Best Guided Northern India Tours
Trip India by Car offers the best guided North India tours package, taking you through iconic destinations such as Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, and Varanasi, with a return to Delhi. Our guided North India tour package is meticulously designed to provide an exceptional experience, blending history, culture, and spirituality. Your journey begins in Delhi, where you'll delve into the city’s rich heritage by visiting landmarks like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the vibrant streets and savor local delicacies like chaat and parathas. Next, head to Jaipur, known as the Pink City, where you will explore stunning palaces and forts, including the iconic Amer Fort and Hawa Mahal, showcasing the splendid Rajasthani architecture. From Jaipur, the tour continues to Agra, home to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. You’ll also explore Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb, and the Mehtab Bagh, where you can witness the Taj Mahal's beauty during sunset. Your adventure then takes you to Khajuraho, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage temples adorned with intricate carvings by the Chandela dynasty. Next, journey to Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, where you'll experience early morning rituals on the banks of the Ganges River, take a boat ride for the evening aarti ceremony, and visit ancient temples and ghats. Finally, return to Delhi to explore the city’s modern side, indulge in shopping, and reflect on your amazing journey. Our private guided North India vacation packages are fully customizable to suit your preferences and interests. Whether you're seeking luxury North India vacation packages, cultural experiences, or adventure tours, our expert guides ensure a hassle-free and memorable experience.
Book your best guided North India tours with Trip India by Car today and embark on a journey of a lifetime!
Tour Highlights:
- Expert-guided sightseeing tours in all cities
- Visit the world’s most iconic landmarks like the Taj
Mahal & Ganges Ghats
- Hands-on cultural experiences and heritage walks
- Deep insight into India’s spirituality, art, and
architecture
- Comfortable travel, premium stays, and seamless
assistance
Best
Time to Visit:
October to March
– Ideal for pleasant weather and festival vibes
Step into the heart of India with
this thoughtfully curated guided tour, where every destination has a story to
tell.
Book the Best Guided Northern India Tour now and travel with confidence,
comfort, and cultural depth!
Customization Options
We understand that every traveler is unique, and we're happy to tailor this tour to suit your preferences and priorities. Whether you're interested in history, culture, adventure, or relaxation, we'll work with you to create a personalized itinerary that meets your needs. Please let us know your interests and preferences, and we'll take care of the rest.
As per the pre-decided arrangement and based on your flight arrival information, our company representative and driver will be waiting for you at the Delhi international/domestic airport. After a brief introduction, you will be driven to the hotel for check-in and relaxation. Depending on your time of arrival and preferences, you can choose to rest for the day or, if you arrive during the daytime, explore a few places in the city. The car and driver will be available to take you around. Night stay in Delhi.
After breakfast, meet your tour guide and driver for the day to begin the sightseeing tour of Delhi. Delhi, the capital of India, is a vibrant city that blends the historic charm of Old Delhi with the modernity of New Delhi. From historic monuments to modern shopping malls, and from the expansive metro network to the traditional peddled rickshaws, Delhi offers a unique mix of personalities.
Start your tour in Old Delhi with a visit to the Jama Masjid, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. The mosque can accommodate up to 25,000 people in its courtyard. A rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of the bustling Chandni Chowk market will give you a true taste of the city's charm. You’ll also visit the iconic Red Fort and Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.
After lunch, head to India Gate, the All India War Memorial, dedicated to the 82,000 soldiers who died in World War I. Next, visit Humayun’s Tomb, the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is believed to have inspired the design of the Taj Mahal.
Then, visit the Lotus Temple, a Baha'i House of Worship open to all, regardless of religion. End the day with a visit to Qutub Minar, standing at 234 feet, making it the tallest individual tower in the world.
This will be enough for the day, so you’ll drive back to the hotel for a restful night stay in Delhi.
After breakfast, begin your drive to Jaipur. A great option for lunch and a brief stop is Neemrana Fort. Built in the 15th century and converted into a Fort Palace Hotel in 1991, Neemrana Fort is located about 2.5 hours from Delhi. It is one of the oldest heritage resorts in India and offers stunning views of the surrounding ranges, along with delicious food.
Continue your journey to Jaipur and check in to your pre-booked hotel upon arrival. Depending on your available time and energy, you can either visit a few places in Jaipur or take some rest at the hotel. Enjoy a peaceful night stay in Jaipur.
The Jaipur tour will start with an early breakfast, and your Tour Guide for the day will meet you at the hotel reception around 8 am. Begin the day by driving to Amber Fort, where you can enjoy an elephant ride up to the fort from the base. The ride lasts 20-25 minutes, and only two people are allowed per elephant, along with the Mahavat (elephant driver). This experience will make you feel like royalty as you ascend the fort in the same manner as the Maharajas of old.
