Umaid Bhawan  Palace JODHPUR

Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur

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North India -- Taj Mahal
NORTH INDIA India Pushkar Camel And Cattle Fair Rajasthan Ampersand Travel Copy
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NORTH INDIA - Jodhpur

Admire the views of the 'Blue City' from Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most underrated and commanding forts in North India.

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NORTH INDIA - Holi festival

Join in the with fun of Holi. The festival normally takes place at the end of March each year and is celebrated with colour and excitement all over India.

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One of our favourite Buddhist statues of all time, this golden masterpiece adorns the 15th-century Tikse Monastery, one of Ladakh's biggest and most imposing monasteries. 

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NORTH INDIA - Taj Lake Palace Rooftop

One of the world's most romantic hotels, the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur offers serene views over Lake Pichola. 

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NORTH INDIA Sher Bagh

Nostalgic tents right out of a 1920s colonial hunting camp, a sleek little swimming pool, ‘Tigertini’ cocktails served at sunset, oil lamps that hang from branches to light up the earthen paths and pitch-perfect service… and all of this in the middle of the lush Ranthambore forest crawling with tigers, sloth bears, sambar deers. Welcome to Sher Bagh!

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NORTH INDIA - Ranthambore Tiger

Get up close and personal with Ranthambore National Park's many Bengal tigers. As well as tigers, Ranthambore is home to hundreds of other animal and bird species. 

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The epitome of ‘glamping’, Aman-i-Khas is the chicest and most luxurious tented camp in Asia, secluded within the tiger lands of India's Ranthambore National Park.

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NORTH INDIA - Aman-i-Khas Campfire

After a hard day of tiger trekking in Ranthambore National Park, relax by the fire at Aman-i-Khas with a cocktail or two. 

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NORTH INDIA - Amber Fort Exterior

Enter the ancient fort of Amber outside Jaipur through a majestic sandstone gateway.

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NORTH INDIA - Amanbagh Pool Pavilion

Take a dip in your own private pool while staying in one of Amanbagh's Pool Pavilions, which are, we think, some of the sexiest private villas in Asia.

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NORTH INDIA - Amanbagh Roof Terrace

Overlook paradise, or the closest thing to it on earth, with one of Amanbagh's private dining terrace experiences.

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NORTH INDIA - AmanBagh Terrace

Be served on like a Maharaja at Amanbagh's open-air restaurant as local musicians fill the air with atmospheric Indian folk songs. 

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NORTH INDIA - Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

The Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, a floating palace on Lake Pichola, is one of Rajasthan's most luxurious hotels. 

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NORTH INDIA - Taj Lake Palace Spa Boat

Indulge all afternoon on the Taj Lake Palace's very own spa boat. Enjoy signature spa treatments or soak in the hot tub as you enjoy the view of Udaipur's City Palace. 

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NORTH INDIA - Taj Lake Palace Lily-Pond

Take an al fresco breakfast around the Lily Pond at the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur.

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NORTH INDIA Wildflower Hall Himachal Pradesh

Get away from it all and luxuriate in an infinity pool with a view at Shimla's Wildflower Hall.

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NORTH INDIA Lakshman Sagar

North India has a selection of superb boutique hotels. One of our favourite new openings has to be Lakshman Sagar in Pali, Rajasthan - a candy-coloured jewel in the desert.

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NORTH INDIA - Taj Mahal

Admire the view of the world's finest monument to love, the Taj Mahal. The best photos of the Taj Mahal are often taken from across the banks of the River Jumna. 

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NORTH INIDIA - Tented Camp (Unknown)

The Manvar Desert Camp and Resort in Shergarh, situated amongst the silent dunes of Rajasthan's Thar Desert.

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NORTH INDIA - Water Lily Bungalow, Glenburn tea estate

Take Afternoon Tea with a view at Glenburn Tea Estate in Darjeeling.

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NORTH INDIA - Umaid Bhawan Candlelit Feast

For a once in a lifetime experience, dine by candlelight in the grounds of Jodhpur's Umaid Bhawan Palace.

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NORTH INDIA - Tree House Hideaway Bandhavgarh

Snuggle down amongst nature at the Tree House Hideaway, an exclusive jungle camp set in 21 acres of jungle adjacent to Bandhavgarh National Park. It has five bedrooms built on stilts overlooking the jungle, designed in a rustic style using local wood and finished with traditional craftsmanship.

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NORTH INDIA - The Serai Pool

A stay at SUJÁN The Serai, a luxurious tented camp surrounded by sand dunes, is one of the highlights of any visit to Jaisalmer.

