The northern state of Uttar Pradesh, popularly know as UP, is India's most populous state. It is the heartland of Hindi, the principal indigenous language of India, and the official language of government.
The plains of Uttar Pradesh have always been a fertile land, nourished by the Ganges and its tributaries. Here you find the famous Taj Mahal and other great monuments of the Moghul era in India, as well as the holy Hindu city of Varanasi and the Buddhist stupas of Sarnath.
The ethereal marble masterpiece that is the Taj Mahal in Agra is what first attracts tourists to Uttar Pradesh. Its perfect proportions and finely detailed pietra dura work leaves every single visitor spellbound. Agra's other monuments are often overshadowed by the glory of the Taj, but a trip to see the awe-inspiring red sandstone bastions of Agra Fort is worthwhile, not least for the views of the Taj Mahal in the distance.
Lucknow is the geographical and commercial centre of the state, but it still retains much of its colonial heritage. The crumbling remains of the British Residency mark the site of the decisive battle of the Mutiny of 1857, and buildings like the Bara and Chhota Imambura stand testimony to the opulent and grandiose lifestyles of the erstwhile Nawabs.
Further south of Lucknow is the other commercially important city of Allahabad. In the city's long 3000 year old history Allahabad has been significant for a variety of reasons. First and foremost as the site of the sangam (confluence) of 3 important Hindu rivers, later as an important Mughal stronghold and then during the Indian freedom struggle for the many political debates and meetings that were held in the Nehru residence of Anand Bhavan.
Downriver from Allahabad is the "city of light" - Varanasi. Built along the banks of the deified River Ganga are the colourful ghats that lead down to the water. Varanasi is considered the home of Shiva and therefore is filled with temples and small shrines. The river and the old city on it's western bank is best appreciated during the rituals of bathing and worship in the early mornings, and during the aarti ceremony at dusk.
Unchagaon is a small village off the Delhi-Moradabad highway. The narrow road that leads to it is covered with lush green on both sides. Unchagaon's claim to fame is its impressive early 18th century fort. The fort is tucked away, and nto easily visible unless you are standing right in front of the entrance.
Agra is the home of India's most famous monument and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. Hence, it's a must-see destination on anyone's trip to India. Words cannot do the Taj Mahal justice, its incredible detail simply has to be seen to be appreciated.
Varanasi, the holy city on the Ganges River, is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for Hindus. According to the Hindu beliefs, to be cremated on the banks of the Ganges, especially at Varanasi, is certain to gain entry to heaven. The principal attraction of Varanasi is the long string of bathing ghats which line the river Ganges from which pilgrims make their sin-cleansing dip and on
On this tour you visit the major sites associated with the life and teachings of the Buddha. You start at Sarnath, where the Buddha preached his first sermon and then continue to Bodh Gaya where he gained enlightenment. You continue to Rajgir, where he came to meditate during the monsoons; the ancient university site of Nalanda, where he preached; Vaishali, where he gave his last sermon; and Kus
The ideal itinerary for anyone wanting to see the best of India in less than a week. The magical Golden Triangle in India is one of the country's most popular tourist circuits. Comprising Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, it gets its name from the triangle that these cities form. Roughly located an equal distance of around 200-250 kilometers (125-155 miles) from each other in northern India, the cities pro
A short train ride from Agra is Jhansi, gateway for visiting nearby Orchha. Situated on a river, Orchha is a peaceful place, full of well preserved palaces and temples, with a distinctly medieval charm. Four hours' drive from Orchha is Khajuraho, world renowned for the intricately carved temples full of erotic sculptures. No where else will you find such unique temples with meticulously detaile
Rajasthan is India at its most exotic and colourful best with forts, palaces, deserts, tigers, rivers, jungles, temples and just about everything else that the word `India' brings to mind! Women are dressed in colourful saris with chunky jewellery whilst men wear elaborate turbans and sport huge moustaches. Here you can travel by coach, train, camel, cycle rickshaw, jeep and boat to explore the
A classic adventure in northern India. The journey includes the palaces of Jaipur, the immortal beauty of the Taj Mahal, the medieval temple town of Orchha, the erotic statues of Khajuraho and sunrise over the sacred Ganges. A boat ride on the Ganges at dawn, when it is full of pilgrims making their sin-cleansing dip in the holy river is an amazing experience.
India has hundreds of attractions just waiting to be discovered, from stunning scenery to beautiful architecture, from colourful characters to an incredible array of wildlife. The combination of adventure and culture guarantees a stimulating travel experience for the ultimate holiday! It is a magical trip through one of the most colourful parts of India.
This journey starts with a visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the most famous buildings in the world. From here you travel to some of Rajasthan's most enchanting cities such as Jaipur and Udaipur. In the walled desert city of Jaisalmer you have ample time to explore the traffic-free streets. There's also time to relax in the laid back oasis town of Pushkar and visit the fantastic Meherangarh Fort in
Traces of kingdoms and warriors stand as a testament to a feudal land of majestic palaces and proud people, where history lives on amongst its rocky outcrops and romance flourishes in the shade of the Taj Mahal. Forts, palaces, towns and villages rise obliquely against a backdrop of jungles and undulating dunes, and bright gaudy temples draw the faithful in a continuous parade of lively spiritu
This tour combines the well-known cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra with lesser-known but equally attractive places off the beaten track. You stay in some heritage properties which are widely diverse in their architecture, location and atmosphere, but they all offer a unique experience. From the foothills of the Himalayas to the deserts of Rajasthan, this is a remarkable journey that will prov
You travel from the deserts of Rajasthan to the lush green valleys of the Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. You stay in the hill-station of Dharamsala, the present home of the Dalai Lama, where you can savour the atmosphere of Tibetan Buddhism. Your journey ends with a visit to the Golden Temple of Amritsar, the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion.
This fascinating journey visits major highlights such as Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur but it also includes some off the beaten track places which gives you the chance to see how life continues in India's villages. Your nights are spent at a number of exquisite heritage hotels which vary from elegant Maharajas' palaces and lavish tented camps to more simple but equally atmospheric old build