Amber Fort, also known as Amer Fort, is one of Rajasthan's most famous heritage sites. It was the capital of the Rajputs who ruled here from the 11th to 18th centuries until the capital was shifted to Jaipur city. The fort is an exquisite example of Rajput architecture, blending Hindu and Mughal styles. It features various courtyards, including the private quarters for the Maharajas, the Zanana Courtyard (home to many living rooms for the queens), Sheesh Mahal (a stunning example of glasswork), and Diwan-i-am (the public audience hall).
Jaipur, India’s first planned city, has many other must-visit attractions as well. You can stop to take pictures of Jal Mahal (Water Palace) from the roadside, visit the City Palace, the residence of the Royal Family of Jaipur which also has a museum, and explore Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by Raja Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur city. Jantar Mantar is home to the world’s largest stone sundial.
Don't miss a visit to Hawa Mahal (The Wind Palace), a beautifully designed building with numerous windows through which women would observe the road processions in the past. Jaipur is also known for its vibrant and colorful bazaars, making it a shopper's paradise. Johri Bazaar is perfect for those looking to buy jewelry and precious stones, Bapu Bazaar offers a variety of clothing, MI Road is ideal for branded stores and silver/gold jewelry, Nehru Bazaar is famous for Jootis (traditional flat shoes), and Chandpole Bazaar is known for marble sculptures.
After a day full of exploration, drive back to the hotel for a restful night stay in Jaipur.
After breakfast, start the drive to Agra. On the outskirts of Jaipur, visit the Monkey Temple (officially called Galta G Temple), which is known for the hundreds of monkeys that roam freely around the area. These friendly monkeys will often jump around, making for a fun and memorable experience, so don't miss this opportunity.
Next, visit the Chand Bawri Stepwell at Abhaneri village, which is an extraordinary sight. Chand Baori consists of 3,500 narrow steps spread over 13 stories, extending about 30 meters (100 feet) deep into the ground. It is one of the deepest and largest step-wells in India, offering an incredible experience.
Before reaching Agra, stop at Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1571, Fatehpur Sikri is a former Mughal capital and home to several important buildings. Notable structures include the Buland Darwaza, Shaikh Salim Chisti's Tomb, Karkhanas (royal workshops), the Palace of Jodha Bai, Khazana (the treasury), Birbal’s House, and the Diwan-e-aam (Hall of Public Audience).
Upon arrival in Agra, check-in to your hotel and relax for the evening. Enjoy a peaceful night stay in Agra.
Your sightseeing tour of Agra will begin early in the morning, as we highly recommend visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise. This is the perfect time to experience the Taj Mahal’s changing colors as the sunlight reflects off its white marble structure, creating a mesmerizing effect. It’s also less crowded in the morning, and the weather is typically pleasant (though depending on the time of year, it could be foggy or cloudy).
Your Tour Guide for the day will meet you at the hotel to begin the tour. The Taj Mahal, a symbol of love and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, is one of the seven wonders of the world. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it sits on the banks of the Yamuna River. The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
After visiting the Taj Mahal, head to the Red Fort (Lal Qila), the residence of Mughal emperors in Agra. Constructed in the mid-16th century from red sandstone, the fort houses several notable structures such as Sheesh Mahal, the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Mina Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), and Khas Mahal. At one point, the fort had around 300 structures, though only 20 remain today. A portion of the fort is still used by the Indian army, and only a few areas are open to the public.
Other must-visit places in Agra include Sikandra (the tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar), Itmad-ud-Daula (also known as the Baby Taj), and Mehtab Bagh Garden, which offers a stunning view of the Taj Mahal, especially during sunset.
After the day’s sightseeing, return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Agra.
The distance from Agra to Khajuraho is approximately 450 km, with an estimated 9-hour drive. Therefore, we recommend booking a flight or train for better connectivity. There is a direct flight available with Air India, but it operates seasonally (from October to March). Alternatively, there are two comfortable trains available from Agra to Jhansi, and the drive from Jhansi to Khajuraho takes around 4 hours.
If you are driving from Agra to Khajuraho, you can visit two notable places on the way: Gwalior Fort, one of the finest forts in India, and Orchha, a historical town with beautiful temples and palaces.
After a long journey, you will check in to your pre-booked hotel in Khajuraho for an overnight stay.
Khajuraho is a unique and historically significant site, which remained largely undiscovered until the 19th century. It was in 1838 when a British Indian Army Surveyor rediscovered, excavated, and restored these temples. Built by the Chandela Dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD, the original 85 temples have dwindled down to 22 surviving temples. These temples are known for depicting a variety of themes such as meditation, spiritual teachings, kinship, royalty, wrestling, and notably, erotic art.
The temples are divided into three main groups: Western, Eastern, and Southern.
