Map of Premium India in Depth including India

Experience the wonders of Rajasthan on a journey from Mumbai to Delhi

From magnificent forts to wild forests and energetic cities, Rajasthan has plenty to entice those in search of an adventure. This 14-day Premium journey through the north of India reveals the region’s best culture, landscapes and cuisine with the guidance of an experienced local leader. The fabled cities of Agra, Udaipur and Jaipur will impress with their grandeur, while Mumbai and Delhi provide a true snapshot of modern life. Search for tigers in Ranthambhore National Park, dine beneath the stars among the sand dunes of Pushkar and learn about life in Rajasthan in the homes of local families.


Start
Mumbai, India
Finish
Delhi, India
Destination
India
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
HHPR
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

premium accommodation

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

premium experiences

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

premium knowledge

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • Discover the rich history and architecture of the impressive forts scattered across the province, from Jaipur’s Amber Fort and Royal City Palace to Agra’s Red Fort and iconic Taj Mahal.

  • Take the chance to get closer to India’s incredible wildlife, and perhaps catch more than a glimpse of its elusive animal king, the magnificent tiger, in Ranthambhore National Park

  • Savour Indian cuisine during Exclusive Experiences, including dinner with a Rajput family in Bundi and a Brahmin family in Jaipur, a street food tour in Agra and a spectacular meal in the sand dunes of Pushkar, accompanied by a traditional dance performance.

  • Your Feature Stay hotel in Jaipur has been delighting visitors since its opening in 1928, offering up elegant decor, traditional touches and world-class service.

  • Visit a royal haveli in Jaipur during an unforgettable Exclusive Experience, where the owner will show you around the ornately decorated property and share photographs and stories of his ancestors who once ruled the nearby provinces.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Rajasthan is a desert state and so it’s important to prepare for hot sticky temperatures during the day and cooler climates in the evening. Layers are the best way to tackle this disparity in weather.

  • There are a number of long travel days on this trip. Some journeys take up to six hours, but are a great opportunity to get to know locals, fellow travellers and the diverse scenery.

