Tour Overview
Follow a 15-day route through North and Central India, from Delhi’s lively lanes to Rajasthan’s forts and village traditions, the forests of Ranthambore and the riverfront rituals of Varanasi. This journey combines royal architecture, local crafts, regional flavours and wildlife.
Along the way, explore Neemrana and Shahpura, Jaipur and Sanganer, Chand Baori and Fatehpur Sikri, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, Orchha’s palaces and Khajuraho’s carved temples. Train journeys connect Agra with Jhansi and Khajuraho with Varanasi, before a flight returns you to Delhi.
Tour Highlights
Palaces & living crafts
Neemrana, Jaipur’s royal landmarks and Sanganer’s block printing.
Ranthambore safaris
Morning and afternoon wildlife drives with a naturalist.
Mughal & Bundela treasures
The Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Orchha and Khajuraho.
The Ganges at dawn
A sunrise boat ride, Varanasi’s temples and an excursion to Sarnath.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Delhi
- Meet your representative at Delhi International Airport and transfer to your hotel.
- Check in and settle in for the start of your journey.
Overnight: Delhi
Day 2
Old Delhi & New Delhi
- After breakfast, visit Laxminarayan Temple and India Gate. Drive past Parliament House, the Secretariat Buildings and Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- Explore Qutub Minar, then visit Jama Masjid in Old Delhi.
- Experience Chandni Chowk and a rickshaw ride. Stop for photographs outside the Red Fort and visit Raj Ghat.
Overnight: Delhi
Day 3
Delhi → Neemrana → Shahpura
- After breakfast, drive towards Shahpura, stopping at Neemrana Fort Palace in the Aravalli Hills.
- Explore the restored heritage fort, its terraces and royal architecture.
- Continue to Shahpura and check in at your hotel.
Overnight: Shahpura
Day 4
Shahpura → Jaipur & Sanganer
- Enjoy breakfast before travelling to Jaipur and checking in.
- In the afternoon, visit Sanganer, known for traditional block printing, handmade paper and finely carved Jain temple exteriors. Temple access is restricted.
Overnight: Jaipur
Day 5
Amber Fort & the Pink City
- After breakfast, explore Amber Fort, including the Diwan-i-Aam, Kali Temple, Jai Mandir and Sukh Niwas.
- Visit Jaipur’s City Palace and Mubarak Mahal, with its royal textiles, costumes and armoury, and the audience halls.
- Explore Jantar Mantar and stop for photographs at Hawa Mahal.
Overnight: Jaipur
Day 6
Jaipur → Chokhi Dhani → Ranthambore
- Travel towards Ranthambore with a visit to Chokhi Dhani.
- Experience Rajasthan’s village traditions through folk dance, live music, regional cuisine, camel and bullock-cart rides, and the Kalagram handicraft marketplace.
- Continue to Ranthambore and check in. The visit sequence will be confirmed around travel and opening times.
Overnight: Ranthambore
Day 7
Ranthambore wildlife safaris
- Head into Ranthambore National Park for morning and afternoon safaris with a naturalist.
- Look for Bengal tigers, deer, nilgai, wild boar, crocodiles and the park’s varied birdlife. Sightings depend on wildlife movement.
- Return to the hotel between drives; lunch and dinner are included during the Ranthambore stay.
Overnight: Ranthambore
Day 8
Ranthambore → Abhaneri → Fatehpur Sikri → Agra
- After breakfast, travel to Agra via Chand Baori at Abhaneri, known for its striking geometric tiers of steps.
- Explore Fatehpur Sikri, including Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas and the royal palaces.
- Continue to Agra and check in.
Overnight: Agra
Day 9
Agra’s marble & sandstone masterpieces
- Visit the Taj Mahal and admire its marble craftsmanship and setting beside the Yamuna.
- Explore Agra Fort, including its palace and audience-hall complexes, Musamman Burj and Jahangir’s Palace.
- Visit Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, often called the Baby Taj, with its marble inlay and lattice screens.
