India Real Food Adventure

15 Days Starting in Delhi and ending in Goa

Visiting: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Bijaipur, Udaipur, Udaipur - Overnight Train, Mumbai, Goa

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

HHZM

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2660 $2128 Operator discount: -$532 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 24-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Dig into the sights, sounds and flavours of India on a 15-day food adventure. From Delhi to Goa via Rajasthan and Mumbai, experience everything from street food to home cooked meals, the Taj Mahal to the Amber Fort, and temples to thali.?Relax on Goa’s beaches, see Jaipur’s breathtaking Palace of the Wind, explore the vibrant street food scenes of Delhi and Mumbai, and spend time in rural Rajasthan living it up in a 17th-century fort. With a taste of India’s vibrant markets and the chance to cook up a storm yourself, this unforgettable journey will take you to the cultural and gastronomic heart of India.?

Highlights

  • Leave with authentic recipes under your belt after you take part in a plant-based cooking class in a Jaipur home, learn how to make thali in Udaipur and find out how to cook Malvani cuisine in Goa.

  • Bask in the ivory glow of the inspiring Taj Mahal in Agra, explore Old Delhi and Jama Masjid, and stand in awe of the Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort in Jaipur.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Positive Change for Marine Life. Donations help them to nurture ocean health with community-led conservation initiatives that inspire coastal restoration, sustainable fishing practices and waste-management.

  • Get a true taste of some of India's finest culinary traditions – Mughal, Rajasthani, and the Portuguese-tinged flavours of Goa – while feasting in local restaurants, street food stalls, rural homes and cooking classes.?

  • Grab a fork and dig in – this trip introduces you to some of India’s most?iconic dishes like kachori, kulfi, chai, paratha, chaat, thali and heaps more.

  • See the rich tapestry of India’s culture and history on display, meeting chai wallahs in local markets, visiting local farming communities and spice growers, and dining in Sikh and Jain temples. ?

Places You'll See

Udaipur

Delhi

Jaipur

Agra

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Delhi

Location: Delhi

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: dinner

Namaste! Welcome to India. Delhi is an exciting and chaotic capital city filled with historical sites, museums, galleries, shops and endless bazaars. There’s plenty to see, do, and eat. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6pm where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Afterwards, celebrate the start of a memorable food adventure with a short stroll to a local restaurant. Here you'll enjoy your first taste of North Indian cuisine over a delicious (and completely vegetarian) thali feast. A thali is an assortment of small dishes put together on one platter – the perfect way to sample a range of flavours. After dinner, your leader will take you to a hole-in-the-wall eatery where you may like to sample some of Delhi’s best kulfi falooda, a delicious ice cream-style dessert. 

Included Activities:
-Delhi - Welcome dinner

Day 2: Delhi

Location: Delhi

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Ready your appetite and venture out to Old Delhi, wandering through alleyways for an authentic Delhi street food breakfast. Perhaps pick up some deep fried kachori, potato curry, sweet fried jalebi or paratha flatbread. Keep your eye out for the local chai wallah, renowned for his delicious milky tea. Next, jump on the city's metro system and head to Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest mosque. After some time to marvel at this ancient building, hop aboard a rickshaw and head to Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. Visit the spice warehouses in the back alleys of Khari Baoli and meet a seller to learn about the spice mixes they take to market. Visit the Gali Paranthe Wali (lane of parathas), which has been in operation since the 1870s. Parathas are one of the most popular unleavened flat breads in Punjabi North Indian cuisine, so taste some delicious variations with fillings like potatoes, cauliflower and paneer. While Hinduism is the dominant religion in Delhi, there is also a significant Sikh population, which you’ll learn more about over a vegetarian lunch at a local Sikh temple. Tonight, you’ve got the option to visit a local family for a home-cooked meal. This provides an insight into the day-to-day life of Delhites, so find out some secret recipes, get involved in the meal or just chat with your welcoming hosts. 

