North India Highlights

All content by Intrepid

11 days (ex Delhi)

Destinations visited: India, 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$1,660

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Description

Visit India and explore the highlights of the north on this adventure tour from Delhi to Varanasi. Discover the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, witness the Mughal splendours of Delhi and Agra, and soak up the ambience of holy Varanasi. This wonderful introduction to the magic of India includes lavish palaces, vibrant bazaars, Kama Sutra temple carvings, Bollywood blockbusters and the incomparable Taj Mahal. Packed with highlights and hidden gems, take time to discover the beating heart of India.

Highlights

Uncover the secrets of Indian cookery in Orchha.
Peruse Khajuraho's erotic temple carvings.
Mingle with pilgrims in spiritual Varanasi.
Visit the timeless Taj Mahal of Agra.
Get swept up in a kaleidoscope of colours in Delhi.
Discover the delights of the 'Pink City' of Jaipur.
Behold a Bollywood blockbuster.

Itinerary

Day 1 Delhi

Travel by this city's modern metro system to Old Delhi to see India's largest mosque and explore timeless bazaars and scented spice markets.

Days 2-3 Jaipur

Visit Jaipur and experience the irresistible charms of the 'Pink City'. Climb to the hilltop Amber Fort before visiting magical Hawa Mahal, or 'Palace of the Winds'. Enjoy some free time to admire the Jaipur's bustling bazaars and perhaps explore the impressive City Palace. End the day with an optional Bollywood blockbuster experience.

Day 4 Agra

Described as a 'teardrop on the face of eternity', the story of the gleaming Taj Mahal is as tragic as it is beautiful. The building's exquisite marble inlay work produces a mesmerising shimmering effect that is truly breathtaking to behold. Visit the enormous Red Fort that looms over the city from high on the banks of the Yamuna River.

Days 5-6 Orchha

Nestled on the banks of the emerald Betwa River, charming Orchha is the perfect spot to learn the art of Indian cooking at a culinary class. Take a tour of the town's temples and palaces, where the superb architecture is a legacy of raja rule.

Day 7 Khajuraho

Tucked away in the remote plains of central India, Khajuraho's temples depict epic battles, Hindu legends and the Kama Sutra on their delicately carved exteriors. In the evening, there is a chance to enjoy a traditional dance performance.

Days 8-9 Varanasi

One of India's most sacred cities, Varanasi is awash with temples and shrines. Witness devotions of faith along the banks of the Ganges and experience the magic of a sunset candle flower ceremony.

Days 10-11 Delhi

Haggle with locals in Varanasi's colourful bazaars before a flight back to the capital. Back in Delhi, perhaps unwind in the grounds surrounding Humayun's Tomb or head to bustling Connaught Place for some shopping.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nts), Heritage Property (4 nts), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

Transport

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

Budget

Allow USD $200 for meals not included.

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

from USD$1,660

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