Northern India Family Holiday Comfort

Land Tour

10 days

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Northern India Family Holiday Comfort
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$AUD 192 per day

Departure: Delhi, India

Arrival: Delhi, India

Family

On this 14-day trip, you and your family will dive headfirst into India’s heart and experience the soul of its people, the weight of its history and the diversity of its land. Travel from cities packed with impressive monuments and temples to the welcoming and simple surrounds of rural villages and desert landscapes. Go wildlife spotting in Ranthambhore National Park and witness one of the Seven Wonders of the World at the iconic Taj Mahal. Go beyond the curries and chow down on street-food specialties like savoury chaats and samosas. Tour a local organic farm and enjoy a unique farm-to-table dinner experience in Jodhpur. Learn some Bollywood dance moves, try camel milk ice cream, visit decaying and newly restored architecture, learn about India’s history and see some incredible views.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. A Single Supplement is available on this trip, please ask your booking agent for more information.
2. Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
3. Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.
4. This trip starts in Delhi on Day 1 at 1pm. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore Delhi.
5. Intrepid requires a scanned copy of your passport bio page at time of booking to secure a permit for your Ranthambore National Park visit. Authorities at Ranthambhore NP follow a strict booking process whereby permits are issued on a first come first serve basis. If we do not receive correct passport details in time we cannot guarantee you on the tiger safari.
6. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
7. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.

About
Meals: 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners.
Transport: Cycle rickshaw, Private Bus, Train.
Accommodation: Hotels (11 nights), Resort (2 nights).
Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque.
Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour.
Delhi - India Gate.
Agra - Agra Fort.
Agra - Taj Mahal.
Fatehpur Sikri - Guided tour.
Ranthambhore National Park - Morning Wildlife Safari.
Ranthambhore National Park - Evening wildlife safari.
Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour.
Jaipur - Bollywood Dance class.
Jaipur - Amber Fort.
Jaipur - Hand Block printing class.
Farm visit Mharo Khet with dinner.
Jodhpur - Megerangarh Fort & Palace.
Bikaner - National Camel Research Centre.
Mandawa - Guided haveli tour.

