Tour Overview
The scenic and energetic northern state of Rajasthan is awash with all the colours of India. On this 15-day journey, you’ll learn the history of massive forts, witness the opulence of Maharajahs' palaces and stroll through local markets, all with a local leader by your side to give you the inside scoop. Search for the elusive Bengal tiger, enjoy a shared meal with a family in Pushkar, spend a night in the desert, soak up the natural beauty of vast, shimmering lakes and tick a Wonder of the World off your bucket list – starting and ending in thriving Delhi. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, consider joining one of the Urban Adventures on offer, for a great introduction to the city. After the meeting, maybe head out for dinner with your group and get to know each other – India’s cuisine might just be a major highlight!
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
This morning, you'll navigate the city’s metro system and discover Old Delhi on a walking tour with your leader. Hitch a ride on a traditional cycle rickshaw through a classic Indian traffic jam in the streets around the Chandni Chowk marketplace. Visit Delhi’s oldest mosque Jama Masjid, which is also India’s largest. Then, escape the city streets by ducking into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara, to experience the spiritual side of this bustling metropolis. The communal kitchen welcomes all and you can have a simple meal here together. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the sights of Delhi.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Agra
Location: Agra
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Travel to Agra by one of India's express air-conditioned trains. Steeped in Mughal heritage, Agra has a wealth of gardens, temples and open rooftops. When you arrive, you’ll visit the Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and learn why Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. Head inside the spectacular sandstone walls of the Red Fort, built to encompass the imperial city of the Mughal rulers in the 16th century. If you have time, move on to Akbar's Mausoleum. Tonight, consider visiting Sheroes Hangout – this social enterprise supports survivors of acid attacks – for a meal with a difference.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Madhogarh
Location: Madhogarh
Accommodation: Heritage Property
Accommodation Name: Heritage Property
Meals Included: Dinner
Take a private bus to Madhogarh this morning. When you arrive, walk through the village and see the local craftspeople at work making resin bangles. These families are from the Lakhera community – in Hindu mythology, Lakheras are created by Lord Shiva for making bangles for Goddess Parvathy. This practice is a traditional art, and you can see for yourself how they heat the resin and shape it with handmade tools. In the evening, stay in the beautiful heritage property of Fort Madhogarh, which has belonged to one of Rajasthan’s royal families for centuries.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel on by private vehicle to Jaipur. When you arrive, walk around the ‘Pink City’ with your leader. Get among the crowds of the city’s bazaars to shop for artisan goods and semi-precious stones. Visit the Amber Fort – an excellent example of Rajput architecture, set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake. The Sheesh Mahal inside the fort is must-see. As the walls are completely covered in little mirrors, the hall illuminates with the light of a single match. After, you'll have free time to explore at your own pace.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Today is a full free day to take on any optional activities or independent exploration that you wish. This morning, you could take an optional hot air balloon ride – floating across the skyline of Jaipur in a hot air balloon is a highlight of the trip for many travellers. Jump on a rickshaw to Hawa Mahal, also known as the 'Palace of the Winds’. Alternatively, head to Jaipur's Royal City Palace or the observatory of Jantar Mantar to see a collection of intriguing astronomical instruments. After a long day of exploration, perhaps head to the Raj Mandir Cinema to see a Bollywood film.
Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Ranthambhore National Park
Location: Ranthambhore National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Today you’ll head to Ranthambhore Netional Park – once a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur and one of the original Project Tiger reserves. In the evening, you’ll take a 4WD bus safari in search of tigers and other wildlife, like hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles, wild boars and birds. Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. On trips departing during this time, you'll visit nearby Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary. Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary is about 16 km from Ranthambhore and due to its hilly terrain, isn't as affected by the monsoon. Tigers also inhabit this area, and sightings are more favourable at this time of year as they move here away from flooded areas of Ranthambhore.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Bundi
Location: Bundi
Accommodation: Heritage Property
Accommodation Name: Heritage Property
Today, you'll travel to Bundi by private vehicle. When you arrive, navigate Bundi's narrow streets on an insightful walking tour, including the downtown market and meeting jewellery merchants, street dentists and fabric dealers. Learn the secret of chai making from a local chai master and try a fresh brew. Stop in at Bundi's intriguing and intricate step wells (baori) – an architectural marvel, and once the source of water for the town. Check out the 16th-century Bundi Palace with its famous murals before checking into our next heritage stay for the night.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Paangarh Lake
Location: Paangarh Lake
Accommodation: Permanent Tent
Accommodation Name: Permanent Tent
Take a local train to Bassi, crossing the Chittorgarh countryside to Paangarh Lake. When you arrive, enjoy the view out to the 15th-century fort and unwind with a cup of chai while watching the sunset over the lake. You'll spend tonight in a beautiful permanent tented camp, right on the lakeshore – this is a truly relaxing experience away from the chaos of India's cities.
