An amazing trip with a very full on itinerary! You’ ll see all the highlights of Northern India,... Gabriella Sardi, 2019 See more reviews
The most appropriate comment I read before booking the trip, which turned out to be true, was ... Kevin Munns, 2019 See more reviews
A full-on, fast moving trip with many highlights and a fabulous introduction to Northern India -... Jo Browning, 2019 See more reviews
Our guide Naveen Bazaz was simply brilliant. Knowledgeable, a good listener meaning everything... Jane Bellworthy, 2019 See more reviews
Loved every minute of this tour. The guide very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. I would... Caroline Foster, 2019 See more reviews
If you're short on time but want to see the key 3 of the Taj Mahal, Tigers and Varanasi this... Samantha Cook, 2019 See more reviews
This is a fabulous trip for those wanting to begin knowing and understanding India. We were a... Evelyn Alpert, 2019 See more reviews
Having done the colours of Rajasthan in 2014 I was not expecting a lot from this trip as I had... Annie (Ann) Railton, 2019 See more reviews
A great taylor made trip, maximum of two nights in anyone place, most (2 exceptions) of the... Be Clough , 2018 See more reviews
Itinerary Expand all Delhi to Delhi Day 1 Start Delhi; transfer to Jaipur. Those who are on the group flights will land in Delhi in the morning. Those not on the group flights will need to be at the start hotel by 9.30am (or at the airport when the group land). A local representative will meet Land Only clients at the start hotel and provide a transfer to the airport where we meet clients arriving on the group flight. Once everyone has arrived we will then depart on the drive to Jaipur, which may take between 5-7 hours depending upon traffic conditions. Standard Hotel Day 2 Visit City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal and the Amber Fort; free time for exploring. Built in the late 18th century, Jaipur is a planned city of broad avenues built of sandstone and painted pink at a later stage. We visit the City Palace in the centre of Jaipur, formerly the residence of the Maharaja, now a fine museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments and weapons. Close to the palace is one of the most intriguing sights of India, the observatory of Jai Singh. This is an assembly of immense astronomical instruments made of marble and brass set in a pleasant garden. We will also see Jaipur's impressive landmark, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. We then visit the impressive and splendid Amber Fort, a few miles from the main city, rising above a lake. Jaipur is a centre of many handicrafts, such as durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones, leatherwear etc. It will be difficult to leave a workshop without buying anything!Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 To Ranthambore; afternoon game drive in search of elusive tiger. We wind our way through the villages of rural India to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (approx. 5 hr drive); we stay in a hotel not far from the park entrance and make 2 game drives into the park, one in the late afternoon and one the following morning. Ranthambore is one of India's tiger reserves under Project Tiger. After initial success, poaching has drastically reduced the tiger population and the chance of spotting a tiger is small, but many Exodus groups have seen tigers over the last few years. There is other wildlife to spot such as several species of deer, crocodiles and bird life including purple heron, kingfishers, cormorants, parakeets, jacanda, waders and partridges.Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Morning game drive; drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri. In the morning we take our second game drive, trying to find that elusive tiger, before we start our journey to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri is the Emperor Akbar's deserted royal city. This impressive and well-preserved citadel became his capital in 1571, after the blessing of a local Moslem holy man correctly predicted the birth of a longed-for son, his successor the Emperor Jehangir. The mosque, designed to hold ten thousand worshippers, the palaces, residences and halls of audience are all made of decorative red sandstone. But this magnificence only lasted 14 years, as in 1584 Akbar left Fatehpur Sikri to secure his outlying territories, leaving this city much as we see it today – in perfect condition. This is another very full but rewarding day. Total driving time approx. 7 hrs.Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 5 Visit the incredible Taj Mahal and Agra Fort; overnight train to Varanasi. Today we will rise early to visit the beautiful white marble Taj Mahal at sunrise which was built by the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first time visitor; the white marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun during the day and is matched by the rich interior detail. Within striking distance is the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, third of the Moghul Emperors, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of his sons and successors, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It is here that the latter spent his last years, imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb. Later in the day we will transfer to Agra train station and join the overnight sleeper train to Varanasi. Sleeper Train Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Relax and enjoy the wonders of Varanasi. We arrive in Varanasi during the morning and transfer to our hotel. Varanasi, located on the river Ganges, is one of the holiest cities in India and stands at the centre of the Hindu Universe. As such, the city lives and breathes Hinduism: there are thousands of pilgrims, wandering holy men (Sadhus), religious elders and casual visitors. It is a city to get immersed in by exploring its maze of narrow lanes and the many temples and watching the Hindu ceremonies that take place around the clock. There is time to explore the emporiums specialising in silks and brocades or maybe take a massage by the banks of the Ganges. Your leader can organise various optional sightseeing trips during your 2 days here.Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Dawn boat ride on the Ganges visiting the bathing ghats; afternoon flight to Delhi. Just before dawn, we take a boat out on the Ganges to witness the extraordinary spectacle on the ghats, the steps leading down to the river. Every day thousands of Hindu pilgrims come to these three miles of riverbank to soak in the holy waters. This afternoon we fly back to Delhi. Standard hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Delhi free day or optional sightseeing Today you are free to relax or explore the sites of New and Old Delhi (an optional sightseeing trip will be organised if you wish). Recommended sites are the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Jama Masjid (India's largest mosque), Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) and Raj Ghat. For last minute shopping, we recommend the market area of Chandni Chowk or Karol Bagh. Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 9 End Delhi. Those on the flight inclusive package will depart for the airport this morning for the daytime flight back to London; Land Only arrangements will finish after check-out from the hotel. Meals included: Breakfast
India Visas are required if you are British and for most other nationalities. For UK residents full details of the visa process can be found here. Other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. If your trip visits Ladakh, in the very north of India, or Sikkim in the northeast, do not mention this on your Indian visa application. This can sometimes slow down or even cause the embassy to reject your visa. When you reach immigration, you are required to pick up an immigration form. If you have an e-visa, ensure you stand in the correct queue - please follow the signs to the e-visa booth (in Delhi this is at the back of the immigration hall). You will need to fill out an additional form at the booth - please make sure that you have the details of your start hotel ready (these details can be found on your Final Joining Instructions).
India There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approx. 2000m, there is low to no risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips going to altitudes of over 3000m there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the TRIP NOTES for further information.
Hotels & Overnight Train 7 nights hotels, 1 night air-conditioned sleeper train. The hotels used are standard city tourist hotels (2 or 3-star, local rating). All rooms have en suite facilities. Service and amenities are generally adequate. Single accommodation (from GBP125) excludes sleeper trains. Overnight trains These are booked in 2-tier (or 3-tier if 2-tier is not available) sleeper A/C. There are many excellent trains in India but the standard of seating and sleeping is not in line with European standards. All seats are pre-allocated at the time the tickets are issued, meaning that we cannot guarantee the whole group are together on the train; your leader will manage this as best as possible and will always check on you during the journey. Indian trains are safe to travel on but we recommend that you keep valuables with you at all times. Snacks are often offered on board (at an additional cost). Whilst some trains have western-style facilities, the majority of services are equipped with squat toilets.
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Reviewed April 2019 Gabriella Sardi Trip: Highlights of Northern India Fantastic trip! An amazing trip with a very full on itinerary! You’ ll see all the highlights of Northern India, you will do all the must activities like boat ride in Varanasi. Yes, there will be early mornings, but in return you’ll got to see fantastic places during sunrise! Yes, there will be long bus journeys, but you’ll travel through small villages and see how people live and take some amazing photos. Yes, most hotels were basic, but nice and clean with friendly staff. Yes, the overnight train is fun! Read your trip notes to know what to expect, arrive with open mind, ask questions and enjoy this amazing country! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Varanasi! I wasn’t very keen on that town, read lots of disturbing facts. But the morning boat ride on the Ganges was very inspirational. What did you think of your group leader? We had the best tour leader ever. Friendly, very knowledgeable, had amazing customer service and went all above and beyond for all of us! Thank you Naveen Bazaz! You are a true treasure for your company! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Read your travel notes, they have all the info you need to know! Travel with open mind, ask questions and enjoy!! Is there anything else you would like to add? Thank you Exodus! This was an amazing trip! Had an amazing time which i won’t forget for sure!!
