Kemang Food Square Rajasthan Emporium & Indian Art Gallery

Sub Continent Explorer

All content by Intrepid

67 days (ex Delhi)

Destinations visited: India, Nepal, Delhi, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$3,765

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Description

Journey Overland through the amazing India to Nepal, taking in the colourful cultures, impressive icons and stunning sights along the way. Experience busy cities filled with animated people, crowded bazaars and commercial enterprise, as well as small, remote villages where a slow-paced rural life endures. Escape the heat in the cool climate of Darjeeling plantations, cruise the waters of Kerala, try to spot tigers and elephants in national parks and embark on an exciting safari into the desert. Mix with local children, pilgrims, market traders, tribal people and farmers and see the heart and soul of India and Nepal in these proud people. This adventure travel experience delivers many moments of breathtaking beauty and thrilling fun - don't miss the chance to see the very best of Nepal and India.

Highlights

Mix it up in Mumbai.
Sleep under the stars in the Thar Desert.
Laze on the beaches of Goa.
Be impressed by the temples of Puri.
Cruise the backwaters of Kerala.
Dive into the chaos of Delhi.
Explore the historic streets of Kathmandu.

Itinerary

Day 1 Delhi

Arrive in India and travel into the heart of Delhi. Chaotic, colourful, captivating - India's capital is a sprawling city full of buzz and activity. Perhaps rub shoulders with the locals in the streets of Old Delhi or explore one of the many museums.

Day 2 Bikaner

Make the journey to Rajasthan's Bikaner, a fascinating town to explore with its striking palaces, temples and fort.

Days 3-5 Jaisalmer/Camel Safari

Explore the Thar Desert outside Jaisalmer from high atop a camel and perhaps even sleep out among the dunes. Visit the Jaisalmer Fort and marvel at the huge city walls.

Days 6-7 Jodhpur

The mighty Mehrangarh Fort dominates Rajasthan's second largest city. Climb the ramparts and look down over the quirky blue city of Jodhpur.

Day 8 Pushkar

World famous for its huge camel fair, Pushkar is a fascinating place to visit at any time of the year. Perhaps explore the main bazaar or soak up the serene spirituality of the many temples.

Days 9-10 Udaipur

An essence of romance is imbued in every stone of Udaipur and a walk through the old town brings a surprise with every corner. Walk the shores of Udaipur's Lake Pichola, look up at the towering City Palace and enjoy an evening haveli cultural performance.

Day 11 Ratlam

Experience Indian rural life on an overnight camping expedition in the countryside.

Day 12 Mandu

Once known as the 'city of joy' and dating back many centuries, the hilltop fort of Mandu is an evocative and slightly eerie place to explore.

Days 13-14 Ajanta/Ellora

The tour continues to the caves at Ajanta and Ellora. Discover these remarkable, ancient complexes which feature beautifully decorated paintings and sculptures.

Days 15-16 Mumbai

Home to massive bazaars and the lights of Bollywood, Mumbai has a wealth of things to sample, taste, try and buy - and plenty of top notch sightseeing.

Day 17 Ganpatipule

Leave the lively streets of Mumbai and head for the sleepy coastal town of Ganpatipule. Starkly different to the developed, commercial vibe of the big city, Ganpatipule is the perfect place to relax on spotless beaches by azure waters. Visit the Ganpati Temple and learn why locals consider this idyllic location to be blessed.

Days 18-19 North Goa

With palm-fringed beaches and Portuguese-influenced towns, Goa offers options for both exploration and relaxation. Hang out on the sand or taste a fiery fish curry.

Days 20-21 South Goa

Visit the cathedrals of Old Goa. After exploring the World heritage-listed ruins, sit back and relax in beachside bliss.

Days 22-23 Hampi

Discover the village of Hampi, a picturesque town located within the ruins of Vijayanagara.

Day 24 Bush Camp

Spend a night camping under the stars on route to Mysore.

Days 25-26 Mysore

Breathe in the scent of sandalwood with a visit to the Maharaja's Palace of Mysore. Count out 1,000 steps on the climb up Chamundi Hill.

Days 27-28 Wayanad District

Explore the tea and coffee plantations and surrounding hills of the Wayanad District.

Days 29-30 Kochi

Explore this island city on a boat tour. See India's oldest church and witness the virtuosity of the Kathakali dance performers.

