Uttar Pradesh: Sacred Rivers & Holy Cities
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Embark on a captivating journey of iconic landmarks, serene natural beauty, and immersive local experiences, through Uttar Pradesh, a region steeped in history, spirituality, and cultural richness. Begin your adventure in Delhi, where modernity meets the legacy of empires past, exploring its vibrant street art, tranquil gardens and awe-inspiring monuments. Travel onward to Agra to marvel at the architectural wonders of the Taj Mahal and Agra ...
Embark on a captivating journey of iconic landmarks, serene natural beauty, and immersive local experiences, through Uttar Pradesh, a region steeped in history, spirituality, and cultural richness. Begin your adventure in Delhi, where modernity meets the legacy of empires past, exploring its vibrant street art, tranquil gardens and awe-inspiring monuments. Travel onward to Agra to marvel at the architectural wonders of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort before delving into the rural charm and wildlife of Chambal. Discover the ancient art of perfumery in Kannauj and immerse yourself in the unspoiled wilderness of Dudhwa National Park, home to tigers, deer and a vibrant array of birdlife. In Lucknow, indulge in the grandeur of Nawabi architecture and its famed culinary traditions before heading to Allahabad to witness the sacred confluence of India’s most revered rivers. Your journey culminates in Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, where the Ganges pulses with life, rituals, and devotion.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
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Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Delhi: Arrival & Lodhi Street Art Walk
Arrive into Delhi and transfer to your hotel. Travel by metro this afternoon to pick up a tour of street art, cycle through the quiet streets to see the murals that adorn the area. The artworks represent a variety of social issues and give a wonderful insight into today’s India. Walking through the 15th century Lodhi Gardens will show you some of the tombs, mosques and bridges typical of the area before you arrive to Khan Market, a busy shopping area.
Day 2 Delhi: Delhi by Dawn
An early start in Old Delhi today allows you to experience the city in tranquility before the day begins for most. The Yamuna River has an important role in Hinduism, head to one of the ghats to meet a local resident who will discuss the river’s role in rituals and beliefs. A stop at an akhada introduces you to the traditional sport of wrestling before you enjoy a local delicacy for breakfast, nahari or aloo puri, a breakfast dish traditionally consumed by royalty after morning prayers. Refuelled you will move on to New Delhi passing the India Gate on your way to Humayun’s Tomb, a masterpiece of architecture constructed out of love. End the tour with a stop at a 14th century stepwell, taking a peaceful moment to absorb all you have seen. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 3 Delhi – Agra – Chambal: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
Take the morning express train to Agra where you will visit two of India’s most iconic sights, the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. Set on the Yamuna River, these two colossal examples of Mughal architecture need little introduction and you will explore the exquisite marble tomb as well as the mosque of the Taj Mahal before stepping through the various rooms and chambers of the fort. Leave the city in the afternoon and travel on to the Chambal Safari Lodge in rural Uttar Pradesh.
Day 4 Chambal: River Safari & Village Walk
Head to the Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary for a morning boat trip on the Chambal River, where you will have the chance to spot some of the wildlife known to the region. Gharials, muggers and turtles can often be seen along with an array of birdlife. This afternoon take a walk through nearby Holipura village to experience rural Indian life, while admiring many of the old havelis that blend Mughal and colonial architecture. Moving on to nearby Bateshwar, witness a local evening aarti ceremony on the ghats amongst the 40 temples that line the banks of the Yamuna River.
Day 5 Chambal – Kannauj: Perfumery Experience
Journey to the fort city of Kannauj, once a capital of ancient kingdoms, it is known today as the perfume capital of India. Staying at a perfume house will give you the opportunity for the full experience of the industry, starting with a visit to the flower plantation to take part in plucking the petals ready for distillation. At the distillery learn about the 3000 year old process still in use today, producing the most exotic perfumery ingredients in the world. This evening enjoy a 7 course fragrance and flavour menu in which seasonal produce is used in local and regional dishes, each course is paired with a fragrance giving a truly unique dining experience.
