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Bestseller
Bestseller
Holidays

Best of Northern India

India
3 reviews
Available Departures: Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec

9 days from

US$1,505

without flights
Culture
Guided Group
LEISURELY LEISURELY

Discover the jewels of Northern India on our holiday to Jaipur, Delhi, Agra and Varanasi

Trip Code: BON
Holiday Grades
          

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Best of Northern India

Highlights
  • Explore the majestic forts, palaces, temples of Rajasthan
  • Experience an unforgettable sunrise over the beautiful Taj Mahal at Agra
  • Take a boat on the Ganges to experience dawn break over Varanasi
  • Observe an abundance of wildlife at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

At a Glance
  • Group Size 5 to 16
  • 8 days touring and sightseeing including 2 game drives
  • Join In Delhi

Accommodation & Meals
  • 8 Breakfasts
  • 8 Dinners
  • 2 nights Sleeper Train
  • 6 nights Hotel
Overview

Offering a blend of magical experiences, this short holiday manages to capture the very essence of northern India. We start out in the ‘Pink City' of Jaipur, famed for its skilled gem-stone cutters and fabled jewellery shops. One of the most attractive cities of the princely state of Rajasthan; with its splendid Palace of the Breeze, the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the imposing Amber Fort, Jaipur was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2019. We then drive through rural India to the ‘Project Tiger' reserve of Ranthambore, where we have included evening and morning game drives to give us the best chance of spotting a tiger, in addition to a huge diversity of other wildlife. Continuing our journey eastwards, we visit the Emperor Akbar's abandoned ghost palace of Fatehpur Sikri, once seat of the Mughal Empire. We arrive at Agra and prepare ourselves for what will undoubtedly be the highlight for many: experiencing sunrise over the Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum and tribute to his beloved wife. Agra Fort takes many by surprise, overshadowed as it is by the Taj Mahal. The sheer scale and workmanship of this red sandstone and white marble palace is incredible and is surely worthy of the trip to Agra alone. We then take a night train to Varanasi, known as the City of Light, a nod to the candle-lit evening prayer ceremonies that take place on the ghats of the River Ganges. We take to the river at dawn by boat to observe the countless Hindu pilgrims coming to bathe in the holy waters and to pray and give offerings. We round off this incredible voyage with a sightseeing tour of Delhi, to explore the temples and bazaars the city is famed for. A holiday for those seeking complete sensory immersion into the fascinating cultural experience that is northern India.

 


View our full range of walking and trekking holidays in India.

Is this holiday for you?

This touring and sightseeing adventure holiday incorporates many of the highlights of northern India into little more than a week and is perfect for anyone wanting to experience the wildlife, culture and architecture to be found in this corner of North India. There is a fair amount of travelling, as we journey between Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Varanasi. However, using private, air-conditioned min …

This touring and sightseeing adventure holiday incorporates many of the highlights of northern India into little more than a week and is perfect for anyone wanting to experience the wildlife, culture and architecture to be found in this corner of North India. There is a fair amount of travelling, as we journey between Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Varanasi. However, using private, air-conditioned minibuses and also air-conditioned sleeper trains, the effect of this is kept to a minimum. Our game drives in the Ranthambore National Park are in 'canters' which are large, open trucks fitted with seats and offering a good field of view. Whilst sightseeing, there will be some leisurely walking on city streets and on good trails.

Why KE?

We have carefully put together this trip for those wanting to see the outstanding highlights of northern India in one perfect package. More than the typical Golden Triangle tour this area is rightly renowned for, we also include a trip to Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in India on the banks of the Ganges. With visits to the architectural wonders of Rajasthan and Agra, safari drives and all breakfasts and dinners included; this holiday represents outstanding value for money.

