Others

Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) Bikaner - Leader-led walking tour Bikaner - Cooking Demonstration Jaisalmer - Leader-led walking tour Thar Desert - Overnight Desert Camp Jodhpur - Leader-led walking tour Khinwara - Heritage Homestay Udaipur - Leader-led walking tour Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour Jaipur - Amber Fort Agra - Taj Mahal

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Accommodation

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS: Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on a different Intrepid trip than your own. CHECK-IN TIME: Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION: If you’ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. ACCOMMODATION: Some of the accommodation along the way is basic or simple, staying in local guesthouses and homestays. Some may have shared bathroom facilities with cold water only. We use a mixture of air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws. SHOWERS: Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water. ROOM ISSUES: If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your tour leader right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay. SLEEPER TRAINS IN INDIA: Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned (fan-cooled at times), a great way to travel long distances and still get maximum time in each place. Depending on the route, we travel 2AC or 3AC class as not all classes are available on all routes. Due to the complexity of the ticket purchasing system and high demand for tickets, we are unable to offer upgrades to other classes. Second Class or 2 Tier AC (2AC) carriages have 4 berths in the compartment section and 2 berths in the aisle bay and individual reading lights. Third Class or 3 Tier AC (3AC) has 6 berths in the compartment and 2 in the aisle bay. Both have curtains for privacy. There are no sinks or charging points in these classes. During the day, bunks are folded away and serve as seats. Toilet facilities are located at either end of the carriage. There is usually an Indian style squat toilet at one end and a western-style toilet at the other. You will need your own toilet paper or tissues and cleanliness will depend on the number of people using them. Beds are padded bunks, with sheets, pillow and blanket provided. Some people prefer to bring and use their own sleeping sheet. Your luggage travels with you on the train, so packing light will make your journey more comfortable. Many trains have a dining carriage or a food/snack cart that is brought through the carriages. There are also plenty of vendors selling tea, coffee, water and snacks during the journey, although the hygiene may not be up to standards you are used to at home. Please note you may be sharing with other members of your group or locals on a mixed gender basis. Tickets are booked on a real-name basis using your passport details. We book for all members of the group at the same time, but unfortunately, this is no guarantee that we will be accommodated all together on the train. Your leader will do their best to swap with other travellers to allow people who booked together to travel together, but please be aware that this is not always possible. We may at times ask male travellers to swap with solo female travellers for safety considerations. DESERT CAMPING: Bedding, blankets and pillows are provided and we sleep on a camp style cot in the open air. Sleeping bags are recommended as it can get very cold at night. The camp is very simple with a windbreak, and set up against a sand dune. It’s a great experience to wake up under the stars in the desert. Simple vegetarian meals will be prepared by our local team for dinner and breakfast (included). Water and soft drinks are available for purchase. Toilets are a very basic long drop style. There is no shower and many travellers recommend bringing hand sanitizer, a small hand towel or some wet wipes (don’t forget to carry them and any other rubbish out again). Hotel (5 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Guesthouse (1 night), Camping (basic facilities) (1 night), Homestay (3 nights), Heritage Property (4 nights)

Meals

1 breakfast, 3 dinners

Transport

TRANSPORT IN INDIA: Main roads in India are usually very busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. if you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour leader know immediately. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times. TRAVEL TIMES: Distances in India do not reflect the driving time and to cover 100km may take much longer than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway. TRAINS: India has a massive network of trains and millions of people travel by rail every day. Trains often travel the length of the country over several days. Trains are a great way to see the countryside and get you away from the busy road system. Delays and cancellations are common on trains. Your tour leader will check the train status to see if there are delays and will do their best to keep you informed of any changes. From December to February, delays are more common, especially in the north of the country due to fog. It’s not uncommon for trains to be delayed for up to 12 hours. On occasion, your trip will may to be rerouted to allow for these delays. Your tour leader in conjunction with our local office will advise any changes to the itinerary. The Indian Railway system is one of the largest railway networks in the world and quite complex. Seat allocation is completely computerized on a centralized reservation system and we do not have control over seat allocations. Despite booking tickets months in advance of a departure your group’s seats, or sleeping berths on overnight trains, maybe spread out within one carriage or multiple carriages of the same class. There’s a chance you’ll be sharing a compartment with local travelers of either gender. For a detailed look into the experience of travelling by overnight trains read more here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/india-trains-guide/ AUTO RICKSHAWS: On this trip, we travel on the local style of transport called an auto-rickshaw. These small, motorised three-wheeled vehicles are a common form of transport in India and do not have seatbelts. FLIGHTS: Airlines in India are of excellent quality. Airports are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor. Private vehicle , Public bus , Overnight sleeper train , Train , Cycle rickshaw

