Ever wonder if an experience in India is right for you? Apart from some of the obvious reasons, India is a country known for changing people profoundly. If there's any destination that truly embraces Traverse Journey's mission creating opportunities to grow through cross-cultural engagement and unique local experiences, Northern India takes the spotlight.
It's no mystery that India is known for having a magnetic chaotic energy that will leave you with an authentic cultural experience of a lifetime. Northern India has a diverse and ancient cultural heritage that is manifested in its architecture, art, culinary delights, music, festivals, and religious practices.
Check out our recommendations below for a memorable Northern India experience:
Delhi: THE CAPITAL
Exploring the capital city of India is a must! Delhi is your 101 experience to India's wildly authentic cultural experience and the kind welcoming people that reside there. You will find numerous historical monuments to visit, such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Jama Masjid, and India Gate. These sites showcase beautiful architecture and offer insights into India's past.
You can find several museums that offer a glimpse into the country's art, history, and culture. The National Museum, the National Gallery of Modern Art, and the Crafts Museum are popular choices. Another that we think is not to miss is the Gandhi Memorial Museum where Gandhi spent his life and walked his last steps. The museum chronicles his legacy and houses his few earthly belongings.
Delhi is also a beautiful melting pot of various religions, and you can explore a range of religious sites like the Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib to name a few. Don't forget to explore Old Delhi with its narrow streets and bustling markets like Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Delhi. Shopping the local markets is a wonderful way to give back to the community's economy and is the perfect place to enjoy some street food! Delhi is a paradise for food explorers, particularly Indian street food enthusiasts. Sample mouthwatering delicacies like chaat (savory snacks), parathas (stuffed flatbreads), kebabs, and jalebi (a fried sweet dough).
Pro tip: Delhi’s traffic is, well, insane so be prepared for long drives from place to place. It’s best to group your site-seeing by area of town to make the most of your time. You can easily hire a driver for the day, which is the best and safest way to get around.
Time recommended: Three nights and two full days.
Varanasi: Northern India's Holiest City
Varanasi, also known as Banaras, holds great religious and cultural significance for Hindus. Like the haj to Mecca in Islam, devout Hindus aspire to take a pilgrimage to Varanasi at least once in their lifetime and bathe in the sacred river Ganges. It is also considered a great honor to pass one’s final days in this holy city.
Varanasi is famous for its ghats, where cremation ceremonies are held.The best views of the ghats are by taking a boat ride along the river at sunrise. Stroll through the narrow lanes of Varanasi's old city, which is a maze of alleys filled with shops, markets, temples, and old houses. To get the full experience, we highly recommend immersing yourself in the local culture with the aid of a trusted local guide.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that a visit to Varanasi is incomplete without seeking blessings at this ancient and revered temple.
You can go during sunset to witness the mesmerizing Aarti ceremony, where priests perform rituals with fire and lamps! The Aarti ceremony at the Dashashwamedh Ghat is a magical and elaborate ritual involving prayers, music, and the mesmerizing sight of hundreds of lamps being lit. It's a spiritual and visually captivating experience.
Varanasi also has a rich musical heritage boasting an impressive range from classical music and dance performances along with the soul-stirring performances of Indian traditional music. Lastly, it is also famous for its silk weaving with several ancient small factories still in place with master weavers.
Pro-tip: Varanasi is most easily reached by air from Delhi, though there is also a train option. If you can arrive early in the morning and leave late the next day you can do it in just one night.
Time recommended: At least one evening for Aarti and one morning for a Ganges boat ride
Jaipur: The Pink City
Known for its distinctive trademark building color, Jaipur is an architectural wonder all in its own. The city is home to Amber Fort, an UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning example of Rajput architecture offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
Carve out some time to explore the shops at Johri Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar. Jaipur is famous for its vibrant markets and it's an important cultural experience where you can find unique jewelry pieces, textiles, handicrafts, traditional items like Bandhani sarees, and block-printed textiles.
Another UNESCO World Heritage site worth checking out is the Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. For those interested in astronomical history, check out their original collection of architectural instruments which were used to study celestial objects and measure time.
Tasting your way through India is a must and Jaipur will not disappoint! Try dishes like Dal Baati Churma (lentils with baked bread rolls), Gatte ki Sabzi (gram flour dumplings in spicy gravy), and Laal Maas (spicy mutton curry). Don't miss the famous Rajasthani sweets like Ghewar and Malpua. You can check out our Guide to Indian Cuisine for a more in-depth look at the vast and beautiful world of cuisine in India.
Pro-tip: One of the best ways to experience Rajasthan it is to go for a hike, which is an immersive way to experience nature and small villages surrounding. This can be arranged through a trusted guide.
Time recommended: At least three nights and two full days, if not more!
Agra: Home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World
Agra is a must-see when exploring northern India! Begin your journey here by visiting the Taj Mahal, an architectural masterpiece built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. Witness the stunning white marble structure and its intricate details at different times of the day, especially during sunrise or sunset, for a magical experience.
Explore the Agra Fort, a massive red sandstone fort. Discover its palaces, courtyards, and gardens while enjoying panoramic views of the Taj Mahal from certain vantage points within the fort. Take a Walk in Mehtab Bagh located across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. Mehtab Bagh is a Mughal garden offering picturesque views of the Taj Mahal. Enjoy a peaceful walk in the garden and capture stunning reflections of the Taj Mahal in the nearby river.
Also be sure to make time for a stop at Sheroes Café, a space run by and for women who have been affected by acid attacks with a mission to bring awareness and prevention to this brutal practice.
A day trip from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri is a worthy detour, a historical city located around 40 kilometers away that was abandoned due to water scarcity. Explore its well-preserved palaces, mosques, and courtyards to get a glimpse of its former grandeur.
Spend an evening experiencing a special Agra cultural performance. The Mohabbat Taj show is a musical drama that narrates the story of the Taj Mahal's creation. The show combines song, dance, and theatrical performances to bring alive the love story behind this magnificent monument.
Finally, taking a traditional horse-drawn carriage, known as a tonga ride, through the city streets offers a unique way to explore the local neighborhoods and absorb the city's atmosphere.
Pro tip: Note that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays and is also extremely busy on the weekends, so plan accordingly!
Time recommended: Two nights with one full day
Northern India has much to offer leaving you with enough awe and wonder to return again and again! Not sure a solo trip to India is for you though? Traverse Journeys offers a 10-day Northern India active cultural tour with an emphasis on immersive experiences, outdoor adventure, and sustainability. Check out all the details here!
Still on the fence if India should be your next destination, here are a few of our favorite books on India to convince you. Plus, a guide on Indian Cuisine and Street food.
WE HOPE YOU'LL PLAN YOUR TRIP TO INDIA SOON!
We’d love for you join one of our small group tours, guaranteed to be the ultimate Northern India Itinerary cultural adventure.
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