Included Activities:
-Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
-Delhi - Street Food Breakfast
-Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
-Delhi - Lunch at a Sikh Temple
-Delhi - Spice warehouse visit

Optional Activities:
-Delhi - Dinner with local family

Day 3: Agra

Location: Agra

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Jump aboard a local train for an air-conditioned ride to Agra. Famed for the evocative Taj Mahal, Agra is a city of fascinating history, rich in Mughal heritage, lush gardens and exquisite architecture. Agra is also home to one of the finest looking forts in India – Agra Fort. Enter the dark red sandstone stronghold and search through throne rooms and tiny but ornate mosques. For lunch, join a Mughlai cooking demonstration. Influenced by Central Asian and Islamic recipes, Mughlai cuisine is unique and fragrant. Meet a passionate cook who'll teach you how to prepare classics such as malai ki sabzi (vegetables cooked with cream) and onion paratha (flatbread stuffed with onions and potato), depending on the season. Afterwards, head to the Taj Mahal to explore the grounds and take in the changing scenes as day turns to evening – a truly unforgettable experience. For dinner this evening, why not book onto a chaat crawl? This savoury snack is typically served from roadside stalls or carts and recipes, ingredients and flavours vary from place to place – the perfect excuse to try them all!  

Included Activities:
-Agra - Agra Fort
-Agra - Taj Mahal
-Agra - Mughlai Cooking Demonstration

Day 4: Jaipur

Location: Jaipur

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Say goodbye to Agra and drive to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. Jaipur was designed by royalty and has delighted visitors for centuries with its pink-hued buildings and buzzing bazaars. Jump on a rickshaw and swing by one of India's most photographed buildings, the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds’, to snap some pictures yourself. Then, visit an open air food court where you’ll have the chance to try some local favourites for lunch, like thali, pav bhaji (thick vegetable curry served with bread), masala dosa (a crispy savoury crepe) and plenty of sweet treats. In the evening, you may like to check out the extravagance of a Bollywood blockbuster, with all the Hollywood-style elements of action, romance, drama and music (sometimes all rolled into one), at the spectacular Raj Mandir Cinema. Your leader will also have plenty of dinner suggestions. 

Included Activities:
-Jaipur - Hawa Mahal photo stop
-Jaipur - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:
-Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema

Day 5: Jaipur

Location: Jaipur

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Travel out to the old capital of Amber and explore the hilltop complex known as the Amber Fort. Set in stunning surroundings overlooking Maota Lake, this opulent palace is the legacy of a fallen empire and a superb example of Rajput architecture. One of its most spectacular buildings is the Sheesh Mahal – with its walls completely covered with tiny mirrors, the hall becomes a dazzling fantasy with the light of a single match. For lunch, try a local favourite – kachori. Kachoris are deep fried bread stuffed with vegetables and lentils and are one of the most sought-after snacks in north India. If sweets are more your thing, try the mawa kachori – dried fruit and mawa (milk solids) stuffed kachori, deep-fried and coated in sugar syrup. Later on, head to a local home for a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn how to make some seriously tasty plant-based Rajasthani dishes. One of the meals you might make is the fragrant and flavoursome ker sangri, using dried ker berries and sangri beans. Enjoy the fruits of your labour in the peaceful garden of your hosts, where they grow fresh greens.   

Included Activities:
-Jaipur - Amber Fort
-Jaipur - Street Food Lunch
-Jaipur - Rajasthani Cooking Class and Dinner

Optional Activities:
-Jaipur - Balloon Safari

Day 6: Bijaipur

Location: Bijaipur

Accommodation: Heritage Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Leave the city behind and drive to a local heritage stay located in the Vindhyanchal Hills in the Mewar region of south-central Rajasthan – a great opportunity to learn about rural life and culinary customs. You’ll also stop en route to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Your accommodation for the next two nights will be at 16th-century Castle Bijaipur, now a heritage hotel with domes, arched windows and doorways, all within the original fortified walls. Take in the palace’s blend of colonial and Mughal architecture as you relax by the pool or in the gardens, enjoying the famous Mewar hospitality. 

