Northern India: Delhi, Agra, Ranthambhore & Jaipur — 10 Days
From Delhi's markets to the Taj Mahal, Ranthambhore's wildlife, and Jaipur's palaces, with a stay in a 17th-century manor house.
This 10-day itinerary moves through India's most visited northern circuit, anchored by four major cities and a national park. The route begins in Delhi, India's capital and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, where the Old City's bazaars contrast sharply with New Delhi's imperial architecture. From there, a train journey brings travellers to Agra, home to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The route then turns east toward Ranthambhore National Park, where two game drives offer chances to observe Bengal tigers, leopards, and numerous antelope species in their natural habitat. The itinerary concludes with time in Jaipur, the Pink City known for its colourful buildings, before a night in the village of Alsisar at a palace. Throughout, a local English-speaking guide leads all activities, and accommodation ranges from hotels to heritage properties. Breakfasts are included daily; two lunches and three dinners are provided. The pace allows for both structured sightseeing and independent exploration.
Highlights
- Walking through Old Delhi's markets and bazaars, and viewing the Jama Masjid and Red Fort
- Sunrise at the Taj Mahal, UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World
- Two game drives in Ranthambhore National Park to observe Bengal tigers, leopards, and antelope species
- Agra Fort, a 16th-century structure of dark red sandstone along the Yamuna River
- Fatehpur Sikri, a well-preserved 16th-century royal complex with courtyards, pavilions, and mosques
- Jantar Mantar observatory in Jaipur, with astronomical instruments built by Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh II
- Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) in Jaipur, a five-storied sandstone structure with detailed honeycombed facade
- Amber Fort, an opulent palace in the Aravalli Hills featuring murals, jali work, and a mirror-lined chamber
- City Palace in Jaipur, a royal complex with courtyards, museums, and traditional architecture
- Overnight stay at Alsisar Mahal, a 17th-century heritage property in a semi-arid village setting
Day by day
1Arrival in Delhi: Old City and New DelhiOld City · New Delhi · Jama Masjid · Red Fort
Travellers arrive in Delhi and meet the local guide and other participants at a welcome meeting held in the early afternoon. The first sightseeing tour covers the contrasts between Old and New Delhi, beginning in the Old City. The fortified walls and dense urban fabric frame the route to the Jama Masjid, a mosque that dominates the city's skyline and functions as a major social gathering point. Optional visits include a rickshaw ride through the Old City toward the Red Fort, a 17th-century structure of distinctive red sandstone that once served as the seat of Mughal power. The second half of the tour moves to New Delhi, where imperial-era buildings such as Parliament House, President House, and India Gate reflect the city's role as the British colonial administrative capital and, later, independent India's seat of government. The evening is unscheduled, allowing rest after travel.
2Agra: The Taj Mahal's City and Agra FortAgra · Agra Fort · Delhi
An early train departure from Delhi carries travellers south to Agra, which served as the capital of the Mughal Empire and remains central to India's cultural and architectural history. Upon arrival, time is available for rest before an afternoon outing. Agra Fort sits along the banks of the Yamuna River and functions as a hybrid structure—part stronghold, part palace, part prison. The fort's entrance crosses what was once a crocodile-infested moat, now dry. Inside, the complex contains throne rooms, small decorated mosques, and upper levels that offer views across the river toward the Taj Mahal in the distance. The evening remains free for independent exploration or local dining.
3Taj Mahal at Sunrise, Fatehpur Sikri, and RanthambhoreTaj Mahal · Fatehpur Sikri · Kos Minar · Ranthambhore National Park
The day begins before dawn to reach the Taj Mahal for sunrise. The monument, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was constructed as a mausoleum in the 17th century and represents one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. The early light illuminates the white marble and reveals the detail of the inlaid stonework and surrounding English gardens. After sunrise observation, the route turns east and passes the Kos Minar, medieval stone milestones that once marked distances along the imperial highway. Fatehpur Sikri, a royal complex, preserves courtyards, pavilions, gardens, the Jama Masjid Mosque, and the intricately carved Rumi Sultana palace. The afternoon drive continues eastward to Ranthambhore National Park, arriving in late afternoon.