Itinerary

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Mumbai, where you will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel. Here you will meet your fellow travellers and local leader for a 6pm welcome meeting. If you arrive with time to spare, India’s most populated city truly has it all. You may like to check out the Bollywood Walk of Fame, or perhaps head out to a Parsi cafe, a symbol of Mumbai’s cultural diversity. Mumbai’s culinary scene is also deliciously diverse, and after your welcome meeting you will head out with your leader and small group for your first taste. Dine at a wonderful restaurant specialising in Mangalorean seafood and celebrate the beginning of a new adventure.
Accommodation
  • The Gordon House Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Mumbai - Welcome dinner
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Today you will get to know Mumbai on a guided city tour. Start out at Dhobi Ghat, the world’s largest outdoor laundry. Here you’ll enjoy a snapshot of life in the city that most visitors don't see, as locals work and children play beneath colourful rows of drying clothes. Continue to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus to admire its stunning Victorian Gothic architecture, then visit the Prince of Wales Museum. With an exquisite exterior showcasing Indian, Mughal and British architectural styles, the museum is home to some 50,000 artefacts that tell the story of India. Stop by the sprawling Crawford market; built in 1869 and selling everything from fruit to jewellery, this is one of the city’s most popular shopping spots. After your tour, the rest of the afternoon is free for your own discoveries. Your leader will be happy to share some tips on great places to grab a local dinner.
Accommodation
  • The Gordon House Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mumbai - Gateway of India
  • Mumbai - Guided city tour
  • Mumbai - Dobi Ghat
  • Mumbai - Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
  • Mumbai - The Museum Mumbai (Prince of Wales Museum)
  • Mumbai - Crawford Market
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Enjoy a morning at leisure then board a midday flight bound for Udaipur. Also known as the “City of Lakes”, Udaipur’s delightful historic buildings are contrasted with beautiful surroundings. On arrival, settle in to your hotel then join your leader for an orientation walk to get a feel for Rajasthan’s most romantic city. In the early evening, enjoy a boat ride on the peaceful Lake Pichola, offering a different perspective of Udaipur’s heritage buildings and rolling hills. Stop off at Jag Mandir – built by Maharana Karan Singh II in 1620, this ornately decorated palace sits in the middle of the lake. Finish the day with dinner at a lakeside restaurant, from where you can watch the surrounding landscape turn brilliant shades of gold as the sun goes down.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Rampratap Palace or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Udaipur - Leader-led walking tour
  • Udaipur - Lake Pichola boat ride
  • Udaipur - Jagmandir Island Palace
  • Udaipur - Dinner at lakeside restaurant
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s flight is approximately 1.5 hours.
Start the day with a tour of the City Palace. Built by Maharana Udai Singh II, the founder of Udaipur, this marvellous building overlooks Lake Pichola and is Rajasthan’s largest palace. Explore its elegant interior as your local guide shares information on its history and architecture. Enjoy a free afternoon to discover more of Udaipur. You may like to explore the charming, narrow lanes of the old town, or sit back and relax on the shores of the lake. In the evening, see a different side of Indian culture as you head to a haveli (a traditional Indian mansion) for a dance performance. Sit in the haveli’s gorgeous courtyard and watch performers in typical Rajasthani folk costumes perform traditional Indian dances.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Rampratap Palace or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Udaipur - City Palace
  • Udaipur - Cultural performance
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
In the morning you will drive to Bundi, a small town founded in the 12th century. Famous as the place that inspired Rudyard Kipling to write his novel, ‘Kim’, Bundi today is known for its series of step wells (baoris), old houses, and the remarkable Taragarh Fort. The view from the highway as you enter the town is unforgettable. On arrival, head out on an orientation walk with your leader and wander narrow streets packed with blue Brahmin houses, bazaars, temples and shops, and mingle with locals in the downtown market. Visit the ancient and ornately carved baoris, which once provided water to the city, and learn about Rudyard Kipling's place in the town's history. This evening’s dinner will be one to remember as you will dine with a local Rajput family in Bundi. The family will welcome you into their home, prepare a traditional home cooked meal and share stories and photographs of their lives and their ancestors.
Accommodation
  • Hadoti Palace Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bundi - Stepwell
  • Bundi - Home-cooked dinner
  • Bundi - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 5 hours.
This morning, explore the expansive 17th-century Bundi Palace, built during the reign of Rao Raja Ratan Ji Heruled and which looms large over the town. The palace, described by Kipling as ‘the work of goblins rather than of men’, provides sweeping views across Bundi. Your leader will show you the stunning turquoise and gold murals inside the palace. Then it’s time to depart Bundi and make the drive to Pushkar, arriving in the late afternoon. Home to more than 500 temples, Pushkar is one of India’s holiest cities. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader to get acquainted with the city’s colourful streets, religious sites and centrepiece lake.
Accommodation
  • Brahma Horizon Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bundi - Bundi Palace
  • Pushkar - Leader-led walking tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Please note that due to animal welfare concerns, we won’t include a camel ride in Pushkar on this trip.
You may like to start the day with an optional visit to the Savitri Temple – set on a hill overlooking the city, this popular pilgrimage site is an incredible place to watch the sunrise. Later on, join your leader on a walking tour of Pushkar. Visit the ghats and religious temples that fringe Pushkar lake and observe the devout worshiping by the holy waters and at the Brahma Temple. The afternoon is free for your own discoveries, then you will regroup with your fellow travellers and leader in the evening for a special dinner experience. Head to Pushkar’s nearby sand dunes, first stopping off for tea or coffee while watching the sun set over the vast landscape. Continue to a different dune where you will enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner while watching dancers from the local community perform the traditional Kalbelia style of dance – an experience that will completely immerse you in the culture of the region.
Accommodation
  • Brahma Horizon Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pushkar - Brahma Temple
  • Pushkar - Private traditional dance performance & dinner on sand dune
Optional Activities
