Slowly Down The Ganges

All content by Intrepid

15 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$1,375

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Description

Travel down the Ganges - India's most sacred river, the heart of the Hindu faith and the soul of the nation. Its banks and waters play host to the most intimate rituals of life and death. What better way to be a part of this great country than to take to small boats and sail the Ganges to the magical city of Varanasi? Add the chaos of sightseeing Delhi, a visit to the imposing Amber Fort, a desert camel safari in Pushkar, colourful encounters in Jaipur's bazaars and the incomparable Taj Mahal in Agra - and you've got an incredible Indian experience.

Highlights

Be maharaja for a day in an ancient fort.
Bargain in the famed bazaars of Jaipur.
Travel through the desert on a camel safari.
Admire the holy Pushkar temples.
Sail the Ganges and camp on the riverbank.
Take in the sights and sounds of Delhi.
Experience the haunting beauty of Agra's Taj Mahal.
Walk the spiritual ghats of Varanasi.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Delhi

With a cacophony of noise, colour and smells, chaotic Delhi invokes adventure. Head to Old Delhi to visit India's largest mosque and a fascinating Sikh temple. Delhi is an electrifying place to visit - but will soon be left behind for the calm waters of the Ganges.

Days 3-4 River Ganges Boat Trip

Kick back and watch the world float by on a Ganges River cruise. Pass village communities and discover the abundance of life on this spiritual waterway.

Days 5-7 Varanasi

Discover India's religious heart and visit the ghats of Varanasi. Witness a candle-lit flower ceremony on the Ganges or travel to nearby Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first sermon.

Day 8 Agra

Make tracks to the most iconic sight in India. Agra is home to the beautiful Taj Mahal, a masterpiece of devotion and opulence.

Days 9-10 Jaipur

Travel from Agra to Jaipur and explore the ornately decorated interior of the Amber Fort. Visit the city's museums or search for semi-precious stones while wandering through Jaipur's famed bazaars.

Day 11 Roopangarh

Feel like a maharaja during an overnight stay at Roopangarh Fort. Explore its serpentine entrance, turrets and grand hall and learn about the local culture in the village below.

Days 12-13 Pushkar/Camel Safari

Leave the whitewashed temples behind and plod through the desert on camelback to enjoy the moody Pushkar sands at dusk. Spend a night beside the campfire accompanied by the traditional music of Rajasthani nomads.

Days 14-15 Delhi

Cross over Snake Mountain to the Muslim city of Ajmer and catch a train back to Delhi. There are plenty more places to visit in Delhi, so spend another day exploring this vibrant city.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nts), Overnight sleeper train (2 nts), Heritage Property (1 nt)

Transport

Cycle rickshaw, Private vehicle, Metro, Overnight sleeper train, Auto rickshaw, Bus, Jeep, Camel

Budget

Allow USD $290 for meals not included.

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

from USD$1,375

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Best trip I've ever taken in my life...sensational!

dearesther 1 1 -1 recommends this, April 17, 2012

Intrepid provides an experience that's beyond what you can imagine for a very reasonable price. This trip is unbelievable...the Taj Majal, Varanasi, an overnight camel safari...meals on the rowboats that are beyond delicious! You will never forget this trip...I highly recommend it.
Esther
Portland OR

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