15 days tour

Rajasthan Experience

$ 2,367 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $2,367.00

Rajasthan Experience

This tour includes:

Meals

14 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

TRANSPORT IN INDIA: Main roads in India are usually very busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. If you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour leader know immediately. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times. TRAVEL TIMES: Distances in India do not reflect the driving time and to cover 100km may take much longer than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway. TRAINS: India has a massive network of trains and millions of people travel by rail every day. Trains often travel the length of the country over several days. Trains are a great way to see the countryside and get you away from the busy road system. Delays and cancellations are common on trains. Your tour leader will check the train status to see if there are delays and will do their best to keep you informed of any changes. From December to February, delays are more common, especially in the north of the country due to fog. Itโ€™s not uncommon for trains to be delayed for up to 12 hours. On occasion, your trip may need to be rerouted to allow for these delays. Your tour leader in conjunction with our local office will advise any changes to the itinerary. FLIGHTS: Airlines in India are of excellent quality. Airports are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor. AUTO RICKSHAWS: On this trip we may travel in a local style of transport called an auto-rickshaw. These small, motorised three-wheeled vehicles are a common form of transport in India and do not have seatbelts. Auto rickshaw , Plane , Private vehicle , Train

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues 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 places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Others

Complimentary Arrival Transfer Agra - Taj Mahal Agra - Agra Fort Fatehpur Sikri - Guided tour Jaipur - Walking tour with a local guide Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema Jaipur - Amber Fort Jaipur - Pink City Rickshaw Food Tour Mandawa - Leader-led orientation walk Mandawa - Guided haveli tour Bikaner - Junagarh Fort Bikaner - National Camel Research Centre Bikaner - Tuk-Tuk ride with snacks Thar Desert - Desert camping with dinner Jaisalmer - Walking tour with a local guide Jaisalmer - Home-cooked dinner Jodhpur - Meherangarh Fort Ranakpur - Jain Temples Ranakpur - Lunch at Jain temple Udaipur - City Palace Udaipur - Lake Pichola boat ride Udaipur - Leader-led walking tour Udaipur - Home-cooked lunch

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if weโ€™re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isnโ€™t always possible which means we wonโ€™t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. ACCOMMODATION: The hotel accommodation on this trip is in air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws. SHOWERS: Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water. WIFI: Generally, WiFi is available in most parts of India and at most of the accommodation we use. Sometimes itโ€™s free in the room, other times only available in reception or public areas. A general rule of thumb is the more expensive the hotel, the higher charge for WiFi access. Your group leader or local representative can assist locally in accessing the internet. ISSUES: If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your group leader or local representative right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay. CAMPING IN THE THAR DESERT: We stay in permanent tents for our stay in the Thar Desert. Tents have beds, with all bedding provided and an attached bathroom, generally with cold water only. Camping (with facilities) (1 night), Heritage Property (1 night), Hotel (12 nights)

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services not included

Flights

International flights not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Rajasthan Experience

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

      Day 1: Delhi

      Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive in Delhi with time to spare, perhaps pay a visit to the World Heritage-listed Humayunโ€™s Tomb or the 12th-century Qutub Minar. After meeting your leader and fellow travellers, you may like to join the group for an optional dinner at a local restaurant.

  • Day 2 Day 2: Agra
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Agra

      Today you will travel by air-conditioned train to the Mughal city of Agra. After arriving, meet your local guide who will show you around two Agra icons. First, visit the spectacular Taj Mahal. Take in the beauty of this 17th-century masterpiece of white marble set amid beautiful formal gardens. Next, visit the nearby Agra Fort, a huge complex built originally as a military structure of red sandstone by Emperor Akbar in 1565. In your free time, perhaps enjoy a drink or meal at Sheroes Hangout, a social enterprise that employs women affected by acid attacks.

  • Day 3 Day 3: Jaipur
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Jaipur

      Today you will rise early and leave via private vehicle for Jaipur. Your first stop is the deserted Mughal kingdom of Fatehpur Sikri. Built during the reign of Emperor Akbar, it was abandoned shortly after his death due to a lack of available water. With a local guide, tour the stunning mosque, Jama Masjid, striking a lovely pose within the settlement, combining Persian and Hindu aesthetics. See its staggering 54-metre-high main entrance called Buland Darwaza (Gate of Victory) which commemorates Akbarโ€™s great victory in Gujarat. Arrive this afternoon in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and said to be one of the most pedestrian friendly cities in India. Meet your local guide to put that to the test among bustling, brightly-coloured bazaars filled with hand-crafted textiles, folk art, and semi-precious stones. Here, traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches will make their way through crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks, and bicycles.

  • Day 4 Day 4: Jaipur
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Jaipur

      Start your day with some free time in Jaipur. If youโ€™re up for it, go for an optional hot air balloon experience over the city, which is a highlight for many travellers. Later, join a local guide and travel out to the stunning medieval Amber Fort not far from the city. This 16th-century marvel is a great example of Rajput architecture. Take your time, as youโ€™ll need several hours to explore this massive fortification. Back in Jaipur, continue to indulge in the delights of Indian culture by watching a Bollywood film of action, romance, drama or music (sometimes all rolled into one) at the renowned Raj Mandir Cinema. Then itโ€™s time to do as the locals do and eat your way around the city on a rickshaw tour! The Pink City Rickshaw Co. is a non-for-profit organisation that employs more than 200 women from low-income households in Jaipur. Your first stop is to pick up some kachoris, a delicious fried snack, followed by sweet lassis. Continue to a shop serving kulfis, a popular frozen dessert, before finishing up at an establishment offering cardamom tea, the perfect way to round off the day. If youโ€™re still peckish for dinner, ask your leader for some recommended dining spots.

