north india
There are few places on earth like India. An explosion of colors, sounds and contrasts. The irony of an elephant traffic jam, contrasting with the opulence of the palaces and forts, its energy is undeniably contagious. Travel through India with an open mind and you’ll marvel at the assault on all your senses; from your first glimpse of a tiger in the wild to the colorful saris and striking red Rabari turbans, from the sound of the incessant blaring of car horns in Delhi to the quiet silence of the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas to the wind-swept deserts of Rajasthan. India is a huge and varied country, so our advice to first-timers would be to take on a manageable chunk and do it justice, with the understanding that you’ll be back for more …
NORTH india highlights
… • Visit the walled city of Jodhpur during the International Folk Festival and take in a few live performances from fantastic local artists in a sublime setting of Mehrangarh Fort.
• A tiger safari in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and a leopard safari into the beautiful and lesser known area of Jawai, both in Rajasthan.
• Visit the Sujan Jawai Leopard Camp for your chance to see leopards in the wild
• Experience the real Himalayas with Shakti on a private walking journey
• Stay at The Ultimate Traveling Camp in Ladhak and participate in morning prayers at the Thiksey Monastery
• White water raft down the Indus River where both rivers meet.
when TO GO
OCTOBER – MARCH
languages
Hindi, English.
time frame
2-3 weeks is the ideal amount of time to spend, less if feasible if you limit the focus, and/or don’t mind a faster pace.
CURRENCY
INDIAN RUPEE
FLIGHTS
New Delhi and Mumbai are the best international gateways. We recommend flying into one and out of the other to minimize backtracking.
agra | delhi | darjeeling | jaipur | jaisalmar | jodhpur | ladakh | ranthambore | udaipur | varanasi
AGRA & THE TAJ MAHAL
Known globally as the home of the ultimate testament to love, the inimitable Taj Mahal, the story of Agra begins much earlier than the construction of this extraordinary monument. Capital of the Mughal Empire, during the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra is home to some of the finest architectural achievements of this remarkable dynasty. As such, it forms the third apex of the Golden Triangle, a popular itinerary that takes in some of India’s famed architectural highlights. Agra is situated along the banks of the Yamuna River and most of its historical monuments overlook this waterway. It is home to three World Heritage Sites; The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the nearby Fatehpur Sikri.
DELHI
Delhi has been built, invaded and colonized by global powers throughout history, including central Asian invaders, the Mughal dynasty and, most recently, the British Empire. Today, this historic city is now the capital of India, and with 12.5 million people, the second largest urban area in India after Mumbai; in contrast to that upstart’s glitzy, fast-paced Bollywood lifestyle, Delhi, the seat of government, is decidedly more traditional. Sari clad women, flower markets, imposing architecture and treasured temples: all the nuances of India are on show in Delhi. Often seen as just a transit hub, it’s definitely worth investing some time here.
DARJEELING
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tea heritage of India in picturesque Darjeeling, a spectacular region of plantations established in the 1860s. A visit to a local plantation, to learn about the tea making and growing process is an absolute must during your stay, with a selection of prominent estates, such as Glenburn, offering not only tours but heavenly little places to stay. Darjeeling is also well-known for the Toy Train, a narrow-gauge railway formally known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (a UNESCO World Heritage Suite).
JAIPUR
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tea heritage of India in picturesque Darjeeling, a spectacular region of plantations established in the 1860s. A visit to a local plantation, to learn about the tea making and growing process is an absolute must during your stay, with a selection of prominent estates, such as Glenburn, offering not only tours but heavenly little places to stay. Darjeeling is also well-known for the Toy Train, a narrow-gauge railway formally known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (a UNESCO World Heritage Suite).
JAISALMAR
With bright colored turbans and caparisoned camels, the dusty echoes of the Thar Desert, and an ancient fortress shimmering with pride, Jaisalmer is an Arabian fantasy come true. If you’re visiting India’s Golden City you’ll discover the history behind the ancient walls and experience the beautiful culture of the desert state of Rajasthan. We’ve curated list of the best sights and activities in Jaisalmer.