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Itinerary

Your holiday starts with a late morning meeting with the local guide at Delhi Airport. Boarding the tour bus, you'll drive south through the outskirts of Delhi and through a fascinating landscape of cultivated fields mixed with dry scrub-land with a backdrop of distant hills. The journey passes through many small villages and larger bustling towns where we share the road with bullock carts and rickshaws and elaborately painted trucks. We enter the state of Rajasthan where we immediately notice the distinctive clothing of the people. Men wear loose-fitting white clothing, topped off with a crimson or saffron turban. The turbans are wound from a strip of cloth 82 feet in length and they are tied in many different, regional styles. The women wear incredibly colourful shawls, skirts and sarees, often decorated an embroidered with mirror thread. After approximately 5 hours, including a lunch stop, we pass beneath the imposing Amer Fort and drive through the gates to enter the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, so-named for the pastel-washed stucco of many of its principal buildings. We check in at our Jaipur hotel and during dinner our guide will brief us on the days ahead.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

D

We have a full day of guided sightseeing in and around the splendid 'Pink City'. We have a reasonably early start and our first brief stop is a photo opportunity opposite the spectacular Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, where the young princesses could peep through grill-like windows at the crowds below without being seen. We then drive back out to the Amber Fort. This magnificent fort, built out of yellow sandstone, occupies a very picturesque location on a ridge-top above Maota Lake in the Aravalli hills. The traditional seat of power until the capital was moved to Jaipur in 1727 AD, the present-day fort was constructed at the end of the 16th century by one of Akbar’s generals. Inside, the fort is a complex of palaces, temples, state buildings and courtyards on several levels. Entry to the fort is through the magnificent Sun Gate which is large enough to accommodate a marching army and their elephants! There's lots to see here and we will spend a good couple of hours. After our tour of the Amber Fort we return to Jaipur and its City Palace. When the Rajput ruler Jai Singh II decided to move the apparatus of state to Jaipur he constructed the quintessentially Indian complex of buildings, courtyards, gardens and lakes known simply as the City Palace. The centre-piece of the complex is the seven-storied Chandra Mahal which is still the residence of the former ruling family of Rajasthan. The ground floor of the Chandra Mahal is now a museum exhibiting carpets, paintings, manuscripts and armoury belong to the royal family. Like many buildings in Jaipur the walls of the City Palace are rendered with stucco and pained pink. This was first done throughout the city in honour of the visit of the then Prince of Wales (later to become King Edward VII) and has remained as the theme colour of Jaipur ever since. Also well worth a visit is the strangely beautiful Jantar Mantar, a collection of astronomical structures built on the orders of Jai Singh II when he set up his capital in Jaipur. The ‘observatory’ consists of 14 structures on a gigantic scale, built with geometric precision from local stone and marble. These were used for measurement of time, the tracking of stars and planets and the prediction of astronomical events such as eclipses. Amongst the other elements that we may be able to squeeze in are: a market visit, a hand-woven rug manufacturer (if anyone is interested in making a purchase) and a visit to a cinema to see a Bollywood movie. After our long day, we return to the hotel for dinner and spend a second night in Jaipur

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B D

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we board our tour bus and continue our journey south. Once we leave the city it will take around 3 to 4 hours to drive to Ranthambore passing through typically Rajasthani villages en route. Arriving in Ranthambore we check in at our hotel, have lunch and then meet up with our naturalist guide and our 'canter' transport at the hotel gate. We then head out on our first game drive into the National Park. Ranthambore was originally designated as a game reserve by the Indian Government as long ago as 1955. In the seventies it was at the centre of ‘Project Tiger’ which set out to save the rapidly dwindling tiger population of India. Ranthambore was given National Park status in 1980 and the park encompasses large tracts of forest as well as areas of grassland, hills and lakes. This is one of the few places in India where we have a real chance of spotting a tiger during the game drive. There are several different 'routes' through the park and we are allocated one of the routes at random. There are a number of lakes, stands of forest, rocky gorges and lots of very approachable animals, such as spotted deer, chital, wild boar, crocodiles, nilgai (also known as blue bull, the biggest of the antelopes), leopard and tiger, as well as many exciting bird species, including vultures and eagles. The animals and birds pay little attention to the safari vehicles. After around 3 hours, we return to our accommodation outside the park.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B D