  • Pushkar - Sunrise at Savitri Temple - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Depart Pushkar this morning and drive to Jaipur. The capital of Rajasthan is known as the 'Pink City' due to the vibrant colour of its buildings. Arrive at your Feature Stay accommodation, the fabulous Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. This beautiful heritage hotel has been run by the same family since its opening in 1928 and retains the warm feel of a traditional family home, while opulent touches emanate from every corner – look out for delectable chandeliers, stained glass windows and peacocks roaming the grounds. Surrounded by a glittering swimming pool and lush gardens, you’ll enjoy a magical escape from the rush and racket of the outside world. Settle in to your hotel on arrival then join your leader on a walking tour of the city. Explore buzzing bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art, and the local speciality of semi-precious stones, and stroll streets teeming with camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles. If your walking tour works up an appetite, you’re in for a real treat this evening. Visit the home of a local Brahmin family for a wonderful meal and to learn about their culture and way of life. The use of onion and garlic is prohibited in Brahmin cooking, but your friendly hosts will be happy to explain how they make their food so delicious. After dinner, return to your Feature Stay accommodation.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Narain Niwas Palace (feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3 hours.
Begin the day with a visit to the extravagant Amber Fort – the jewel of Jaipur. It is quite a sight, with its soft shades of red, sandstone and white marble with elaborate Hindu-style flourishes. Your local guide will share the stories of a fallen empire as you explore ornate rooms, lavish murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Afterwards, stop at one of India's most photographed buildings, the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds', to capture your own photo. Then pay a visit to the striking City Palace, a marvellous blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Tour the grounds and learn about its construction by the founder of Jaipur. Later in the afternoon, hop on a rickshaw and travel to a royal haveli. Haveli’s are old mansions which were ornately decorated as a display of wealth, many of which remain across the city today. Here you will meet the owner of the haveli who will give you a tour of the property and share fascinating photographs and stories of his ancestors who once ruled the nearby provinces. Head to the rooftop for drinks and take in sweeping views of Jaipur’s old walled city.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Narain Niwas Palace (feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jaipur - City Palace
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Jaipur - Private Royal Haveli visit with owner
  • Jaipur - Rooftop drinks overlooking old walled city (one drink included)
Optional Activities
  • Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
This morning you will say goodbye to Jaipur and make the journey to Ranthambore. Ranthambhore’s treasured national park is one of the best places in the world to spot tigers, and also plays host to ancient temples, mosques and a vast array of wildlife. On arrival, you may like to take a stroll around town or put your feet up and relax beside the pool in anticipation of an exciting day of wildlife spotting tomorrow.
Accommodation
  • The Sher Garh Resort or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Please note that Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. On those trips affected, we'll visit nearby Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary. Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary is located approximately 16 kilometres from Ranthambhore and, due to its hilly terrain, isn't as affected by the monsoon. Tigers inhabit this area also and sightings are more favourable at this time of year as they move away from flooded areas of Ranthambore.
Rise early for a morning safari. Ranthambore National Park is one of the original Project Tiger reserves – a place where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples and is teeming with wildlife. In four-wheel drive safari vehicles, take game drives to search for animals, including the majestic tiger which stalks through the jungle. Even if they are too stealthy to see, the park is filled with other animals like gazelle, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, three types of antelope (nilgai, sambar and chital) and leopards to watch out for. Enjoy some downtime at the resort in the afternoon, then venture back out for an evening safari through the park – another chance to spot some of this region’s resident tiger population. You may also have the opportunity to explore the 1000-year-old Ranthambore Fort, where two pavilions that have survived the ravages of war and time, Badal Mahal and Hammirs Court, give an idea of its old grandeur.
Accommodation
  • The Sher Garh Resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ranthambhore National Park - Evening wildlife safari
  • Ranthambhore National Park - Morning Wildlife Safari
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Today, make the drive to the fabled city of Agra. Once arrived, take some time to settle in to your hotel then head out at sunset to visit India's most iconic structure – the spectacular Taj Mahal. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th-century Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife and is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Meet with an expert Taj Mahal guide who will illuminate the fascinating history of this world-famous building as you tour it at sunset. Beyond its most famous structure, Agra also boasts a marvellous food scene. This evening, a foodie expert will join you on a street food tour away from the main tourist trail and help you understand Agra’s cuisine and culture. Stop by a 19th-century shop serving up age-old recipes from the Braj region of India, and visit hyperlocal eateries most visitors to Agra never see.
Accommodation
  • Crystal Sarovar Premiere Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Agra - Expert-led street food tour (as dinner)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6 hours.
Start the day with a visit to the remarkable Agra Fort. Learn how a fortress and prison was built out of red sandstone by Akbar in 1565, then conversions and additions by Shah Jahan transformed the fort into a palace. After your visit, depart Agra and make your way to Delhi, India’s lively capital. In the afternoon, get a taste of the city during a tour with your leader. Navigate the city’s metro system and arrive in Old Delhi where you’ll wind through its lanes and markets. It’s not the real Delhi without a traffic jam so hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandni Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, then head into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara for a moment of peace and to observe the spiritual side of this bustling metropolis. In the evening, join your leader and group for a final dinner at one of Delhi’s oldest restaurants that has been delighting visitors for more than 80 years.
Accommodation
  • Jaypee Siddharth hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Agra - Agra Fort
  • Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend more time in Delhi to explore more of the city, we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation ahead of time (subject to availability).
Optional Activities
  • Delhi - Culture Vulture Delhi Urban Adventure - INR2500
  • Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3500
  • Delhi - Home-Cooked Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4000
  • Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR2700
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Auto rickshaw, Cycle rickshaw, Jeep, Plane, Private vehicle, Boat, Metro

