From CAD 2,185
Guarantee
Small Group
Unknown
Rating
(16 reviews)
Experience Overview
Discover the best of northern India on this highlight-packed adventure. Led by an expert tour leader, we marvel at the always impressive Taj Mahal, a New Wonder of the World, and explore the Pink City of Jaipur. We also have an early morning boat ride along the mist-shrouded ghats of Varanasi, an experience only equalled by spotting one of the elusive tigers in Ranthambore National Park. Add to that the everyday wonders – smiling locals, whizzing rickshaws and flavoursome curries – and you will see why North India is such a favourite with our groups.
For departures in July 2025 and 2026, visit Highlights of Northern India – Summer Itinerary. This itinerary is valid for departures from 1 Jan, 2024 to 31 Aug, 2025. For other departure dates, please contact us.
Profile
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels), 1 Simple night (sleeper train) — Accommodation Sept 2025 onwards: 8 Classic nights (hotels) — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — Travel by air-conditioned private bus and train — Holi and Diwali festival departures available (see Dates & Prices tab)
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels), 1 Simple night (sleeper train) — Accommodation Sept 2025 onwards: 8 Classic nights (hotels) — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — Travel by air-conditioned private bus and train — Holi and Diwali festival departures available (see Dates & Prices tab)
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Itinerary: This trip is ideal for culturally curious people eager to explore and experience as much as possible. We cover the highlights of northern India in a short time, which means the itinerary is generally fast paced – prepare for some long days and early starts. India can be challenging, while the heat and bustle of some cities can be a little overwhelming. That said, there are peaceful spots and you will undoubtedly return with memories to last a lifetime.
Journey times: The times stated in the day-to-day itinerary are driving times and do not include photo, tea, comfort or lunch breaks. Journeys can sometimes take longer due to traffic or road damage. Additionally, fog is common in December and January, which can sometimes slow us down. Departures in these months may also experience severe train delays or cancellations. If a severe delay occurs, the group travels on a private comfortable bus instead. In the rare event we can’t travel by bus or fly, we have an alternative itinerary, in which we visit Bharatpur, Deeg Palace and Mathura instead of Varanasi.
Monuments: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India, including the Taj Mahal, and very occasionally this may mean that work is taking place at sites visited on this trip. The ASI schedule is never published, so it is not possible to warn you when work will be taking place.
Festivals: Some departures coincide with Holi and Diwali, both fascinating times to visit India. We seek opportunities to see the festivities, though we cannot guarantee what is happening locally – the festivals are celebrated in different ways throughout the country.
Group Description
Our Indian team of leaders has proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Indian culture than letting an Indian guide show you around their country.
During game drives, each vehicle is joined by a Forest Guard, a requirement by the local authorities. The Forest Guards are part of a national park initiative to generate employment for the nearby villages. They are skilled spotters and trackers so, though their English is sometimes very limited, they greatly improve the experience.
Eating Drinking
The included meals are stated on the daily itinerary.
India is famous for its food and there is ample opportunity to try various curries such as the familiar tandoori, biriyani and rogan josh. If you are a vegetarian, India is a great destination. There are wonderful desserts and excellent beers, soft drinks and Indian specialities such as lassi, a refreshing yoghurt drink.
You should allow at least 1,400-2,400 rupees (US$16-US$28) per day for lunch and dinner. In most towns we visit, there is a good selection of restaurants and a choice between Indian and Western food. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A (large!) bottle of beer is approximately 300 rupees (approximately US$4).
Mineral water is widely available, but drinking water is provided in a large container in the bus to reduce our use of plastic, so please bring your own refillable water bottle.
Transportation
We use a combination of private minibus and trains for our journey.
Road journeys: Air-conditioned private minibus.Train journeys: The overnight train from Agra to Varanasi is booked in two-tier (or three-tier depending on availability) air-conditioned sleeper (see Accommodation section for further information). Please note, we do not use the sleeper train on departures from September 2025 onwards.The train from Varanasi to Delhi is the Vande Bharat Express booked in the A/C Chair Car, Executive Class.Game drives: In Ranthambore National Park, due to local restrictions enforced to limit the number of visitors to the park, tiger spotting is from a 22-seater open truck called a canter. These are licensed and usually allocated by the national park authorities; while our local contacts do their best to secure the most appropriate vehicles, we are unable to guarantee vehicle standards and maintenance and there may not be seatbelts available.
Please note: Fog is common in December and January. Departures in these months may experience severe train delays or cancellations. If a severe delay occurs, the group will travel overnight on a private comfortable bus instead. In the rare event we can’t travel by bus or fly to arrive in Varanasi, we have an alternative itinerary in which we visit Bharatpur, Deeg Palace and Mathura.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel 7 Apple – Jalmahal, Amer Rd, opposite Jalmahal, Gujarghati, Parasrampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Phone: +91 84529 82777
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately five hours’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Meet at the airport
Your easiest option is to join the group at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The meet time aligns with a flight from London, UK.
