North India Unveiled: Rivers, Forts & Palaces

Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, you will be warmly received by our representative and assisted with luggage and travel documents before being transferred to your hotel for a seamless check-in, leaving the rest of the day at your leisure. Depending on your arrival time and jet lag recovery, relaxed afternoon or evening activities can easily be arranged, such as exploring the magnificent art and architecture of the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple complex or taking a short drive to India Gate to honour the legacy of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War.

Experience a refreshing morning like a local by starting your day in the verdant Lodhi Garden. Afterward, drive past the landmark sites along Kartavya Path "” such as Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Parliament House "” before exploring the magnificent Jama Masjid in Old Delhi. Dive into the captivating chaos of Chandni Chowk with a walking tour covering Khari Baoli, Dariba Kalan and Kinari Bazaar. Following a delicious local lunch, pay your respects at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Raj Ghat and visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib to experience its remarkable community kitchen. Conclude your evening at Khan Market, enjoying its premium shopping, world-class dining and relaxed urban atmosphere.

Spend your morning exploring the Qutub Complex to admire Delhi's iconic Qutub Minar, marvelling at its staggering height and intricate carvings. Continue to the stunning, marble-clad Lotus Temple, renowned for its lotus-inspired architecture and welcoming atmosphere for all faiths. Following lunch, explore Humayun's Tomb "” the magnificent precursor to the Taj Mahal. Conclude your day at leisure or with an optional evening visit to the breathtaking Akshardham Temple complex.

Following breakfast, fly to Amritsar "” the commercial and cultural capital of Punjab "” and marvel at the glistening, gold-adorned Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), experiencing its tranquil atmosphere and partaking in the communal Langar service. Founded in 1577, Amritsar is home to the spectacular Golden Temple, Sikhism's holiest shrine and one of India's most serene and humbling sights. Reflect upon history at the adjoining Jallianwala Bagh memorial before taking an afternoon drive to the Wagah-Attari Border to witness the electrifying evening beating retreat ceremony.

Following an early morning departure, board a flight to New Delhi to connect onward to Varanasi "” one of the oldest living cities and a revered spiritual destination known as the abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Varanasi is believed to be the ultimate gateway to salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Upon arrival and hotel check-in, immerse yourself in spirituality by witnessing a mesmerising evening Aarti ceremony filled with chanting, bells and devotional music at Dashashwamedh Ghat along the banks of the River Ganges.

Witness Varanasi awakened at dawn during a serene sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, observing daily rituals, local life and pilgrims along the holy riverbanks before strolling through the city's ancient, living heritage lanes. Explore the region's renowned artisanal traditions "” highlighted by GI-protected Banarasi silk weaving "” before embarking post-lunch on a drive to Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, to explore its historic museum and archaeological treasures including the Dhamekh Stupa.

Following your morning flight to New Delhi and a scenic drive to Agra "” gateway to iconic Mughal heritage "” check in at your hotel and head out before dusk to the serene Charbagh gardens of Mehtab Bagh for a crowd-free sunset view of the majestic Taj Mahal. Optionally, conclude your evening by attending the cultural show "Taj-e-Mohabbat".

Experience an unforgettable sunrise visit to the iconic Taj Mahal before returning to your hotel for breakfast and heading out to explore the powerful imperial architecture of Agra Fort. Following a final opportunity to appreciate Agra's renowned Mughal craftsmanship, journey toward Bharatpur "” stopping en route for an optional visit to the planned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Upon check-in and lunch at Birder's Inn, embark on an afternoon sunset safari to explore the rich birdlife and natural beauty of Keoladeo Ghana National Park.

Enjoy a refreshing morning and sunrise visit at Keoladeo National Park to observe the diverse bird species that flock to the region's rich grasslands. After breakfast, travel toward Jaipur "” the glorious Pink City and capital of Rajasthan "” celebrated for its warm hospitality, royal grandeur and vibrant cultural heritage. En route, pause to explore Abhaneri, a small village featuring the 9th-century Chand Baori, one of the deepest and largest inverted-pyramid stepwells in the world, built for ancient water conservation. Upon arrival and hotel check-in, dive into Jaipur's artistic legacy at the Gyan Museum, home to over 2,500 global artefacts and cultural treasures, before admiring the architectural elegance of the iconic Patrika Gate and Toran Dwar. Conclude your day by participating in a serene evening Aarti ceremony at the striking white marble Birla Temple.

Immerse yourself in the authentic heartbeat of Jaipur with a morning walking tour blending local life, heritage, spirituality and breakfast, followed by a journey to Amber Town for an enchanting tour of the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort and Palace. Pause at the picturesque Jal Mahal for views of the lake before enjoying a delicious local lunch at a handpicked restaurant and shopping for traditional crafts such as block-printed textiles and blue pottery. Continue your exploration through the multi-layered courtyards of the City Palace Complex and the astronomical marvels of Jantar Mantar. Conclude your day either by preparing and sharing a home-cooked dinner with a local Indian family or by embarking on a scenic 4×4 night tour of illuminated Jaipur.

Journey to the sacred town of Pushkar, renowned for its timeless heritage, holy lake and the world-famous annual Camel Fair. Often referred to as the rose capital of India, Pushkar town is home to the only Brahma Temple in the world. Upon arrival, visit the rare Brahma Temple dedicated to the creator of the universe, and take a guided walking tour to explore the vibrant ghats and local life surrounding Pushkar Lake. Conclude your day by catching a serene sunset from the hilltop Savitri Temple before enjoying a delightful dinner by the lakeside.

Following the breakfast and check-out, travel to Jodhpur "” Rajasthan's second-largest city, renowned for its striking azure-painted homes "” and check into your hotel. Following lunch, explore the imposing citadel of Mehrangarh Fort, which towers dramatically over the rocky hillside above the vibrant blue cityscape. Nearby, visit the white marble cenotaph of Jaswant Thada, a serene hidden gem offering a striking contrast to the fortress above. Conclude your afternoon with an enriching walking tour through the old city's bustling markets to shop for authentic spices, traditional mojri footwear and colourful textiles.

Following breakfast, travel to Narlai "” a charming hamlet featuring 17th-century heritage hotels set amidst a landscape where leopards roam and coexist harmoniously with the local Rabari community. Narlai is a true treasure trove in the heart of the Aravalli Hills, situated equidistant between the princely states of Jodhpur and Udaipur. Upon arrival and hotel check-in, embark on a thrilling sunset leopard safari across the rugged terrain of the Aravalli Hills. Conclude your evening with a romantic, candlelit dinner served on the banks of a centuries-old stepwell.

Before heading toward Udaipur, take a morning heritage walk with a local expert to interact with the Rabari community and discover their lifestyle and harmonious coexistence with leopards. En route to Udaipur "” the romantic City of Lakes famed for its palaces and gardens "” stop to explore the intricate, three-storied Ranakpur Jain Temple. Following lunch at the 1559 AD Restaurant, embark on a late afternoon sunset cruise on Lake Pichola past the island palace of Jag Mandir. Conclude your evening by witnessing a vibrant Dharohar folk dance performance at the historic Bagore Ki Haveli along the lake's shores.

Begin your final day seeking blessings at the architectural marvel of Jagdish Temple before exploring the sprawling, culturally rich City Palace and its Marwar royal collection at the Crystal Gallery. Spend your remaining afternoon at leisure exploring Udaipur's vibrant local markets and narrow lanes before taking an evening flight back to New Delhi for your onward journey home.