North India Highlights
Trip Code: HHKH
Why we love it
Explore the Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and learn about its poetic history from a local expert among the surrounding gardens., Embark on two safaris at the Ranthambore National Park for the best chance of spotting a Royal Bengal Tiger in action., Discover the secret flavours and spices of traditional dishes during a cooking class in a local home, then sit down to feast on your creations., Rub shoulders with the locals, go on a sightseeing adventure in a rickshaw and immerse yourself in the cultural heart of India on guided walking tours of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra., Wander the streets of the gorgeous Pink City of Jaipur and maybe even see India from a whole new perspective by adding on the optional hot air balloon ride.
Is this trip right for me?
Don’t underestimate the weather at any time of the year in India. In the summer months, the heat can be extreme. In winter, some travellers have been surprised by the cool evenings. A hat, sunscreen, and clothing that can be layered will serve you well year-round.
This trip has some early starts, allowing you to see more of the country in the captivating morning light. Please refer to the Itinerary for more details.
Trains can be delayed between December and February due to fog.
Important information
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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) for transport tickets. 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.
What to bring/pack
Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in our private vehicles. Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take it in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible.
If your trip includes travelling on overnight trains or primarily using public transport, the smaller your luggage, the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful, especially when travelling on public transportation as well.
When you're exploring during the day, you'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket and activity-specific items like a swimsuit, a waterproof pouch/bag for your phone, or hiking shoes.
Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. Some travellers like to bring a bottle with its own filtration system or water purification tablets. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip, you will need to carry at least 2 litres of water with you.
Physical rating
Joining your group
Golden Grand Hotel, W-1/10,Main Patel Road, Opp. Metro Pillar No. 202-203,, Delhi, 110008, INDIA
Alternate Joining Point
For trips departing on the following dates
use this joining point.
25 Jan 2026 (HHKH260125)
08 Feb 2026 (HHKH260208)
22 Feb 2026 (HHKH260222)
29 Mar 2026 (HHKH260329)
23 Aug 2026 (HHKH260823)
07 Oct 2026 (HHKH261007)
31 Dec 2026 (HHKH261231)
03 Jan 2027 (HHKH270103)
17 Jan 2027 (HHKH270117)
24 Jan 2027 (HHKH270124)
31 Jan 2027 (HHKH270131)
07 Feb 2027 (HHKH270207)
14 Feb 2027 (HHKH270214)
21 Feb 2027 (HHKH270221)
07 Mar 2027 (HHKH270307)
14 Mar 2027 (HHKH270314)
21 Mar 2027 (HHKH270321)
28 Mar 2027 (HHKH270328)
04 Apr 2027 (HHKH270404)
18 Apr 2027 (HHKH270418)
22 Aug 2027 (HHKH270822)
05 Sep 2027 (HHKH270905)
19 Sep 2027 (HHKH270919)
30 Sep 2027 (HHKH270930)
06 Oct 2027 (HHKH271006)
10 Oct 2027 (HHKH271010)
17 Oct 2027 (HHKH271017)
24 Oct 2027 (HHKH271024)
31 Oct 2027 (HHKH271031)
07 Nov 2027 (HHKH271107)
14 Nov 2027 (HHKH271114)
21 Nov 2027 (HHKH271121)
05 Dec 2027 (HHKH271205)
12 Dec 2027 (HHKH271212)
19 Dec 2027 (HHKH271219)
26 Dec 2027 (HHKH271226)
30 Dec 2027 (HHKH271230)
Deventure Hotel Delhi
METRO STATION
BP -11
near SHADIPUR
opposite METRO PILLAR NO 221 West Patel Nagar
Delhi
110008
INDIA
Phone: +91 9996217770
Joining instructions
Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is approximately 23km 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.
Intrepid offers 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 a signboard 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 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 number:
+91-9911 97 2636
If you do not have a mobile phone, there are public phones next to Costa Coffee. Calls cost 1 rupee per minute
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.
Taxis from the airport to our starting point hotel take 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 a hefty amount for the transfers.
The Delhi metro is another option from the airport. Trains depart between approx. 5am and 11:30pm, the trip takes approx. 45 mins and costs around INR100. Please refer to the metro map for lines, changes and directions to Karol Bagh where most of our hotels are located.
http://delhimetrorail.info/delhi-metro-map
Check-in time at the hotel is 12 midday.