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NORTH INDIA - The Leela Udaipur Sheesh Mahal

Dine at Sheesh Mahal, the Leela Palace's fine-dining restaurant with killer views of Udaipur and Lake Pichola.

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NORTH INDIA - Shakti 360 Leti

A hotel so remote that the only way to get there is by foot, Shakti 360 Leti in the Himalayas will suit those with a sense of adventure and a love of stunning panoramic views. 

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NORTH INDIA - Samode Palace Rooftop Pool

Samode Palace is home to one of Rajasthan's finest rooftop pools. Take a dip, sunbathe under the Indian sun, or enjoy champagne and canapes as the sun goes down.

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NORTH INDIA - Samode Palace

Take tea in your opulent surroundings while at Samode Palace. A short drive from Jaipur, Samode is the site of a small village with a fairy-tale palace. 

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NORTH INDIA - Ranakpur Temples

Admire the ancient intricate carvings of the white marble Jain temples at Ranakpur. 

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NORTH INDIA - Rambagh Palace Indoor Pool

Swim in the historic swimming pool at Rambagh Palace. Gayatri Devi, the last Maharani of Jaipur, swam lengths in this pool every morning.

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NORTH INDIA - Rambagh Palace

While in Jaipur stay in style at the unforgettable Rambagh Palace. A majestic retreat that was once home to the Maharaja of Jaipur, Rambagh is one of the finest hotels in the world.

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NORTH INDIA - Oberoi Udaivilas

Peer out over your pool at the Oberoi Udaivilas to admire scenic views of the tranquil Lake Pichola and the magical city of Udaipur beyond.

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NORTH INDIA - Leela Udaipur Courtyard

Enjoy an atmospheric candle-lit traditional Rajasthani music performance at the Leela Palace Udaipur.

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NORTH INDIA - Leela Palace Delhi

Feel like a modern Maharani at the glamorous and opulent Leela Palace, a firm Ampersand favourite. 

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NORTH INDIA - Ganges, Varanasi

Visit Varanasi, one of the world's holiest cities located on the River Ganges. Love it or hate it, you certainly won't forget it. 

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NORTH INDIA - Ladakh Jispa

Be blown away by the dramatic landscapes of Ladakh with its snow-capped mountains, deep blue skies and crystal clear lakes.

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NORTH INDIA - Pang Lake

Camp beside the remote and hauntingly beautiful Pang Gong Lake in Ladakh. Although now high up in the Himalayas, Pang Gong is actually the site of a pre-historic ocean.

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NORTH INDIA - Jaisalmer Desert

Explore the forts, dunes and camels of Jaisalmer, a city at the heart of Rajasthan's vast Thar Desert. 

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NORTH INDIA - Deogarg Mahal, Rani Sahiba in Sheesh Mahal

Spend time with a princess in her regal surroundings at Deogarh Mahal in Rajasthan.

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NORTH INDIA - Ranthambore Taj Safaris

Go in search of the elegant Bengal Tiger at Rajasthan's Ranthambore National Park, an area of incredible natural beauty.

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NORTH INDIA - Banjaar Tola

Banjaar Tola is a gorgeous Taj Safari's camp with just 18 lightweight tented suites spread over two elegant camps - a wonderfully unique destination for wildlife and luxury enthusiasts. 

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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.


Our suggested tours in North India

A Perfect Introduction to India

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9 days from £3,600 for 2023

The perfect first timer's tour of India, this itinerary guides you through some of India's most remarkable highlights at a...

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Essential India... Our Comprehensive Tour of North & South India

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15 days from £6,420 for 2023

This itinerary is one of our absolute favourites. It combines the fascinating historical and natural gems of the northern regions...

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A Week at Six Senses Vana - India’s Ultimate Wellness Retreat

VANA Malsi Estate Dehradun North India Shared Spaces Yoga Temple 2

8 days from £4,995 for 2023

Indulge in the ultimate restorative break: 8 days at Asia’s most innovative yet authentic wellness retreat, Six Senses Vana in...

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India with Aman: A sophisticated journey for the senses

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9 days from £5,720 for 2023

India is a divine destination for an Aman journey. The rich culture you'll discover here is a delightful sensory whirlwind....

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Taj Palace Tour... The Ultimate Indian Indulgence

NORTH INDIA - Rambagh Palace

16 days from £9,900 for 2023

A combination of what we do best, this 17 day tour blends opulent luxury with the best of Indian culture....

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Luxury For Less... Oberoi’s 2022 Unforgettable Getaways

NORTH INDIA - Taj Mahal, view from The Oberoi

10 days from £5,940 for 2023

This tour visits the Golden Triangle region of Northern India whilst staying at the some of the finest hotels in...