Day 7: Bijaipur

Location: Bijaipur

Accommodation: Heritage Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Today you’ll jump in a jeep and explore the surrounding farming communities. This is a major agricultural area and, depending on the season, you will pass through fields growing wheat, corn, maize, lentils, aubergine, spinach, fenugreek, okra, green chilies, tomatoes, potatoes, gourd, onion and garlic. Some of India’s most-loved spices, such as turmeric and cumin, are also grown here. Return to your heritage stay and join the estate's chef to discover how the ingredients you’ve seen today are used in Rajasthani cooking. Savour the results over a delicious lunch in the palace grounds with your small group – this is an experience you won’t soon forget! 

Included Activities:
-Bijaipur - Countryside jeep safari
-Bijaipur - Rajasthani Desert Cooking Demonstration and Meal

Day 8: Udaipur

Location: Udaipur

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Travel to Udaipur, a charming city known for its Hindu temples and palaces, and small but renowned Jain temples. Jainism is a minority religion in India and is considered among the most rigorous and spiritually motivated diets in India. On arrival, visit a Jain temple for lunch, where you’ll learn about the religion and the food connected to it. Jain cuisine is strictly vegetarian and excludes the eating of root vegetables like carrots, onion and garlic due to the belief that uprooting the plant kills it and the micro-organisms around the roots. Tonight, you’ll have a free evening for dinner. Udaipur has several inviting rooftop restaurants, so climb some stairs, choose a restaurant and settle in to watch the sun set over one of the city’s shimmering central lakes. 

Included Activities:
-Udaipur - Leader-led orientation walk
-Udaipur - Lunch at Jain temple

Day 9: Udaipur

Location: Udaipur

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Udaipur, also known as the 'City of Lakes', is built around the shores of Lake Pichola and full of fascinating temples, ornate palaces and impressive 'havelis' (merchant homes). Take some time to discover its winding streets and shops full of traditional Rajasthani wares. Visit the City Palace – one of the largest royal palaces in India – and check out the unbelievable treasures within, from vivid murals to antiques and royal utensils. The rest of the day is free for your own exploration. 

Included Activities:
-Udaipur - City Palace

Day 10: Udaipur - Overnight Train

Location: Udaipur - Overnight Train

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Awaken your senses this morning with a visit to a local market to browse fragrant stalls and collect ingredients for a cooking class, where you’ll learn how to prepare a traditional north Indian thali meal. Thali varies depending on which region it’s prepared in, and as you’re in Udaipur, you’ll make a vegetarian thali. Typical dishes include rice, dahl, vegetables, roti, papad (deep-fried flat bread), curd (yoghurt), small amounts of chutney or pickle, and a sweet dish to top it off. After all that cooking, enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch. Afterwards, transfer by private vehicle to the Abu Road train station. Tonight, you’ll board an overnight train bound for one of India's great cities – Mumbai. The train will depart late evening and arrive after midday tomorrow. 

Included Activities:
-Udaipur - Thali Cooking Class

Day 11: Mumbai

Location: Mumbai

Accommodation: Overnight train

Arrive in Mumbai after your overnight train, reaching your hotel by mid-afternoon. Known as Bombay until its name change in 1995, Mumbai is India's commercial capital and largest city. Some would say that Mumbai is also the food capital of India. This is the heart of Marathi cuisine, but you’ll also find huge culinary diversity that celebrates regional cuisines from across the country. In the late afternoon, wander down Marine Drive to Chowpatty Beach. Enjoy the sunset and snack on bhel puri (tangy puffed rice and vegetable chaat), pav bhaji and other renowned Mumbai street foods. 

