India

Northern India by Ellen

In December 2025, I travelled through Northern India on a Cox & Kings familiarisation trip, designed to experience the country the same way our clients do – moving through historic cities, mountain landscapes and royal palaces, while absorbing the rhythm, colour and contrasts that make India so unforgettable.



From the buzz of Delhi’s backstreets to the stillness of the Himalayas, the romance of Rajasthan and the magic of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, this journey offered a deeper understanding of how beautifully varied India can be within one carefully crafted itinerary.

Arriving into Delhi is an experience in itself. The city immediately surrounds you with movement, history and sensory overload in the best possible way.

We explored Old Delhi, visiting the vast Jama Masjid, paying respects at Raj Ghat, and driving past the iconic Red Fort. Wandering near Chandni Chowk reveals a world of spice markets, cycle rickshaws and centuries-old trading lanes that show Delhi at its most authentic.

In contrast, New Delhi feels spacious and grand, with wide boulevards, leafy avenues and colonial architecture. This blend of chaos and calm makes Delhi a fascinating starting point for any Indian journey.

One of my favourite moments here was lunch in a restored haveli, giving us the chance to pause and absorb the city from a quieter, heritage perspective.

Travelling by train from Delhi to Chandigarh showed how comfortable and scenic India’s rail network can be when built into an itinerary.



Chandigarh itself feels very different from most Indian cities. Designed by Le Corbusier, it’s structured, open and surprisingly calm. It offers a glimpse into India’s modern identity, balancing tradition with contemporary life, and works well as a gentle transition between the plains and the mountains.

From Chandigarh, the landscape begins to rise as the road winds into the Himalayan foothills. Pine forests, cooler air and sweeping valley views announce your arrival in Shimla, once the British summer capital.

Shimla has a nostalgic charm, with colonial-era buildings, scenic promenades and viewpoints overlooking snow-capped peaks in the distance. Visiting the Viceregal Lodge, walking along The Mall, and seeing the town from the heights of Jakhu Temple gives a real sense of Shimla’s history and natural beauty.

This part of the journey slows everything down. The mountains invite you to breathe differently, linger longer and appreciate India from a more peaceful, scenic perspective.

Flying into Jaipur feels like stepping into a different world altogether. Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is filled with colour, craftsmanship and royal heritage.

The highlight here is the majestic Amber Fort, rising above the landscape with views over the shimmering Jal Mahal below. Exploring its courtyards and halls reveals layers of Rajput and Mughal influence that bring Rajasthan’s royal history to life.

Back in the city, the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and the intricate façade of the Hawa Mahal showcase Jaipur’s architectural character. Jaipur is also a wonderful place to shop for traditional jewellery, textiles and handmade crafts.

There's an atmosphere here that feels celebratory - vibrant streets, friendly energy and a sense of timeless grandeur.

The drive to Agra includes a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the former Mughal capital, before reaching one of the world’s most famous cities.

Nothing quite prepares you for seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise. As the light changes, the marble shifts through shades of blush and gold, and the crowds are quieter. Standing there in the early morning is peaceful, emotional and genuinely unforgettable.



It’s easy to understand why the Taj Mahal is considered one of the greatest monuments ever built – not only for its beauty, but for the story of love and craftsmanship behind it.

After Agra, we returned to Delhi, completing a wonderfully circular route through Northern India. What makes this itinerary work so well is the variety it delivers in a short space of time: historic capitals, modern cities, mountain retreats and royal Rajasthan, all woven together smoothly.