Best of India

19 Days | Discover Delhi, Agra and Jaipur before launching into the Himalaya, a land of contrasts to the plains and deserts of India

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Visit India and follow the famous Golden Triangle. Enjoy the perfect introduction to India's three most popular destinations - Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur - as we explore the icons and discover the secrets of this fascinating region. Experience the history of massive forts, the opulence of Rajasthan's palaces, and the traditions of a heritage homestay. Head north into the Himalayan foothills and be introduced to the Mountains and Mystics of this incredible country. These mystical lands look and feel very different from the rest of India - from the food and clothes to the crisp, clean mountain air and spiritual sway of the inhabitants. Discover the complex diversity of India and be enchanted by a land balanced between physical and spiritual worlds.

Trip overview

Map of Best Of India including India
Start
Delhi, India
Finish
Delhi, India
Theme
Explorer
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
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
HHSGC
This trip generates 43 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.

Why you'll love this trip
  • The Taj Mahal is not only a sumptuous masterpiece of Indian architecture, but also a truly meaningful stop on any traveller’s journey. Here's what you need to know about your visit: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/taj-mahal-travel-guide/
  • Overlooking the picturesque scene of Moata Lake, the monumental Amber Fort is one sight that will forever be under India’s protection
  • Experience authentic Rajasthani luxury with a heritage stay at the lavish Bhanwar Vilas in Karauli
  • Old and New Delhi fuse to create a city that pays homage to past empires, while wrestling with its modern identity
  • The colonial charm of Shimla Hill Station offers a great introduction to the Himalayas, and the World Heritage-listed ‘toy-train’ is a great way to get there
  • As the home of the Dalai Lama, tranquil Dharmasala is the ideal place for an enlightening experience of Tibetan spirituality, culture, and history
  • Learn about Sikhism on a visit to the faith’s most sacred monument, the luminous Golden Temple in Amritsar
  • Breeze through the self-proclaimed ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ in Rishikesh and walk along the banks of the holy Ganges River

Is this trip right for you?
  • Old Delhi can be very busy and crowded. While it’s an exciting place to see local life moving around you, be aware that on the walking tour you’ll need to navigate through people, tight spaces, and walkways.
  • Rajasthan can reach extremely high temperatures in the summer. While we aim to do our walking tours early in the morning when it’s cooler, remember to keep hydrated and to bring a hat, sunscreen, a long-sleeved shirt, and anything else that will protect you from the sun.
  • 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.
  • This trip involves some long train rides, which can be tiresome but offer a quintessential Indian experience. The journey from Delhi to Shimla takes nearly a full day of train travel and you’ll also be taking a ten-hour overnight sleeper train from Amritsar to Haridwar.
  • 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.
  • We’ll be taking a local bus between Mandi and Dharmsala. The road through the mountains is rough and bumpy, but the scenery, adventure, and opportunity to mingle with locals will distract you from any discomfort.
  • In Dharmsala, our vehicle can’t get all the way to the hotel so some walking (500 m) with your luggage will be required.
  • As Rishikesh is a sacred town, no alcohol is permitted.
  • This trip travels into the Himalayas, where temperatures can get very low. We don’t run the trip in winter, but ensure that you’re well prepared for cold weather at any time of the year. The sun can also be strong at higher altitudes, so make sure you bring a hat, sunscreen, and any other relevant sun protection.
  • Long-distance and overnight trains can often be delayed and occasionally cancelled due to heavy fog between Dec-Feb. Please see the transport section of the essential trip information.

Itinerary

Map of Best Of India including India

Inclusions

Meals

2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Transport

Cycle rickshaw, Metro, Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Shuttle Bus, Train

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night), Heritage Property (2 night), Hotel (14 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Activities
  • Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
  • Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Suroth Mehal - Village Walk
  • Fatehpur Sikri - Guided tour
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
  • Shimla - Leader-led walking tour
  • Shimla - Viceregal Lodge
  • Mandi - Leader-led walking tour
  • Dharamsala - Norbulingka Institute
  • Dharamsala - Dalai Lama Temple
  • Amritsar - Golden Temple
  • Amritsar - Jallianwallah Bagh
  • Amritsar - Wagah Border ceremony
  • Rishikesh - Leader-led walking tour
  • Rishikesh - Chaurasi Kutia 'The Beatles Ashram'
Add on activities
  • Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
  • Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
  • Delhi - Red Fort - INR600
  • Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR3350
  • Jaipur - City Palace - INR800
  • Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
  • Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
  • Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
  • Agra - Additional entries to Taj Mahal - INR1300
  • Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
  • Delhi - Home-Cooked Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4000
  • Shimla - Cinema - INR100
  • Shimla - Jakhu Temple - Free
  • Shimla - Lakkhar Bazar - Free
  • Dharamsala - Cooking Class - INR400
  • Dharamsala - Losel Doll Museum - INR50
  • Rishikesh - Yoga Class - INR600
  • Rishikesh - White Water Rafting - INR1500
  • Delhi - Culture Vulture Delhi Urban Adventure - INR2500

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 exclude Day 15 (Sleeper Train) and Day 17 (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 and is USD$260pp (subject to change). Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions (tickets are fully refundable in case of bad weather).
3. Please note that due to train arrival times there may not be any free time in Delhi at the end of this tour. We advise booking additional accommodation to extend your stay.

4. 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.

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Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 1 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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Lesley · Traveled November 2022
This trip is a combination of two tours...a taster of Rajasthan which would invite you to do more and followed by a trip into the mountains to visit all the spiritually important places of Northern India. This part was simply wonderful, giving us an opportunity to visit the holy places in Hinduism, including Sikhism, and Buddhism as well as finding clear clean air in the mountains after the pollution of Delhi...it is a completely different view of India quiete, peaceful and indeed spiritual. I highly recommend it. Our group leaders, Guarang on the Rajasthan portion and Ajay on the Mountains & Mystics portions, made the whole adventure a delight. We'd learned so much and at least for myself absorbed some of the spirituality of this wonderful country
Review submitted 01 Dec 2022
Best of India
From
USD $2,399