Last Updated : Nov 19, 2025  |   Author : Tanya Parsad   |   View Count : 1751   |   Read Time : 9 min

The Best Luxury North India Tour Packages for First-Time US Visitors

India is a beautiful subcontinent. A culturally rich nation where people speak different languages, practice various religions, and eat multiple cuisines. It is genuinely unlike any other place on earth to travel through this land of diversity, from the busy bazaars to serene temples, from historic forts to magnificent natural wonders. Now that you've finally decided to take that long-awaited trip to India, North India is honestly where you should start. Keep reading to discover luxury vacation packages that'll help you plan something truly unforgettable.
 

What are the best luxury North India tour packages for first-time visitors?

First-timers should consider five incredible options: the Golden Triangle tour (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) combined with a Ranthambore wildlife safari, a royal palace experience across Rajasthan's heritage hotels, a desert adventure in Jaisalmer's Thar Desert, a spiritual journey through Varanasi and Ayodhya's sacred sites, or a trip to Kashmir's snow-capped mountains and Dal Lake

Table of Contents

1. Can I club North India’s Iconic Golden Triangle with a Wildlife Safari?
2. How Can I Experience the Life of Royals in India?
3. Where Can I experience the raw beauty of India’s Thar Desert?
4. How Can I Explore India’s Spiritual Landscape?
5. Where does India’s “Paradise on Earth” lie?
6. FAQ

Can I club North India’s Iconic Golden Triangle with a Wildlife Safari?

Visiting India for the first time? The Golden Triangle tour is the perfect way to experience the stunning architecture and rich history of Northern India. The journey takes you through three cities: Delhi (India's capital), Jaipur (the pink city), Agra (the timeless city of love), and then Ranthambore for some wildlife action.

You will arrive at the Delhi airport, then check in and relax at any one of the luxury hotels like The Oberoi, The Imperial India, etc. Wander around Khari Baoli, the biggest wholesale spice market in Asia, which sells a wide variety of spices, nuts, herbs, and food items like rice and tea. Explore the incredible Humayun's Tomb, with its stunning view of the Persian-style garden called Char Bagh. After that, hit up the famous Qutub Minar (India's tallest masonry tower and a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Jama Masjid, and the magnificent Red Fort.

After around a 4-hour drive from Delhi to Agra, you will arrive at your luxury accommodation, like the Oberoi or Taj Hotel. Take a tour of the Agra Fort, located just a few minutes away from the Taj Mahal. You will see magnificent Mughal architecture and have a great view of the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is why most people visit Agra, honestly. It's the ultimate symbol of eternal love and one of the seven wonders of the world. I've seen it countless times in pictures, but standing in front of it? A completely different experience. To fully appreciate the enchanted beauty of the seventh wonder of the world, you should go to the Taj Mahal early in the morning.

On your four-hour drive to Jaipur, make a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the ancient city built by Akbar. It's worth the detour. Once you enter "the pink city" of Jaipur, take a tour of the incredible Abhaneri stepwell, also known as Chand Baori. Amer Fort, located on top of a small hill with a view of Maota Lake, is a popular tourist attraction in Jaipur. While enjoying the views of this beautifully carved fort, you will witness the Sheesh Mahal, which sparkles even with the light of a single candle.

To get to Ranthambore National Park, it's a 3-hour road trip from Jaipur. The road's pretty smooth with hardly any potholes, which is a blessing. Awaken your wild side in the dense jungle of Ranthambore. The several dozen Bengal Tigers that live here can be seen wandering through the park, and you will also witness the Ranthambore fort and the remains of ancient temples.
 

TL;DR: Experience India's iconic trio of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, featuring the Taj Mahal, historic forts, and vibrant bazaars, before heading to Ranthambore National Park for an unforgettable Bengal tiger safari.

Book Your Golden Triangle Tour
 

How Can I Experience the Life of Royals in India?
 

If you want to live like a maharaja, there's honestly no better place than Rajasthan. Rajasthan is known for its grandeur and splendor, and it is home to many royal palaces that have been transformed into luxurious hotels. From Suryagarh Palace in Jaisalmer to Jodhpur's Umaid Bhawan Palace and Udaipur's Taj Lake Palace, a floating marvel on Lake Pichola, to Rambagh Palace in Jaipur.