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Leela Palaces: Gems of North & South India

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11 days from £6,600 for 2023

This leisurely journey takes in North India’s classic sights: Imperial Delhi, the ‘Lake City’ of Udaipur, the Bollywood scene in...

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Boutique Rajasthan... Romance, Culture & Heavenly Hotels

NORTH INDIA - Samode Palace Rooftop Pool

18 days from £7,300 for 2023

Here at Ampersand we like to do things differently, so on this itinerary you won’t find any one night stops...

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Rajasthani Nights - Luxury Desert Tour of North India

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12 days from £5,280 for 2023

Covering Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Rohet and Osian, this itinerary is perfect for those who enjoy vast natural landscapes, wildlife, colourful Rajasthani...

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Colours of Rajasthan, North India

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16 days from £6,900 for 2023

This is a wonderfully vibrant way to experience India: from bustling Delhi and the impressive Taj Mahal to the 'Pink City'...

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Madhya Pradesh: Wildlife, History & Romance

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10 days from £5,940 for 2023

Madhya Pradesh has always slightly dodged the spotlight which shines so brilliantly on more celebrated neighbouring states, which means one...

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Glamping with The Ultimate Travelling Camp In Ladakh

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8 days from £4,620 for 2023

Experience Ladakh’s soul-stirring scenery and culture from the comfort of your nomadic home, ‘The Ultimate Travelling Camp’ – the first...

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Ladakh & Rajasthan... A Perfect Summer in North India

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15 days from £8,250 for 2023

Ladakh and Rajasthan are a match made in heaven – the contrast makes for a wonderfully varied and well-paced trip....

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Shakti Ladakh Village Walk: An Indian Himalayan Tour

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15 days from £9,900 for 2023

This beautiful cultural tour takes you off the beaten track to unspoiled, traditional villages in the Indus valley. The perfect...

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Diwali - India's Festival of Lights: October 2022

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13 days from £7,920 for 2023

At Ampersand, luxury and culture are what we do best and our “Festival of Lights” tour is the epitome of...

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India’s Pushkar Camel Fair: November 2023

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13 days from £6,380 for 2023

Join one of the largest camel and cattle fairs in the world in Pushkar for its annual Camel Fair.

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Maharajas' Express - North India’s Most Luxurious Train

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10 days from £6,600 for 2023

Experience India’s most luxurious train, the Maharajas’ Express, on a fascinating route through bejewelled cities, cultural sites and wildlife parks.

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Ancient India: A Historical Journey through Central India

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16 days from £6,820 for 2023

Central India is home to the country’s most ancient cultural sites. A hugely underrated region and an Ampersand favourite, the...

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A Family Wilderness Adventure in Kipling Country

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12 days from £6,820 for 2023

This bespoke Indian wildlife adventure has been especially designed for families travelling with children, bringing to life Rudyard Kipling's stories.

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Birding in the Himalayan Foothills

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15 days from £6,600 for 2023

India is home to a staggering 1,314 recorded species of avifauna. This itinerary is perfect for those who are looking...

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The Jungle Book Wildlife Adventure

The Jungle Book

14 days from £7,480 for 2023

Travelling to the tiger reserve that inspired Rudyard Kipling to create the mighty Shere Khan, this unique, two-week adventure has...

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Lions & Wolves: Gujarat’s Exceptional Wildlife

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13 days from £6,380 for 2023

Experience the rare wildlife and pristine landscapes of Gujarat on an all-encompassing wildlife itinerary to track the elusive Asiatic lions.

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Taj, Temples and Tigers – The Perfect Family Holiday to India

SHERGARH TENTED CAMP Kahna North India 17

11 days from £4,400 for 2023

An exhilarating tour for keen wildlife spotters covering two of India’s most renowned national parks: Bandhavgarh and Kanha. 

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The Legacy of Lutyens: An Architectural Tour of North India

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17 days from £9,020 for 2023

Largely designed by Sir Edwin ‘Ned’ Lutyens over twenty years, New Delhi is a classic example of his invented new...

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Exploring India’s Royal Mughal & Maratha Dynasties

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13 days from £7,260 for 2023

Experience the cities, palaces and forts of India's royal Mughal and Maratha dynasties by exploring Delhi, Baroda, Maheshwar, Gwalior and...

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'Indian Summers'... A Historical Highlands Drama

Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 20

13 days from £7,920 for 2023

To celebrate the launch of Channel 4’s hotly anticipated 10-part period drama ‘Indian Summers’, we have created the ultimate tour...

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Grand Tour of North India... Our Favourite Luxury India Holiday

NORTH INDIA - Jodhpur

17 days from £9,680 for 2023

Named the Grand Tour for good reason! Experience Delhi, the majestic Taj Mahal, the sacred city of Varanasi and Khajuraho...