Not included:

Flights

International flights are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Others

Other activities and services not included

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi – the capital of India – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not hit the streets and try and get into the Delhi flow of life. If you’re a history buff, there’s the 14th-century Humayun’s Tomb or 11th-century Qutub Minar to explore. There’s also the former residence of royal families and British soldiers – the mighty Red Fort. After your meeting, maybe continue the introductions over an optional group dinner. Ask your leader for local favourites like a plate of chicken tikka masala or vegetarian curry (with naan bread, obviously) or head out to explore the nightlife.
Day 2 Day 2: Delhi - Overnight Train
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Delhi - Overnight Train

Head out on a walking tour around the commercial heart of Delhi, visiting Chandni Chowk (Sheeshganj Gurudwara) and Connaught Place along the way. Explore Old Delhi on a bicycle rickshaw to dig that little bit deeper and visit Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib – one of the oldest and most iconic Sikh shrines in Delhi – and try your hand at making chapatis in the community kitchen. This shrine is visited by devotees regularly, and everyone is welcome here, regardless of their religion or gender. Tonight, embark on a journey through the heart of India on an overnight train to Bikaner.
Day 3 Day 3: Bikaner
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Bikaner

This morning, you’ll arrive in the fortified town of Bikaner – a city in Rajasthan that still displays its ancient opulence through palaces and forts built of red sandstone that have withstood the passage of time. When you arrive, head out on an orientation tour with your leader. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore the city more in-depth - maybe you can head out on a tuk-tuk tour of the Old City. Keep an eye out for delicious street food like bhujia (chickpea chips) or tuck into a thali tonight for dinner.
Day 4 Day 4: Bikaner
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Bikaner

Today, you have free time to explore at your own pace – it’s highly recommended you head to the Junagarh Fort if you haven’t already! You could try the iconic Chunilal sharbat (a sweet cordial prepared with fruit or flower petals) along the way. Tonight, rejoin your group for a fun cooking demonstration with a local family. Watch how they prepare chai and roll chapati (Indian flatbread) and have a go yourself! Learn how aloe vera is a delicacy in this region and chat to the local women as they teach you some tips and tricks to bring home. After, you’ll all enjoy dinner together.
Day 5 Day 5: Jaisalmer
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Jaisalmer

This morning, take a local train to the yellow sandstone citadel of Jaisalmer. When you arrive in this ‘living fort,’ you’ll have free time to rest and recharge. Later, head out on an orientation walk with your leader through the snaking alleyways, filled with markets and intricately carved houses. Then, maybe ask your leader for their favourite local places to eat and grab some delicious local cuisine.
Day 6 Day 6: Jaisalmer - Thar Desert
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Jaisalmer - Thar Desert

Spend today exploring the desert oasis of Jaisalmer – a former medieval trading centre that sort of looks like a giant sandcastle. This afternoon, chuck your essentials in an overnight bag, then hop in a 4WD to ride out to tonight’s camp in style. Traverse the sweeping dunes of the Thar Desert, then help set up camp while the guides get the fire started and ready for your vegetarian campfire feast, which includes chapati, dal, rice and veggies. You’ll be sleeping out in the open tonight, with mattresses, pillows, sheets and blankets provided. There’s no need for a tent – you wouldn’t want to miss the incredible starry sky tonight!
Day 7 Day 7: Jaisalmer - Jodphur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Jaisalmer - Jodphur

The crack of dawn is your wake-up call this morning – don’t worry, it’s worth it! You’ll soon see that not much can match up to a desert sunrise. After a simple breakfast and a morning display of light and colour, climb back into your 4WD and return to the city. Enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace before jumping on a train to the famous blue city of Jodphur. Tonight, you’ll have a unique experience in a family-run homestay right in the heart of the old town.
Day 8 Day 8: Jodphur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Jodphur

Today you’re free to explore at your own pace. Maybe bargain at Sadar Bazaar – one of the oldest markets in India. Built around a clock tower, it’s packed with spice and vegetable markets, juice sellers and sari materials. Whatever you’re into, you’ll probably be able to grab it here – there are numerous vendors with carts selling everything from Bollywood soundtracks to armfuls of sparkling bangles. And don’t miss the street snacks! From the chaos of the market, maybe head to the Mehrangarh Fort, which sits up on a hill looking over the town. Take in the views from its ramparts, which dominate the city’s skyline. This is probably the best preserved of all of Rajasthan’s hundreds of forts and gives you a great idea of what life would’ve been like as a royal.
Day 9 Day 9: Khinwara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Khinwara

