Premium India in Depth
Experience Overview
From ancient forts to wild forests and colourful cities, Rajasthan has plenty to offer for those in search of adventure. This 14-day Premium journey takes you through the north of India, revealing the region’s best culture, landscapes and cuisines with the guidance of an experienced local leader. The fabled cities of Agra, Udaipur and Jaipur offer grandeur, colour, culture and history while Mumbai and Delhi show a true snapshot of modern life in India. Search for tigers in Ranthambhore National Park, dine beneath the stars among the sand dunes of Pushkar and learn about life in Rajasthan in the homes of local families.
Highlights
- Discover the rich history and architecture of the impressive forts scattered across the province, from Jaipur’s Amber Fort and Royal City Palace to Agra’s Red Fort and the iconic Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- Take the chance to get closer to India’s incredible wildlife, and maybe catch more than a glimpse of its elusive animal king – the tiger – in Ranthambhore National Park
- Savour delicious Indian cuisine during Exclusive Experiences, including dinner with a Rajput family in Bundi and a local family in Jaipur, a street food tour in Agra and a dinner in the sand dunes of Pushkar, accompanied by a traditional dance performance.
- Your Feature Stay hotel in Jaipur has been delighting visitors since its opening in 1928, offering up elegant decor, traditional accents and world-class service.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Positive Change for Marine Life. Donations help them to nurture ocean health with community-led conservation initiatives that inspire coastal restoration, sustainable fishing practices and waste-management. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2088
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Auto rickshaw,Cycle rickshaw,Jeep,Plane,Private vehicle,Boat,Metro
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: HHPR
Starts: Mumbai, India
Finishes: Delhi, India
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (13), Lunch (2), Dinner (10)Accommodation: Hotel (11 nights),Jaipur Feature Stay (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,979 ($284 /day)
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Mumbai, where you’ll be collected from the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Here, you’ll meet your fellow travellers and local leader at your 6 pm welcome meeting. If you arrive with time to spare, India’s most populated city has plenty to discover. You might like to check out the Bollywood Walk of Fame, or head out to a Parsi cafe – a symbol of Mumbai’s cultural diversity. Mumbai’s culinary scene is also deliciously diverse, and after your welcome meeting you’ll head out for your first taste! Dine at a wonderful local restaurant specialising in Mangalorean seafood and celebrate the beginning of a new adventure.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
- Mumbai - Welcome dinner
Accommodation:
- The Gordon House Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll get to know Mumbai on a guided city tour. Start out at Dhobi Ghat – the world’s largest outdoor laundry. Here, you’ll enjoy a snapshot of life in the city that most visitors don't see, as locals work and children play beneath colourful rows of drying clothes. Continue to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus to admire the Victorian Gothic architecture, then visit the Prince of Wales Museum. With an exquisite exterior showcasing Indian, Mughal and British architectural styles, the museum is home to some 50,000 artefacts that tell the story of India. Stop by the sprawling Crawford market, built in 1869 and selling everything from fruit to jewellery, this is one of the city’s most popular shopping spots. After your tour, the rest of the afternoon is free for your own discoveries. Your leader will be happy to share some tips on great places to grab a local dinner.
Included Activities:
- Mumbai - Gateway of India
- Mumbai - Guided city tour
- Mumbai - Dobi Ghat
- Mumbai - Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
- Mumbai - The Museum Mumbai (Prince of Wales Museum)
- Mumbai - Crawford Market
Accommodation:
- The Gordon House Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a morning at leisure then board a midday flight to Udaipur. Also known as the ‘City of Lakes,’ Udaipur’s delightful historic buildings are contrasted with beautiful surroundings. When you arrive, settle into your hotel then join your leader for an orientation walk to get a feel for Rajasthan’s most romantic city. In the early evening, take a boat ride on the peaceful Lake Pichola, which offers a different perspective of Udaipur’s heritage buildings and rolling hills. Stop off at Jag Mandir – built by Maharana Karan Singh II in 1620, this ornately decorated palace sits in the middle of the lake. Finish the day with dinner at a lakeside restaurant, from where you can watch the surrounding landscape turn brilliant shades of gold as the sun goes down.
