Iconic India
















From AUD $3760
Small Group
Average
Rating
(5 reviews)

Iconic India
37 days
Small Group
Basic
Average
English
Experience Overview
Travel to the far-flung corners of India on this epic adventure. In the north, journey through Jaisalmer's desert, lose yourself in the electric bazaars of Jodhpur, witness pilgrims performing ancient ceremonies on the ghats of Varanasi and marvel at the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra.
Travel to the far-flung corners of India on this epic adventure. In the north, journey through Jaisalmer's desert, lose yourself in the electric bazaars of Jodhpur, witness pilgrims performing ancient ceremonies on the ghats of Varanasi and marvel at the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. Then bask in the tropical southern climate, cruise along the Kerala Backwaters, come face-to-face with local customs in small rural towns, and laze on the gorgeous beaches of Goa – India's idyllic holiday destination. Enjoy the freedom to be immersed in the diverse cultures of colourful, chaotic and enchanting India on this small-group adventure.
Highlights
- Rajasthan is the India that many people imagine when they dream of travelling to this captivating country – ancient forts, palaces, rural villages and the colourful cities of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaipur.
- Pushkar and Varanasi are among the holiest cities in India. Climb to hilltop temples at sunrise, dodge cows in the street, and observe pilgrims praying along the ghats of the sacred Ganges River during a boat cruise.
- Explore the wonders of the Thar Desert. Feast on Rajasthani cuisine at sunset before bunking down to camp between the sand dunes.
- Glide through the backwaters of Kerala on a pole boat, going ashore for a village stay – a beautiful break and a perfect way to get close to local customs and culture.
- The word ‘colourful’ gets thrown around a lot when people talk about India, but the gateway towers of Meenakshi Amman Temple truly are a technicolour dream.
Trip Details
37 days
Auto rickshaw,Boat,Bus,Car,Cycle rickshaw,local bus,Metro,Overnight sleeper train,Private vehicle,Taxi,Train,Plane
Small Group
English
Delhi, India
Goa, India
Basic
Explorer
Average
Itinerary
Optional Activities:
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb (600 INR)
- Delhi - Qutub Minar (600 INR)
- Delhi - Red Fort (600 INR)
- Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure (3350 INR)
- Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure (3750 INR)
- Delhi - Hidden Gems of Delhi Urban Adventure (4100 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Accommodation:
- Overnight Sleeper Train (Number of Nights: 1)
Optional Activities:
- Bikaner - Junagarh Fort (600 INR)
Included Activities:
- Jaisalmer - Leader-led walking tour
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Optional Activities:
- Jaisalmer - Folklore Museum (500 INR)
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Optional Activities:
- Thar Desert - Overnight Desert Camp - Free
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Jodhpur - Leader-led walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Jodhpur - Bishnoi villages day trip (750 INR)
- Jodhpur - Meherangarh Fort (600 INR)
- Elevator Mehrangarh Fort (50 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Udaipur - Leader-led walking tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Optional Activities:
- Udaipur - Cultural performance (250 INR)
- Udaipur - Sajjan Garh Palace (Monsoon Palace) (300 INR)
- Udaipur - Shilpgram craft village (100 INR)
- Udaipur - Cooking class (600 INR)
- Udaipur - City Palace (400 INR)
- Udaipur - Lake Pichola boat ride (500 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Pushkar - Leader-led walking tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Optional Activities:
- Pushkar - Brahma Temple - Free
- Pushkar - Sunrise at Savitri Temple - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Optional Activities:
- Jaipur - Amber Fort (500 INR)
- Jaipur - City Palace (1200 INR)
- Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema (400 INR)
- Jaipur - Balloon Safari (280 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Abhaneri - Chand Baori stepwell
- Abhaneri - Harshat Mata Temple visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Agra - Taj Mahal
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Optional Activities:
- Agra - Agra Fort (650 INR)
- Agra - Akbar's Mausoleum (300 INR)
Accommodation:
- Overnight Sleeper Train (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Varanasi - Sunset candle flower ceremony (400 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Optional Activities:
- Varanasi - Sarnath (315 INR)
- Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip (400 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Accommodation:
- Overnight Sleeper Train (Number of Nights: 1)
Optional Activities:
- Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure (3350 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Trivandrum – Leader-led Orientation Walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Accommodation:
- Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
Accommodation:
- Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Kerala Backwaters - Pole boat ride
- Kerala Backwaters - Guided village walk
Accommodation:
- Local Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Optional Activities:
- Kochi - Kathakali performance (600 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Kochi - Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Kochi - Dutch Palace (20 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Periyar - Spice plantation visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Periyar - Kalaripayattu (Indian Martial Art) performance
Optional Activities:
- Periyar - Guided nature walk (1400 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Madurai - Leader-led walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Madurai - Sri Meenakshi Temple (50 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Optional Activities:
- Madurai - Gandhi Museum - Free
Accommodation:
- Overnight Sleeper Train (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Mysore - Leader-led walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Mysore - Keshava Temple (200 INR)
- Mysore - Maharaja's Palace (200 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Optional Activities:
- Mysore - Chamundi Hill & Temple (100 INR)
Accommodation:
- Overnight Sleeper Train (Number of Nights: 1)
Optional Activities:
- Hampi - Vittala Temple (500 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Accommodation:
- Overnight Sleeper Train (Number of Nights: 1)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
- Flights to and from origin and destinations
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
- Recommended gratuities/tipping
- Optional activities/tours
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.
You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.
Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.
This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.
Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.
If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).
If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.
Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.
- It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
- Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
- Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Duration: 37 days
Trip Type: Small Group
Activity Level: Average
Travel to the far-flung corners of India on this epic adventure. In the north, journey through Jaisalmer's desert, lose yourself in the electric bazaars of Jodhpur, witness pilgrims performing ancient ceremonies on the ghats of Varanasi and marvel at the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra.
Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 24 Apr 2026
Customer Reviews
12/13/2022
The Iconic India tour was fantastic in showing the highlights of India especially for the first time in visiting - I thought it was the perfect length of time to spend seeing the north and the south. My only concern was feeling safe and the leaders were fantastic in supporting and changing my perception of India in this way. Would recommend!
11/22/2022
The 37 day trip Iconic India is simply FABULOUS!! Intrepid have curated an amazing itinerary that encompasses a taste of both north and south India, full of temples, palaces, forts, homestay's, overnight train travel, and an unforgettable night in the Thar Dessert looking at the stars. Travelling around India is an amazing experience, but its not for the faint hearted; nor without its challenges, and I personally didn't want to attempt this as a solo 60 yr old woman. The group support and camaraderie of like minded travellers and the professionalism of both our guides (Chime and Chandra) simply enhanced the whole adventure to a different level. If you have the time to spare , don't hesitate to book this amazing trip, you won't regret it!
Tour Operator

