Highlights of Northern India - Summer itinerary

We stay in centrally located city hotels (two- or three-star, local rating) that mix heritage and modern styles, plus a jungle hotel in Sariska National Park and the overnight sleeper train from Agra to Varanasi. The accommodations typically used can be found on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the notable accommodations on this trip. Sariska: Sariska Tiger Camp (night 1) A resort situated close to the Sariska Tiger Reserve offering comfortable accommodation with modern amenities. The restaurant serves authentic regional dishes, plus you can relax in the pool or just sit in the gardens giving your senses a break, away from city noise, smells and heat! Jaipur: 7 Apple Hotel (nights 1-2) The 7 Apple sits directly across from Jal Mahal Lake in the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Recently refurbished, it has modern and bright rooms with lake or Nahargarh Hill views. Agra to Varanasi: Sleeper train (night 5) Experience an icon of travel: the Indian sleeper train! Our journey takes us from Agra to Varanasi, skipping the long drive, while also allowing us to interact with the local people and sample the snacks often sold on board. The accommodation is basic: we normally stay in two-tier sleepers, the compartments sectioned off from the aisle by privacy curtains. Seats are allocated at the time the tickets are issued, so the whole group isn’t always together; however, our tour leader is an expert at making the journey as hassle-free as possible and will regularly check in with you. Delhi: Bloom Hotel, Karol Bagh (nights 7-8) Bloom Hotel, Karol Bagh is nestled in a commercial and residential area in Karol Bagh, and it’s conveniently located just five minutes from the metro station. Worth knowing Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are only a couple of months when the weather can get cold. You can, however, request more blankets if needed or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter. For Varanasi, standard check-in time at the hotel is 2pm. Early check-in is not available to pre-book due to high room occupancy. However, we have a good partnership with the hotel, and they always try to prioritise rooms for Exodus travellers as early as possible on the check-in day. Prior to check-in at Varanasi, the hotel communal areas are available and you may leave your luggage in the hotel until your room is available. It’s common for hotels in India to have limited times in the day for hot water use to save energy. If you find your shower is cold, please let your leader or reception know so they can make sure the water heater is on. Within the sleeper train, you may be sharing a compartment of four beds with members of the public depending on how the seats are allocated. Single accommodation excludes sleeper trains.