Real Rajasthan

Intrepid Travel · 16 days
Real Rajasthan
Real Rajasthan
Real Rajasthan
Real Rajasthan
Real Rajasthan
Real Rajasthan
Real Rajasthan
Real Rajasthan
Real Rajasthan
Real Rajasthan
Real Rajasthan
Real Rajasthan
Real Rajasthan
Real Rajasthan
Real Rajasthan
Real Rajasthan
Real Rajasthan
Real Rajasthan
Real Rajasthan
16 Days
From AUD $1030
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (20 reviews)

Real Rajasthan

Real Rajasthan

Intrepid Travel · 16 days
4.8
20 Reviews
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Duration

16 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

If you’re looking for an authentic slice of the real Rajasthan, this epic 16-day adventure through India is all you could ask for.

Highlights

  • Prepare yourself for one very memorable night out in the Thar Desert, where you’ll share a feast at sunset and bunk down to camp between the sand dunes under a blanket of desert stars.
  • Witness one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Taj Mahal. Take your time here, taking in the majesty of this manmade wonder and learn all there is to know from a local guide.
  • Visit a local family in Bikaner for a cooking demonstration of regional delights, like chai and chapati. As you get to know the woman and her daughters, you’ll pick up some tips and tricks, try them out for yourself, then sit down for dinner together.
  • Get an insight into local, rural life at your homestay in Khinwara – life here is slow paced, so this is the perfect chance to stop and take a moment to relax.
  • See Delhi from a new perspective on a bicycle rickshaw ride through the chaotic streets of this epic city. Take in the beauty of Jama Masjid and rub shoulders with the locals in Sheeshganj Gurudwara, where all are welcome despite religion, caste or gender.

Trip Details

Duration

16 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Public bus,Overnight sleeper train,Train,Cycle rickshaw,Tuk Tuk

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Delhi, India

Finishes

Delhi, India

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi – the capital of India – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not hit the streets and try and get into the Delhi flow of life. If you’re a history buff, there’s the 14th-century Humayun's Tomb or 11th-century Qutub Minar to explore. There’s also the former residence of royal families and British soldiers – the mighty Red Fort. After your meeting, maybe continue the introductions over an optional group dinner. Ask your leader for local favourites like a plate of chicken tikka masala or vegetarian curry (with naan bread, obviously) or head out to explore the nightlife.

Optional Activities:

  • Delhi - Humayun's Tomb (600 INR)
  • Delhi - Qutub Minar (600 INR)
  • Delhi - Red Fort (600 INR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Delhi - Overnight Train
Head out on a walking tour around the commercial heart of Delhi, visiting Chandni Chowk (Sheeshganj Gurudwara) and Connaught Place along the way. Explore Old Delhi on a bicycle rickshaw to dig that little bit deeper and visit Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib – one of the oldest and most iconic Sikh shrines in Delhi – and try your hand at making chapatis in the community kitchen. This shrine is visited by devotees regularly, and everyone is welcome here, regardless of their religion or gender. Tonight, embark on a journey through the heart of India on an overnight train to Bikaner.

Included Activities:

  • Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
  • Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)

Accommodation:

  • Overnight Train (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Bikaner
This morning, you’ll arrive in the fortified town of Bikaner – a city in Rajasthan that still displays its ancient opulence through palaces and forts built of red sandstone that have withstood the passage of time. When you arrive, head out on an orientation tour with your leader. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore the city more in-depth - maybe you can head out on a tuk-tuk tour of the Old City. Keep an eye out for delicious street food like bhujia (chickpea chips) or tuck into a thali tonight for dinner. 

Included Activities:

  • Bikaner - Leader-led walking tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Bikaner
Today, you have free time to explore at your own pace – it's highly recommended you head to the Junagarh Fort if you haven’t already! You could try the iconic Chunilal sharbat (a sweet cordial prepared with fruit or flower petals) along the way. Tonight, rejoin your group for a fun cooking demonstration with a local family. Watch how they prepare chai and roll chapati (Indian flatbread) and have a go yourself! Learn how aloe vera is a delicacy in this region and chat to the local women as they teach you some tips and tricks to bring home. After, you’ll all enjoy dinner together.

