Cultural Highlights of Northern India

This private tour features beautiful landscapes, atmospheric towns, and renowned cultural destinations, including ancient temples, British colonial treasures, and an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s an ideal tour for first-time travelers to India who want a broad range of fascinating experiences in some of the country’s most intriguing places.

Begin in Delhi, the bustling capital of India. During private touring, experience highlights such as Humayun’s Tomb, the Lodi Gardens, and a rickshaw ride through the bazaars of Old Delhi, as well as upscale shopping districts.

Next, visit Varanasi (Benares), one of the oldest cities in the world and, as the spiritual center of the Hindu world, a major Indian pilgrimage site. Watch as believers congregate on the ghats (stone steps) along the banks of the holy Ganges River to perform ritual ablutions. Visit local villages and explore Varanasi’s old town, with its ancient universities and renowned silk shops. Also, take an excursion to Sarnath, believed to be the site of the Buddha’s first sermon. If desired, visit master silk weavers and enjoy a private recital in the home of a local musician.

Continue to Agra for a spellbinding visit to the Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest monument to love. Also visit Agra Fort and local markets. Stay in the lavish Oberoi Amarvilas in a room with an uninterrupted view of the Taj.

Next, transfer to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s great “Pink City,” visiting the centuries-old ruins at Fatehpur Sikri en route. See the rich architectural legacy of Jaipur’s merchants and maharajas (Hindu princes)—hill forts, palaces, the observatory, gardens, temples and havelis (courtyard mansions)—surrounded by stark desert. Ride an elephant to Amber Fort. Marvel at the luminous saris of indigenous tribal women and the bright turbans of Rajasthani men. Explore medieval backstreets and browse bazaars selling textiles, leatherwork, woodblock prints, perfume, jewelry and Jaipur’s traditional blue pottery.

Continue to Jaisalmer, an ancient city and hilltop fortress town that was once a major stop for silk and spice caravans. Tour the town and its sandstone backstreets, explore the fort, visit impressive Jain temples, and see the elaborately carved stone facades of havelis. One day, ride a camel across the Sam Sand Dunes.

Then, transfer to Jodhpur for a stay at the legendary Umaid Bhawan Palace, a sprawling Art Deco masterpiece. Tour Mehrangarh Fort, take in views over the blue houses of the old quarter and visit a nearby village to learn about local herbal remedies and indigenous crafts.

Fly to Udaipur, India's most romantic city, for three nights among the grand arches and courtyard gardens of the beautiful Oberoi Udaivilas. Cruise Lake Pichola and walk through picturesque backstreets, shop for local folk art, tour the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, the Saheliyon Ki Bari Garden, and browse the local bazaars. On a day excursion outside the city, tour the spectacular Jain temples of Ranakpur, where relief carvings cover every surface, including over 1,400 pillars.

The tour concludes with a night in Delhi.