Reviewed April 2019 Kevin Munns Trip: Highlights of Northern India You certainly won’t forget it The most appropriate comment I read before booking the trip, which turned out to be true, was “not for the faint-hearted”. Amen to that. It certainly was a memorable trip, but its probably an itinerary best suited to an 11 or 12 day tour, but crammed into 9 instead. I’m sure Exodus have a great angle on the market by doing so much in a trip that people only need to take a week off work for, but the 7 hour drive after landing for people who booked the group flight, three sunrise starts, another 5am arrival after a night on the train, all added together is a bit much for some people. What we saw was life-changing in lots of ways, especially the evening aarti ceremony in Varanasi, but who knows what else we would have noticed with a bit more sleep! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The aarti ceremony in Varanasi, an optional extra suggested by our excellent guide, was truly something that forced you to put your camera down and try to make sense of what was happening. Lots of other moments were incredible too, the Taj Mahal, walking aroung Jaipur for the first time, the Amber Fort outside Agra, etc etc What did you think of your group leader? The group leader was excellent. It was the end of the season and he had probably done a trip too many by this time, but his experience showed through at key moments, and made the trip for us. For example, advising us not to look towards the Taj Mahal before reaching the main gate, (the opposite of what the local guide was telling us), his knowledge of the best dishes in the restaurants we went in, recommending the aarti festival in Varanasi, sorting out sleeping arrangements on a train with 7 people in two carriages at one end of the train and 5 i a carriage at the opposite end.. the list goes on Do you have any advice for potential travellers? At the very least book one extra night in Delhi before the tour starts, or do what we did and book two. Don’t take the group flight. Is there anything else you would like to add? The tailor-made extensions which we added were absolutely excellent. Forget having a Goa extension (how many beach resorts in the world are there better than India, and why would you choose even a good one when you knew it would be full of Indian men?), have a 4 or 5 day Udaipur extension instead, with a few optional activities, but lots of time to walk around the old town as well and absorb the incredible atmosphere there.
Reviewed April 2019 Jo Browning Trip: Highlights of Northern India Fabulous trip A full-on, fast moving trip with many highlights and a fabulous introduction to Northern India - its sites, sounds, colour, culture, hospitality, food and so much more. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The Taj Mahal at sunrise does not disappoint but the evening prayer ceremony at Varanasi was truly inspirational - impossible to explain but I am still taking it all in one month later. What did you think of your group leader? Ajay made our trip. A shining example of Indian hospitality and courtesy. He wanted to make our holiday the best it could be for us. He was a master at keeping us on the move, without feeling too rushed, and at juggling itineraries to make every second count. He had fabulous knowledge, endless patience, great sense of humour and definitely went 'the extra mile' to make our visit so enjoyable. Thanks, Ajay Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be realistic - some things (weather, public transport) are beyond the leader/itinerary's control. Go with an open mind and you will see and experience masses. I took sterling and it was easy to change at hotels. Take binoculars for the game drives. Is there anything else you would like to add? An amazing trip...
Reviewed March 2019 Jane Bellworthy Trip: Highlights of Northern India Guides make this type of trip Our guide Naveen Bazaz was simply brilliant. Knowledgeable, a good listener meaning everything we wanted to do he found a way for us to do it, a great planner/organiser. Excellent English speaker and very welcome since my Hindi is non-existent. I fell and hurt my ankle quite badly just as I was meeting the group. The help I received from Naveen was brilliant as it was from my fellow travellers. Out of the 11 on the trip, one was a nurse and one a physio. Whenever we came across some steps, one of the group would be there to help me. Thank you everyone. It was a fantastic group and I am sure I speak for all in that we gelled well and enjoyed each others company. Overall, the best holiday of this type I have ever had, despite the pain in the ankle!! Thank you. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing tigers on two separate occasions. Boat trip on the ganges and placing memorials of flowers, with tea lights, on the water. Very atmospheric. Eating in a street food restaurant. What did you think of your group leader? Simply exceptional. I can't emphasize enough how good he was. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Yes, definitely! Take a water bottle with a covered drinking aperture and even then rinse in boiling water once or twice during your trip. I feel this is why I didn't suffer from 'Delhi Belly'. If you buy water and it is sealed still pour into your own water bottle. Take a swimming costume! All hotels have pools and a swim after travelling was wonderful. Is there anything else you would like to add? I would certainly go with Exodus again. in fact they would be my tour guide of choice from now on. Thank you everyone.
Reviewed March 2019 Caroline Foster Trip: Highlights of Northern India Excellent Tour Loved every minute of this tour. The guide very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone of any age age wanting to see India. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The boat trip on the Ganges, the evening one especially as the ceremony was just an experience I will never forget. Trying street-food and just having our guide walk us through the streets of Varanasi was amazing. What did you think of your group leader? He was just a joy to listen to and I learnt so much from him. He was very helpful and got our whole group together so much that we have all become friends. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared and enjoy the experience. Is there anything else you would like to add? Thank you so much to Naveen Bazaz for everything he did and making this trip for me most enjoyable.
Reviewed March 2019 Samantha Cook Trip: Highlights of Northern India Taj and Tigers! If you're short on time but want to see the key 3 of the Taj Mahal, Tigers and Varanasi this is the trip for you. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Two very big highlights - the beautiful Taj Mahal at dawn and being lucky enough to see 7 tigers in Ranthambore NP. What did you think of your group leader? Naveen is an excellent guide and just a genuinely nice person. He dealt admirably with our mixed aged group and it felt like he was one of us and not just the tour leader. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for a fast paced tour! It's not a physically demanding trip but in order to see Varanasi, Agra, Tigers and Delhi in such a short space of time there are many hours spent in a coach and many early starts. However the rewards and sights you see are definitely worth the effort!
