India · Central Asia
Trip code: DTIUpgraded - Highlights of Northern India
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Upgraded - Highlights of Northern India
Trip highlights
Why we love this trip
Golden TriangleDiscover Agra, Jaipur and Delhi, the three iconic cities that make up the famous Golden Triangle
Salaam Balak Street Food TourIndulge in local delicacies on a walking tour through Old Delhi's bustling backstreets guided by former street children
Chambal River SafariTake to the water in search of gharials, mugger crocodiles, turtles and the elusive Gangetic river dolphin
Upgraded RangeImmerse yourself in Rajasthan staying in our hand-picked selection of premium hotels and heritage palaces
Day by day
Itinerary
Select an option to view its itinerary. Contact us to confirm which itinerary applies to your departure.
Our tour starts today in Delhi, the captivating capital of India. A major transport hub in modern-day India, Delhi is also the cultural and political heart of the country, having been ruled by various empires and dynasties over the centuries. Nowadays, the city is a perfect blend of new and old, with ancient Hindu temples and impressive mosques existing alongside modern skyscrapers. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at New Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport (DEL), which is around a 45-minute drive from our hotel.
As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made pre-tour accommodation arrangements through us, regardless of your arrival day. For those arriving in time, our tour leader will meet us in the hotel reception at 5pm for a welcome meeting. We'll then set out for our first glimpse of the city with a walk to Hanuman's Temple, arriving in time to see the evening prayer rituals. Hanuman's Temple is a living temple and an active place of worship, and as such it can be busy and crowded, particularly at weekends. If possible, we will try to enter. Afterwards, we'll explore Connaught Place, a colonial-era hub of shops, bars, restaurants, and street vendors, before enjoying a traditional North Indian welcome meal. If you'd like to join the city tour today, please arrive at the hotel by 4pm. If you're booking your own flights, we recommend allowing at least one hour to clear the airport, plus 45 minutes to transfer to the hotel. To be on the safe side, your flight should arrive no later than 2pm. If you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will catch you up as soon as possible.
Included Meals: Dinner
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Included Meals: Breakfast
Our tour of India's Golden Triangle ends at our hotel in Delhi. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Delhi Airport (DEL) airport, which is around a 15-minute drive from our hotel. As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made post-tour accommodation arrangements through us, regardless of your departure day.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Route overview
Trip map
![dti-25-map[1]](https://pims.explore.co.uk/storage/assets/10155/derived/c9a58910deec4c57a8d9a7eca4965899.webp)
Activity information
Trip pace
Trip pace
Trip pace: Moderate
Included in your trip
What's included
Meals
- 9 breakfasts
- 1 lunches
- 4 dinners
Staff
- Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s)
Transport
- Rickshaw
- Bus
Accommodation
- 7 nights Premium Hotel
- 2 nights Comfortable Hotel
We've hand-picked a selection of premium 4* and 5* accommodation which reflects the character of the destinations we're visiting, whilst providing a higher level of comfort, modern amenities and in most cases, a range of facilities.
In Delhi, we have selected a modern 5* property that is conveniently located in Connaught Place, a popular part of Delhi filled with bars, shops and restaurants.
Our time in Dholpur will be spent in a Comfortable 3* heritage property due to the limited availability of Premium properties in the area. However, the experience in this part of the country will further enrich your visit to India.
In Jaipur, we've chosen a former palatial retreat used by Maharajas and built in the 1920s. The property mixes old and new world charm with its antique furniture, hand-painted walls and traditional architecture. The heritage property also boasts several dining options, boutique shops and a spa.
In Shahpura, we will stay in a heritage palace that is over 300-years old. The impressive palace will provide some welcome respite after exploring India's iconic cities, whilst giving you an insight into Rajasthan's regal past.
Indian weddings are popular and lavish events, with millions taking place across the country each year. Unfortunately, wedding season tends to coincide with the peak travel season, between November and March, which means our preferred accommodations are sometimes unavailable.
