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India: Northern Explorer
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Length
21 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
New Delhi (India)
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Ends in
Varanasi (India)
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Available Tour Start Dates
JAN 15, 2027 to MAR 24, 2028
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Activity Level
No Rating Provided
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Language
English
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).No
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Special Interest(s)
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Contiki tours are only available for 18- to 35-year olds.
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$1,411.20
Overview
Old Delhi lanes. Rajasthani forts. Desert sunsets. Tigers in the wild. The Taj at sunrise. The Ganges at dusk. This trip blends India’s icons with its everyday magic — all stitched together by Indian train trips, tuk-tuks and a few private rides. Think desert sunsets in the Thar, tiger-spotting, bustling bazaars, Nawabi-era streets and the Taj Mahal before the crowds. We finish riverside in Varanasi, watching flames flicker across the Ganges. It’s raw, social and full of movement. Expect basic backpacking vibes with a good mix of public transport (oh yeah, travelling local-style).
Visited During Tour
Agra (India) | Bikaner | Delhi (India) | Haridwar | Jaipur (India) | Jaisalmer (India) | Jodhpur (India) | Lucknow (India) | Overnight Train To Bikaner | Pushkar | Ranthambore National Park (India) | Rishikesh | Varanasi (India)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are India: Northern Explorer tour dates available from Contiki. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Tour Itinerary
Contiki Tour Code 795-2590
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Day
1Delhi
Welcome to Delhi - the buzzing city where centuries-old forts meet full-throttle city life. Meet your crew and Trip Manager tonight, before we head out for dinner at a local restaurant to kick things off properly.
Accommodations: Hotel Pooja Palace (or similar) -
Day
2Delhi to Overnight Train to Bikaner
Morning, travellers. We’ll kick off in Old Delhi with a photo stop at the Red Fort, then hop on rickshaws through the buzzing lanes to Jama Masjid. Next up, we’ll swing by India Gate, cruise past the President’s House and government buildings, then stop at Gandhi’s House to round things off. Hungry? You can opt in to an Old Delhi food tour this evening and taste your way through the chaos.Tonight we’ll board a basic overnight train to Bikaner and travel proper local-style. You’ll be in 6-berth sleeper compartments with bedding included. Your bags kept in-cabin (space is tight, so an overnight bag will be your best mate). Settle in, get some rest, and let the rhythm of the rails do the work while we roll towards Rajasthan.
Accommodations: Overnight Train -
Day
3Bikaner
Hello Rajasthan! We'll jump off our overnight train and have brekkie at our homestay. We're now fueled and ready to head out and explore Junagarh Fort (one of the region’s most impressive strongholds and seriously stunning inside). The afternoon is yours to roam. Opt in for a heritage bike ride past ornate havelis, and dive into the local street food scene.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Udai Niwas (or similar) -
Day
4Bikaner to Jaisalmer
Bye bye, Bikaner. You’ll have the morning for a breakfast run, then we’ll hit the road towards Jaisalmer with desert scenes incoming.Welcome to the Golden City, where the legendary Jaisalmer Fort glows in sandstone. It’s one of the world’s rare living forts, and you’ll feel that energy as you admire from the outside. Tonight we’ll grab a rooftop spot and watch the sunset turn the whole city even more golden.
Accommodations: Fifu House (or similar) -
Day
5Jaisalmer
Kick things off this morning with a guided walk through this real-life sandcastle. Then you’ll have time to roam the fort’s winding lanes with the crew before we switch gears and head straight into the Thar Desert. Time to check into our tents near the dunes of Khuri. Come sunset, it’s camel ride o’clock (!) followed by a bonfire night of Rajasthani folk music, dance and a family-style dinner under the stars. Wow.
- Meals Included:
- Dinner
Accommodations: Khuri Desert Camp (or similar) -
Day
6Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
Jaisalmer, you were unreal. We’ll grab one last camp breakfast by the dunes, then hit the road towards our next Rajasthani gem. Blue City, we’re coming for ya'Dive straight into Jodhpur with an orientation through its old city lanes and buzzing markets, plus a photo stop in front of the mighty Mehrangarh Fort (camera rolls will be filling fast). After some free time to explore your way, we’ll check into the hotel and take the evening to wander and grab dinner with the crew.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: The Mandore (or similar) -
Day
7Jodhpur
A free day in Jodhpur? Yes please. Maybe hop in a tuk-tuk for photo ops through those iconic blue lanes, chase down a fort viewpoint, or cafe-hop between market finds. From skyline views to street eats, the options are endless in this city.
