Real North India

11 Days
From CAD 718 Was CAD 845
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Experience Overview

Explore the colour, vegetarian cuisine, spirituality and natural wonders of north India on this 11-day adventure. Ride a rickshaw in Delhi, brush up on your bargaining skills in Chandni Chowk and have a spiritual experience in Varanasi as you watch the sunrise over the Ganges. Snap the ultimate selfie in front of the Taj Mahal – one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World, see pink in gorgeous Jaipur, join the yogis in Rishikesh and eat endless amounts of pakoras, samosas, tandoori, chicken tikka masalas and naan. On this immersive journey from cities to mountain campgrounds, you won't just see north India, you'll experience it.

Highlights

  • Capture your best selfie in front of the Taj Mahal – this marble masterpiece and the mother of all mausoleums is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and India’s main icon.
  • Get among the relaxing vibes of Rishikesh with a morning yoga class, then sleep under the starry Indian sky surrounded by nature and gorgeous natural views.
  • Watch the sunrise on the holy Ganges River in Varanasi for a truly spiritual experience. This is the country’s oldest spiritual city and is known for the Hindu pilgrims who journey to cleanse their sins in the holy water.
  • Explore the ornately pink-hued buildings in photogenic Jaipur – known as the Pink City – and if the sky is calling, opt to see the city from a different perspective with a morning hot air balloon ride.
  • Navigate through the busy, bustling and bold streets of Delhi with an expert leader who knows all the good spots (ask them where to grab the best chana masala).
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Positive Change for Marine Life. Donations help them to nurture ocean health with community-led conservation initiatives that inspire coastal restoration, sustainable fishing practices and waste-management. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 2139

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Basic

TransportTransport: Auto-rickshaw,Cycle rickshaw,Jeep,Public bus,Private vehicle,Overnight sleeper train,Train

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: HHYV

StartStarts: Delhi, India

FinishFinishes: Delhi, India

DurationDuration: 11 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Light

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (1), Lunch (1), Dinner (1)
Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights),Overnight sleeper train (3 nights),Camping with basic facilities (1 night)

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 718 (CAD 65 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure officially kicks off in Delhi with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight where you'll meet your trip leader and new travel companions. If you arrive in Delhi with time to spare, there's plenty to do in this wonderfully chaotic city. You might like to wander the streets, sip on your first chai or practice haggling in one of the many markets. Tonight, maybe ask your leader for the best spots to hit the local nightlife and head out with your new buddies for a drink (or four).

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

2
Day 2: Delhi - Overnight train

This morning, 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. 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, caste or gender. You'll then have some free time to do as much sightseeing as you can before boarding an overnight sleeper train bound for Varanasi.

Included Activities:

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

Optional Activities:

  • Delhi - Humayun's Tomb (600 INR)

Accommodation:

  • Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)

3
Day 3: Varanasi

Arrive in Varanasi early this morning and head straight to the hotel to freshen up before plunging headfirst into this holy city, one of the world's oldest. Varanasi is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel far and wide to experience the spirituality of this place. Explore the narrow laneways and backstreets on a walking tour with your leader before watching the world pass by along the ghats (stairs leading to the water). Your evening is then free to do as you wish. Explore the temples, shrines and maybe take the chance to perfect your yoga in one of the epic chakra-balancing spots. Or just chill out and soak in the meditative surroundings, ready for your early start tomorrow. 

Included Activities:

  • Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

4
Day 4: Varanasi - Overnight train

Today’s an early start, but it’s completely worth it – you’ll take a sunrise boat ride along the sacred Ganges. Even if you're not spiritual, you can't help but get goosebumps during this experience. Pass the many ghats and temples along the river and watch thousands of Hindu pilgrims cleanse their sins in the holy water as the sun bathes the surrounds in glorious shades of amber and orange. You might also see some cremation fires and on the other end of the spectrum, riverside haircuts – India is best before dawn, and this is the way to see it! The rest of your day is free to explore before catching an overnight train to Agra tonight.

Included Activities:

  • Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip

Accommodation:

  • Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)

5
Day 5: Agra

Arrive in Agra early this morning, then head to one of the most iconic sites in India and one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World – the Taj Mahal. Take in the beauty of this 17th-century masterpiece of white marble set amid beautiful formal gardens – India's most enduring symbol and an epic monument to love and loss. For some reason, local families find it more interesting to take photos of you than the actual Taj Mahal! But you'll be too busy standing there with your mouth gaping open to notice. After, you have free time to explore Agra on your own. Maybe hop on a motorised rickshaw tour, or visit Agra Fort – a huge complex originally built as a military structure of red sandstone by Emperor Akbar in 1565. If you fancy a refreshment, maybe visit Sheroes Hangout. This cafe is staffed by survivors of acid attacks and is just a ten-minute walk from the Taj Mahal.

