Northern India Family Holiday

Trip Code: HHFI

Why we love it

Immerse yourself with the sights and smells of buzzing Delhi as you walk through the colourful markets and bazaars and feast on street chaats (Indian snacks like fried flatbread)., Tick an iconic sight off your list and see the Taj Mahal in the glowing morning light. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the Wonders of the World and you’ll see why!, Explore the depths of Ranthambhore National Park – it’s like the Jungle Book has been brought to life! Keep your eyes peeled for gazelle, antelopes and the stealthy Bengal tiger during two game drives., Discover the traditional and vibrant city of Jaipur on walking tours with your local leader, and see why it’s known as the ‘Pink City’., Experience a special stay in a 17th-century palace in Alsisar – with its grand courtyards and arcades, you (and the kids!) will feel like royalty.

Is this trip right for me?

This trip involves some long bus and train rides, which can be tiring but offer a quintessential experience of the Indian landscape and people.

We visit several temples on this trip, which requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.

Important information

1. Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you. Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.
2. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children under 17 years of age at time of travel.
3. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 1 pm on Day 1 in Delhi. This trip ends on Day 10 and you are free to leave at any time.
4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) 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.
5. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
6. Summer Itinerary - Swai Mansingh sanctuary visit instead of Ranthambore National Parkas the section of the park we visit shuts over the summer.
7. Please note travelling during major festivals such as Holi and Diwali can, at times, cause disruption the published itinerary. Please see the 'Safety' section for more details.

What to bring/pack

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage, although you won't be required to walk long distances with it (max 30 minutes).

Many travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are also convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT:
Below is a suggestion of what you might find useful to take on this trip.
* Lightweight, cotton clothing is most suitable
* Lightweight windproof/waterproof outer shell – for cold early mornings
* Warm mid-layer (fleece or wool), hat, gloves and a scarf are essential – game drives in the morning are cold!
* Comfortable shoes
* Sun-hat
* Trainers/sandals for relaxing
* Swim wear
* Sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and lipsalve
* Waterbottle
* Personal first aid kit
* Insect repellent
* Torch
* A laundry service may be available, but we recommend you take biodegradable detergent so you can wash clothes as you choose.

For departures between 1 November and 28 February only:
* Warm mid-layer (heavy fleece / woollen sweater)
* Lightweight windproof/waterproof outer shell
* Hat, gloves and scarf

WATER BOTTLE
Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion ends up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided at some of our accommodation or simply refill with tap water (your leader will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination). When unable to avoid bottled water it is better to buy the largest available and distribute into your smaller bottle for the day., TECHNOLOGY
With the modern world you may want to bring along tablets of smartphones for the children to document their adventure - there are a wide variety of apps out there which we suggest downloading before you depart. There will be opportunities to charge ( just make sure you bring the correct adapter) and there will be wi-fi available on your trip, although it will probably not be at the speeds you are used to at home and it won't be available everywhere.

Physical rating

1

These trips are setup to involve and include all the family so no real physical preparation is necessary. The trips all have some degree of physical activity but nothing that is too strenuous. Please check the physical rating on the trip notes and if you need further explanation please contact one of our sales consultants who will provide you with more detailed information.

Joining your group

Florence Inn, 15-A/6 WEA Karol Bagh (near Karol Bagh Metro Station) Ajmal Khan Road Opposite Puja Park, Channa Market, Karol Bagh, Delhi, 110005, INDIA, Phone: +91 11 45025500, Fax: +91 1142502108

Located in the Karol Bagh market area surrounded by a mix of local stalls, shops and restaurants. It is only a 25 minute ride by auto rickshaw (INR70-80 with bargaining) to get to the heart of Delhi, Connaught Place. The hotel features a restaurant and 24 hour room service, and rooms are equipped with AC, TV, fridge and telephone.
http://www.florencegroup.in/

