15-Day NORTHERN INDIA HIGHLIGHTS

Trip Brief
Northern India Highlights
Suggested 15-day Journey experiencing the magic of Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal & Varanasi
(Private Guide & Driver – as you wish)
Departure date to suit you
India, it is often said, is not a country, but a continent. Stretching from the frozen summits of the
Himalaya to the tropical greenery of Kerala, its expansive borders encompass an incomparable
range of landscapes, cultures and people. Walk the streets of any Indian city and you’ll rub
shoulders with representatives of several of the world’s great faiths, a multitude of castes and
outcastes, fair-skinned, turbanned Punjabis and dark-skinned Tamils. You’ll also encounter temple
rituals that have been performed since the time of the Egyptian Pharaohs, onion-domed mosques
erected centuries before the Taj Mahal was ever dreamt of, and quirky echoes of the British Raj on
virtually every corner.
Many first time visits are focused on Rajasthan with good reason: from the opulent palace hotels,
ancient forts, palaces and proximity to Delhi and Agra - home to the Taj Mahal, famous monument
of love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Some of the unique highlights in this itinerary include a variety of palace accommodation, a local
cuisine cooking class and dinner with a local family. This itinerary can be booked as is, or
alternatively used as a starting point for Wandering the World to create your own tailor made trip.
It can be tailored for individual travellers or groups of 2 – 12.
Day by Day Itinerary
ARRIVE DELHI (Day 1/Night 1)
On your arrival at Delhi International Airport you are met by our local representative and escorted
to your selected hotel, to relax before immersing yourself in the incredible and amazing India.
At your leisure you will be guided through the fascinating city of Delhi. First a drive to Humayun’s
Tomb, which is one of the oldest examples of Moghul architecture - a precursor to the Taj Mahal. It
was built in 1565 A.D. nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam.
Inside the walled enclosure the most notable features are the garden squares (chaharbagh) with
pathways, water channels and a centrally located well proportioned mausoleum topped by
double dome.
From here to the 73 metre Qutab Minar, located in Mehrauli in South Delhi. It is the world’s tallest
brick minaret and a wonderful example of Indo-Islamic architecture. It was built in 1193 with five
distinct stories, each covered with intricate carvings and writings from the Koran. There are several
other sights of historical interest in the immediate vicinity, including India’s first mosque, the
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, and the Ashokan pillar, a 7.2 metre wrought iron column believed to be
at least 1600 years old and marking the former site of a Jain temple.
After lunch your tour takes you by the President House and Parliament House and then to Raj Path,
via the India Gate. This 42 metre high, towering archway is the centerpiece of Delhi. A war
memorial commemorating the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army
during World War I. It is surrounded by pristine lawns that are a favorite picnic spot for locals during
winter days and summer evenings. Hawkers peddle ice creams and Delhi’s famous street food. A
great time to visit is at night, when the 91-year-old arch glows under the floodlights. Also on site is
the Amar Jawan Jyoti, an eternal flame commemorating the soldiers who died during the IndoPakistan war of 1971.
(Meals Including: Breakfast)
AGRA (Day 2/Night 2)
Today’s destination is Agra, the city that houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Taj
Mahal. After settling in your hotel, you visit the incredible Red Fort of Agra and the markets during
the day. Red Fort, Agra is an imposing edifice built by Emperor Akbar and his future generations in
the 16th and the 17th century. However, it is most famous for the room where Shahjehan was put
under house arrest and where he died looking at the monument he made for his beloved. Its
intricate palaces viz. Jehangiri Mahal, Hall of public audience Diwan-e-aam and the Diwan-e-khas
are all beautiful. We end the day with a sunset visit to the most famous monument of love, Taj
Mahal, which is today the acme of architectural excellence in the world. Built by Emperor
Shahjehan in 1631 for his wife Mumtaj, it is an experience people don’t forget in their lifetime. It is
the place where both Shahjehan and his beloved are buried in peace and where their immortal
love story is witnessed by thousands of people every day.
(Meals Including: Breakfast)
KARAULI (Day 3/Night 3)
Today from Agra the first stop is the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. This magnificent ghost town was
the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585. Built during the reign of Emperor Akbar it
was abandoned shortly after his death due to a lack of available water. It is then onwards to
Karauli, to arrive mid-afternoon. Karauli is a 600-year-old city founded by Yaduvanshi Rajput kings descendents of Lord Krishna. The main temple of Karauli is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Tonight you
have the opportunity to stay in a sprawling palace belonging to the family that once ruled Karauli.