You can start your journey at Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, built way back in 1835. It used to be a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge, and it's absolutely stunning with hand-carved marble latticework, sandstone balustrades, and these gorgeous Mughal gardens. One of its many well-known restaurants is Suvarna Mahal, which serves Royal Indian cuisine and is located in the palace ballroom.

You can also indulge in a variety of cuisines at the Rajput Room and finger food at the Polo Bar. Enjoy a meal outside at Verandah, and then head to Steam (a unique lounge bar) in a restored train car with a steam engine, for an evening cocktail. You can explore the palace's rich history on a heritage walk or treat yourself to spa treatments and yoga inspired by Ayurveda at the Wellness Corner.

After you've said goodbye to the Pink City, head to Jodhpur's magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace. The royal family still lives there, actually, just in a separate wing. Like the Maharajas, dine on recipes handed down from generations of royal chefs at the Risala restaurant. Enjoy a vintage wine or the latest cocktail sensation at the sports-themed bar, which displays the real hunting artifacts. You can also go to some of Jodhpur's most well-known sites, such as Jaswant Thada and Mehrangarh Fort.

It's a 5-hour drive from Jodhpur to Udaipur's Taj Lake Palace, and it's absolutely worth it. This pristine white marble palace literally floats on Lake Pichola like something out of a dream. Every glance here reveals breathtaking views of the magnificent city of Udaipur, the serene lake, and the rolling hills. Indulge in authentic Rajasthani delicacies at Neel Kamal, savor European dishes at Bhairo, or enjoy world cuisine at Jharokha restaurant. Eating a candlelit dinner overlooking the lake is a truly magical experience. Enjoy signature cocktails at the Amrit Sagar bar, and then luxuriate at the Wellness Circle.

We reach our final destination. Jaisalmer's Suryagarh Palace sits right in the middle of the Thar Desert, offering this peaceful haven amidst the vast, untouched landscape. The rooms here provide cozy retreats with veranda and turret views, combining historic charm with modern comforts that are ideal for visitors seeking style and leisure. Indulge in an exquisite dinner on serene dunes under the moonlight for an unforgettable experience. You can enjoy a drink at the Draksh bar or relax in the in-house spa, Rait.
 

Plan Your Royal Palace Tour
 

Where Can I experience the raw beauty of India’s Thar Desert?

Jaisalmer is hands down one of Rajasthan's most amazing locations and my favorite place for experiencing the desert's splendor. The desert scenery, the people, the architecture—everything makes you feel like you've genuinely traveled back in time. Marvel at the incredible Jaisalmer fort, also known as the Golden fort. You can spend as much time as you like exploring the bustling streets of the golden city because entry to the fort is completely free.

The best way to see Jaisalmer is to stroll around it, you'll see stunning shops, fascinating buildings, and amazing cafes. The Thar Desert is about an hour's drive from the main city. At the desert camping site, you'll meet your guide and your camel (yes, your actual camel for the safari). The best months for a desert safari are from October to March, as it's pleasant during the day and not very cold at night. The best timing for a camel safari is in the afternoon from 4:30 pm onwards till sunset.

Enjoy the golden dunes before sunset, then find yourself a good spot to watch the sun sink low in that endless sea of sand. There's something genuinely magical about having dinner under the stars while camping in the Thar Desert. You can spend a night here at one of the luxurious camps.
 

Plan Your Desert Safari
 

How Can I Explore India’s Spiritual Landscape?

If you've ever wished to see the same ghats where saints once meditated, hear temple bells mingling with chants, or witness centuries-old devotion up close, then a trip to Vrindavan, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya is exactly what your soul needs. You will visit the most revered temples and sites in North India during this seven-day spiritual tour.

Start your journey from Vrindavan. It's about a three-hour drive from Delhi via the Yamuna Expressway. Admire the exquisite architecture of the Sri Radha Mohan Ji temple before exploring the well-known ISKCON temple complex. Enjoy the light and sound show at the beautiful Prem Mandir, then depart for Delhi and relax at any of the luxurious hotels like The Taj, The Leela, or The Radisson Blu. The next morning, you can take a direct flight to Varanasi.

For Hindus, Varanasi is the most sacred city. Anyone who wants to come closer to themselves should visit this place at least once in their lifetime. Varanasi is considered an important place for life and death. Do you know why? The pilgrims who visit here believe that if they die in this holy place and are cremated within 24 hours, they can achieve moksha (ending the cycle of death and rebirth), which is kind of similar to Nirvana.

