8 Places For Your North India Travel Itinerary

Travelling to India is becoming increasingly popular, with more tour groups and guides offering trips to this fascinating country. Understandably, many people feel a bit hesitant about travelling to India, especially solo or without a tour guide. I won’t lie, there are a few safety concerns to be aware of. Pollution levels, particularly in the North, can cause health issues, and like in many popular tourist destinations, there may be a few people who try to scam you. So, it’s wise to stay alert. 

That being said, the general population of India is incredibly kind and will often go out of their way to help you. The food is absolutely out of this world, offering dishes you've likely never heard of. There's also a diverse culture to immerse yourself in, especially when it comes to religion and spirituality. It’s truly fascinating to learn more about it. 

When you first arrive, expect sensory overload. There’s just so much going on! Constant beeping from tuk-tuks, bustling streets packed with people, cows and elephants casually strolling nearby, and monkeys swinging above your head. It’s like nowhere else in the world. A bit chaotic, but completely worth it. 

I’ll admit, I was nervous before my first visit to India. While we encountered a few problems along the way, the trip turned out to be an incredible experience. If you're feeling unsure, I’d recommend booking a guided tour for that extra sense of safety. Intro Travel offers an amazing 13-day “India Experience” tour that covers many highlights. On top of that, they have incredible guides who make the tour super fun!  

Top Places to See in North India 

In this blog, I’ll share with you the must-see highlights of North India, helping you decide which spots to include in your itinerary. 

Lotus Temple 

We begin in Delhi, the whirlwind capital of India. The Lotus Temple is a Baháʼí House of Worship. The Baháʼí faith emphasises the unity of God, humanity, and all religions. Designed to resemble a lotus flower, the temple is visually striking. Surrounded by pools, the temple feels serene despite being in the heart of the bustling city. It’s particularly breathtaking at night when beautifully lit.

Jama Masjid 

Located near Old Delhi, this grand mosque is again an impressive piece of architecture. The scale and beauty of the structure are mesmerising. Visitors are provided with robes to ensure respectful dress. It’s a perfect place to sit and absorb the atmosphere. You might even spot a cheeky monkey or two.  

The Blue City  

Next, we head to Jodhpur, famous for its blue-painted buildings. These were traditionally painted this way to reflect sunlight and keep interiors cool during the extreme heat in summer. It’s incredibly photogenic, so wear your best blue ensemble and take plenty of pictures. My favourite moment was sipping chai on a rooftop café at sunset, looking out at the sea of blue buildings.  

Osian Desert 

Just outside Jodhpur lies the Osian Desert, offering a luxury glamping experience. These huts are far more elaborate than what you might find in the UK, decorated with intricate rugs and local designs. We took a thrilling jeep ride across the sand dunes, such an adrenaline rush! You can also try sandboarding and enjoy traditional music and dance performances in the evening. It’s truly magical. 

Pushkar 

Pushkar is a really special place to visit. A sacred city for Hindus, Pushkar is alcohol-free and known for its spiritual atmosphere. It’s a place of pilgrimage, meaning you are able to gain a deeper understanding of Hindu culture and traditions during your visit. Be sure to visit the Pushkar Lake and Brahma Temple. During the Holi Festival, the city becomes especially vibrant and celebratory. 

Amber Fort 

Next we move to Jaipur, also known as the Pink City. India is home to several famous forts, but Amber Fort was a standout for me. As it's perched on a hilltop, you’ll need a jeep to reach the top, but the panoramic views are well worth it. The architecture is spectacular, with mosaic-tiled archways perfect for photos. This is the only fort where they still have elephants. Please avoid the elephant rides here though, as they are not entirely ethically.  

Ranthambhore National Park 

Ranthambhore was the highlight of my trip. As an animal lover, seeing wildlife in their natural habitat was incredibly special. The park is home to deer, wild boars, sloth bears, leopards, and most importantly tigers. 

You can go on a sunrise or sunset safari, when animals are most active. Each jeep is assigned a specific zone, and a guide helps you spot wildlife as you drive through the park. We were unbelievably lucky. We saw four tigers: a mother and her three cubs, with two cubs walking right in front of our jeep! Their bright fur, huge paws, and powerful shoulders were amazing to witness. One of them even sneezed loudly, which made everyone jump! It was an unforgettable experience, that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Taj Mahal

We end in Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This has to be ultimate bucket list experience of India. Seeing it in person is surreal, it truly looks like a 3D postcard. When you walk through the archway and see the Taj for the first time, it takes your breath away. I recommend visiting at sunrise, as this was when we went and it was certainly less crowded. The best photo spot is the famous Princess Diana bench, but be prepared to stand your ground for your turn, as it gets extremely busy! This monument is reason enough to visit India and an experience I’ll always be grateful for. 

Conclusion 

And that wraps up my guide to the must-see destinations in North India. Of course, this is just the beginning, there’s even more to explore in the South. India is a truly extraordinary place to visit and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don’t be put off by the cultural differences; they’re part of what makes the country so magical. 

I hope this blog helps you plan your itinerary and inspires you to visit some of these incredible places. Stay tuned for more travel tips and recommendations!