Bhanwar Vilas Palace was built as a royal residence in 1938 by Maharaja Ganesh Pal Deo Bahadur
when he was the ruler of Karauli. The palace is designed in a colonial style and the interiors are
furnished in Art Deco period furniture. It is a memorable experience being in a part of the country
that sees very few tourists. Everything seems to have an air of authenticity about it as you join the
local people going about their everyday life.
The City Palace is a real highlight with the fort and the palace being the official residence of the
royal family of Karauli until 1938. This amazing structure features impressive archways and
interconnecting rooms, many of them colourfully painted with frescoes. Many of the buildings in
Karauli feature distinctive pale red sandstone in their construction. You can also explore an organic
dairy, various farms and a campus school being run by the former royal family. As well as
experiencing ‘aarti’ - a religious ritual conducted by the family members each evening.
(Meals Including: Breakfast)
JAIPUR (Day 4/Night 4)
Today’s drive is to Jaipur, the heritage pink city which has been the capital of the erstwhile Jaipur
State since its inception in 1727 AD. It gets the name from its founder Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II,
who was not only a great ruler but also a renowned mathematician and astrologer and his various
talents are clearly exhibited in the city. Vidhydhar Bhattacharya designed Jaipur as per the Hindu
treatise, ShilpShastra. Today Jaipur is not only significant for its various forts and palaces but is also a
trading center for jewellery, gem and precious stones, textiles, carpets, blue pottery etc. After
relaxing for a while the next stop is to visit the City Palace. The City Palace is an amazing complex
with various courtyards and connecting buildings as well as fascinating museums displaying royal
costumes and weaponry. Part of the palace is closed to visitors, as it is still the residence of the royal
family. The most memorable features of the visit are sure to include the impressively colourful gates
the courtyard known as Pitan Niwas Chowk and the incredible moustaches worn by the palace
guards. From there a walk to Jantar Mantar the Observatory in the compounds of the Palace is an
early 18th century Observatory built by the king to observe the astronomical movements. The
various brick instruments at the observatory show the person’s foresightedness and intelligence par
excellence.
(Meals Including: Breakfast)
JAIPUR (Day 5/Night 5)
A morning drive to the old Capital of the Kachhawah rulers, Amber or the Fort of Amber. Amber is
located at a distance of 11 kilometres from Jaipur and was the old fort of the Kachhwah clan of
Amber, which used to be the capital, till it was moved to Jaipur. The fort is built with white marble
and red sandstone and looks even more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground.
The attractions at the Fort include the famous Hall of Mirrors and the Hall of Victory. The Diwan-ekhas and the Fore Square of the Fort are also marvelous. While coming back to Jaipur city enroute
it is well worth a visit to the most famous landmark of Jaipur, The Hawamahal or the Palace of
Winds, a whimsical façade built by the kings for the queens to be able to witness the royal
processions in olden days, while still remaining in ‘purdah’. Afternoon is free to relax or explore the
local market. In the evening before sunset, there is a chance to take an elephant ride into the
forest at Dera Amber and dine at a romantic setting while folk dancers regale us in truly Rajasthani
style.
(Meals Including: Breakfast)
SHAHPURA (Day 6/Night 6)
After breakfast, a drive into the countryside to the small village of Shahpura. Perhaps because it
doesn’t feature in tourist guides, this village has been left largely untouched by tourism. At
Shahpura Bagh, there is a rare opportunity to enjoy the privilege to overnight at a heritage lodge
that was once the summer residence of the Rulers of Shahpura. Legend has it that, in the early
1900’s, Rajadhiraj Nahar Singh of Shahpura mortgaged the family’s private property and jewels to
bring water to his people. You will truly understand when you first glimpse the magnificent artificial
lakes that changed the ecosystem and economy of this agrarian community. In 1971 the Indian
Constitution was amended in favor of a more egalitarian society, so all royal titles and privileges
were officially abolished. With or without their titles, the Royal Family of Shahpura did not forget their
obligations to the village, refurbishing the Summer Residence as an eco-tourism destination,
employing local craftsmen and villagers in operating this beautiful lodge, which is also their home.