We endeavour to secure our chosen properties in advance, however, hotels often favour wedding parties. In the event of a property being booked, we’ll find an alternative property of a similar standard.
Suitability
Is this the trip for you?
- We've graded this tour's pace as moderate so you can expect some busier days but also a balance with some downtime to relax, explore at your own pace and enjoy the hotel facilities.
- Our itinerary includes some long drives to be able to cover some of India's most iconic landmarks but this is part of the adventure. This will give us the opportunity to observe local life as we journey through the north of the country.
- During this tour, we stay mainly in Premium accommodation with two nights in a comfortable heritage property in Dholpur. Our accommodation has been chosen with comfort, authenticity and location in mind.
- It can get incredibly hot in north India during the summer months of April to June. During this period out itinerary might vary slightly to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
- As bustling as it is colourful, India can be an overwhelming destination, but it rewards you with cultural, gastronomic, and historic delights. To fully immerse yourself in this magnificent country, it's best approached with an open mind.
- At Explore, we pride ourselves on sustainable travel, this means respecting and honouring local cultures and traditions. During this tour, we'll visit some temples - during these visits, you should dress appropriately, wearing clothing that covers the wrists and knees.
Plan your departure
Dates & prices
Choose a date below, then contact our team to confirm the latest price, availability and booking details.
| Departure | Return | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06 Feb 2027 | 15 Feb 2027 | £1,675Was £1,825 Solo room£765 | Call to book |
| 06 Mar 2027 | 15 Mar 2027 | £1,825 Solo room£765 | Call to book |
| 25 Sept 2027 | 04 Oct 2027 | £1,725 Solo room£645 | Call to book |
| 09 Oct 2027 | 18 Oct 2027 | £2,025 Solo room£825 | Call to book |
| 23 Oct 2027 | 01 Nov 2027 | £2,025 Solo room£825 | Call to book |
| 30 Oct 2027 | 08 Nov 2027 | £2,025 Solo room£825 | Call to book |
| 06 Nov 2027 | 15 Nov 2027 | £2,025 Solo room£825 | Call to book |
| 13 Nov 2027 | 22 Nov 2027 | £2,025 Solo room£825 | Call to book |
| 20 Nov 2027 | 29 Nov 2027 | £2,025 Solo room£825 | Call to book |
Departure
06 Feb 2027
Return 15 Feb 2027
From
£1,675
Was £1,825
Departure
06 Mar 2027
Return 15 Mar 2027
From
£1,825
Departure
25 Sept 2027
Return 04 Oct 2027
From
£1,725
Departure
09 Oct 2027
Return 18 Oct 2027
From
£2,025
Departure
23 Oct 2027
Return 01 Nov 2027
From
£2,025
Departure
30 Oct 2027
Return 08 Nov 2027
From
£2,025
Departure
06 Nov 2027
Return 15 Nov 2027
From
£2,025
Departure
13 Nov 2027
Return 22 Nov 2027
From
£2,025
Departure
20 Nov 2027
Return 29 Nov 2027
From
£2,025
Practical information
Your questions answered
Information for: 2027
Jaipur - Cooking demo with local family - 4800INR per person
The prices stated are based on a minimum of 4 participants. Please be aware that the optional excursions can run with fewer people but the price may be higher. Likewise, a slightly reduced price may be applicable where the participation is 5 or more. In India these excursions are generally run via our agent in the country. Local companies may offer similar excursions at a cheaper price. Should you want to use these companies please be aware that a lower price may mean that not all costs are included (entrance fees etc.) or services will not operate at the same safety and quality standards.
Local crew
Accordingly, you should allow GBP40, in Indian Rupees for group tipping.
For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.
Tour leader
India
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
GBP/US$ are the best currency to change into local currency.
Where to change: The Indian rupee is a restricted currency and it is best not to obtain in the UK as rates are very poor. You can either change money at the airport on arrival or in major towns during the tour. Your Tour Leader will advise you on the best places in each town. Both GBP and USD cash are easy to exchange at the airport and at hotels however you will be restricted to changing £60 cash at a time and it's not possible to change money at these locations using a credit or debit card.
