Plan your trip to North India around the top ten things to do in North India, as our experts recommend.
North India is a veritable treasure trove. Stately palaces, rugged forts, magnificent gardens, world-renowned architectural marvels, a vibrant history and culture to discover, tantalising cuisine to taste – a wealth of experiences await!
While Delhi, India’s capital city, is enticed with Mughal architecture, eclectic cuisine, and shopping opportunities, Agra and the Taj Mahal are unrivalled in terms of romance. North India has a plethora of places to visit! Experience the regal life in Rajasthan’s palace hotels, spirituality in Amritsar’s Golden Temple and on the banks of the Ganga, and serenity amid the majestic Himalayas. There are so many places to visit!
If you’re unsure how to plan your trip to North India or which cities and attractions to visit, our destination experts can help you plan the perfect itinerary. Our experts can design the best India tours for you, including Indian safaris, authentic food, and breathtaking monuments.
Here’s a list of the ten things to do in North India that should be on your India itinerary!
In Agra, pay a visit to the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Agra, the world’s monument of love, is the most popular with visitors to India – and it’s easy to see why. The best times to visit are at sunrise and sunset. If you go on a whole moon night, you might be able to see the beautiful white marble structure change colours as the reflection hits the facade.
Why was the Taj Mahal constructed? Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built it to house his wife Mumtaz Mahal’s tomb. Admire the Taj Mahal’s dome, minarets, intricate inlay work, beautiful gardens, and fountains during your tour!
Participate in a Traditional Cooking Class in Delhi
Get a taste of the country than take a private cooking class at a local chef’s home? Learn about the complex spice combinations that go into creating the signature Indian dishes that the world has come to love.
North Indian cuisine is characterised by rich curries, delectable meats and vegetables cooked in the tandoor, a wide variety of loaves of bread, flavorful vegetarian dishes, savoury street food, and, of course, delectable desserts. There’s so much to taste and savour, from Butter Chicken to Dal Makhani, Naan, and Tandoori Chicken!
Visit Ranthambore and go on a Tiger Safari
Take a wildlife safari into Ranthambore National Park in North India to experience the joy of India’s wildlife, which is regarded as one of the top highlights of India. The tiger, India’s national animal, lives in the jungles. You might be able to have your close encounter with Shere Khan!
Ranthambore is one of the country’s largest national parks and one of the best safari destinations in India.
In Varanasi, take a boat ride down the Ganges
The River Ganges, where life and death coexist in harmony, is India’s holiest river and an important pilgrimage site for Hindus worldwide. In the morning and evening, boat rides on the Ganges are the best ways to explore the river because you can observe the busy ghats where hundreds of people congregate in peace.
In Varanasi, witness the spiritual beauty of the Ganga Aarti, a sunset prayer ceremony characterised by thousands of devotees, chantings, and lamps. Can also feel this river’s majesty in other holy cities such as Rishikesh and Haridwar.
In Osian, go on a Bishnoi Jeep Safari (near Jodhpur)
For a more unusual village experience, a trip to the desert outside of the blue city of Jodhpur is highly recommended. Discover the strange and wonderful time-honoured rituals of the ethnic Bishnoi, a community of nature worshippers who live simply in harmony with their surroundings. Admire the women’s intricate silver jewellery and the centuries-old handicraft traditions!
In Jodhpur, there are numerous things to do. Including exploring its stately forts and private mansions are known as Havelis on a Jodhpur tour. The Mehrangarh Fort is the most well-known fort.
Dine at Udaipur’s Taj Lake Palace
One of the world’s most extraordinary hotels, built-in Lake Pichola’s centre, gives the impression of floating. Even if you aren’t staying, lunch or dinner, there is a beautiful and romantic reminder of your time in Udaipur, the City of Lakes, with its authentic and regal Mewar cuisine.
Other activities in Udaipur include taking a boat ride on Lake Pichola, exploring the magnificent Chittorgarh Fort, and visiting nearby temples such as the Eklingji Shiva temple.
Experience the Khajuraho Temples’ Sound and Light Show
Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage site, bears witness to rich Hindu mythology with its exemplary ancient temples and erotic Kama Sutra style carvings. The Sound & Light Show, which takes place most evenings in Khajuraho, is a colourful and vibrant tribute that sheds light on the fascinating heritage of the Chandela kings.
Visit Amritsar’s Golden Temple
The Golden Temple in Amritsar, officially known as the Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrine for Sikhs and draws pilgrims worldwide. You can see the Palki Sahib ceremony at night when it is beautifully lit up in which the Guru Granth Sahib is carried in procession from the main shrine to its nighttime abode by a human conveyor belt of male pilgrims.
Amritsar’s other must-see attractions include the historically significant Jallianwala Bagh and the Wagah Border.
In Rajasthan, take a ride on the rural rails
A small train travels through viaducts and tunnels across forested hills, providing an immersive local experience of rural Rajasthan.
Little has changed over time in these villages seems to have stopped as you meet and converse with friendly people who are delighted to see a visitor using their local rail service!
In Lucknow, take a Victorian stroll
Discover the days with a one-of-a-kind guided walk through Lucknow’s spaghetti streets, where you can learn about the British Raj about the East India Company’s colonial history and legacy. Discover how the British influenced arts, literature, architecture, and culture, including establishing a nation of chai or tea drinkers!
The city’s other famous attractions are the Jama Masjid, the Bara Imambara, and the Rumi Darwaza (Gateway). Day trips from the city are popular to Sravasti, where Lord Buddha spent much of his life, and Ayodhya, the birthplace of the Hindu god Rama.
Explore the highlights of India on a private and customised tour. Contact us for a no-obligation itinerary.
