Dive into the spirituality and beauty of Northern India, taking in the colossal waterfalls and deep jungle, opalescent temples and carved palaces, mystical rivers and ancient cities.
You’ll meet Buddhist monks, savour local cuisine, watch ancient ceremonies and walk time-worn streets. This sample itinerary follows a unique historical and cultural route, including immersive visits to Varanasi, Panna and Gwalior with stays in luxurious, hand-picked hotels.
Inspired? Tell us what you most want to see or do, and we’ll design a bespoke itinerary built around your own highlights.
Welcome to India. Soak up the colour and energy of Delhi as you’re driven to your hotel in a private car. You’ll have time here to relax and recharge after your flight before tomorrow’s adventures begin.
Stay at
Colonel’s Retreat
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In Old Delhi you’ll be wandering one of the largest mosques in India and weaving through bustling bazaars on the back of a rikshaw, while New Delhi promises the golden Sikh temple, Lutyen’s colonial architecture and a tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal.
Stay at
Colonel’s Retreat
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Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Humayun’s Tomb
Today you’re journeying south by train, travelling across a swathe of northern India, glimpsing the tapestry of landscapes and cultures that shape this region. After a short drive between Khajuraho and Panna, you’ll dip into the park on a nature walk
Stay at
Sarai at Toria
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Vande Bharat train journey, nature walk in Panna National Park
You’ll head out on two safari drives at either end of the day. Criss-crossing the park in an open-top jeep, you’ll pass steep gorges, thunderous waterfalls and serene lakes on the quest for tigers, hyaenas, deer and over 200 species of birdlife.
Stay at
Sarai at Toria
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Jeep safaris in Panna National Park x 2
An early safari drive as the morning light touches the tips of the Vindhyan Ranges and gently filters through the dense jungle. This afternoon you can spend time within local communities or drift along the Ken River on a boat.
Stay at
Sarai at Toria
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Jeep safari, local community excursion or Ken River trip
You’re heading northwest to Gwalior today, stopping midway to explore the medieval Bundela temples and cenotaphs that line the River Betwa at Orchha, before visiting the striking pearlescent Jain temples of Sonagriri and the perpetually uninhabited masterpiece of Datia Palace.
Stay at
Taj Usha Kiran Palace
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Orchha, Ram Raja Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Royal Chhatris, Jain temples of Sonagiri, Datia Palace.
Perched atop a sandstone outcrop, Gwalior Fort is a staggering site dating back to the 2nd century with multitudes of richly carved palaces, temples and sculptures. From here, you’ll visit Gwalior’s 11th century Sas Bahu Temples, a Sikh shrine and opulent palaces
Stay at
Taj Usha Kiran Palace
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Gwalior Fort, Jai Vilas Palace, Sas-Bahu Temples, Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhod
A morning train ride takes you to Agra, the city of Mughal architecture. You’ll explore the Red Fort, with its intricate carvings, grand designs and sweeping views before watching the sunset colours dance across the Taj Mahal’s marble façades.
Stay at
Tajview, Agra
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Red Fort, Taj Mahal at sunset
You’ll cut through the heart of northern India by train today, passing sleepy rural stations and fertile open plains of mustard, sugarcane and banana, arriving in Varanasi with time to experience the sensorial, mystical beauty of the River Ganges aarti ceremony.
Stay at
Nilay House
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Vande Bharat train, River Ganges aarti ceremony
A dawn drift along the Ganges, watching daily life awakening around the ghats, is followed by a meander through ancient Varanasi’s alleyways and temples, before sharing a traditional Thali lunch. You’ll visit Buddha’s first sermon spot at Sarnath and meet resident Buddhist monks
Stay at
Nilay House
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Sunrise boat trip on the River Ganges, guided walk around Varanasi, Sarnath visit, meeting with Buddhist monks
With your head and heart full of Northern India’s spectacular sights, you’ll be driven to Varanasi airport to board a flight to Delhi, where you’ll connect with your onward flight home.
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