India – From the Himalayas to the Ganges
16days from
£3,060*per person
Overview
Newmarket Holidays is offering 15% off all Asia tours until Friday, 31 October.
Itinerary
- Fly to India - Start your Indian adventure with an overnight flight to Delhi.
- Arrival in Delhi and welcome dinner - Touch down in the Indian capital, Delhi, meet your tour manager and settle into your first hotel with the rest of the day at leisure. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
- Included tour of Delhi - Rise early this morning and set off on a guided tour of Delhi’s historic landmarks. This excursion encompasses all the city’s major historical landmarks, including the Jama Masjid Mosque, one of the largest in India, and Raj Ghat, Gandhi’s cremation site. An exhilarating rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, in the heart of Old Delhi, is followed by time in New Delhi passing by the India Gate War Memorial, the Red Fort, with its soaring, scarlet walls, and the impressive Government buildings. In the afternoon, visit the UNESCO-listed Qutub Minar, one of India’s tallest towers, which is situated at the site of Delhi’s oldest fortified city. You’ll also see the sixteenth century Humayun's tomb, an impressive example of Mughal architecture with lush Persian style gardens. In the evening, return to your hotel to unwind and have dinner.
- Included ‘Toy Train’ ride to Shimla - Leave Delhi behind this morning and enjoy a packed breakfast as you board a train for rural Kalka. Upon arrival, stretch your legs and step aboard the iconic ‘Toy Train’ for an onward journey, climbing through stunning mountain scenery to Shimla. You’ll be given a packed lunch for your rail journey.
- Included tour of Shimla - This morning after breakfast, enjoy a tour of Shimla, the summer seat of the Indian government during the British Raj. The Viceregal Lodge, in which the map of Indian Partition was drawn, is your first stop, and you’ll be free to admire its teak-panelled interiors. You’ll then pass the Gaiety Theatre, with its distinctly colonial architecture, and if time permits, have a look inside before taking a leisurely stroll along Mall Road, one of Shimla’s main retail areas. Spend time at Scandal Point, a traditional meeting place for locals and take the chance to browse the area’s local markets at leisure before returning to the hotel for dinner.
- Fly to Jaipur - Enjoy breakfast in your Shimla hotel ahead of a drive to bustling Chandigarh, the shared state capital of both the Punjab and Hariyana, for an internal flight to Jaipur. After landing in Rajasthan’s magnificent ‘Pink City’, you’ll be driven to your next hotel for check-in and dinner with your fellow travellers.
- Included Amber Fort visit and tour of Jaipur - Rise early this morning and head for Amber, the former capital of the Rajput empire, on the outskirts of Jaipur. Here, by Jeep, you’ll climb the steep terrain to the towering Amber Fort, which watches over the city from its majestic hilltop position. You’ll explore the treasures of the Royal Halls of this 6th-century hilltop structure and take in the magnificent views from the red sandstone ramparts. Today’s exploration of Jaipur then continues with a sightseeing tour. You'll visit the City Palace, a magnificent complex that blends Rajput and Mughal architectural styles and the Jantar Mantar, an ornate astronomical observatory, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 18th century. You'll also drive past the Hawa Mahal, or the ‘Palace of the Winds’, a striking pink palace with intricate latticework that allowed royal women to watch street processions without being seen. This evening, return to the hotel for dinner.
- Drive to Ranthambore with optional Ranthambore Fort visit - This morning, you’ll head into the tiger-rich wilderness of Ranthambore National Park, one of the largest and most famous national parks in Northern India. This former royal hunting ground is now a key centre for ‘Project Tiger’, and its grasslands, streams, and pools are home to striped hyenas, sambar deer, sloth bears and, of course, the elusive and still endangered tigers of Ranthambhore. You'll then head to your jungle lodge for check-in, where lunch will be provided. This afternoon, why not join an optional excursion to nearby Ranthambhore Fort? Perched at the top of a hill, ringed by a towering stone wall, this structure presents panoramic views of the national park once you’ve climbed the 273-step path. Later, join your fellow travellers for drinks and an expert-led tiger talk, which will introduce you to the animals you’ll head out in search of tomorrow. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at the lodge.
- Included morning and afternoon tiger safaris - You’ll rise early this morning as a day of delving into the surrounding wilderness is on the cards. Accompanied by a local, expert naturalist, go on your first jungle safari in an open-air vehicle. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of Royal Bengal tigers, hyenas, jackals, and leopards. After an exciting morning, you’ll be taken back to the hotel for breakfast followed by time to relax, perhaps with a dip in the swimming pool ahead of an included lunch. In the afternoon, set off on another safari, alongside your guide, learning more about the local flora and fauna living across the diverse terrain as you go. If you’re lucky, you might also catch another glimpse of the native tigers. This evening, dinner will be served at the hotel.
- Drive to Agra and included visit to Abhaneri - Your time in the jungle will come to an end after breakfast this morning as you take a scenic drive to Agra, India’s iconic ‘City of Love’. On the way, pause in Abhaneri and enjoy some time to explore Chand Baori, one of the biggest stepwells in the world. With intricately geometrically designed staircases, this architectural wonder serves as a source of water and a place of respite in the desert heat. Adjacent to the stepwells, you’ll find the Harshat Mata Temple, an ancient place of worship dedicated to the goddess of happiness and joy, Harshat Mata. You’ll then continue to Agra, home to the magnificent Taj Mahal!
- Included sunrise Taj Mahal visit and Agra Fort tour with optional sunset visit to the Taj Mahal - Rise early this morning for one of the undeniable highlights of your time in Northern India. Heading out in the dawn light, you’ll visit the Taj Mahal, the famed monument of eternal love, glistening as the sun rises over the city. This UNESCO-listed mausoleum, encircled by expansive Mughal gardens, is one of the country’s greatest architectural achievements and a wish-list spectacle, completed in 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Your visit will be brought to life on a guided tour. Afterwards, head back to the hotel for breakfast. Your next stop today will be the imposing Agra Fort, a grand sandstone fortress and an intricate maze of courtyards, palaces, and mosques within the Mughal fort. Here, you’ll learn about the building’s regal history on a guided tour before heading back to the hotel for the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Later, you can opt to return to the Taj at sunset to see its grand facades in a different light. Dinner will be served at the hotel this evening.
- Travel to Varanasi - Today, travel by the Vande Bharat Express to Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, nestled on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. Spend some time relaxing by the pool this afternoon.
- Included Ganges cruise and tour of Varanasi - Wake up in Varanasi and make your way to the banks of the Ganges for a boat ride downstream. Here, under the rising sun, you’ll experience this sacred river and its idyllic surrounding landscapes at their most serene. Pass the city’s riverside ghats, which number 84 in total, and learn about their use in religious ceremonies. As the city rises from its sleep, you’ll enjoy a snapshot of life in Varanasi. Return to the hotel for a late breakfast and a few hours to relax before heading back into the heart of the city. Begin at the Benaras Hindu Campus, one of India’s finest universities. This grand building, founded in 1916 by Annie Besant, a key proponent for Indian independence, has since become a major research centre. Continue to Shri Viswanath Mandir, a major temple and shrine for Indian Hindus, where you’ll learn more about the religious history and the faiths that coexist in Varanasi. Your final stop, the Sankat Mochan Temple, worships the monkey god, Hanuman, and showcases Uttar Pradesh’s traditional Hindu architecture. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure and, settle in for dinner at the hotel this evening. For further insight into the Hindu traditions of Varanasi, join an optional evening Varanasi cycle of life night walking tour alongside an expert local guide who will explain the Hindi beliefs around life and death. This tour will take you around the ghats, that lead down to the mighty Ganges. Often used for funeral rites and processions, these ceremonial staircases are sacred to the city’s Hindu population, and you’ll learn about their importance as you go.
