Mughal monuments, Rajput palaces and two of India's holiest river towns, Varanasi and Rishikesh, in ten days.
This journey adds India's spiritual side to the Golden Triangle. After Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, you fly to Varanasi on the Ganges for the evening aarti and a sunrise boat ride, then finish in the foothills of the Himalayas at Rishikesh.
It is a full trip with two internal flights and one longer road day, so we plan the order around current flight schedules when you send your dates.
Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel. If you arrive in good time, an afternoon visit to Humayun's Tomb.
A full day with your guide: Jama Masjid and a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, the Raj-era buildings of New Delhi and India Gate, and Qutub Minar. You can include Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the Sikh temple whose kitchen serves free meals to all visitors.
Morning drive to Agra. In the afternoon, visit Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah, then watch the Taj Mahal at sunset from Mehtab Bagh across the river.
The Taj Mahal at opening time, then breakfast and the drive to Jaipur, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri on the way.
Amber Fort in the morning, then the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal. Free time in the old city bazaars, known for block-printed textiles, gemstones and blue pottery.
Transfer to Jaipur airport for your flight. In Varanasi, your guide meets you and in the evening walks you to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the Ganga aarti, the fire ceremony performed every night on the river steps.
Before dawn, take a rowing boat along the ghats as the city wakes up: bathers, priests, washermen and the cremation fires at Manikarnika. Walk back through the old lanes. In the afternoon, visit Sarnath, where the Buddha preached his first sermon, and its museum.
A slower morning, then your flight back to Delhi. The evening is free; we can suggest restaurants or a market walk.
Travel north to Rishikesh by road, or by the morning train to Haridwar and then a short drive. Walk across the river by the Ram Jhula suspension bridge and attend the evening aarti at the riverside ashrams.
An optional yoga session or a walk along the river, then the drive back to Delhi for your hotel or onward flight.
Travel times are approximate. Every day can be changed to suit you.
Typical inclusions for this tour. Your quote confirms exactly what is included for your dates and choices.
You travel in a private, air-conditioned car with an English-speaking driver, used only by your group. Sedans suit one or two travellers; SUVs and larger vehicles are available for families and groups.
An English-speaking local guide joins you at the main sights in each city. Guides in other languages, such as Spanish, French or German, can often be arranged on request.
Choose comfortable, superior, luxury or heritage hotels. We suggest options for each city with your quote, or you can book your own hotels and use only our car, driver and guides.
The price depends on the number of travellers, your dates, the hotels you choose and any changes to the itinerary, so we quote each trip individually. Send an inquiry and we will reply with availability, the exact inclusions and a price for your group.
Nothing is booked until you confirm. Payment terms and cancellation charges are set out in your written confirmation; see our cancellation policy for the standard terms.
Yes. Without Rishikesh this becomes an eight-day trip, or you can use the extra days for Ranthambore, Udaipur or more time in Varanasi.
Yes, with a guide. The old city is crowded and intense, and the cremation ghats are confronting for some visitors. Your guide helps you understand what you see and keeps the pace comfortable.
No. We can book them as part of your trip, or you can book them yourself and we plan transfers around your times.
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will reply with availability and a price for the 10-Day North India Cultural Tour, adjusted to suit you.
6 nights / 7 days
The Golden Triangle followed by Varanasi's evening aarti and a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges.
Price on request, quoted for your group
11 nights / 12 days
Our most complete North India journey: the Taj Mahal, Rajasthan's royal cities and the ghats of Varanasi.
Price on request, quoted for your group
4 nights / 5 days
The classic Delhi, Agra and Jaipur circuit at an easy pace, with the Taj Mahal at sunrise and a full day in Jaipur.
Price on request, quoted for your group