Finishing your trip
Golden Grand Hotel, W-1/10,Main Patel Road, Opp. Metro Pillar No. 202-203,, Delhi, 110008, INDIA
Alternate Finish Point
For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
25 Jan 2026 (HHKH260125)
08 Feb 2026 (HHKH260208)
22 Feb 2026 (HHKH260222)
29 Mar 2026 (HHKH260329)
23 Aug 2026 (HHKH260823)
07 Oct 2026 (HHKH261007)
31 Dec 2026 (HHKH261231)
03 Jan 2027 (HHKH270103)
17 Jan 2027 (HHKH270117)
24 Jan 2027 (HHKH270124)
31 Jan 2027 (HHKH270131)
07 Feb 2027 (HHKH270207)
14 Feb 2027 (HHKH270214)
21 Feb 2027 (HHKH270221)
07 Mar 2027 (HHKH270307)
14 Mar 2027 (HHKH270314)
21 Mar 2027 (HHKH270321)
28 Mar 2027 (HHKH270328)
04 Apr 2027 (HHKH270404)
18 Apr 2027 (HHKH270418)
22 Aug 2027 (HHKH270822)
05 Sep 2027 (HHKH270905)
19 Sep 2027 (HHKH270919)
30 Sep 2027 (HHKH270930)
06 Oct 2027 (HHKH271006)
10 Oct 2027 (HHKH271010)
17 Oct 2027 (HHKH271017)
24 Oct 2027 (HHKH271024)
31 Oct 2027 (HHKH271031)
07 Nov 2027 (HHKH271107)
14 Nov 2027 (HHKH271114)
21 Nov 2027 (HHKH271121)
05 Dec 2027 (HHKH271205)
12 Dec 2027 (HHKH271212)
19 Dec 2027 (HHKH271219)
26 Dec 2027 (HHKH271226)
30 Dec 2027 (HHKH271230)
Deventure Hotel Delhi
METRO STATION
BP -11
near SHADIPUR
opposite METRO PILLAR NO 221 West Patel Nagar
Delhi
110008
INDIA
Phone: +91 9996217770
A pre-booked departure transfer to the airport is available if arranged at the time of booking. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 15 days prior to your trip start date. If you plan to stay longer, this departure transfer can only be offered in conjunction with post-tour accommodation booked through Intrepid.
Delhi's Indira Gandhi's International Airport is approximately 10km from Patel Nagar. One of the biggest airports in the world, it can be quite chaotic.
A taxi to the airport takes about 1 hour and should cost between 450 -500INR. Hotel reception or your leader can help you arrange a taxi.
Before check in you must have your check in luggage x-rayed and sealed. Also ensure at check in that your hand luggage is tagged. (This is a mandatory in order to clear security.)
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: 1
Dinners included: 2
While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your 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 to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.
FOOD IN INDIA:
Food is a way of life in India. You can snack for a bargain or dine in the finest Indian restaurants. Generally, you can eat very cheaply in India. There is a huge choice of restaurants and street stalls serving traditional and local Indian food. In bigger restaurants in areas frequented by more tourists, there is a choice between Indian, Chinese and Western-style food. Here are some ideas of what to try: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/best-food-in-india/
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/foodies-guide-south-india/
Please note that service in restaurants (especially with a group) can be quite slow so patience is a must.
India caters very well towards vegetarians and vegans with almost all restaurants having a veg and pure veg section of the menu. If in doubt please check with your group leader or local representative. See our guide to eating vegan in India here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/india-vegan-food-guide/
Your group leader or local representative will be able to direct you towards restaurants that are known to have better hygiene, especially in tourist areas where they are travelling with our groups regularly. For some more advice on avoiding "Delhi belly", see our article here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/how-to-avoid-delhi-belly-in-india/
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.
FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYS
As a country of many cultures and religions, India has many festivals and public holidays. Here are some of the key dates and events:
HOLI (Festival of Colours)
2025 13-14 March
2026 03-04 March
DIWALI (Festival of Light)
2025 21 October
2026 08 November
RAMADAN (Muslim Holy Month)
2025 28 February – 29 March
2026 17 February – 19 March
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
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
ACCOMMODATION
The hotel accommodation on this trip is in air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
SHOWERS:
Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
WIFI:
Generally, WiFi is available in most parts of India and at most of the accommodation we use. Sometimes it's free in the room, other times only available in reception or public areas. A general rule of thumb is the more expensive the hotel, the higher charge for WiFi access. Your group leader or local representative can assist locally in accessing the internet.
ISSUES:
If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your group leader or local representative right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.
Transportation
TRANSPORT IN INDIA
Main roads in India are usually very busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. If you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour leader know immediately. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times.
TRAVEL TIMES
Distances in India do not reflect the driving time and to cover 100km may take much longer than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway.
TRAINS:
India has a massive network of trains and millions of people travel by rail every day. Trains often travel the length of the country over several days. Trains are a great way to see the countryside and get you away from the busy road system. Delays and cancellations are common on trains. Your tour leader will check the train status to see if there are delays and will do their best to keep you informed of any changes.
From December to February, delays are more common, especially in the north of the country due to fog. It’s not uncommon for trains to be delayed for up to 12 hours. On occasion, your trip may need to be rerouted to allow for these delays. Your tour leader in conjunction with our local office will advise any changes to the itinerary.
FLIGHTS
Airlines in India are of excellent quality. Airports are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor.
AUTO RICKSHAWS
On this trip we may travel in a local style of transport called an auto-rickshaw. These small, motorised three-wheeled vehicles are a common form of transport in India and do not have seatbelts.