- Included tour of Sarnath and evening Aarti ceremony - Sarnath, a popular Buddhist pilgrimage spot on the outskirts of Varanasi, will be the backdrop for a morning’s exploration. Join a friendly local guide for a tour of the town’s assorted stupas, temples, and ruins. Learn about the region’s colourful history with a stop at the Sarnath Museum, which showcases a vast collection of archaeological finds and Buddhist relics. After some time to explore the town’s rich Buddhist heritage, return to Varanasi and unwind with an afternoon at leisure. In the evening, head to the ghats to experience the Aarti ceremony. This daily ritual takes place at sunset along the banks of the River Ganges, where priests perform a traditional prayer involving lighted lamps, chanting, and music. The ceremony is an important part of Hindu worship and offers an insight into the spiritual life of Varanasi.
- Return to Delhi - After breakfast at the hotel, board a short internal flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival, you’ll be driven to your final hotel in the leafy suburb of Dwarka. This evening, enjoy a final dinner with your fellow travellers.
- Flight back to the UK - Following breakfast, travel to Delhi airport in the morning for your flight back to the UK.
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- Spend time in Agra and watch the sunrise behind the Taj Mahal, the ivory-white marble mausoleum of love
- Explore the tiger-rich wilderness of Ranthambore National Park with morning and afternoon safaris
- Witness the major academic and religious centres of Varanasi, India’s spiritual capital
- Discover Shimla’s British-colonial legacy with a tour of the Viceregal Lodge and Gaiety Theatre
- Take in lively Delhi with a tour of its most famous landmarks
- Soak up the scents, sounds, and sights of Chandni Chowk on a rickshaw ride
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas with a ride aboard the renowned ‘Toy Train'
- Stop in rural Abhaneri, home to the Chand Baori stepwell and vast Harshat Mata temple
- Gain a glimpse into India’s past with a visit to the red-sandstone Agra Fort
- Admire the wide Ganges River at its most picturesque with an early morning boat ride along the city’s ghats
- Marvel at the impressive forts and palaces of the ‘Pink City’, Jaipur
- Embark on an optional guided Varanasi cycle of life night walking tour along the ghats of the Ganges
- View the ancient stupas and shrines of Sarnath, a popular Buddhist pilgrimage town
Our Price Includes
- 14 nights’ mixed-board accommodation in Delhi (2 nights), Shimla (2), Jaipur (2), Ranthambore (2), Agra (2), Varanasi (3), and Dwarka (1), plus one night on the aircraft
- 14 breakfasts, three lunches, and 14 dinners
- Guided tour of Delhi
- Scenic ‘Toy Train’ ride to Shimla
- Tour of Shimla
- Amber Fort excursion
- Tour of Jaipur
- Two Ranthambore canter safaris with expert-led tiger talk
- Trip to the Chand Baori stepwell and Harshat Mata temple
- Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal
- Tour of Agra Fort
- Ganges river cruise
- Varanasi city tour
- Guided tour of Sarnath
- Evening Aarti ceremony
- Internal flights between Chandigarh and Jaipur and Varanasi and Delhi
- Rail travel between Delhi and Kalka and Agra and Varanasi
- Return flights to Delhi
- Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
- Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
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Dates and Prices
Accommodation
India – From the Himalayas to the Ganges Touring Hotels -
You will be staying in a series of comfortable hotels that are conveniently located for your tour itinerary.
Other Information
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour.
Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
Passports and Visas
British citizens require passports when travelling overseas and this must be valid for six months beyond the date you return. If you are not a British citizen, you may need a visa for the country/countries you are visiting (please contact the respective embassies to check and to apply).
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Road conditions
In developing countries road networks are continually being improved and expanded, which can mean that, from time to time, roadworks and rough road surfaces can extend journey times. Some journeys are made on winding mountain roads and passes, which may also make for slow travelling - although the scenery is usually worth it! Many roads do not have separate pavements or safety barriers, and great care should be taken when crossing or walking alongside roads.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Terms and conditions
Terms & Conditions: Save 15% on Asia tours offer applies to new bookings only booked between 23 October 2025 to 31 October 2025 and cannot be applied retrospectively to bookings already confirmed. This offer does not apply to child pricing. The offer does not apply to departure dates with late availability pricing or tours that depart in any other year. See full terms & conditions.
Holiday code
N2849Holiday provided by Newmarket Holidays
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Newmarket Holidays (ABTOT 5509, ATOL 2325, ABTA V7812), you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.