North India Classic

Included

Accommodation in double/twin rooms at the hotels mentioned in the itinerary or equivalent for a total stay of 12 nights on a bed and breakafst basis (full board in Ranthambore). All arrival and departure transfers and drives in exclusive chauffeur driven air-conditioned car. English speaking guide for the sightseeing as per the above mentioned itinerary. Entrances for all the monuments mentioned in the above itinerary. Train ticket of express air-conditioned train from Delhi to Jaipur & Agra to Jhansi. Half day birding and boat ride at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary with English speaking Naturalist. Boat ride at Ganges in Varanasi. Economy class air-fare from Khajuraho to Varanasi and Varanasi to Delhi. Porterage. All currently applicable taxes.

Not included

Return flights to Delhi start from around £400 per person, depending on the time of year.

Is it for you?

This is an easy trip that does not require any particular special fitness. You stay in excellent hotels and should find this an in-depth and comprehensive itinerary at a relaxing pace.

Best time

The best time to travel on holiday in India is around October to mid-April. The monsoons season is normally from June to September. The temperature should range from a low of about 22°C to a high of 32°C.

Getting there

There are several daily flights direct from London to Delhi.

Duration: 13 days

1. Day 1:
   Arrive in Delhi. Met and transferred to your hotel. The Imperial.
2. Day 2:
   A full day’s guided tour of Old and New Delhi. Overnight at The Imperial.
3. Day 3:
   Transfer to station. Fast train to Jaipur. PM guided tour of Jaipur. Overnight at the Samode Haveli.
4. Day 4:
   A full day’s guided tour of Jaipur including Amber Fort. Overnight at the Samode Haveli.
5. Day 5:
   You will be driven to Ranthambore (4 hours). Afternoon game drive in Ranthambore National Park. Overnight at Khem Villas.
6. Day 6:
   Morning and afternoon game drives in Ranthmabore National Park. Overnight at Khem Villas.
7. Day 7:
   Morning game drive. Take the afternoon train to Bharatpur, from where it is a 1 hour drive to Agra, visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route. Overnight at Amar Villas.
8. Day 8:
   A full day tour of Agra, including the famous Taj Mahal. Overnight at Amar Villas.
9. Day 9:
   Train to Jhansi and then drive to Khajaraho (4 hours). Afternoon guided tour of temple complex. Overnight at Lalit Temple View.
10. Day 10:
    Morning visit to temples, then fly to Varanasi. Overnight at the Gateway Hotel Ganges.
11. Day 11:
    A full day’s guided sightseeing in Varanasi including boat ride at dawn on the River Ganges and afternoon visit to see the Aarti Ceremony. Overnight at the Gateway Hotel Ganges.
12. Day 12:
    Free morning in Varanasi. Afternoon flight to Delhi. Overnight at The Imperial.
13. Day 12:
    Transfer to airport for flight home.

Suggested accommodation
Delhi - The Imperial (Imperial Room) 3 nights
Jaipur - Samode Haveli (Deluxe Room) 2 nights
Ranthmbore - Khem Villas (Cottage) 2 nights
Agra - Amar Vilas (Deluxe Room) 2 nights
Khajuraho - Lalit Temple View (Garden View Room) 1 night
Varanasi - Gateway Hotel Ganges (Standard Room) 2 nights