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Visit North India's enticing destinations from Delhi to Varanasi

Visit northern India and join an adventure to one of the planet's most enticing destinations. See towering fortresses above city squares, vibrant colours in busy bazaars, pilgrims praying on river banks, Maharajah mementos in a ghostly palace and camels silhouetted on a desert landscape – welcome to a land of magic and life. Discover well-known sites and hidden secrets, from the beating heart of Delhi to the holy city of Varanasi – this is chaotic and inspiring India.

Start
Delhi, India
Finish
Delhi, India
Destination
India
Style
Basix
Theme
Explorer
Code
HHRR
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • India can be a daunting place at times, even for experienced travellers. With a local leader to support you the whole way and take care of all the logistics, you’ll build plenty of confidence in how to find the best food, activities and fun in each destination.

  • This comprehensive trip covers many of the diverse sights and destinations in Rajasthan and North India. There is a lot of travelling, but plenty of free time to decide on what you are most interested in seeing and doing.

  • A group size of up to 16 other travellers means you will have plenty of new friends to share experiences, meals and good times with during your trip.

  • Rajasthan is the India that many people imagine when they dream of travelling to this captivating country: ancient forts, palaces, rural villages and colourful cities: sandy red Jaisalmer, blue Jodhpur, white Udaipur and pink Jaipur.

  • Pushkar and Varanasi are among the holiest cities in India. Climb to hilltop temples at sunrise, dodge cows in the street, and observe pilgrims praying along the ghats of the sacred Ganges River during a boat cruise.

  • The Taj Mahal in Agra may be one of the most recognisable buildings in the world, but it somehow has the power to surprise and impress even the most sceptical of travellers. Read one first hand account of a visit here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/taj-mahal-firsthand-account/

  • Along with staying in simple hotels and guesthouses, you’ll spend nights traversing the country on overnight sleeper trains and one very memorable night out in the Thar desert where you’ll share a local-style meal at sunset before bunking down to camp between the sand dunes.

Is this trip right for you?

  • 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 in each destination to get your bearings and give you plenty of suggestions - then what comes next is up to you! Please take into account spending money for optional sightseeing (including local transport to and from sights) that isn't included in the trip cost when budgeting for your journey. 

  • We are covering a lot of distance in a vast country, so this trip involves some very long bus and train rides. These can at times be a bit grueling, but offer a quintessential and authentic Indian experience. You’ll be taking a overnight trains between some destinations, including a 19-hour trip from Delhi to Jaisalmer, a 12-hour trip from Agra to Varanasi and a 15-hour trip from Varanasi to Delhi. 

  • Sleeper trains are 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. More information can be found in the Transport section of these notes. 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-...

  • This trip runs all year round, so it’s important to be aware of just how hot it can get in India in the summer months and choose the season that best suits you.

  • If you'd prefer an itinerary in Rajasthan with more inclusions, higher standard of accommodation or less overnight trains, check out our HHSR & HHSC (Original) or HHKR (Comfort) trips. If you are 18-29 and would prefer to travel with others of the same age, look for our HHYJ trip.

Map of North India Revealed including India
Woman praying at a temple in Rajasthan in India
Sadhu, holyman, sitting on the banks of The Ganges in India
Local women in the entrance of the Amber Fort, Jaipur, India
Travellers participating in a cooking class in India on an Intrepid Travel tour.
Traditional curries in India
Local men manning their spice stall in Jodhpur, India
Ghats Festival in Varanasi, India
Local children playing soccer in the shallow water near the Taj Mahal in Agra, India
Travellers looking at locally made pashmina scarves on a busy street in Udaipur, India
Local performer in bright red costume balancing multiple bowls on her head in Rajasthan, India
Woman smiling in front of the Taj Mahal on an Intrepid Travel tour of Agra, India.
Local man with a long piece of cloth draped over him in Pushkar, India
Street vendor selling vegetables in Delhi, India

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jan 2018 to 31 Dec 2018.
 View the 2019 itinerary