JODHPUR
The northern state of Rajasthan is home to some of India’s most well-known and frequently visited cities. Meaning ‘Land of Kings’, the landscape is littered with magnificent forts and palaces. From the state capital of Jaipur and the Blue City of Jodhpur to the serene lakes of Udaipur and the dusty dunes of the Thar desert, Rajasthan is one of the most culturally rich pockets of India.
LADAHK
The region of Ladakh stretches along the northern border of India, covering the snow-capped peaks of the Himalaya Mountains. Boasting magnificent mountain panoramas as well as clear cobalt lakes, it is an area of stark natural beauty. Known as Little Tibet or the Roof of the World, Ladakh has its own fascinating culture and identity. Heavily influence by Tibetan Buddhism, picturesque monasteries and whitewashed stupas, or monuments, dramatically cling rocky outcrops or balance over steep precipices. Colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind, while prayer wheels decorate important landmarks and intersections. This dramatic and seemingly barren mountain landscape is home to a number of endangered species, the best known of which is the shy and elusive snow leopard. Traditional festivals take place at a number of Ladakh’s bigger cities and monasteries, featuring colorful local costumes, as well as distinctive music and chanting. Breath-taking mountain treks and thrilling river rafting opportunities are available for more adventurous travelers.
RANTHAMBHORE NATIONAL PARK
Tucked between the rugged Aravalli and Vindhya hills, the Ranthambhore National Park boasts a spectacular landscape filled with boulder-strewn highland plateaus, lakes and rivers – dotted with old forts and abandoned mosques – creating a wonderful atmosphere for both bird and mammal viewing. Ranthambore is perhaps most famous for being one of the original ‘Project Tiger’ reserves and it still affords one of the best opportunities anywhere in India of seeing a tiger. At the centre of the park lie the ruins of the 10th to 16th century Ranthambhore Fort, which dominates the leafy forests from its perch atop a dramatic rocky outcrop.
UDAIPUR
The northern state of Rajasthan is home to some of India’s most well-known and frequently visited cities. Meaning ‘Land of Kings’, the landscape is littered with magnificent forts and palaces. From the state capital of Jaipur and the Blue City of Jodhpur to the serene lakes of Udaipur and the dusty dunes of the Thar desert, Rajasthan is one of the most culturally rich pockets of India.
VARANASI
The north is home to the holy cities of Varanasi, Rishikesh and Amritsar, and few who come here fail to be touched by their spirituality. Called the “oldest living city on Earth”, Varanasi is the holiest city of both the Hindu and Jain faiths. A collection of rambling alleyways and crowded streets leading to the ghats, or steps, on the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi was said to have been founded by Shiva himself. Indeed, the very ghats on which Varanasi was built are tirthas, or holy sites of pilgrimages; the devout believe that such tirthas are where believers can wash themselves of their sins and commune with the gods. Today, Varanasi is a chaotic, vibrant mix of pilgrims, merchants, priests, and, of course, curious visitors, all of whom seek to tap into the energy that pulses through this ancient city.
Looking to extend your trip?
For a relaxing finish to your trip, continue on to the white sand beaches and turquoise water off the nearby Maldives, or head to South India to relax and recharge and/or Sri Lanka for more sun, sand and sea. Please get in touch today, to find out more.
SOUTH india
There are few places on earth like India. An explosion of colors, sounds and contrasts. The irony of an elephant traffic jam, contrasting with the opulence of the palaces and forts, its energy is undeniably contagious. Read More >
sri lanka
The teardrop shaped island of Sri Lanka lies in the Indian Ocean just off the southern tip of India. With its golden sandy beaches, azure blue waters and warm tropical climate, Sri Lanka is a year round destinations for travelers seeking sun, sand and sea. Read More >
THE MALDIVES
Paradise, paradise, paradise. This is it. Here, home is a lagoon of sand swirled across an emerald blue sea, with luxurious lavishness the only interruption to days of sun-streamed beaches and idyllic island living … Read More >