Discover northern India, stretching from New Delhi, the country's capital, and Agra, home to the majestic Taj Mahal, to Varanasi’s sacred ghats. To experience all this region offers, take a tailor-made trip across North India with Scott Dunn.
Begin your luxury holiday to northern India in Delhi. This bustling metropolitan area is home to over 33 million people. It's a buzzing, vibrant city with plenty to see and do. You can explore the monuments of the Red Fort and Jama Masjid in Old Delhi or visit high-tech malls and dine at the country's finest eateries, overseen by Michelin-starred chefs, in New Delhi.
South of Delhi, in Agra, lose yourself in the epic romance of the Taj Mahal. Our team of travel experts will ensure you can fully experience the iconic landmark and its profound history.
Southeast of the capital, you can explore the ghats of Varanasi on the Ganges River. This spiritual place is an important destination for Hindu pilgrims. Take in the enchanting colours, aromas and sounds as you witness everyday life along the banks of Mother Ganga.
Along the way, you can travel to Lucknow, a city on the banks of the Gomti River filled with monuments and buildings from the British Raj and Mughal eras, and Gwalior, with its imposing 10th-century fort.
With so much to see on holiday in North India, tap into our specialists' insider knowledge of the region and enjoy an exquisite getaway. Allow the Scott Dunn team to curate your unforgettable experience.
From our carefully curated collection of luxury hotels to our sample itineraries spanning all the Golden Triangle and more, we can create your perfect tailor-made holiday to India.
During your holiday to North India, travel through iconic sites and lesser-known places like excursions to the majestic mediaeval towns of Orchha, located on the Betwa River, and Gwalior, where Gwalior Fort awaits.
And do it all in style, staying at the best luxury hotels North India has on offer. Let our hotels and tours below inspire your next India holiday.
Brij Rama Palace
Varanasi, Delhi and the North, India
Northern India is filled with spiritual sites, busy cities and world-famous landmarks. It's culturally diverse with a rich history, evident in the temples, forts and statues that maintain a strong connection to the region's past. If you're looking for the best places to visit, our experts have shared their insights based on personal experience.
Since 1911, Delhi has been India’s capital. The city and its surrounding districts have a rich history that's showcased through its architecture, with ancient Mughal monuments, grand government buildings and shiny modern high-rises.
Take in some of India's most captivating landmarks when you visit Delhi, with Emperor Shah Jahan's influence evident throughout the city. He oversaw the 17th-century introduction of Chandni Chowk (Moonlight Square), one of the oldest markets in Old Delhi. Today, you can wander its winding lanes and browse the wares on offer from bazaars selling local foods and textiles. Close to Chandni Chowk, you'll find the Jama Masjid, another of Emperor Shah Jahan’s masterpieces from 1639. This is the largest mosque in India and is made of red sandstone and white marble, much like the imposing Red Fort.
After a dose of history, unwind with high tea in one of Delhi's elegant hotels, visit high-end boutiques and dine in one of its many world-class restaurants. Dhilli is one of the newest additions to The Oberoi New Delhi – one of the city's go-to luxury hotels. At this eatery, mentored by Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia, guests sample Indian cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients and spices.
With our carefully curated collection of luxury hotels in Delhi NCR, relax after a day in the city with a stay at some of the most sumptuous hotels in North India. Whether you're looking for a hotel in central Delhi or a resort a little further away from the action in the surrounding NCR (New Capital Region), our experts have hand-picked accommodation options that you're sure to love.
The marble minarets and shimmering walls, delicately inlaid stones and majestic towers of the Taj Mahal draw visitors from around the world to Agra. During your visit, marvel at the world's ultimate monument to love. Much photographed, the Taj Mahal’s sheer, unabashed beauty demands to be seen in person, and from many angles.
If you’re looking for things to do in Agra, the main sites revolve around its star attraction. Mehtab Bagh offers a quieter view of the Taj from across the Yamuna River. This 17th-century park was originally built by Emperor Babur and sits on the Yamuna's east bank. It's especially popular with visitors at sunset when the white marble mausoleum forms a breathtaking sight against the skyline.
The Itimad-ud-Daulah, or ‘Baby Taj’, is also worth a visit. This Mughal mausoleum predates the Taj Mahal and showcases the same astonishing craftsmanship although on a smaller scale.
For the best luxury hotels in Agra, there are plenty of places to stay. If you're looking for accommodation in Agra that's near the Taj Mahal, the Oberoi Amarvilas is hands down our favourite choice with its uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal.
One of the holiest sites of Hindu pilgrimage, and one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi is a deeply spiritual place. Life and death are played out in public here on the banks of the Ganges. Pilgrims enter its holy water at dawn to perform puja (prayers) in worship of the rising sun, while aarti – the ritual of offering up prayers to the river – draws both worshippers and tourists to the ghats as the sun sets.
The pilgrims are joined at the river's edge by women washing vibrantly coloured saris and Sadhus meditating on the steps. Cremations also take place on the ghats, completing the Hindu cyclical view of life and death. When dusk falls, the smoke from the incense and chants of the pujas fills the air, as hundreds of tiny candles illuminate the river.
Much of your time in Varanasi – also referred to as Banaras – is likely to be centred around the river. This sacred city is deeply connected to the waters of the Ganges. During your visit here, you can join guided meditation, practice yoga on the ghats and visit nearby Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha is said to have taught his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.
For art lovers, there are several galleries in the city, including Ruchika, where it's possible to buy works by local artists. There are also museums here, plus the Man Singh Observatory, which is one of the five observatories in India.
If you're looking for luxury accommodation in Varanasi, our specialists have hand-picked the finest options that are close to the ghats on the banks of the Ganges, so you can easily immerse yourself in this sacred city.
The best time to visit Delhi and India's north is between October and March. You'll enjoy pleasant weather, with temperatures reaching highs of around 29°C and lows of 11°C at night. This is peak season when many visitors are in the region.
April to September is when the weather becomes hot and humid and there's a higher chance of rain. Temperatures range from 30 to 40°C during these months.
With a Scott Dunn holiday, you're not restricted by set tour lengths. You have the freedom to arrange a trip that matches your travel plans. Most of our guests visit North India for around 10 days, however, we'll tailor your itinerary to suit you.
Direct flights take around nine hours from London to Delhi. If you have a connecting flight, you can expect the journey to take around 12 hours.
Our team of travel specialists are waiting to help you book your adventure to India.
Call us on 020 8682 5060 to start planning