ATMs: ATMs are available in most large cities in India but they have been known to run out of money in the smaller rural areas. It's important to make sure you have enough cash to cover your needs when travelling within these areas.
Card notes: Credit cards are generally accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in many of the large cities and towns throughout India. It is still advisable to bring enough cash when travelling outside these large cities and towns as cash is more widely accepted.
Credit cards accepted: No
Local people may be offended by western styles of dress. Brief shorts, tight fitting clothing etc. should be avoided by both men and women. At some temples and mosques, men and women are expected to dress conservatively. This means ensuring shoulders and legs, down to your ankles, are covered. You are also expected to remove your shoes and leave them outside the entrance of the temple or mosque. For this reason, it's recommended to pack long, lightweight trousers and tops that cover your shoulders. Scarfs or shawls are also useful to cover your shoulders.
During your Chambal ravines safari, the jeeps often travel along dusty paths, so bringing a buff or a scarf to cover your face is recommended. For the chilly morning boat safari on the Chambal river, a warm layer such as a fleece or a long-sleeved top will help to keep you warm before the sun rises.
For places where you will be near rivers, such as Chambal, mosquito repellent is strongly suggested.
Given the hustle and bustle of life in India's major cities, light sleepers would benefit from packing earplugs and eye masks.
Luggage on tour
India
A single-room option is available for every night of this itinerary. Subject to availability for your departure. A single-room supplement applies.
India: UK passport holders must apply for an e-visa, once obtained you will be given a QR code to present at the airport. Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian passport holders may be eligible for the e-Tourist Visa to enter India.
The visa can be applied for through the official Indian government visa website only - https://indianvisaonline. gov. in/evisa/tvoa. html Please check all eligibility criteria that can be found on the website.
Indian authorities require travellers to carry a printed copy of their approved eVisa. Airline staff and immigration officers may ask to see this document upon departure and arrival. Digital versions on mobile devices are generally not accepted as a substitute, and travellers without a printed copy may be denied boarding or entry.
You must be arriving into one of 29 selected entry points which can be found via the official Indian Government website link above. However, you can exit from any of the authorised immigration check posts in India.
Passports must have at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in India and at least two blank pages for stamping. Visa applications will take approximately 4 days to process. Those applying for a 30 day electronic visa can only apply within 120 days of arrival for your visa to be valid. Furthermore double entry is permitted and you can only obtain two 30-day visas in a calendar year.
If you are not eligible for the e-Tourist Visa, please refer to https://indianvisaonline. gov. in/visa/index. html Digital Arrival card - Travellers holding passports from the UK, US, EU, and Canada must now complete a Digital Arrival Card when travelling to India. This form can be submitted online through the official Indian visa portal at https://indianvisaonline. gov. in/earrival/ up to 72 hours before arrival.
Please note that this is a separate requirement from the Indian e-Visa process. Paper arrival cards will continue to be available at airports until 1 April 2026, after which the Digital Arrival Card will become mandatory.
Air Suvidha Self Declaration Form - All travellers are now required to complete the Air Suvidha Self Declaration Form before travelling. Failure to do so may result in delays on arrival or, in some cases, you may be refused boarding by your airline.
Complete the Air Suvidha Self Declaration Form via the Air Suvidha Portal, this can be completed up to 24 hours before your arrival in India at https://airsuvidha. civilaviation. gov. in/ Ensure all information is completed accurately to help speed up immigration and health clearance procedures. Once submitted, please download the completed declaration and keep a copy (either printed or on your mobile device) to present at the International Travel Health Desk or Immigration if requested. This is a mandatory requirement for all international arrivals into India. We recommend completing the form as soon as you are eligible before your flight to ensure a smooth start to your holiday. Information regarding your accommodation address can be found on your final documents which you receive 21 days before travel, you will only need to advise of the first hotel address. States visited can be found on the trip map and using google if required.