North India Revealed

Days 1-2  Delhi  
Arrive into Delhi and transfer to your hotel. Later this evening meet your fellow travellers at a welcome meeting. Take a guided tour and explore Old Delhi the next morning, experience the chaos of an Indian traffic Jam as you inch you way through the streets in a traditional cycle rickshaw. Visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest Mosque. Board your overnight train to Jaisalmer this evening.                

Days 3-5  Delhi to Jaisalmer              
Transfer to your hotel upon arrival into Jaisalmer around midday. Embark on a camel safari into the sand dunes of the Thar Desert, enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner while you relax and watch the sunset. Rise early the next day for sunrise over the sand dunes, ride back to the starting point and then take a jeep to the city. Day 5 is a free day to explore Jaisalmer.      

Days 6-7  Jaisalmer to Jodhpur  
Take the train across the desert to the blue city of Jodhpur. Enjoy a walk to see the sights, including a visit to one of the oldest markets in India, the Sadar Bazaar. The next day there is the option to visit the colossal Mehrangarh Fort, explore the palaces, galleries and artillery inside the fortress walls.      

Days 8-10  Jodhpur to Udaipur              
Board a local bus this morning to Udaipur. Set amid the Aravali Hills, Udaipur curls around a huge lake. On arrival take an orientation walk to gather your bearings, discover twisting alleyways filled with shops and bazaars selling silver jewellery, shoes, bags, leather goods, and miniature paintings. There will be plenty of free time to explore Udaipur, enjoy a short boat ride on the famous Lake Pichola or visit the City Palace.                

Days 11-12  Udaipur to Pushkar      
Travel by Train to Ajmer then onto Pushkar by private transfer. Head out to explore the town on a walking tour, exploring the main bazaar along the way. Take a walk around Pushkar’s lake and past the bustling ghats. Hike up the hill to the Savitiri Temple the next morning for sunrise views over the town. Enjoy a steaming cup of tea once at the top.        

Days 13-14  Pushkar to Jaipur      
Transfer back to Ajmer by local bus to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur today. Explore Rajasthan’s capital on a walking tour. See the Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal), the evening is free to spend at leisure. The next day is free for optional activities. Enjoy a hot air balloon experience or visit the Amber Fort, maybe watch a Bollywood movie at a classic cinema.      

Day 15  Jaipur to Abhaneri          
Head to Abhaneri, 2 hours away from Jaipur a rural town known for its ‘baoris’ step-wells which were invented long ago to harvest rainwater. Visit the 10th Century Chand Baori, one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Rajasthan.              

Days 16-17  Abhaneri to Varanasi        
Journey east to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri, rich in Mughal heritage, Agra is a city of gardens, temples and open rooftops. Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and explore the spectacular Red Fort. If time permits take a trip to Akbar’s Mausoleum to pay your respects to the great emperor. In the evening take an overnight train to Varanasi.      

Days 18-20  Varanasi          
On arrival in the morning transfer to your hotel. Wander through narrow alleyways, on a walking tour of the Old City. At sunset take a boat cruise down the Ganges, releasing an offering of floating candles and flowers into the river. An early start the next day is recommended for a sunrise boat trip along the Ganges passing pilgrims along the colourful ghats. The rest of the day is at leisure, maybe take a trip to Sarnath where Buddha gave his first speech after finding enlightenment. In the afternoon of the day 20 board your final overnight train back to Delhi.                

Days 21-22  Varanasi to Delhi        
Arrive into Delhi late afternoon, the rest of the day is at leisure. Your tour comes to an end the next day and can depart for your onward journey at any time.