Overnight: Agra
Day 10
Agra → Jhansi by train → Orchha
- Transfer to Agra Cantt station for the Vande Bharat Express to Jhansi. Meet your representative and continue by road to Orchha.
- Explore Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and its murals, Ram Raja Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple and Lakshminarayan Temple.
- Dinner in Orchha is planned in the programme; confirm it in your final meal plan.
Overnight: Orchha
Day 11
Orchha → Khajuraho
- After breakfast, drive to Khajuraho and check in.
- Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the surroundings.
Overnight: Khajuraho
Day 12
Khajuraho’s temple artistry
- Explore the Western and Eastern Groups of Khajuraho temples.
- Visit Kandariya Mahadev, Chaunsat Yogini, Devi Jagdambe and Chitragupta temples.
- Discover the Jain and Hindu shrines of the Eastern Group, including Parsvanath, Adinatha, Ghantai and Vamana.
Overnight: Khajuraho
Day 13
Khajuraho → Varanasi by train
- Transfer to Khajuraho railway station for the Vande Bharat Express to Varanasi.
- Meet your representative on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Train details will be confirmed for your dates.
Overnight: Varanasi
Day 14
Varanasi at sunrise & Sarnath
- Take an early-morning boat ride on the Ganges to see the riverfront ghats and daily rituals. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, subject to applicable entry rules.
- Return for breakfast, then visit Bharat Mata, Durga and Tulsi Manas temples, and view the New Vishwanath Temple at Banaras Hindu University.
- Explore the BHU campus and museum and the mosque associated with Emperor Aurangzeb.
- Visit Sarnath’s Dhamekh Stupa, monastery ruins, Ashoka Pillar remains and archaeological museum.
- Attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony in Varanasi, with timing arranged locally.
Overnight: Varanasi
Day 15
Varanasi → Delhi & onward departure
- Transfer to Varanasi Airport for your flight to Delhi.
- On arrival, transfer for your onward international departure. Domestic and international airfares are excluded.
Your Stay · 14 Nights
Choose the 4-star or 5-star hotel option. Properties are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar hotels.
Delhi · 2 nights
4-star option: Hans Plaza, Royal Plaza or similar
5-star option: Le Meridien, The Park or similar
Shahpura · 1 night
4-star option: Shahpura House
5-star option: Shahpura House
Jaipur · 2 nights
4-star option: Lemon Tree, Fern Residency or similar
5-star option: Indana Palace, Holiday Inn or similar
Ranthambore · 2 nights
4-star option: Nahargarh, Jas Vilas Resort or similar
5-star option: Tigress, Fort Barwara or similar
Agra · 2 nights
4-star option: Howard Plaza, Holiday Inn or similar
5-star option: Trident, Taj Convention or similar
Orchha · 1 night
4-star option: Orchha Palace, Orchha Mahal
5-star option: Orchha Palace, Orchha Mahal
Khajuraho · 2 nights
4-star option: Golden Tulip, Bundela Resort or similar
5-star option: Radisson Jass, Ramada or similar
Varanasi · 2 nights
4-star option: The Amaya, HHI or similar
5-star option: Ramada, Radisson or similar
What's Included
Included
- 14 nights in the hotels listed or similar, subject to availability.
- Daily breakfast; full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) in Ranthambore.
- Air-conditioned vehicle for transfers, sightseeing and excursions.
- Local English-speaking guides during scheduled sightseeing.
- Morning and afternoon Ranthambore safaris with a naturalist.
- Ganges boat ride, Delhi rickshaw ride and Varanasi Aarti ceremony.
- Air-conditioned Chair Car train tickets: Agra–Jhansi and Khajuraho–Varanasi.
- Entrance fees for monuments in the programme and applicable hotel and government taxes.
Not Included
- International and domestic airfares, including Varanasi–Delhi.
- Entry visa and travel or cancellation insurance.
- Tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff.
- Lunches, dinners and beverages except meals specifically included.
- Camera and video fees at monuments.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and minibar.
- Services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.