Namaste and welcome to Delhi, India. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. Your leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you bring these details. If you're going to be late, please inform hotel reception. If you arrive into Delhi with time to spare, perhaps pay a visit to the World Heritage-listed Humayun's Tomb or the 12th-century Qutub Minar. As the former residence of royal families and British soldiers, the Red Fort plays a vital part in Delhi’s history.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR500
  • Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR500
  • Delhi - Red Fort - INR500
  • Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR2700
  • Delhi - City Food Crawl Urban Adventure - INR3500
  • Delhi - Home-Cooked Experience Urban Adventure - INR4000
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
The metro is the best way to get around Delhi. See our guide here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/guide-delhi-metro-india/

In the morning, set off with the group by metro to Old Delhi and explore on a walking tour. Experience the chaos of an Indian traffic jam, as you inch your way through the streets around Chandni Chowk marketplace in a traditional cycle rickshaw. Visit the Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest and India’s largest mosque, and then stop by the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about the Sikh religion. Tonight transfer to the railway station and board a 19-hour/750 km overnight train to Jaisalmer. Local vendors will board the train at various stops to sell snacks, but it’s advised that you bring some of your own food for the journey too.
Accommodation
  • Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Delhi - Old Delhi walking tour
  • Delhi - Jama Masjid
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

If there are no delays, you should arrive into Jaisalmer around midday. Pack a small overnight bag and leave the rest of your luggage at the hotel. Embark on a camel safari into the sand dunes of the Thar Desert. Drive by jeep to the starting point, where you’ll meet your guides and set off through the desert for the three-hour ride to the camping ground. The campsite is very basic, with a wind break set up against a sand dune. Your guides will get a campfire going and cook a traditional Rajasthani dinner while you relax and watch the sunset. Water and soft drinks are available for purchase. Sleep under the open sky on a camp style cot with a pillow, sheets, mattress and blankets provided. There are no structured bathroom facilities so please bring toiletries with you, including hand sanitiser. Toilets are simple long drop style.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jaisalmer - City tour
  • Jaisalmer - Camel safari & overnight desert camp
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
During the winter months (December and January), temperatures in the desert can drop below zero. Your leader will monitor the weather forecast to decide whether this activity will be able to go ahead. If not, you’ll take a day trip to the Thar Desert instead of the overnight stay. Some travellers also like to bring a sleeping bag and base layers for camping in the colder months.

Rise early to enjoy the sunrise over the sand dunes before having a simple breakfast. The ride back to the drop off point from the desert takes around 90 minutes. Return to the city by private vehicle, where you can take an optional trip to the Folklore Museum. This small museum displays printing blocks, musical instruments, religious artefacts and camel decorations, offering insights into the cultural heritage of Jaisalmer. Our accommodation in Jaisalmer is in a simple guesthouse.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Jaisalmer - Folklore Museum - INR10
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is a free day to explore Jaisalmer. This old fortress city has long been a centre for nomadic tribespeople who come to trade in the twisting alleys and markets inside the walls. Perhaps visit the Jain temples, do some shopping or admire the ornate havelis (traditional Indian houses) found throughout the city.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Take a private bus to the railway station and then a six-hour train ride (approximately 300km/3rd Class AC train) across the desert to the blue city of Jodhpur. Enjoy a walk to see the sights, including a visit to one of the oldest markets in India, the Sadar Bazaar. Haggle over Bollywood soundtracks, bangles, leather shoes and colourful saris, or simply soak up the energy of a typical Indian market. Jodhpur is said to be home to the best lassis in India, so make sure you try one.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jodhpur - City walk
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

You have the option to visit the colossal Mehrangarh Fort today. The fort is one of the largest in India and is still run by the Jodhpur royal family. Explore the palaces, galleries and artillery inside the fortress walls and admire great views over the city. Today’s other option is to take a tour of the nearby Bishnoi villages. Take a glimpse into rural Rajasthani life and learn about the rich cultural traditions of these peaceful, nature-loving tribespeople.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Jodhpur - Bishnoi villages day trip - INR750
  • Jodhpur - Meherangarh Fort - INR600
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Take auto rickshaws from our hotel to the bus station this morning board a local bus for the eight-hour/300km journey to Udaipur. Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, this white city is often regarded as the most romantic in India. Set amid the Aravalli Hills, Udaipur curls around a huge lake. On arrival, take a walk to gather your bearings. Explore twisting alleyways filled with shops and bazaars selling things like silver jewellery, shoes, bags, leather goods and miniature paintings.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Udaipur - City walk
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
See our guide to Udaipur here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/venice-of-the-east-india-udaipur/

