- Walk through Delhi’s layered history, from colonial boulevards to hidden gardens, and see the city on a tour led by former street children from Salaam Baalak Trust.
- Venture into Corbett and Dudhwa National Parks on guided safaris in search of tigers, elephants and rare birdlife in unspoilt wilderness.
- Discover Lucknow’s Nawabi elegance with its grand monuments, intricate hand‑embroidery, and a guided food walk sampling galouti kebabs and aromatic biryani.
- Drift along the Chambal River on a peaceful safari, visit mud‑brick villages and meet artisans keeping traditional skills alive.
- Stay in hand‑picked heritage hotels, colonial retreats and characterful safari lodges chosen for their style, warmth and deep sense of place.
Untamed North: Wilderness, Culture & Cuisine of India’s Heartland
15 Day | Private tour | Price from £4,690 per person | ABTA and ATOL protected holidays
Embark on a 15‑day private India off the beaten track tour, where tiger safaris, grand heritage cities and living local traditions come together. Explore Delhi’s tree‑lined boulevards and hidden corners, search for wildlife in the forests of Corbett and the untouched grasslands of Dudhwa, and discover the refined Nawabi culture of Lucknow with its rich cuisine and graceful architecture.
Then drift into the quiet ravines and villages of the Chambal Valley, where conservation and rural life exist simultaneously. Designed for culturally curious travellers and nature lovers, this journey blends guided safaris, artisan encounters, local walks and stays in heritage retreats that bring each place to life.
All our private tours are fully customisable to suit your needs. This itinerary is simply a starting point to inspire your travel plans.
Call us on 01792 315499 or email info@aitholidays.com for more information.
Highlights of Untamed North: India off the beaten track
Untamed North: India off the beaten track Itinerary
Begin your journey in Delhi, where Mughal domes meet colonial boulevards and lively markets. Join a unique Salaam Baalak Trust walk, led by former street children, for an eye‑opening glimpse into everyday life beyond the monuments.
Wander through leafy avenues, hidden gardens and bustling bazaars, discovering the capital’s rich tapestry of history and modern life.
Accommodation: The Imperial, an iconic heritage hotel offering timeless charm and understated luxury in the heart of New Delhi.
Travel to Corbett, India’s oldest national park, set in the Himalayan foothills. Head out on morning and afternoon safaris with expert naturalists to search for Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards, and over 600 bird species.
Between drives, choose a peaceful birdwatching walk, meet local villagers living alongside the forest or relax at your eco‑lodge surrounded by riverine forests and grasslands.
Accommodation: Jim’s Jungle Retreat, a charming, sustainability‑focused lodge blending comfort with nature.
After a final morning game drive in Corbett, journey to Bareilly, a welcoming city in Uttar Pradesh. This overnight stop breaks up the travel and offers a comfortable night’s rest before your next wildlife adventure.
Accommodation: Ramada Encore by Wyndham – a modern hotel with all the essentials for a smooth, relaxing transit.
Venture into the remote Terai region near the Nepal border to discover Dudhwa National Park, one of India’s most pristine and least visited wildlife sanctuaries. Its mix of grasslands, marshes, and Sal forests shelters endangered species like Bengal tigers, one‑horned rhinoceroses, swamp deer, and sloth bears.
Stay at Jaagir Manor, a restored colonial lodge surrounded by sugarcane fields and forest. Spend your days on expert-led game drives, birdwatching walks, night safaris, or visit local Tharu villages to experience indigenous culture.
Accommodation: Jaagir Manor – a boutique safari lodge blending colonial charm with wilderness immersion.
Arrive in Lucknow, the cultural heart of Uttar Pradesh, famed for its refined Nawabi traditions. Explore iconic landmarks like the grand Rumi Darwaza gateway (a monumental archway symbolising the city), the impressive Bara Imambara (an 18th-century architectural marvel known for its vast hall and labyrinth), and the exquisite Chhota Imambara (a beautifully decorated mausoleum).
Wander through bustling markets where artisans craft delicate chikankari embroidery (traditional hand-stitched designs unique to Lucknow), and discover the city’s famous perfumes (attars) and flower stalls. Immerse yourself in the local culture with a private artisan visit or traditional music demonstration.
On a guided food walk, savour Awadhi specialities such as melt-in-your-mouth galouti kebabs (spiced minced meat patties), fragrant biryani (spiced rice dish), flaky sheermal bread (a lightly sweetened flatbread), and creamy kulfi ice cream (traditional Indian frozen dessert).
Accommodation: Taj Mahal Lucknow, a serene city retreat, combines Mughal-inspired elegance and the warm hospitality of the Taj.
Journey deep into the Chambal Valley, a remote and little-known region known for its rugged ravines and rich wildlife. Settle into a cosy eco-lodge nestled within a private estate, where native trees and birdcalls create a peaceful retreat.
Over two days, explore riverside villages where time seems to slow down, and traditional ways of life are still cherished. Take a guided walk through mud-brick hamlets and visit Bhikampura, a potters’ village where skilled artisans shape clay using age-old techniques.
Discover the beauty of the natural surroundings and experience the warmth of rural India far from the usual tourist paths.
Accommodation: Mela Kothi Chambal Safari Lodge, a heritage lodge run by a conservation-focused family, blends rustic charm with comfort in a serene, natural setting.
Travel back to Delhi and arrive at Aerocity, the city’s modern hospitality hub near the international airport. Spend your final evening at a stylish hotel, the perfect place to relax and reflect on your journey through India’s vibrant culture, heritage, and landscapes.
Accommodation: JW Marriott Aerocity, a sleek, upscale hotel offering modern comfort, fine dining, and easy access to the airport for a seamless departure.
At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to Delhi International Airport to board your return flight, carrying lasting memories of India off the beaten track tour’s rich heritage, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality.
Sights to enjoy on Untamed North: India off the beaten track
Pricing and Inclusions
Price Guide:
From £4,690 per person (October to April)
Prices are based on two guests sharing and exclude international flights. These are guideline rates and may vary depending on travel dates, room category, exchange rate fluctuations, and peak holiday periods such as Christmas, New Year, or regional festivals.
What’s Included in Your Tailor-Made Journey with Authentic India Tours
- A dedicated Travel Consultant to plan and manage every detail of your holiday
- Private car and driver at the destination for all your transfers and tours.
- Your English-speaking local guides for insightful, personal experiences
- A selection of unique and meaningful experiences, handpicked by our expert team
- Entrance to museums, monuments, national parks and historical sites is included in your itinerary.
- Accommodation includes full board at Jim’s Jungle Retreat and Jaagir Manor Dhudwa, and bed and breakfast at all other destinations, with carefully selected hotels featured throughout the itinerary.
- 24/7 in-country support, so you’re always in safe hands.
All the holidays on this website are ABTA-protected. If you would like us to arrange flights, they will also be ATOL protected.
For a quote based on your dates of travel, any alternative accommodation or changes to this itinerary, please call us on 01792 315499 or email us at info@aitholidays.com
