Start in Delhi, a vibrant city brimming with architectural wonders. Embark on a scenic drive to Sariska National Park, which takes approximately three to four hours depending on traffic.

Declared a sanctuary in 1955, Sariska National Park is home to nilgai, wild boar, jackals, hyenas, and chowsingha (four-horned antelope). Our game drive takes place mainly in the buffer zone on sealed roads. Traveling during the rainy season means fewer crowds, while bird enthusiasts will enjoy the park’s rich avian diversity. In the afternoon, we drive to Jaipur and transfer to our hotel.

Founded in the late 18th century, Jaipur is a carefully planned city known for its broad sandstone avenues, later painted pink to earn its nickname, the Pink City. On our guided city tour, we visit the City Palace, once the Maharaja’s residence and now a museum showcasing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments, and weapons. Nearby is the fascinating Jai Singh Observatory, featuring massive marble and brass astronomical instruments set in a tranquil garden. We also admire the iconic Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, with its intricate pink sandstone façade. Just outside the city,

we explore the majestic 16th-century Amber Fort, a grand palace complex blending Hindu and Muslim architectural styles, perched above a lake. Afterward, the tour leader often takes the group to a local textiles factory employing over 400 people, where you can see the entire process from block printing to shipping and browse the shop for unique handmade items, from clothing to notebooks crafted from fabric off-cuts.

We begin at dawn with a walking tour led by a local guide as the Pink City awakens, witnessing morning rituals in bustling markets and small temples, and visiting various chowkris (blocks) within the walled city to meet artisans. After returning to the hotel for a late breakfast and check-out, we drive to Agra, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri—Emperor Akbar’s deserted royal city, famed for its stunning red sandstone mosque, palaces, and audience halls, perfectly preserved since Akbar abandoned it in 1584. We reach Agra by early evening.

Wake early to experience the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when its white marble façade glows in the soft morning light, crowds are minimal, and birdsong fills the air; after admiring its exterior, explore the stunning inner chambers and mausoleum as your tour leader shares the rich history of this New World Wonder. Nearby, visit Akbar’s formidable Red Fort, whose massive sandstone walls enclose the exquisite white marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, courtyards, and fountains of his successors Jehangir and Shah Jahan—the latter having spent his final years imprisoned here by his son Aurangzeb. Later, transfer to Agra train station to board the overnight sleeper train to Varanasi.

We arrive in Varanasi in the morning and transfer to our hotel. Situated on the sacred Ganges River, Varanasi is one of India’s holiest cities and the spiritual heart of Hinduism, bustling with pilgrims, wandering sadhus, religious elders, and visitors. This vibrant city invites you to explore its labyrinth of narrow lanes, countless temples, and lively Hindu ceremonies held around the clock, with opportunities to browse silk and brocade emporiums or enjoy a riverside massage. In the afternoon, an optional visit to nearby Sarnath Temple is available—an important Buddhist site where Buddha is said to have delivered his first sermon, featuring the Dhamekh Stupa and an archaeology museum showcasing Buddhist artifacts. Your tour leader can arrange various optional excursions during your two-day stay here.

Just before dawn, we embark on a boat ride along the Ganges to witness the remarkable spectacle at the ghats, where thousands of Hindu pilgrims gather daily along this 3-mile (5 km) stretch to bathe in the sacred waters. In the afternoon, we board the Vande Bharat Express train back to Delhi, offering a unique chance to see rural villages, towns, and cities along the way. A light snack dinner—typically including soup and a simple meal with rice and vegetables—is served onboard, though you may want to bring extra snacks or fruit before boarding. We arrive in Delhi late evening and transfer to our hotel.

Today is yours to relax or discover the highlights of New and Old Delhi, with an optional sightseeing trip available if you like. Recommended places to visit include 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, explore the bustling markets of Chandni Chowk or Karol Bagh.

Your northern India adventure concludes today. If you’d like to extend your stay in Delhi, please let us know. Otherwise, You will be transferred to the airport (Delhi International Airport) to begin your journey home—remember to provide your details at least two weeks before arrival to confirm your seat.