1. Tag: Delhi

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.

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/

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

2. Tag: Delhi - Nachtzug nach Jaisalmer

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.

Special Information: The total train journey will be 750 kilometres and take approximately 19 hours. Compartments on the train feature padded berths with sheets, a pillow and a 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 the ‘Essential trip information’.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Delhi - Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
Delhi - Jama Masjid
Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)

3. Tag: Wüste Thar

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.

Special Information: The campsite is very basic, with a windbreak set up against a sand dune. Water and soft drinks are available for purchase. Bedding is on a camping 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.
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 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.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Jaisalmer - City tour
Jaisalmer - Camel safari & overnight desert camp

4. Tag: Jaisalmer

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.

Optional Activities:
Jaisalmer - Folklore Museum - INR10

5. Tag: Jaisalmer

Enjoy a free day to explore Jaisalmer. The city’s eponymous fort holds twisting alleys with markets where you can wander for hours. You can also find a series of Jain temples dating from the 15th and 16th centuries within the walls of the fort, and it’s easy to spend a few hours admiring their elaborate carvings. The opulent havelis (traditional Indian mansions) found throughout the city make another fine place to spend some time admiring the desert architecture.

6. Tag: Jodhpur

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.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Jodhpur - City walk

7. Tag: Jodhpur

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.

Optional Activities:
Jodhpur - Bishnoi villages day trip - INR750
Jodhpur - Meherangarh Fort - INR600

8. Tag: Udaipur

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.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Udaipur - City walk

9-10. Tag: 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.

Take another free day in this beautiful city. Maybe you’d like to visit Sajjan Garh (Monsoon Palace), a 19th-century palace perched on a hill overlooking Lake Pichola. Named after Maharana Sajjan Singh of the Mewar Dynasty, Sajjan Garh offers ridiculously great views of the city below. Or perhaps you’re more inclined to visit the nearby village of Shilpgram, an ethnographic museum and arts hubs where traditional crafts are sold, and artists perform. This afternoon meet the group back at your accommodation and head out to enjoy a concert that combines seven traditional Rajasthani folk dances.

Optional Activities:
Udaipur - Lake Pichola boat ride - INR350
Udaipur - City Palace - INR300
Udaipur - Cooking class - INR600
Udaipur - Cultural dance show - INR150
Udaipur - Monsoon Palace - INR300
Udaipur - Shilpgram craft village - INR25

11. Tag: Pushkar

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.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Pushkar - Walking tour

12. Tag: Pushkar

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.

Special Information: We do all we can to ensure that travellers booked on a trip that coincides with the Pushkar Camel Fair (which changes each year) will get an opportunity to see the best of the festival. However, we offer no guarantee that the announced dates will not 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. 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.

Optional Activities:
Pushkar - Brahma Temple - Free
Pushkar - Savitri Temple - Free

13. Tag: Jaipur

Return to Ajmer and travel by local bus to Jaipur (approximately 4 hours). On arrival take an auto rickshaw to your hotel, then head out to explore Rajasthan’s capital on a guided walking tour. This tour includes a visit to the market and the beehive-like Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal), built in 1799 so that women of the royal family could observe street festivities without being seen by the public. Your evening is free, so perhaps ask your leader to point out the best place to grab dal baati (dal served with wheat rolls).

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Jaipur - Walking & market tour

14. Tag: Jaipur

Enjoy a free day in Jaipur, with plenty of optional activities to choose from to fill your day. For many travellers, an optional hot air balloon experience is one of the highlights of Jaipur. If you’d prefer to stay grounded (but still like expansive views) the Amber Fort is both an excellent example of Rajput architecture and a great place from which to see the surrounding area. Or maybe get among the crowds in the city’s bazaars to shop for artisan goods and semi-precious stones. For a true local experience, tonight you could immerse yourself in Bollywood with a movie at a classic cinema.

Special Information: Ballooning can be done in the morning between September and June.

Optional Activities:
Jaipur - Amber Fort - INR500
Jaipur - City Palace - INR600
Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD260

15. Tag: Abhaneri

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.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Abhaneri - Stepwells & Harshat Mata Temple

16. Tag: Fatehpur Sikri - Agra

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.

Optional Activities:
Agra - Taj Mahal - INR1100

17. Tag: Agra - Nachtzug nach Varanasi

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).

Optional Activities:
Agra - Agra Fort - INR600
Agra - Akbar's Mausoleum - INR210

18. Tag: Varanasi

On arrival in Varanasi this morning transfer by auto rickshaw to your hotel. Head out on a guided walk around the Old City, following your leader through the narrow alleyways. The rest of your day is free with to do as you please. This evening, there are two options you should consider, both centred around the holy Ganges. The first is a sunset cruise along the river which allows you to observe life from a unique perspective in the fading light of day. If you’d prefer to stay on land, you could watch local priests perform a ganga aarti (fire ceremony) at the Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Optional Activities:
Varanasi - Sunset candle ceremony - INR140

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Varanasi - Old City tour

19. Tag: Varanasi

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.

Optional Activities:
Varanasi - Sarnath day trip (entry only) - INR250
Varanasi - Sunrise boat trip - INR80

20. Tag: Varanasi - Nachtzug nach Delhi

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.

21. Tag: Delhi

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!

Optional Activities:
Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR2700

22. Tag: Delhi

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.