Meet at the Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh (address: 17A/32, Gurudwara Road, Opposite Jessaram Hospital, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, 110005)
You should be at the Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh by 9am, where you are met by a local representative and transferred to the airport to join the rest of the group. Please note, this time may change and are confirmed in your pre-travel joining instructions.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers from the end hotel to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) for all customers. If you would like further information on joining a transfer, we will require all flight details two weeks prior to departure to secure the transfer. Please speak to your sales representative to arrange.
Weather Information
During October/November and from March to April, the days are normally hot (around 30C-35C/86F-95F) and nights slightly cooler (18C-24C/65F-75F) but humidity is very low and little or no rain falls so it’s a great time of year to travel to this part of India.
From December to early February, it gets very cold in the early mornings and evenings (sometimes dropping to 6C/43F) and warm clothes are essential. During this time, nightly temperatures in Delhi can be very cold and only a little above freezing. The evenings and early mornings (particularly at Ranthambore National Park) can be surprisingly cool and damp too, so come prepared for both cold and warm temperatures during winter.
In July, August and September, expect very hot days and warm nights (28C-40C/82F-104F). Rain is also likely at any time from the end of June until September and can be very heavy. However, it moderates the temperatures and humidity.
Spending Money
Many sites now charge a small fee for video cameras (handy cams) and you should allow another 665 rupees (approximately US$9) for these. Also allow at least 570 rupees (approximately US$8) per day for personal expenditures, such as soft drinks. There are endless shopping opportunities throughout this tour and we suggest you take money for souvenirs; even the most shop-shy travellers often succumb to the tempting selection of handicrafts available.
During your trip, it is likely your local guides will take you to emporiums and handicraft workshops. Guides often assume visitors want to shop, it is very much part of the culture, but if you do not wish to go, please make this clear to your guide and Exodus leader at the time. Many people find this a great opportunity to buy local handicrafts, silk, jewellery and carpets.
Optional excursions
There are plenty of opportunities for local excursions and cultural experiences throughout this trip, some of which are detailed in the daily itinerary. For an overview of the optional extras, please see below:
Delhi (start or end of trip):
— Half-day city tour: approximately 1,500-5,500 rupees (US$18-US$53) per person (depending on the group size)
Tour includes: visit to old Delhi, drive past Red Fort, visit Gandhi memorial and drive past colonial buildings and visit India Gate. Price includes transportation, local guide and tipping. Monument entrances are not included, the sightseeing is for unpaid monuments.
— Morning Old Delhi city walk with Salaam Baalak Trust: approximately 3,500-5,500 rupees (US$42-US$53) per person (depending on the group size)
Led by ex-street kids of Delhi, this insightful walk starts from Jama Masjid and takes you through the narrow alleys in the heart of the old city. Price includes transportation, local guide and tipping. Entrance to Jama Masjid monument is not included. Tour is subject to availability at time of request.
Jaipur:
— Cooking class (Day 2): approximately 2,500 rupees (US$30) per person
Visit a local home where your host guides you through traditional dishes, such as vegetable pakora, vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes such as chicken or mutton curry, matter paneer and chapattis. After devouring your home-cooked meal, finish by preparing a Rajasthani sweet dish called laapsi. Price includes: cookery class with a four-dish meal, rice, rotis and tea/coffee and transportation to/from the home.
Varanasi:
— Visit to Sarnath: approximately 1,000-3,800 rupees (US$12-US$46) per person (depending on the group size)
Price includes monument entrances, local guide, transportation and tipping.
— Evening ceremony at Ganges ghats: approximately 1,500-4,000 rupees (US$18-US$48) per person (depending on the group size)
Price includes boat fees, auto ride/rickshaw fees and tipping.
Tipping
Tipping is a part of Indian culture and usually expected. It can often be an awkward affair, especially when in an unfamiliar country where you are not sure when or how much to tip. As such, your tour leader will offer to arrange and look after a group tipping kitty, which will be used to tip hotel staff, sightseeing guides, bus drivers and other support staff used throughout your trip. Your leader will suggest how much to contribute, but it is usually in the region of 2,200 rupees (approximately US$30) per person based on the maximum group size of 16 passengers. For smaller groups, the leader may ask to collect more than the suggested amount relative to the group size, this is to assist with covering the standard tipping expectations for things like the local guides, drivers, and hotel staff (which, are generally fixed amounts no matter the group size).
For departures that travel during Holi Festival (14 March 2025 and 04 March 2026) your tour leader will look to arrange some activities for you to enjoy and join in with the festivities. There will be a supplement between 600-1,600 rupees (approximately US$7-US$20) per person which is usually deducted from the kitty. Price depends upon the location and festival inclusions for Holi celebration.
At any time during the trip, your leader will be happy to show you an account of how the kitty is being distributed. Please note, for smaller groups the leader may have to collect more than the above amount.
