India Experience

All content by Intrepid

20 days (ex Delhi)

Destinations visited: India, Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), 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$2,745

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Description

Experience the real India on this comfortable introduction to the cultures of north India and the lush beauty of southern India. Travelling from Delhi in the north to Trivandrum in the south, discover everything that India has to offer. The highlights and hidden jewels are revealed against a backdrop of green on a Kerala tour and in the vibrant towns of Rajasthan. Visit India's flamboyant major cities and the quiet repose of tiny fishing villages, along with tea gardens, tribal homes and colonial enclaves. Discover the culinary delights of each region and stay in colourful hotels, heritage accommodation and even a palace!

Highlights

Spot exotic creatures on a safari in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Witness traditional dance performances in Kochi.
Unwind at the Kovalam Beach.
Cruise the waterways of Kerala.
Visit India's sacred sites in holy Varanasi.
Visit India's splendid palaces at Jaipur.
Discover the delights of bustling Delhi.
Admire Khajuraho's erotic temple carvings.
See the dazzling Taj Mahal of Agra and its majestic Red Fort.

Itinerary

Day 1 Delhi

Visit India's capital Delhi and explore the labyrinthine streets and savour the fragrant aromas of the spice market.

Days 2-3 Jaipur

Explore Jaipur's hillside Amber Fort and gaze at the flamboyant Hawa Mahal. Be dazzled by a Bollywood blockbuster amid the art deco opulence of the Raj Mandir Cinema.

Day 4 Agra

Travel from Jaipur to Agra and prepare to see the beauty of the Taj Mahal for the first time. Discover secrets of the Mughals at the World Heritage-listed Red Fort.

Days 5-6 Orchha

Take the train to Orchha, stopping by a unique papermaking plant that ensures sustainable employment for local women. Visit the palace complex and savour local flavours in a cooking demonstration.

Day 7 Khajuraho

The erotic carvings of India's Khajuraho temples offer an education into the Kama Sutra. In the evening, take in a classical dance performance.

Days 8-9 Varanasi

Sail down the Ganges and see pilgrims wash in its sacred waters on the ghats. Partake in a sunset candle flower ceremony.

Days 10 Delhi

Tour Varanasi's colourful bazaars and winding alleys before flying back to Delhi.

Day 11 Kochi

View the glorious murals of Mattancherry Palace and enjoy a traditional Keralan dance performance.

Day 12 Munnar

Tea plantations, pristine valleys, winding lanes and villages make Munnar a pleasure to visit.

Days 13-14 Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Tour a spice plantation and spot deer, tigers, leopards and elephants among exotic flora.

Days 15-16 Alleppey/Kerala Backwaters

Cruise the calm backwaters of Kerala. Meet locals on a walk through a village and stay overnight by the waterfront.

Days 17-18 Varkala

Stop by a temple en route to Varkala. Explore the mystical Janardhana Swamy Temple, find inner peace at an ashram or simply cool off in the glistening Arabian Sea.

Days 19-20 Trivandrum/Kovalam Beach

Perhaps unwind with a day at the beach, followed by a seafood meal at one of the many open-air restaurants.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nts), Heritage Property (6 nts), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

Transport

Cycle rickshaw, Metro, Auto rickshaw, Private vehicle, Train, Overnight sleeper train, Boat, Plane

Budget

Allow USD $400 for meals not included.

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

from USD$2,745

Book now

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