Alternate Joining Point

For trips departing on the following dates
use this joining point.
04 Jan 2025 (HHFI250104)
11 Jan 2025 (HHFI250111)
05 Apr 2025 (HHFI250405)
06 Apr 2025 (HHFI250406)
07 Apr 2025 (HHFI250407)
09 Apr 2025 (HHFI250409)
11 Apr 2025 (HHFI250411)
15 Apr 2025 (HHFI250415)
28 Jun 2025 (HHFI250628)
05 Jul 2025 (HHFI250705)
07 Jul 2025 (HHFI250707)
26 Jul 2025 (HHFI250726)
02 Aug 2025 (HHFI250802)
20 Sep 2025 (HHFI250920)
22 Sep 2025 (HHFI250922)
27 Sep 2025 (HHFI250927)
01 Oct 2025 (HHFI251001)
25 Oct 2025 (HHFI251025)
18 Dec 2025 (HHFI251218)
20 Dec 2025 (HHFI251220)
22 Dec 2025 (HHFI251222)
24 Dec 2025 (HHFI251224)
26 Dec 2025 (HHFI251226)
28 Dec 2025 (HHFI251228)
30 Dec 2025 (HHFI251230)
Town Pallace
BP-12
West Patel Nagar
near Metro Piller No. 220
New Delhi
Delhi
110008
INDIA

Joining instructions

Delhi's Indira Gandhi's International Airport is approximately 25km from Karol Bagh. One of the biggest airports in the world, it can be quite chaotic and can take some time to process your visa and collect your luggage.

The taxi ride from the airport to our starting point hotel takes approx 1 hour and costs between INR 500 - 600 (prepaid traffic police booths).

IMPORTANT: Please avoid taxi touts who tell you that they have a metered taxi parked outside the airport. Previous passengers have complained that they have been charged hefty amount for the transfers.

A local social enterprise, Sakha Wings, runs an all-women taxi service which provides extra peace of mind and security for solo women travellers. To book at taxi with them, call +927 870 8888 or register on their website http://sakhaconsultingwings.com/hire-a-cab.php

Alternatively Intrepid offer a pre-arranged transfer service option. Enquire with your agent and advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trip departure. If you have purchased an arrival transfer you will be met in the arrivals hall after clearing customs, your representative with sign board will be standing near the Costa Coffee next to gate no 5. Please ask them to confirm your name.

Please do not exit the gates, Costa coffee is just before the exit gate no.5.

If you have any problems and cannot locate our representative, or if your flight is delayed please call the following 24 hour numbers:
+91 9911 972 636
+91 9999 916 229

Failing the above please take a taxi to the hotel (using the instructions below) and advise your group leader. When you walk out of the exit door, you will easily be able to spot popular metered taxi counters such as Meru Cabs/Mega Cabs or Easy Cabs, show them your drop location and pay them as per the meter once you get to your hotel.

Check in time at hotel is 12 midday.

Finishing your trip

Florence Inn, 15-A/6 WEA Karol Bagh (near Karol Bagh Metro Station) Ajmal Khan Road Opposite Puja Park, Channa Market, Karol Bagh, Delhi, 110005, INDIA, Phone: +91 11 45025500, Fax: +91 1142502108

Located in the Karol Bagh market area surrounded by a mix of local stalls, shops and restaurants. It is only a 25 minute ride by auto rickshaw (INR70-80 with bargaining) to get to the heart of Delhi, Connaught Place. The hotel features a restaurant and 24 hour room service, and rooms are equipped with AC, TV, fridge and telephone.
http://www.florencegroup.in/

Alternate Finish Point

For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
04 Jan 2025 (HHFI250104)
11 Jan 2025 (HHFI250111)
05 Apr 2025 (HHFI250405)
06 Apr 2025 (HHFI250406)
07 Apr 2025 (HHFI250407)
09 Apr 2025 (HHFI250409)
11 Apr 2025 (HHFI250411)
15 Apr 2025 (HHFI250415)
28 Jun 2025 (HHFI250628)
05 Jul 2025 (HHFI250705)
07 Jul 2025 (HHFI250707)
26 Jul 2025 (HHFI250726)
02 Aug 2025 (HHFI250802)
20 Sep 2025 (HHFI250920)
22 Sep 2025 (HHFI250922)
27 Sep 2025 (HHFI250927)
01 Oct 2025 (HHFI251001)
25 Oct 2025 (HHFI251025)
18 Dec 2025 (HHFI251218)
20 Dec 2025 (HHFI251220)
22 Dec 2025 (HHFI251222)
24 Dec 2025 (HHFI251224)
26 Dec 2025 (HHFI251226)
28 Dec 2025 (HHFI251228)
30 Dec 2025 (HHFI251230)
Town Pallace
BP-12
West Patel Nagar
near Metro Piller No. 220
New Delhi
Delhi
110008
INDIA