Included Activities:

  • Bikaner - Cooking Demonstration

Optional Activities:

  • Bikaner - Junagarh Fort (600 INR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Jaisalmer
This morning, take a local train to the yellow sandstone citadel of Jaisalmer. When you arrive in this ‘living fort,’ you’ll have free time to rest and recharge. Later, head out on an orientation walk with your leader through the snaking alleyways, filled with markets and intricately carved houses. Then, maybe ask your leader for their favourite local places to eat and grab some delicious local cuisine.

Included Activities:

  • Jaisalmer - Leader-led walking tour

Optional Activities:

  • Jaisalmer - Folklore Museum (500 INR)

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Jaisalmer - Thar Desert
Spend today exploring the desert oasis of Jaisalmer – a former medieval trading centre that sort of looks like a giant sandcastle. This afternoon, chuck your essentials in an overnight bag, then hop in a 4WD to ride out to tonight’s camp in style. Traverse the sweeping dunes of the Thar Desert, then help set up camp while the guides get the fire started and ready for your vegetarian campfire feast, which includes chapati, dal, rice and veggies. You’ll be sleeping out in the open tonight, with mattresses, pillows, sheets and blankets provided. There’s no need for a tent – you wouldn’t want to miss the incredible starry sky tonight!

Included Activities:

  • Thar Desert - Overnight Desert Camp

Accommodation:

  • Camping (basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Jaisalmer - Jodphur
The crack of dawn is your wake-up call this morning – don’t worry, it's worth it! You'll soon see that not much can match up to a desert sunrise. After a simple breakfast and a morning display of light and colour, climb back into your 4WD and return to the city. Enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace before jumping on a train to the famous blue city of Jodphur. Tonight, you’ll have a unique experience in a family-run homestay right in the heart of the old town.

Accommodation:

  • Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Jodphur
Today you’re free to explore at your own pace. Maybe bargain at Sadar Bazaar – one of the oldest markets in India. Built around a clock tower, it’s packed with spice and vegetable markets, juice sellers and sari materials. Whatever you’re into, you’ll probably be able to grab it here – there are numerous vendors with carts selling everything from Bollywood soundtracks to armfuls of sparkling bangles. And don’t miss the street snacks! From the chaos of the market, maybe head to the Mehrangarh Fort, which sits up on a hill looking over the town. Take in the views from its ramparts, which dominate the city's skyline. This is probably the best preserved of all of Rajasthan’s hundreds of forts and gives you a great idea of what life would’ve been like as a royal.

Included Activities:

  • Jodhpur - Leader-led walking tour

Optional Activities:

  • Jodhpur - Meherangarh Fort Elevator (50 INR)
  • Jodhpur - Meherangarh Fort (600 INR)
  • Jodhpur - Bishnoi villages day trip (750 INR)

Accommodation:

  • Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Khinwara
Today, you’ll head off the beaten path to Khinwara for a heritage homestay experience. Watch the landscape transition from the desert to the lakes of Udaipur. At your homestay, you’ll have free time to settle in and relax, chat with your hosts or maybe head out on an optional drive to a local farm – where you’ll wander the farm, then meet with the family for chai and cookies, getting a unique insight into local life.

Included Activities:

  • Khinwara - Heritage Homestay

Optional Activities:

  • Khinwara - Local Farm Visit (500 INR)

Accommodation:

  • Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Udaipur
Say goodbye to your hosts before travelling on to Udaipur this morning – there’s no doubt this place lives up to its rep as India’s most romantic city. Rolling hills, white marble palaces and lakes come together, and it’s a place where artists, dancers and musicians perfect their craft. There are also great shopping opportunities, with miniature paintings the speciality if you’re looking for a souvenir. Walk around town to get your bearings, then explore Udaipur's twisting alleys filled with silver, shoes, bags, leather goods and paintings. The rest of the afternoon is free to maybe head out on the water for a sunset boat ride on Pichola Lake, seeing Lake Palace and Jag Mandir Island as the sun goes down. After, why not have dinner on a rooftop overlooking the lake.

Included Activities:

  • Udaipur - Leader-led walking tour

Accommodation:

  • Heritage Property (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Udaipur
Today, enjoy loads of free time to explore Udaipur. You could check out the City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India, and see the unbelievable treasures within – from vivid murals to antiques and royal utensils. Feeling peckish? Join the famous Spice Box cooking school and spend a half-day learning the secrets of Indian cuisine. With lessons on preparation and cooking, you'll whip up a full Indian meal in no time.