Begin your day in Varanasi with visits to the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Kal Bhairav Temple. Don't miss the world-famous Ganga aarti at the Dashashwamedha Ghat. Check out the magnificent sculpture shaped like hands folded in a 'namaste' gesture at Namo Ghat. You can also visit the holy cremation site at Harishchandra Ghat.

Our chauffeur will drive you from Varanasi to Prayagraj, which takes two hours and thirty minutes. See the breathtaking Triveni Sangam, the meeting point of the Yamuna, the Ganges, and the Saraswati rivers, at Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad. Visit the imposing Allahabad Fort and the Hanuman Temple. In the evening, enjoy the captivating Ganga Aarti at Saraswati Ghat. Stay for a night at any one of the luxurious hotels like The Welcome or Radisson Blu, and leave for Ayodhya in the morning.

When you enter the sacred city of Ayodhya, it genuinely feels like you've stepped into the pages of the ancient epic Ramayana. Participate in the aarti at the Ram Mandir, which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. After lunch, take a tour of the Saryu Ghat, where Lord Ram is believed to have bathed. If you have a few extra days to spare, extend your trip to Bodhgaya and visit the famous Bodhi tree where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. Flying from Delhi is your best bet for getting there.
 

TL;DR: Journey through India's holiest cities including Varanasi, Vrindavan, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya to witness ancient temples & sacred ceremonies.

Reserve Your Spiritual Sojourn
 

Where does India’s “Paradise on Earth” lie?
 

When someone mentions snow-capped mountains and breathtaking views, Kashmir is literally the first place that comes to mind. Everybody from the Mughal emperors to modern explorers has described Kashmir as heaven on earth and as an experience rather than just a destination.

You can take a direct flight from Delhi to Srinagar. You should hire a private tour guide to take you to all the must-see locations while making sure your trip is safe. Take a Shikara ride at Dal Lake, one of Srinagar's most popular spots. You can actually stay in a deluxe houseboat here and enjoy the beautiful sunset while sipping hot green tea (locally called "Kahwa"). Spend the evening exploring the nearby markets selling pashmina shawls and handicrafts.

Tasting Kashmiri cuisine is something you absolutely should not skip. Savor a traditional Kashmiri meal at night on the serene lake while admiring the stunning mountain scenery. Wake up to the beautiful view of the Dal Lake. After having breakfast, explore the renowned Mughal Gardens, which include Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, both of which are architectural and landscaping masterpieces. Visit Pari Mahal & the revered Shankaracharya Temple, which dates back to the 9th century.

There's about an hour and a half drive to our next destination, Gulmarg. The journey from Srinagar to Gulmarg takes you through charming villages, vast meadows, and dense pine forests. It's basically postcard-perfect the entire way. Stop by Drung waterfall, a tiny but stunning glacial waterfall tumbling down rocky hills. The best time to see the waterfall is in the winter when it freezes.

Gulmarg is world-famous for skiing. You can go skiing, snowboarding, skating, and more here. Experience the famous Gandola ride, the highest cable car in the world, and witness the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks at Apharwat Peak. Take a cable car ride at Seven Springs and enjoy the sweeping views of the snow-peaked mountains. If time permits, you can visit the picturesque Betaab Valley and Chandanwari in Pahalagam, which is just a 4-hour drive from Gulmarg.
 

Talk to Our Experts
 

FAQs

1. What are the things I should carry on the safari ride?
What you bring to Ranthambore really depends on when you're going. From November to February, pack warm clothing because temperatures can drop to 2 degrees Celsius. We're talking sweaters, jackets, hand gloves, mufflers, the whole deal. In the winter, you should also bring a blanket if you have a morning safari reservation. With the blazing sun overhead, the weather gets hot during the summer months of April through June. Carrying loose, full-body cotton clothing, a scarf, a hat, and sunglasses is therefore the best option. Sunscreen is a must when you go on a summer afternoon safari in an open-roof Jeep. If you have the evening safari booked, then you should carry a mosquito repellent spray.

2. Is it allowed to take a boat ride on Lake Pichola, and what are the timings for the boat ride?
Yes, boat rides on Lake Pichola are definitely allowed. A trip there wouldn't be complete without taking a boat ride, especially at sunset. The timings for the boat ride are from 10 am to 5 pm.

3. What is the best time to visit Varanasi?
The best time to take a spiritual tour in Varanasi is between October and March, as the ghats become inaccessible during monsoon, and the scorching heat from April to June makes it difficult to explore the city comfortably.