15 Day Northern India Culture & Heritage

Welcome to India! Arrive in New Delhi, the energetic capital city and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure.

Commence your journey by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qutub Minar, an impressive minaret that exemplifies Mughal Islamic architecture. Explore Gandhi Smriti, a museum honoring the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. Following lunch, proceed to Old Delhi, established by Shah Jahan, and enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk. At 6 PM, join an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager, followed by dinner, to acquaint yourself with fellow travelers and prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

Set off on a trip to Jaipur, Rajasthan's vibrant "Pink City." Admire its colorful stucco buildings, hilltop forts, and palaces. Visit a prestigious jewelry wholesaler offering exceptional quality and design, showcasing traditional Mughal gold enamel jewelry and artwork. Afterwards, explore a lively bazaar to find unique souvenirs and gifts. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner, reminiscing about the unforgettable sights and experiences of Jaipur.

After breakfast, drive past Hawa Mahal, admiring its intricate latticework and honeycomb windows. Proceed to Amber Fort, where you'll ascend the hill by jeep and enjoy panoramic views of Jaipur's original city walls and Maotha Lake. Explore the fort's impressive blend of Mughal and Hindu architectural styles, including the Palace of Mirrors and opulent private chambers. Visit a local handicrafts store to support artisans and purchase handmade items. In the afternoon, explore the Jantar Mantar Observatory, where you can engage with a local astrologer and learn about astronomical instruments. Conclude the day by spending the evening with a local family, enjoying a traditional home-cooked dinner and engaging in conversations about life in India.

Check-out from hotel at Jaipur and drive towards Ranthambhore. Arrive and Check-in to the hotel and overnight stay at Ranthambhore.

Embark on an early morning excursion to Ranthambore National Park, a renowned wildlife sanctuary celebrated for its majestic tigers and diverse wildlife. Accompanied by an experienced guide, board a Jeep or Canter and venture into the park to search for elusive tigers, hyenas, jackals, and foxes. Discover ancient structures, including the imposing hilltop fort, and return to the hotel for lunch and relaxation. In the evening, embark on another safari adventure before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Please Note: Tiger is an illusive animal and seeing tiger in its own territory is a chance of luck. We are not responsible in case you would not be able to see tiger. Your naturalist tour guide may be a limited English speaking person as they all are belongs to the local community only.

Embark on an intriguing journey to the historic village of Abhaneri in northern Rajasthan, celebrated for its rich history and architectural wonders. Begin at Chand Baori, one of India's largest stepwells, fortified on all sides, constructed by King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty in the 9th century AD. Chand Baori, among the world's largest stepwells, was designed to conserve water and offer relief from the scorching heat. Proceed onward to Agra, where upon arrival, check in at your hotel and unwind. The evening is free for leisure activities.

Explore the majestic Taj Mahal, constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. Afterwards, visit the impressive Agra Fort, located a few kilometers from the Taj Mahal, overlooking the river with its palaces and royal gardens that served as the residence of Mughal rulers for many years. Spend the night in Agra.

After breakfast and checking out from the hotel in Agra this morning, travel back to New Delhi for your flight to Amritsar in northwestern India. Upon arrival in the afternoon, check in at the hotel. Later this evening, visit the Golden Temple, the iconic landmark of Amritsar. Witness the illuminated temple and its reflection shimmering in the sacred waters—a truly captivating sight.

Proceed towards Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, the foremost place of worship for the Sikh faith. Afterwards, engage in a heritage walk through the historic Old Town. Observe craftsmen practicing their trades using traditional methods that have been passed down for centuries. In the afternoon, visit a rural village where you will be greeted with tea and witness a demonstration of gatka, a Sikh martial art. Later in the day, attend the Wagah border ceremony between India and Pakistan, a spectacle marked by grandeur and ceremony. Return to the hotel for dinner.

This morning, begin a lengthy journey to Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab state, celebrated for its seamless integration of modernist architecture and traditional culture. Upon reaching Chandigarh, visit the famous Rock Garden, a unique sculpture garden exhibiting art made from recycled materials such as broken tiles, ceramic pots, and other discarded items. Wander leisurely through the garden and stop at one of the viewpoints to admire stunning vistas of the garden and the cityscape. Afterward, settle into your hotel. Tonight, discover a local market and unwind with a tranquil evening at your own pace.

At sunrise, journey towards Rishikesh, a city rich in spiritual heritage and renowned for its many ashrams dedicated to spiritual education, yoga, and meditation. Upon arriving in the afternoon, settle into your hotel. Experience the captivating evening Aarti ceremony, a Hindu ritual where fire is offered as homage, conducted on the banks of the Ganges River. Gain insight into the ceremony's importance as priests chant prayers and light small lamps to honor the river, revered as the life-giver. Later, return to the hotel for dinner with entertainment.

Engage in an early morning yoga and meditation session. Following breakfast, embark on a guided walking tour of Rishikesh, renowned as one of India's most sacred destinations. Observe the Laxman Bridge and witness rituals being performed on the ghats. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, explore the diverse temples and ashrams, including a visit to Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Participate in a revitalizing sound healing session at a local studio in Rishikesh. This unique experience will help you relax and prepare for the journey ahead. Following the session, depart from Rishikesh and begin the extended drive back to New Delhi. En route, visit the magnificent Akshardham Temple, renowned for its intricate carvings and impressive stone architecture. Upon reaching New Delhi, check in to your accommodation and take some time to unwind. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at the hotel, where you can reminisce and share stories from your journey with the Tour Manager.

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.