One of the questions we’re most frequently asked by clients contemplating their first trip to India is ‘whether to go north or south’? This two-week…
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Tailor-made Tour 16 days from £4450 per person
Places Visited: Delhi, Agra, Gwalior, Orchha, Panna, Khajuaho, Varanasi, Lucknow
Travel back in time to the Mughal Empire on this fascinating tour. Visit deserted capitals, rural countryside, and admire sumptuous Mughal architecture. The north of India is steeped in history, and this tour is a great way to conjure it back to life.
Begin with the mesmerising Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Travel off the beaten track to Gwalior and explore the temples and Mughal Palace of Orchha. See the much-debated erotic sculptures at Khajuraho and take a relaxing boat ride in Panna. Moving on eastwards, soak up the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi and witness religious ceremonies. Next, journey on a train to the city of Lucknow, where you’ll visit an Islamic Imambara shrine and enjoy the colourful and buzzing bazaars. Finally, delight in a tour of Delhi and its Mughal architecture to complete this chapter of history.
This tour accommodates you in elegance and comfort and yet allows you to dig deeper into the culture of India and trace its Emporers’ footsteps.
Holiday Types
Cultural Holidays Wildlife Holidays River Cruising Holidays Luxury Train Holidays Family Holidays Honeymoons Beach Holidays Adventure Holidays
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
UK
Departing in the morning, take a direct non-stop flight to Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to the luxurious Leela Kempinski Hotel in Gurgaon, close to the airport.
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Day 2
Delhi, Agra
Morning drive to Agra to visit the icon of Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal. Stay at the Taj Gateway hotel with views of the Taj Mahal.
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Day 3
Agra
Following which you visit the Agra Fort – the seat of the Mugal Empire for most of their rule, along with the Iltimud-ud-dauala, Emperor’s Akbar tomb at Sikandara and his deserted capital at Fatehpur Sikri nearby.
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Day 4
Agra, Gwalior
A short morning’s drive through rural Indian countryside brings us to Gwalior for a two-night stay at the elegant Usha Kiran Palace. The afternoon is free to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings. In the evening enjoy a son et lumiere show.
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Day 5
Gwalior
The morning’s sightseeing tour takes us to the imposing Gwalior Fort and the Scindia Museum. The afternoon is free to explore the area or relax at the hotel.
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Day 6
Gwalior, Orchha
Drive to Orchha this morning, stopping on the way to see the Fort at Datia. Stay two nights at the Bundelkhand Riverside Hotel which overlooks the Betwa River.
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Day 7
Orchha
The day is set aside to explore this beautiful settlement. Temples, in various states of repair, are strewn across the landscape and invite the traveller to explore at will. You could choose to watch the sunset over the river, enveloping the buildings in a soft hue, before having dinner within the Mughal Orchha Palace walls.
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Day 8
Orchha, Panna (Khajuraho)
Our journey this morning is to Panna with a stop on the way at Khajuraho where we visit the Chandela temples, famous for their erotic reliefs. From here it is a short drive to Panna. Stay for the next two nights at The Sarai in Toria which is full of rustic charm and ideally located overlooking the Ken River.
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Day 9
Panna
There is the option of simply relaxing at the hotel, taking a boat ride on the river or enjoying a jeep safari in the Panna National Park.
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Day 10
Panna, Varanasi
A short flight from Khajuraho lands us in the spiritually rich city of Varanasi. On arrival we head straight to the Ganges River where a boat awaits to transfer us to the tastefully restored Suryauday Haveli where we stay for two nights. Varanasi, or Benares, as it is also known, is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and is a feast for the senses. In the evening we head out onto the ghat and witness the atmospheric ceremonial aarti on the banks of the river.
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Day 11
Varanasi
An early morning boat-ride on the holy Ganges River is arranged this morning to watch devotees at prayer as the sun slowly rises. After relaxing back at the hotel we visit Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha’s first public discourse and a relaxing place to spend some time.
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Day 12
Varanasi, Lucknow
After a free morning of relaxation or exploration on Varanasi’s ghats a classic Indian train ride awaits and takes us to the historic and culturally rich city of Lucknow where the first class Vivanta by Taj hotel is our base for the next two nights.
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Day 13
Lucknow
In the morning visit the Residency Complex, site of the infamous siege of 1857 which was one of the first revolts against the British authorities. We also visit the Dilkusha Gardens and La Martinière university. Continue our sightseeing tour of the city with visits to the Islamic Imambara shrine and Romi Darwaja city gate. Round off the day exploring Lucknow's colourful bazaars.
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Day 14
Lucknow, Delhi
Fly back to Delhi and stay at the Colonial Maidens Hotel located in the older part of the town.
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Day 15
Delhi
Enjoy a full day tour of the city and its Mughal architecture.
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Day 16
Dehli, UK
Fly back to the UK, just past midnight.
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Tailor-made Tour 16 days from £4450 per person
What's included
✓ International flights from London
✓ 14 nights accommodation
✓ All internal transportation and transfers
✓ English-speaking guides
✓ Breakfast daily
✓ Entrance fees to sites and monuments listed in tour itinerary
Places and Experiences in this tour
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