Real North India
11 Days Starting and ending in Delhi
Visiting: Delhi, Delhi - Overnight train, Varanasi, Varanasi - Overnight train, Agra, Jaipur, Jaipur – Overnight train, Rishikesh
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HHYV
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-35 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Explore the colour, vegetarian cuisine, spirituality and natural wonders of north India on this 11-day adventure. Ride a rickshaw in Delhi, brush up on your bargaining skills in Chandni Chowk and have a spiritual experience in Varanasi as you watch the sunrise over the Ganges. Snap the ultimate selfie in front of the Taj Mahal – one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World, see pink in gorgeous Jaipur, join the yogis in Rishikesh and eat endless amounts of pakoras, samosas, tandoori, chicken tikka masalas and naan. On this immersive journey from cities to mountain campgrounds, you won't just see north India, you'll experience it.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure officially kicks off in Delhi with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight where you'll meet your trip leader and new travel companions. If you arrive in Delhi with time to spare, there's plenty to do in this wonderfully chaotic city. You might like to wander the streets, sip on your first chai or practice haggling in one of the many markets. Tonight, maybe ask your leader for the best spots to hit the local nightlife and head out with your new buddies for a drink (or four).
Day 2: Delhi - Overnight Train
Location: Delhi - Overnight train
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
This morning, head out on a walking tour around the commercial heart of Delhi, visiting Chandni Chowk (Sheeshganj Gurudwara) and Connaught Place along the way. Explore Old Delhi on a bicycle rickshaw to dig that little bit deeper and visit Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib – one of the oldest and most iconic Sikh shrines in Delhi. Try your hand at making chapatis in the community kitchen – this shrine is visited by devotees regularly, and everyone is welcome here regardless of their religion, caste or gender. You'll then have some free time to do as much sightseeing as you can before boarding an overnight sleeper train bound for Varanasi.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Varanasi
Location: Varanasi
Accommodation: Hotel
Arrive in Varanasi early this morning and head straight to the hotel to freshen up before plunging headfirst into this holy city, one of the world's oldest. Varanasi is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel far and wide to experience the spirituality of this place. Explore the narrow laneways and backstreets on a walking tour with your leader before watching the world pass by along the ghats (stairs leading to the water). Your evening is then free to do as you wish. Explore the temples, shrines and maybe take the chance to perfect your yoga in one of the epic chakra-balancing spots. Or just chill out and soak in the meditative surroundings, ready for your early start tomorrow.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Varanasi - Overnight Train
Location: Varanasi - Overnight train
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Today’s an early start, but it’s completely worth it – you’ll take a sunrise boat ride along the sacred Ganges. Even if you're not spiritual, you can't help but get goosebumps during this experience. Pass the many ghats and temples along the river and watch thousands of Hindu pilgrims cleanse their sins in the holy water as the sun bathes the surrounds in glorious shades of amber and orange. You might also see some cremation fires and on the other end of the spectrum, riverside haircuts – India is best before dawn, and this is the way to see it! The rest of your day is free to explore before catching an overnight train to Agra tonight.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Agra
Location: Agra
Accommodation: Hotel
Arrive in Agra early this morning, then head to one of the most iconic sites in India and one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World – the Taj Mahal. Take in the beauty of this 17th-century masterpiece of white marble set amid beautiful formal gardens – India's most enduring symbol and an epic monument to love and loss. For some reason, local families find it more interesting to take photos of you than the actual Taj Mahal! But you'll be too busy standing there with your mouth gaping open to notice. After, you have free time to explore Agra on your own. Maybe hop on a motorised rickshaw tour, or visit Agra Fort – a huge complex originally built as a military structure of red sandstone by Emperor Akbar in 1565. If you fancy a refreshment, maybe visit Sheroes Hangout. This cafe is staffed by survivors of acid attacks and is just a ten-minute walk from the Taj Mahal.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hotel
Jump on a bus this morning and travel to Jaipur – Rajasthan's Pink City. When you arrive, stop off at the Hawa Mahal (pink sandstone palace) before heading to your hotel. Use the opportunity to freshen up and then venture out for a walking tour of the old city. In your spare time, maybe take an optional tour of the Jaipur City Palace or take the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Bollywood film in Raj Mandir Cinema – this one’s for the film buffs – you might not totally understand what's happening in the film, but the crowd's reactions will be enough to entertain you. Plus, the magnificent 1300-seat art deco cinema is enough to make the experience worth it.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Jaipur – Overnight Train
Location: Jaipur – Overnight train
Accommodation: Overnight Train
