Authentic North India

Small Group - 8 to 16

16 Days

from

$7,779 PP

Single Supplement – $2,459

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Authentic Experiences

North India draws you in with bold colours spirited streets and centuries of architectural beauty. Delhi’s busy markets ring with voices temple bells and rickshaw horns while ancient forts rise above cities shaped by royal dynasties. Palaces shimmer beside lakes desert towns glow with sandstone hues and every turn reveals a story layered in art culture and tradition. Travelling slowly lets you absorb these contrasts and connect to the life unfolding around you.

Over sixteen days you’ll discover India through its people and places. Chat with spice sellers in Old Delhi see silk merchants display their brilliant fabrics then watch sunrise paint the Taj Mahal in pale gold. Search for wild tigers in Ranthambore as peacocks call through the dry forest and visit village workshops where locals teach turban tying and sari draping with friendly pride. Wander lakefront palaces in Udaipur share simple roadside chai and feel the diversity of North India come alive through its tastes sounds and generous hospitality.

  • Explore the capital, New & Old Delhi by foot and Rickshaw
  • Discover traditional and spiritual Varanasi
  • Visit the incredible Agra Fort
  • Be in awe of the famous Taj Mahal with a sunrise visit
  • Safari through Ranthambore N.P. to find the elusive Tiger, Sloth Bear, Leopard and more!
  • Enjoy a Rajasthani cooking class
  • Visit an Elephant Village to learn the rehabilitation of injured elephants
  • Try your hand at Turban & Indian Sari tying Workshop
  • Explore the stunning City Palace of Jaipur, the Pink City
  • Visit the 15th century Meherangarh Fort in Jodhpur, the famous Blue City
  • Visit a Bishnoi Village visit, the eco-friendly and nature loving section of the Hindu religion
  • Visit the most spectacular Jain temple in India in Ranakpur
  • Discover the ‘Venice of the East, Udaipur built around three interconnected lakes
  • Plus, so much more!

Journey Map

Fitness Level

Easy

Moderate

Challenging

Tough

Itinerary

Welcome to India!

Upon arrival pass through the Customs & Immigration counters and proceed towards baggage collection areas. Your Airport Representative will meet you outside the Arrivals Hall and will escort you to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel The Maiden incl. early check-in.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Old Delhi by Rickshaw

One of its kind tour, in specially designed rickshaws that attempt to transport guests 400 years back in history through the vibrant narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi. On the tour, visit monuments such as the Jama Masjid; Asia’s largest spice market and witness delightfully decorated shops, famous eateries, colourful bazaars, architectural marvels of Old Delhi. Hear interesting stories and live the sights and sounds bringing history back to life.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent Sikh gurudwara or Sikh house of worship and known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan. It also houses a pool inside its complex, known as the “Sarovar”. It was originally a Bungalow (Haveli) used by Mirza Raja Jai Singh, a well−known military leader of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The complex of Gurudwara is quite big and has a community kitchen hall, higher secondary school, charitable dispensary, library, museum and a multilevel parking.

New Delhi tour

New Delhi reflects the legacy the British left behind. The first stop will be a UNESCO World Heritage site − Qutub Minar, the second tallest minar in India. It is made of red stone and marble covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur’an. The tour to Imperial Delhi will also include a drive past of India Gate, the 42 m high War Memorial Arch, the Parliament House, the Secretariat buildings and the Vice Regal Palace, now the official residence of the President of India.

In the evening we will take you to Laxminarayan Temple to see the Diwali illuminations and decoration.

Additional Highlight can be arranged at an extra cost: Royal High Tea at a Heritage Haveli – Experience an exclusive afternoon tea session in a restored Mughal-era mansion. Approx. 2hrs including travel time

Accommodation: Hotel The Maiden

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After your breakfast at hotel, we take you to Airport for a flight to Varanasi, where our local guide will receive you and take you to your hotel.

Varanasi: A paragon of Indian culture, philosophy, traditions and spiritual ethos since times immemorial, Varanasi is regarded as the oldest living city in the world. It is among the Sapta Puries, meaning seven sacred cities of Ancient India. Strolling the ghats or watching the sunrise from a boat on the Ganges is a highlight, and confronting the reality and ritual of death can be a powerful experience.

