Home > Destinations > North India
A tour of North and Central India takes you to the heart of an India still forgotten by tourists, where fabulous sites reveal the diverse influences that make up the richness of its civilisation. At the crossroads of Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Islamic and tribal cultures, this region and its many monuments bear witness to its rich historical past. Ujjain is one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism, along with Omkareshwar and Maheshwar, both located on the banks of the River Narmada. Gwalior is the birthplace of one of India's greatest musicians, Tansen. It bears witness to the glory of Hindu kings such as Man Singh Tomar, the famous builder of the fort (15th century). Orchha is home to a fortress built in the 17th century and temples containing frescoes inspired by Hindu mythology. In the narrow streets of the medieval city, folk crafts are omnipresent, with stalls full of perfumes, embroidered cottons and carved jewellery. Sanchi is home to India's finest Buddhist site, with its imposing World Heritage-listed stupa. Khajuraho, for its part, is home to the admirable thousand-year-old temples, also listed by Unesco, and jewels of Hindu architecture. As for Mandu, in the Vindhya mountains, today it is no more than a historical memory consisting of an impressive collection of ruined mosques and palaces whose structural harmony evokes a remarkable stage in the evolution of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. A former princely state, Indore is now a major industrial centre and is famous for its Jain sanctuary. Finally, Jhansi evokes the memory of Lakshmi Bai, the brave 'rani' killed fighting the British. The diversity of North and Central India also includes some fantastic natural sites. Among those are the prestigious Unesco-listed cave paintings in the Bhimbetka caves set in the heart of a dense forest, and the impressive sight of the pink cliffs of Marble Rocks in the Narmada Gorge. The paintings in the Bagh caves (5th century), carved into the rock, are inspired by Buddhism and are reminiscent of the mural paintings of Ajanta (in the state of Maharashtra). Added to this cultural heritage are two of India's most famous nature reserves: Bhandavgarh and Kanha, renowned for their diversity of species, including the tiger.
Explore our ideas of tours in North and Central India
The northern and central parts of India offer endless tour possibilities. Here are just a few of them.
You can concentrate on one region or combine several, including stops in Rajasthan.
Whatever you choose, we can help you build your own tour.
Treasures of Central India
Delhi - Agra - Gwalior - Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi
This North India tour takes you into the depths of traditional India, where timeless treasures that bear witness to the genius of ancient dynasties never cease to amaze the traveller. End this exceptional journey in Varanasi, the sacred city of Shiva on the banks of the Ganges.
The heart of India
Delhi - Agra - Gwalior - Orchha - Sanchi - Bhopal - Indore - Mandu - Dungarpur - Udaipur
Discover the deepest roots of the subcontinent on this tour, which will take you from the prehistoric caves of Bhimbetka, to the origins of Buddhism in Sanchi and the begum palaces of Bhopal. An extraordinary journey back in time.
National Parks and Taj Mahal
Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambhore - Bharatpur - Agra - Orchha - Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh - Kanha
For wildlife enthusiasts, India is a paradise. Some habitats are even unique in the world. Combining culture and nature in Northern India guarantees unique and astonishing experiences in every respect.
The grand tour of North India
Delhi - Shekhawati - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur Udaipur - Bundi - Jaipur - Agra - Gwalior - Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi
A grand tour of North India is a plunge into history. Discover a kaleidoscope of the most beautiful sites in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and central Madhya Pradesh and end your journey in the oldest city in the world, Varanasi.
Good reasons to choose a North India tour
Testimony to the country's historical and natural wealth, the most emblematic places are to be found in the north and centre of India. How can you fail to fall under the spell of the Taj Mahal in Agra or ignore the serenity of the temples of Khajuraho ? How can you fail to be moved by the sunrise over the Ganges in Varanasi ?
On the other hand, architectural gems and natural sites, some of them World Heritage Sites, remain off the beaten track. The medieval city of Orchha is just as deserving of a visit as Kaziranga National Park that is home to the one-horned rhinoceros.
The region is a crossroads of cultures, with remarkable linguistic, culinary and religious diversity. The festivals of Holi (the one of colours) and Diwali (the one of lights) are celebrated here with fervour. The region's wealth of flavours and emblematic dishes will delight gourmets' taste buds. You won't be able to resist the delicious biryani, tandoori chicken or succulent kebabs. The bustling markets and traditional neighbourhoods offer an authentic glimpse of daily life.
From the fertile plains of the Ganges to the foothills of the Himalayas, via the thek forests of Madhya Pradesh, North and Central India offers a breathtaking variety of landscapes. Sacred rivers such as the Ganges and the Narmada, and national parks such as Gir and Kanha, are home to a rich biodiversity and offer unique wildlife-watching opportunities.
If you want to explore iconic or off-the-beaten-track sites, sample simple but richly flavoured cuisine or immerse yourself in the local culture, a tour of North and Central India will provide you with an unforgettable experience.
If you're looking for a break from the classic North India tours, head for the North East!
You love nature and the mountains in particular and you feel like setting off on foot to discover the local population: our tailor-made tours of Assam and Sikkim take you to the regions of north-east India, off the beaten track.
Darjeeling, Kolkata, the island of Majuli, the Kaziranga national park, the Brahmaputra river basin, ..... are all coveted destinations that remain untouched by mass tourism. We invite you to discover these little-known regions of the sub-continent. Unique and authentic experiences for a different kind of trip.
From Sikkim to Calcutta
Delhi - Kurseong - Darjeeling - Pelling - Gangtok - Kalimpong - Calcutta
Here you are in north-east India. This tour takes you to an ancient kingdom at the foot of the Himalayas. It is home to the highest peak in the country. End your discovery in West Bengal to savour the famous Darjeeling tea or explore dynamic Calcutta.
On the banks of the Brahmaputra
Delhi - Dibrugarh - Jorhat - Majuli - Kaziranga - Guwahati
Introduction to the north-eastern states of India with this tour of Assam. Nestled in the Brahmaputra basin and bordering the foothills of the Himalayas, it's an ideal destination for nature lovers looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-track experience.