Trip to Northern India

North India includes the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

This part of the country has absolutely diverse terrains and climates. From the heady heights of the Himalayas in Jammu and Kashmir to the sprawling golden deserts of Rajasthan, it is a tourists' delight. Agra is also the home to the world famous Taj Mahal, the ultimate symbol of love.

Temperature in this part of the country can fluctuate to extremes during different parts of the year. Winter months are November to February and summer months are from May to August.

Click on the cities on the left to find out more.

Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, has some other fine Mughal architecture such as the Agra Fort and the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Situated on the banks of river Yamuna, Agra is 225 kms south of Delhi.

There is a Delhi to Agra 40 minute flight. Agra is on the popular daily tourist route from Delhi to Agra, Khajurao, Varanasi. A very comfortable way to get to Agra from Delhi is the air-conditioned Shatabdi express which does the trip in about two hours. It leaved Delhi early in the morning and comes back to Delhi at 8.15 p.m.

Hotels: 5 Star (2); 4 Star (3); 3 Star (3)

Delhi, the capital of India, actually consists of two parts - old Delhi which was the capital of Mughal India between the 17th and 19th centuries and New Delhi created by the British. Delhi, with its' wide roads, elegant gardens and stately buildings presents a panorama of vastly conflicting images. It is one of the largest metropolitan cities of the world.

Delhi is a major International gateway to India with a very busy airport. The domestic airport is about 7 kms from the International airport. Flights depart for all the major Indian centres from Delhi. Delhi is also an important rail center and an excellent place to make all your rail bookings.

Hotels: 5 Star (7); 4 Star (5); 3 Star (5)

The capital of Rajasthan, called the Pink City, was given a coat of pink a century ago to honour a visiting Prince and ever since, it has retained this colour. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh this city is 260 years old.

There are direct flights to and from Bombay and Delhi. though most people prefer to travel to Jaipur by road from Delhi. Jaipur is also connected to Udaipur, Jodhpur and Aurangabad by air. There is a swift Shatabdi Express from Delhi to Jaipur which takes roughly 4 and a quarter hours to get to Jaipur from Delhi.

Hotels: 5 Star (3); 4 Star (3); 3 Star (3)