Northern India Discovery

Northern India Discovery Tour

Overview:
This exciting adventure takes you through the northern hill stations of the Himalayas to the fantastically iconic Golden Triangle of Agra, Jaipur, and Delhi, immersing you in North India’s culture.

A visit to vibrant Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple (one of the holiest sites in India with a dome made of pure gold), a journey on the Toy Train from Shimla, and witnessing the Agra sound and light show are just some of the incredible experiences on this varied and magical tour.

Tour Details

• Fully Inclusive
• Touring with Guides and Entrance Fees
• Included Meals:
  • Breakfasts: 14
  • Lunches: 13
  • Dinners: 14
• Flights:
  • International flights and current taxes
• Accommodation:
  • 14 nights in 3+/4-star accommodation
• Group Tour:
  • Max Group Size: 18
• Physical Rating: 2 (Walking, some steps, and extended time on your feet)

Tour Highlights

Our Northern India Discovery tour will have you exploring iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture, and dining on delicious cuisine.

Authentic Experiences

Our Northern India Discovery Tour is thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are exclusive to us.

Morning Yoga

Start the day in the birthplace of yoga with an invigorating practice and meditation session led by a master, surrounded by the stunning Himalayan foothills.

Golden Temple Kitchens

Visit the Golden Temple’s ‘langar’, the kitchen that feeds up to 100,000 people a day for free! Meet the volunteers who prepare and cook the food and watch them make thousands of chapatis by hand.

Border Closing Ceremony

Travel to the India-Pakistan border to witness the spectacular border closing ceremony. This fantastic display of showmanship involves speed marching, high kicks, and stomps, all cheered on by a crowd of locals and tourists alike.

This format is more visually organized and easier to follow. Let me know if you’d like to make any further tweaks! 😊

16-Day Northern India Discovery Tour Itinerary

Days 1-2: Fly to Delhi

Fly overnight to Delhi, India’s rambunctious capital city. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3: Discover Delhi

Take a full day to explore India’s vibrant capital.

• Old Delhi: Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the atmospheric streets, visiting Jama Masjid.
• Local Market: Learn about local herbs and spices.
• New Delhi: View the colonial grandeur of the Rajpath, including Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate.
• Humayun’s Tomb: End the day at this stunning UNESCO-listed site.

Day 4: Train to Amritsar

Transfer to Delhi station and board a train traveling north to Amritsar. In the evening, head to the India-Pakistan border to witness the dramatic and over-the-top border closing ceremony.

Day 5: Explore Amritsar

• Heritage Walk: Visit local markets and temples, including Jallianwalla Bagh.
• Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib): The spiritual heart of the Sikh faith, with its shimmering gold dome.
• Palki Sahib Ceremony: Experience this atmospheric nighttime ritual with drums and hymns.

Day 6: Travel to Dharamsala

Ascend into the Himalayas to Dharamsala, home of the Tibetan Government in exile. Visit:

• Tibetan Library
• Tibetan Medical Institute

Day 7: Explore Dharamsala

• Bhagsunag Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Mcleod Ganj: A town with a strong Tibetan influence.
• Dalai Lama Temple & Tibetan Museum: Learn about Tibetan history and culture.

Day 8: Yoga Experience

• Start the day with yoga and meditation.
• Visit Kangra State Museum & St John’s Church.
• Enjoy a cooking demonstration of local dishes.
• Spend time at the Nobulingka Institute, a center for Buddhist learning and Tibetan cultural preservation.

Day 9: Travel to Shimla

Drive to Shimla. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 10: Toy Train Experience

• Toy Train Ride: Enjoy one of India’s most scenic train journeys, a UNESCO-listed heritage railway built in 1903.
• Jakhoo Temple: Located at the highest point of Shimla, offering panoramic views.
• Himachal State Museum
• Walking Tour of Mall Road, Shimla’s colonial-era main street.

Day 11: Shimla to Delhi

• Visit the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies.
• Transfer to Kalka and board the train back to Delhi.

Day 12: Agra Fort

Travel to Agra by road. Upon arrival, explore the colossal Agra Fort, built by the Mughals in the 1500s.

Day 13: Taj Mahal & Jaipur

• Sunrise at the Taj Mahal: Witness India’s most iconic monument at dawn, bathed in mist and pink hues.
• Travel to Jaipur, stopping to admire the Chand Baori stepwell en route.
• Arrive in the ‘Pink City’ and visit:
  • City Palace
  • Jantar Mantar Observatory

Day 14: Explore Jaipur

• Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds): A photo stop at this stunning landmark.
• Amber Fort: Explore this spectacular fortress.
• Craft Centre: Watch artisans at work in block printing and carpet weaving.
• Cooking Demonstration before dinner.

Day 15: Return to Delhi

• Travel back to Delhi by road.
• Enjoy a final group dinner and a Kathak Dance performance.

Day 16: Fly to the UK

Fly home, arriving the same or the following day.

This format makes it easier to read and follow the itinerary. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments! 😊