North India Revealed

Intrepid Travel · 22 days
North India Revealed
North India Revealed
North India Revealed
North India Revealed
North India Revealed
North India Revealed
North India Revealed
North India Revealed
North India Revealed
North India Revealed
North India Revealed
North India Revealed
North India Revealed
North India Revealed
North India Revealed
North India Revealed
North India Revealed
22 Days
From AUD $1585
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (20 reviews)

North India Revealed

North India Revealed

Intrepid Travel · 22 days
4.5
20 Reviews
View Map
Duration

22 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Embark on a 22-day odyssey through India’s intoxicating north. Discover sights, smells, and flavours that will blaze their way into your memory and stay there forever.

Highlights

  • Travel into the Thar Desert, spending a memorable evening eating Rajasthani food under the stars in a camp set among sand dunes.
  • Have your expectations smashed by the spectacular Taj Mahal during a guided tour that illuminates the building’s fascinating back story.
  • Snap incredible photos of the immense Chand Baori, a grand ninth-century stepwell in rural Abhaneri that extends over 20 metres into the earth.
  • Explore the centre of India’s spiritual heart – Varanasi – on a guided walking tour through the alleyways of the Old Town right to the bank of the Ganges.
  • India can be intimidating, but with your local leader there the whole way, you’ll be dodging cows, navigating market stalls, and eating from the best chaat stalls in Delhi in no time.

Trip Details

Duration

22 days

Transportation

Overnight sleeper train,Train,Private vehicle,Public bus,Metro,Auto rickshaw,Cycle rickshaw,Taxi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Delhi, India

Finishes

Delhi, India

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Delhi
Namaste and welcome to Delhi! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive in Delhi with time to spare before the meeting, consider finding your feet with an Urban Adventure. The Hidden Gems of Delhi tour offers something a little different from the standard itinerary, taking you to sights most tourists never see.

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)
2
Day 2: Delhi – Overnight Train
This morning set off by metro to Old Delhi to explore on a walking tour. Experience the chaos of an Indian traffic jam as you inch your way through the streets around Chandni Chowk marketplace in a traditional cycle rickshaw. Visit the Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest mosque, then stop by the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about the religion. Tonight, transfer to the railway station and board an overnight train to Bikaner. Local vendors will board the train at various stops to sell snacks, but it’s advised that you bring some of your own food for the journey too.

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)
3
Day 3: Bikaner
Bikaner a city in Rajasthan still displays its ancient opulence through palaces and forts, built of red sandstone that have withstood the passage of time. Upon arrival in Bikaner this morning, freshen up at your hotel and then head out on a walk with your leader through the old city. In the afternoon relax or opt to visit Junagarh Fort: Built in 1588 AD by Raja Rai Singh. Constructed in red sandstone and marble, it's courtyard, balconies and windows are a treat to the eye

Optional Activities:

  • Bikaner - Junagarh Fort (600 INR)
4
Day 4: Bikaner to Jaisalmer
After breakfast travel to Jaisalmer by train. On arrival, choose whether to relax or join the group on an optional trip to the Jaisalmer Folklore Museum. This small museum displays a private family collection of printing blocks, musical instruments, religious artifacts, and decorations which offer insights into the cultural heritage of Jaisalmer.

Included Activities:

  • Jaisalmer - Leader-led walking tour

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Jaisalmer
Enjoy a free day to explore Jaisalmer. The city’s eponymous fort holds twisting alleys with markets where you can wander for hours. You can also find a series of Jain temples dating from the 15th and 16th centuries within the walls of the fort, and it’s easy to spend a few hours admiring their elaborate carvings. The opulent havelis (traditional Indian mansions) found throughout the city make another fine place to spend some time admiring the desert architecture.

Optional Activities:

  • Jaisalmer - Folklore Museum (500 INR)

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Thar Desert
Today drive by jeep to the Thar Desert. Meet your local guides, who will cook a traditional Rajasthani dinner with chapati, dal, rice and veggies while you sit back, relax and watch the sunset. Spend the night stargazing and sharing stories in this incredible setting.

Optional Activities:

  • Thar Desert - Overnight Desert Camp - Free

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Jodhpur
Rise early to enjoy the sunrise over the sand dunes. After a simple breakfast, take a private vehicle to the railway station and then a 6-hour train ride across the desert to the blue city of Jodhpur. Jodhpur is home to some of the best lassis in India, so make sure you try one while you’re here.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Jodhpur
Today you have the option to visit the colossal Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest in India. The fort is still run by the Jodhpur royal family. If you’d prefer to see a more down to earth kind of Rajasthani life, it is also possible to spend today touring nearby Bishnoi villages. Spending time in these villages offers a glimpse into rural Rajasthani life and the chance to learn about the rich cultural traditions of the people who live there.