For many travellers, a hot air balloon experience is one of the highlights of Jaipur. This morning, you have the option to head for the skies over the Pink City and watch as the world wakes up below – this bird’s eye view is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss! Later in the morning, head out on a guided tour of the medieval Amber Fort with a local guide, hearing all about its history. Set high on a hill on the outskirts of Jaipur, Amber Fort is one of the most well-known sites in the city. Make sure to grab another cup of chai this afternoon before settling in for this evening's overnight train journey bound for Rishikesh.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 8: Rishikesh
Location: Rishikesh
Accommodation: Hotel
Arrive early in Rishikesh – a spiritual town lying in the verdant foothills of the Himalayas. Embark on an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings, then kick back with some free time to roam at your own pace. Aptly named the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is a great place to relax and seek a little enlightenment. Why not visit The Beatles Ashram – a spiritual retreat inhabited by the famous band in the sixties. Tonight, take a stroll along the holy Ganges River as temple bells ring and the nightly fire ritual of Ganga Aarti begins.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 9: Rishikesh
Location: Rishikesh
Accommodation: Camping (Basic Facilities)
Meals Included: lunch, dinner
This morning, take the opportunity to unwind with a one-hour yoga class. After, maybe tuck into a masala dosa for breakfast before embarking on a short walk with your leader on one of the trails along the Ganges. For something more adventurous, there’s also the option to white-water raft down the river. In the afternoon, reunite with your group for a short walk through the jungle nearby. Tonight, experience sleeping under the stars just outside Rishikesh – you’ll be staying in a fixed campsite with twin-shared beds and western-style toilets. This is a unique experience in India, as Rishikesh has a totally different vibe to the rest of the country. Tuck into a freshly cooked curry for dinner and then enjoy the rest of the night relaxing with your group, among your natural surroundings and the gorgeous views of the mountains.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 10: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Have a chilled morning at your campsite and maybe indulge in a spot of yoga or meditation. Return to Rishikesh’s centre, where you’ll be able to use a day room to freshen up and have a shower. Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering around this gorgeous city, taking photos of the serene Ganges and mountainside or just people-watching. Catch an evening train back to Delhi tonight, where you’ll spend your last night. If you feel refreshed from your secluded camping trip, maybe celebrate a trip well-travelled tonight with your group.
Day 11: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Your India adventure comes to an end this morning. If you'd like to stay in Delhi a little bit longer, just speak to your booking agent.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Overnight sleeper train (3 nights), Camping with basic facilities (1 night) -
Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
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Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
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Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
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Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
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Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
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Agra - Taj Mahal
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Jaipur – Leader-led Walking Tour
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Jaipur - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind)
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Jaipur - Amber Fort
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Rishikesh - Leader-led walking tour
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Included Activities
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
- Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
- Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
- Agra - Taj Mahal
- Jaipur - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind) entry
- Jaipur - Amber Fort
- Rishikesh - Yoga class
Transport
- TRANSPORT IN INDIA:
- Main roads in India are usually very busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. if you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour leader know immediately. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times.
- TRAVEL TIMES:
- Distances in India do not reflect the driving time and to cover 100km may take much longer than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway.
- TRAINS:
- India has a massive network of trains and millions of people travel by rail every day. Trains often travel the length of the country over several days. Trains are a great way to see the countryside and get you away from the busy road system. Delays and cancellations are common on trains. Your tour leader will check the train status to see if there are delays and will do their best to keep you informed of any changes.
- From December to February, delays are more common, especially in the north of the country due to fog. It’s not uncommon for trains to be delayed for up to 12 hours. On occasion, your trip will may to be rerouted to allow for these delays. Your tour leader in conjunction with our local office will advise any changes to the itinerary.
- The Indian Railway system is one of the largest railway networks in the world and quite complex. Seat allocation is completely computerized on a centralized reservation system and we do not have control over seat allocations. Despite booking tickets months in advance of a departure your group's seats, or sleeping berths on overnight trains, maybe spread out within one carriage or multiple carriages of the same class. There’s a chance you’ll be sharing a compartment with local travelers of either gender.