After you check in you will have some free time.

EVENING AARTI

Experience the beautiful Hindu ritual Aarti on this evening tour in Varanasi, Every evening in Varanasi, aarti is performed at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. We can watch it from the ghat or from the waterside in a boat. It is a beautiful, resonant, and majestic spectacle with a very precise choreography involving rituals performed by several priests with the sound of bells, drums, cymbals, and Sanskrit mantras. The river is also worshipped with flower petals.

Accommodation: Tree of Life Resort & Spa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The morning walk in Varanasi is an exciting affair, also known as Subah-e-Banaras. It takes you to the ghats of the Ganga where light music in morning ragas, yoga and typical Banarasi breakfast is organized for the locals. The walk then moves to the famed lanes of Varanasi seeing glimpses of major temples.

A visit to this legendary city will be among the most moving trips you’ll ever make. Varanasi is believed to be the greatest tirth (pilgrimage) between earth and heaven. For a Hindu, to visit Varanasi and bathe in the water of Ganga, is to be cleansed of the sins of thousands of past rebirths.

Immerse yourself in Varanasi’s cultural and traditional essence with an experiential heritage walking tour in the old city, followed by a rickshaw ride. Sample local delicacies on a street food tour and visit to The Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Banaras Hindu University.

THE KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE

Also known as the Golden Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Varanasi is said to be the point at which the first Jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which Shiva manifested his supremacy over other gods, broke through the earth’s crust and flared towards the heavens. Some areas inside the temple are restricted for foreigners.

BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY

One of the greatest centres of learning in India, the BHU has produced many great freedom fighters and Nation-builders. It has immensely contributed to the progress of the nation through a large number of renowned scholars, artists and scientists. Its campus is spread over 1300 acres with extensive greenery and a temple.

Conclude the day with a visit to a Banarasi sari weaving factory to see the artistry behind the iconic textiles.

Accommodation: Tree of Life Resort & Spa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

BOAT RIDE IN THE GANGES

Start your day with a morning boat ride at dawn. You have a chance to observe the Hindu way of life along the bank of the Ganges River (Ganga Ghat or Banaras Ghat).

Sarnath Excursion

Sarnath, 10km from Varanasi, is one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage centers. Lord Buddha preached his first sermon here. The Chaukhandi Stupa is the place where, during his first visit to Sarnath, Lord Buddha met his first five disciples. The area is a treasure trove of archaeological findings such as Dharmrajika Stupa and Mulgandhkuti Vihar. The smooth glistening pillar established by Emperor Ashoka in 273-232 B.C. marks the foundation of the Buddhist Sangha, and the Lion Capital atop this pillar is now India’s National Emblem.

DASHASHWAMEDHA GHAT

Dashashwamedha is Varanasi’s most popular and accessible bathing ghats that has rows of priests sitting on wooden platforms under bamboo umbrellas.

Accommodation: Tree of Life Resort & Spa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We take a morning flight back to Delhi, where our guide will meet you and take you by car to Agra, a distance of 232 km will be covered in 4.5 hours approx.

Agra

Home of the world−famous Taj Mahal, Agra is one of India’s prime tourist destinations for specifically this reason, though its attractions also extend to an array of other impressive historical sights.

Agra Fort lies in a bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the heart of the city. Approachable by two imposing gates and constructed of red sandstone, the citadel was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar between the years 1565 and 1573. Encircled by a moat, this dramatic city within a city was the palace of three emperors, Akbar, Shah Jehan and Aurangzeb, each of whom made significant contributions to the wonderful architecture of the inner buildings – a combination of Persian (Islamic) and local Hindu styles.

Accommodation: ITC Mughal

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Taj Mahal (Sunrise Visit)

It is fitting to see this extraordinary monument Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) by the first light of day as its exemplary beauty is awe−inspiring and will create an unforgettable memory. This time of the day is the least crowded and affords a very peaceful and tranquil experience of the world most romantic site.

