See the highlights of northern India on this 11-day getaway
Chow down on some chivda (a crunchy cereal snack), lose yourself in the labyrinth of lanes, but whatever you do don’t disrespect a cow. In a country of 1.2 billion, prepare for an overwhelming face slap of culture and diversity that is sure to stir the soul. Cities contrast between the rich and poor, old and new. It may seem challenging at first, but the people, food and culture make it an utterly captivating destination. Plunge head first into an experience like no other.
The majesty and story of the Taj Mahal is a big part of India’s allure, and never disappoints
Explore the arches, gardens and the unforgettable Hall of Mirrors in the impressive Amber Fort with a local guide
Watching the sunrise on the holy Ganges River in Varanasi can be somewhat of a spiritual experience. This thought-provoking part of the journey invigorates even the weariest of travellers
The village of Tordi Garh is a place few travellers get to see. Spend a night in a Heritage-listed palace in this peaceful town
Travelling across India wouldn’t be complete without a journey on a sleeper train. With padded bunks and vendors selling chai and samosas, they’re a quintessential Indian experience and perfect for catching up on sleep while on the move
End your adventure in big, bold, busy Delhi, full of historic sights and hidden gems
As this is a Basix trip, there is plenty of free time built into the itinerary for you to enjoy as you wish in each destination. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk to get your bearings and give you plenty of suggestions, but then what you do next is up to you! Please take into account spending money for optional sightseeing that isn't included in the trip cost when budgeting for your journey.
The regions visited on this trip can be extreme in temperature. It’s important to prepare for hot temperatures during the day and cooler climates in the evening. Rajasthan in particular can be very hot, especially in the summer. Layers are the best way to tackle any disparities in weather.
We visit a number of 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.
This trip involves some long train rides, including a couple of overnight trains. The train journey from Delhi to Varanasi is approximately 13 hours, while the trip from Varanasi to Agra takes 11 hours. While this can be tiresome, train travel is a classic Indian experience. Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned and 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). Please note that you may be sharing with locals of the same or opposite gender. For your own security, take a lock for your hand luggage. Sleeper train journeys in and out of Varanasi can be subject to long delays because of weather conditions, including heavy rain or fog.
You will also be travelling by local bus on this trip. While conditions are basic, this is a great way to rub shoulders with the locals while enjoying the passing scenery.
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There are currently no scheduled departures on our Indian Getaway trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
1. A single supplement is available on this trip and is applicable for all nights with the exception of nights 3 and 5 on the overnight train.
2. Hot air balloon flights are operated by Sky Waltz in Jaipur. Flights operate mornings from September to June and morning and evening from September to March. Morning flights depart around sunrise and evening flights late afternoon and last 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 and is USD$250pp (subject to change) Flights are subject to weather conditions and tickets are fully refundable in case of poor weather.
3. Please note travelling during major festivals such as Holi and Diwali can, at times, cause disruption the the published itinerary.
4. Using mud pack therapy the Archaeological Survey of India is planning to clean the four small canopies around the main dome of the Taj Mahal from the start of April 2018. This will be followed by the cleaning of the main dome but that could take some time as ASI is yet to calculate its load bearing capacity. The ASI’s science branch officials have stated that cleaning the four canopies will take approximately 2 months while main dome cleaning will be completed in phases. We will continue to update as information becomes available.
Our Indian Getaway trips score an average of 4.77 out of 5 based on 397 reviews in the last year.
Intrepid was recommended to me as a good trip for adventurous solo travellers. The majority of the people on the trip were couples or families, with large wheeled suitcases. If you are a solo traveller thinking of Intrepid, I would recommend another company or choosing an Intrepid trip that specialises in solo travellers.
Review submitted 21 Apr 2018