Enjoy a free day to explore the sights of Udaipur. Perhaps take a short boat ride on the famous Lake Pichola (seasonal) and see the palaces of Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas rise out of the water of their own reflections. Tour of the lakeside City Palace complex, the largest palace in Rajasthan. While inside, check out vivid murals and royal antiques, and pop into the impressive Jagdish Temple that’s dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. Alternatively, learn the secrets behind making the perfect Indian thali during a half-day cooking class.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Udaipur - Lake Pichola boat ride - INR350
  • Udaipur - City Palace - INR300
  • Udaipur - Cooking class - INR600
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today’s options include a visit to Sajjan Garh (Monsoon Palace). Perched atop a hill overlooking Lake Pichola and built it in 1884, the palace was named after Maharana Sajjan Singh of the Mewar Dynasty. You might like to join a trip to the nearby rural arts and crafts village of Shilpgram, where mud huts, artistic performances and traditional rural ways of life can be observed. Back in Udaipur, enjoy a concert combining seven traditional Rajasthani folk dances.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Udaipur - Cultural dance show - INR150
  • Udaipur - Monsoon Palace - INR300
  • Udaipur - Shilpgram craft village - INR25
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Transfer to the station and travel by train for around seven hours/300km to the city of Ajmer (AC seated carriage). From here, it’s a 45-minute/30km drive by private vehicle to your hotel in Pushkar. Pushkar is one of the India's holiest towns and a market centre for the surrounding villages. Head out to explore the town on a walking tour, exploring the main bazaar along the way. Take a walk around Pushkar’s lake and past the bustling ghats and temples, observing the devout as they worship at the holy waters.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pushkar - Walking tour
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Early morning risers can hike up the hill to the Savitri Temple for sunrise views over the town. If the chai man is there, enjoy a steaming cup of tea at the top. Later in the day, pay a visit to the colourful Brahma Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu god, Brahma. If you’re lucky enough to be in town for the Pushkar Camel Fair, experience one of India’s most famous festivals.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Pushkar - Brahma Temple - Free
  • Pushkar - Savitri Temple - Free
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
We will do all we can to ensure that travellers booked with a trip to coincide with the fair will get an opportunity to see the best of the festival, but we cannot take responsibility if the dates of the fair change. Pushkar hotels raise their rates considerably during the festival, so departures across this period may be at a higher price. Although we make bookings months in advance, accommodation in Pushkar tends to overbook at this time. That’s why we ask for a flexible approach from people travelling at this time as accommodation, order of activities and type of transport may need to change.