Fatehpur Sikri

The deserted red sandstone city, Fatehpur Sikri is also known as the “city of victory”. The city was

founded in 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire. It was abandoned shortly afterwards due to water shortages. It consists of beautiful palaces, halls and mosques. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is an extraordinary place to wander around. Even after 300 years its buildings are in near perfect condition.

Arrival at Ranthambore

Once a private game reserve of the Royal House of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the world’s best-known wilderness areas and offers some of the finest opportunities for sighting the magnificent tiger in the wild.

Distance: 180ms / 4 hrs

Accommodation: The Tigress

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today, we take a morning and afternoon safari in Ranthambore.

Ranthambore offers some of the finest opportunities for sighting the magnificent tiger in the wild. A mix of rolling hills and crags, and meadows, lakes and rivulets, this dry-deciduous forest system is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Apart from the tiger, you can also spot sloth bear, leopard, caracal, jackal, fox, hyena and mongoose at Ranthambore. The elusive Indian wolf has also been spotted here occasionally. The dainty chital, sambhar deer, the blue bull antelope or nilgai, rhesus macaque, langur and an incredible variety of birds amidst a setting of dhok, fig and banyan trees make a visit to this park a delight – for tourists and naturalists alike. Basking crocodiles, king vulture on a snag, the scream of the serpent eagle, the alarm calls of spotted deer are some sights and sounds that make this a safari experience like none other. The landscape is dominated by the 10th-century fortress of Ranthambore while the valleys have numerous cenotaphs, ruins and abandoned settlements overcome by nature – a testament to battles and romances of an era long gone.

NOTE: Seeing a tiger (around 60 to 70 no’s approx.) is partly a matter of luck. Remember there’s plenty of other wildlife to see, including more than 300 species of birds. The park remains open from October to June. The Indian forest department organizes jeep safari which is guided by local naturalist and forest guard. There are options of Shared gipsy car, Canter and exclusive privet jeep.  The Park is divided into 10 different Zones and the selection of zones depends on the decision on the forest management. Safari duration is 3 hrs 30 min. Timings are different depending on the months.

Accommodation: The Tigress

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Surface journey from Ranthambore to Jaipur, a distance of 180 km will be covered in 4 hours approx.

Fringed by the rugged Aravali Hills, Jaipur is the capital and largest city in India’s northern state of Rajasthan. This city is famed for being India’s first planned city featuring a multitude of pink terracotta buildings within the walled historic centre, earning it the nickname, ’The Pink City’. Jaipur falls within the Golden Triangle, a popular tourist circuit, which includes Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, and serves as a gateway to the neighbouring desert cities of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. This colourful city is a combination of tradition and modernity and offers visitors vibrant bazaars, lavish palaces and ancient temples. The salmon−hued old city is home to the opulent City Palace, encompassing an impressive assortment of palatial structures, sprawling gardens, courtyards and buildings. Don’t miss the fairy−tale splendour of the Amber Fort, set against the backdrop of the arid landscape.

Highlights:

  1. Rajasthani Cooking Demo followed by meal
  2. Elephant Village – a housing project for Elephants
  3. Turban Tying & Indian Sari tying Workshop

Accommodation: Shapura House

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Experience a blend of heritage, palaces, culture and art in Jaipur.

In the morning, drive just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort, en−route stopping for photo stop at `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal.

In the afternoon proceed for the city tour. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings.

Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur in 18th century and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day.

Jeep Ride at Amber Fort

The drive to the fort through Amber village is beautiful and reflects the Rajasthani culture. Reach the top of the Amer Fort, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls.

Accommodation: Shapura House

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive to Jodhpur, a distance of 300 km will be covered in 5 hours approx.

Known as the gateway to the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is a popular tourist destination featuring a variety of ornate palaces, age−old forts and sacred temples. Dubbed “The Blue City”, most houses in the old city are painted a beautiful shade of indigo. While Jodhpur is largely a sprawling modern metropolis, enclosed within its old city walls is a labyrinth of winding, narrow medieval streets and bazaars. Jodhpur is home to one of the largest forts in India, the massive 15th−century Mehrangarh Fort, which towers over the city from its sandstone plinth. Other must−see attractions include: the Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the world’s largest private residences; and the Jaswant Thada, an intricately carved white marble mausoleum.

