North India Unplugged

All content by Intrepid

22 days (ex Delhi)

Destinations visited: India, Kolkata (Calcutta), 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$1,230

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Description

Visit North India and join a far-flung adventure to one of the planet's most exotic destinations. See India's towering fortresses above a city square, vibrant colours in a busy bazaar, pilgrims praying on the river ghats of Varanasi, Maharaja mementos in a ghostly palace and camels silhouetted on a desert landscape - welcome to a litany of magic and life. Discover well-known sites and hidden secrets, from the beating heart of Delhi to the cultural melting pot of Kolkata - this is the chaotic and inspiring India.

Highlights

Experience the holy city of Varanasi.
Visit the legendary Taj Mahal in Agra.
View dramatic colonial architecture in Kolkata.
Experience Rajasthani nomad life in Jaisalmer.
Bargain for souvenirs in Delhi.
Sip a tasty lassi in Jodhpur.
Catch a sunrise from Pushkar's Savitri Temple.
Fall in love with romantic Udaipur.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Delhi

Discover the beating heart of Old Delhi - its narrow streets burst with stores selling silk, copper and spices. Board an overnight sleeper train and head towards Rajasthan.

Days 3-5 Jaisalmer/Thar Desert

From Jaisalmer, experience nomadic life on an overnight camel safari through the Thar Desert. Eat local specialties by the camp fire and sleep under a blanket of stars.

Days 6-7 Jodhpur

Sip on a lassi and admire views of the colossal Mehrangarh Fort. Wander among colourful saris and sparkling bangles in the Sadar Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in India.

Days 8-10 Udaipur

India's most romantic city, Udaipur, is a centre for artists and musicians. Why not visit the dramatic Monsoon Palace or have dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the lake?

Days 11-12 Pushkar

Mingle with holy men in spiritual Pushkar and seek out a bargain in side-street bazaars. Early risers can take a walk to Savitri Temple for an inspirational sunrise.

Days 13-14 Jaipur

See the intricate, pink sandstone latticework of the Hawa Mahal, the 'Palace of the Winds'. Have a unique cinema experience at an optional Bollywood movie screening.

Day 15 Bharatpur

Take an optional trip to the famous Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, a welcome relief from the chaos of modern India.

Days 16-17 Agra

Discover spectacular views from the Red Fort and admire the elegant architecture of the Taj Mahal of Agra - sunrise over this iconic monument is worth rising early for.

Days 18-20 Varanasi

The holiest place for Hindus, Varanasi is a city of ritual and ceremony. Walk the ghats for a heady experience or hire a boat and see the city from the water.

Days 21-22 Kolkata

The former capital of British India boasts dramatic colonial architecture. The city also showcases poetry, art, music, film and theatre. Browse flower markets or sample the tangy Bengali cuisine.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nts), Guesthouse (5 nts), Overnight sleeper train (3 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (1 nt)

Transport

Camel, Bus, Train, Auto rickshaw, Overnight sleeper train

Budget

Allow USD $420 for meals not included.

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

from USD$1,230

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