Their family tradition of philanthropy is well and alive, leading the local communities in working on
sustainable education and irrigation projects. The afternoon is at leisure.
(Meals Including: Breakfast)
SHAHPURA (Day 7/Night 7)
Today do as little or as much as you choose. Go on a nature walk in search of exotic bird life (over
180 species), or enjoy a cup of chai with the lovely Maya Singh in the library. Late in the afternoon,
enjoy a jeep safari to visit the heart of villages where tradition centuries old still permeate life styles.
Witness the rituals & local practices of the people of this town first hand. Brightly attired men and
women carry on their chores and one can catch a glimpse of their norms and customs. In the
evening you have a chance put on an apron to undertake a cooking class learning of the
traditional local cuisine and the various herbs and spices that make the flavoursome Indian
delicacies.
(Meals Including: Breakfast & Dinner)
JODHPUR (Day 8/ Night 8)
Your drive today ends in the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, Jodhpur. The city is
situated at the edge of the Thar Desert and was founded by the Rajput chief Rao Jodha in 1459. It
is surrounded by a 10-kilometre-long wall with eight gates serving as entrances. The new city is
settled around this walled area. There are about a hundred towers in the city, most of which are
surrounded by defensive battlements. Jodhpur is also referred to as "The Blue Town of Rajasthan".
Once the capital of the powerful kingdom of Marwar, Rajasthan’s largest princely state, this is the
land of the valiant Rathore kings, whose courage was a match for the tyranny of the Thar Desert.
Dotted with palaces, havelis, temples and houses washed pale blue; the city and its people live
under the watchful gaze of the imposing Meherangarh Fort. Jodhpur's heart beats in its crowded
bazaars, in the maze of jumbled lanes, in the warmth and hospitality of a hardy desert people.
After lunch there is time to relax before setting off on a jeep safari into the desert. Travel through
the surrounding villages, visiting the families of Bishnois, the community that lives on 29 eco-friendly
commandments given by its founder. For hundreds of years the respect for and preservation of all
animal species and for growing vegetation has been the core of their beliefs. You will also visit the
Prajapat Weavers, who weave exquisite flat-woven cotton rugs known as durries as well as the
Meghawas Potters.
(Meals Including: Breakfast)
JODHPUR (Day 9/Night 9)
This morning starts with a guided walk to explore parts of the Blue City; a kaleidoscope of colours, of
ceaseless activity, people, shops, stalls, fine buildings, temples, bicycles, holy cows, rickshaws, buses
and markets make up some of the passing scene, we visit the Meherangarh Fort, the most famous
landmark of Jodhpur. Straddling the rocky crevices it rears up high, its sheer walls reflect the
strength of its warrior builders. The museum within the fort is one of the finest in Rajasthan; it displays
royal apparel, ancient paintings and manuscripts, fabled treasures of the royal household and an
armoury. On the road down from the fort, the splash of blinding white marble on the left is Jaswant
Thada, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II's cenotaph. There’s a little free time to explore the city on your
own. In the evening another chance to enrich your visit to India, by dining with a local family,
before returning to your hotel.
(Meals Including: Breakfast & Dinner)
UDAIPUR (Day 10/Night 10)
After breakfast you head to Udaipur, one of the most famous cities in India, and sometimes referred
to as the City of Lakes. Along the way you visit the Ranakpur Jain Temple, famous for its excellent
sculptures and architecture. Surrounded by the Aravali Hills and located on the banks of Magai
River this grand and gigantic four-facet structure was erected in the 14th Century.It is three-storied,
102 feet high and spread over an area of 48,000 square feet.
The City of Lakes, Udaipur is a lovely blend of water and lush green hills. Its palaces are straight out
of a fairy-tale book. The lakes, forts, temples, gardens, mountains and narrow lanes lined with stalls,
overlooked by the breathtaking City Palace; relive the reminiscences of a heroic past, replete with
valor and chivalry.
Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichola is breathtaking. Udaipur is one of the most
romantic cities of the world, also known as the Venice of the East. Rana Udai Singh founded the
city in 1568, after the Mughal Emperor Akbar sacked his citadel - Chittorgarh. Legend has it that
Udai Singh was guided by a holy man, meditating on the hill near Pichola Lake, to establish his
capital on this very spot. Surrounded by the Aravali Ranges, forests and lakes, this city is today one
of the most enjoyable in the whole circuit. Evening at leisure or you have an option to enjoy a
cultural dance show at Bagore ki Haveli.
(Meals Including: Breakfast)
UDAIPUR (Day 11/Night 11)
In the morning enjoy a tour of the City Palace and the Jagdish Temple. The City Palace, which
towers over the Pichola Lake, was founded by Udai Singh, the founder of the city, but was added
to by every ruler who ruled Udaipur. Thus, today it is a marvel in blended architecture and you can
witness the different influences – from the old traditional balconies and courtyards to the latter
influence of Mughal Architecture. The Badi Mahal, the Mor Chowk (The Peacock Courtyard), the
Krishna Vilas and the Mirror Palace are some of the jewels in the Palace.
The Jagdish Temple is a towering edifice in marble, right in the heart of the city. With beautiful
sculptures and a black marble Statue of Vishnu (the preserver), this temple is a true example of the
Indo Aryan Style of Architecture. Also see the Saheliyon Ki Bari or the Garden of Maids with its
numerous fountains and beautifully laid out gardens, designed for the Queens and the Ladies of
the Palace, take a boat cruise in the afternoon on the lake and enjoy the Venice of the East
perspective of the city.
(Meals Including: Breakfast)
VARANSI (Day 12/Night)
An early start this morning to transfer to the airport and fly to Varanasi, the great pilgrimage city on
the River Ganges, holy to Hindus and Buddhists alike. Varanasi is undoubtedly the essence of
Hinduism, the oldest and the holiest of all pilgrim places of India. As the sacred river Ganga flows
from the snow-clad Himalayas into the vast plains; half way between Delhi and Calcutta it curves
into a gentle crescent and along the crescent is the city of Varanasi. Said to be the first created
spot on earth, Varanasi has been in existence for thousands of years. Varanasi is the city that
enshrines the very essence of Hinduism. Varanasi is also the biggest silk weaving centre with more
than a hundred thousand people surviving on this art. On arrival you will be greeted by our local
representative and transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon you visit the Bharat Mata Temple and take a walking tour in the old city before
boarding on a boat to witness the grand Aarti ceremony on the holy Ghats of the Ganges River, a
solemn tradition and slice of India’s ancient culture. Join the mass of worshippers as they pray near
the water by the light of open flames, the scent of incense filling the air.
(Meals Including: Breakfast)
VARANSI (Day 13/Night 13)
Today is undoubtedly one of the highlights! The memorable boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise. The
oldest living town of the country, also known as Kashi or the city of lights, this holiest of holy places
for the Hindus is where people come for salvation and to wash their sins by taking a dip in the holy
Ganges, these images will be with you for a lifetime.
From there you return to the hotel for breakfast, which is then followed by a Heritage walk. The
evening is complete with a visit to Sarnath, the birthplace of Buddhism, where Lord Buddha
preached his first sermon. It houses the archeological ruins of a Buddhist Monastery and the
Dhamek Stupa. It also has various Buddhist temples being maintained by various governments of
the world and an archeological museum well worth a visit.
(Meals Including: Breakfast)
DELHI (Day 14/Night 14)
A morning transfer to the airport to take your return flight to Delhi. A full day at your leisure, with
plenty of choice for last minute shopping and wandering through the fascinating streets of Delhi
(Meals Including: Breakfast)
DELHI (Day 15)
Your driver will transfer you to the airport. Although your journey to India comes to an end, the
exploration of this impressive continent will be a lasting memory.
Wandering the World hope you have had a journey of a lifetime and welcome your choice to
wander with us again.
(Meals Including: Breakfast)
The full cost of the Northern India Highlight trip, is available upon request. Accommodation, private
guide, private driver, self-guided, group size, internal flights, transfers, meals and other inclusions will
be significant factors in determining the per person price. A deposit of 20% is required at the time of
booking.
To book this trip or tailor to suit your own requirements, please email your enquiry to Jane Reed at
[email protected] or Glenyce Johnson at [email protected]
or phone + 61 402 910 552.
Full booking conditions are available upon request.