Tour Northern India Family Holiday Comfort

Transport

Bus,Cycle rickshaw,Private Bus,Shuttle Bus,Train

Accommodation

GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS: Family of two - All family groupings of two will be put into a twin room. Family of three - Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in a handful of places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that, in practice, a triple room will often simply be a twin room with a mattress on the floor or a further bed squashed in. Where it is impossible to provide a triple room, you will have to decide which of your party takes the single room. Family of four or more - You will most likely stay in two twin rooms. If and wherever possible we will aim put you in a quadruple room. Whilst we will do our very best to ensure that families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over where you will be put. You need to come prepared for this. Hotels (7 nights),Resort (2 nights)

Guide

All Intrepid Family trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to assist your family to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for fun things to do and see - for both kids and parents, recommend great local eating venues that will even get the kids trying new things, and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. Our leaders are not babysitters on this trip - we leave that to you (the experts), but they will make sure that group members of all ages are able to explore their destination safely and with as much fun as possible. Our group leaders are not responsible for looking after children at any time and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times throughout this itinerary.

Meals

10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Others

Delhi - Jama Masjid Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour Delhi - India Gate Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer Agra - Agra Fort Agra - Taj Mahal Fatehpur Sikri - Guided tour Ranthambhore National Park - Morning Wildlife Safari Ranthambhore National Park - Evening wildlife safari Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory Jaipur - City Palace Jaipur - Hand Block printing class Jaipur - Amber Fort Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour Mandawa - Haveli tour

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Travellers who reside within the European Union or Switzerland receive basic international health insurance, so travel insurance is not mandatory under European Union Law. However, as this does not cover situations such as emergency rescues, private health care, or repatriation to their home country, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. European Union or Swiss travellers who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India. Begin your Indian adventure in the one of the oldest cities in the world, Delhi, a magical city of surprising contrasts. There’s a Welcome Meeting today at 1pm – you can arrive any time before, as there are no activities planned. India’s capital is an exciting, busy, and often chaotic city, but it’s also one of the most interesting in the world – packed with historical sites, museums and galleries, shops and endless bazaars. After a chance to freshen up and have some lunch, take a guided sightseeing tour to explore the contrasts of Old and New Delhi. In the narrow streets of Old Delhi, everything competes for space – squeeze through the old city’s fortified walls on the way to Jama Masjid. Dominating the city’s skyline, the mosque is a social hub as much as a place of worship, and a fascinating insight into Delhi’s way of life. Go with the flow on a rickshaw (own expense) through the throbbing streets, packed with buses, trucks, people and cows, on the way to the brilliantly coloured Red Fort. Then, leave the crowds behind and breathe a little easier in contrasting New Delhi – broad, tree-lined avenues, and former monuments to British power. Visit the main sights – Parliament House, President House, and India Gate, before returning to the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Regent Grand or similar
Day 2 Day 2: Agra
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Agra

Rise early to catch the morning sun and a train to Agra (approximately 3 hours). The city alternated with Delhi as the capital of the Moghul Empire, and it still grips to its glory days, inextricably linked with the most famous of India’s rulers. When you arrive, take some time to relax after the early start until mid-afternoon, before heading out to see the city’s big hitters. Agra’s not just all about the Taj Mahal, it’s also home to one of the finest looking forts in India, a Friday Mosque and royal tombs. Sitting along the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra Fort is part stronghold, part palace and part prison. Built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, it was converted to a palace by Emperor Shah Jahan, and it eventually became his jail when he lost power. Enter the dark red sandstone fort by crossing the (now empty) crocodile-infested moat. Search through throne rooms and tiny but incredibly decorated mosques, and climb to the top to get your first tantalising glimpse of the Taj across the river.
Accommodation: Howard Plaza Hotel or similar
Day 3 Day 3: Ranthambhore National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Ranthambhore National Park