Tipping of leaders is not included in the kitty and is at your own discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation, a tip of around 475 rupees (US$6) per person per day would be appreciated.
Highlights
— Discover the highlights of northern India: rich culture, amazing wildlife and tasty cuisine — Complete the famed Golden Triangle, visiting Delhi, Agra and Jaipur — See the unforgettable Taj Mahal — Maximize your chances of spotting a tiger in Ranthambore National Park with two game drives — Marvel as thousands of pilgrims soak in the holy waters of the Ganges on a dawn boat ride in Varanasi
Trip Details
Product Code: 4227
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Mathura.
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: AIC
Starts: Delhi, Ganges
Finishes: Delhi, Ganges
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Unknown
Includes
— Meals as stated on the itinerary — All accommodation — All transport — Entrances fees to monuments in Jaipur and Agra (as per itinerary) — Two jungle safari (as per itinerary) — Tour leader throughout — Free departure transfers for everyoneAccommodation
City and jungle hotels plus sleeper trainWe stay in centrally located city hotels that mix heritage and modern styles, plus a jungle hotel in Ranthambore National Park and the overnight sleeper train from Agra to Varanasi. The accommodations typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the notable accommodations on this trip. Jaipur: 7 Apple Hotel (nights 1-2) The 7 Apple sits directly across from Jal Mahal Lake in the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Recently refurbished, it has modern and bright rooms with lake or Nahargarh Hill views. Ranthambore: Raj Palace (night 3) Within Ranthambore National Park, the Raj Palace is conveniently located so we don’t have far to go in search of tigers and other wildlife. When not in the forest, relax in the pool or just sit in the gardens giving your senses a break, away from the city noise and heat. Agra to Varanasi: Sleeper train (night 5) Experience an icon of travel: the Indian sleeper train! Our journey takes us from Agra to Varanasi, skipping the long drive, while also allowing us to interact with the local people and sample the snacks often sold on board. The accommodation is basic: we normally stay in two-tier sleepers, the compartments sectioned off from the aisle by privacy curtains. Seats are allocated at the time the tickets are issued, so the whole group isn’t always together; however, our tour leader is an expert at making the journey as hassle-free as possible and will regularly check in with you. Delhi: Bloom Hotel, Karol Bagh (nights 7-8) Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh is nestled in a commercial and residential area in Karol Bagh, and it’s conveniently located just five minutes from the metro station. Worth knowing For Varanasi, standard check-in time at the hotel is 2pm. Early check-in is not available to pre-book due to high room occupancy. However, we have a good partnership with the hotel, and they always try to prioritise rooms for Exodus travellers as early as possible on the check-in day. Prior to check-in at Varanasi, the hotel communal areas are available and you may leave your luggage in the hotel until your room is available.Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are only a couple of months when the weather can get cold. You can, however, request more blankets if needed or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter.It’s common for hotels in India to have limited times in the day for hot water use to save energy. If you find your shower is cold, please let your leader or reception know so they can make sure the water heater is on.Within the sleeper train, you may be sharing a compartment of four beds with members of the public depending on how the seats are allocated.Single accommodation excludes sleeper trains. September 2025 and onwards departures For departures on or after September 2025, we no longer use the sleeper train (as seen in the daily itinerary) and instead spend an extra night in Ranthambore.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2185 (CAD 243 /day)
Itinerary
Our adventure begins in Delhi, a city full of architectural masterpieces. Meet the group either at a named meeting point (normally the Hotel Bloom Karol Bagh) or Delhi Airport – see the Joining Instructions for more information. Once everyone has arrived, we depart for Jaipur, which may take between five and seven hours, depending on traffic conditions. There’s a lunch and toilet stop along the way and we have a welcome briefing at the hotel just before dinner. If you don’t want to do this journey straight after your flight, we recommend spending a pre-tour night in Delhi – speak to your sales representative to book. Accommodation: 7 Apple Hotel – Jalmahal (or similar)
Built in the late 18th century, Jaipur is a planned city of broad avenues constructed of sandstone and later painted pink. On a city tour led by a local guide, we visit the highlights with a chance to see impressive landmarks, such as the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and hilltop Amber Fort, which sits above a lake a few miles from the main city. After, the tour leader generally takes the group to a textiles factory, employing over 400 locals. You will tour the building seeing every step of the process from block printing materials, pattern designing, assembly room and all the way through to packaging and shipping. At the end, a chance to browse the shop and pick up anything from a complete outfit to handmade notebooks using the off cuts of material so nothing is wasted on the factory floor. Jaipur is a hub of many handicrafts, including durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherwear. Accommodation: Hotel 7 Apple – Jalmahal (or similar)
We wind through the villages of rural India to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (approximately a five hour drive); staying in a hotel not far from the park entrance, we’re well located for our two game drives in the park; one in the late afternoon and one the following morning. Ranthambore is one of the reserves set up by Project Tiger, a government-backed conservation programme launched in 1973. There was initial success, but poaching has drastically reduced the tiger population here and the chance of spotting one is small; however, many of our groups have seen tigers over the last few years. Additionally, the latest census, the results of which were announced in late 2023, saw a 25 percent increase in tiger numbers: up to 88 from 69 in 2022. As we search for tigers, we also hope to see the other wildlife living here: several deer species, crocodiles, and bird life including purple herons, kingfishers, cormorants, parakeets and partridges. Accommodation: Raj Palace Resort (or similar) Please note, occasionally the game drive timings or zones may be adjusted depending on government restrictions and changes in national park zonal opening/closing times.