Included Activities:
-Mumbai - Chowpatty Beach Street Food Crawl

Day 12: Mumbai

Location: Mumbai

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Time for some sightseeing and soaking up the atmosphere of this incredible metropolis. Marvel at the remarkable Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat. At 140 years old, it's Mumbai's oldest laundry, and with over 1000 troughs, it’s also the world’s largest open-air, human-powered one. Next, take in some of the city’s key landmarks, including World Heritage-listed historic railway station, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and the bustling Crawford Markets. For lunch, seek out a restaurant known for serving Parsi cuisine, whose community is largely concentrated in Mumbai. The Parsi peoples are descendants of Zoroastrians who are believed to have emigrated from Persia to India in the 10th century. Enjoy a post-lunch stroll to the Gateway of India, a monument built to commemorate the landing of King-Emperor George V, the first British monarch to visit India, followed by a browse of the Colaba street market. The rest of the afternoon and the evening are free for your own food adventures. Perhaps take high tea at the iconic Taj Hotel, or stake out one of the fabulous restaurants in this city which cater for all budgets. Your group leader will have plenty of suggestions on where to eat the night away!  

Included Activities:
-Mumbai - Leader-led Heritage Walk

Day 13: Goa

Location: Goa

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Take a flight from Mumbai to Goa. The locals say that time moves more slowly in Goa, so this is a good opportunity to enjoy a bit of tranquillity in an often-frenetic country. Tinged with a Portuguese flavour, the state of Goa is blessed with lovely beaches, rich traditions, World Heritage-listed buildings and mouth-watering food. Goa's dense forested areas and favourable climate also make it a perfect location to grow the spices liberally used in its cuisine. Visit a spice farm and learn how they are grown, harvested, processed and prepared for use in food and Ayurvedic medicine. See how these spices come together over a freshly cooked lunch at the spice farm before returning to Goa.

Included Activities:
-Goa - Spice farm tour including lunch

Day 14: Goa

Location: Goa

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Start the day with a trip to Old Goa, an historic city sitting on the banks of the Mandovi River. While the city is home to around 2500 residents today, between the 16th and 18th centuries Old Goa was a booming spice trade hub with a population of nearly 200,000. Walk through streets lined with ancient churches and historic buildings and check out the local market. Enjoy some time to relax and revive this afternoon, before taking part in a cooking class to learn the secrets of Malvani cuisine, popular in the South Konkan region of Maharashtra and Goa. Find out how to make some classic coastal dishes then tuck into your creations for dinner.

Included Activities:
-Goa - Cooking Class
-Goa - Old Goa tour

Day 15: Goa

Location: Goa

Meals Included: breaksfast

Your Indian food adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend more time in Goa, exploring more of the city, we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation ahead of time (subject to availability). 

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (11 nights), Heritage property (2 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

  • Delhi - Welcome dinner

  • Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour

  • Delhi - Street Food Breakfast

  • Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque

  • Delhi - Lunch at a Sikh Temple

  • Delhi - Spice warehouse visit

  • Agra - Agra Fort

  • Agra - Taj Mahal

  • Agra - Mughlai Cooking Demonstration

  • Jaipur - Hawa Mahal photo stop

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Included Activities

  • Real Food Adventure Welcome Dinner
  • Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
  • Delhi - Street Food Breakfast
  • Delhi - Jama Masjid
  • Delhi - Lunch at a Sikh Temple
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Agra - Mughlai Cooking Demonstration
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Jaipur - traditional Kachori lunch
  • Jaipur - Rajasthani Cooking Class and Dinner
  • Bijaipur - Leader-led village tour
  • Castle Bijaipur - Rajasthani Desert Cooking Demonstration and Dinner
  • Udaipur - City Palace
  • Udaipur - Thali Cooking Class
  • Mumbai - Chowpatty Beach
  • Mumbai - Chowpatti Beach Street Food Crawl
  • Goa - Spice farm tour including lunch
  • Goa - Goan Market Tour and Cooking Class