Not many people like really early mornings, but this one is definitely worth it. Get up before the sun to see it rise over the Taj Mahal. Watch the iconic building bathed in early morning light. Many people believe it to be the most perfectly proportioned building ever constructed; at first glance it appears to be simply white marble, but closer inspection reveals that the surface is inlaid with semi-precious stones that form stylised flowers and bowers. This is truly magical. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the Taj is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Next, head east and pass the Kos Minar medieval milestones, which point the way to the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri (approximately 2 hours). Deserted after only a few years because there wasn’t enough water, the incredibly well preserved 16th century royal complex is a haven of courtyards, pavilions, ornamental gardens, the striking Jama Masjid mosque, and home to the intricately carved Rumi Sultana palace. Continue on to Sawai Madhopur and Ranthambhore National Park (approximately 2 hours) – the ’Jungle Book’ brought to life!
Accommodation: Pugmark Resorts
Day 4 Day 4: Ranthambhore National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Ranthambhore National Park

Ranthambhore National Park is one of the premier national parks of India – a place where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples, and that is also is teeming with wildlife to spot. You will make a couple of game drives during your stay here, with hopes of getting a sighting of the majestic Bengal tigers that survive among the ruined forts and temples, stalking through the jungle. Game drives take place early in the morning and in late afternoon, as this is when animals are most active. Even if the tigers are being too stealthy, the park is filled with other animals like gazelle, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, three types of antelope (nilgai, sambar and chital) and leopards to watch out for. Notes: During the hot summer months, Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. Therefore, during this time, we alter our itinerary and take the opportunity to visit the nearby Swai Mansingh Sanctuary instead. A wide variety of interesting wildlife resides here, including hyena, sloth bear, wild boar, panther and cheetah. While there is the rare chance to spot a tiger, this should not be expected. An exciting wildlife walk and a game drive will be included here.
Accommodation: Pugmark Resorts
Day 5 Day 5: Jaipur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Jaipur

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before heading northwest the capital of Rajasthan: Jaipur (approximately 2 hours) – surrounded by a wall dripping in an earthy red colour in the style of the Mughal sandstone cities. Walk through the Pink City’s streets, busy with camels, motorbikes, rickshaws, and past traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches, as monkeys climb wires overhead. Jaipur, like Delhi, has both old and new parts, although you will concentrate on the old. Arriving around lunch time we will check into the hotel before heading out to the City palace and Observatory. The City Palace, was once home to the Maharaja. It is an amazing complex that’s home to various colourful courtyard gates, fascinating museums displaying royal costumes and weaponry, and guards whose moustaches are almost as impressive as the building itself. The palace continues to be a royal residence even after the Jaipur kingdom merged with the Indian Union in 1949. Continue on to the 18th century Jantar Mantar– not a series of elaborate sculptures but actually an observatory filled with instruments to track the stars. It’s a favourite amongst the children on our trips. Then it’s on to the distinctive five-storied Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, with its detailed honeycombed façade filled with concealed windows. The impressive view makes it the most photographed building in the country after Taj Mahal. Royal maidens once watched the streets below through the fabulous jali (lattice screens), which hid them from prying male eyes. Today snake charmers and fortune-tellers ply their trade below the same hideaway.
Accommodation: Khandela Haveli - Twin (with breakfast)
Day 6 Day 6: Jaipur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Jaipur

After breakfast we take a trip out to the Amber Fort. Set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, the fort is an authentic example of Rajput architecture and the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is one of its more spectacular buildings. We then head back into Jaipur to learn about the ancient art of Block Printing. The traditional process of hand block printing on textiles, with rich natural colors, has been practiced in Rajasthan for around 500 years. You will then have lunch and the afternoon free. If you are feeling up to it your leader will take the group on a walking tour. Hitting the streets in search of some raj kachori chaat – a big fluffy chaat served with chutney, yoghurt, chilli and potato. Then cool off with a lassi from Lassiwala on MI road, Jaipur’s oldest and most famous lassi shop. We will end the walk at the Raj Mandir Movie theatre.
Accommodation: Khandela Haveli - Twin (with breakfast)
Day 7 Day 7: Nawalgarh/Mandawa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Nawalgarh/Mandawa