Accommodations: The Mandore (or similar) -
Day
8Jodhpur to Pushkar
After two nights in Jodhpur, we’ll hit the road for Pushkar, a city that plays by its own rules and proudly so.No meat. No alcohol. Just colourful markets, cool cafes and a whole lot of spirituality. We'll get to know one of India's oldest towns with an orientation around the holy lake and ghats (and even visit the iconic Brahma Temple and an evening Aarti as chants drift across the water). Wanna grab the crew and head to a cute rooftop cafe overlooking the lake?
Accommodations: Green Park (or similar) -
Day
9Pushkar to Jaipur
Wakey wakey. We’ll rise before the sun and take on the 970 steps up to Savitri Temple, climbing 750 feet for panoramic views over Pushkar as the city wakes below. (That early alarm will be worth it, promise!). Next up: the oh-so-pretty, Pink City. We’ll get straight into it with a hands-on block printing session at the Anoothi Project, supporting a powerful local initiative. Later (once the new crew has joined) we’ll head out on an evening orientation walk through Jaipur’s buzzing bazaars and sandstone streets. With 3 nights here, there’ll be time to slow the pace, dive deeper, and make the most of a city packed with colour, culture, and plenty to do.
Accommodations: Hotel Utsav Niwas (or similar) -
Day
10Jaipur
Morning, fort fans. Today, we’ll kick things off at the mighty Amber Fort, then roll on to Hawa Mahal for those must-have photo ops in front of its iconic pink facade. The evening is yours to explore your way, markets, rooftops. But if home-style Indian food is calling your name, you can opt for dinner with a local family and learn how it’s really done.
Accommodations: Hotel Utsav Niwas (or similar) -
Day
11Jaipur
Yep, it’s a full free day in the pretty Pink City. Looking for things to do? How about a Bollywood film at the iconic Raj Mandir Cinema? Or a wander through Jantar Mantar’s mind-bending observatory? Maybe take a bike tour through the streets, or sip a cocktail with the crew at a heritage palace.
Accommodations: Hotel Utsav Niwas (or similar) -
Day
12Jaipur to Ranthambore National Park
Jaipur, you’ve been a dream. But now we’re swapping pink palaces for raw wilderness as we head to Ranthambore. Oh yes, it's tiger time. Welcome to Ranthambore! This is where tigers, leopards and wild landscapes steal the spotlight. Head out on an optional (but highly recommended) safari into the jungle. P.S. Safaris here are in high demand, so you'll need to pre-book this Free Time Add-On.
- Meals Included:
- Dinner
Accommodations: Raj Palace (or similar) -
Day
13Ranthambore National Park to Agra
After our dose of jungle and (hopefully) tiger sightings, we’ll trade wild landscapes for something equally iconic as we hit the road for another world wonder.Hello Agra… heard of it? You’ll have a free evening to explore, or level things up with an optional visit to Agra Fort for sunset views and serious Mughal-era drama.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Rich Grande (or similar) -
Day
14Agra to Delhi
Today’s the day, folks. We’ll be up early to catch the marble beauty that is Taj Mahal at sunrise. Take it in, snap the pics, have your “okay, wow” moment, then we’ll hit the road back to Delhi. Hi again, Delhi. Tonight is yours to explore, whether that’s another market mission, a proper local dinner, or rounding up the crew for a stroll and a few laughs.
Accommodations: Hotel Pooja Palace (or similar) -
Day
15Delhi to Rishikesh via Haridwar
Bye Delhi. We’ll hop on the local train and roll out towards Haridwar's calmer scenes. We’re stepping into India’s spiritual side here. From Haridwar, we’ll swap the train for local transport and make our way to Rishikesh. Welcome to Rishikesh: calm, cool and sitting pretty on the Ganges. We’ll check into a simple, comfy yoga retreat accommodation, explore the laid-back lanes of Tapovan, then gather by the river for evening Aarti as the ceremony lights up the water.
Accommodations: Akhanda Yoga Ashram (or similar) -
Day
16Rishikesh
We ain’t leaving the home of yoga without rolling out a mat. This morning, we’ll start with a yoga class at the retreat, fuel up on a sattvic vegetarian breakfast, then head out on a guided walk past markets and ashrams, finishing at the legendary Beatles Ashram (yep, THE Beatles).
