A 13-Day Journey Through India’s Royals, Wildlife, and Sacred Sites

This 13-day journey takes you through the heart of India, from the bustling streets of Delhi to the spiritual ghats of Varanasi. Explore the royal palaces of Udaipur, the hidden treasures of Bundi, the wild landscapes of Ranthambore, and the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra. Marvel at the intricate temples of Khajuraho before ending your adventure in the sacred city of Varanasi, where tradition and spirituality come alive.

PRICE PER FERSON
FROM £3,970
DURATION
13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS

The Best Time To Visit

October to March

The best time to visit India is from October to March, when the weather is cool and dry, ideal for exploring popular regions like the Golden Triangle, Rajasthan, and the south. This period offers clear skies and pleasant temperatures. For Himalayan adventures or hill stations, April to June is ideal to avoid the winter chill, while southern beaches and Kerala’s backwaters are most enjoyable from November to February before the monsoon rains arrive.

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Regions You’ll Visit

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Our Suggested Day By Day Itinerary

This tour can be fully-personalized and upgrades are available.

 

 

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi

Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted by your Earth Trip representative and transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and settle in.

Overnight at hotel.

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Day 2: Delhi

After breakfast, begin your city tour of Delhi. Visit the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent, before enjoying a cycle rickshaw ride through the winding alleys of the Old City. In the afternoon, explore Humayun’s Tomb, a stunning example of Mughal architecture built by his widow, Haji Begum. Continue to the Qutub Minar, standing 72 meters tall, and the ruins of the Quwat-ul-Eslam Mosque. Don’t miss the famous Iron Pillar, an ancient wonder from the 4th century AD that remains uncorroded to this day.

Overnight at the hotel.

  • Board Includes:
  • Breakfast

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Day 3: Delhi to Udaipur (Flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel.

Later, enjoy a city tour, starting with the City Palace, a stunning complex of palaces that once housed the Mewar rulers and is now a museum overlooking the serene Lake Pichola. Visit Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the Maids of Honour), a historical site known for its royal parties. Take a drive around Fateh Sagar Lake, excavated in the 17th century by Maharana Fateh Singh, and pass by the Puppet Museum (Lok Kala Mandal) and the statue of Maharana Pratap at Moti Magri. End the day with a boat ride on Lake Pichola, where you’ll see the majestic Jag Mandir and Lake Palace Hotel, built on two islands in the lake.

Overnight at the hotel.

  • Board Includes:
  • Breakfast

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Day 4: Udaipur to Chittorgarh to Bundi (By road)

After breakfast, begin your drive to Bundi (drive approx 4.5 hours), with a stop en route at the Chittorgarh Fort. This imposing fortress, perched 150 meters above the plains, is steeped in tragedy and history. Upon arrival in Bundi, check in at your hotel.
In the afternoon, explore the princely city of Bundi, dominated by the Taragarh Fort and the Rajput palace, which is adorned with stunning 18th-century paintings. Visit the Rani well, famous for its intricate sculptures, and the cenotaph featuring 84 beautifully carved pillars.

Overnight at the hotel.

 

  • Board Includes:
  • Breakfast

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Day 5: Bundi

After breakfast, take a fascinating tour to the prehistoric rock paintings, located about 35 km from Bundi, a 50-minute drive through breathtaking countryside. Here, you’ll witness ancient drawings created by early humans, offering a rare glimpse into the distant past.

Once you arrive, enjoy a scenic 3 km walk through the countryside to reach the site. On the way back, stop at a local village for a delicious samosa, cooked over a wood fire, and enjoy a cup of masala chai.

Overnight at the hotel.

 

  • Board Includes:
  • Breakfast

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Day 6: Bundi to Ranthambore (By road)

After breakfast, visit local workshops where traditional glass bangles, copper pots, and handmade shoes are crafted. Witness the artistry behind these age-old crafts before you continue your journey to Ranthambore. (drive approx 2.5 hours)

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel, where you’ll enjoy lunch and dinner.

Overnight at the hotel.

  • Board Includes:
  • Breakfast

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Day 7: Ranthambore

After breakfast, enjoy both a morning and afternoon game drive through Ranthambore National Park. Spanning 411 km², this park is known for its tiger reintroduction and protection project, set amidst a stunning landscape of lakes and rivers. While tigers are the highlight, you may also spot hyenas, bears, deer, crocodiles, and over 250 species of birds.

Your safaris will be guided by a naturalist, with early morning and late afternoon excursions for the best wildlife sightings.
Lunch, dinner, and overnight at the hotel.

  • Board Includes:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

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Day 8: Ranthambore to Jaipur (By road)

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur (approx 3 hours), with a stop at the village of Sanganer. Explore the 17th-century Jain temple and visit local workshops known for their stationery, blue pottery, and fabric printing—skills that have made Jaipur famous for its craftsmanship.

