Taj Mahal
An absolute must-see, the Taj Mahal is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Built by the Emperor Shah Jahan after the heartbreak of losing his beloved wife, he created the building specifically to house her tomb. Made from thousands of semi-precious stones and exquisite white marble, it truly is a sight to behold. Named a World Heritage Site in 1983, it still appears as impeccable today as when it was first built, over 350 years ago - prepare to marvel at the spectacular marble dome and forty-metre-high white minarets. Meanwhile, the mausoleum is the centrepiece of the entire complex, complete with glorious ornamental gardens, fountains and a reflecting pool, in which the Taj is beautifully mirrored.
Agra Fort
The magnificent Agra Fort is one of the finest Mughal forts in India, boasting a structure made from beautiful red-sandstone and marble. Construction of the fort began in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, with further additions made by his grandson, Shah Jahan, using marble to turn the fort into a palace, which later became his prison for 8 years. Inside its vast walls contains a maze of buildings, forming almost a city within a city. The fort was also used by the British as a garrison and, even today, much of the fort is reserved for Indian military use only.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
A series of steps leading down to the Ganges River, Dashashwamedh Ghat is widely considered the most spectacular ghat in Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India. Lively and full of colour, you can enjoy the bustling atmosphere while watching the world go by. During the evening, watch groups of priests performing a vibrant worship ceremony with songs, fire and dance.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Among the vast number of temples in Varanasi, this is the most famous of them all. A central part of Hindu worship, the temple stands on the western bank of the holy Ganges River. It features stunning gold plating on the dome, tower and spire, whilst, to the north, you will find the Jnana Vapi Wisdom Well – the water of which is considered to be ‘liquid knowledge’.
Outdoor Activities
The scenic, mountainous surroundings of Rishikesh provide many opportunities for lovers of the outdoors. River-rafting is a particular highlight and Rishikesh is actually known as the ‘River Rafting Capital of India’! Suitable for all levels of ability and thrill-seeking, you can hurtle through the exhilarating white-water rapids of the Ganga Gorge, or venture down calmer waters as you discover beautiful limestone caves. The water can also be enjoyed with kayaking and canoeing adventures. For an outdoor experience out of the water, leisurely forest walks and mountain-biking are perfect activities. Savour the lush environments of the jungle and forest, as you trek past stunning, secluded waterfalls - the Garud Chatti waterfall is particularly lovely.
Sightseeing Tours
There are a variety of sightseeing tours available for exploring the culture, sights and sounds of Uttar Pradesh. Why not incorporate your visit to the region within a tour of the famous ‘Golden Triangle’, which takes in other featured Indian locations, such as Delhi and Rajasthan?
Flight Information
London Heathrow to Delhi and Mumbai, with onward connecting flights to Goa, Cochin, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Kerala.
Please contact our Travel Consultants for flight details.
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
Visas are required prior to arrival and can be obtained on line at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/ Alternatively, you can contact CIBT on 0845 800 4650 or www.uk.cibt.com
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations ie, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.