Transfer back to Ajmer and then travel by local bus to the 'Pink City' of Jaipur today (approximately four hours/150 km). On arrival take auto rickshaws to our hotel, then explore Rajasthan’s capital on a walking tour. See the beehive-like structure of the Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal), built so that women of the royal family could observe street festivities unseen. Your evening is then free.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jaipur - Walking tour
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today is yours for optional activities. For many travellers, a hot air balloon experience is one of the highlights of Jaipur. Ballooning can be done over the city early in the morning between September and June. For additional information, please see the ‘Important Notes’ section of the trip notes. In the afternoon, visit the Amber Fort. Set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, the fort is an excellent example of Rajput architecture. Entering the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is a particularly memorable experience. Explore Jaipur’s Royal City Palace and get among the crowds of the city’s bazaars to shop for artisan goods and semi-precious stones. A true local experience is to immerse yourself in Bollywood culture with a movie at a classic cinema.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort - INR500
  • Jaipur - City Palace - INR500
  • Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
  • Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD260
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Head to Abhaneri (approximately 2 hours / 95km). This rural town provides a lovely detour from the bigger cities of Rajasthan. It is known for its 'baoris', step-wells which were invented long ago to harvest rain water. You will visit the 10th-century Chand Baori, one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Rajasthan. This step-well is some 20 metres deep, and the cool lower reaches of the well is where locals used to gather to escape the heat. See the pavillion on one side, which was reserved for the royals. Afterwards, visit Abhaneri's other crown jewel, the Harshat Mata Temple, which is right nearby. This architectural delight was dedicated to the goddess of happiness and joy, and dates back to the 7th century.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Abhaneri - Stepwells & Harshat Mata Temple
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Head east by private transport for the two to three hour/60km journey to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri. Rich in Mughal heritage, Agra is a city of gardens, temples and open rooftops. No doubt everyone will be keen to visit the Taj Mahal, a white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. The building is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and attracts over three million visitors each year. The rest of the day is free to explore. An amazing local social enterprise, Sheroes Hangout, an initiative by the Stop Acid Attacks campaign and staffed by survivors, is located about 10 mins walk from the Taj Mahal and is an excellent place to stop for a cold drink, coffee or light meal while you are here.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Agra - Taj Mahal - INR1100
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today perhaps return to the Taj Mahal at sunrise, then explore the spectacular Red Fort on the banks of the Yamuna River. Built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, the fort was originally designed to be a military structure. If you have extra time, you may like to continue onto Akbar's Mausoleum to pay your respects to the great emperor. In the evening, take a 12-hour/700km overnight train to Varanasi (3 AC class).
Accommodation
  • Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Agra - Agra Fort - INR600
  • Agra - Akbar's Mausoleum - INR210
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

On arrival this morning transfer by auto rickshaw to your hotel and check in. Then wander through narrow alleyways on a walk around the Old City. At sunset, a great experience is to take a boat cruise down the Ganges, releasing an offering of floating candles and flowers into the river. Every evening at 7 pm, priests perform a ganga aarti (fire ceremony) at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Each year thousands of Hindu pilgrims come to the holy city of Varanasi to pray along the banks of the sacred Ganges River and to cremate the dead in open-air funeral ceremonies.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Varanasi - Old City tour
Optional Activities
  • Varanasi - Sunset candle ceremony - INR140
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
There's so much to see and do in Varanasi. Use our guide here to help plan your time: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/varanasi-guide-india/

We highly recommend starting very early with a sunrise boat trip along the Ganges, passing pilgrims bathing and praying along the colourful ghats. See dhobi-wallahs (washerwomen and men) drying clothes along the riverbank. Make sure you keep an eye out for the sinking Vishnu temple near the Manikarnika Ghat. The rest of the day is free for you to do as you please. Perhaps take a trip out to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first speech after finding enlightenment. The Dhamekh Stupa dominates the landscape of this holy site.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Varanasi - Sarnath day trip (entry only) - INR250
  • Varanasi - Sunrise boat trip - INR80
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

In the morning, you have some free time to explore more of Varanasi. Perhaps visit the Vishwanath Temple, which is laden with 800 kg of gold plating. Slow down your pace with a visit to the Kriti Gallery, which displays the work of local Indian artists. In the afternoon, board your final 15-hour/800km overnight train to Delhi.
Accommodation
  • Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Arrive into Delhi late in the morning from your overnight train and taxi to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city. Your leader will be able to give you some suggestions – our Urban Adventures are highly recommended!
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR2700
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Your North India adventure comes to an end today. There are no more activities planned and you’re free to depart the accommodation at any time.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Meals

1 breakfast, 1 dinner

Transport

Overnight sleeper train, Train, Private vehicle, Public bus, Metro, Auto rickshaw, Cycle rickshaw, Camel, Taxi

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night), Hotel/Guesthouse (17 nights), Overnight sleeper train (3 nights)

Included activities

  • Delhi - Old Delhi walking tour
  • Delhi - Jama Masjid
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Jaisalmer - City tour
  • Jaisalmer - Camel safari & overnight desert camp
  • Jodhpur - City walk
  • Udaipur - City walk
  • Pushkar - Walking tour
  • Jaipur - Walking tour
  • Abhaneri - Stepwells & Harshat Mata Temple
  • Varanasi - Old City tour

Dates & availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on this trip. The single supplement is available for all nights with the exception of overnight sleeper trains as well as the night at the Thar desert camp.
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.
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.

Essential trip information

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