Day 6 Kannuaj – Dudhwa National Park: Walking Safari
Drive to Dudhwa National Park this morning, an area of forest, grasslands and marshlands, the park is home to around 400 species of resident and migratory birds as well as notable populations of tiger, swamp deer and barasingha, a smaller deer. This afternoon set out on a walk with a naturalist to spot some of the bird life and smaller mammals.
Day 7 Dudhwa National Park: Jeep Safaris
Setting out in to the park early this morning will give the best chance of seeing some of the larger mammals such as tigers, deer, sloth bears, jungle cats and fishing cats when they are most active. Explore the park further on an afternoon safari with the opportunity to see the behaviour of the animals as they prepare for the night.
Day 8 Dudhwa National Park – Lucknow: French Colonial Mansion
This morning head to Lucknow, the city of the Nawabs, this historic and multicultural city is the capital of Uttar Pradesh and known for its delicious cuisine. This afternoon visit La Martinière College, a school housed in a late 18th century mansion built by a wealthy Frenchman. Tour the grounds taking in the various architectural styles of the impressive building.
Day 9 Lucknow: Nawabi Architecture
A tour of Lucknow takes you first of all to Gol Darwaza, the city’s old quarter where narrow lanes are lined with crumbling havelis with ornate windows and intricate woodwork. The tiny shops bustle with locals, and the vendors sell handcrafted embroidery, kites and perfumes. Home to a number of grand buildings, colonial and Mughal architecture sit side by side in Lucknow and you will tour the British built Residency along with the colossal Shia shrine of the Imambara. Here visit the mosque, stepwell, central hall and the remarkable network of alleyways creating an underground labyrinth. Stop at the tomb of Rumi Darwaza, one of the most impressive buildings in Lucknow. This evening head out on a food tour and try some of the specialities that Lucknow is known for, hop in and out of roadside eateries enjoying fresh food cooked in front of you.
Day 10 Lucknow – Allahabad: Plantation Life
Drive towards Allahabad or Prayagraj this morning, stopping at the Planter’s Bungalow and your home for the night. This heritage retreat set amidst lush fruit orchards was built as a country house in a large indigo plantation. This afternoon you can head out by bicycle on the many trails around the plantation taking in the forests, or perhaps enjoy a nature walk around the property and through the orchards.
Day 11 Allahabad: Sacred Rivers
Heading into Allahabad this morning you will visit Anand Bhavan, the ancestral home of the Nehru family, full of photos and personal effects of the family which has produced three Indian prime ministers. Continue on to Khusro Bagh, a walled garden with three Mughal style mausoleums before arriving at the Hanuman Mandir Temple. The temple houses a 20 foot Hanuman statue and becomes slightly submerged when the Ganges is in full flow. Later this afternoon take a small boat on to the river at Sangam, the holy site of the confluence of the Yamuna, Ganges and Saraswati Rivers. Hindus believe that bathing in this sacred spot will wash away their sins.
Day 12 Allahabad – Varanasi: Evening Aarti Ceremony
The Ganges then meanders on to Varanasi and while your road route is more direct, you will pick up the sacred river again with an evening Aarti ceremony on the ghats. Varanasi is considered one of the holiest sites in Hinduism with pilgrims coming in their thousands to wash in the river or cremate their loved ones. The devotional ritual of the evening ceremony involves the lighting of large lamps, burning of incense and chanting by priests, watch the ceremony from the vantage point of a small boat in the river to take in the full experience.
Day 13 Varanasi: Sacred City
Before dawn head back to the river through the sleeping city and take a sunrise boat trip seeing the devotees performing morning rituals. Later in the morning explore more of Varanasi, the city is full of winding alleyways, filled with people, colour and noise. Stop at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most significant in India and the Manikarnika Ghat, the main cremation ghat where rituals continue 24 hours a day. Varanasi is India at its most vibrant.
