Highlights of Northern India - 11-Day Tour

Welcome to India and the big city bustle of Delhi! Your journey begins in this colourful capital city with contrasts at every turn. Expect both the ancient and modern: think ancient relics of bygone eras next to shopping malls. Meanwhile, street stalls, rickshaws, animals and tourists jostle for space in the narrow lanes of Old Delhi. After arriving and transferring to your hotel on your own, meet up with your Travel Director and fellow travellers to chat through what’s to come on your India tour. Then indulge in your first taste of Delhi's foodie scene over dinner.

Kickstart your tour of things to do in Delhi in the maze of streets and vibrant bazaars of Old Delhi. Uncover this real slice of India as you visit the stunning red sandstone carved Jama Masjid, Delhi’s largest mosque and a little pocket of peace. There’s time to explore before hopping on board a cycle rickshaw to weave through the streets of Old Delhi before visiting Raj Ghat, the resting place for Mahatma Gandhi. After your exciting ride, move on to New Delhi to experience a different side to the city, driving past grand government buildings and leafy avenues. Your last stop will be Humayun's Tomb, another ancient remnant of the Mughal reign. After an incredible day, return to your hotel with a free evening and the option to join a Choice Experience food tour.

• Old Delhi Rickshaw Ride
• New Delhi's Landmark Sites

India is a traveller’s playground. Head to Agra today with the option to join a Choice Experience at Agra Fort, one of India’s finest Mughal forts. Explore the maze of buildings, forming a city within a city, made of many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal. This afternoon you get to visit the Taj Mahal, a grand mausoleum so impressive in real life. Stand in awe as the light washes over the white marble, painting shades of pink and gold. Built in 1632 as a tribute to the love Shah Jahan had for his third wife Mumtaz Mahal, 20,000 craftsmen took 17 years to complete this ‘Love Poem in Marble.' Head inside to visit the tombs of Shah and Mumtaz. Oh and don’t forget to snap a photo on the famous “Diana’s bench” to see it in all its glory!

• Visit the Taj Mahal

Another day on your trip to India, another incredible city awaits. India is a country where huge cities, massive architectural wonders and food that knows no limits is around every turn. Choose to get up early to experience the dazzling Taj Mahal at sunrise. Along the way to Jaipur, stop at a lesser-known treasure, the long deserted ‘Ghost City 'of Fatehpur Sikri, built in 1569. Then fuel up for lunch before making your way to the “Pink City” of Jaipur. After settling into your hotel, you have the rest of the day to explore your way. Perhaps witness the Aarti Ceremony in Birla Temple followed by dinner.

What to expect in Jaipur? One mind-blowing sight after the next, that’s what. Start the day of Jaipur attractions at Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, before ascending to Amber Fort by jeep. This classic Rajasthani palace features miniatures painted on the walls depicting hunting, war and festival scenes. Admire the embedded precious stones and mirrors. Continue your sightseeing tour of the city including Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence and a complex of courtyards, gardens and a gorgeous blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Be sure to check out the four delicately painted doors of the Pritam Niwas Chowk which represent the four seasons. Next up, visit Jantar Mantar, home to medieval-era geometric devices for tracking constellations, observing the orbits around the sun and measuring time. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest astronomical observatories on the planet. The rest of your day is free to join a Choice Experience at a local market or explore the Pink City on your own.

• Jaipur Orientation

Venture to the hilltop city of Jodhpur, the “Blue City.” Get acquainted on a sightseeing tour discovering its history. Learn how the massive Mehrangarh Fort was built in the 16th century, 393 feet above the surrounding plains. Within its walls, seven gates and numerous bastions and towers lies the Old City’s maze of lanes, palaces, a Haveli and temples. Explore the fort and palaces, some of which contain a collection of Rajput miniature paintings and a museum. Then wind your way down the hill to see Jaswant Thada, the striking white marble cenotaph (chhatri) of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II built in 1899. View the carved-marble lattice screens hung with portraits of Rathore rulers dating back to the 13th century. If you feel like exploring more, cap off the day with a Choice Experience of a tuk tuk ride and walking tour through the Old City.

All through India you’ll find incredible temples. Today’s site on your trip to India is no different, with a stop at Ranakpur on your way to Udaipur. The exceptionally beautiful Ranakpur complex is one India’s largest and most important Jain temples. Located in a remote valley of the Aravalli hills, the main temple of Ranakpur, Chaumukha Mandir, is dedicated to Adinath (the first Jain saint) and an important shrine for the Jain community. You’ll be dazzled by this white marble temple made of 29 halls, 80 domes, 400 columns and 1,444 individually engraved pillars. The pillars alone are stunning, decorated in peach and beige with intricate carvings of elephants, flowers and people. Beneath the domed ceilings and wide corridors, admire the intricate carvings of nymphs and maidens playing musical instruments. Get your fill of this icon before finishing the day arriving in Udaipur.

Get ready for the must-see sights of Udaipur on your city tour. Kick it off at the City Palace, housing the Dilkhush Mahal and Sheesh Mahal which are studded with glittering Belgian mirrors. Next up is the Jagdish Temple built in 1651 and dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu Trinity of Gods. Visit the Sahelion Ki Bari, Garden of the Maidens, built for women by the Maharajas before ending with a drive around beautiful Fatehsagar Lake. The afternoon is yours for the taking. Do it your way with a Choice Experience Bhil tribe village trek. Or, choose to cruise Lake Pichola followed by a visit to Monsoon palace and dinner.

• Udaipur City Palace Complex Visit

It’s time for Mumbai! Jet off to India’s largest city for an afternoon of sightseeing. The must-see sights of your India tour begin at Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai‘s 140-year-old, open-air laundromat, where people hand-wash around 5000 pieces of clothing each day. Snap a few pics of this “see it to believe it” sight before making your way to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus Station. This UNESCO World Heritage Site named after the queen on Jubilee Day 1887 is a striking example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Next up is Churchgate station to see the Dabbawallas (tiffin carriers) sorting the lunch boxes and sending them off to various parts of the city. Visit Mani Bhavan, Gandhi’s former residence, before passing the colourful Crawford market, Flora fountain and Marine Drive - also known as “queen’s necklace” for the way it sparkles at night.

Do it your way today with two tempting Choice Experiences to see Mumbai. In the morning, choose to take a boat to the Elephanta Caves on the Island of Elephanta. These cave temples were excavated between the 5th and 8th centuries and are famous for their magnificently sculpted panels. Or, choose to join a Bollywood Tour, diving into the Indian television and cinema industry. Go big this evening over a Farewell Dinner digging into soup, salad and local specialties paired with roti and naan breads.

It’s been one blockbuster after another ticking off all the highlights of Northern India. After breakfast, say farewell to your travel companions and depart on your own.