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Jaipur Feature Stay (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Mumbai - Welcome dinner
  • Mumbai - Gateway of India
  • Mumbai - Guided city tour
  • Mumbai - Dobi Ghat
  • Mumbai - Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
  • Mumbai - The Museum Mumbai (Prince of Wales Museum)
  • Mumbai - Crawford Market
  • Udaipur - Leader-led walking tour
  • Udaipur - Lake Pichola boat ride
  • Udaipur - Jagmandir Island Palace
  • Udaipur - Dinner at lakeside restaurant
  • Udaipur - City Palace
  • Udaipur - Cultural performance
  • Bundi - Stepwell
  • Bundi - Home-cooked dinner
  • Bundi - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Bundi - Bundi Palace
  • Pushkar - Leader-led walking tour
  • Pushkar - Brahma Temple
  • Pushkar - Private traditional dance performance & dinner on sand dune
  • Jaipur - City Palace
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Jaipur - Private Royal Haveli visit with owner
  • Jaipur - Rooftop drinks overlooking old walled city (one drink included)
  • Ranthambhore National Park - Evening wildlife safari
  • Ranthambhore National Park - Morning Wildlife Safari
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Agra - Expert-led street food tour (as dinner)
  • Agra - Agra Fort
  • Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Premium India in Depth trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. 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.
3. Please provide a scanned copy of your passport bio page at time of booking to secure a permit for your Ranthambhore National Park visit. Authorities at the park follow a strict booking process whereby permits are issued on a first come first serve basis. If we do not receive your passport scan in time we cannot guarantee you will be able to join the safari. Your full name will need to be provided exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for flight 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.
5. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.
6. Some activities may be rearranged during Holi, and other holidays.
7. The HHPR231128 departure will stay at Shapura House in Jaipur rather than Niwas Palace.

Essential trip information

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