We have an early start this morning, heading out before breakfast for our second game drive. Returning to the hotel in time for breakfast and a chance to freshen up before check out. We next continue our journey on to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri, 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 10,000 worshippers, the palaces, residences, and halls of audience, are all made of decorative red sandstone. But this magnificence only lasted 14 years. In 1584, Akbar left Fatehpur Sikri to secure his outlying territories, leaving this city much as we see it today – in perfect condition. We arrive in Agra early evening, this is another very full but rewarding day. The total driving time is approximately seven hours. Accommodation: Hotel Avalon Palms (or similar)
Today we wake early to visit the 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 and is matched by the rich interior detail. Within striking distance is the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of Emperor Akbar’s 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 transfer to Agra train station and join the overnight sleeper train to Varanasi. A light snack is provided on the overnight train journey. Accommodation: Sleeper train
We arrive in Varanasi in the morning and transfer to our hotel. For information about hotel check-in times please see our “Worth Knowing” section within the Trip Notes. On the river Ganges, Varanasi 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 immerse yourself in: explore the maze of narrow lanes and many temples and watch the Hindu ceremonies that take place around the clock. There is time to visit emporiums specialising in silks and brocades or maybe take a massage by the riverbanks. In the afternoon, we can take an optional visit to nearby Sarnath Temple. Sarnath is as sacred to Buddhists as Varanasi is to Hindus. The main monument at Sarnath is the Dhamekh Stupa, the very spot where Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon. There’s also an archaeology museum, which exhibits Buddhist artefacts and houses the findings of excavations from the Sarnath site. Your tour leader can organise various optional sightseeing trips during your two days here. Accommodation: Hotel Surya (or similar)
Just before dawn, we take a boat ride 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 this 3mi (5km) stretch of riverbank to soak in the holy waters. This afternoon, we board the Vande Bharat Express train back to Delhi, a great opportunity to see and experience more of India as you pass through rural villages, towns and cities. A light snack dinner is provided, which usually includes a soup and light meal with rice and vegetables. You may wish to pick up some additional snacks/fruit prior to boarding. We arrive in Delhi late evening and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation: Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh (or similar)
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 include the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) and Raj Ghat. For last-minute shopping, visit the market area of Chandni Chowk or Karol Bagh. Accommodation: Bloom Hotel Karol Bagh (or similar)
Our adventure through northern India ends today. If you’ve still a few pages left in your travel diary, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Delhi. Alternatively, make your way to the airport and begin your return journey home.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, 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. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Jo Rimell - Traveled, April 2024
A Comprehensive and Fabulous Itinerary but too Fast Paced The trip included all the sites we wanted to see, but it was done at such a pace that it was exhausting and difficult to take everything in. Most Inspirational Moment The Taj Mahal at sunrise - so beautiful. Other highlights were the tigers at Ranthambore, the Seikh temple in Delhi and the cooking demonstration in Jaipur. Thoughts on Group Leader He was good on the whole, but not impressed by his serious participation in the Holi Festival celebrations. In the end he was a bit more flexible, we did not want to see another fort when we got to Delhi! Advice for Potential Travellers You need stamina. The notes say you do not need to be fit, but the pace is relentless and the hours of travelling took us by surprise. Suggestions Major lows of the trip were the overnight train to Veranassi - an absolute nightmare and the visit to the village . It was dreadful gawping at their living conditions and then eating our huge packed lunch in front of them. A very uncomfortable experience,
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/28/2024
Hannah Davidson - Traveled, April 2024
Highlights of northern india A busy but fun filled 8 days travelling around to see the best of northern India! A lot of travelling on the bus but that’s really the only way to get around, plus you see a lot of how people live, get around and the landscape. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing the Taj Mahal in all its majesty Thoughts on Group Leader Mayank was clearly not new at this role. He was very knowledgeable in many aspects and topics of India , where I was able to learn a lot ( whether I retained the information is a different story) . As he was mentioning the different religions in India, he did mention a bit of personal information where he said he considered himself Jain. This on its own did not bother me. In fact, it helps develop a connection. However when he said they are considered the ‘Jews of India’ and more specifically businessmen mentality, this is where I feel he may have overstepped. The reason I say this is what followed a couple days later. In Varanasi, there was an option in the morning to see a Buddhist temple. Myself and a few others were not interested in joining the group so we asked if it was possible for Mayank to book us a tuktuk. He went ahead and kindly did that for us. From my recollection, we did not clearly tell him what we were doing because we didn’t know what was there. There was mention of maybe going into the old town, but nothing was set. We assumed everything was fine on his end as he booked the tuktuk. We ended up getting a very kind driver who asked us where we wanted to go, we said maybe some shops. We went to a couple warehouse shops where we made purchases and then walked around the Muslim area to see people shopping in preparation for Eid. It was a fantastic morning!!! Mayank ended up finding our about where we went and that we made purchases. He ended up getting upset and short with our driver, on two occasions, the second one which we were witness to. He appeared rude and demeaning to our driver, as our driver told us what he said ( we had the same driver the following day to drive us to the boat tour on the Ganges). Basically Mayank asked why he took us to these places and that he wasn’t supposed to go there. After this, there was a sour taste in my mouth towards Mayank, unfortunately. I felt he was just upset because he lost money as we purchased things at places he didn’t take us to. This is something a businessman would be cognizant of. Advice for Potential Travellers This was my first trip to I did so other than reading reviews here I didn’t really know what to expect. I’d say pack light, bring reachable clothes that retail odor (you don’t have much opportunity for washings), bring tummy meds just in case, always carry tissue/toilet paper and sanitizer. The week is jam packed filled with so many great sights and experiences - take advantage of everything!! No regrets! It was so memorable! Am already thinking about returning to India
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2024
joyce woffindin - Traveled, March 2024
Exhausting, Exhilarating, Incredible India A non stop trip round the highlights Most Inspirational Moment Seeing Tiger and 3 cubs in the wild Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent ,very knowledgeable although he often talked for far longer than the group concentrated for Advice for Potential Travellers Food is relatively cheap but If you do all the optional trips it will be an extra £200 + This is NOT a leisurely tour,its just not very active .I hadnt realised the journeys would be so long ,many early starts late nights and corresponding lack of sleep Suggestions If I went again Id spend longer in Jaipur and Agra ,I wouldnt take 2 boat trips on the Ganges and id try to spend 2 weeks on the trip rather than the 9 days . I still have Orange hair from Holi , so no it doesnt wash out .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2024
Gareth Daniel - Traveled, March 2024
Gareth Fascinating but exhausting trip This was our first trip to India although we have previously travelled widely across south and south east Asia. The variety of sights, sounds and colours encountered on our trip was amazing and we covered a lot of ground in just over a week. We felt there was a bit too much emphasis on visiting religious sites and would have preferred to have seen more of the countryside and city parks and green spaces such as Lodi Gardens in Delhi for example. A bit more free time for private exploring would also have been welcome – although we were happy being on an organised tour, the trip had a breathless quality about it despite its supposed ‘leisurely’ classification. We particularly enjoyed the visit to Ranthambore nature reserve and were thrilled to see a family of four tigers in the wild. Our trip to the Taj Mahal was inevitably a highlight notwithstanding the 5.30am start to catch the rising sun falling on its majestic domes. We also enjoyed the short walking tour of the Chandni Chowk street market in Old Delhi and wish it had been longer. While everything we saw had its interesting facets, we would have been happier to have seen fewer places of worship and seen more of ‘normal’ Indian street life and the everyday life of secular India and its people. Most Inspirational Moment Getting a close up view of a family of tigers in the Ranthambore nature reserve and seeing a wide variety of birdlife in both towns and countryside. Thoughts on Group Leader Our tour leader Mayank was excellent - hardworking, patient and knowledgeable. He was always helpful and acted as a very effective advocate for the group when dealing with day to day issues. Given his many years of experience in the business, nothing seemed to take him by surprise and he seemed to know everybody wherever we went. He was also very helpful with my attempts to identify local birdlife. Advice for Potential Travellers The 'leisurely' label does not do justice to this tour - there are frequent early starts and long days on buses and trains with the consequence that we skipped quite a few hours of sleep in order to arrive early at some venues. India is a big country of course but a little more time genuinely 'at leisure' would have been appreciated. Suggestions We were disappointed by the generally poor standard of the hotels we stayed in with the exception of the Surya in Varanasi and the Raj Palace in Ranthambore. There was a distinctly 'budget' feel about most of them with limited and/or very dated facilities, shoddy furniture and fittings, unattractive locations and
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2024
Deborah Critchley - Traveled, February 2024
Amazing The whole trip was awesome, lots of different places visited the tour guide was fabulous lots of knowledge. Did some wonderful things that supported sustainable tourism an experience never to be forgotten Most Inspirational Moment Taj Mahal Thoughts on Group Leader Fabulous could not have been better Advice for Potential Travellers Expects lots of early morning starts aand a lot of travelling which is all well worth it. Suggestions Thank you for a fabulous itinary and an amazing local guide
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2024
donald chalmers - Traveled, January 2024