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.
  • OVERNIGHT TRAINS
  • Your sleeper train is clean and air-conditioned, and is a great way to travel long distances and still get maximum time in each place. Beds are padded berths with sheets, pillow and blanket provided, but some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Please note you may be sharing with locals in a same gender/mixed gender situation and they are typically four to six berth compartments (dependant on seasonality and the journey). All long distance trains have a Pantry Car where travellers can purchase snacks and food throughout the journey. Tea, coffee and bottled drinks are also available onboard.
  • LONG TRAVEL DAYS
  • There are some long travel days and some of the transport can be quite cramped and without air-conditioning.

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties 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 or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
  • 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. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 10 (Overnight Train) where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 2. While we endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so that we can ensure you’ll enjoy this trip.
  • 3. 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) for transport tickets. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket if an amendment occurs.
  • 4. This trip includes domestic flights. The luggage allowance is 15kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.

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.
  • OVERNIGHT TRAINS
  • Your sleeper train is clean and air-conditioned, and is a great way to travel long distances and still get maximum time in each place. Beds are padded berths with sheets, pillow and blanket provided, but some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Please note you may be sharing with locals in a same gender/mixed gender situation and they are typically four to six berth compartments (dependant on seasonality and the journey). All long distance trains have a Pantry Car where travellers can purchase snacks and food throughout the journey. Tea, coffee and bottled drinks are also available onboard.
  • LONG TRAVEL DAYS
  • There are some long travel days and some of the transport can be quite cramped and without air-conditioning.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    India is a great food destination for vegetarians. With wonderful fresh produce and many delicious local dishes, you'll have a great time on this trip. For vegans we recommend reviewing the itinerary and inclusions to ensure that you will be able to fully participate and enjoy this trip. We also have many other trips to India which can accommodate a range of dietary requirements.

    India is a big country and there are some long travel days on this departure. Use these as an opportunity to relax, witness everyday life from the window of your vehicle and get to know your fellow travellers.

    This trip travels by overnight train from Udaipur to Mumbai. While the overnight train can seem a little daunting, it is a very efficient way to travel long distances and maximising time in each place. Long distance and overnight trains can often be delayed and occasionally cancelled due to heavy fog between December and February.

    This trip stays in a mix of accommodation to experience a variety of Indian life. Standards can vary though – there will be hot water in most but not all hotels.

    The climate in India can vary in the different states – be prepared for hot sticky days and cooler evenings. Layered clothing is the best way to tackle this disparity in weather.

    Old Delhi can be very busy and crowded. While it’s an exciting place to see local life moving around you, be aware that on the walking tour you’ll need to navigate through people, tight spaces and walkways.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

Save on this tour

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1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Friday

Dec 13, 2024 - Dec 27, 2024
$2790 $2232

Operator discount: -$558

Friday - Friday

Dec 20, 2024 - Jan 03, 2025
$2790 $2511

Operator discount: -$279

Tuesday - Tuesday

Dec 24, 2024 - Jan 07, 2025
$2875

Friday - Friday

Jan 03, 2025 - Jan 17, 2025
$2900 $2610

Operator discount: -$290

Friday - Friday

Jan 17, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025
$2765 $2212

Operator discount: -$553

Friday - Friday

Jan 24, 2025 - Feb 07, 2025
$2905 $2324

Operator discount: -$581

Friday - Friday

Feb 21, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025
$2765 $2212

Operator discount: -$553

Friday - Friday

Feb 28, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025
$2765 $2212

Operator discount: -$553

Friday - Friday

Mar 07, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025
$2900 $2320

Operator discount: -$580

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
$2870 $2296

Operator discount: -$574

Friday - Friday

Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
$2660 $2128

Operator discount: -$532

Friday - Friday

Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025
$2660 $2128

Operator discount: -$532

Friday - Friday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
$2660 $2128

Operator discount: -$532

Friday - Friday

Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
$2660 $2128

Operator discount: -$532

Friday - Friday

Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
$2660 $2128

Operator discount: -$532

Friday - Friday

Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$2660 $2128

Operator discount: -$532

Friday - Friday

Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
$2660 $2128

Operator discount: -$532

Friday - Friday

Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
$2660 $2128

Operator discount: -$532

Friday - Friday

Oct 24, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
$2765 $2212

Operator discount: -$553

Friday - Friday

Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025
$2765 $2212

Operator discount: -$553

Tuesday - Tuesday

Nov 04, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025
$2765 $2212

Operator discount: -$553

Friday - Friday

Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025
$2765 $2212

Operator discount: -$553

Tuesday - Tuesday

Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025
$2870 $2296

Operator discount: -$574

Friday - Friday

Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025
$2870 $2296

Operator discount: -$574

Friday - Friday

Nov 21, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025
$2870 $2296

Operator discount: -$574

Tuesday - Tuesday

Nov 25, 2025 - Dec 09, 2025
$2765 $2212

Operator discount: -$553

Friday - Friday

Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025
$2765 $2212

Operator discount: -$553

Friday - Friday

Dec 12, 2025 - Dec 26, 2025
$2765 $2212

Operator discount: -$553

Friday - Friday

Dec 19, 2025 - Jan 02, 2026
$2870

Friday - Friday

Dec 26, 2025 - Jan 09, 2026
$2870

Tuesday - Tuesday

Dec 30, 2025 - Jan 13, 2026
$2870

Friday - Friday

Jan 02, 2026 - Jan 16, 2026
$3015

Friday - Friday

Jan 09, 2026 - Jan 23, 2026
$3015

Friday - Friday

Jan 23, 2026 - Feb 06, 2026
$2905

Friday - Friday

Feb 06, 2026 - Feb 20, 2026
$2795

Friday - Friday

Feb 20, 2026 - Mar 06, 2026
$2905

Friday - Friday

Mar 06, 2026 - Mar 20, 2026
$3015

Friday - Friday

Mar 20, 2026 - Apr 03, 2026
$3015

Friday - Friday

Mar 27, 2026 - Apr 10, 2026
$2905

Friday - Friday

Apr 03, 2026 - Apr 17, 2026
$2795

Friday - Friday

Sep 04, 2026 - Sep 18, 2026
$2795

Friday - Friday

Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 25, 2026
$2795

Friday - Friday

Sep 25, 2026 - Oct 09, 2026
$2795

Friday - Friday

Oct 02, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026
$2795

Friday - Friday

Oct 09, 2026 - Oct 23, 2026
$2795

Friday - Friday

Oct 16, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
$2905

Friday - Friday

Oct 23, 2026 - Nov 06, 2026
$2905

Friday - Friday

Oct 30, 2026 - Nov 13, 2026
$2905

Tuesday - Tuesday

Nov 03, 2026 - Nov 17, 2026
$3015

Friday - Friday

Nov 06, 2026 - Nov 20, 2026
$3015

Tuesday - Tuesday

Nov 10, 2026 - Nov 24, 2026
$3015

Friday - Friday

Nov 13, 2026 - Nov 27, 2026
$2905

Friday - Friday

Nov 20, 2026 - Dec 04, 2026
$2905

Tuesday - Tuesday

Nov 24, 2026 - Dec 08, 2026
$2905

Friday - Friday

Nov 27, 2026 - Dec 11, 2026
$2905

Friday - Friday

Dec 11, 2026 - Dec 25, 2026
$2795

Friday - Friday

Dec 18, 2026 - Jan 01, 2027
$3015

Friday - Friday

Dec 25, 2026 - Jan 08, 2027
$3015

Tuesday - Tuesday

Dec 29, 2026 - Jan 12, 2027
$3015
Prices last published on 24-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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