Highlights of Northern India

Our adventure begins in Delhi, a thrumming city chock full of architectural masterpieces and spice-crammed street food. We’ll gather for the first time at the start hotel (normally the Florence Inn) before departing for Jaipur, a drive which may take between five and seven hours depending upon traffic. Accommodation: Fort Chandragupt (or similar)

Built in the late 18th century, Jaipur is a planned city of broad avenues built of sandstone and painted pink at a later stage. We visit the City Palace in the centre of Jaipur, formerly the residence of the Maharaja, now a fine museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments and weapons. Close to the palace is one of the most intriguing sights in India, the observatory of Jai Singh. This is an assembly of immense astronomical instruments made of marble and brass set in a pleasant garden. We will also see Jaipur's impressive landmark, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. We then visit the splendid Amber Fort, a few miles from the main city, which rises above a lake. Jaipur is a centre of many handicrafts, including durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherwear. It will be difficult to leave a workshop without buying anything. Accommodation: Fort Chandragupt (or similar)

We wind through the villages of rural India to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (approximately a five-hour drive); staying in a hotel not far from the park entrance we're well located for our afternoon game drive into the park. Ranthambore is one of the reserves set up by Project Tiger, a government-backed conservation programme. There was initial success, but poaching has drastically reduced the tiger population here and the chance of spotting one is small; however, many Exodus groups have seen tigers over the last few years. There is other wildlife to spot including several deer species, crocodiles, and bird life including purple herons, kingfishers, cormorants, parakeets and partridges. Accommodation: Raj Palace Resort (or similar)

This morning, before we start our journey to Agra we head to a small rural village. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit a local family’s home, observing where they prepare their meals, visit a small-hold where the cattle are looked after and have a go with the locals at running the machine for cattle feed. It’s a rewarding cultural exchange, interacting with the local villagers as you stroll around and get an insight into Indian life outside of the bustling cities. After a picnic lunch at the village, we go onwards to Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar's deserted royal city. This impressive and well-preserved citadel became his capital in 1571, after the blessing of a local Moslem holy man correctly predicted the birth of a longed-for son: his successor, the Emperor Jehangir. The mosque, designed to hold 10,000 worshippers; the palaces; residences; and halls of audience are all made of decorative red sandstone. But this magnificence only lasted 14 years. In 1584, Akbar left Fatehpur Sikri to secure his outlying territories, leaving this city much as we see it today – in perfect condition. We arrive in Agra early evening, this is another very full but rewarding day. The total driving time is approximately seven hours. Accommodation: Pushp Villa (or similar)

Today we wake early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, which was built by the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first-time visitor; the white marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun and is matched by the rich interior detail. Within striking distance is the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of Emperor Akbar’s sons and successors: Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It is here that the latter spent his last years, imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb. Later in the day, we will transfer to Agra train station and join the overnight sleeper train to Varanasi. Accommodation: Sleeper train

We arrive in Varanasi in the morning and transfer to our hotel. On the river Ganges, Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in India and stands at the centre of the Hindu universe. As such, the city lives and breathes Hinduism: there are thousands of pilgrims, wandering holy men (Sadhus), religious elders and casual visitors. It is a city to immerse yourself in: explore the maze of narrow lanes and many temples and watch the Hindu ceremonies that take place around the clock. There is time to visit emporiums specialising in silks and brocades or maybe take a massage by the river banks. In the afternoon, we can take an optional visit to nearby Sarnath Temple. Sarnath is as sacred to Buddhists as Varanasi is to Hindus. The main monument at Sarnath is the Dhamekh Stupa, the very spot where Buddha is "believed to have given his first sermon. Amid natural surroundings, lies also the Archaeological Museum; which exhibits the Buddhist Cultural wealth and houses the findings and excavations at the archaeological site of Sarnath.* Your leader can organise various optional sightseeing trips during your two days here. Accommodation: Hotel Surya (or similar) *The following departures will have the option to visit Sarnath on day 7 rather than today: 08 October 2023, 26 November 2023 and 24 December 2023.

Just before dawn, we take a boat ride on the Ganges to witness the extraordinary spectacle on the ghats, the steps leading down to the river. Every day, thousands of Hindu pilgrims come to this 3mi (5km) stretch of riverbank to soak in the holy waters. This afternoon we fly back to Delhi*. Accommodation: Florence Inn (or similar) *The following departures will have an evening flight to Delhi : 08 October 2023, 26 November 2023 and 24 December 2023.

Today you are free to relax or explore the sites of New and Old Delhi (an optional sightseeing trip will be organised if you wish). Recommended sites include the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) and Raj Ghat. For last-minute shopping, visit the market area of Chandni Chowk or Karol Bagh. Accommodation: Florence Inn (or similar)

Our adventure through northern India ends today. If you’ve still a few pages left in your travel diary, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Delhi. Alternatively, make your way to the airport and begin your return journey home.