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A Jewish Heritage Tour of India

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15 days from £8,360 for 2023

Journey through India’s Jewish past and present on this special tour of her Jewish heritage hubs – Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta...

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Himalayan Odyssey... North India's Finest Monasteries, Temples & Spas

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15 days from £6,380 for 2023

A delightful tour starting with the incredible Golden Temple in Amritsar, followed by travels through the scenic foothills of the...

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Temples, Tribes & Textiles of Gujarat – A Cultural Tour of West India

Temples Tribes And Textiles Of Gujarat Itinerary 2

12 days from £5,500 for 2023

Explore colourful tribes, exotic textiles and glorious temples in Gujarat. Next, venture from the undulating Aravalli Hills to the salt...

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Holy Cities & Sacred Rivers of North India

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14 days from £6,820 for 2023

Explore India’s most sacred cities and rivers including Amritsar, Khajuraho, Varanasi and Calcutta. See Amritsar’s beautiful Golden Temple, the centre...

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Gently Down The Ganges... A Slow & Spiritual Boat Journey in North India

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16 days from £6,710 for 2023

The Ganges River has long been a draw to the Hindu faithful and foreign travellers alike. With the introduction of...

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A Royal Visit to North India & Bhutan

NORTH INDIA - The Imperial, Delhi, North India - Jaguar at the main porch

23 days from £16,940 for 2023

Follow the royal connections between England and the Indian Subcontinent, which have existed since the majestic days of the Raj...

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Grand Colonial Tour of Asia: India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Vietnam & Singapore

Grand Colonial Tour Of Asia 13

14 days from £10,780 for 2023

Experience Asia's diverse colonial heritage on this whirlwind tour designed for those with an interest in colonial history and architecture.

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India & China; Past, Present & Future

NORTH INDIA - Ganges, Varanasi

20 days from £11,880 for 2023

Combine two of the world’s largest and oldest countries on an immersive and epic tailor-made holiday to India and China.

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Health in the Himalayas: a wellness adventure to Bhutan & India

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19 days from £11,220 for 2023

Mountains are synonymous with rejuvenation. The higher the altitude, the fresher the air, the brighter the outlook and the better...

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Some of our favourite hotels in North India

Aman-i-Khas ,
Ranthambore

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  Aman-i-Khas is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Hotels in Rajasthan and Top 10 Safari Lodges in Asia. Aman-i-Khás is an exclusive wilderness camp set in...

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SUJÁN The Serai ,
Jaisalmer

NORTH INDIA - The Serai Pool

  SUJÁN The Serai is one of Ampersand's Top Ten Hotels in Rajasthan. Set on a one-hundred-acre private estate of indigenous desert...

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The Imperial Hotel ,
Delhi

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  The Imperial Hotel is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Lux City Hotels and our Top 10 Hotel Spas. From the moment...

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Samode Palace ,
Samode

NORTH INDIA - Samode Palace

  Samode Palace is one of Ampersand's Top Ten Hotels in Rajasthan and Top Ten Venues for a Wedding or Party Samode Palace...

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Six Senses Vana ,
Dehradun

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  Vana is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Hotel Spas. Six Senses Vana is an incredibly impressive and idyllic wellness retreat located a...

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The Oberoi New Delhi ,
Delhi

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Following extensive renovations, The Oberoi New Delhi reopened its doors on 1st January 2018, with its legendary hospitality, spacious accommodation...

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Some of our favourite places of interest in North India

Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya North India

Situated on the banks of the Falgu River in the north-eastern state of Bihar, Bodhgaya is a place revered by...

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Panna National Park

Panna National Park North India

Situated just 31 kilometres from the world-famous town of Khajuraho, Panna National Park is located on the banks of the...

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Dehradun

Dehradun North India

Dehradun is a small bustling town in northern India’s Uttarakhand Province, which is one of the most spiritually rich regions...

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Thiksey

The Ultimate Travelling Camp India 21

Thiksey has some of the most breath-taking vistas in the whole of India: vast wind-swept plateaus, rugged snow-capped Himalayan mountains...

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Pench Tiger Reserve

Pench Tiger Reserve North India

Pench was the place that inspired Rudyard Kipling to write "The Jungle Book" and, more recently, the BBC series "Tiger...

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Gwalior

Gwalior North India

Gwalior is a busy town at the northern tip of Madhya Pradesh, dominated by a thousand-year-old sandstone citadel high on...

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Related Blog Posts

Read some of our hand-picked blog posts for North India


Client Testimonials

Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India

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