Accommodations: Akhanda Yoga Ashram (or similar) -
Day
17Rishikesh to Lucknow via Haridwar
Today, we’ll say goodbye to Rishikesh and start the journey back, hopping into local transport for the drive to Haridwar. (It's a long travel day ahead, have your playlists ready!). Train time again. We’ll board and roll on towards Lucknow, watching the landscapes shift as we head deeper into Uttar Pradesh. Welcome to Lucknow, known for its rich Nawabi heritage and legendary food scene, and our base for the next two nights. Settle in tonight. Tomorrow we'll dive in properly into everything this city has to offer.
Accommodations: Hotel Surya International (or similar) -
Day
18Lucknow
Tuk-tuk time! We’ll zip through the city’s landmarks on a guided ride, soaking in views of Lucknow’s grand architecture and everyday buzz from the best seat in the house. The rest of the day is yours. And if you’re hungry, you can opt into a street food tour to taste the flavours this city is so famous for.
Accommodations: Hotel Surya International (or similar) -
Day
19Lucknow to Varanasi
Later, Lucknow. We’ll board another train and travel local-style towards one of India’s holiest cities. Welcome to Varanasi — spiritual, intense, and guaranteed to leave an impression. Sacred to Hindus and home to the city’s burning ghats, this is a powerful, unfiltered side of the Ganges (that couldn’t feel more different to laid-back Rishikesh). We’ll take to the streets by e-rickshaw, then end at the river for the Ghat Aarti ceremony as flames light up the waterfront.
Accommodations: Hotel Meadows (or similar) -
Day
20Varanasi
You’ve got a full day to dive into this city’s energy. Opt for a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges as the river shifts through golden hour, or head to Sarnath - the place where Buddha first shared his teachings.
Accommodations: Hotel Meadows (or similar) -
Day
21Varanasi
And just like that, our India adventure has officially wrapped up. From desert dunes to holy rivers, we’ve covered some ground. Hug it out, swap details, and say your goodbyes (or maybe just “see you on the next one.”)
More Details
Contiki is informing us of the following additional details regarding their India: Northern Explorer tour:
Travelers Notes
* START/END TIMES: Trip starts in Delhi at 3:00pm and ends in Varanasi at 9:00am.* TRANSFERS: Chargeable transfers can be booked on a single or twin basis. Twin transfers can only be booked when two travellers are travelling together on the same reference number, no twin share transfers are available. If travellers book pre-trip accommodation elsewhere (Non Contiki property), they can still book a transfer. However, transfers operate only between the airport and the Contiki start hotel, so guests will need to make their own way from Contiki start hotel to their independently pre-booked hotel. The same applies to post-trip accommodation. Flight information is required in order to book transfers.* PROOF OF AIRLINE TICKET: Travellers are advised to print out their full flight itinerary including their e-ticket number to enter any airport in India. Due to heightened security at the airport, they must always also have their passport and visa handy.* INDIA: USA passport holders require a visa for India. Visa must be obtained prior to departure. Depending on visa type, applications can be submitted from 120 days prior to departure up to 4 days prior to departure. Please see important visa details sent with your invoice.* MANDATORY E-ARRIVAL CARD: From 1 April 2026, all foreign nationals and OCI cardholders must complete an e-Arrival Card within 72 hours of arrival in India. A QR code will be generated upon submission and must be presented at immigration. Families (up to 5) can submit one form via the Su-Swagatam App, indianvisaonline.gov.in, or boi.gov.in.* IMPORTANT: Travel Insurance is compulsory on all Contiki Asia trips. Full passport details must be provided 60 days before departure.* RANTHAMBORE SAFARI: Please ensure you pre-book your Ranthambore Safari via either your Travel Agent or Contiki directly.* NOTE: A small overnight bag will be required for some nights of this trip.* OVERNIGHT TRAIN: Overnight train from Delhi to Bikaner in 3rd-class sleeper: 6 berths per compartment, 2 along the aisle. Mixed-gender, may include non-Contiki travellers, and same-area seating is not guaranteed.* MOBILE PHONE RESTRICTION: Mobile phones are not permitted in Ranthambhore National Park effective February 1, 2026. Only safari drivers and guides may carry phones for emergency use.* NATIONAL PARK RESTRICTION: Guests may continue to bring camera-only devices into the National Park, in line with current regulations. We recommend bringing a camera-only device.* GROUND HANDLER: Contiki sometimes uses ground handlers or third parties to assist with the full or partial operation of our products. The ground handler for this trip is Distinct Destinations. Contiki Trip Manager will be onboard.
Pricing listed above for tours is per person, in US Dollars, and is based on double occupancy. Pricing may change for other occupancy types. Pricing is based on the last time the vendor electronically sent us pricing data, which varies by vendor (usually occurs overnight or multiple times throughout each day).
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