Optional Activities:

  • Udaipur - Lake Pichola boat ride (500 INR)
  • Udaipur - City Palace (400 INR)
  • Udaipur - Cooking class (600 INR)

Accommodation:

  • Heritage Property (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: Jaipur
Travel to the Pink City of Jaipur early this morning – the streets of this earthy red town are busy with camels, motorbikes and rickshaws, and you’ll walk past traditionally dressed Rajputs while monkeys climb wires overhead. Haggle to your heart's content in Jaipur's bazaars and backstreets, filled with textiles, semi-precious gems and blue pottery. Drop by one of India’s finest palaces – the Royal City Palace – a gorgeous complex with various courtyard gates and museums. Tonight, you might want to experience the cinema like never before with an extravagant Bollywood blockbuster at the stylish Raj Mandir Cinema – there’s usually romance, drama and music all rolled into one.

Included Activities:

  • Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour

Optional Activities:

  • Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema (400 INR)

Accommodation:

  • Heritage Property (Number of Nights: 1)
13
Day 13: Jaipur
For anyone that wants to see the Pink City a bit differently this morning, there’s the option to drift high over Jaipur in a hot air balloon – a highlight for many visitors. With your free time, maybe drop by Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) – the impressive five-storey facade with pink, honeycombed windows make it the most photographed building in the country after the Taj Mahal. Then, head out to the old capital of Amber and explore the hilltop fort complex known as the Amber Fort. The Sheesh Mahal inside the fort is a must-see, as the walls are completely covered in little mirrors and the hall illuminates with the light of a single match! If you like, you can hit the streets for raj kachori chaat (a big fluffy chaat served with chutney, yoghurt, chilli and potato). This afternoon, maybe cool off with a lassi from Lassiwala on MI road – Jaipur's oldest and most famous lassi shop.

Included Activities:

  • Jaipur - Amber Fort

Optional Activities:

  • Jaipur - City Palace (1200 INR)
  • Jaipur - Balloon Safari (280 USD)
  • Jaipur - Bollywood Dance Class (500 INR)

Accommodation:

  • Heritage Property (Number of Nights: 1)
14
Day 14: Agra
Head east by public bus to Agra – home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. When you arrive, you’ll head to the most iconic sight in India. The Taj Mahal will exceed all expectations when the light shimmers off its white marble surface. Take your time soaking up the sight of this wonder, learn all about its history from a local guide and make sure to grab your iconic photo. After, maybe jump on a motorised rickshaw to pick out the rest of the city’s monuments, like Akbar's Mausoleum – a beautiful sandstone and marble tomb built for the greatest of the Mughal emperors.

Included Activities:

  • Agra - Taj Mahal

Optional Activities:

  • Agra - Agra Fort (650 INR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
15
Day 15: Agra - Delhi
This morning, you might want to return to the Taj Mahal for sunrise and see the iconic structure in a new light. Then, you’ll hop on a train back to Delhi. When you arrive, you’re free to rest and recharge or head out for some delicious local eats. Tonight, why not grab a quiet drink with your group and cheers to a trip well-travelled.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
16
Day 16: Delhi
There are no further activities planned for today and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of 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 $1,030
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 16 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

If you’re looking for an authentic slice of the real Rajasthan, this epic 16-day adventure through India is all you could ask for.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 29 Mar 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
4.5
Rute
Traveled, March 2024

03/28/2024

Ce voyage condensé du Rajasthan, d'Agra et de Delhi a été très riche en émotions, en odeurs, goûts et couleurs. Sur le plan relationnel, ce voyage m'a permis de rencontrer des personnes incroyables. Sur les plans sociologiques et philosophiques, la découverte du Rajasthan, de ses habitants et ses mœurs m'a sûrement changé à jamais. Cette partie du monde peut paraître si riche et si pauvre, si belle mais si difficile. Sa visite peut être vécue comme une épreuve ou juste comme des vacances, mais elle vaut dans tous les cas la peine d'être vécue. Merci à notre guide Parul pour sa bienveillance, sa bonne humeur et son excellent sens de l'organisation.

4.5
Rachel
Traveled, March 2024

03/28/2024

I great way to see Rajastan. Our tour leader Parul was fantastic and went put of her way to make sure we all had an amazing experience. Thanks Parul! Budget approx 5,000-6,000 rupees for activities not included and around that again for food/drinks.

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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