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Famous indian landmark - Sikh gurdwara Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib). Amritsar, Punjab, India

North India Holidays


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North India holidays are home to a land of mystical temples, spiritual places and magnificent scenery. This is the India you’ve probably been dreaming about.

Climb north from the plains to the quaint colonial hill station of Shimla where the towering peaks of the Himalayas crowd the horizon. Breathe in the fresh air, delicately scented with pine and rhododendron, and marvel at the stunning views towards the world’s mightiest mountain range.

Spiritual and seductive, and one of the oldest inhabited places on the planet, Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges is also one of India’s holiest cities. The Hindu pilgrims that flock here provide one of India’s most enduring images. Amritsar is the cultural hub of the Punjab and a visit to the Golden Temple, Sikhism’s most sacred site, should not be missed.

Trailfinders offers a wide range of North India holidays and we have a dedicated team of destination specialists who are a mine of information about what to do in North India, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore India with a private car and driver, on a sociable small group tour, on a luxury rail journey, or are simply looking for advice on where best to enjoy your North India holiday - they are the perfect people to ask.
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OUR HOLIDAYS TO NORTH INDIA

Nobody offers more ways to explore North India than Trailfinders.

Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular holidays to North India. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.

Alternatively give us a call and one of our expert travel consultants can tailormake your perfect private tour.
Shimla Extension
Private Tour
5 days / 4 nights

Soak up Shimla’s colonial charm while relaxing in two of the most luxurious hotels in the Himalayas on this scenic extension.

Guide Price: €1,649 pp

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Amritsar Extension
Private Tour
3 days / 2 nights

Extend your tour with a trip to enchanting Amritsar – the spiritual heart of Punjab, centre of Sikhism and one of India’s most captivating cities.

Guide Price: €599 pp

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North India: Delhi, Dharamshala & the Golden Temple
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
8 days / 7 nights

Uncover the soul of North India on this 8-day journey through the Himalayan foothills.

Guide Price: €699 pp

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Dharamsala & Amritsar Extension
Private Tour
4 days / 3 nights

Discover some of the highlights of northern India, from the Buddhist culture of Dharamsala to the holy city of Amritsar.

Guide Price: €935 pp

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Lucknow Extension
Private Tour
4 days / 3 nights

Foodies and history lovers will be sure to fall under oft overlooked Lucknow’s spell on this fascinating city extension.

Guide Price: €859 pp

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Ladakh in Style
Private Tour
11 days / 10 nights

Best visited between May and September, Ladakh boasts untouched wilderness and spectacular landscapes unlike elsewhere in India.

Guide Price: €4,559 pp

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WHERE TO GO IN NORTH INDIA

Each region of North India boasts its own attractions and it’s no exaggeration to say each merits a holiday in its own right.

Click on the tiles below to browse a list of our preferred accommodation in each North India holiday destination. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
Amritsar
Amritsar is the spiritual and cultural heart of Punjab. The narrow streets and vibrant bazaars of the old town attest to the city’s history as the gateway to India on the overland route from Asia. The spectacular Golden Temple, the most holy shrine in Sikhism, is a highlight and a must of any visit to the city.
Ladakh
Ladakh, the ‘Land of High Passes’ is a rugged wilderness in the far north of India surrounded by majestic mountain scenery and enchanting Tibetan style palaces and monasteries at every turn. A former trading post on the legendary Silk Road, the city of Leh is a real highlight as is crossing the Khardung-La Pass, the highest motorable road in the world.
Lucknow
Infamous as the scene of the Siege of Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny against British rule, Lucknow boasts splendid Raj era buildings, superb mausoleums and flavoursome food. The city’s rich culture stems from the Nawabs, patrons of the arts who were responsible for transforming the city into the ‘Constantinople of India’.
Shimla
The former summer capital of British India, Shimla, provides a glimpse into India’s colonial past. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, there are plenty of glorious views to enjoy, as well as a wealth of fascinating colonial-era buildings to explore. The famous narrow-gauge ‘toy’ train is a popular and picturesque way to connect Shimla to the lowlands.
Varanasi
The holy city of Varanasi sits on the banks of the sacred Ganges and is characterised by a maze of alleyways which winds behind the crowded waterfront ghats (ceremonial steps). Here, at the water’s edge, the faithful come to wash away their sins or to cremate their loved ones. This can be a thought-provoking and spiritual experience to witness.
Khajuraho
Discover the magnificent Hindu temples at Khajuraho, famous for their intricate and erotic carvings dating from the 10th and 11th Centuries. Nearby to Panna National Park, where you can enjoy a game drive, this small town is a great addition to any North India itinerary.
Dharamshala
Dharamsala, home to the Dalai Lama, is a popular destination for wellness holidays in India. Here, you can enjoy visits to the Tsuglagkhang complex containing the residence of the Dalai Lama and the interesting Tibet Museum.
Chandigarh
Easily reached by train from Delhi, Chandigarh is home to various attractions that make it worth a stop, including the serene Sukhna Lake and a Rock Garden. The capital of the northern Indian states of Punjab and Haryana is often combined with a visit to Dharampur and Shimla.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN NORTH INDIA

We feature a great range of accommodation in North India, with something to suit all budgets. The choice ranges from world renowned Wellness retreats designed to soothe your body and soul, cosy homestays high in the Himalayas, luxurious tented travelling camps to even an 18th Century lake palace which is a modern day movie star!

What you won’t find here are thousands of North India hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort
5 plus star

Shimla

Set within 23 acres of cedar forest on the site of the former summer residence of Lord Kitchener, Wildflower Hall exudes the ambience of a grand stately home.
Chamba Camp Thiksey, Ladakh
5 star

Ladakh

Located in the shadows of the famed Thiksey Monastery at an altitude at 3,500m, this luxury camp offers a variety of fascinating included activities.
Norbu The Montanna, Dharamshala - IHCL SeleQtions
4 plus star

Dharamsala

With sweeping views of the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range, this luxury hotel enjoys a secluded location amidst one of the most picturesque valleys of the lower Himalayas.
Taj Mahal, Lucknow
4 plus star

Lucknow

Previously the Vivanta by Taj Gomti Nagar, this hotel is set amongst 33 acres of landscaped gardens on the banks of the River Gomti.
Ananda in the Himalayas
5 star

Narendra Nagar, Nr Rishikesh

Set on an erstwhile maharaja’s palace estate, with views over the Ganges river valley, award-winning Ananda is a superb spot to rejuvenate physically, emotionally and spiritually.
The Oberoi Cecil
5 star

Shimla

The Oberoi Cecil is a historic hotel that has been beautifully restored to offer a Himalayan base full of character and comfort.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT NORTH INDIA?

The best time to visit North India is October to March. In October, day time temperatures will be around 30 degrees, in January these will dip to the low twenties, making sightseeing very pleasant. It can sometimes be a bit foggy in the morning and a little cooler in the evenings. July to September is monsoon season; it will be hot and humid with heavy rains.

For more information, take a look at our guide to the best time to visit India.

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North India Fast Facts

What is the time difference in North India?

India is 5:30 hours ahead of GMT and there are no daylight savings clock changes

How long is the flight to North India?

Flight time to India averages between 9 to 11 hours depending on the destination

What currency is used in North India?

Indian Rupee (INR). ATM's are available in cities and large towns and most hotels accept credit/debit cards

Do you tip in North India?

Tipping in India is customary but not obligatory. A tip of around 10% for service staff is usually sufficient

What language is spoken in North India?

There are many languages spoken in India, the most common being Hindi. English is also widely spoken

Do I need a visa to travel to North India?

A visa is required for travel to India (Irish passport holders). Visit our visa pages for more information


Tales from the Trail

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