Included Activities:

  • Agra - Taj Mahal

Optional Activities:

  • Agra - Agra Fort (650 INR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

6
Day 6: Jaipur

Jump on a bus this morning and travel to Jaipur – Rajasthan's Pink City. When you arrive, stop off at the Hawa Mahal (pink sandstone palace) before heading to your hotel. Use the opportunity to freshen up and then venture out for a walking tour of the old city. In your spare time, maybe take an optional tour of the Jaipur City Palace or take the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Bollywood film in Raj Mandir Cinema – this one’s for the film buffs – you might not totally understand what's happening in the film, but the crowd's reactions will be enough to entertain you. Plus, the magnificent 1300-seat art deco cinema is enough to make the experience worth it.

Included Activities:

  • Jaipur – Leader-led Walking Tour

Optional Activities:

  • Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema (400 INR)
  • Jaipur - City Palace (1200 INR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

7
Day 7: Jaipur – Overnight train

For many travellers, a hot air balloon experience is one of the highlights of Jaipur. This morning, you have the option to head for the skies over the Pink City and watch as the world wakes up below – this bird’s eye view is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss! Later in the morning, head out on a guided tour of the medieval Amber Fort with a local guide, hearing all about its history. Set high on a hill on the outskirts of Jaipur, Amber Fort is one of the most well-known sites in the city. Make sure to grab another cup of chai this afternoon before settling in for this evening's overnight train journey bound for Rishikesh.

Included Activities:

  • Jaipur - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind)
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort

Optional Activities:

  • Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory (200 INR)
  • Jaipur - Balloon Safari (280 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Overnight Train (Number of Nights: 1)

8
Day 8: Rishikesh

Arrive early in Rishikesh – a spiritual town lying in the verdant foothills of the Himalayas. Embark on an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings, then kick back with some free time to roam at your own pace. Aptly named the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is a great place to relax and seek a little enlightenment. Why not visit The Beatles Ashram – a spiritual retreat inhabited by the famous band in the sixties. Tonight, take a stroll along the holy Ganges River as temple bells ring and the nightly fire ritual of Ganga Aarti begins.

Included Activities:

  • Rishikesh - Leader-led walking tour

Optional Activities:

  • Rishikesh - Chaurasi Kutia 'The Beatles Ashram' (1200 INR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

9
Day 9: Rishikesh

This morning, take the opportunity to unwind with a one-hour yoga class. After, maybe tuck into a masala dosa for breakfast before embarking on a short walk with your leader on one of the trails along the Ganges. For something more adventurous, there’s also the option to white-water raft down the river. In the afternoon, reunite with your group for a short walk through the jungle nearby. Tonight, experience sleeping under the stars just outside Rishikesh – you’ll be staying in a fixed campsite with twin-shared beds and western-style toilets. This is a unique experience in India, as Rishikesh has a totally different vibe to the rest of the country. Tuck into a freshly cooked curry for dinner and then enjoy the rest of the night relaxing with your group, among your natural surroundings and the gorgeous views of the mountains.

Included Activities:

  • Rishikesh - Yoga class

Optional Activities:

  • Rishikesh - White Water Rafting (1500 INR)

Accommodation:

  • Camping (Basic Facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

10
Day 10: Delhi

Have a chilled morning at your campsite and maybe indulge in a spot of yoga or meditation. Return to Rishikesh’s centre, where you’ll be able to use a day room to freshen up and have a shower. Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering around this gorgeous city, taking photos of the serene Ganges and mountainside or just people-watching. Catch an evening train back to Delhi tonight, where you’ll spend your last night. If you feel refreshed from your secluded camping trip, maybe celebrate a trip well-travelled tonight with your group.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

11
Day 11: Delhi

Your India adventure comes to an end this morning. If you'd like to stay in Delhi a little bit longer, just speak to your booking agent.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

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

Reviews

 