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)
9
Day 9: Udaipur
This morning take an auto-rickshaw to the bus station and board a local bus for an 8-hour journey to Udaipur. This romantic city is set amid the Aravalli Hills and curls around Lake Pichola, a man-made lake created in the 14th century. On arrival, take a guided walk to get your bearings. Explore twisting alleyways filled with shops and bazaars selling things like silver jewellery, shoes, bags, leather goods, and miniature paintings.

Included Activities:

  • Udaipur - Leader-led walking tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Udaipur
Enjoy a free day to explore the sights of Udaipur. Perhaps take a short boat ride on the famous Lake Pichola (seasonal) and see the palaces of Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas rise out of the water and their own reflections. Otherwise, you could tour the lakeside City Palace complex, the largest palace in Rajasthan, where you can check out vivid murals and royal antiques. Alternatively, learn the secrets behind making the perfect Indian thali during a half-day cooking class. Maybe you’d like to visit Sajjan Garh (Monsoon Palace), a 19th-century palace perched on a hill overlooking Lake Pichola. Named after Maharana Sajjan Singh of the Mewar Dynasty, Sajjan Garh offers ridiculously great views of the city below. Or perhaps you’re more inclined to visit the nearby village of Shilpgram, an ethnographic museum and arts hubs where traditional crafts are sold, and artists perform. 

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)
11
Day 11: Pushkar
Transfer to the station and travel by train for around 5.5 hours to the city of Ajmer. Hop in a private vehicle for a 45-minute drive to your hotel in Pushkar. One of India's holiest towns and a market centre for the surrounding villages, Pushkar is a great place to immerse yourself in Hindu traditions. On arrival, head out to explore the town on a walking tour, wandering through the main bazaar along the way. Finish with a walk around Pushkar Lake and past the bustling ghats and temples, observing the devout as they worship at the holy waters.

Included Activities:

  • Pushkar - Leader-led walking tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: Pushkar
Today in Pushkar is free for you to do as you please. Early morning risers can choose to hike up the hill to the Savitri Temple for sunrise views over the town. If the chai man is there, enjoy a steaming cup of tea at the top for breakfast. Later in the day, maybe pay a visit to the colourful Brahma Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu god. If you’ve planned your tour to coincide with the Pushkar Camel Fair (which changes each year), today will mainly be set aside to experience one of India’s most famous festivals.

Optional Activities:

  • Pushkar - Brahma Temple - Free
  • Pushkar - Sunrise at Savitri Temple - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
13
Day 13: Jaipur
Return to Ajmer and travel by local bus to Jaipur (approximately 4 hours). On arrival take an auto-rickshaw to your hotel, then head out to explore Rajasthan’s capital on a guided walking tour. This tour includes a visit to the market and opt to visit the beehive-like Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal), built in 1799 so that women of the royal family could observe street festivities without being seen by the public. Your evening is free, so perhaps ask your leader to point out the best place to grab dal baati (dal served with wheat rolls).

Included Activities:

  • Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
14
Day 14: Jaipur
Enjoy a free day in Jaipur, with plenty of optional activities to choose from to fill your day. For many travellers, an optional hot air balloon experience is one of the highlights of Jaipur. If you’d prefer to stay grounded (but still like expansive views) the Amber Fort is both an excellent example of Rajput architecture and a great place from which to see the surrounding area. Or maybe get among the crowds in the city’s bazaars to shop for artisan goods and semi-precious stones. For a true local experience, tonight you could immerse yourself in Bollywood with a movie at a classic cinema.

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)
15
Day 15: Abhaneri
Head to Abhaneri by private vehicle. This rural town provides a lovely detour from the bigger cities in Rajasthan. Visit the Chand Baori, a 20-metre-deep stepwell where water was collected and locals used to gather to escape the heat. Built in the late ninth century, the baori is a mind-bending feat of construction. Next visit another jewel of Abhaneri, the Harshat Mata Temple. This temple, which is now mostly ruined, was first constructed between the seventh and eighth centuries and dedicated to the goddess of happiness and joy.