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
12/13/2022
The Iconic India tour was fantastic in showing the highlights of India especially for the first time in visiting - I thought it was the perfect length of time to spend seeing the north and the south. My only concern was feeling safe and the leaders were fantastic in supporting and changing my perception of India in this way. Would recommend!
11/22/2022
The 37 day trip Iconic India is simply FABULOUS!! Intrepid have curated an amazing itinerary that encompasses a taste of both north and south India, full of temples, palaces, forts, homestay's, overnight train travel, and an unforgettable night in the Thar Dessert looking at the stars. Travelling around India is an amazing experience, but its not for the faint hearted; nor without its challenges, and I personally didn't want to attempt this as a solo 60 yr old woman. The group support and camaraderie of like minded travellers and the professionalism of both our guides (Chime and Chandra) simply enhanced the whole adventure to a different level. If you have the time to spare , don't hesitate to book this amazing trip, you won't regret it!
12/05/2023
Die Reise Iconic India ist die beste Option um so vieles wie möglich in kurzer Zeit von Indien zu sehen. Man beginnt im hektischen Norden und endet im entspannten Süden. Für mich die perfekte Kombination.
05/22/2023
Brilliant trip, brilliant country, an assault on all of your senses.... in a good way! Exceptional tour leaders.
06/25/2023
Take any quotes from all we have written that you like. We are exhausted at this point of the reviews. If we think of anything else for you to post we will send. Please know we recommend Intrepid constantly and I would like to offer to do a presentation for you if you would like at our local travel expo via Midwest Mountaineering. Intrepid is not known well yet in the USA and we would be happy to be ambassadors for you!

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