Transport

We use a combination of private minibus and trains for our journey. Road journeys: Air-conditioned private minibus. Train journeys: The overnight train from Agra to Varanasi is booked in two-tier (or three-tier depending on availability) air-conditioned sleeper (see Accommodation section for further information). The train from Varanasi to Delhi is the Vande Bharat Express booked in the A/C Chair Car, Executive Class. Game drives: In Ranthambore National Park, due to local restrictions enforced to limit the number of visitors to the park, tiger spotting is from a 22-seater open truck called a canter. These are licensed and usually allocated by the national park authorities; while our local contacts do their best to secure the most appropriate vehicles, we are unable to guarantee vehicle standards and maintenance and there may not be seatbelts available. Please note: Fog is common in December and January. Departures in these months may experience severe train delays or cancellations. If a severe delay occurs, the group will travel overnight on a private comfortable bus instead. In the rare event we can’t travel by bus or fly to arrive in Varanasi, we have an alternative itinerary in which we visit Bharatpur, Deeg Palace and Mathura.

Meals

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.

Accommodation

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) 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) 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) 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.

Guide

Our Indian team of leaders has proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Indian culture than letting an Indian guide show you around their country. During game drives, each vehicle is joined by a Forest Guard, a requirement by the local authorities. The Forest Guards are part of a national park initiative to generate employment for the nearby villages. They are skilled spotters and trackers so, though their English is sometimes very limited, they greatly improve the experience.

Not included:

Others

— Travel insurance — Visas and vaccinations — Single supplement

Flights

International flights are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

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Day 1 Day 1: Delhi; Transfer To Jaipur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Delhi; Transfer To Jaipur

Our adventure begins in Delhi, a thrumming city chock full of architectural masterpieces. Meet the group either at a named meeting point (normally the Florence Inn) 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)
Day 2 Day 2: City Tour Of The Jaipur Landmarks, Including The City Palace, Hawa Mahal And Amber Fort; Free Time To Explore (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: City Tour Of The Jaipur Landmarks, Including The City Palace, Hawa Mahal And Amber Fort; Free Time To Explore (Breakfast)

Built in the late 18th century, Jaipur is a planned city of broad avenues constructed of sandstone and later painted pink. On our city tour led by a local guide, we visit the City Palace in the centre of Jaipur, formerly the residence of the Maharaja, now a fine museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments and weapons. Close to the palace is one of the most intriguing sights in India, the observatory of Jai Singh. This is an assembly of immense astronomical instruments made of marble and brass set in a pleasant garden. We also see the impressive landmark, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). We then visit the hilltop Amber Fort, which sits above a lake a few miles from the main city. The grand 16th-century palace complex combines Hindu and Muslim design and is made from pale yellow and pink sandstone. After, the tour leader generally takes the group to a large shop, where a co-operative of local families sells their wares. Jaipur is a centre 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: 7 Apple Hotel - Jalmahal (or similar)
Day 3 Day 3: To Ranthambore; Afternoon Game Drive In Search Of The Elusive Tiger (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: To Ranthambore; Afternoon Game Drive In Search Of The Elusive Tiger (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.
Day 4 Day 4: Morning Game Drive; Drive To Agra Via Fatehpur Sikri (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Morning Game Drive; Drive To Agra Via Fatehpur Sikri (Breakfast,Lunch)

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)
Day 5 Day 5: Visit The Incredible Taj Mahal And Agra Fort; Overnight Train To Varanasi (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Visit The Incredible Taj Mahal And Agra Fort; Overnight Train To Varanasi (Breakfast)

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. Accommodation: Sleeper train
Day 6 Day 6: Relax And Enjoy The Wonders Of Varanasi (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Relax And Enjoy The Wonders Of Varanasi (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)
Day 7 Day 7: Dawn Boat Ride On The Ganges Visiting The Bathing Ghats; Afternoon Train To Delhi (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Dawn Boat Ride On The Ganges Visiting The Bathing Ghats; Afternoon Train To Delhi (Breakfast,Dinner)

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)
Day 8 Day 8: Delhi Free Day Or Optional Sightseeing (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Delhi Free Day Or Optional Sightseeing (Breakfast)

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)
Day 9 Day 9: End Delhi (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: End Delhi (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.

9 days tour

Highlights Of Northern India

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Highlights Of Northern India

Day 1: Delhi; Transfer To Jaipur

Day 2: City Tour Of The Jaipur Landmarks, Including The City Palace, Hawa Mahal And Amber Fort; Free Time To Explore (Breakfast)

Day 3: To Ranthambore; Afternoon Game Drive In Search Of The Elusive Tiger (Breakfast)

Day 4: Morning Game Drive; Drive To Agra Via Fatehpur Sikri (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 5: Visit The Incredible Taj Mahal And Agra Fort; Overnight Train To Varanasi (Breakfast)

Day 6: Relax And Enjoy The Wonders Of Varanasi (Breakfast)

Day 7: Dawn Boat Ride On The Ganges Visiting The Bathing Ghats; Afternoon Train To Delhi (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 8: Delhi Free Day Or Optional Sightseeing (Breakfast)

Day 9: End Delhi (Breakfast)

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