Owning a car and driver in North India was a game changer. It made traveling easy and gave us the chance to see authentic villages, historical sites, temples, and hidden gems while navigating traffic safely. The experienced drivers shared local stories that added a cultural touch and made the whole trip comfortable. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a stress-free journey. Book your trip to North India now.

We have to start with the understanding that every car, driver, and road condition is different when traveling in North India.

India Driver Tours gave me a wide range of options for getting from city to city. The distance from Delhi to Varanasi is long, so I took a flight, but from Varanasi to Khajuraho, Orchha, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer, I traveled by car. For most of the journey, I relied on a private car and driver, which meant I could relax in the backseat and watch daily life unfold along the roads. The long drives came with their own highs and lows, but they added to the experience. If anything, I’d say don’t stick to just one way of getting around. Use a mix of transport options and see the country from different angles.

My Adventures

At first, renting a car with a driver sounded like a dream. I loved having the freedom to stop wherever something caught my attention or take a break whenever I needed one. It felt surprisingly comfortable too, almost like stepping into a style of travel I’m not usually used to as a backpacker. I wanted to see as much of North India as I could, and that kind of wandering doesn’t happen when you’re rushing.

Being on the road let me watch everyday life unfold, even if I sometimes felt like I was seeing it from a little bubble of my own. Each part of the trip brought something different. The drive from Varanasi to Khajuraho ran through the quiet countryside. Heading toward Orchha, small towns and old forts kept appearing along the way. The roads into Agra grew busier and busier until the Taj city finally came into view. Ranthambore’s approach felt wild and green, while Jaipur brought a mix of smooth highways and lively, colorful streets. Pushkar had a calm, almost slow rhythm, which eased into the long desert roads that led to Udaipur’s lakes. From there, the road to Jodhpur opened into hot, open landscapes and blue neighborhoods, and the final stretch to Jaisalmer took me deeper into the desert than I’d ever been.

Every leg of the journey felt different, and together they shaped a trip I’m really grateful I got to experience.

Best Places to Explore in North India

North India has so much more to offer than what I managed to see on my own trip. I covered many of the well-known spots, but if you have extra time, here are some of the most rewarding places to add to your journey. The region is full of lively cities, sacred towns, wildlife parks, and mountain escapes—each with its own charm.

Cities & Cultural Highlights

Delhi – A Capital with Character
A city where old traditions and modern life share the same streets. Walk through Mughal monuments, browse busy markets, visit museums, and enjoy food from every corner of India.

Agra – More Than Just the Taj Mahal
Along with the iconic Taj, the city has Agra Fort, the Baby Taj, and Mehtab Bagh. Sunrise and sunset by the river give the city a softer, beautiful feel.

Jaipur – Take a Piece of Culture
The Pink City is known for forts, palaces, crafts, and colorful markets. Amber Fort is a highlight, but the smaller lanes and shops add just as much personality.

Jodhpur – Home of the Mighty Mehrangarh Fort
The Blue City spreads out under one of India’s most impressive forts. Stepwells, narrow alleys, and rooftop views make it fun to explore at your own pace.

Jaisalmer – The Desert’s Golden Edge
A golden fort rising out of the desert. Wander through old havelis and take a camel or jeep ride into the dunes at sunset.

Udaipur – Charming City of Lakes
Often called the most romantic city in India. Enjoy boat rides, palace visits, and relaxed lakeside walks.

Pushkar – Small, Sacred and Young
A peaceful town built around a holy lake. It’s known for the Brahma Temple and a youthful mix of cafes, shops, and travelers.

Varanasi – The Cradle of Hinduism
One of the oldest living cities in the world. The ghats, rituals, and river ceremonies create an experience that stays with you.

Khajuraho – The Erotic Temples
A UNESCO site famous for its detailed carvings that show moments of everyday life, spirituality, and love.

Orchha – The Hidden Gem
A small riverside town with cenotaphs, palaces, and a calm atmosphere. It feels untouched compared to other destinations.

Amritsar – An Awakening of Humility
Home to the Golden Temple, where kindness and community are part of daily life. The langar and the Wagah Border ceremony are both memorable.

Chandigarh – An Urban Design Benchmark
A clean, planned city known for its modern layout. The Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake are perfect for a relaxed day.

Nature, Wildlife & National Parks

Ranthambore – To Spot a Tiger
A great place to see tigers in the wild. The mix of forests, lakes, and old ruins makes each safari feel special.

Kanha National Park – Sit in Nature’s Lap
Lush forests and open meadows create a peaceful setting. It’s known for tigers, barasingha deer, and calm, scenic drives.

Bandhavgarh National Park – Bengal Tiger Territory
One of the best parks for tiger sightings. The dramatic cliffs and dense forests add to the excitement.

Mountains & Spiritual Escapes

Rishikesh – A Spiritual Himalayan Escape
A riverside town known for yoga, temples, adventure sports, and mountain views. The evening aarti by the Ganga is beautiful.

Dharamshala – Center of Buddhism in India
A mountain town shaped by Tibetan culture. Visit monasteries, enjoy the cool air, and explore nearby trekking trails.

Shimla – Cool, Colonial and Charming
A classic hill station with pine forests, colonial-era buildings, and sweeping views. The toy train ride up the mountains is a treat.

Kashmir Valley – A Heavenly Delight
Snowy peaks, lakes, meadows, and houseboats make this one of the most scenic regions in India.

Leh and Ladakh – Distinctly Beautiful Valley
A high-altitude desert with monasteries, turquoise lakes, and unforgettable road trips. Perfect for photography and adventure.

Experienced Driver

When you hire a car and driver in North India, their experience matters more than anything. Your whole trip depends on how well they know the roads, the shortcuts, and the local conditions. It also helps to choose someone you feel comfortable with — especially for women travelers, feeling safe is non-negotiable.

I felt that with India Driver Tours right from the beginning. I took my time researching, asked plenty of questions, and only booked once I was confident. The driver assigned to me was someone I could trust completely. He spoke good English, knew each destination well, and made the entire journey feel smooth and stress-free.

Road travel in North India can be unpredictable. Trains may glide along quietly, but the roads can shift from smooth to rough in seconds. Some stretches get bumpy enough to test your stomach. That’s when having an experienced driver really makes a difference — someone who knows how to read the road, adjust quickly, and handle tricky patches without making you uncomfortable. A well-kept car also helps on long drives.

Throughout my trip, my driver stayed patient, cheerful, and always ready to stop whenever I wanted — whether it was for a photo, a chai break, or just to stretch my legs. One thing I grew to appreciate was the comfort of having a private car to relax in after a long day. Early mornings, late nights, or hours spent exploring in the heat made the backseat feel like a little retreat where I could rest without worrying about anything.

What impressed me most, though, was his punctuality. I was never left waiting, not even once. He also had a calm, confident way of navigating traffic that made everything feel manageable. North India’s roads can look like a living maze — cows, bikes, trucks, buses, people, and the occasional camel all moving in different directions. Watching him move through that chaos with steady ease was something I truly appreciated.

Conclusion

Traveling through North India with a car and driver let me see the country in a way I wouldn’t have otherwise. From quiet villages to lively city streets, the views from the road became some of my favorite moments. Having a driver I trusted made everything easier and gave me the freedom to just enjoy the journey. In the end, the rides themselves felt like a big part of the adventure, and I already find myself missing those scenes from the window.