Included Activities:
- Udaipur - Leader-led walking tour
- Udaipur - Lake Pichola boat ride
- Udaipur - Jagmandir Island Palace
- Udaipur - Dinner at lakeside restaurant
Accommodation:
- Hotel Rampratap Palace or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day with a tour of the City Palace. Built by Maharana Udai Singh II, the founder of Udaipur, this marvellous building overlooks Lake Pichola and is Rajasthan’s largest palace. Explore its elegant interior as your local guide shares information on its history and architecture. Enjoy a free afternoon to discover more of Udaipur at your own pace. Maybe explore the narrow lanes of the Old Town or sit back and relax on the shores of the lake. In the evening, see a different side of Indian culture as you head to a haveli (a traditional Indian mansion) for a dance performance. Sit in the haveli’s gorgeous courtyard and watch performers in typical Rajasthani folk costumes perform traditional Indian dances.
Included Activities:
- Udaipur - City Palace
- Udaipur - Cultural performance
Accommodation:
- Hotel Rampratap Palace or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll drive to Bundi – a small town founded in the 12th century. Famous as the place that inspired Rudyard Kipling to write his novel ‘Kim’, Bundi today is known for its series of step wells (baoris), old houses and the remarkable Taragarh Fort. The view from the highway as you enter the town is unforgettable. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk with your leader and wander narrow streets packed with blue Brahmin houses, bazaars, temples and shops, and mingle with locals in the downtown market. Visit the ancient and ornately carved baoris, which once provided water to the city, and learn about Rudyard Kipling's place in the town's history. This evening’s dinner will be one to remember as you will dine with a local Rajput family in Bundi. The family will welcome you into their home, prepare a traditional home cooked meal and share stories and photographs of their lives and their ancestors.
Included Activities:
- Bundi - Stepwell
- Bundi - Home-cooked dinner
- Bundi - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hadoti Palace Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, explore the expansive 17th-century Bundi Palace, built during the reign of Rao Raja Ratan Ji Heruled and which looms large over the town. The palace, described by Kipling as ‘the work of goblins rather than of men’, provides sweeping views across Bundi. Your leader will show you the stunning turquoise and gold murals inside the palace. Then it’s time to depart Bundi and make the drive to Pushkar, arriving in the late afternoon. Home to more than 500 temples, Pushkar is one of India’s holiest cities. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader to get acquainted with the city’s colourful streets, religious sites and centrepiece lake.
Included Activities:
- Bundi - Bundi Palace
- Pushkar - Leader-led walking tour
Accommodation:
- Brahma Horizon Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
You may like to start the day with an optional visit to the Savitri Temple – set on a hill overlooking the city, this popular pilgrimage site is an incredible place to watch the sunrise. Later, join your leader on a walking tour of Pushkar. Visit the ghats and religious temples that fringe Pushkar lake and observe the devout worshiping by the holy waters and at the Brahma Temple. The afternoon is free for your own discoveries, then you will regroup with your fellow travellers and leader at the hotel in the evening for a special dinner experience. Head to Pushkar’s nearby sand dunes, where you’ll watch the sunset over the vast landscape. Continue to a different dune where you can tuck in to a traditional Rajasthani dinner while watching dancers from the local community perform the traditional Kalbelia style of dance – an experience that will completely immerse you in the culture of the region.
Included Activities:
- Pushkar - Brahma Temple
- Pushkar - Private traditional dance performance & dinner on sand dune
Optional Activities:
- Pushkar - Sunrise at Savitri Temple - Free
Accommodation:
- Brahma Horizon Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Pushkar this morning and drive to Jaipur. The capital of Rajasthan is known as the 'Pink City' due to the vibrant colour of its buildings. Arrive at your Feature Stay accommodation – the fabulous Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. This beautiful heritage hotel has been run by the same family since its opening in 1928 and retains the warm feel of a traditional family home, while opulent touches emanate from every corner – look out for the chandeliers, stained glass windows and peacocks roaming the grounds. Surrounded by a swimming pool and gardens, this is the perfect escape from the rush of the outside world. Settle into your hotel, then join your leader on a walking tour of the city. Explore buzzing bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art and the local specialty of semi-precious stones, then stroll streets teeming with camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles. Conclude the evening with a home-cooked dinner in the home of a local family and make the most of your time with your hosts, learning about their way of life. After dinner, return to your Feature Stay accommodation.
