A Journey to the Hills of North India

Namaste! Welcome to India!
You will experience the many facets of this captivating capital—both the modern and the ancient—as you explore both New and Old Delhi.

Experience Old Delhi, from the opulent Red Fort and massive Jama Masjid mosque to the narrow bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk. New Delhi’s Gateway to India and the Presidential Palace showcase modern history, yet the 12th century Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb show that even this part of town has an ancient past.

Drive to Haridwar, where you’ll stay at Aalia Resort. Set on the banks of the Ganges, this world-class property is nestled in acres of verdant foliage around pristine reserve forests, bringing you closer to nature. While here, we’ll experience an aarti ceremony, a devotional ritual that takes place as dusk descends on the river.

You’re off to Rishikesh today, which you’ll have a full day to explore. Venture down to the ghats to relax amidst the daily goings-on, and enjoy some of the delicious food here (this is a holy Hindu town, so it will be an all-vegetarian meal). You can also take a boat across the river.

Make your way to Corbett today, where you’ll stay at a 15-acre retreat amid forests and a seasonal river that comes to life during the monsoon. Here, you may find grazing deer, wild boar, jackal and even the occasional tiger or leopard. During their seasonal migration, elephant herds are often sighted on walks here.

Enjoy morning and afternoon explorations of the park with your naturalist. Nestled between the Himalayan foothills and the Shivalik hills, Corbett Tiger Reserve is extremely bio-diverse and extends over 500 square miles of scrub, grassland, sal forests, rivers and a lake.

Originally named Hailey National Park, this park was later named in honor of Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter turned conservationist, who was instrumental in drawing out the park’s boundaries. You’ll have another full day to discover this enchanting wilderness with your naturalist.

You’re off to Itmenaan Estate today, passing beautiful little hamlets and snow-capped Himalayan peaks along the way. When you arrive at the estate, relax with a book, or do something more active: engage in some bird – watching, ride ponies, or simply roam the oak forests. Tonight, enjoy drinks and dinner by the bonfire.

As your tour to North India continues, make your way to Thikalna Village House today. Alluringly remote, the house is reached by driving and then undertaking a 45-minute hike through striking Himalayan scenery. Set at the edge of a cliff at an altitude of 7,300 feet, Thikalna gives one a sense of being in another world.

This morning, walk along the ridge to the Bridh Jageshwar temple complex, enjoying beautiful views of mighty Nanda Devi, one of India’s highest peaks. Savor a picnic lunch, before embarking on another invigorating walk to the village of Ganghet, where you will spend the night. The evening may be spent at leisure by a bonfire.

After breakfast, walk downhill to the temple of Jhankarsem—one of the most famous temples of the region—and past terraced fields, old Kumaoni houses and small village temples. You’ll get a chance to interact with the locals in the villages before you trek back to Itmenaan Estate.

Spend the day enjoying the beauty and activities on offer at Itmenaan Estate, before enjoying a farewell dinner this evening.

Transfer to Kathgodam station and to board your overnight train for Delhi, the buzzing capital of India, for the conclusion of your North India tour.

After arriving in Delhi, relax at your hotel this morning. In the afternoon, visit the famous National Gallery of Modern Art, home to over 14,000 works. Later, walk through the medieval settlement Nizzamuddin basti before transferring to the airport for your flight home.