We rise early today for another game drive in the park and another chance of seeing a tiger, as well as lots of other exciting wildlife. We will be allocated a different 'route' in the park. Returning to our hotel we have a late breakfast before driving north-east to the well-preserved former Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri. The drive will take at least 4 hours. Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for just 10 years. Legend has it that the city was built here after a chance meeting between the emperor and a holy man close to this spot, but ultimately its location proved to be strategically untenable and it was abandoned. There is no inhabited city here but the complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, are superbly preserved and includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. The city is now a World Heritage Site. Following a guided sightseeing tour of this ancient city, we continue our drive to nearby Agra where we check in at our hotel close to the Taj Mahal.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B D

A highlight of the tour, this morning at sunrise, we visit the Taj Mahal - one of the man-made 'seven wonders' of the world. Whatever you think you know about the Taj Mahal from the countless photographs and images which are worldwide, you are in for a pleasant surprise. No photograph can adequately portray the exquisite beauty, precision and craftsmanship of this incredible monument built for love. It took 20,000 people 22 years to build it, using over 1000 elephants to transport the marble for its dazzling white walls and dome. Twenty eight different types of precious and semi-precious stones are inlaid into parts of the marble, some of these depicting verses from the Koran in highly decorative script. The Taj Mahal itself is a mausoleum for Mumtaz the wife of its builder Shah Jahan and is set in tranquil gardens providing several vantage points from which to contemplate the building. From an upper terrace it is possible to look across the Yamuna River, the largest tributary of the Ganges, towards the Agra Fort. A visit to the Taj Mahal can easily absorb a whole day, but there are more sights that we want to see in Agra. So, after an approximately 3-hour visit, we return to our hotel for a late breakfast and a wash and brush up. Then, in the early afternoon we drive to the Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. There has been a walled city on this site for more than a thousand years, but the present structure was built by the Mughals. Commanding gates, fashioned in red stone, as well as an excellent view of the Taj Mahal, just 2 and a half kilometres away, are highlights of this impressive site. We can also take the opportunity to drive across the Yamuna River to gain a different perspective of the Taj from the opposite bank. As our final Agra experience, we find a restaurant in one of the shopping streets and take a late lunch, with the chance to do some exploring in the bazaar. Our train from Tunla Junction is generally in the early evening and we have a drive of about 45 minutes to get to the station. Here, we say goodbye to our driver who has been with us for the first 5 days of the trip and we will no doubt want to give him a tip. At Tunla, we will experience an essential part of Indian life, as we board the overnight sleeper train to Varanasi. For this journey we will travel in air-conditioned carriages with four berths to a compartment. Dinner will be a snack affair provided by our guide. The train departs around 9.00 pm and we are soon tucked up in bed and being rocked to sleep by the motion and noises of the train as it rattles through the warm Indian countryside.

Accommodation

Sleeper Train

Meals

B D

We wake up to the call for ‘chai chai’ as tea and coffee are brought around the carriage. There will be plenty of time to get dressed and ready before the train pulls into Varanasi. We transfer to our hotel in the city in time for breakfast and the rest of the day is free for independent sightseeing in this holiest of Indian cities located on the banks of the Ganges. Also known as Kashi and Benares, Varanisi is a city of temples and every colourful, ancient but vibrant aspect of Hinduism can be seen on its streets. In the late afternoon, our guide will arrange for the group to travel out to the banks of the Ganges to witness the aarti ceremony. This is an optional activity, as the journey can only reasonably be made by motorised rickshaw or 'tuk-tuk' during the busiest part of the day. This is an exciting way to travel (it takes 20 minutes in each direction) and may not be to everyone's taste. However, the aarti ceremony is unmissable and highly recommended. The cost of this trip out to the Ganges is around 1500 rupees (£15) to include watching the aarti ceremony from a boat that will pull just 50 or 100 metres off shore to gain the best viewpoint. The ceremony takes place at 2 locations close together on the wide stone steps known as ghats, where pilgrims take the waters and perform their pujas. The aarti ceremony takes place every evening, involving 7 priests and thousands of oil lamps are floated on the river, each one representing the hopes or prayers of the individuals who push them out into the gentle current. Returning to our hotel by tuk-tuk, we overnight at our Varanasi hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B D