Day 10: Bijaipur
Location: Bijaipur
Accommodation: Heritage Property
Accommodation Name: Heritage Property
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, drive in an open-top jeep out into the countryside past quiet villages. You might be lucky enough to spot some native wildlife as you go, like jackals, langurs, foxes and hares. When you arrive, meet some villagers and maybe even get a henna tattoo (a temporary but traditional souvenir). After, head to your next heritage stay in Udaipur and enjoy a meal of authentic local specialties made with seasonal vegetables – maybe try baingan masala (eggplant cooked with tomatoes), okra, kadhi (thick, tangy gravy) or chicken curry.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 11: Udaipur
Location: Udaipur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up in your gorgeous heritage stay and enjoy a final breakfast here as you begin your next journey by private vehicle to Udaipur. When you arrive, you’ll head out on a city walk with your leader. Take in the city’s hills, lakes and white marble palaces and delve into the twisting alleys and bazaars filled with silver, leather goods and miniature paintings. A popular centre for artists, dancers, and musicians, there’s plenty to entertain you here. After, the rest of your day is free. Maybe ask your leader for some dinner recommendations.
Included Activities:
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Day 12: Udaipur
Location: Udaipur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Visit Udaipur's City Palace – one of the largest royal palaces in India. After, you’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace. Maybe take an optional boat ride on the picturesque Lake Pichola (seasonal) to see the island palaces off Jag Nivas and Jag Mandir. After, maybe head out to watch a cultural performance that combines seven traditional Rajasthani folk dances – the perfect way to spend an evening in Udaipur.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 13: Pushkar
Location: Pushkar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Today, take an air-conditioned train to Ajmer, then a private vehicle to your hotel in Pushkar. When you arrive, head out on a walking tour to visit the bustling ghats and temples around Pushkar Lake and watch as the devout worship by the holy waters and at the Brahma Temple. At dinnertime, share a meal with a local family and learn about their life living in this desert city. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore further.
Included Activities:
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Day 14: Pushkar - Delhi
Location: Pushkar - Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Early risers can hike up to the Savitri Temple this morning for amazing sunrise views over the town. If you'd prefer, you can soak up a leisurely morning. This afternoon, you’ll board the Shatabdi Express train for the trip back to Delhi, arriving late in the evening. You’ll then transfer to the hotel for your final night of the trip.
Optional Activities:
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Day 15: Delhi
Location: Delhi
There are no activities planned for the final day and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you’d like to extend your time in Delhi and explore at your own pace, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Permanent tent (1 night), Heritage Property (3 nights), Hotel (10 nights) -
Meals
3 breakfasts, 3 dinners -
Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
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Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
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Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
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Agra - Taj Mahal
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Agra - Agra Fort
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Agra - Red Fort guided tour
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Madhogarh - Leader-led village walk
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Madhogarh - Dinner at Fort Madhogarh
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Jaipur - Amber Fort
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Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour
What's Not Included
Tipping and Gratuities
Included Activities
- Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Delhi - Jama Masjid
- Agra - Taj Mahal
- Agra - Agra Fort
- Agra - Red Fort guided tour
- Madhogarh - Leader-led village walk
- Madhogarh - Dinner at Fort Madhogarh
- Jaipur - Amber Fort
- Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour
- Ranthambhore National Park - Evening wildlife safari
- Bundi - Stepwell
- Bundi - Palace
- Bijaipur - Leader-led village tour
- Udaipur - Leader-led walking tour
- Udaipur - City Palace
- Pushkar - Leader-led walking tour
- Pushkar - Home-cooked lunch
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.
Accommodation
- 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.
Important Information
- 1. We require a scanned copy of your passport bio page at the time of booking to secure a permit for your Ranthambhore National Park visit. Authorities at Ranthambhore NP follow a strict booking process whereby permits are issued on a first come first serve basis. If we do not receive correct passport details in time we cannot guarantee you on the tiger safari.
- 2. This trip travels back to Delhi on the afternoon of day 14 arriving into the capital around 11 pm. Please do not book departure flights out until at least 4 am on day 15 to allow for delays
- 3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 4. The Pushkar Camel Fair is held in late October and early November. Please see the 'Climate and seasonal information' section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
- 5. Hot air balloon flights are operated by Sky Waltz in Jaipur. Flights operate from September 1st to April 30th and last approximately 60 mins. Return transfers, tea and coffee plus light refreshments, and a certificate of flight are included in the cost. You can register your interest and pay your tour leader at your joining meeting on day 1 of your trip. Payment must be made by cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP or credit card and is USD 260pp (subject to change). Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions (tickets are fully refundable in case of bad weather).
- 6. Due to animal welfare concerns, we no longer include camel riding on this itinerary.
- 7. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
Mode of 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.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
While there is no guarantee you will see a tiger during your safari in Ranthambhore, you may have a chance to see a variety of other wildlife, including hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles, wild boars and birdlife.
Make sure your luggage is light and compact enough to be carried up and down multiple flights of stairs.
There are several long travel days on this trip. Some journeys take 6 to 8 hours but are a great opportunity to get to know locals, fellow travellers, and the diverse scenery. We are covering a lot of this vast country during the trip, so the journey is all part of the India experience.
Prepare for hot and sticky temperatures during the day and cooler climates in the evening, particularly in the desert. Layers are one of the best ways to tackle this disparity in weather.
We visit several temples on this trip, which requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.
We've sourced our accommodation carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid style of travel. Service and accommodation in India may be different from western standards. ...more ...less -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Classic Rajasthan
15 Days Starting and ending in Delhi
Visiting: Delhi, Agra, Madhogarh, Jaipur, Ranthambhore National Park, Bundi, Paangarh Lake, Bijaipur, Udaipur, Pushkar, Pushkar - Delhi ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HHSC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