Fantastic but full-on trip The trip delivered exactly what it stated and in that respect was wonderful. However, we felt that the pace was too relentless given the large distances needed to travel. An additional day, perhaps in Ranthambore NP (with a further tiger hunt?) and some time by a pool would have been good to break in the itinerary. Overnight second class train from Agra to Varanasi was 6 hrs delayed adding further to the tight timeframe and was somewhat of a challenging experience. Express train from Varanasi to Delhi very good however. Hotels were fine but mostly tired. Most Inspirational Moment Visiting there Taj Mahal at sunrise Thoughts on Group Leader Manoj was exceptional in his organisational skills, knowledge, enthusiasm and sense of humour . Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for the fast pace and culture shock Suggestions Good idea to work up Indian experience prior to visiting Varanasi
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/23/2024
Sharon Hawley - Traveled, December 2023
Fantastic An amazing trip. A wonderful group. A brilliant guide …who made the tour even more wonderful …took care of us all and made us all laugh. A sensory overload of a trip. Most Inspirational Moment Varanasi. Like nothing I’ve experienced before …not to be missed. Simply amazing. Thoughts on Group Leader The best. He found us places to eat and snack and drink and sit …and knew every best view …and made the trip simply outstanding Advice for Potential Travellers Follow your guides advice at all times. Take a deep breath …and enjoy Suggestions Wonderful. 5*****
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
francesca harrison - Traveled, October 2023
Life changing This is the first time I had visited to India and gone solo on a group tour. It was life changing for me . The country was fantastic I felt if I went home on day 3 I would have been happy! Our group was fabulous and we have since met in London for a curry! The itinerary was busy but excellent covering the classic sights of northern India with the added extra of Varanasi which was so memorable riding down the Ganges at 6am, our guide Naveen was simply the best. Great company, funny, kind and kept up on track. Most Inspirational Moment Taj Mahal at sunrise and visiting Varanasi We did a cooking class which was a highlight and just the people and the buzz of being in India. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent leader giving us options and making sure we saw as much as possible in the 9 days Advice for Potential Travellers I flew to Goa at the end of my trip for 5 days to have some chill time, it was great to reflect on such a wonderful exodus trip! Suggestions Can’t wait to go on my next trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2023
Beverly Denton - Traveled, January 2023
Excellent Varied and Full Trip Every day was like having 2 days in one! We saw and did so much each day. The itinerary was packed but it all worked really well and we visited so many wonderful sights. Each day was so different and varied and for each site we had our own specialised guide who explained things well and gave us time to enjoy each one. Naveen Bazaz, our Exodus leader, looked after our every need. We all really enjoyed his sense of humour and his caring nature. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing a tiger in Ranthambore National Park. This tiger came up so close to our vehicle and walked unperturbed past a long line of jeeps which were on the path with us. We spent a good 20 minutes watching her. The second most inspirational moment was seeing the Taj Mahal reveal itself slowly from the early morning mist. Thoughts on Group Leader I cannot praise Naveen Bazaz highly enough. He was so caring and looked after our every need so well. I enjoyed listening to his commentaries on the places we were visiting and he was very attentive. We all loved his sense of humour and the way he socialised with us. We valued his advice at meal times when choosing our food. Naveen gave us many local experiences such as visiting a Delhi family for a cookery demonstration and meal afterwards, taking us to sample street food and a famous "lassi" shop, to name just a few. We were very lucky to have Naveen as our leader. Advice for Potential Travellers Bring warm clothes for Delhi and Ranthambore National Park. The hotel in Ranthambore did provide blankets for the early morning game drives. Take a mask/buff because there's a lot of dust on these game drives. Also take binoculars. A pack of cards for the long train ride. Suggestions Don't be put off by the long drives. Observing the passing scenes, the people and their way of life through the minibus window was not to be missed!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/29/2023
B Jeffs - Traveled, February 2020
Wonderful first experience of Northern India - highly recommended! This was an amazing “starter” trip for anyone wanting to begin to experience India. Packed with highlights, everything ran like clockwork (yes, even the train!) and there were no disappointments – friendly people, incredible sights, amazing experiences and incredible food. Highly recommended! Most Inspirational Moment There were several highlights but, for me, Varanasi was just amazing and a place I will never forget. It is hard to put into words, but it is amazingly moving, vibrant and life-affirming - truly a unique place that should be visited by everyone. Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Agra and our amazing tiger sighting all ran Varanasi a very close second, though. Thoughts on Group Leader Our tour leader really brought India to life. He could handle any questions we threw at him but, best of all in my opinion, was his interpretation of India’s many religions. Rather than a dry talk about each religious site – Hindu, Sikh, Muslim – he vividly described what each religion meant to him, bringing out the colour and vibrancy of each which more than matched the amazing temples and activities we saw. Even as an old student of RE, I learnt more from our tour leader on this trip then I did in3 yrs of studies and without ever feeling I was being lectured to. Really great, and a real enthusiasm and love for his country and culture on show - much appreciated! Advice for Potential Travellers Get involved and try everything - whether it is dressing up or trying the local delicacies, just do it! The optional evening boat ride in Varanasi is very atmospheric and moving and really shouldn't be missed. If possible, sit on the left hand side of the bus so you have a better view of all the amazing street life - great for photos and it means you definitely will never be bored on the longish road journeys.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2020