- For a detailed look into the experience of travelling by overnight trains read more here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/india-trains-guide/
- AUTO RICKSHAWS:
- On this trip, we travel on the local style of transport called an auto-rickshaw. These small, motorised three-wheeled vehicles are a common form of transport in India and do not have seatbelts.
- FLIGHTS:
- Airlines in India are of excellent quality. Airports are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor.
Accommodation
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on a different Intrepid trip than your own.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- ACCOMMODATION:
- Some of the accommodation along the way is basic or simple, staying in local guesthouses and homestays. Some may have shared bathroom facilities with cold water only. We use a mixture of air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
- SHOWERS:
- Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
- ROOM ISSUES:
- If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your tour leader right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.
- SLEEPER TRAINS IN INDIA:
- Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned (fan-cooled at times), a great way to travel long distances and still get maximum time in each place. Depending on the route, we travel 2AC or 3AC class as not all classes are available on all routes. Due to the complexity of the ticket purchasing system and high demand for tickets, we are unable to offer upgrades to other classes.
- Second Class or 2 Tier AC (2AC) carriages have 4 berths in the compartment section and 2 berths in the aisle bay and individual reading lights. Third Class or 3 Tier AC (3AC) has 6 berths in the compartment and 2 in the aisle bay. Both have curtains for privacy. There are no sinks or charging points in these classes. During the day, bunks are folded away and serve as seats. Toilet facilities are located at either end of the carriage. There is usually an Indian style squat toilet at one end and a western-style toilet at the other. You will need your own toilet paper or tissues and cleanliness will depend on the number of people using them.
- Beds are padded bunks, with sheets, pillow and blanket provided. Some people prefer to bring and use their own sleeping sheet. Your luggage travels with you on the train, so packing light will make your journey more comfortable.
- Many trains have a dining carriage or a food/snack cart that is brought through the carriages. There are also plenty of vendors selling tea, coffee, water and snacks during the journey, although the hygiene may not be up to standards you are used to at home.
- Please note you may be sharing with other members of your group or locals on a mixed gender basis. Tickets are booked on a real-name basis using your passport details. We book for all members of the group at the same time, but unfortunately, this is no guarantee that we will be accommodated all together on the train. Your leader will do their best to swap with other travellers to allow people who booked together to travel together, but please be aware that this is not always possible. We may at times ask male travellers to swap with solo female travellers for safety considerations.
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 2, 4 and 9 (overnight Sleeper train) 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 1st September to 30th April and last approximately 60mins. 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 welcome meeting on day 1 of your trip. Payment must be made by cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP only and is USD$280pp (subject to change). 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.
Mode of Transport
- TRANSPORT IN INDIA:
- Main roads in India are usually very busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. if you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour leader know immediately. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times.
- TRAVEL TIMES:
- Distances in India do not reflect the driving time and to cover 100km may take much longer than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway.
- TRAINS:
- India has a massive network of trains and millions of people travel by rail every day. Trains often travel the length of the country over several days. Trains are a great way to see the countryside and get you away from the busy road system. Delays and cancellations are common on trains. Your tour leader will check the train status to see if there are delays and will do their best to keep you informed of any changes.
- From December to February, delays are more common, especially in the north of the country due to fog. It’s not uncommon for trains to be delayed for up to 12 hours. On occasion, your trip will may to be rerouted to allow for these delays. Your tour leader in conjunction with our local office will advise any changes to the itinerary.
- The Indian Railway system is one of the largest railway networks in the world and quite complex. Seat allocation is completely computerized on a centralized reservation system and we do not have control over seat allocations. Despite booking tickets months in advance of a departure your group's seats, or sleeping berths on overnight trains, maybe spread out within one carriage or multiple carriages of the same class. There’s a chance you’ll be sharing a compartment with local travelers of either gender.
- For a detailed look into the experience of travelling by overnight trains read more here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/india-trains-guide/
- AUTO RICKSHAWS:
- On this trip, we travel on the local style of transport called an auto-rickshaw. These small, motorised three-wheeled vehicles are a common form of transport in India and do not have seatbelts.
- FLIGHTS:
- Airlines in India are of excellent quality. Airports are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This trip is for independent travellers, so there’s plenty of free time built into the itinerary for you to explore at your own pace at each destination. Please consider 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 essential 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.
You’ll visit several 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 – 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, pillows and blankets 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. Sleeper train journeys in and out of Varanasi can be subject to lengthy delays because of weather conditions, including heavy rain or fog. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 08, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions