If you are planning a trip to Northern India and wish to completely immerse yourself in the Indian way of life, a trip to Varanasi is a must.

Located on the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi is considered one of the holiest places in India. A Mecca for Hindu Pilgrims, Varanasi sees thousands of pilgrims each day bathing in the Ganges, an act with which to wash away their sins.

It is also an auspicious place in which to die; it is believed that dying in Varanasi will send your soul straight to Heaven. For this reason, a boat trip along the Ganges will not only let you see the city Ghats from a different perspective, but will allow you to see a succession of funeral pyres continually burning.

You might also be lucky enough to see some of the Ganges’ dolphins. Unfortunately sightings have been less frequent over recent times and the Ganges Dolphin is now considered an endangered species.

While the Ghats and the Ganges are the principal attractions in Varanasi, a stroll through the warren-like alleys and shops is highly recommended. Varanasi is renowned for its silk and if you stay a few days it is easy to arrange for one of the tailors to fashion clothes to size.

If you are heading towards Delhi from Varanasi, a stopover in Khajuraho is definitely worth your time. Located in the Madhya Pradesh province and once a great Chandela capital, Khajuraho is now a quiet village with about 7000 people. The reason for visiting here is the spectacular complex of Khajuraho temples; the highlight being the intricate carvings covering the temples. These carvings have a common theme of women and sex and it is a surreal experience to see these vast temples covered in sexual imagery worthy of the Karma Sutra.

If you're looking to relax for a couple of days, the quite hamlet of Orchha is a little oasis from the hectic onslaught of India. Located across the border in Uttar Pradesh and just outside the town of Jansi, Orchha is a beautiful village interlaced with well-preserved temples and palaces. A river meanders through the town and a stroll through the town is an idyllic way to while-away the day. To see the place properly make sure you take the walkman headset tour. For a few Rupees the over enthusiastic and often breathless narrator will take you through the palace explaining the architecture, paintings and other items of note.

No trip to India would be complete without visiting the city of Agra and more specifically, the Taj Mahal. 204 km south of Delhi, Agra is possible to do in a day trip but to really appreciate the changing appearance of the Taj Mahal during the different parts of the day, it is recommended that you spend at least one night here.

The Taj Mahal has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. It was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his second wife, Mumataz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is such a famous site in India that it has become the de facto tourist emblem of India.

One distinguishing feature you'll notice when traveling through Northern India is the difference in the food compared to the south. More meat is eaten here and it should be noted that if you eat steak it will most likely be buffalo, which is surprisingly tasty and worth a try. The cooking is also of the ‘Mughal style’ which bears a closer relationship to food of the Middle East and Central Asia. The emphasis is on more spices and less chili. You will also eat more grains and breads rather than rice. Two popular dishes found in the Northern areas include Rogan Josh, a mild lamb curry, and lamb kebabs.

One shock to many tourists is the types of food eaten in India. Very rarely do you find meals that resemble the westernized Indian we eat today. For most of India you will eat a lot of Dahl and drink vast quantities of Chai. This is the local tea and is a mix of milk, spices, sugar and hot water. It is a tasty drink and seems to be drunk constantly throughout the day.

Wherever you go in India, and whatever tasty food you sample, you can rest assured that you would have taken in sights, sounds, and tastes that people outside the culture have never experienced. Pleasure yourself in these delights and be awarded in the fresh culture that is India.