Northern India Tours & Holidays
Join us on a holiday to Northern India
Fall in love with Northern India, from Jaipur, the Pink City, to the colourful Shimla, lying at the foothills of the Himalayas.
Where the south is tropical, hot, and surrounded by the mighty Indian Ocean, Northern India is characterised by plains and the Himalayas, which heavily influence the region’s climate. Among the most popular north India tour packages are those that explore the Golden Triangle, which sees travellers paying a visit to some of the major highlights of this region: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
In Northern India, you can see the sun majestically rising behind the Taj Mahal, keep alert for the enigmatic tigers of Ranthambore National Park and experience the poignant, spiritual ritual of pilgrims bathing in the River Ganges at Varanasi. And you can’t miss the capital city of Delhi, with its beautiful Mughal architecture, delicious local cuisine, shopping, and lively food markets. Remember, this city is best explored by rickshaw. Then there's Jaipur, the Pink City famous for its Rajasthani traditional fabrics and handicrafts, as well as legendary fortress buildings. As you head further north, you will get the chance to take in the fresh mountain air in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Ready to experience the historical, cultural, and scenic gems of this spectacular region? Take a look at our escorted tours in north India and prepare to be dazzled.
Popular Northern India tours
From the world’s largest tribute to love, the Taj Mahal, to the fascinating twists and turn of the River Ganges, Northern India boasts a world of discovery.
- 12 Excursions Included, 22 Meals Included
- Flights Included - 3 Airports
- 45 Dates - Apr 2024 - Dec 2026
- 14 Excursions Included, 31 Meals Included
- Flights Included - 1 Airport
- 08 November 2023
- 14 Excursions Included, 27 Meals Included
- Flights Included - 1 Airport
- 20 November 2024
- 1 Excursion Included, 32 Meals Included
- Flights Included - 5 Airports
- 13 November 2023
- 6 Excursions Included, 11 Meals Included
- Flights Included - 1 Airport
- 5 Dates - Jan 2025 - Nov 2025
Things to do in Northern India
Given the vast area that it covers and the diverse cultural, religious and historical landmarks and attractions that it encompasses, Northern India holidays offer a fantastic range of things to do. From exploring ancient ruins to spotting tigers and other wildlife on safari, there's certainly no shortage of unforgettable experiences. Here are a few ideas to whet your appetite.
A boat trip on the Ganges
A visit to the ancient city of Varanasi, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, provides the chance to enjoy a truly unique experience - a sunrise boat trip on the Ganges River. From the water you can witness religious ceremonies performed by visiting Hindi pilgrims, as well as stunning views of the city.
Wildlife watching in Ranthambore National Park
Nature lovers won't want to pass up the opportunity to partake in a safari of Ranthambore National Park. Located in Rajasthan, this former hunting ground for members of the royal family is now a refuge for a wide variety of animals, including tigers, leopards, sloths and crocodiles, as well as being home to a 10th-century fort.
Explore Shimla
Venture further north to the Himalayan foothills and explore the dreamy hillside location of Shimla. This former summer resort of British India is home to the Kalka-Shimla Railway, dating back to 1903, as well as several pine and oak forests, colonial-style buildings, handicraft shops along the pedestrianised Mall avenue, and the Lakkar Bazaar.
Things to see in Northern India
The glorious north boasts a dynamic, historic highlights reel of some of India’s most unforgettable cultural, environmental, and architectural sights. No matter what your interests, you'll find plenty to admire. Here are just a few of the incredible sights you can experience on our North India tours.
Food and drink in Northern India
Holidays in Northern India wouldn't be complete without sampling the local flavours, and there are plenty of delicious dishes on offer. Although the region is home to diverse cultures, climates and landscapes, there are overriding similarities that characterise Northern Indian cuisine. In contrast to the south, the food in the north tends to be less spicy but is certainly no less flavourful.
Northern Indian cuisine tends to feature a lot of meat and dairy, while dishes in Southern India are more inclined to be vegetable or seafood based. Meats such as mutton, lamb, chicken and goat are common, but you're unlikely to see beef on many menus due to the Hindu belief that cows are sacred. Vegetarians needn't worry, though. There are still plenty of delicious plant-based delicacies to enjoy, with cauliflower, spinach and lentils being particularly common in the region's cuisine.
You're likely to find many of the dishes here familiar, as they are often the types of food served in Indian restaurants in the West. These include things like tandoori chicken and aloo ghobi, as well as naan bread and samosas. Curries and breads are particularly popular in the north. Wheat breads such as rotis and paranthas constitute a daily staple and are enjoyed alongside most main meals.
Popular dishes include rogan josh, a flavourful lamb curry, butter chicken, and biryani. Vegetarian favourites include malai kofta, fried balls of paneer cheese served in a creamy tomato sauce, and chole bhature, a spicy chickpea curry. Those with a sweet tooth will adore the huge range of desserts on offer - look out for phirni, ground rice cooked with milk, almonds and cardamom, and kulfi falooda, which consists of thin noodles served with Indian ice cream. Brits will feel right at home at the end of the meal - it is common for dining experiences in the north to end with a cup of tea.
Beyond A travel blog by Newmarket Holidays
Our edit of the most beautiful destinations, travel tips, and inspiration
Holiday guides
Our expert travel guides will help you get inspired and prepared for your dream holiday
