Treat your senses on this Northern India family holiday
On this trip your family be diving headfirst into India’s heart and experiencing the genuineness of its people, the weight of its history and the incredible diversity across the country. Travel from cities packed with impressive monuments to the welcoming and simple surrounds of rural villages and the wildlife-filled countryside beyond. Hop aboard the moving town that is an Indian train and watch the colourful landscape fly by as the chai wallah walks down the aisle singing about his tea. Go beyond the curries and chow down on street-food specialties, savoury chaats and samosas and enjoy watching your family learn, laugh and live this India adventure.
Why you’ll love this trip
- Everyone’s seen a photo of the Taj Mahal, but nothing compares to seeing it in person in the glowing morning light – you and your family will understand what beauty really is.
- Feel the excitement build as you visit Ranthambhore National Park to hopefully catch a glimpse of a Bengal tiger stalking through the jungle.
- Experience the moving town that is an Indian train – watch the colourful landscape fly by as the chai wallah walks down the aisle singing about his tea
- India is bursting with colour, alive with people, dripping with the powerful smells of spice and incense – you and your family will never forget what you smell, taste and see as you walk through the markets and bazaars
- Enjoy classic, historical accommodation and a softer landing in this chaotic country on this comfort trip
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Included Activities
- Delhi – Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
- Delhi – Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
- Delhi – India Gate
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.
Day 2: Agra
Included Activities
- Agra – Agra Fort
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
TAJ MAHAL – WINTER
During winter in Agra (DEC – mid FEB) foggy conditions are quite common which makes it difficult to see the Taj Mahal during the sunrise. So during these months we will view the Taj in the afternoon on Day 2 after our visit to Agra Fort or later in the morning on Day 3.
Day 3: Ranthambhore National Park
Included Activities
- Agra – Taj Mahal
- Fatehpur Sikri – Guided tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 4: Ranthambhore National Park
Notes: During the hot summer months, Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. Therefore, during this time, we alter our itinerary and take the opportunity to visit the nearby Swai Mansingh Sanctuary instead. A wide variety of interesting wildlife resides here, including hyena, sloth bear, wild boar, panther and cheetah. While there is the rare chance to spot a tiger, this should not be expected. An exciting wildlife walk and a game drive will be included here.
Included Activities
- Ranthambhore National Park – Morning Wildlife Safari
- Ranthambhore National Park – Evening wildlife safari
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
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.
Day 5: Jaipur
The City Palace, was once home to the Maharaja. It is an amazing complex that’s home to various colourful courtyard gates, fascinating museums displaying royal costumes and weaponry, and guards whose moustaches are almost as impressive as the building itself. The palace continues to be a royal residence even after the Jaipur kingdom merged with the Indian Union in 1949.
Continue on to the 18th century Jantar Mantar– not a series of elaborate sculptures but actually an observatory filled with instruments to track the stars. It’s a favourite amongst the children on our trips.
Then it’s on to the distinctive five-storied Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, with its detailed honeycombed façade filled with concealed windows. The impressive view makes it the most photographed building in the country after Taj Mahal. Royal maidens once watched the streets below through the fabulous jali (lattice screens), which hid them from prying male eyes. Today snake charmers and fortune-tellers ply their trade below the same hideaway.
Included Activities
- Jaipur – Jantar Mantar Observatory
- Jaipur – City Palace
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 6: Jaipur
You will then have lunch and the afternoon free. If you are feeling up to it your leader will take the group on a walking tour. Hitting the streets in search of some raj kachori chaat – a big fluffy chaat served with chutney, yoghurt, chilli and potato. Then cool off with a lassi from Lassiwala on MI road, Jaipur’s oldest and most famous lassi shop. We will end the walk at the Raj Mandir Movie theatre.
Included Activities
- Jaipur – Hand Block printing class
- Jaipur – Amber Fort
- Jaipur – Leader-led walking & market tour
Optional Activities
- Jaipur – Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind) – INR200
- Jaipur – Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema – INR400
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 7: Nawalgarh/Mandawa
Mandawa was once an old trading outpost between the Middle East and China and your home for the next two nights. Known throughout the state for its forts and havelis, Mandawa wil remind you of what a classic Rajasthan town was like in the bygone era.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Day 8: Mandawa
Included Activities
- Mandawa – Guided haveli tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 9: Delhi
Optional Activities
- Delhi – Connaught Place Market – Free
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 10: Delhi
Meals Included
- Breakfast
INT – HHFK
Images Courtesy of Intrepid Group