Today you will travel to Nawalgarh (approximately 4 hours) where we will stop for lunch before continuing on to your next stop Mandawa, a remote town in the centre of the Rajasthan region. Mandawa was once an old trading outpost between the Middle East and China and your home for the next two nights. Known throughout the state for its forts and havelis, Mandawa wil remind you of what a classic Rajasthan town was like in the bygone era.
Accommodation: Desert Resort Hotel or Similar
Day 8 Day 8: Mandawa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Mandawa

Enjoy a day of exploring this amazing town, which is often referred to as an outdoor museum. Mandawa is famous for its ornate havelis (private residences). You’ll notice that some are faithfully restored and others are crumbling. The havelis of this particular part of India are recognised around the country for their lavishly painted walls and art. Perhaps unwind at the day’s end with a cold beer and sample some of the spicy local North Indian fare – ask your leader to point you in the right direction.
Accommodation: Desert Resort Hotel or similar
Day 9 Day 9: Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Delhi

After breakfast this morning, leave the countryside behind and get back into the beating rhythm of Delhi by mid-afternoon (approximately 9 hours). Use the rest of the day however you like. Practice your bargaining skills in Chandni Chowk in the maze of shops and kiosks that sell everything imaginable, buy local crafts straight from the hands of the artisan in Janpath market, or gobble down street chaats – snacks like deep fried fritters and flatbread. Hear the story behind the man at Gandhi’s house, see one last ancient structure at Qutb Minar, or relax in the Mughal gardens. No doubt your leader will arrange one ‘last supper’, where you can look back over the trip of a lifetime and get your head around all the wonders you’ve witnessed.
Accommodation: Hotel Regent Grand or similar
Day 10 Day 10: Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Delhi

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. Please check the ’Finishing Point Hotel’ section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.
Day 11 Day 11: Bikaner
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Bikaner

Today you’ll visit the museum at the National Camel Research Centre in Bikaner, established to protect these hardworking desert animals and to increase understanding about their place in the fragile desert ecosystem. Learn about the importance of the camel in India’s history, the different breeds of this fascinating animal (nicknamed the Ship of the Desert) and wander the museum with the kids. Don’t miss the camel milk parlour – where you can cool off with ice creams and drinks made from camel milk! Tonight, you’re free to explore Bikaner or hang out at your hotel.
Day 12 Day 12: Mandawa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Mandawa

Today, enjoy a day exploring Mandawa – often referred to as an outdoor museum, Mandawa is famous for its ornate havelis (private residences). You’ll notice that some are faithfully restored, and others are crumbling. The havelis of this part of India are recognised around the country for their lavishly painted walls and art. After exploring this gorgeous city, maybe unwind this afternoon with a cold beer and sample some of the spicy local North Indian fare – ask your leader to point you in the right direction.
Day 13 Day 13: Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Delhi

After breakfast this morning, leave the countryside and get back into the beating rhythm of Delhi. This is a bit of a long drive, so get your car games ready! When you arrive, you can use the rest of the day however you like. Maybe practice your bargaining skills in Chandni Chowk in the maze of shops and kiosks that sell everything you can imagine, buy local crafts straight from the hands of the artisan in Janpath market, or gobble down street chaats (snacks like deep-fried fritters and flatbread). Hear the story behind the man at Gandhi’s house, see one last ancient structure at Qutb Minar, or relax in the Mughal gardens. Tonight, maybe get together with your group and look back over the trip of a lifetime, chatting about all the wonders you’ve witnessed.
Day 14 Day 14: Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Delhi

There are no activities planned for today, and you can leave at any time after check-out. If you’d like to stay in Delhi for longer, just speak to your booking agent.

+11

14 days tour

Northern India Family Holiday Comfort

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Northern India Family Holiday Comfort

Day 1: Delhi

Day 2: Agra

Day 3: Ranthambhore National Park

Day 4: Ranthambhore National Park

Day 5: Jaipur

Day 6: Jaipur

Day 7: Nawalgarh/Mandawa

Day 8: Mandawa

Day 9: Delhi

Day 10: Delhi

Day 11: Bikaner

Day 12: Mandawa

Day 13: Delhi

Day 14: Delhi

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