Real Rajasthan

16 days4.962 reviews
18 to 35s
From
NZD $927
This trip is for 18 to 35 year olds

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.

Map of Real Rajasthan including India
Trip code: HHYJ
Start
Delhi, India
End
Delhi, India
Destinations
India
Meals
1 breakfast, 3 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Public bus, Overnight sleeper train, Train, Cycle rickshaw
Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Guesthouse (1 night), Camping (basic facilities) (1 night), Homestay (3 nights), Heritage Property (4 nights)
Days
16
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Ages
Min 18- Max 35
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
18 to 35s
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Basix
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
This trip generates 53 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.
Bucket list destinationsTick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences
Great valueAffordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time
Meaningful experiencesConnect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience

Why you'll love this trip

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 itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024

Itinerary

Map of Real Rajasthan including India

Inclusions and activities

Meals

1 breakfast, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus, Overnight sleeper train, Train, Cycle rickshaw

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Guesthouse (1 night), Camping (basic facilities) (1 night), Homestay (3 nights), Heritage Property (4 nights)

Included activities
  • 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

Optional activities
  • Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
  • Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
  • Delhi - Red Fort - INR600
  • Bikaner - Junagarh Fort - INR800
  • Jaisalmer - Folklore Museum - INR500
  • 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 - INR500
  • Udaipur - City Palace - INR400
  • Udaipur - Cooking class - INR600
  • Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
  • Jaipur - City Palace - INR1200
  • Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
  • Jaipur - Bollywood Dance Class - INR500
  • Agra - Agra Fort - INR650

Is this trip right for you?

  • 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/

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 3 (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 or credit card. 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.

Essential Trip Information

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 62 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Alana · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 21 Nov 2024

Mark · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 20 Nov 2024

Rebecca · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 05 Nov 2024

Catherine · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 05 Nov 2024

Szilvia · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 05 Nov 2024
Real Rajasthan
From
NZD $927