Leaving the hotel in the early morning pre-dawn darkness we make our way by bus through the quiet city streets back to the ghats where our boat is waiting. All aboard we float out onto the river for one of India's most magical experiences, watching the sun rise over the Ganges and the ghats. After the spectacle of the sunrise itself, we are rowed slowly along the river, watching the activity of the ghats as the devotees come down to the waters. All aspects of life can be seen on the ghats as people make their offerings and prayers, wash themselves and their clothes and even cremate their loved ones on the banks of the most important river in Hinduism. From our vantage in the boat and with the soft pink dawn light, the higgledy-piggledy arrangement of temples and houses rising from the shore have a magical quality. After this Ganges experience we return to our hotel for breakfast and then have some free time for shopping in the busy bazaars. As well as having the distinction of being one of the oldest cities on earth, Varanasi is also famous for its silk and there are bargains to be had here if you are looking for souvenirs. The Buddhist site of Sarnath is a short distance outside the city and can be visited as an optional excursion arranged locally. In the early evening, we drive back to the railway station (up to 1 hour drive) to catch the overnight train to Delhi. We will have a snack dinner on board the train, before settling down for the night.

Accommodation

Sleeper Train

Meals

B D

We arrive in Delhi in the morning and transfer to our hotel first to rest. We take breakfast at the hotel and then go out for a morning ‘s guided sightseeing around the capital. In the Old City we will visit the Jama Masjid, Chandi Chowk, the Red Fort and Raj Ghat. The rest of the day is then free for further independent sightseeing or for some souvenir buying. As well as the sprawling bazaars there are several very modern shopping malls in the modern centre of Delhi. There are also ‘state emporiums’ which are showcases for the particular crafts of other states in India (including silks from Varanasi and the colourful textiles of Rajastan). We come together again for our final evening meal of the tour and we stay overnight in Delhi.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B D

Your holiday ends after breakfast. A group transfer to Delhi airport is provided.

Meals

B
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The Route
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Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • A professional English-speaking local leader
  • Delhi Airport transfers on the group departure day
  • All land transport involved in the itinerary
  • Wildlife guides during 2 Ranthambore game drives
  • All accommodation as described
  • Meals as detailed in the Meal Plan
  • Park and monument entrance fees
  • Guided sightseeing tours in Jaipur Agra Varanasi and Delhi

  • Travel insurance
  • Delhi Airport transfers (other than group transfer) on arrival
  • Indian Visa
  • Tips for local staff
  • Some meals as detailed in the Meal Plan
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.

The group will meet at at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport in the late morning of Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary.

A single timed transfer from the group's Delhi hotel back to Delhi Airport is provided on the final day of the itinerary.

Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

All breakfasts and all dinners are included in the holiday price from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 9. Since it makes sense on a tour of this nature to occasionally skip lunch and to take snacks at any time during the day, we have not included the cost of lunches in the overall price. Any snacks or lunches will be paid for directly and we estimate that you should budget a total of £50 - £75 for this.

It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the taps. You should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

Part of the experience of a visit to India is sampling the excellent local food. Indian cuisine offers a wide choice of dishes, much more variety than the 'curries' we are used to in Indian restaurants at home and the nan breads are like nothing you'll have experienced. Whether the food is presented as a dinner buffet or as a set menu, there will always be vegetarian options. In some place, there will also be familiar international dishes. Breakfasts include cereals, bread, possibly in the form of local 'rotis', eggs, hard-boiled or omelette, often one or two delicious, spicy Indian breakfast options, fruit, juice, hot water for tea or coffee. Lunches will usually be at a restaurant where you can choose what you want - the guide will help with this.