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Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to India. Begin your adventure in one of the oldest cities in the world – Delhi. A welcome meeting will be at your hotel today at 1 pm to meet your trip leader and fellow families. If you arrive early, India's capital is packed with historical sites, museums, galleries, shops and endless bazaars. After the meeting today, you’ll take a guided sightseeing tour to explore the contrasts of Old and New Delhi. In the narrow streets of Old Delhi, everything competes for space – squeeze through the old city’s fortified walls on the way to Jama Masjid. Dominating the city’s skyline, this mosque is a social hub as much as a place of worship. Explore the throbbing streets, packed with buses, trucks, people and cows, on the way to the brilliantly coloured Red Fort. Then, leave the crowds behind and breathe a little easier in contrasting New Delhi – with broad, tree-lined avenues and former monuments to British power, you’ll visit all the main sights – Parliament House, President House and India Gate – before returning to your hotel for the night.
Day 2: Agra
Rise early to catch the morning sun and a train to Agra – the city alternated with Delhi as the capital of the Moghul Empire. When you arrive, take some time to relax after the early start until mid-afternoon, when you’ll head out to see the city’s big hitters. Agra’s not just about the Taj Mahal, it’s also home to one of the finest looking forts in India – a Friday Mosque and royal tombs. Along the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra Fort is part stronghold, part palace and part prison. Built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, it was converted to a palace by Emperor Shah Jahan, and it eventually became his jail when he lost power. Enter the dark red sandstone fort by crossing the (now empty) crocodile-infested moat. Search through throne rooms and tiny but incredibly decorated mosques and climb to the top to get your first tantalising glimpse of the Taj – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – across the river.
Day 3: Ranthambhore National Park
Get up before the sun today to see it rise over the Taj Mahal (it’s worth the early start!). Witness the iconic building – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – bathed in the early morning light. Many people believe it to be the most perfectly proportioned building ever constructed, and at first glance, it appears to be white marble, but closer inspection reveals that the surface is inlaid with semi-precious stones that form flowers and bowers. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the Taj is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Next, you’ll head east and pass the Kos Minar medieval milestones, pointing to the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. Deserted after only a few years (because there wasn’t enough water), the incredibly well-preserved 16th-century royal complex is a haven of courtyards, pavilions, ornamental gardens, the striking Jama Masjid Mosque and the intricately carved Rumi Sultana palace. Continue to Sawai Madhopur and Ranthambhore National Park – the kids will love it here, as it’s the Jungle Book brought to life!
Day 4: Ranthambhore National Park
Ranthambhore National Park is one of the premier national parks of India – a place where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples and is now teeming with wildlife. Head out on a couple of game drives during your stay, looking out for the majestic Bengal tigers that survive among the ruined forts and temples, stalking through the jungle. Game drives take place early in the morning and in the late afternoon, as this is when animals are most active. Even if the tigers are being too stealthy, the park is filled with other animals like gazelles, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, three types of antelope (nilgai, sambar and chital) and leopards.
Day 5: Jaipur
This morning, head to Jaipur – a city surrounded by an earthy red wall in the style of the Mughal sandstone cities. Your day is free once you arrive, so maybe walk through the Pink City’s streets, busy with camels, motorbikes, rickshaws and traditionally dressed Rajput men while monkeys climb overhead to get acquainted. Maybe head out to the City Palace – once home to the Maharaja. An amazing complex home to colourful courtyard gates, fascinating museums and guards with moustaches almost as impressive as the building itself, the palace remains a royal residence even after the Jaipur kingdom merged with the Indian Union in 1949. Or check out the 18th-century Jantar Mantar – an observatory filled with instruments to track the stars – the kids will love it! This afternoon, maybe visit the five-storied Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, with its detailed honeycombed facade. The impressive view makes it the most photographed building in the country after the Taj Mahal.
Day 6: Jaipur
After breakfast this morning, your leader will take the group on a walking tour of Jaipur. Hit the streets in search of some raj kachori chaat (a big fluffy chaat served with chutney, yoghurt, chilli and potato) and then cool off with a lassi from Lassiwala – Jaipur's oldest and most famous lassi shop. After a morning of exploration, you’ll head to a fun Bollywood dance class and learn some new moves. Bollywood dancing, made from the huge popularity of Bollywood film, tells mythological stories through the use of hand gestures, which are taken from Hinduism and Buddhism. When you and the kids are all tired out, take an afternoon to relax by the pool or find a great dinner spot to unwind.
Day 7: Jaipur
Today, take a trip to the Amber Fort – set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, the fort is an authentic example of Rajput architecture. The Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is one of its more spectacular buildings. After, head back to Jaipur to learn about the ancient art of Block Printing – this traditional process has been practised in Rajasthan for around 500 years. Tonight, why not head to the Raj Mandir Cinema to see a Bollywood movie and spot some of the dance moves you learnt yesterday on the big screen.
Day 8: Jodhpur
Today after breakfast, you’ll drive across the desert to discover Rajasthan's second-largest city – Jodhpur. Jodhpur is home to heaps of fun antique shops to explore and, according to many locals, has the best lassi in India! Explore at your own pace and let the kids lead you through the colourful streets. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a local farm visit on the outskirts of the city, where produce is grown without the use of any chemicals. Take a tour of the farm and learn about the importance of sustainable farming, the benefits and challenges and how the locals grow native produce – the kids might even get the chance to help harvest some of the fruits and veg themselves! Sit down with your fellow families for a homemade farm-to-table dinner made with organic, hand-harvested produce and watch the sun set over the land.
Day 9: Jodhpur
This morning after breakfast, you’ll explore the colossal Mehrangarh Fort with a local guide. This 15th-century fort sits 125 metres above the city and inside the walls, you’ll explore the intricate carvings and huge courtyards and chase magnificent views from the fort’s ramparts. After, your afternoon and evening are free to relax at the hotel, revisit some of the shops you missed yesterday or find a good restaurant to sit and people-watch.
Day 10: Bikaner
This morning, travel into the Thar Desert to the fortified town of Bikaner – once an important staging post along some of history’s great caravan routes. Bikaner is home to many thriving bazaars as well as an impressive fort and palace. Visit the massive 16th-century Junagarh Fort with a local guide to learn about its impressive history and explore the nooks and crannies (that sometimes only a kid can find). Get some great photos of the desert landscape and then enjoy a free afternoon at leisure – maybe explore the sun-drenched streets with the kids, passing by magnificent architecture or find a good spot to eat before lazing at the accommodation.
Day 11: Bikaner
Today you’ll visit the museum at the National Camel Research Centre in Bikaner, established to protect these hardworking desert animals and to increase understanding about their place in the fragile desert ecosystem. Learn about the importance of the camel in India’s history, the different breeds of this fascinating animal (nicknamed the Ship of the Desert) and wander the museum with the kids. Don’t miss the camel milk parlour – where you can cool off with ice creams and drinks made from camel milk! Tonight, you’re free to explore Bikaner or hang out at your hotel.
Day 12: Mandawa
Today, enjoy a day exploring Mandawa – often referred to as an outdoor museum, Mandawa is famous for its ornate havelis (private residences). You'll notice that some are faithfully restored, and others are crumbling. The havelis of this part of India are recognised around the country for their lavishly painted walls and art. After exploring this gorgeous city, maybe unwind this afternoon with a cold beer and sample some of the spicy local North Indian fare – ask your leader to point you in the right direction.
Day 13: Delhi
After breakfast this morning, leave the countryside and get back into the beating rhythm of Delhi. This is a bit of a long drive, so get your car games ready! When you arrive, you can use the rest of the day however you like. Maybe practice your bargaining skills in Chandni Chowk in the maze of shops and kiosks that sell everything you can imagine, buy local crafts straight from the hands of the artisan in Janpath market, or gobble down street chaats (snacks like deep-fried fritters and flatbread). Hear the story behind the man at Gandhi’s house, see one last ancient structure at Qutb Minar, or relax in the Mughal gardens. Tonight, maybe get together with your group and look back over the trip of a lifetime, chatting about all the wonders you’ve witnessed.
Day 14: Delhi
There are no activities planned for today, and you can leave at any time after check-out. If you’d like to stay in Delhi for longer, just speak to your booking agent.
Location

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