are normally hot (around 30C-35C/86F-95F) and nights slightly cooler (18C-24C/65F-75F) but humidity is very low and little or no rain falls so it’s a great time of year to travel to this part of India.

From December to early February, it gets very cold in the early mornings and evenings (sometimes dropping to 6C/43F) and warm clothes are essential. During this time, nightly temperatures in Delhi can be very cold and only a little above freezing. The evenings and early mornings (particularly at Ranthambore National Park) can be surprisingly cool and damp too, so come prepared for both cold and warm temperatures during winter.

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.

TRIP

AIC - Highlights of Northern India

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

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Phone *

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

City and jungle hotels plus sleeper train

We stay in centrally located city hotels that mix heritage and modern styles, plus a jungle hotel in Ranthambore National Park and the overnight sleeper train from Agra to Varanasi.

The accommodations typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the notable accommodations on this trip.

Jaipur: 7 Apple Hotel (nights 1-2)

Highlights of Northern India

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.

Ranthambore: Raj Palace (night 3)

Within Ranthambore National Park, the Raj Palace is conveniently located so we don’t have far to go in search of tigers and other wildlife. When not in the forest, relax in the pool or just sit in the gardens giving your senses a break, away from the city noise and heat.

Agra to Varanasi: Sleeper train (night 5)

Highlights of Northern India
Experience an icon of travel: the Indian sleeper train! Our journey takes us from Agra to Varanasi, skipping the long drive, while also allowing us to interact with the local people and sample the snacks often sold on board. The accommodation is basic: we normally stay in two-tier sleepers, the compartments sectioned off from the aisle by privacy curtains. Seats are allocated at the time the tickets are issued, so the whole group isn’t always together; however, our tour leader is an expert at making the journey as hassle-free as possible and will regularly check in with you.

Delhi: Bloom Hotel, Karol Bagh (nights 7-8)

Highlights of Northern India

Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh is nestled in a commercial and residential area in Karol Bagh, and it’s conveniently located just five minutes from the metro station.

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.
Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are only a couple of months when the weather can get cold. You can, however, request more blankets if needed or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter.
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.
Within the sleeper train, you may be sharing a compartment of four beds with members of the public depending on how the seats are allocated.
Single accommodation excludes sleeper trains.

TRIP

AIC - Highlights of Northern India

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

You need stamina. The notes say you do not need to be fit, but the pace is relentless and the hours of travelling took us by surprise.

Reply from Exodus

We’d like to thank Jo for her feedback. Whilst we are pleased to read that she enjoyed her holiday overall, we were sorry to learn that she had concerns about the activity level of the trip and particularly did not enjoy her visit to Varanasi. We do mention in our trip notes that this is a busy itinerary, with longer journeys, mainly because this region of India offers so much to see and experience in the time frame. Our customers generally find the pace to be appropriate for the duration of the trip, but we do appreciate some customers may prefer more guidance on this aspect of our trips. There is a big focus on the local experience which we highlight in our trip notes so that our customers know what to expect. We are aware that some customers are a bit wary of travelling in open carriages for the sleeper train however, due to the seat allocation system for the Indian trains and limited capacity of seats in higher classes, this is the most suitable option for our groups. The tour leader is always close by if there are any concerns.
We’re grateful for the time she took to leave a review and hope that we can welcome her on future trips with us!

– Sarah Puttnam, Exodus Product Manager

Hannah Davidson

Be prepared for the fast pace and culture shock

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Highlights of Northern India

4.6/5 from

9 Days Excluding Flights

10 Days from

£ 1149

Highlights of Northern India

From the Taj Mahal to the Bengal tigers of Ranthambore, explore a land packed with culture and excitement

Sustainability and Impact

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Itinerary

Delhi Delhi

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Vaccinations and Health

India

Passport

Visa

India

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

City and jungle hotels plus sleeper train

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Trip Experts

Mayank Khamesra

Naveen Bazaz

Ajay Gupta

Sarah Puttnam

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

Loved this one..

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Northern India

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

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So much in such short time....

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fast paced but well worth it

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

A Comprehensive and Fabulous Itinerary but too Fast Paced

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Reply from Exodus

Highlights of northern india

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Reply from Exodus

Exhausting, Exhilarating, Incredible India

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fascinating but exhausting trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Amazing

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

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Fantastic but full-on trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

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