Example Itinerary

North India Cultural Highlights

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Architecture, UNESCO
Destinations
India

Experience the cultural wonders of Northern India with our 10-day luxury North India Cultural Highlights itinerary. Starting in Delhi, you’ll visit the old city as well as the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Khajuraho, Panna National Park, and the Ganges at Varanasi, all while staying in some of the country’s finest hotels. 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Taj Mahal: One of the most recognized monuments in the world, let alone North India, makes this site a must-see, especially at dawn's first light.
  • Panna National Park: Go on a safari in search of the elusive Bengal tiger, as well as Indian wolf, four-horned antelope, sloth bears, leopards, and more. You will even see stone paintings dating back to the Neolithic era.
  • Holy River: Varanasi, built the banks of the sacred Ganges river, is a spiritual city whose winding streets hold over 2,000 temples and an impressive aarti ceremony is performed each evening.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

New Delhi »

Arrive in the Indian capital of New Delhi, and take in the vibrant city’s sights and smells. Transfer to your hotel and settle in. You may enjoy free time for the rest of the day, exploring your hotel and its nearby surroundings. 

Hotel Options

Day 2

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New Delhi »

Today you’ll learn all about the history and present of New Delhi, on a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi. You’ll visit can’t-miss spots like Qutub Minar, the tallest minaret in India and a UNESCO heritage site, the Laxminarayan Temple, India Gate, the country’s national monument, and more. See the city’s more modern side as well with a trip to its National Gallery of Modern Art, and enjoy a bit of retail therapy at its world-class shops.

New Delhi
New Delhi

Day 3

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Agra »

After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and hop into a comfortable vehicle for your first Indian road trip, this one heading to Agra. Agra is around 3.5 hours away and sits on the banks of the river Yamuna, and is home to the famous world heritage site, Taj Mahal. Head there for sunset today, when the structure is at its finest (especially for photos). The palace was commissioned by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his third wife, who passed away in the 17th-century. Relax afterwards at your luxury suite at Oberoi Amarvilas. 

Hotel Options

Day 4

Map

Agra »

Wake up bright and early to catch the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, before the throngs of tourists arrive. Next, visit Fatehpur Sikri, a city founded in the 16th-century by a Mughal Emperor, followed by a trip to Agra Fort, another UNESCO heritage site. Agra Fort is so big, it’s often referred to as a walled city, and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Agra
Agra

Day 5

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Panna National Park »

Take the train to Jhansi, where you’ll continue your journey by road, driving to Orchha. Orchha has a medieval feel to it, with structures so well-preserved, they seem to have been frozen in time. See for yourself by visiting Orchha Fort, Palace, and Hindu temples. Then hop back in the car and drive to Panna National Park.

Hotel Options
Panna National Park
Panna National Park

Day 6

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Panna National Park »

Start your day off with a refreshing and thrilling morning jeep safari, where you’re likely to spot some of Panna’s exotic animals perusing their natural habitat. Enjoy a leisurely cruise down the Ken river this afternoon, before heading back to your hotel and relaxing for the evening.

Day 7

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Panna National Park »

Today you’ll spend a full day at Khajuraho, one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. Pay a visit to the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, particularly well-known for their erotic sculptures. Relax at your hotel upon your return.

Panna National Park
Panna National Park

Day 8

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Varanasi »

Take off for Varanasi today, on the banks of the River Ganges. Explore India’s most well-known river this afternoon on a Ganges River cruise. This evening, observe the legendary Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh ghat, involving choreographed pyrotechnics.

Hotel Options

Day 9

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Varanasi »

Enjoy a morning boat ride, followed by a stroll through Varanasi’s lanes, checking out the charming shops, restaurants, and observing local life. Visit a wrestling Akhara and check out the traditional spiritual form of martial arts practiced there. This afternoon, visit Sarnath, a deer park that holds particular significance for Buddhists due to its history.

Varanasi
Varanasi

Day 10

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Departure

Today, your last day on your luxury North India Cultural Journey itinerary, fly to New Delhi, and check in for your next destination. 

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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