Highlights of Northern India

Day 1 - Welcome to India! An Active India Holiday representative will greet you at the arrival hall at the Delhi International Airport. As you drive to the hotel in comfort, enjoy the sights along the way while our representative briefs you about the experience that awaits you. Check in at the hotel and freshen up. Rest of the day is free to explore the national capital with its many attractions, be it monuments, museums, galleries or bazaars. You may also choose to visit Lodi Gardens, a tranquil green space where you can take a stroll and discover historic tombs and monuments.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - Post breakfast, we discover the history of Old Delhi; crowded, bustling, and still bearing remnants of the great Mughals who once ruled from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort. First, we drive past the Red Fort–the palace of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal. We then reach Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India, built in the 17th century. We take a rickshaw ride through bustling bazaars and historical lanes of "Chandni Chowk” and Asia’s largest spice market. Our next stop is Raj Ghat–the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation. After the visit, we continued our journey towards Jaipur- gateway to colorful Rajasthan, established in 1727. It is one of India's most important heritage towns with a vibrant cultural heritage and a colorful history. Jaipur, also known as 'The City of Victory ‘, was the first planned city of its time, with imposing forts, dazzling palaces, beautiful gardens, lakes and markets. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free to visit Jaipur's vibrant bazaars. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 3 - Today we explore the Pink City starting with a drive to the ancient capital of Amer, 11 km from Jaipur. Amer was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha dynasty for six centuries and is famous for its majestic Amber Fort. We have the choice of either walking up or taking a short jeep ride to reach the Fort. On the way to the Amer Fort, we cross Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark, the ‘Hawa Mahal’ (Palace of Winds), a five-storied facade of pink sandstone. After visiting the fort, we explore the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Our next stop is Jantar Mantar, a solar observatory constructed in the 18th century. It is an astronomical treasure house that measures time according to the movement of the Sun, with an error of just 2 seconds, as well as solar instruments that give precise astrological forecasts to this day. Later we also meet the local artisans of Jaipur and with their help, learn the art of block printing, one of the oldest printing techniques in India. We make our own handkerchiefs using Rajasthani woodblocks, while chatting with the artisans about their lives. Return to hotel. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 4 - After breakfast, we wind our way through the villages of rural India to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, which is at the confluence of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges and is considered being one of the finest places to see a large species of animals and birds. The Ranthambore National Park has the largest population of tigers in India. Other wildlife inhabiting the area includes several species of monkeys, deer, crocodiles and birds such as purple herons, kingfishers, cormorants, parakeets, jacanas, waders and partridges. We arrive at Ranthambore by afternoon and check-in at the hotel. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 5 - Today we take two game drives into the park in open jeeps (on a seat-sharing basis) to enjoy unobstructed views of the animals and birds around. We take our first safari into the park early in the morning to try our luck at spotting the elusive tiger in its natural habitat. After this unique experience we return to the hotel for breakfast and unwind. Post lunch we head for our second safari, trying to catch a glimpse of the tiger and other animals and birds. At the end of this adventurous day, we return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Ranthambore.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 6 - Today we are travelling down to Agra, stopping along the way at Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted royal city constructed by Mughal Emperor, Akbar. This impressive and well-preserved citadel served as the political capital of Akbar for 14 years. In 1585, Akbar abandoned Fatehpur Sikri due to a shortage of water. We then continue our journey to Agra and witness the architectural wonder of the golden age of the Mughals. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. We spend the evening visiting the bazaar where some descendants of artisans (who worked on the Taj) continue to create wonders with marble called fine marble-inlay work. Overnight stay in Agra.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 7 - At sunrise we visit the Taj Mahal, a sign of everlasting love that stands on the southern bank of the river Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved bride Mumtaz Mahal who died in the 16th century CE. The charisma of the glorious Taj Mahal never fails to mesmerize a first-time visitor. After the tour of the exquisite ivory-while marble mausoleum, we return to the hotel and after breakfast we will visit the massive Agra Fort - a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Originally belonging to various Mughal emperors periodically restored by the Rajputs, the artworks are made of red sandstone, bricks, and exquisite Makarana marble. We can accurately describe the fort as a walled, palatial city. Our day concludes with a visit to Itimad-ud-Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj, a 17th-century tomb built for Emperor Jahangir’s chief minister on the East bank of the river. In the evening, transfer to the railway station to board an overnight train to Varanasi. Overnight on Board.

Overnight - Train

Day 8 - Upon arrival at Varanasi train station, we will be received and transferred to the hotel for check-in. (Normal check-in time at the hotel is 1200 hours; we can request the hotel for an early check-in subject to availability). The city is always vibrant with thousands of pilgrims, wandering holy men (Sadhus), religious elders and casual visitors. Every year over a million pilgrims visit the city, which lives and breathes Hinduism. It's a city to get lost in, wandering through the maze of narrow streets, visiting temples and watching devotees conduct rituals and ceremonies on the Ghats almost round the clock. We spend the afternoon exploring the holy city and its winding streets, Ghats, and mystical temples. In the evening, we take a rickshaw ride to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti. It is a regular evening Aarti (prayer) ceremony, performed by several priests with the sound of bells, drums, cymbals, and Sanskrit mantras on the banks of the Ganges. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 9 - Today we start early with a sunrise boat ride over the Ganges to witness the amazing stream of events on the Ghats, the steps leading down to the river. The boat ride takes us past several Ghats of Varanasi, offering a glimpse of the city at its religious best. Every day thousands of Hindu pilgrims and devotees visit this city to offer prayers, to meditate and to purify themselves by taking a dip in the holy river. After the boat ride we drive back to the hotel to have breakfast. Next we drive 12 km to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment, to visit the ruins and the museum. After the tour, we head back to Varanasi to catch the late afternoon flight to Delhi. Overnight in Delhi. (Sarnath Museum- closed on Fridays).

Overnight - Hotel

Day 10 - The Highlights of Northern India Tour comes to an end and it’s time to pack your bags and head back with memories of a lifetime. Check out of the hotel and get a transfer to the airport or railway station for onward travel.

Tour Ends