Jackie Hunt - Traveled, February 2020
A fantastic introduction to Northern India. This was a wonderful trip. It needs some stamina as there are a lot of early starts and long journeys. Keep an open mind and take it as it comes, there are many rewards. The group got on really well and we had some great laughs. The tour guide was brilliant and was central to the success of the trip. It’s made me want to see more of India. Most Inspirational Moment So many of these. Some of the hotels were so pretty with gorgeous gardens. I really value this on a busy trip so you have a bit of down time in the sunshine. We saw 2 young tigers in Ranthambore and this was a highlight. They were beautiful .Felt a bit alarmed the number of trucks all scrambling to view them, but they seemed ok and not traumatised. The Taj Mahal is very beautiful and Varanasi is beyond belief, especially the evening prayers which are akin to a scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark. Thoughts on Group Leader He was amazing. Such a lovely friendly man, had us all eating out of his hand I'd say. He has done the trip so many times and knows every inch of it. He joined in with us and shared the fun. He was organised and gave very clear instructions for the itinerary each day. Was sad to say goodbye. Advice for Potential Travellers You need to love curry, journeying and you need, as on many adventure holidays, patience and an ability to take things as they come. The e-visa service seemed to cause problems at the airport, but it was a difficult time with Covid19. I had a year visa which meant I got through immigration very quickly. Those with e-visas took forever. Take your Powerbank out of your main luggage. Take some warm clothes for the early starts, it takes a while to warm up. No-one was ill, the facilities were nowhere near as bad as you might think they would be, even on the overnight trains and stations. Didn't open my medicine pack. Due to the time of year, I came back with pink and orange hair from Holi, but I'm getting used to it. All but 2 hotels were really good, but you take the rough with the smooth on these trips. Suggestions Go. You'll love it. it was one of my best tours and I can't wait for the world to get going again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/27/2020
Hannah M - Traveled, January 2020
Busy itinerary packed with highlights This is a busy itinerary that covers all the major sights in the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Northern India, plus two tiger safaris and Varanasi, in only 7 days off work. Most itineraries on offer for this part of the world won’t give you so much in such a short time period. This makes it a great option for travellers with little time to spare and who want to see as much as possible of this part of the world. There is little ‘down time’ and it can feel a bit rushed at times, but for me this was far outweighed by the opportunity to see so much and visit places I simply couldn’t have fitted in at all any other way. The trip was very well organised and run and I enjoyed everything we visited. Most Inspirational Moment The Taj Mahal was so impressive - it really is worth seeing it in real life. Pictures and TV can't do it justice. The whole trip was worth it just for that. Seeing a tiger in Rathambhore was thrilling especially as many groups aren't that lucky (but the safaris are worthwhile and enjoyable in their own right even if no tigers appear). Varanasi was fascinating and an unexpected highlight for me. Also visiting the Sikh Gurdwara and its communal kitchens in Delhi was a really interesting trip and gave an insight into an aspect of a religion I knew little about. Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader was very well organised and efficient. He did a fantastic job keeping a large group together and getting us through an incredibly busy and tightly timed itinerary in sometimes difficult circumstances. He made the trip run smoothly which must have been a mammoth undertaking. Advice for Potential Travellers It really does get very cold in February, particularly on the game drives and sunrise starts. You can't wear enough on the early morning safari to keep warm. So pack accordingly! Layers are best as later in the day when the sun's out you won't need your jackets. Most days you have access to a bus so can leave things like coats. European plug adaptors are the most useful to take and can be used in the majority of the hotels. The train does have power points by the bunks. You can purchase a chain and padlock to secure your bags on the train very cheaply at the station - so if you don't already have one, don't splash out in your home country on one. As with all Exodus trips, a softer, smaller bag will serve you better than a big hard suitcase, particularly when trying to fit it under the train bunk beds. There are a number of optional excursions and these aren't always listed in the trip notes. The cost was generally around 1000-1500 rupees per person for a group of 16. It would be higher for smaller groups. The excursions offered were a cooking demonstration on the first evening, a hot air balloon ride on the second morning (this would be more expensive than the cost above), watching a Bollywood film at a local cinema on the second night (this was about 700 rupees and was well worth it, really enjoyable), a sunrise cruise on the river in Varanasi to see the burning ghats (highly highly recommended), a trip to Sarnath on the second day in Varanasi (miss-able, but does pass the time if you don't want to wait around at the hotel), and a sightseeing trip in Delhi on the last day. You won't necessarily see the standard sights on the Delhi trip but the places we went were well worth visiting, especially the Gurdwara. If you do all the trips and eat with the group, you need at least £200 spending money. The shopping trips can't really be avoided despite what the trip notes say as they are done 'en route' to other things, although you can opt to stay on the bus if you prefer. Take a kindle or phone or something else to amuse yourself if that's the case. The items you see are all high-price and outside the budget of some travellers, so if you're going to have to watch your money and find temptation hard to resist, you might also want to sit these out. If you're a keen photographer or historian, planning ahead for your visits is a good idea as you'll get very little time at some of the sights - in particular, those in Jaipur, and Fatephur Sikri. Reading up in advance will help you make the most of the time you get and ensure you don't miss anything you particularly wanted to see/photograph.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/23/2020