Western Group of Temples: This is the largest and most important group, comprising entirely Hindu temples. The most significant temple here is the Kandhariya Mahadev Temple, while the Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other notable temples include Chaunsath Yogini, a marvel of architecture, and Chitragupta Temple, dedicated to the Sun God. The Devi Jagdambi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, and the well-decorated Lakshmana Temple also stand out in this group.
Eastern Group of Temples: This group primarily consists of Jain temples. The Parsvanath Temple is the largest and most impressive of these temples. Installed here in 1860, the Parsvanath image is a remarkable sight, with exquisite sculptures on the northern outer wall. The Adinath Temple, another Jain temple, and the Vamana Temple, known for its apsaras in sensuous poses, are also worth noting. Other temples in this group include Ghantai Temple, Shantinath Temple, and Javari Temple.
Southern Group of Temples: The smallest group in Khajuraho, consisting of the Dulhadeo Temple and Chaturbhuj Temple. The Dulhadeo Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the last temples built by the Chandela Dynasty. The Chaturbhuj Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, houses the intricately carved, four-armed Vishnu idol, which is believed to have been specially brought from Tibet by the king who constructed the temple.
Start your day with a relaxed breakfast and enjoy some free time at the hotel. You may choose to take a leisurely walk around the city. Connectivity from Khajuraho to Varanasi is limited, with only two flights operating during the day and a single train departing at midnight. For this itinerary, let's assume you're flying to Varanasi.
Upon arrival, our local representative and driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After a brief introduction, check-in and take some time to unwind. Once you're relaxed, your tour guide will meet you for a walk to the Ghats, where you can witness the various ritual activities along the river.
A boat tour is highly recommended for a better experience, as it will allow you to observe the Ghat activities up close and capture some beautiful, picture-perfect moments. Varanasi has around 90 Ghats, but two of the most well-known are Manikarnika Ghat, where Hindus perform the last rites of the deceased, and Dashashwamedh Ghat, famous for the evening aarti.
The Grand Ganga Aarti ceremony is one of Varanasi's main attractions. It is a mesmerizing ritual performed by several priests in a well-choreographed manner on the banks of the River Ganges. You will hear the powerful sound of Sanskrit mantras, drums, bells, and cymbals blending together in a spiritual harmony. The ceremony lasts about 45-60 minutes, culminating in the priests holding large lamps and ending with diyas floating on the river.
After the aarti, walk or drive back to the hotel for an overnight stay in Varanasi.
For Hindus, Varanasi is regarded as the greatest pilgrimage site, positioned between Heaven and Earth. It is considered the religious and cultural capital of India. According to Hindu beliefs, a bath in the waters of the Ganges is enough to cleanse the sins of thousands of past rebirths. Varanasi, also known as Banaras, is believed to be the cosmic center of the universe.
The renowned American novelist, Mark Twain, once said, "Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together."
The Varanasi tour begins early in the morning at sunrise. We will take you to the banks of the River Ganges to board a boat for a view of the morning ablutions performed by Hindus. The boat ride starts at Dashashwamedh Ghat and ends at Manikarnika Ghat, passing several notable ghats such as Harishchandra Ghat, Tulsi Ghat, Jain Ghat, Ganga Mahal Ghat, Assi Ghat, Rewa Ghat, and many others.
After the boat ride, return to the hotel for breakfast and some relaxation. Post-lunch, the tour will continue with a visit to Banaras Hindu University (BHU), the largest residential university in Asia, covering 2000 acres. It is an important center for the study of Sanskrit, culture, music, and Indian art.
Next, visit Bharat Mata Temple (Temple of Mother India), which is unique for not having any idols of gods or goddesses. Instead, it displays a map of Independent India. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.
Finally, visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the oldest temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. After exploring these sites, you will drive back to the hotel for an overnight stay in Varanasi.
Start the day with a relaxing breakfast and enjoy a walk through the city (depending on your hotel's location, walking in the old city near the Ghat can be a great experience). Later, check out from the hotel and head towards Sarnath, one of the holiest sites for Buddhists around the world. It was here that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his first five disciples. The site also houses a museum with artifacts dating back to the 3rd century BC, showcasing the rich history of the region.
Explore the nearby ruins of the ancient seat of learning in Sarnath before driving to the airport for your flight to Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi, our company representative and driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax at the hotel. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Depending on your flight schedule, visit a few more places in Delhi, such as:
Akshardham Temple: The largest Hindu temple in the world, known for its grandeur and spiritual significance.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: A Sikh temple that exemplifies the spirit of selfless service, where food is served to thousands of people 24/7.
Gandhi Smriti: The residence where Mahatma Gandhi spent his final days and where he was tragically assassinated.
Drive through British-era government buildings like the President House and Parliament.
Later, our services will conclude with a drop-off at Delhi's domestic/international airport for your onward journey.