Included Activities:
- Jaipur - Leader-led orientation walk
- Jaipur - Home-cooked dinner
Accommodation:
- Hotel Narain Niwas Palace (feature stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Begin the day with a visit to the extravagant Amber Fort – the jewel of Jaipur. It is quite a sight, with its soft shades of red, sandstone and white marble with elaborate Hindu-style flourishes. Your local guide will share the stories of a fallen empire as you explore ornate rooms, lavish murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. After, stop at one of India's most photographed buildings – the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds'. Then, visit the striking City Palace for a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Tour the grounds and learn about its construction by the founder of Jaipur. Later in the afternoon, head for rooftop for drinks and take in sweeping views of Jaipur’s old walled city.
Included Activities:
- Jaipur - City Palace
- Jaipur - Amber Fort
- Jaipur - Rooftop dinner and drinks in old Jaipur (one drink included)
Optional Activities:
- Jaipur - Balloon Safari (280 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Narain Niwas Palace (feature stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, say goodbye to Jaipur and make the journey to Ranthambore. Ranthambhore’s treasured national park is one of the best places in the world to spot tigers. The park is also home to ancient temples, mosques and a vast array of other wildlife. When you arrive, you might like to take a stroll around town or put your feet up and relax beside the pool in anticipation of an exciting day of wildlife spotting tomorrow.
Accommodation:
- The Sher Garh Resort or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise early for a morning safari. Ranthambore National Park is one of the original Project Tiger reserves – a place where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples and is teeming with wildlife. In your private canter vehicle, you’ll take a game drive to search for animals, including the elusive tiger, which stalks through the jungle. Even if they are too stealthy to see, the park is filled with other animals like gazelle, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, three types of antelope (nilgai, sambar and chital) and leopard. Enjoy some downtime at the resort in the afternoon, then venture back out for an evening safari through the park – another chance to spot some of this region’s resident tiger population. You may also get to explore the 1000-year-old Ranthambore Fort – where two pavilions that have survived the ravages of war and time, Badal Mahal and Hammirs Court, give an idea of its old grandeur.
Included Activities:
- Ranthambhore National Park - Evening wildlife safari
- Ranthambhore National Park - Morning Wildlife Safari
Accommodation:
- The Sher Garh Resort or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, drive to the fabled city of Agra. Head out at sunset to visit India's most iconic structure – the spectacular Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th-century Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife and is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Meet with an expert guide who will tell you the fascinating history of this world-famous building as you tour the grounds at sunset. Beyond its most famous structure, Agra also boasts a marvellous food scene. Tonight, a foodie expert will join you on a street food tour away from the main tourist trail and help you understand Agra’s cuisine and culture. Stop by a 19th-century shop serving up age-old recipes from the Braj region of India and visit hyperlocal eateries most visitors to Agra never see.
Included Activities:
- Agra - Taj Mahal
- Agra - Expert-led street food tour (as dinner)
Accommodation:
- Grand Mercure Hotel (Earlier Crystal Sarovar Premier) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day with a visit to the remarkable Agra Fort. Learn how a fortress and prison was built out of red sandstone by Akbar in 1565, then how conversions and additions by Shah Jahan transformed the fort into a palace. After your visit, depart Agra and make your way to Delhi, India’s lively capital. In the afternoon, get a taste of the city during a tour with your leader. Navigate the city’s metro system and arrive in Old Delhi where you’ll wind through its lanes and markets. It’s not the real Delhi without a traffic jam so hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandni Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, then head into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara for a moment of peace and to observe the spiritual side of this bustling metropolis. In the evening, join your leader and group for a final dinner at one of Delhi’s oldest restaurants that has been delighting visitors for more than 80 years.
