A Grand Passage Through North India

Arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by your &Beyond Asia host and chauffeured to The Oberoi, New Delhi (approximately a 40-minute drive).

India’s capital is a vibrant, modern metropolis layered with more than two millennia of history. Much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who designed a grand central administrative district as a symbol of British imperial ambition.

Delhi’s famous ‘seven cities’ span centuries of history, from the 12th-century Quila Rai Pithora to the Mughal-built Shahjahanabad of the 17th century. Among the city’s many highlights are Rashtrapati Bhavan, Old Delhi’s Red Fort, the Jama Masjid, and the lively lanes of Chandni Chowk.

After breakfast, meet your private guide and chauffeur for a full day of sightseeing in Old and New Delhi.

Begin in Old Delhi with a visit to Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in the city, followed by the Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi, commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656. Enjoy a traditional rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of the old city.

After a break for lunch (optional, payable directly), continue to New Delhi. Drive through Lutyens’ Delhi, passing India Gate and the central government ministries, before visiting Humayun’s Tomb, India’s first great garden tomb and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Conclude the day at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of Delhi’s most important Sikh temples, where the tradition of Langar (community kitchen) welcomes all visitors regardless of background.

After breakfast, depart by road for Agra (approximately four hours). Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra flourished under emperors Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, attracting artisans from Persia and Central Asia.

Upon arrival, check in at The Oberoi Amarvilas, considered one of India’s finest hotels. Located just 600 meters from the Taj Mahal, every room offers views of the iconic monument.

Later, explore Agra Fort, extensively renovated during the Mughal period and home to architectural highlights such as the Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khas, Jehangir’s Palace, and the Sheesh Mahal.

In the evening, visit the Taj Mahal at sunset. Widely regarded as one of the most harmonious and elegant buildings in the world, it stands as a timeless expression of Mughal artistry and imperial love.

Rise early for a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal before returning to the hotel for breakfast.

Afterwards, drive to Ranthambhore (approximately five hours). Set between the rugged Aravalli and Vindhya ranges, Ranthambhore National Park is renowned for its dramatic landscapes of lakes, rivers, plateaus, and ancient ruins.

One of India’s original Project Tiger reserves, Ranthambhore offers some of the best opportunities in the country to observe tigers in the wild. At the heart of the park lies the historic Ranthambhore Fort, perched atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the forest below.

Set out on scheduled early morning and afternoon game drives in an open 4x4 jeep, accompanied by an experienced naturalist.

Ranthambhore is one of India’s finest examples of dry deciduous forest interspersed with grassland, where geographical zones converge. Tigers are often seen near the historic fort ruins, while the park also supports a wide variety of birdlife and mammals.

Continue your exploration of Ranthambhore with scheduled morning and afternoon game drives.

Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and later designated a Project Tiger reserve, the park is also home to leopards, sloth bears, jackals, hyenas, and a variety of ungulates including nilgai and sambar deer.

After checking out late morning, drive to Jaipur (approximately four hours).

Founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, Jaipur is a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. The walled city is home to royal palaces, astronomical observatories, and bustling bazaars where artisans craft puppets, silver jewelry, lac bangles, and other traditional handicrafts.

Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent Amer Fort, once the ancient citadel of the Kachhawa rulers. Stop for photos at the iconic Hawa Mahal, Jaipur’s famed ‘Palace of Winds’.

Continue with guided visits to the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar observatory, built between 1728 and 1734 to measure the harmony of the heavens with remarkable precision.

Later, explore Jaipur’s colorful traditional markets, where centuries-old craftsmanship remains very much alive.

Enjoy a relaxed morning before checking out around midday and enjoying lunch at an exclusive restaurant.

Later, transfer to Jaipur Airport for your flight to Udaipur. Known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is celebrated for its romantic setting between the Aravalli Hills and shimmering waters.

On arrival, you will be assisted with check-in at The Oberoi Udaivilas, overlooking Lake Pichola.

This morning, embark on a walking tour through Udaipur’s old city, beginning at the 17th-century Jagdish Temple and continuing through narrow lanes lined with workshops, jewelry stores, and traditional shops.

Visit the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, built on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola and blending Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles.

Later, enjoy a private sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola, taking in views of Udaipur rising majestically from the water, followed by a visit to Jag Mandir.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to the airport for your flight to Delhi.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Aerocity for a short stay before your international departure later in the evening or early the following morning.