North India with Family
A long stay in a comfortable family home in the Himalayas, with beautiful views, near a river crossed by a rope, a cottage on a ridge a day’s walk away, a poultry to tend to and goats to milk in the family farm…
This is after looking for a tiger in a jungle, climbing a fort, identifying birds in a world heritage sanctuary from a cycle rickshaw and seeing the mock aggression of the soldiers at the border ceremony. Visiting the Taj Mahal and the Golden Temple is part of the experience. Our stay almost exclusively is in family run properties, many with swimming pools.
Recommended Itinerary
DAY 01 - FLIGHT
Fly to Delhi
DAY 01 - FLIGHT
Fly to Delhi
DAYS 2 & 3 - DELHI
Arrive into Delhi, transfer to a family-run guest house for two nights. Visit the World Heritage sites of Delhi; enjoy a walk in the sprawling Lodhi Gardens; a visit to a show with Bollywood style dancing can be arranged.
DAYS 4 & 5 - RANTHAMBORE
Take a short train trip to the national park of Ranthambore; stay two nights in a comfortable jungle lodge with a swimming pool; the next day visit the jungle in jeeps to seek the elusive tiger and see life in the forest.
DAYS 6 & 7 - JAIPUR
Proceed to Jaipur by car; stay two nights at an elegant farmhouse on the outskirts with its own stables. Visit the city sights, climbing Amber Fort on jeep or elephant back. A cooking session can be arranged with a local family followed by a meal with them.
DAY 8 - AGRA
Drive in the morning to Agra visiting the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary on the way – the visit is on cycle rickshaws; stay the night at a well run Home Stay, within walking distance of the Taj. Visit Mehtab Bagh in the evening to see the Taj at sunset from across the Yamuna River.
DAYS 9, 10 & 11 - AMRITSAR
Visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in the morning. Drive on to Delhi and take a short flight to Amritsar; transfer to an elegant homestay near a farm; visit the Golden Temple and Jalianwala Bagh; travel to the border at Wagah for the spectacular retreat; see farm life, perhaps ride a tractor through the fields.
DAY 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16 - CHAMBA
A longish drive today through lush green countryside before the climb up the hills to Chamba; stay at a Home Stay in the middle of organic farms with beautiful mountain views, within easy walk of a river. You can take a day hike here, visit the village, take part in farming activities, try some meditation, or read a book lying in your hammock. A trek with overnight halt in a cottage is on offer.
DAY 17 - DELHI
Drive to the Gaggal Airport for the flight back to Delhi. Stay the night at an airport hotel like Lemon Tree.
DAY 18 - RETURN FLIGHT
Take a midday flight to London arriving the same evening.
Gallery
Testimonials
“Our boys loved the trek to Triund; the Golden Temple was magical.., what impressed us most was the flawless organisation.. thanks Harji; we will not hesitate to put in a word to all our friends.”