Kevin Adrian Fingleton - Traveled, November 2019
An amazing, enthralling, full-on trip. This trip is not for the faint-hearted. Despite various lengths being quoted, the traveler is effectively on the road in India for 8 days, and flies home on day 9. But in the 8 days you pack in an incredible number of beautiful, memorable sights. You will (hopefully, like we did) meet a smallish group of nice, decent, funny people that you are happy to travel, eat and drink with, and who look out for one another. Transport is effective and comfortable. You’ll struggle to take in the volume of sights, sounds and smells that India will provide. The food is wonderful, hotels are comfortable and all in all, it’s hard to avoid the ‘trip of a lifetime’ cliche. Most Inspirational Moment Varanasi - both the night-time 'blessing of the Ganges' ceremony, and about 7 hours later, the dawn boat ride on the Ganges to see the sun rise thru the mists and float past the cremation ghats (at a distance). And in between, the chaotic tuk tuk ride. There were many other highlights, but that one just took my breath away. Thoughts on Group Leader Ajay was truly excellent. Easy company, informed, patient at explaining the culture, history, politics and so on. He was very organised, because this trip is a mini-military-operation. It has to be, to see that many amazing things in 8 days. And he added little touches to enhance the trip (eg flowers to scatter on the Ganges). I wanted to see a step well (If I could) so I asked early on, and we got to see one in Jaipur that was not a tourist sight, by making a short detour. That was another highlight for me. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared to get tired. But you can sleep on the bus, the hotel beds are comfortable. And you have the post-trip period back home to look forward to, looking at your (way too many) photographs. It really is full-on, but in a great way. And it seems to match the pace of the places you are seeing - it's not a place to dawdle. Finally, if you are into photography, you'll probably never be somewhere with so many photos 'waiting to be taken'. Bring less clothes - this is not a dressing up holiday - and more camera gear. Last thing, as I think of it. Pollution in Delhi is quite bad - it's just a fact of life. But you are only there for about 48 hours, and even if you get a short term sore throat you recover quickly once you exit the city. It's worth it, I think. Suggestions This was my first ever trip to India. I utterly loved it, from beginning to end. If you want a chill out holiday, look elsewhere. If you want a safe, well-organised, short sharp trip around some of the key parts of India, this is the one for you. Enjoy
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2019
Gabriella Sardi - Traveled, March 2019
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! Most Inspirational Moment 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. Thoughts on 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! 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!! Suggestions Thank you Exodus! This was an amazing trip! Had an amazing time which i won’t forget for sure!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2019
Carolyn (Judy) Howlett - Traveled, December 2018
Highlights of Northern India Absolutely superb. Our guide, Ajay Gupta, was out of this world. All Exodus guides are super but he was just amazing. The sights we saw in such a short time, the standard of the hotels, the food – oh my goodness! I cannot recommend this trip highly enough Most Inspirational Moment Choosing one is difficult. The Taj mahal is of course a major site - chosen as one of the seven wonders of the modern world, and rightly so. But I loved the observatory, partly because it was so unexpected. Thoughts on Group Leader Amazing. wonderful. Friendly, knowledgable, everything a guide should be , and more. He made the trip the delight it was Advice for Potential Travellers don't change money at the airport - you'll be charged 10% commission. find an ATM from a major national bank and use that. Suggestions Difficult to enthuse too highly about this trip. Incredible India indeed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/25/2019
Cathryn Shean - Traveled, February 2016
Highlights of Northern India Fabulous advice and guidance, ethical and sustainable throughout. The Taj Mahal was amazing and the boat trip on the river Ganges was inspirational an unexpected highlight. The whole trip was well planned, felt very safe as a solo traveller. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing a tiger in a wild was memorable even though there was only a 50% chance. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent tour leader, especially on the overnight train, as the train was on time and the majority of the group were still sleeping, we could have missed the station in Delhi if he was not there. Couldn't have had a better tour leader, as he was indispensable on this trip. Advice for Potential Travellers Take a small sheet and travel pillow for the overnight train. Suggestions Will definitely use exodus again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2016
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