The group will have a total of 6 nights in comfortable tourist standard hotels in Jaipur, Ranthambore, Agra, Varanasi and Delhi. On 2 nights, the accommodation will be in air-conditioned sleeper carriages on overnight trains. All accommodation except the sleeper train is allocated on a twin-sharing basis. If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. Depending upon availability it may be possible to arrange single rooms for the hotel nights. For hotel prices and single supplement costs please refer to the dates and prices page of the trip on our website.

The group will be accompanied throughout by an experienced English-speaking tour leader and during the game drives in Ranthambore, by a wildlife expert. During the tours of Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi and Delhi, there will also be a local city guide.

Approximately £200 (or equivalent in Euros, US dollars etc.) changed into local currency (Indian rupees), should be allowed for miscellaneous expenses, including snacks or lunches, tips for your guides, beer and soft drinks, etc. There is also the optional excursion to the Ganges in Varanasi on Day 6 to account for, which is payable directly to your guide at a cost of around 1500 rupees (£15). There are several opportunities to buy souvenirs on this trip. It is not necessary to purchase local currency (Indian Rupees) before you travel. Sterling, US dollars and Euros are readily exchanged in Delhi. Since you will be changing the majority of your spending money into local currency on the day of arrival, we recommend taking this in cash. You can change an initial amount on arrival at Delhi Airport, where the rate is likely to be a few rupees down on what you can expect to get on the high street. Credit cards can be used to purchase many goods in Delhi and Agra and are particularly useful for more expensive souvenirs. It is possible to withdraw cash (rupees only) from cash machines in Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Varanasi using credit and debit cards.

Tipping is an accepted and expected part of Indian culture, although you should only tip for services which are well done. We recommend that tips to your guides and driver be made from the group as a whole and that the group decides together on an appropriate amount. Your guide will help with sundry tipping; bell boys, other hotel staff, toilet attendants, lunchtime restaurant staff, Ranthambore staff and railway porters. This means you don't need to concern yourself with who to tip and who not to tip. Your guide will set up a tip 'kitty' for this and you will probably be asked to contribute 4000 rupees (£40) each for this. Separately from this, you will need to tip the driver who is with you for the whole trip. And you will need to tip your guide. As a rough guide we suggest that £80 (depending on group size) will allow you to pay reasonable tips.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India (including the Taj Mahal). This organisation will occasionally undertake work to restore the various monuments, but often without notice, so it is difficult to forewarn our customers of this work. It is possible that, at any time, monuments on this holiday could be having work done on them.

You should restrict your luggage to one main travel bag plus a small daypack to carry cameras, binoculars, water etc. We recognise that for some of our holidays and for some of our travellers, the KE Trek Bag may not provide the best solution when packing for your trip. A bag with fitted wheels and with more than one compartment and more than one access zip is probably more appropriate for this kind of trip.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

Visa India

Most nationalities, including travellers from the UK, the USA and many European countries can apply for their Indian Visa online through the E-Visa Application process. You must make your application at least four days prior to departure. Please download the detailed information document for details of how to apply for your visa: Visa India PDF

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Zika virus has been confirmed as active in this country. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that transmit ZIKV are unlikely to be found above 2,000m altitude. For more information, visit the website of the National Travel Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk

 

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid.

Malarial prophylaxis is not usually required for trips in the mountains, however if you are visiting rural and remote low lying areas then they might be necessary.

On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dentist check up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro.

The currency of India is the Indian Rupee.

Although there is no strenuous walking on this holiday, there are several sights which are best explored on foot and it makes a lot of sense to get some additional exercise before coming on any active holiday.  Some of the days it will get quite hot and you should be prepared for this. Before departure, we suggest that you do some reading about the country, its people and the wildlife you are likely to see.

Outside of the Indian Monsoon (June to September) you should experience little if any rainfall. By mid August the monsoon has lost most of its force although short lived cloud bursts particularly in the afternoon, are reasonably common except in Rajasthan which tends to be very dry at this time. The coolest temperatures are encountered during November and December when the maximum daytime temperatures will generally be in the mid to high twenties of Celsius. From February temperatures start to rise reaching mid thirties during trips in March and April. The arrival of the monsoon cools everything down again and temperatures in August and September can often be the same or even less than April. Evening temperatures from late October to February can be quite chilly (requiring a jacket).