Arrive in Jaipur and check in at your hotel. In the evening, visit the sacred Govind Dev Ji temple and experience the serene Aarti Ceremony, a deeply spiritual ritual. As night falls, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautifully illuminated streets of Jaipur, where history and romance come alive. End your evening with a delightful vegetarian dinner at Tattoo Café, set on a rooftop with a stunning view of the glowing Hawa Mahal.

Overnight at the hotel.

  • Board Includes:
  • Breakfast

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Day 9: Jaipur

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the iconic façade of the Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal). Then, head to Amber Fort, a majestic fortress that can be reached by foot, jeep, or electric car (we recommend avoiding elephant rides, as they contribute to animal abuse). Explore its courtyards, pavilions, and the dazzling Palace of Mirrors, all showcasing the grandeur of the Rajput rulers.

Next, visit the City Palace, the current residence of Jaipur’s royal family, and stroll through the bustling bazaars (closed on Sundays). End the day with a visit to the Jantar Mantar observatory, home to fascinating astronomical instruments.

Overnight at the hotel.

  • Board Includes:
  • Breakfast

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Day 10: Jaipur to Agra (via Fatehpur Sikri)

After breakfast, drive to Agra, with a visit en route to Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once the capital of Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri is a stunning example of Mughal architecture, with grand palaces, mosques, and courtyards.

Continue your journey to Agra and check in at your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

  • Board Includes:
  • Breakfast

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Day 11: Agra

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the Red Fort, built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar. Explore its impressive 25-meter-high walls, which enclose a series of palaces and pavilions. Next, visit the tomb of Mirza Hiyas Beg, also known as “the little Taj Mahal,” located along the Yamuna River.

Later, visit the iconic Taj Mahal, a breathtaking white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (note: closed on Fridays).

Overnight at the hotel.

  • Board Includes:
  • Breakfast

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Day 12: Agra > Jhansi > Orchha > Khajuraho

After breakfast, transfer to the Agra railway station to board the train to Jhansi. Upon arrival at Jhansi, you will be greeted and drive to Khajuraho, with a stop en route to visit Orchha. Explore the impressive Jehangir Mahal Palace and the Raj Mahal, known for its exquisite miniatures. Visit the Laxmi Narayan Temple, renowned for its stunning frescoes and wall paintings.

Continue your journey to Khajuraho and check in at your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

  • Board Includes:
  • Breakfast

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Day 13: Khajuraho to Varanasi (By flight)

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Khajuraho, home to stunning temples built over a thousand years ago, famous for their intricate erotic sculptures. These masterpieces reflect the artistic brilliance of their time, with bas-reliefs that blend religious themes and sensuality.

In time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi, India’s spiritual capital. Upon arrival, take a walk along the ghats, observing the diverse scenes of devotion and daily life. Experience the unique blend of reverence and joy as pilgrims pay homage to the gods and the sacred river. In the evening, witness the moving Ganga Arti, a Hindu ritual in honor of the goddess Ganges, performed at sunset.

Overnight at the hotel.

  • Board Includes:
  • Breakfast

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Day 14: Varanasi to Delhi – Departure

Start your day early with a boat ride on the Ganges, where you can witness the city awakening and pilgrims performing their morning rituals, as the first rays of sunlight reflect on the sacred river. Afterward, stroll through the grand bazaar and navigate the maze of alleys in the old city.
Visit the Aurangzeb Mosque, built in the 17th century, and explore the Golden Temple (entry reserved for Hindus) and the Durga Temple.

After breakfast, take an excursion to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment. Visit the Archaeological Museum, which showcases a magnificent collection of Buddhist sculptures.

Return to Varanasi, then board your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, remain in transit for your connecting flight home.

  • Board Includes:
  • Breakfast

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End of Tour

Included:

  • Private transportation in fully air conditioned vehicle
  • Accommodation for 14 nights
  • Admission fees to all monuments
  • English speaking guide
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Airport meet & greet in all airports

Not Included:

  • Gratuities for services and guides
  • Expenses on personal nature
  • Anything else not listed in the itinerary
  • Optional excursions
  • Personal & medical insurances

Tailor Your Tour - Potential Highlights

  • Upgrade or change your hotels
  • Add or remove attractions
  • stay longer in some locations
  • Let us make it perfect for you.

If you love this tour but want to change some details our team will tailor this tour to match your interests. With our in-depth knowledge we will provide you with the best advice on every detail of the tour.

Unsure Where To Start?

Let’s talk about your Earth Trip

Our travel specialists are seasoned explorers with deep local insights. Whether it’s uncovering hidden gems or planning immersive cultural experiences, we design trips that go beyond the ordinary. Get in touch today!

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Speak to our India travel expert today

Rebecca Morris

Speak to our India travel expert today

Rebecca Morris

Tailor Your Tour - Potential Highlights

  • Upgrade or change your hotels
  • Add or remove attractions
  • stay longer in some locations
  • Let us make it perfect for you.

If you love this tour but want to change some details our team will tailor this tour to match your interests. With our in-depth knowledge we will provide you with the best advice on every detail of the tour.