On this day we will also try to visit a village school on the way (subject to school opening)

Accommodation: Welcomehotel by ITC Hotels

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Jodhpur Half Day Tour

Explore the Sun city and experience the architecture, history and culture of the city.

Visit the 15th century Meherangarh Fort (citadel of the Sun) that evokes the spirit of the Rathores, the ruling local Rajput clan. Visit its various palaces with their delicate friezes and respective museums, displaying treasures of the royal family. On the way back, visit Jaswant Thada − a pillared marble memorial to the popular ruler Jaswant Singh II, who purged Jodhpur of dacoits, initiated irrigation systems and boosted the economy.

Bishnoi Village Visit

Bishnois are the very sensible, straightforward, nature loving and eco−friendly section of Hindu religion. All Bishnois believe in the sanctity of animal and plant life as laid down by the 15th century Guru Jambeshwar in the form of 29 basic tenets, hence BIS (twenty) and NOI (nine). They further believe their ancestors are reincarnated as deer, so there are usually herds of deer found near Bishnoi villages.

Accommodation: Welcomehotel by ITC Hotels

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Surface journey from Jodhpur to Ranakpur, a distance of 160 km will be covered in 3.5 hours approx.

Ranakpur

The small town of Ranakpur is home to what is arguably the most spectacular of all India’s Jain temples. The complex rests on a lush mountain slope and encompasses a series of temples dating to the 15th century, all constructed from white marble and featuring exquisite decorative detail. The main temple, Chamukha, is a multi−tiered structure with no less than 80 domes and over 1400 pillars, all of which are intricately carved with unique designs – no two are alike. As the light changes during the day, so does the colour of the temple interior, shifting from golden to cream and then pale blue at dusk.

Accommodation: Fateh Bagh

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Surface journey from Ranakpur to Udaipur, a distance of 95 km will be covered in 1.5hours approx. Jain Temple visit with audio guide.

Dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’, the city of Udaipur is built around three interconnected lakes – Lake Pichhola, Fateh Sagar Lake and the smaller Swaroop Sagar Lake – and encircled by the hills of the Aravalli mountain range. It is home to an array of ancient temples and fairy−tale palaces (several of the latter have been converted into luxury heritage hotels) and is known as one of Rajasthan’s most beautiful and romantic cities. Must−see attractions include the City Palace, the Lake Palace (set on a small island in the middle of Lake Pichola) and the Udaipur Solar Observatory – Asia’s premier solar−gazing site.

Accommodation: Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The tour of Udaipur begins with the exquisite City Palace, a well−fortified, majestic white monument. Later visit the Jagdish Temple, a 16th−century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the largest and most splendid temple in Udaipur. Drive past Fateh Sagar Lake and visit Sahelion−ki−Bari, the Garden of the Maids−of−Honour, which has numerous fountains embellished with delicately chiselled kiosks and elephants. The garden brings to the fore the unique lifestyle of the royal ladies, who once strolled through these gardens. Also visit the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir or the Folk Art Museum.

Boatride on Lake Pichola (Shared)

Take a boat ride on the Lake Pichola, which is fringed with hills, palaces, havelis, ghats, embankments and temples and offers spectacular views of the city. Visit the Jag Mandir Island with its exquisite Gul Mahal Pavilion.

Accommodation: Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Transfer to Udaipur airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included?

  • All airport transfers
  • 25 nights’ in mixed accommodations
  • All daily meals
  • All road transportation in a private AC mini coach
  • English-speaking local tour guides
  • All entry fees
  • All activities and sightseeing as mentioned
  • Delhi – Varanasi – Delhi domestic flights

Availability

Start DateEnd DateDurationAvailabilityPrice

  • Start Date

    October 19, 2026

    End Date

    November 3, 2026

    Duration

    16 days

    Availability

    Available

    Price

    7,779 AUD

  • Start Date

    October 24, 2027

    End Date

    November 8, 2027

    Duration

    16 days

    Availability

    Available

    Price

    8,539 AUD

Why Choose Mike Drew Travel?

Hand-crafted journeys & immersive experiences

Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.

We’ve walked the walk

Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.

Your safety first

In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.