Welcome to North India
Glamorous and beguiling, North India crackles with energy and colour. Nothing compares to the splendour and romance of Rajasthan, spilling over with ancient temples and Mughal monuments. You have vibrant and exciting cities throughout India; Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta being just a few of our favourite to discover on an Indian getaway; not to mention the blissfully cool tea plantations, soaring Himalayas and some of the world’s most outstanding luxury hotels – from historic havelis to Royal Palaces.
The topography of the northern states varies from colossal Himalayan peaks in the far north of the country to the forested tiger country of the centre – ideal for adventure holidays; from the dramatic Ganges delta wetlands of the Sunderbands in the northeast to the exotic deserts of Rajasthan. Travel across India with our travel advice and expert guides to explore its walled cities and citadels, desert villages and colonial hill stations, national parks and great rivers lined with temples and ghats. The north Indian cities are also unique: Delhi, the capital, is divided into the bustling, labyrinthine Old City and the majestic colonial avenues of New Delhi. Mumbai (Bombay) is famous for its massive population, thriving business culture and Bollywood film industry. Calcutta (Kolkata) sees itself as the capital of contemporary culture. Jaipur and Jodhpur are the great princely cities of the north-west, with thriving textiles industries, delicious Indian cuisine and wonderful faded buildings. Few people visit India without fitting in the luminously beautiful Taj Mahal and nearby red sandstone Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri in the north. Many visitors come to Rajasthan to see the impossibly glamorous palaces and forts of the maharajas, many of which have become luxury hotels. When deciding where to travel in India, we believe the trick is to probably do less, rather than more, and plan to return to revel in the country’s spirit again – as it is sure to leave you itching for more!
Here are a few highly recommended India itineraries, but do remember that all of Ampersand Travel's tours are tailor-made for each client. We are more than happy to share our travel tips to fit your needs and interests, as well as advise on the best times to visit India – especially during special festivals and events - while planning a bespoke trip to this wonderful country for you.
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Our suggested tours in North India
Essential India... Our Comprehensive Tour of North & South India
This itinerary is one of our absolute favourites. It combines the fascinating historical and natural gems of the northern regions...
View hereA Week at Six Senses Vana - India’s Ultimate Wellness Retreat
Indulge in the ultimate restorative break: 8 days at Asia’s most innovative yet authentic wellness retreat, Six Senses Vana in...
View hereIndia with Aman: A sophisticated journey for the senses
India is a divine destination for an Aman journey. The rich culture you'll discover here is a delightful sensory whirlwind....
View hereColours of Rajasthan, North India
This is a wonderfully vibrant way to experience India: from bustling Delhi and the impressive Taj Mahal to the 'Pink City'...
View hereMadhya Pradesh: Wildlife, History & Romance
Madhya Pradesh has always slightly dodged the spotlight which shines so brilliantly on more celebrated neighbouring states, which means one...
View hereGlamping with The Ultimate Travelling Camp In Ladakh
Experience Ladakh’s soul-stirring scenery and culture from the comfort of your nomadic home, ‘The Ultimate Travelling Camp’ – the first...
View hereShakti Ladakh Village Walk: An Indian Himalayan Tour
This beautiful cultural tour takes you off the beaten track to unspoiled, traditional villages in the Indus valley. The perfect...
View hereMaharajas' Express - North India’s Most Luxurious Train
Experience India’s most luxurious train, the Maharajas’ Express, on a fascinating route through bejewelled cities, cultural sites and wildlife parks.
View hereA Family Wilderness Adventure in Kipling Country
This bespoke Indian wildlife adventure has been especially designed for families travelling with children, bringing to life Rudyard Kipling's stories.
View hereBirding in the Himalayan Foothills
India is home to a staggering 1,314 recorded species of avifauna. This itinerary is perfect for those who are looking...
View hereThe Jungle Book Wildlife Adventure
Travelling to the tiger reserve that inspired Rudyard Kipling to create the mighty Shere Khan, this unique, two-week adventure has...
View hereLions & Wolves: Gujarat’s Exceptional Wildlife
Experience the rare wildlife and pristine landscapes of Gujarat on an all-encompassing wildlife itinerary to track the elusive Asiatic lions.
View hereTaj, Temples and Tigers – The Perfect Family Holiday to India
An exhilarating tour for keen wildlife spotters covering two of India’s most renowned national parks: Bandhavgarh and Kanha.
View hereGrand Tour of North India... Our Favourite Luxury India Holiday
Named the Grand Tour for good reason! Experience Delhi, the majestic Taj Mahal, the sacred city of Varanasi and Khajuraho...
View hereHimalayan Odyssey... North India's Finest Monasteries, Temples & Spas
A delightful tour starting with the incredible Golden Temple in Amritsar, followed by travels through the scenic foothills of the...
View hereGently Down The Ganges... A Slow & Spiritual Boat Journey in North India
The Ganges River has long been a draw to the Hindu faithful and foreign travellers alike. With the introduction of...
View hereA Royal Visit to North India & Bhutan
Follow the royal connections between England and the Indian Subcontinent, which have existed since the majestic days of the Raj...
View hereGrand Colonial Tour of Asia: India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Vietnam & Singapore
Experience Asia's diverse colonial heritage on this whirlwind tour designed for those with an interest in colonial history and architecture.
View hereSome of our favourite hotels in North India
Ahilya Fort ,
Maheshwar
Ahilya Fort is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Romantic Retreats The unparalleled Ahilya Fort is possibly one of the most...
View here SUJÁN The Serai ,
Jaisalmer
SUJÁN The Serai is one of Ampersand's Top Ten Hotels in Rajasthan. Set on a one-hundred-acre private estate of indigenous desert...
View here The Leela Palace Udaipur ,
Udaipur
Leela Palace Udaipur features on Ampersand's Top 10 Hotel Spas. A killer location on the edge of Lake Pichola, overlooking the...
View here RAAS Chhatra Sagar ,
Nimaj
Spread out over the banks of a 100-year-old dam in rural Nimaj, located between Jaipur and Jodhpur, RAAS Chhatra Sagar...
View here SUJÁN Sher Bagh ,
Ranthambore
SUJÁN Sher Bagh is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Hotels in Rajasthan and Top 10 Safari Lodges in Asia.Nestled on the borders of Ranthambore National Park...
View here The Leela Palace New Delhi ,
Delhi
The Leela Palace New Delhi features in Ampersand's Top 10 Swimming Pools The Leela Palace New Delhi, described as 'Delhi's...
View hereSome of our favourite places of interest in North India
Udaipur
Set beside the blue waters of Pichola Lake and surrounded by the ancient Aravalli Hills, Udaipur has a romance which...
View hereSamode
Samode is an enchantingly traditional rural village tucked into the Aravalli Hills, around 40 kilometres north of Jaipur (a one-hour...
View hereBundi
South of Jaipur on the road to Kota, Bundi is a hidden gem in the desert state of Rajasthan, loved for...
View hereOrchha
Dreamy, isolated and marooned on a bend of the Betwa River, Orchha is a fantastically romantic cluster of stone palaces,...
View hereGlenburn
About an hour's drive from Darjeeling with stunning Himalayan views, this charming tea estate has a fascinating 150-year old history....
View hereHaridwar
Haridwar, which translates as “The Gates of God”, is an ancient holy city in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand....
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