Day 31 Kerala Backwaters

Cruise the canals, stop for chai and visit the markets of Alleppey.

Days 32-34 Varkala

Unwind another notch with a beach break in Varkala. Soak up the sun, play in the surf and taste the local tropical fruits.

Day 35 Madurai

Stand on the southernmost tip of India then shop up a spice-scented storm in the streets and shops of Madurai.

Day 36 Trichy

Explore the amazing stretches of the largest temple complex in India before visiting the Rock Fort and Sri Ranganathaswamy temple in Trichy.

Day 37 Pondicherry

Soak up the French atmosphere of Pondicherry and seek out crepes as a change from curry.

Day 38 Mahabalipuram

Visit the shore temples in laidback Mahabalipuram.

Day 39 Chennai

Begin your Overland tour of India in historic Chennai, the site of the original British East India company settlement. Chennai is hot, humid but full of life - admire the colonial architecture and soak up the atmosphere of this frenzied city.

Day 40 Tirupathi

Travel to the town of Tirupathi and follow a trail of pilgrims to the Sri Venkateswara Temple. This revered Hindu temple sits high above the town on the holy site of Tirumala.

Days 41-42 Bush Camp

Head off the beaten track and into the heart of rural India. Travel Overland through the remote state of Andhra Pradesh, spending the night camping in the countryside.

Day 43 Jeypore

Roll into bustling Jeypore and marvel at its collection of forts, temples and palaces. Visit Jeypore's natural delights, including lush forests, waterfalls and caves.

Days 44-47 Orissa Tribal Area

Explore the villages, markets and milieus of the Orissa Tribal Area with a local guide. Meet the intriguing Bonda people and learn about the unique spiritual beliefs of the Pajara tribe. Home to more than 60 different communities, these remote hinterlands provide a fascinating insight into India's tribal heritage.

Days 48-49 Puri

One of the holiest places in India, pious Puri is best known for its pilgrims and long sandy beaches. Experience both sides of this important Hindu city by visiting the Konark Sun Temple before relaxing on a golden beach.

Day 50 West Bengal Bush Camp

Cruise past West Bengal's temples and towns before camping under the stars.

Days 51-52 Kolkata

Complete your journey from Chennai to Kolkata by soaking up this vibrant city. See the Howrah Bridge, take a ride on a tram or check out some of India's finest art galleries – your Overland tour of India is now complete.

Day 53 Bush Camp

Admire the Indian countryside and cross the holy Ganges on the way to Sikkim.

Day 54 Siliguri

Reach the foothills of the Himalayas and camp at the Ganga Ram Tea Plantation.

Days 55-56 Darjeeling

Explore the picturesque streets of Darjeeling, a collection of mountain villages linked by steps and lanes. Surrounded by colourful terraces of rice, tea, quinine and fruit trees, this town offers some truly stunning views.

Days 57-59 Karmi Farm

Gain a fascinating insight into the lives of Indian hill farmers by staying at the Karmi Farm tea plantation. This atmospheric and scenic spot is the ideal place for a bit of rest and relaxation. For those feeling energetic, take a trek to the surrounding foothills and spot local birdlife.

Days 60-62 Gangtok

Considered to be one of the last Himalayan Shangri-las, Gangtok is packed with monasteries and temples to explore. Visit a centre for Tibetan Buddhism or take a stroll through an orchid sanctuary.

Day 63 Siliguri

Return to Siliguri and camp overnight at the Ganga Ram Tea Plantation.

Day 64 Bush Camp

Cross the border into Nepal, spend a night camping in the shadow of snow-capped Himalayan mountains.

Day 65 Khatauti Khola

Pass rice terraces, deep gorges, pounding rivers and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas en route to Khatauti Khola. Those feeling adventurous might want to try their hand at whitewater rafting.

Days 66-67 Kathmandu

Complete your India to Nepal adventure in cultured Kathmandu. Search hole-in-the-wall shops for souvenirs or trek to a nearby lookout for spectacular views of the Himalayas.

Group Size

Maximum of 21 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (36 nts), Bush camp (no facilities) (12 nts), Camping (with facilities) (4 nts), Guesthouse (4 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nts), Homestay (1 nt), Beach hut (1 nt), Houseboat (1 nt)

Transport

Overland vehicle, Camel, Train, 4x4

Budget

Allow USD $1,000 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$3,765

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