16 Days | Discover delicious curries, desert skies and a decadent Wonder of the World
If you’re looking for an authentic slice of the real Rajasthan, this epic 16-day adventure through India is all you could ask for. Camp under the starry night sky in between desert sand dunes, explore Jodhpur’s markets, learn how to cook your new favourite dishes with a cooking class in Bikaner, traverse Jaipur’s temples and witness the Taj Mahal in the morning light – you can tick this Wonder of the World off the bucket list! With all of this and more, India will definitely exceed all expectations. Get ready for tasty feeds, chaotic streets and enough sensory stimulation to last a lifetime.
Trip overview
- Start
- Delhi, India
- Finish
- Delhi, India
- Theme
- 18 to 35s
- Destinations
- India
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Basix
- Ages
- Min 18- Max 35
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Trip code
- HHYJ
- Prepare yourself for one very memorable night out in the Thar Desert, where you’ll share a feast at sunset and bunk down to camp between the sand dunes under a blanket of desert stars.
- Witness one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Taj Mahal. Take your time here, taking in the majesty of this manmade wonder and learn all there is to know from a local guide.
- Visit a local family in Bikaner for a cooking demonstration of regional delights, like chai and chapati. As you get to know the woman and her daughters, you’ll pick up some tips and tricks, try them out for yourself, then sit down for dinner together.
- Get an insight into local, rural life at your homestay in Khinwara – life here is slow paced, so this is the perfect chance to stop and take a moment to relax.
- See Delhi from a new perspective on a bicycle rickshaw ride through the chaotic streets of this epic city. Take in the beauty of Jama Masjid and rub shoulders with the locals in Sheeshganj Gurudwara, where all are welcome despite religion, caste or gender.
- This trip is built for travellers who like a mix of free time and included activities. As such, there will be loads of opportunities to tailor your trip how you like. Please consider spending money for optional sightseeing (including transport to and from sights) and any activities you want to do.
- You’ll cover a lot of distance in this vast country, which involves some long bus and train rides. Sleeper trains are also a great way to travel long distances while still getting maximum time in each place. Beds are padded berths with sheets, pillow and blanket provided (although some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet). You may be in the same carriage with locals of the same or opposite gender. For your own security, take a lock for your hand luggage. Read about what it's like travelling on overnight trains in India, and around the world, here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/overnight-train-travel-around-the-world/
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024
Itinerary
Inclusions
1 breakfast, 3 dinners
Private vehicle, Public bus, Overnight sleeper train, Train, Cycle rickshaw
Hotel (5 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Guesthouse (1 night), Camping (basic facilities) (1 night), Homestay (3 nights), Heritage Property (4 nights)
- 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
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
- Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
- Delhi - Red Fort - INR600
- Bikaner - Junagarh Fort - INR300
- Jaisalmer - Folklore Museum - INR10
- Jodhpur - Meherangarh Fort Elevator - INR50
- Jodhpur - Meherangarh Fort - INR600
- Jodhpur - Bishnoi villages day trip - INR750
- Khinwara - Local Farm Visit - INR500
- Udaipur - Lake Pichola boat ride - INR600
- Udaipur - City Palace - INR300
- Udaipur - Cooking class - INR600
- Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
- Jaipur - City Palace - INR1000
- Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
- Jaipur - Bollywood Dance Class - INR500
- Agra - Agra Fort - INR650
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 2 (Overnight train) and Day 6 (Camping) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. 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 only. Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions (tickets are fully refundable in case of bad weather).
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. 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.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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