North India uncovered

Today you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lucknow. Upon arrival, you'll be driven to Dudhwa National Park, where the safari lodge team will welcome you. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Set out on morning and afternoon jeep safaris through Dudhwa’s diverse Terai landscapes in a private four‑wheel‑drive jeep, where shifting dawn and dusk light reveal the park’s rich and elusive wildlife with the help of your naturalist guide.

Enjoy your second day in Dudhwa, as it takes you into other sections of the park, offering varied wildlife experiences across your morning and afternoon safaris.

This morning, you'll be driven to the culture-rich city of Lucknow, which boasts architectural marvels, a deeply rooted artistic heritage, and a rich culinary legacy from the Nawabi era, including Awadhi cuisine. To experience this legacy, you will visit the bustling old and new quarters this evening, sampling the city's amazing cuisine at local eateries in narrow bylanes of the bazaar and at smart restaurants.

With the help of a private guide, you'll explore Lucknow's history, culture, and cuisine on a five to six-hour tour, featuring key sights such as Dilkusha, Rumi Darwaza, and Chota Imambara, accompanied by fascinating insights from your private guide. The rest of your day will be at leisure.

After breakfast, travel by road to the holiest city in India for Hindus, lying alongside the Ganges. The afternoon is at leisure. In the early evening, explore Varanasi’s ghats on a boat ride. Experience how the ghats come alive once more as hundreds of pilgrims return for Ganga aarti, the evening worship.

Begin the day with a gentle boat ride along the ghats, watching Varanasi shift from the soft glow of morning into full daylight, before spending the rest of the day exploring the city’s oldest, labyrinthine streets with a passionate guide who reveals hidden corners, from concealed temples and a quiet inner‑city garden to little‑known viewpoints over the ghats, making this a truly fulfilling day.

A comfortable train journey brings you to the UNESCO‑listed town of Khajuraho, where you'll have time to settle in at your hotel before heading out to enjoy the Sound and Light show at the temple complex.

After an early breakfast, explore the temples of Khajuraho, a World Heritage Site built between 950 and 1050 AD and rediscovered in 1838. Later, travel to Orchha, a hidden gem situated on the banks of the River Betwa, and once the stronghold of powerful dynasties, including the Chandelas and Bundelas. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

With the help of your private guide, you'll spend most of the day exploring Orchha's hidden treasures, including the Fort Palace, three beautifully restored palaces, cenotaphs by the river, and the Ram Raja Temple with its rousing prayers.

You'll travel by road to Gwalior, a journey of roughly three hours. This afternoon, you'll embark on a private, history-rich tour that explores Gwalior's massive sandstone fort, Jain prophet statues, and the Jai Vilas Palace, featuring its ornate furniture and Durbar Hall.

After breakfast, a three‑hour journey north will bring you to Agra, a city on the banks of the Yamuna and home to the Taj Mahal. You will visit a riverside garden on the opposite bank for your first glimpse of the iconic monument.

Make an early start this morning to capture the Taj Mahal at sunrise with your private guide. Return to the hotel for breakfast. The remainder of the morning will be at leisure. In the afternoon, take a guided walk around Agra's sights, such as the impressive Mughal Red Fort. The Red Fort is a great preview to visiting the Taj Mahal in the morning; the two were built during the same period and have a lot of shared history.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Agra before driving to Delhi. On arrival, you'll check-in to a hotel close to the airport.

You'll be transferred to the international airport to begin your journey home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.