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
Madhya 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 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 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 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 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 hereLadakh Village Walk Experience – Indian Himalayan Tour

This beautiful cultural tour takes you off the beaten track to unspoiled, traditional villages in the Indus valley. The perfect...
View hereCultural Glamping 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 hereIndia's Ultimate Wellness Retreat - A Week at Vana

Indulge in the ultimate restorative break: 8 days at Asia’s most innovative yet authentic new wellness retreat, Vana in the...
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 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 Heights... A Summer in Ladakh, Northern India

Admire Ladakh’s dramatic landscapes and rich culture, full of distinctive Buddhist architecture, jewellery & costumes. Hike through refreshing mountains, enjoying monasteries,...
View hereGrand Colonial Tour of Asia: India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Vietnam & Singapore

Experience Asia's diverse colonial heritage on this 15-day whirlwind tour designed for those with an interest in the history and...
View hereTaj, Temples and Tigers of North India – 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. But before...
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 hereEssential 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 hereHistoric Hooghli River Journey... Calcutta Cruise, North India

This itinerary seamlessly blends the busy and historic city of Kolkata with rural India at its very best as you...
View hereMaharajas' Express - North India's Most Luxurious Train Journey

Experience India’s most luxurious train, the Maharajas’ Express, on a fascinating route through bejewelled cities, cultural sites and wildlife hubs....
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 hereMowgli's India - The Perfect Tiger-lover's Tour

We love our wildlife at Ampersand and in this tour we've combined three of the top national parks in India....
View hereSome of our favourite hotels in North India
The Imperial Hotel
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Delhi

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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Taj Mahal Palace
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Mumbai

Taj Mahal Palace is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Lux City Hotels. Located in prime position on Mumbai's waterfront, this landmark...
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RAAS Jodhpur
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Jodhpur

RAAS is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Boutique Hotels and Top 10 Hotels in Rajasthan. RAAS Jodhpur is an awesome little hotel designed...
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Ahilya Fort
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Maheshwar

Ahilya Fort is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Romantic Retreats The unparalleled Ahilya Fort is possibly one of the most...
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SUJÁN Sher Bagh
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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...
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The Leela Palace Udaipur
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Udaipur

Leela Palace Udaipur features on Ampersand's Top 10 Hotel Spas. A killer location on the edge of Lake Pichola, overlooking the...
View hereSome of our favourite places of interest in North India
Gwalior

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

The high altitude Manali-Leh road connects the densely fertile Kulu valley to the stark barren region of Ladakh. The drive...
View hereGir National Park

Located in Gujarat in North Western India and comprised of 1,412-sq-km squared of lush deciduous forest, this wildlife sanctuary was...
View hereThiksey

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

Located in the lowland region of Terai in Uttar Pradesh, bordering India and Nepal, the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is a...
View hereAllahabad

Allahabad city was an important cantonment during the British Raj and it contains some beautiful remnants of colonial architecture as...
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