Day 14 Varanasi: Sarnath & Departure
This morning visit Sarnath, another spiritual centre but quite the contrast to energetic Varanasi. It was at Sarnath that the Buddha delivered his first sermon following enlightenment and a collection of monasteries and stupas were built from the 3rd century. Despite falling into ruin they now attract pilgrims from all over the world. After your visit transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Taj Mahal Lucknow, Lucknow
The stylish Taj Mahal (Formerly the Taj Residency) in Lucknow is positioned on 22 acres of lush green landscaped gardens, including a jogging track and poolside lawns. With architecture that reflects the glories of Nawabi era, this hotel brims with design details that reflect the grandeur of the past. Graceful pillars, rich tapestries, and intricate decoration evoke fairytale luxury, whilst also being in close vicinity of the airport, railway station and the excitement of the city centre. The best five star option in this historical city.
Chambal Safari Lodge, Jarar
Chambal Safari Lodge is an oasis of calm and tranquillity nestling in the midst of a sprawling 35-acre heritage plantation, surrounded by family owned farmland. Located approximately 70km southeast of Agra, it is only an hour’s drive from the Taj Mahal. The ecolodge has its own foundation which focuses on conservation of the National Chambal Sanctuary, host to the Chambal Ravines, a haven for birdlife. There are twelve rooms in total, with two located in the main house and the rest in cottages across the grounds. Experience the organic ingredients served in a delicious menu in the restaurant or by the fireside. This is all about the setting and the excursions do not disappoint with much to suit those both interested in culture and wildlife.
Colonel's Retreat, Delhi
The Colonel's Retreat Guesthouse is a family run property not too far from the airport in Delhi, with just a few rooms each with en-suite bathroom and air conditioning. The rooms open into a communal living area with modern furnishings. The guest house is located in quiet southern Delhi and is a short walk from the Defence Colony market. With such a small number of rooms the retreat offers personalised and friendly service and also serves a good breakfast to its guests.
Suryauday Haveli, Varanasi
Suryauday Haveli on Shivala Ghats is a reflection of the spirit of the holy city of Benaras (Varanasi). The Haveli traces its history back to the early 20th century. It was built by the Royal Family of Nepal as a retreat for the aged. Its now been painstakingly put together again to provide the best ghat experience in Benaras. Your stay begins with a 15 minute boat ride upstream along the famous ghats of Benaras to reach the Haveli. The Haveli is also connected by small alleys and streets leading to the Famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple (15 minutes walk). Most of the rooms have riverviews each fitted with an attached bath, air-conditioning, direct dial telephones and cable television. The hotel has outdoor seating in the courtyard as well as the Roof Top Terrace, where light snacks and beverages are served- a fabulous location in the city to catch the evening sunset and daily aarti. Daily yoga is also practised on the rooftop a great way to begin the day.
Planter's Bungalow, Allahabad
The Planter's Bungalow offers guests a heritage retreat in a 150 year old bungalow. Rooms are light and spacious with en suite bathrooms and period features and furniture. Guests can enjoy the use of the lounge and also sit out in the vast gardens enjoying the native plants and birdlife. Local cuisine is provided by the chefs who share family recipes with the guests to provide a true taste of the region and the bungalow is well located for visiting the nearby sights of Uttar Pradesh.
24 MG Road, Kannauj
In this historic haveli which has played an important role in the perfume industry of Kannauj, guests will find a traditional perfumery as well as boutique guest accommodation. Just one courtyard suite can be found on the ground floor along with a spacious living room, library and bar. Guests can take part in the full experience when in Kannauj, heading to the plantation to pick the flower petals, experiencing the distillery and then returning to the haveli to learn about the blending of the fragrances. Meal times are a generous affair with carefully curated menus offering the freshest of ingredients.
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Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
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Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Shalmali by calling
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OTHER ITINERARIES IN INDIA
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