Imogen   -  Traveled, March 2024

This trip changed my life! I was with a group of 6 other girls and an amazing tour leader Prerya, we all became best friends over the 11 days and had the best time, the activities and towns and food were out of this world. I was also not expecting the wealth of knowledge I came away with and recommend it to anyone second guessing whether they should take that trip! Take a chance! I will forever hold this trip and India close to my heart

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/10/2024

 

John   -  Traveled, March 2024

Couldn’t recommend highly enough. I have always avoided tour groups but this has completely changed my mind. We all had such an amazing time!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/12/2024

 

Matilda   -  Traveled, March 2024

A great was to see the highlights of India in a short time.. definitely an active holiday with little downtime. If you’re lucky enough to get Ankita you’ll have an amazing time!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/13/2024

 

Andrew   -  Traveled, March 2024

A fantastic trip around the main sights of northern India by train, bus and auto rickshaw - the true Indian experience.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/12/2024

 

Eleanor   -  Traveled, March 2024

This tour was phenomenal one of the best I've done yet. Our guide, Ankita was so amazing and helpful and we had so many wonderful experiences.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/14/2024

 

Shane   -  Traveled, March 2024

At a certain point near the end of this trip, I began to seriously consider quitting my job to travel full time for a few years. It's that good!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/24/2024

 

Archie   -  Traveled, March 2024

The Northern India Trip with Ankita Jaiswal was one of the best experiences of my life. Having Ankita as a guide allowed India’s chaotic streets to feel straightforward and easy. The itinerary itself is just absolutely fantastic, very few experiences which aren’t a 10/10 in this

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/15/2024

 

Zara   -  Traveled, November 2023

AMAZING!! I could not recommend more. This trip blew my mind at every stop and I learnt so much. Rishikesh is a MUST do- it was my favourite spot over all and a perfect end to the trip- so relaxing and adventurous and nice to breathe some fresh air. Swam in a waterfall and ate the best food. Do it!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/02/2023

 

Courtney   -  Traveled, October 2023

This is a great tour to get to know some of the highlights of India. Felt safe the entire time with Harsh - would absolutely recommend and do again!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/19/2023

 

Emily   -  Traveled, June 2023

Amazing trip around north India, always on the move and got so much done in such a short time!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/24/2023

 

Melanie   -  Traveled, April 2023

I would definitely recommend this trip as a way of seeing north India. It is intense and busy but absolutely brilliant! So much is packed in you won't feel like you have missed out anything.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/19/2023

 

Joshua   -  Traveled, April 2023

This was my first intrepid trip and it will not be my last. Having the experience of a fully qualified tour guide helped me relax even with how jam packed the trip was. Memories for a lifetime.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/16/2023

 

Lucy   -  Traveled, April 2023

The best travel experience I've ever had! Our leader Varsha was incredible and it was a privilege to explore the beauty and, at times, chaos of this amazing country. I'd recommend this trip to everyone!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/17/2023

 

Freya   -  Traveled, April 2023

Had a wonderful, jam packed time in India on this trip. There's a lot to see and long journeys between each place but a great snapshot of India if you have limited time. Varsha, our guide was amazing and really brought the trip to life with her knowledge and insight.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/22/2023

 

Miro   -  Traveled, March 2023

A hassle free way to experience the hussle and bussle of Northern India. A great balance between exploring the natural, architectural and spiritual beauty of each city.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/27/2023

 

Lino   -  Traveled, March 2023

For someone who want to see a lot of things from India in a very tide time, this trip is perfect. For me as tour newbie it was great, not to long not to short. I definitely recommend this trip and Harshvardhan did a great job!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/30/2023

 

Adam   -  Traveled, January 2023

Dinesh took incredible care of us, showed incredible hospitatility and ensured we had an amazing time. He kept us safe and ensured we were treated with respect by everyone. Could not be happier with this experience. Will remember forever.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 01/11/2023

 

Lisa   -  Traveled, November 2022

Our Intrepid tour was thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. Our tour guide Anjali was amazing and helped us so much. It’s definitely worth doing a guided tour trip in India!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/11/2022

 

Melissa   -  Traveled, November 2022

It would have been impossible to have as much of an enjoyable journey through so many North India cities without her and the group camaraderie. I’ve never been on a group tour before and now I’m convinced it’s the best way to travel internationally.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/11/2022

 

Alexander   -  Traveled, August 2022

An incredibly culturally rich journey that took us from holy cities to sacred mountains. The awe of seeing the Taj and other sites will never leave me.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/09/2022

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