Reviewed February 2019 Evelyn Alpert Trip: Highlights of Northern India Amazing! This is a fabulous trip for those wanting to begin knowing and understanding India. We were a very small group of only 7 and our guide Krishna was exceptional. I could have done without the overnight train, but I suppose it is part of the experience, and you will survive it (bring earplugs!). I combined this trip with the tiger safari, which was a perfect way to experience different kinds of India. I hope to get back to India soon again, and won’t hesitate to go with Exodus! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Varanasi without a doubt! What did you think of your group leader? Krishna is the best leader ever! He’s knowledgeable, helpful, funny, energetic, and he treated us like grownups. He would offer us opportunities to do things “out of the box” which inevitably turned out to be fun with more local flavor. He’s a treasure and you should try to travel with him! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Check the weather! It was much cooler than I expected, based on everyone telling me how hot India is.
Reviewed January 2019 Annie (Ann) Railton Trip: Highlights of Northern India Never again! Having done the colours of Rajasthan in 2014 I was not expecting a lot from this trip as I had seen most of the major sites before, however a last minute illness stopped my friend from going so I did travel anyway. I have to say I was more than disappointed with the standards of the hotels, I can’t say given a choice again I would stay at anyone of them. There was also a great lack of down time, as a matter of fact there wasn’t any, it seemed like a very rushed trip. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Getting home! What did you think of your group leader? Gaj was helpful, friendly, not terribly informative, a lot of the specific sites we had other more local guides which was fine who always had a little extra to take us to, like a shop/factory. Is there anything else you would like to add? I have travelled a number of times with Exodus and have recommended them to friends but I think you have this trip wrong, very wrong. A long flight from the UK followed by a flight to Varanasi the next day followed by an uncomfortable and frankly unpleasant overnight train ride to Agra was just too much. Too much in too short a time. I think I need to start looking at other providers.
Reviewed December 2018 Be Clough Trip: Highlights of Northern India Excellent A great taylor made trip, maximum of two nights in anyone place, most (2 exceptions) of the guides were absolutely excellent, one driver for all but the first 4 days. Good hotels. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The highlight for me was the Pushkar camel festival and on hindsight I would have had another day here. What did you think of your group leader? We had different guides in each location with lots of local knowledge Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Not a lot to do on an evening once you’ve eaten, take lots of reading
Reviewed December 2018 Joe Crook Trip: Highlights of Northern India Excellent introduction to India Delhi to Jaipur for Pink Fort Jaipur to Ranthambore to see a tiger - and YES, we did see a tiger, plus crocodiles and other stunning scenery and wildlife. Ranthambore to Agra - Taj Mahal - I thought I would be indifferent to this but was blown away - the visit takes you there at sunrise - before the worst of the crowds - stunning. Agra to Varanasi by overnight train - the train was a bit of a shock to the system but delivered us safely. Evening boat trip on the Ganges to see the funeral pyres and the religious ceremonies - thought-provoking and moving. Morning boat trip on a much quieter Ganges - Awe Inspiring - take the time to stop and think about where you are - and what this place means to so many millions of people - sunrise over the Ganges, from ON the Ganges - very profound moment. Another overnight train back to Delhi - we knew what to expect this time so less of a shock. Sadly train was delayed so the planned 12 hour trip took 20 - but the scenery is interesting. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Floating on the Ganges watching the sun rise over the Ganges - I am not a person of faith, but I was struck and genuinely moved by how lucky I was to witness an event that would be life-affirming to countless millions of others. What did you think of your group leader? Jatin - the fixer. Never flustered. Never impatient. ALWAYS with a solution - a real professional. Plus, warm and generous, well informed and very informative. Your first visit to India can be a daunting experience. Jatin was a reassuring and comforting presence, and, simply, a very nice man. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Arrive a day early. Many in our tour alighted from a 7 or 8 hour flight from the UK and got straight onto a 5 to 7 hour bus trip..... I'm very glad we had day and a night in Delhi before setting off on that one. Also, ensure you take plenty of anti-septic hand gel with you. I really don't know if they saved us from 'Delhi-belly' but if nothing else, it gives you great peace of mind. Is there anything else you would like to add? I'm rather disappointed that when Exodus organised a transfer from the airport to the hotel, they charged me £41. When the hotel arranged a taxi back to the airport at the end of the holiday it cost 900 or 100 rupees - £9 or £10. I'm prepared to pay a little over the odds for the reassurance of being met and helped to find a car, but £41 does still feel at least twice what I think would be fair.
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