Included Activities:

  • Abhaneri - Chand Baori stepwell
  • Abhaneri - Harshat Mata Temple visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
16
Day 16: Fatehpur Sikri – Agra
Head east by private transport for the 2–3-hour journey to Agra, via a stop Fatehpur Sikri where you can opt to go inside. Rich in Mughal heritage, Agra is a city of gardens, temples, and open rooftops. On arrival visit the Taj Mahal, a white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal attracts over three million visitors each year, so be prepared for crowds. If you’re after a cool drink or a light meal, maybe head to Sheroes Hangout. This cafe is staffed by survivors of acid attacks and is located 10 minutes’ walk from the Taj.

Included Activities:

  • Agra - Taj Mahal

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
17
Day 17: Agra – Overnight Train
Enjoy a free day before boarding the train this evening. Early risers might want to head back to the Taj Mahal for a very memorable sunrise. While you’re here, be sure to visit the spectacular Red Fort on the banks of the Yamuna River. Built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, the fort was originally designed to be a military structure. If you have extra time, you may like to continue onto Akbar's Mausoleum to pay your respects to the great emperor. In the evening, board a 12-hour overnight train to Varanasi (Third Class AC).

Optional Activities:

  • Agra - Agra Fort (650 INR)
  • Agra - Akbar's Mausoleum (300 INR)

Accommodation:

  • Overnight Sleeper Train (Number of Nights: 1)
18
Day 18: Varanasi
On arrival in Varanasi this morning transfer by auto-rickshaw to your hotel. Head out on a guided walk around the Old City, following your leader through the narrow alleyways. The rest of your day is free to do as you please. This evening, there are two options you should consider, both centred around the holy Ganges. The first is a sunset cruise along the river which allows you to observe life from a unique perspective in the fading light of day. If you’d prefer to stay on land, you could watch local priests perform a Ganga aarti (fire ceremony) at the Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Included Activities:

  • Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour

Optional Activities:

  • Varanasi - Sunset candle flower ceremony (400 INR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
19
Day 19: Varanasi
Enjoy a free day to explore this holy city. We highly recommend starting very early and take an optional sunrise boat trip along the Ganges, passing pilgrims bathing and praying along the colourful ghats. Alternatively, head out to the ghats on foot to watch the dhobi-wallahs (clothes washers) drying clothes along the riverbank. You could even continue your stroll to the sinking Vishnu temple near the Manikarnika Ghat. Perhaps ask your leader about how to visit Sarnath, about ten kilometres outside of the city, where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first speech after finding enlightenment.

Optional Activities:

  • Varanasi - Sarnath (315 INR)
  • Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip (400 INR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
20
Day 20: Varanasi – Overnight Train
In the morning, you have some free time to explore more of Varanasi. Perhaps visit the Vishwanath Temple, or simply grab some chaat and watch the world go by. If you’re craving a little peace and quiet before you board another overnight train, consider heading to the Kriti Gallery to check out some contemporary work by local artists. In the afternoon, board the overnight train for a 15-hour journey to Delhi.

Accommodation:

  • Overnight Sleeper Train (Number of Nights: 1)
21
Day 21: Delhi
Arrive in Delhi in the late morning and hop in a taxi to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Tonight, maybe get together with your group and head out for some dinner – your local leader will have plenty of recommendations.

Optional Activities:

  • Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure (3350 INR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
22
Day 22: Delhi
With no activities planned for today, your North India adventure comes to an end. You are free to depart the accommodation at any time.
Exclusions
  • 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.
Important Information
Meals

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.

Luggage

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.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

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).

Sightseeing

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.

Visas

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.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $1,585
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 22 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Embark on a 22-day odyssey through India’s intoxicating north. Discover sights, smells, and flavours that will blaze their way into your memory and stay there forever.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 06 Feb 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Natalia
Traveled, March 2024

04/04/2024

An explosion of culture & experiences. The variety of destinations & transports was an amazing experiences. It is fast paced & intense with little free time. Our leader Joe was for sure an integral part of making this trip amazing! Not for the faint hearted but highly recommended!

4.0
Tarin
Traveled, March 2024

04/05/2024

The North India tour was incredible. We got to experience the absolute jewels of the region. The history, architecture and religious components were second to none! There were a lot of contrasts, colours and delicious foods. It was however a difficult tour in that there is a lot of travel, back to back late nights and early mornings (as anticipated). The tour moves quite rapidly and I suggest that a decent level of health and resilience is required to manage the overnight trains and public transport. Rather pack on the lighter side as you will need to carry/lift your bags up stairs and into transport etc. The tour was well organised and we all felt safe and well looked after. This is my third Intrepid tour and each one has had an incredible leader, this one was no exception! Would highly recommend if you prefer the safety and camaraderie of a group tour in a bustling country. Thanks again Intrepid for a wonderful tour!

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

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