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates direct from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

  • India – Lonely Planet

  • Guide India - The Rough Guide

  • Indian Wildlife Insight Guide

  • Field Guide to the Mammals of the Indian Subcontinent. K. K. Gurung and Raj Singh

  • Birds of India. Richard Grimmett, Carol and Tim Inskipp

  • The Jungle Book. Rudyard Kipling

TTK State Road Maps

Locally produced maps showing road and rail network with intermediate driving distances. No information on topography is given but each map comes with a booklet providing further information on places of interest. Three sheets are required to cover the whole tour (Madhya Pradesh Rajasthan and Varanasi)

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.

You must bring the following items:

  • Strong shoes or trainers

  • Socks

  • Underwear

  • Lightweight trousers

  • Shirts (at least one long-sleeved with collar) and T-shirts

  • Jacket

  • Sunhat

  • Sunglasses

  • Small padlock (to lock your KE trek bag)

  • Small daypack 20 to 25 litres

  • Torch

  • Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)

  • Water bottles 1 litre (x2) (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)

  • Water purification tablets

The following items are optional:

  • Pocket-knife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage)

  • Repair kit – (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)

  • Camera

  • Travel clothes

  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Cotswold Outdoor Red PantonMany of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 12.5% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers.
>> Find out more

Extensions

Extension Details

Dharamsala and the Dalai Lama

4 Days
Dharamsala is a former British Raj hill-station in the Dhaula Dhar mountain range and currently home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in exile. On this four day extension, you will be able to sample a flavour of life in Tibet and enjoy visits to the Dalai Lama’s temple complex; the Norbulingka Institute; the Tibetan children’s village and visit a local Gaddi Tribal village to experience the life of the people who traditionally inhabit the lower reaches of the Dhaula Dhar.
Extension Code: IDS4

Extension Itinerary

Fly to Dharamsala Airport and transfer (14 kms - 20 minutes) to Dharamsala, an early nineteenth century British Raj hill station, now famous for being the home of the Tibetan Government in exile and home to the Dalai Lama. We check in at our hotel in upper Dharamsala, the village known as McLeodganj which exhibits a strong Tibetan influence with monasteries, Tibetan restaurants and shops. Free time.

Meals

L D

Today we visit the Dalai Lama's temple to see some of the Tibetan monks performing a puja. After lunch we will visit the nearby Tibetan Children's Village which houses orphans and ensures they are provided with an education, clothes, food and healthcare. Later we will visit the Norbulingka Institute, a registered trust chaired by the Dalai Lama dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture.

Meals

B L D

Transfer to the Gaddi village of Naddi (1900m) offering views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. Visit a local house and walk to the Buddhist stupa and Tibetan monks meditation huts. Take lunch on low Tibetan tables with sensational mountain views. Short walk to Bagsu Nag village for chai in a local restaurant before returning to our hotel.

Meals

B L D

After breakfast, you will be taken back to Dharamsala Airport to catch your return flight to Delhi. Services end on arrival in Delhi.

Meals

B
Whats Included
  • Transfer to Delhi Airport on Day 1
  • Internal flights Delhi to Dharamsala return
  • Dharamsala Airport transfers
  • 3 nights accommodation in Dharamsala
  • Guided sightseeing on Days 2 and 3
  • Entrance fees at temples etc
  • All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4
What's Not Included
  • Miscellaneous personal expenses such as souvenirs and soft drinks
  • Tips for local staff
  • FAMILY / GROUP PRICES: Please contact KE for prices

Reviews

4.3 out of 5 from 3 reviews

HIGHLIGHTS OF A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY WITH THE MOST OUTSTANDING GUIDE ★★★★★

Each day was more exciting than the last! My goal was just to see the Taj Mahal, but I was absolutely delighted with all the activities and the opportunities for learning more about this beautiful country. Our guide, Ketan, was so knowledgeable and resourceful. From day one it felt like we were touring with a good friend. From the morning safari to the evening Aarti ceremony, this trip was unforgettable, and I feel incredibly blessed to have spent it with such a wonderful guide and group of peop le.
By Sharon from Kenhorst | 18 February 2023

Crazy Mad Exciting India

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By Louise from Rugby | 09 May 2018

A taste of the wonderful sites on offer.

