Highlights of North India

This three-week excursion has been carefully designed to introduce you to a varied and exciting tour to see the best that Northern India has to offer.
During this tour you will visit Jaipur, the capital of the Rajputs, go tiger watching in Ranthambore National Park, see the Taj Mahal in Agra, travel to the Golden Temple in Amritsar and spend time relaxing in the hill stations of Dharamsala and Shimla.

THE GOLDEN TEMPLE

The temple was built in the late 16th century and is sacred to the Sikhs. The heavily gilded central Hari Mandir is certainly the most impressive feature, surrounded by an artificial lake and linked by a white marble causeway. We spend time looking at the intricate interiors of the temples and shrines that make up this serene complex.

DHARAMSALA & MCLEODGANJ

Founded in 1855, and with a current population of about 25,000, it has one of the most spectacular settings of all the hill stations. It is built along a spur of the Dhaula-Dhar mountain range and varies in height from 1,500m at the bazaar to 2,000m at Mcleodganj. Surrounded by trees, it is set against a backdrop of peaks rising to over 5,200m on three sides. The great granite mountains almost overhang the town. Views are superb, not only of the mountains but also over the Kangra Valley and Siwalik range of foothills. There are two sections to the town: the upper part is Mcleodganj and the lower is Dharamsala. The distance between them is almost 10km by road from centre to centre but there is a shorter, steeper path that takes about 40 minutes to cover. In both towns there is a strong Tibetan influence. The Dalai Lama settled here after his flight across the Himalayas following the Chinese invasion of Tibet in October 1959. There is a monastery at Mcleodganj, a short distance from the Dalai Lama's residence, and a library.

RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

The park sprawls over an estimated area of 400 sq km. Steep ravines embrace a network of lakes and rivers, and on top of these hills is the impressive Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10th century. Strategically built on the border of Rajasthan and Malwa, the fort houses some splendid monuments within its precincts.

The entry point to the park goes straight to the foot of the fort and the forest rest house, Jogi Mahal. The latter boasts the second-largest banyan tree in India. The Padam Talab, the Raj Bagh Talab and the Milak Talab are some of the lakes in the area that attract the tiger population. They have been spotted at the edges of these lakes, and Jogi Mahal itself. Old crumbling walls, ruined pavilions, wells and other ancient structures stand witness to the region's glorious past.

The other permanent residents of the park include marsh crocodiles, hyenas, jungle cats and sloth bears. Chital, nilgai, and chinkara are the other inhabitants of the region. The bird population comprise black storks, quails, Bonelli's eagles, spur fowls, crested serpent eagles and painted storks.

Recommended travel guide books: The India Lonely Planet Guide and the Rough Guide to India.

For further information please telephone 01225 868544 or email info@essential-india.co.uk

Special note:
This tour can be adapted to suit your particular travel preferences. For tailor-made itineraries please contact Essential India Travel to discuss your individual requirements.

You can download and print our booking form and our detailed day by day tour itineraries with accommodation photographs and service details.

Travel Tariff Information

Duration: 21 Days
Peak Season : £N/A
High Season October to April. Mid range (Deposit £300 per person) Final payment is due 8 weeks prior to your departure.: £1885 (Land only price £1395) Airline: British Airways
Car Supplement Cost: N/A
Domestic Flight Cost: N/A

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