India is one of Asia’s most rewarding destinations, offering a mix of grand monuments, rich traditions, vibrant cities and unique wildlife. From exploring the crowded streets of Old Delhi to watching the sun rise over the Taj Mahal in Agra, there’s a lot of history and culture to take in. Throughout the trip, food plays a central role, from delicious samosas to thalis packed with lentils, fresh breads and chutneys.
In this blog, Llama Travel shares six experiences that give you a real sense of northern India’s highlights including the famous Golden Triangle, Ranthambore’s wildlife and the sacred River Ganges in Varanasi.
Discover Old Delhi’s Cultural Charm
Delhi, India’s vibrant capital is a city of contrasts, with historic monuments and busy markets. You can hop on a rickshaw and ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets, packed with colours, spices and street food. It’s a fun and lively way to see the heart of bustling Delhi. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. If you’re visiting in winter, a hot cup of chai served in a traditional clay kullad is a warming local treat.
Admire the Taj Mahal
Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra is best known as the home of the Taj Mahal which is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. This incredible monument was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, and took over 20 years to complete, with 22,000 artisans and 1,000 elephants working on it. Visit at sunrise, as it glows in the morning light, when it is at its most peaceful, elegant, and unforgettable.
Explore the Palaces of Jaipur, the Pink City
Jaipur, the Pink City, gets its name from the pink-coloured buildings first painted in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales. The tradition continues today, with the entire Old City now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While in Jaipur, visit the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, known for its five-storey façade and 952 intricately designed windows that once allowed royal women to watch the street life below. You can also explore the nearby City Palace, a grand complex of courtyards, gardens and museums, where the Jaipur royal family still resides. Just outside the city, the hilltop Amber Palace is one of the city’s most impressive sights. A short jeep ride takes you to the entrance, where you can walk through the old palace and see the traditional Rajput style architecture that reflects the city’s royal past.
Spot Tigers on a Game Drive in Ranthambore
Ranthambore National Park is one of the best places in India to spot wildlife, especially the Royal Bengal tiger. Once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the park became a protected reserve in 1980 and now covers 400 square kilometres of forest, lakes and rocky hills between the Aravali and Vindhya ranges. On a game drive through the park, you might spot leopards, crocodiles, deer and over 300 species of birds. But the real highlight is the chance to spot a tiger in the wild, an unforgettable experience for any wildlife lover.
Experience the Spiritual Rituals of Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities. Life here revolves around the River Ganges, where pilgrims gather at sunrise to bathe in its sacred waters. Along the ghats, traditional Hindu cremation ceremonies take place, with the belief that having one’s ashes scattered in the river brings liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Walking along the ghats and witnessing the candle-lit rituals in the evening offers a glimpse into the spiritual heart of India.
Enjoy the Flavours of Indian Cuisine
Food is a big part of the Indian experience, and each region has its own local favourites. In the north, a popular snack is the crispy samosa, while a typical meal often includes a bowl of lentil dal served with fresh breads like naan or roti. A traditional North Indian thali is a great way to try a bit of everything it usually includes lentils, vegetable curries, rice, pickles, chutneys, and something sweet to finish, all served on a round metal tray. It’s filling, full of variety and flavour, and widely available in the northern parts of the country. In winter, don’t miss a hot cup of chai (tea), especially in Delhi, where it’s served in clay cups and spiced with cardamom or ginger, perfect for cooler mornings.