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By Matthew from Bradford-on-Avon | 13 April 2018

A whistle stop tour, and a great introduction to wonderful India. ★★★★

A fully escorted tour with an expert guide, we were very well looked after. I have always wanted to visit India and wasn't disappointed. Might be a culture shock if you have never travelled outside of Europe before though. The dirt, pollution, squalor, beggars, overcrowding, smells, sights and sounds are what make it what India is. Add to that the fabulous culture, monuments and wildlife, and the food, Oooo, the food! Vegetarian paradise, meat is on most menus but with everything so tasty y ou won't miss it. I did miss eating fresh salads and fruit though. (Bananas and fruit you can wash in mineral water and peel yourself is fine though.) Alcohol is available but relatively expensive in the hotels and you have to wary of having ice in drinks. Our guide was very good at keeping us safe from any food or drinks which could have been made using tap water, or in a way which could have started the dreaded "Delhi belly" so no one was ill. There is no time in the busy itinerary for a down day, So heed the advice and stay well. Outside of the hotels, you probably won't want to use the public toilets more than necessary. This trip really packs in the sights and there is a lot of travelling on the roads and railways, spending a lot of time on the road. Our vehicle was spotless and very comfortable, the trains, even in 1st class a bit less so, but regard it as all part of the Indian experience and not just the means to the next monument or hotel and you'll be fine. If you are thinking about visiting India for the first time, go for it!
By Andrew from Canonbie | 21 November 2017

Tour of north India ★★★★

Loved this trip! There were only 5 of us but we got on very well! Ronit our guide was superb and when we missed our sleeper train (through no fault of Ronit's ) he got flights organised for us which were paid for by KE which I wasn't expecting - they were good as well! Most of the food was superb and Ronit made sure that it catered for all of us! The Indian people were so lovely -thought we would get hassled and although we did at times, very much less than I thought!! The only piece o f advise would be to take more money than you think as the alcohol was quite expensive in the hotels and to take a couple of different credit and debit cards as when we had to draw money to pay for our flights, some atms wouldn't accept visa! Very interesting trip with lots packed in which makes it quite tiring and could have done with longer at the Taj Mahal (which was fantastic) - perhaps check out the hotel before going there so we could spend as much time as we had liked there!
By Catherine from Nottingham | 28 October 2016

Traveller Reviews
4.3 out of 5 from 5 reviews

HIGHLIGHTS OF A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY WITH THE MOST OUTSTANDING GUIDE
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Each day was more exciting than the last! My goal was just to see the Taj Mahal, but I was absolutely delighted with all the activities and the opportunities for learning more about this beautiful country. Our guide, Ketan, was so knowledgeable and resourceful. From day one it felt like we were touring with a good friend. From the morning safari to the evening Aarti ceremony, this trip was unforgettable, and I feel incredibly blessed to have spent it with such a wonderful guide and group of peop le.
By Sharon from Kenhorst | 18 February 2023

Crazy Mad Exciting India

Review Image
Review Image
Review Image
Review Image
Review Image
View all (7)
By Louise from Rugby | 09 May 2018

A taste of the wonderful sites on offer.

