The Must-See Attractions of Northern India
From the palaces of Jaipur to the ghats of Varanasi, a journey to the heart of the Indian soul.
Duration
9 days
From
€1,100/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Family, Solo, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
This trip offers a complete introduction to the main attractions of Northern Inde, between bustling major cities (Delhi, Jaipur, Agra) and the sacred city of Varanasi. It combines cultural discovery, spectacular architecture and wildlife: Taj Mahal in Agra, Amer Fort and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, and the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, in Delhi. The tigers of Ranthambore National Park will delight nature lovers, while Varanasi brings a fascinating dimension with its people, train excursions and gastronomy. The circuit also highlights British heritage, through the seat of government in Delhi and India Gate, lined with broad tree-lined avenues. Between sacred Ganges, colorful saris and rickshaws, this journey embodies the emblematic image of Northern Inde.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to the Pink City
Traditional welcome upon your arrival at Delhi international airport.
We will head towards the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, known as the "Pink City". It has become the most important heritage city in India thanks to its cultural heritage and its past. The city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer. Also known as the city of victory, Jaipur was, in its time, the first city to have well-established architecture. We discover imposing forts, dazzling palaces, magnificent lakes and beautiful gardens. The markets are true attractions. In the evening, we stroll through the colorful bazaars of Jaipur.
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan
After breakfast, we head to the ancient capital of Amer, 11 km from Jaipur. Famous for its impressive Amber Fort, Amer was the ancient capital of the Kachwaha dynasty for 6 centuries.
After admiring its beauty and taking some photos, we visit the City of Jaipur, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture with a photo stop in front of the Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal), a five-story palace with a magnificent pink sandstone facade. It was built in 1799 to allow royal ladies to watch, through the 953 jharokas (small windows), the processions and other festivities that took place on the streets.
We then visit Jantar Mantar, a solar observatory built in the 18th century, a true treasure for astronomy, as it measures time according to the sun's movement with an error of only 2 seconds, thanks to solar devices allowing for accurate astrological predictions.
Spotting a Tiger in Ranthambore National Park
Car ride towards Ranthambore National Park, one of the largest in North India, which is home to several wild animal species, including the tiger.
We will have A first safari in the national park to observe the elusive tiger and several other species living in the 392km2 of the park.
Agra, Land of the Taj Mahal
Another safari is planned in the morning to observe tigers and other animal species as well as birds.
Visit to Fatehpur Sikri, a beautiful city near Agra founded in 1569 by Emperor Akbar. The city hosts several historic buildings such as the Buland Darwaza. The former capital and fabulous ghost city of red sandstone built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. It houses a 16th-century citadel, now a ghost city with surprising architecture resulting from the synthesis of different styles: Indo-Muslim, Hindu, Christian and Jain inspiration.
Taj Mahal Visit - A True Epithet of Love
Visit to Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, a true masterpiece in white marble from the 17th century. A symbol of love, it stands on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was built by the fifth Mughal king Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died at the birth of their fourteenth child.
In the afternoon, visit the Agra Red Fort, a complex of semi-circular red sandstone forts richly decorated with double ramparts and monuments. In the evening, you will be transferred to the station for your train to Varanasi. Night on board.
Arrival in Varanasi and Sarnath Excursion
The old town tour
Arrival in Delhi and transfer to the hotel.
After breakfast, we visit the fortified city of Old Delhi, with its crowded streets, buzzing with activity and still under the influence of the Mughal civilization that once reigned over the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort . We visit Jama Masjid Delhi - the largest 17th century mosque in India -, Chandni Chowk - the typical Indian market always full of activity -, and Rajghat - the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi (also called the "Father of the Nation").
We visit in particular New Delhi, and pass by the Presidential Palace, the Administrative Buildings and up to the impressive India Gate.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- The travel package indicated above is not valid during the period: From December 20, 2019 to January 10, 2020. There will be a surcharge for Christmas and New Year during this period.
- Indian visa fees
- Lunch and Dinner during the trip
- Personal expenses, souvenirs and beverages
- Usage Rights for Cameras and Recording Devices at Tourist Sites
- Insurance for baggage loss and repatriation, as well as rescue cost insurance
- Tips for the driver and other staff
- Other services not included in the "price includes" column
Included
- Accommodation for 6 nights in the hotels mentioned or similar
- in the double room with breakfast except breakfast D:01
- All land transfers included in the itinerary are provided in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver
- The two safaris in Ranthambore National Park - On the basis of shared Jeep seats
- Boat tour in Varanasi
- Air-conditioned second class train tickets for the following two stages: (Agra - Varanasi and Varanasi - Delhi)
- Entrance fees for the monuments mentioned in the itinerary
- English-speaking guides in cities as described in the program (Up to 05 pax)
- The English-speaking guide throughout your India journey (From 06 pax)
- Government taxes
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to India for a tourist stay. Entry rules may evolve, so we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter India, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist Visa – e-Visa (Tourist eVisa)
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada must be in possession of a valid visa to enter India. There is no visa exemption for a tourist stay.
The most common solution is the Tourist eVisa, available online on the official Indian government portal. It is available for several durations:
Tourist eVisa 30 days (double entry),
Tourist eVisa 1 year (multiple entries, maximum stay of 90 days per visit),
Tourist eVisa 5 years (multiple entries, maximum stay of 90 days per visit).
The application must be submitted online at least 4 days before your arrival date and at most 120 days before. The eVisa is linked to your passport and is available only at certain designated airports and ports of entry.
Arrival and Immigration
When passing through immigration, Indian authorities may ask for:
confirmation of your eVisa (printed document or digital version),
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
the address of your first accommodation in India.
Health and Vaccinations
No vaccine is officially mandatory to enter India from the EEA, Switzerland or Canada, except in the case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever (a yellow fever vaccination certificate will then be required).
As a preventive measure, health authorities generally recommend the following vaccinations:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid,
tetanus-poliomyelitis,
rabies (depending on planned activities),
Japanese encephalitis (depending on regions and length of stay).
Antimalarial treatment may be recommended depending on the regions you visit and the time of year. Consult a doctor or international vaccination center before your departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must be holders of their own valid passport and their own eVisa covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the Indian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance policy, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims notification procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required. The e-visa can be applied for online before departure (approximately 25 USD). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date and you must have two blank pages available. We guide you through the process. Before booking, verify the specific conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation, and English-speaking guide. International flights (600-900 euros round trip) are additional. India offers incredible diversity of experiences at varying price points.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Golden Triangle
India's Thousand Faces Expert, based in New Delhi
India can surprise, disorient or amaze you all in one day. My role is to help travelers find their own pace to truly enjoy the country.
— Mandeep
