Spiritual India

All content by Intrepid

21 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$1,845

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Description

Enjoy the perfect introduction to Spiritual India as we explore the icons and discover the secrets of this fascinating region. Delve into India's fascinating history of massive forts, the opulence and splendour of Rajasthan's palaces, the bustle and buzz of markets and bazaars, and experience a heritage homestay. Travel to India's mountainous areas and remote alpine regions full of proud people living a traditional way of life. Experience a more spiritual existence as you travel through India's highlights and discover a land rich in contrasts.

Highlights

View Tibetan art in Dharamsala.
Take a toy train up to the mountain town of Shimla.
Trek through the Chamba Valley.
Soak up the views of the Himalayas in Dalhousie.
Sit and stare at the wonder of the Taj Mahal.
Experience Delhi's chaotic charm.
Stroll the pink-hued streets of Jaipur.
Discover the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri.

Itinerary

Day 1 Delhi

Stroll through the exuberant alleyways of Old Delhi and see the magnificent Jama Masjid.

Day 2 Agra

This former Mughal capital is home to some impressive buildings, including the romantic Taj Mahal and massive Red Fort.

Day 3 Karauli/Rural Heritage Stay

Explore the palaces and pavilions of the deserted Mughal kingdom of Fatehpur Sikri before enjoying a guided village walk. Stay at a royal palace and experience Karauli's rural ambience.

Days 4-5 Jaipur

The pink sandstone 'Palace of Winds', the enchanting Amber Fort and the lively streets of the walled old city make Jaipur a popular destination.

Days 6-7 Delhi

Head back to Delhi for another taste of the capital. The National Gandhi Museum is well worth a visit.

Days 8-9 Shimla

A toy train snakes its way up the mountain to the colonial town of Shimla, where British viceroys once gathered to escape monsoonal heat. Check out a Bollywood movie at the local cinema or set out on a nature walk.

Day 10 Mandi

Explore the riverside temples and ghats and get a taste of imperial life staying in a palace of the former Raja.

Days 11-13 Dharamsala

With beautiful gardens and a range of on-site workshops, a visit to the Norbulingka Institute offers a chance to see the creation of traditional Tibetan art.

Day 14 Dalhousie

Sit back with a spicy chai and enjoy the views of the Himalayas and the deep valleys below.

Day 15 Khajjiar

Trek through forests to rest overnight in alpine Khajjiar.

Days 16-18 Chamba Valley

Continue the trek to Chamba then experience traditional life as a guest of a local family on their mountainside farm.

Days 19-20 Amritsar

Visit the Sikh Golden Temple that sits in the middle of a sacred lake and resounds with holy chanting.

Day 21 Delhi

Return to chaotic Delhi where this adventure ends.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (13 nts), Heritage Property (3 nts), Homestay (3 nts), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

Transport

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

Budget

Allow USD $300 for meals not included.

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

from USD$1,845

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