Review Image
Review Image
Review Image
Review Image
Review Image
View all (8)
By Matthew from Bradford-on-Avon | 13 April 2018

A whistle stop tour, and a great introduction to wonderful India.
★ ★ ★ ★
A fully escorted tour with an expert guide, we were very well looked after. I have always wanted to visit India and wasn't disappointed. Might be a culture shock if you have never travelled outside of Europe before though. The dirt, pollution, squalor, beggars, overcrowding, smells, sights and sounds are what make it what India is. Add to that the fabulous culture, monuments and wildlife, and the food, Oooo, the food! Vegetarian paradise, meat is on most menus but with everything so tasty y ou won't miss it. I did miss eating fresh salads and fruit though. (Bananas and fruit you can wash in mineral water and peel yourself is fine though.) Alcohol is available but relatively expensive in the hotels and you have to wary of having ice in drinks. Our guide was very good at keeping us safe from any food or drinks which could have been made using tap water, or in a way which could have started the dreaded "Delhi belly" so no one was ill. There is no time in the busy itinerary for a down day, So heed the advice and stay well. Outside of the hotels, you probably won't want to use the public toilets more than necessary. This trip really packs in the sights and there is a lot of travelling on the roads and railways, spending a lot of time on the road. Our vehicle was spotless and very comfortable, the trains, even in 1st class a bit less so, but regard it as all part of the Indian experience and not just the means to the next monument or hotel and you'll be fine. If you are thinking about visiting India for the first time, go for it!
By Andrew from Canonbie | 21 November 2017

Tour of north India
★ ★ ★ ★
Loved this trip! There were only 5 of us but we got on very well! Ronit our guide was superb and when we missed our sleeper train (through no fault of Ronit's ) he got flights organised for us which were paid for by KE which I wasn't expecting - they were good as well! Most of the food was superb and Ronit made sure that it catered for all of us! The Indian people were so lovely -thought we would get hassled and although we did at times, very much less than I thought!! The only piece o f advise would be to take more money than you think as the alcohol was quite expensive in the hotels and to take a couple of different credit and debit cards as when we had to draw money to pay for our flights, some atms wouldn't accept visa! Very interesting trip with lots packed in which makes it quite tiring and could have done with longer at the Taj Mahal (which was fantastic) - perhaps check out the hotel before going there so we could spend as much time as we had liked there!
By Catherine from Nottingham | 28 October 2016

DATES & PRICES

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

2024

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • Best of Northern India
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: BON /03/24/
  • This trip begins on Sun 20 Oct and ends on Mon 28 Oct
  • This departure is available and departs within 15 days. Secure your place today with full payment
  • Single Supplement Price: US$325 - Includes all group hotel nights (n/a on sleeper train)
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Best of Northern India
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: BON /04/24/
  • This trip begins on Sun 17 Nov and ends on Mon 25 Nov
  • This departure is available and departs within 43 days. Secure your place today with full payment
  • Single Supplement Price: US$325 - Includes all group hotel nights (n/a on sleeper train)
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Best of Northern India
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: BON /05/24/
  • This trip begins on Sun 1 Dec and ends on Mon 9 Dec
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$275
  • Single Supplement Price: US$325 - Includes all group hotel nights (n/a on sleeper train)
  • Download Trip Notes

2025

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • Best of Northern India
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: BON /01/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 9 Feb and ends on Mon 17 Feb
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$325 - Includes all group hotel nights (n/a on sleeper train)
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Best of Northern India
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: BON /02/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 30 Mar and ends on Mon 7 Apr
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$325 - Includes all group hotel nights (n/a on sleeper train)
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Best of Northern India
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: BON /03/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 19 Oct and ends on Mon 27 Oct
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$340 - Includes all group hotel nights (n/a on sleeper train)
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Best of Northern India
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: BON /04/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 16 Nov and ends on Mon 24 Nov
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$340 - Includes all group hotel nights (n/a on sleeper train)
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Best of Northern India
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: BON /05/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 30 Nov and ends on Mon 8 Dec
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$340 - Includes all group hotel nights (n/a on sleeper train)
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Best of Northern India
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: BON /06/25/
  • This trip begins on Thu 18 Dec and ends on Fri 26 Dec
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$325 - Includes all group hotel nights (n/a on sleeper train)
  • Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary starting at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport in the morning of Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary. A single timed transfer from the group's Delhi hotel back to Delhi Airport is provided on the final day of the itinerary.

ZEN_HOLIDAY_DATES_PRICES_LAND_ONLY_USD_NOTICE

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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