Today, you’ll head off the beaten path to Khinwara for a heritage homestay experience. Watch the landscape transition from the desert to the lakes of Udaipur. At your homestay, you’ll have free time to settle in and relax, chat with your hosts or maybe head out on an optional drive to a local farm – where you’ll wander the farm, then meet with the family for chai and cookies, getting a unique insight into local life.
Day 10 Day 10: Udaipur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Udaipur

Say goodbye to your hosts before travelling on to Udaipur this morning – there’s no doubt this place lives up to its rep as India’s most romantic city. Rolling hills, white marble palaces and lakes come together, and it’s a place where artists, dancers and musicians perfect their craft. There are also great shopping opportunities, with miniature paintings the speciality if you’re looking for a souvenir. Walk around town to get your bearings, then explore Udaipur’s twisting alleys filled with silver, shoes, bags, leather goods and paintings. The rest of the afternoon is free to maybe head out on the water for a sunset boat ride on Pichola Lake, seeing Lake Palace and Jag Mandir Island as the sun goes down. After, why not have dinner on a rooftop overlooking the lake.
Day 11 Day 11: Udaipur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Udaipur

Today, enjoy loads of free time to explore Udaipur. You could check out the City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India, and see the unbelievable treasures within – from vivid murals to antiques and royal utensils. Feeling peckish? Join the famous Spice Box cooking school and spend a half-day learning the secrets of Indian cuisine. With lessons on preparation and cooking, you’ll whip up a full Indian meal in no time.
Day 12 Day 12: Jaipur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Jaipur

Travel to the Pink City of Jaipur early this morning – the streets of this earthy red town are busy with camels, motorbikes and rickshaws, and you’ll walk past traditionally dressed Rajputs while monkeys climb wires overhead. Haggle to your heart’s content in Jaipur’s bazaars and backstreets, filled with textiles, semi-precious gems and blue pottery. Drop by one of India’s finest palaces – the Royal City Palace – a gorgeous complex with various courtyard gates and museums. Tonight, you might want to experience the cinema like never before with an extravagant Bollywood blockbuster at the stylish Raj Mandir Cinema – there’s usually romance, drama and music all rolled into one.
Day 13 Day 13: Jaipur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Jaipur

For anyone that wants to see the Pink City a bit differently this morning, there’s the option to drift high over Jaipur in a hot air balloon – a highlight for many visitors. With your free time, maybe drop by Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) – the impressive five-storey facade with pink, honeycombed windows make it the most photographed building in the country after the Taj Mahal. Then, head out to the old capital of Amber and explore the hilltop fort complex known as the Amber Fort. The Sheesh Mahal inside the fort is a must-see, as the walls are completely covered in little mirrors and the hall illuminates with the light of a single match! If you like, you can hit the streets for raj kachori chaat (a big fluffy chaat served with chutney, yoghurt, chilli and potato). This afternoon, maybe cool off with a lassi from Lassiwala on MI road – Jaipur’s oldest and most famous lassi shop.
Day 14 Day 14: Agra
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Agra

Head east by public bus to Agra – home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. When you arrive, you’ll head to the most iconic sight in India. The Taj Mahal will exceed all expectations when the light shimmers off its white marble surface. Take your time soaking up the sight of this wonder, learn all about its history from a local guide and make sure to grab your iconic photo. After, maybe jump on a motorised rickshaw to pick out the rest of the city’s monuments, like Akbar’s Mausoleum – a beautiful sandstone and marble tomb built for the greatest of the Mughal emperors.
Day 15 Day 15: Agra - Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Agra - Delhi

This morning, you might want to return to the Taj Mahal for sunrise and see the iconic structure in a new light. Then, you’ll hop on a train back to Delhi. When you arrive, you’re free to rest and recharge or head out for some delicious local eats. Tonight, why not grab a quiet drink with your group and cheers to a trip well-travelled.
Day 16 Day 16: Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Delhi

There are no further activities planned for today and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

+13

16 days tour

Real Rajasthan

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Real Rajasthan

Day 1: Delhi

Day 2: Delhi - Overnight Train

Day 3: Bikaner

Day 4: Bikaner

Day 5: Jaisalmer

Day 6: Jaisalmer - Thar Desert

Day 7: Jaisalmer - Jodphur

Day 8: Jodphur

Day 9: Khinwara

Day 10: Udaipur

Day 11: Udaipur

Day 12: Jaipur

Day 13: Jaipur

Day 14: Agra

Day 15: Agra - Delhi

Day 16: Delhi

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania