North India Explored
Overview
Highlights
- See the unforgettable Taj Mahal
- Explore the 'Pearl of Rajasthan', Udaipur
- Search for the elusive tiger
- Explore the holy city of Varanasi
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Min Group Size
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- All breakfasts included
- All accommodation
- Transfer for group flights
Itinerary
Flights usually depart London in the evening. **
The group flight will arrive into Delhi in the morning and we will transfer to our hotel. Those who have made their own flight arrangements will join us at the hotel during the day (rooms may not be available until noon but it is often earlier than this). The rest of the day is free to relax or explore Delhi. *Standard Hotel*
Today we have a morning sightseeing in Old Delhi including the Jamia Masjid (India's largest mosque); in New Delhi we see the fine colonial buildings, built by the British Raj in the early years of the 20th century and set in spacious treelined boulevards, these no...
In the morning we catch a flight to Varanasi, we arrive in the afternoon and transfer to our hotel. Varanasi, situated on the River Ganges, is one of the most holy cities in India and stands at the centre of the Hindu Universe. As such, the city lives and breathes ...
Just before dawn, we take a boat out on the River 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 immerse themselves in the waters. The ...
We arrive in Jhansi in the morning and drive to Orchha. A peaceful town on the banks of the Betwa River, Orchha is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of India’s cities. Once the centre of a mighty kingdom, the ancient town contains many reminders of its ...
We drive to Khajuraho (approx. 4 hrs). Home to India’s famous temples, which contain beautiful intricate erotic sculptures they are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site which we have ample time to visit. These temples were built between 950 AD and 1050 AD and were once...
The morning is free to explore Khajuraho further. In the afternoon we transfer to Jhansi and catch an express train to Agra. Arriving in the evening we transfer to our hotel. *Standard Hotel*
Today we will rise early to visit the beautiful white marble Taj Mahal at sunrise; 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; th...
Today we leave Agra for Ranthambore National Park, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri en route, 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 predicte...
Today we have two game drives. The first game drive will be in the morning. Ranthambore is one of India's tiger reserves under Project Tiger. Sadly, after initial success, the tiger population has been drastically reduced by poaching, but many Exodus groups over t...
Today we drive through villages to the world famous city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, with one or two stops en route. The 'Pink City' of Jaipur is one of the most attractive and colourful cities in India. Rajah Jai Singh decided to abandon his nearby fortre...
Our tour will start at the City Palace in the centre of Jaipur, formerly the residence of the Maharaja. 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 ...
Leaving Jaipur we drive to Nawalgarh in the Shekhawati region of eastern Rajasthan, home to some of India's most prosperous merchants many years ago. As the town attracted wealthy merchants they built fine mansions, called havelis, commissioning artists and stonemasons to execute workmanship befitting their importance and wealth. *Standard Hotel*
Today we have the chance to experience the atmosphere of the Shekhawati region where the clusters of havelis (mansions) are connected by bitumen roads. Our full tour will start from Nawalgarh which is a mixture of nostalgia and modernity; a region rich in legends,...
Today we drive to the desert city of Bikaner, dominated by its fabulous fort. The afternoon and evening will be free to explore the colourful bazaars and the Old town. You may also wish to visit the Bhandasar Jain Temple. Driving time approx. 4-5 hrs. *Standard Hotel*
This morning we visit Junagarh Fort in Bikaner, an impressive fort built by a Rajput ruler in 1587. A fort that has never been conquered though it has been attacked many times, Junagarh is an impressive monument, with huge towers and battlements for defence. It con...
Today is spent at the beautiful town of Jaisalmer. The whole effect of the town is stunning; there is nothing quite like it in the whole of India, shimmering like a mirage in the desert haze. Jaisalmer is a town straight out of the Arabian Nights, with its golden ...
Today we travel to Jodhpur, a dramatic journey through a barren landscape; it may be possible to see some wildlife such as gazelles and bustards (approx. driving time 5-6 hrs). Jodhpur was founded by the Rajput chief Roa Jodha and was formerly the capital of the St...
In the morning we begin our drive to Udaipur and leave the arid desert behind us as we start to climb into the Aravalli hills, which separate the desert from the cultivated parts of Rajasthan. We stop before lunch to visit the stunning 15th Century Jain Temple at R...
Known as 'The Pearl of Rajasthan', the 'City of Sunrise' and 'Venice of the East', Udaipur is a beautiful place regarded by both Indians and travellers as the most romantic city in India. Situated on the east side of Lake Pichola, the main palace commands an unsurp...
If you are travelling on Land Only arrangements then your trip will finish after checkout. If you are travelling on the group flight we transfer to the airport early in the morning for our flight back to London. **
Land Only
The group flight will arrive into Delhi in the morning and we will transfer to our hotel. Those who have made their own flight arrangements will join us at the hotel during the day (rooms may not be available until noon but it is often earlier than this). The rest of the day is free to relax or explore Delhi. *Standard Hotel*
Today we have a morning sightseeing in Old Delhi including the Jamia Masjid (India's largest mosque); in New Delhi we see the fine colonial buildings, built by the British Raj in the early years of the 20th century and set in spacious treelined boulevards, these no...
In the morning we catch a flight to Varanasi, we arrive in the afternoon and transfer to our hotel. Varanasi, situated on the River Ganges, is one of the most holy cities in India and stands at the centre of the Hindu Universe. As such, the city lives and breathes ...
Just before dawn, we take a boat out on the River 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 immerse themselves in the waters. The ...
We arrive in Jhansi in the morning and drive to Orchha. A peaceful town on the banks of the Betwa River, Orchha is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of India’s cities. Once the centre of a mighty kingdom, the ancient town contains many reminders of its ...
We drive to Khajuraho (approx. 4 hrs). Home to India’s famous temples, which contain beautiful intricate erotic sculptures they are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site which we have ample time to visit. These temples were built between 950 AD and 1050 AD and were once...
The morning is free to explore Khajuraho further. In the afternoon we transfer to Jhansi and catch an express train to Agra. Arriving in the evening we transfer to our hotel. *Standard Hotel*
Today we will rise early to visit the beautiful white marble Taj Mahal at sunrise; 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; th...
Today we leave Agra for Ranthambore National Park, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri en route, 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 predicte...
Today we have two game drives. The first game drive will be in the morning. Ranthambore is one of India's tiger reserves under Project Tiger. Sadly, after initial success, the tiger population has been drastically reduced by poaching, but many Exodus groups over t...
Today we drive through villages to the world famous city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, with one or two stops en route. The 'Pink City' of Jaipur is one of the most attractive and colourful cities in India. Rajah Jai Singh decided to abandon his nearby fortre...
Our tour will start at the City Palace in the centre of Jaipur, formerly the residence of the Maharaja. 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 ...
Leaving Jaipur we drive to Nawalgarh in the Shekhawati region of eastern Rajasthan, home to some of India's most prosperous merchants many years ago. As the town attracted wealthy merchants they built fine mansions, called havelis, commissioning artists and stonemasons to execute workmanship befitting their importance and wealth. *Standard Hotel*
Today we have the chance to experience the atmosphere of the Shekhawati region where the clusters of havelis (mansions) are connected by bitumen roads. Our full tour will start from Nawalgarh which is a mixture of nostalgia and modernity; a region rich in legends,...
Today we drive to the desert city of Bikaner, dominated by its fabulous fort. The afternoon and evening will be free to explore the colourful bazaars and the Old town. You may also wish to visit the Bhandasar Jain Temple. Driving time approx. 4-5 hrs. *Standard Hotel*
This morning we visit Junagarh Fort in Bikaner, an impressive fort built by a Rajput ruler in 1587. A fort that has never been conquered though it has been attacked many times, Junagarh is an impressive monument, with huge towers and battlements for defence. It con...
Today is spent at the beautiful town of Jaisalmer. The whole effect of the town is stunning; there is nothing quite like it in the whole of India, shimmering like a mirage in the desert haze. Jaisalmer is a town straight out of the Arabian Nights, with its golden ...
Today we travel to Jodhpur, a dramatic journey through a barren landscape; it may be possible to see some wildlife such as gazelles and bustards (approx. driving time 5-6 hrs). Jodhpur was founded by the Rajput chief Roa Jodha and was formerly the capital of the St...
In the morning we begin our drive to Udaipur and leave the arid desert behind us as we start to climb into the Aravalli hills, which separate the desert from the cultivated parts of Rajasthan. We stop before lunch to visit the stunning 15th Century Jain Temple at R...
Known as 'The Pearl of Rajasthan', the 'City of Sunrise' and 'Venice of the East', Udaipur is a beautiful place regarded by both Indians and travellers as the most romantic city in India. Situated on the east side of Lake Pichola, the main palace commands an unsurp...
If you are travelling on Land Only arrangements then your trip will finish after checkout. If you are travelling on the group flight we transfer to the airport early in the morning for our flight back to London. **
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings
Other Exodus Travels Reviews
Patient and knowledgeable operative
Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...
Very professional organisation
Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...
India, the Tropical South
An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...
Tour Operator
It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.
At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.
This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.
Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.
All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.
Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request) excludes sleeper train
- Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation
The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.
If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.
If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices.
Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below):
- More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
- Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
- Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
- 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost
Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us:
Cancelation charge
- More than 133 days - Deposit only
- 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost
Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.
If You Change Your Booking
If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking). You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.
If We Cancel Your Booking
Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.
If We Change Your Booking
-
Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.
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Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.
2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.
2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason
Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances.
Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.
Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.
If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.
Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.
For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.
- 19 nights hotels, all en suite, 1 night sleeper train
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
- Travel by air-conditioned private bus, train and 1 internal flight
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