4Ranthambhore National Park: Game DrivesRanthambhore National Park
Ranthambhore is one of India's most significant tiger reserves and encompasses ancient fortresses and temples reclaimed by forest over centuries. Two game drives—one in early morning and one in late afternoon—navigate the park's roads to observe wildlife when animal activity is typically highest. Bengal tigers are the primary focus, but the park also supports leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, and three antelope species: nilgai, sambar, and chital. As with all wildlife viewing, tiger sightings are not guaranteed; sighting likelihood depends on season, weather, and animal movement patterns on a given day.
5Jaipur: Jantar Mantar and the Pink CityJantar Mantar · Pink City · Ranthambhore to Jaipur · Old Town · Lassiwala lassi shop
The journey northwest from Ranthambhore to Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, takes most of the morning. Upon arrival, a visit to Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observation site, provides context for Jaipur's design. The observatory contains a collection of geometric stone instruments built by Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh II and remains one of the largest such structures in the world. The afternoon is unscheduled, allowing independent time to walk through the Pink City's streets—so named for the terracotta colour of many buildings—where traffic mixes camels, motorcycles, rickshaws, and pedestrians in traditional dress. The Old Town section contains the city's most concentrated markets, street food vendors, and the long-established Lassiwala lassi shop.
6Jaipur: City Palace and Hawa MahalCity Palace · Hawa Mahal
The day's structured activities focus on Jaipur's two most recognisable structures. City Palace, a sprawling royal complex, remains partially inhabited and contains museums displaying royal costumes and historical weaponry. The palace's architecture blends Rajasthani and Mughal styles within a series of courtyards and gateways. Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, is a five-storied structure with a distinctive honeycombed facade pierced by small windows. The building is the most photographed in India after the Taj Mahal. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration, shopping, or rest.
7Amber Fort and Travel to AlsisarAmber Fort · Alsisar · Mirror Palace · Nawalgarh
The morning drive climbs winding roads through the Aravalli Hills to Amber Fort, an opulent palace complex overlooking the city from a hilltop position. Rooms contain extensive murals, arched ceilings, and jali work—the intricate marble or stone lattice screens typical of Mughal architecture. The Mirror Palace, a chamber covered floor-to-ceiling with small reflective tiles, overlooks Moata Lake. After several hours at the fort, the route moves north and west toward the semi-arid region of Shekhawati, passing through Nawalgarh, a town noted for its decorated havelis (traditional mansions). The final destination is Alsisar, a small town in the foothills. A walking tour of the village provides views of local architecture and daily life.
8Alsisar: Village Walk and Heritage Manor StayAlsisar's streets · Alsisar Mahal
The morning includes a guided walk through Alsisar's streets to observe the village's ornately decorated buildings and meet local residents. The afternoon remains free. Accommodation is at Alsisar Mahal, a 17th-century converted manor house featuring grand courtyards, heritage dining rooms, and period chambers. The property includes a swimming pool. Alsisar serves as a contrast to the larger cities visited earlier in the itinerary, offering a quieter rural setting while maintaining basic amenities and services.
9Return to DelhiDelhi · Chandni Chowk · Mughal Gardens
After breakfast, the drive returns to Delhi, arriving in the mid-afternoon. The evening is unscheduled. Those interested in additional independent exploration may visit Chandni Chowk, the Old City's primary market district, where local artisans sell crafts and street vendors offer regional snacks. Mughal Gardens provide an alternative, quieter setting for an afternoon visit or picnic. The guide will offer restaurant recommendations if participants wish to share a group meal to mark the end of the itinerary.
10Delhi Departure
No activities are scheduled for this final day. Depart your accommodation at any time according to your flight or onward travel plans. If your family would like to spend more time in Delhi, consider booking an Urban Adventures tour—the Made in Delhi Shopping Tour visits the city's best markets for bargains and is designed to be child-friendly.
Where you go
- 1Red Fort
- 2Agra
- 3Agra Fort
- 4Delhi
- 5Taj Mahal
- 6Fatehpur Sikri
- 7Jantar Mantar
- 8City Palace
- 9Hawa Mahal
- 10Amber Fort
- 11Nawalgarh
- 12Delhi
Included
- What's Included
- Accommodation
- Hotel (9 nights)
- Meals
- Breakfasts: 9, Lunches: 2, Dinners: 3
- Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
- Vegetarian options available
- Local Guide
- Guided
- This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
- Wifi
- Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.