Delhi's Indira Gandhi's International Airport is approximately 25km from Karol Bagh. One of the biggest airports in the world, it can be quite chaotic so please leave plenty of time to arrive and check in. On arrival at the airport all check in luggage will be x-rayed and sealed. Also ensure at check in that your hand luggage is tagged. (This is a mandatory in order to clear security.)
A taxi to the Delhi Indira Gandi Airport takes about 1 hour and should cost between INR 450 -500. Hotel reception or your leader can help you arrange a taxi.
A departure transfer from our hotel to the airport is available if arranged at the time of booking. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trips start date. If you have pre-booked a departure transfer with us it is vital that you reconfirm your pick-up time from the hotel before departure day. Please ask your leader to contact our transfer provider or alternatively contact them directly on +91 9911 972 636.
Check-out time from the hotel is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.

Meals & dietary information

Breakfasts included: 9

Lunches included: 2

Dinners included: 3

While travelling with us you and your family experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. Please ensure you tell them of any dietary requirements you and your family may have. We know children can be fussy eaters at times so we do recommend you bring any snacks from home to have throughout the trip.

To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you and your family to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though.

Climate & seasonal information

WEATHER IN INDIA
Due to India's size and topography, there's a huge amount of variation in its climate. We recommend you consider both the season and the part of India you intend to visit, so that you can best pack for your adventure.

For much of the country, a good time to visit India is from September to March with warm days and cool nights.

During winter (December to January), temperatures can get quite cold in Delhi and the north, especially at night. Hotels in some regions may not have adequate heating. In these months you may like to bring thermals for sleeping and a warm jacket for mornings and evenings. Fog can delay trains travelling throughout this region.

Monsoon is from May to October and offers hot and humid conditions. It is not unusual for trains to be delayed, and for activities in towns near rivers and lakes (ie Varanasi) to require amendment at this time of year. Your group leader or local representative will be able to advise you locally on any changes.

During Summer (June to September), temperatures can get extremely hot in Delhi and the north. Itineraries may be amended to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Your group leader or local representative will be able to advise you locally on any changes.

RANTHAMBHORE CLOSURE:
Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. On those trips affected, we'll visit nearby Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary. Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary is located approx. 16km from Ranthambhore and is due to its hilly terrain isn't as affected by the monsoon. Tigers inhabit this area also and spottings are more favorable at this time of year as they move away from flooded areas of Ranthambhore.

In case of emergency

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +91 999 900 5019

Accommodations

GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS:
Family of two: All family groupings of two will be accommodated in a twin room.

Family of three: Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in some places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that a triple room will often be a twin room with a rollaway bed or mattress on the floor. Where triple rooms aren’t available it will be at your discretion which of your family takes the single room.

Family of four or more: You will most likely be accommodated in two twin rooms. Where possible, we will accommodate your family in a quadruple room.

While we do our very best to ensure that family groups are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over the exact placement of rooms within a hotel. Please be understanding if we are unable to room your family in immediate proximity of one another.

GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS:
Family of two - All family groupings of two will be put into a twin room.
Family of three - Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in a handful of places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that, in practice, a triple room will often simply be a twin room with a mattress on the floor or a further bed squashed in. Where it is impossible to provide a triple room, you will have to decide which of your party takes the single room.
Family of four or more - You will most likely stay in two twin rooms. If and wherever possible we will aim put you in a quadruple room. Whilst we will do our very best to ensure that families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over where you will be put. You need to come prepared for this.

Transportation