An Epic Journey Through Northern India
Forts, Pink Cities, Heritage Palaces and Timeless Wonders
Tour managing this remarkable journey through northern India was truly an experience of a lifetime. From spectacular forts and Pink Cities to heritage palace hotels and iconic landmarks, our adventure explored the rich cultural influences that have shaped India’s fascinating and complex history.
For many travellers, the first taste of India is its vibrant capital, New Delhi — an exhilarating and unforgettable assault on the senses. Cars, motorbikes and auto-rickshaws jostle for space, people move purposefully in every direction, and life unfolds at an extraordinary pace. To first-time visitors it can feel chaotic and overwhelming, but having escorted many tours to India before, I know that once guests are given time to settle, they are inevitably captivated by this extraordinary country.
We spent two full days discovering Delhi’s major highlights. From Raj Ghat, the tranquil and verdant memorial marking Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site, to an exhilarating rickshaw ride through the narrow, bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, the oldest market in Old Delhi. We explored the beautiful Tomb of Humayun, the architectural forerunner to the Taj Mahal, and the impressive Qutb Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where layers of Delhi’s ancient history are clearly visible in its remarkably preserved structures.
In contrast, we also experienced the airy grandeur of Lutyens’ Delhi — the elegant central district of New Delhi, with its wide, tree-lined avenues, monumental government buildings and whitewashed bungalows hidden among manicured gardens. It was a spectacular introduction to northern India.
Leaving Delhi behind, the modern highway offered a fascinating first glimpse of rural life as we journeyed towards Agra.
Agra is very much a city of contrasts. On one hand, it is home to the spellbinding beauty of the Taj Mahal, built by a Mughal emperor as a tribute to his beloved wife, and the exquisite craftsmanship of Itmad-ud-Daulah, often known as the “Baby Taj”. On the other, the modern city can feel sprawling and untidy. Thankfully, our hotel provided a peaceful retreat, complete with lovely gardens and a superb swimming pool.
For most of our guests, the Taj Mahal was a lifelong dream, so despite a few early-morning grumbles, everyone was ready before dawn for our sunrise visit. Experiencing the Taj before the crowds arrive is truly magical. Standing in the gateway to the gardens as daylight slowly builds, the pristine white marble shifts in colour — from soft blue-grey to delicate pinks and warm golds. While the sun doesn’t rise directly behind the Taj at this time of year, nothing detracts from the sheer beauty and emotion of the moment.
En route to Jaipur, we visited Fatehpur Sikri, the magnificent red sandstone city abandoned after just 14 years — an architectural poem frozen in time.
Next came Jaipur, the famed Pink City, laid out on a grid system with the Maharaja’s palace at its heart. During our visit we were lucky enough to see the current Maharaja within the palace grounds. We explored the formidable Amber Fort, dramatically set among the Aravalli Hills, and the extraordinary Jantar Mantar Observatory, home to an impressive collection of astronomical instruments and giant sundials. Jaipur is also famously associated with The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, adding a touch of cinematic nostalgia to the experience.
Our stay in Jaipur was at the beautiful Samode Haveli, an oasis of calm and luxury — the perfect retreat after busy sightseeing days.
From there, we travelled to Samode Palace, rising above a traditional Rajasthani village. This former Maharaja’s palace has been exquisitely converted into a heritage hotel, boasting two stunning swimming pools and intricately painted public rooms, including the magnificent Durbar Hall.
The journey then took us north to the Himalayan foothills. We travelled by the modern Shatabdi Express to Kalka, before boarding the historic Himalayan Queen Express, once used by the British Raj, for the scenic ascent to Shimla. We stayed at the historic Oberoi Cecil, one of Shimla’s oldest heritage hotels, just a short walk from the Mall — the pedestrianised heart of the town, perfect for leisurely strolls, cafés and shopping.
While in Shimla, we enjoyed a gentle hike along an ancient pack-horse trail, once used to transport goods through the Himalayan foothills. The cooler temperatures, fresh mountain air and spectacular scenery were a welcome contrast to the plains below.
Our journey concluded back in Delhi for a final overnight stay before our British Airways flight home to Heathrow — with new friendships formed and unforgettable memories created.
Throughout the tour, we were expertly guided by Uni, our exceptional local guide, whom I have worked with many times before. His extensive knowledge, engaging storytelling and warm sense of humour enriched the entire experience. Uni joined us in Delhi at the very beginning and saw us off at Delhi International Airport at the end — a fitting close to an incredible journey through India.
Should you wish to travel to this exciting part of the world please contact us on 01785 818202 or email info@regent-travel.co.uk