Included Activities:
- Agra - Agra Fort
- Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
Accommodation:
- The Park Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend more time in Delhi, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Optional Activities:
- Delhi - Culture Vulture Delhi Urban Adventure (2500 INR)
- Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure (3750 INR)
- Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure (3350 INR)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Ian - Traveled, April 2024
A truly amazing trip which I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to others. Only gripes were very poor Gordon House Hotel in Mumbai (not even close to a premium experience) and disappointing experience at Ranthambhore National Park.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2024
Sam - Traveled, April 2024
This is my 5th trip with Intrepid & so clearly I’m a big fan. India is beautiful, crazy, serene, surprising and this trip was a fabulous introduction to this.. It will stay with me forever. Our guide, Shakti, was just amazing so it’s def worth trying to travel with him. That all being said, this is a Comfort-level trip, not a Premium as advertised by Intrepid. The majority of hotels were disappointing compared to the standard expected.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2024
Lori - Traveled, April 2024
Cannot recommend this tour enough! Our guide, Shakti, was incredible! The tour was well organized, informational, and stunning. Every day brought a new unforgettable experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2024
Stephen - Traveled, April 2024
Premium India In Depth is a wonderful way to introduce just one segment of this fascinating country. Our guide, Shakti, was outstanding, and we hope to see him again on another tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2024
Michael - Traveled, March 2024
Excellent trip visiting many locations, each of which had their own identity, areas of interest, vibe, and level of authenticity. Our tour leader Chetan was superb, and the tour group excellent. Luckily only minor health issues arose. Would thoroughly recommend if you are at all curious about India.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2024
Henriette - Traveled, March 2024
My first trip to India is one to remember! Thanks to the group, guide, driver and excellent program I enjoyed from begin to end! I will for sure come back to India! ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/07/2024
Ferenc - Traveled, March 2024
Very enjoyable trip with the highlights of Northwest India and an especially memorable holi festival in Pushkar. Dinesh was an awesome tour leader and everyone in our group turned out to be very friendly and easy-going. Great experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2024
Gillian - Traveled, March 2024
As a single, female traveler, this was a fantastic, safe way for me to see the Rajistan region. We saw and learned a lot in 2 weeks. I saw a tiger on the safari and did the hot air balloon ride as an extra which I highly recommend. Our tour guide Javed was excellent and he ensured we were safe all the time. Check out the itinerary in details to make sure this is the right trip for what you want to see and experience. I recommend comparing the differences of premium and comfort level trips, and understand the quality of hotel and transportation to make sure if fits your expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2024
Peta Marie - Traveled, March 2024
This itinerary was amazing to do and we all fell in love with India , our guide Kuldeep was incredible sharing a passion for his country and we were safe and well cared for throughout our journey . Highly recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2024
Jennifer - Traveled, March 2024
Great itinerary and our guide had brilliant local knowledge and made it so fun and interesting
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/22/2024
Kiley - Traveled, March 2024
Highly recommend this trip for a beautiful visit of Rajasthan, India. Great food, great activities, beautiful cities, temples and forts. Well-organized and nice balance between travel days and activities. Laundry capabilities in nearly every location!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Greg - Traveled, March 2024
A well-managed and informative trip. Extremely well led and executed. Lived up to the advertising. Every precaution was taken to make sure we had access to good local food and drink. Excellent local accommodation - not just sterile chain hotels.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/22/2024
Roger - Traveled, February 2024
An excellent introduction to India. Not only covers all the big ticket items eg Taj Mahal but you get to visit some remote and exciting places as well. Visiting Bundi Fort with NO other tourists was a breathtaking experience. Relax and just take a degree of flexibility and you’ll have a fabulous time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/06/2024
Roy - Traveled, February 2024
Our first trip to India was a fabulous experience. A great itinerary, some wonderful sites and a host of new friends. Who could ask for more?
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/07/2024
Steven - Traveled, February 2024
I just completed my two week premium tour of India with Intrepid and I would recommend it to anyone, considering going to India, who might be a little nervous about going alone. I think the modern India is also much different from the India of 30 years ago. This tour was a wonderful deep dive into modern, and also ancient India with an excellent exposure to its beautiful people, cuisine, culture and religion. I absolutely loved it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/24/2024
Richard - Traveled, February 2024
This was an excellent trip and would recommend it to anyone considering touring India
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2024
Maureen - Traveled, February 2024
I would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to understand and experience the real India
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2024
Barb - Traveled, February 2024
The Premium Tour in India was excellent! Our days were packed with history, culture, markets, home visits, good food- all under the exceptional leadership of Ravi. Top notch all the way!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/22/2024
Caroline - Traveled, February 2024
This was my second intrepid trip and proved to be as fantastic as my first , Egypt. So smoothly organised despite lots of hotels and miles travelled that you were free to enjoy and explore India without stress or hassle .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/24/2024
Kate - Traveled, January 2024
The Premium India in Depth trip was incredible. The food, the sites and our guide were exceptional in every way. I could not recommend this trip more and I will definitely be using Intrepid again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/09/2024
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