  • Day 5 Day 5: Mandawa
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Mandawa

      Today you will drive from Jaipur to the Shekhawati region. Mandawa is a remote town in the centre of the region, an old trading outpost between the Middle East and China known for its forts and havelis that offer a glimpse of the the cultural and social hotspot this place used to be. Our lunch stop today will be in Nawalgarh at a local restaurant that will allow you to explore more of the regionโ€™s different dishes. On arrival in Mandawa, check into your resort before joining your leader for a walking tour of the town. If time permits later in the day, kick back at the resortโ€™s pool, spa or bar.

  • Day 6 Day 6: Mandawa
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: 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). A local guide will lead you on a haveli tour where youโ€™ll notice that some are faithfully restored while others are crumbling. The havelis of this particular part of India are recognised around the country for their lavishly painted walls and art. This evening, share a meal of spicy Northern Indian food with your fellow travellers at Castle Mandawa before retiring for the night back at our resort.

  • Day 7 Day 7: Bikaner
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Bikaner

      Travel into the Thar Desert to the fortified town of Bikaner, which was an important staging post along some of historyโ€™s great caravan routes, and thus houses a multitude of bazaars along with an impressive fort and palace. Weโ€™ll visit the massive 16th century Junagarh Fort with a local guide to learn about its impressive history. Later this afternoon, visit the museum at the National Camel Research Centre, established to understand and protect these hardworking desert animals. Donโ€™t miss the camel milk parlour where you can try out ice creams and beverages. This evening, weโ€™ll venture out for an auto rickshaw ride through the town and its market to enjoy some tea, samosas and Indian treats.

  • Day 8 Day 8: Thar Desert
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Thar Desert

      Today forge deeper into the Thar Desert on a desert camp safari. Drive through the dunes to a stunning campsite with spectacular views. Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner as the sun sets and spend the evening around a campfire under a sea of stars before falling asleep to the desert ambiance in your comfortable permanent tent.

  • Day 9 Day 9: Jaisalmer
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Jaisalmer

      Emerge from the desert this morning and travel along a desert road to the yellow sandstone citadel of Jaisalmer. Watch as this โ€˜living fortโ€™ rears its head in the arid, flat desert. Our local guide will lead you through the snaking alleyways of Jaisalmer, which are filled with markets and intricately carved houses. This evening perhaps ask your leader for their favourite local places to eat.

  • Day 10 Day 10: Jaisalmer
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Jaisalmer

      Enjoy further time exploring the immense Jaisalmer fort with the group on a guided walking tour this morning. Within the fort itself is a maze of houses, temples, shops and restaurants, not to mention some 3,000 permanent residents. Track down some dazzling Rajasthani fabrics, marvel at the spectacular facades of the Patwa ki Haveli and Salim Singh-ki-Haveli. This afternoon is yours to spend as youโ€™d like. You may wish to simply wander the labyrinthine paths and soak up the atmosphere, or visit the Jaisalmer Folklore Museum on the banks of Garsisar Lake in the Mehar Bagh Garden. As night falls you will join a local family in their home for a delicious thali-style dinner. Tuck into pakoras, vegetable curries, chapatis and a very sweet treat to round out the meal.

  • Day 11 Day 11: Jodhpur
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Jodhpur

      Today you drive across the desert to discover Rajasthanโ€™s second-largest city, the frenetic Jodhpur. Jodhpur abounds in antique shops and, according to many locals, has the best lassi in India. While you are here you will explore the colossal Mehrangarh Fort with a local guide. This 15th century fort sits 125 metres above the city. Inside the walls, enjoy the intricate carvings and expansive courtyards, but donโ€™t forget to take a look out over the expansive views from the fortโ€™s ramparts.

  • Day 12 Day 12: Udaipur
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Udaipur

      From Jodhpur, you will travel through the beautiful hamlet of Ranakpur. Ranakpur is the home of a host of beautifully carved white marble Jain temples. These staggering complex temples attract Jain pilgrims from all over India, making Ranakpur one of the most important pilgrim destinations for Jains in India. We enjoy a Jain lunch at a temple today. Jain vegetarian cuisine is noteworthy for not including anything grown underground, to prevent harming small insects and microorganisms and to prevent killing the entire plant, unlike foods harvested from plants that grow above ground. From here you will continue on your journey to gorgeous Udaipur.

  • Day 13 Day 13: Udaipur
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Udaipur

      Enjoy some time exploring the atmospheric laneways of Udaipur with your leader. Watch out for elephants and cows! You will be joined by a local guide to visit the City Palace while youโ€™re here, one of the largest royal palaces in India. This structure took 400 years to build and hosts a range of treasures and antiquities, from vivid murals to royal utensils. Join a local family in their home for a home-cooked lunch, savouring local lentil, potato and paneer dishes. This afternoon, take a boat ride across Pichola Lake, the largest body of water in Udaipur, to get a totally different view of this charming townscape.

  • Day 14 Day 14: Delhi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Delhi

      After a free morning, take a flight back to Delhi, arriving late in the afternoon. After checking into your hotel, you may like to join your fellow travellers for an optional farwell dinner or enjoy an evening of free time.

  • Day 15 Day 15: Delhi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Delhi

      Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. There are no other activities planned for the day and you can depart the hotel at any point this morning. For those who wish to stay on in Delhi to further explore the city, we are happy to help in booking accommodation (subject to availability).

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 15 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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