Tour Description

Take in the sights, sounds and smells of India on a unique wildlife-focused adventure. With a local leader and some fellow keen travellers by your side, this 13-day trip will take you to the local’s favourite for tiger spotting – Panna National Park – as well as the most popular national park for spotting the royal Bengal – Bandhavgarh Tiger Sanctuary. Head to Jabalpur to explore the architecture and waterfalls of this beautiufl city, then carry on to Satpura National Park for some nighttime safaris on jeep and boat (look out for jungle cats and fruit bats!). See why Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary is known as one of the world’s best spots for bird spotting, on the back of a rickshaw no less, then head to chaotic Delhi to uncover the wonders of India’s capital. If your heart is searching for birdlife, deer, flying foxes, leopards, sloth bears, monkeys and tigers – this adventure is calling your name!

Priced From:

$ 8325.00pp ^*

Valid From: 02JAN2024

Valid To: 31DEC2024

Start Location: Delhi

End Location: Delhi

Countries: India,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Chris McKinnel

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

Discover the many ways to safari! Hop on a rickshaw safari through the bird sanctuaries of Keoladeo, take an evening boat and nighttime safari in Satpura National Park and cruise on jeep safaris through Bandhavgarh and Panna National Parks.

Visit two of the best and most popular national parks in India – Panna National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park – and try to spot the elusive royal Bengal tiger.

Search for nocturnal animals such as leopards, jungle cats, fruit bats, flying squirrels and flying foxes under the stars, during your night safari in Satpura National Park with a local, naturalist guide.

Get an unobstructed view of the night sky at the Sky Gazing Point in Bandhavgarh as the sun sets. Here, an expert will guide you on a cosmic journey with a telescopr, allowing you a closer look at the celestial bodies near the equator.

Witness the Aarti ceremony at Gauri Ghat on the banks of the Narmada (the Holy River in Jaalpur). Offering a deeply spiritual experience, this ceremony takes place at dusk and mirrors the ceremonies at Haridwar and Varanasi, but on a more intimate scale.

Itinerary

Namaste! Welcome to India. An airport transfer is included if you’re arriving today, so you can just focus on the excitement of taking in the energy of Delhi. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your trip leader and your fellow travellers, followed by a flavourful group dinner to get to know each other. If you arrive early, why not book yourself on an Urban Adventure through the city – a great introduction to the magic of Delhi!

After breakfast this morning, you’ll hop on a train towards Jhansi with your group – the city sits on the banks of the Pahuj River and is home to some rich history. Listen to your leader’s stories while the walled Jhansi Fort overlooks the centre. Grab some lunch with your group before driving towards Panna National Park. This protected Tiger Reserve is home to around 35 tigers, as well as sloth bears, spotted deer, leopards and a wide array of birdlife. When you arrive, you’ll have the option to visit the nearby Temples of Khajuraho – built between 950 and 1050 during the Chandella dynasty, these gorgeous temples are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth the visit. Tonight, enjoy dinner with your group and get a good sleep, ready for your first wildlife adventure tomorrow.

Arise bright and early this morning for your first safari. You’ll head into Panna National Park with a local naturalist guide and discover the beauty of the park’s waterfalls, forested areas and vast open plains. Look out for the roaming tigers that call this place home, and you might even see spotted deer up on their hind legs, eating from a tree – or a leopard or sloth bear prowling the grounds. This park really excels in local birdlife, so make sure you look to the sky and the trees, too! There are over 200 species of bird here, with many of the water birds unseen in any other national park. You will also have the option to prebook a second, afternoon safari to double your chances of ticking off bucket list wildlife.

This morning, after a spot of breakfast, say goodbye to Panna National Park and make your way on wheels towards the next destination – ‘The Land of Tigers’ or Bandhavgarh National Park and Tiger Reserve. Bandhavgarh is known for its resident royal Bengal tigers, and their population density is the highest in India. When you arrive, you’ll have time to settle in before a group dinner. Far from bustling urban areas, the park also offers visitors the unique opportunity to enjoy unobstructed views of the clear night sky. As the sun sets, take a short drive to the Sky Gazing point, where you'll meet an expert who will guide you on a cosmic journey through a telescope for the next hour. Get a closer look at celestial bodies near the equator and marvel at the wonders of the night sky.

Set off on your morning safari through Bandhavgarh National Park and Tiger Reserve this morning. With a local naturalist guide by your side, you’ll have a great chance of spotting one of the many royal Bengal tigers that prowl these lands – keep your eyes out for the other residents, too! There are also white tigers, leopards, wild boars, gaurs (buffalo), langurs, eagles and deer due to the biodiversity of the grounds – a mix of tropical forest, swamps, cliffs, Sal trees and grasslands. See the scores of birdlife soar above, the energetic langur jump from tree to tree and the wild boar sitting lazily by the water. You’ll also have the option to pre-book an afternoon safari today (if you just can’t get enough of the diverse wildlife that calls this park home).

This morning, you’ll have breakfast as a group, and if you fancy, you can head out on another morning safari drive through the great lands of Bandhavgarh National Park. Alternatively, enjoy a free, lazy morning of rest and relaxation – maybe reading a book in the sunshine or going for a swim in the pool. This afternoon, you’ll head out on another safari, to strengthen your chances of spotting the gorgeous Bengals in their natural habitat. Your naturalist guide will give you all the insights into how these beautiful beasts live day to day in the park and as always, give you the best chance to spot as much wildlife as possible! Tonight, enjoy a group dinner and share photos of all the day’s finds.

Say goodbye to Bandhavgarh National Park this morning after breakfast and make your way towards Jabalpur. Surrounded by low hills in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, this city sits on the banks of the Holy River 'Narmada (also known as Maa Rewa). When you arrive, you’ll head out on a leader-led walking tour of the city to get your bearings. Enjoy a free afternoon, then at dusk, head out to see the Aarti ceremony at Gauri Ghat on the banks of the Narmada. This deeply spiritual experience mirrors the renowned Ganga Aarti ceremonies in Haridwar and Varanasi but on a smaller scale.

Say goodbye to Jabalpur this morning and drive to the Satpura Mountain Range. Watch the central Indian landscapes pass you by as you chat with your fellow travellers, take the opportunity to have a much-needed nap or get stuck into your favourite podcast. When you arrive at Satpura National Park, settle into your new surroundings before heading out on an exciting night safari with a naturalist guide. As you drive through the forested ranges of this national park and tiger reserve, watch out for nocturnal animals that can only be spotted once the sun goes down – leopards, flying squirrels and flying foxes are just some of the creatures that come out under the stars.

Fuel up on a good breakfast this morning and (if you’ve prebooked the optional morning safari today), head out to see Satpura National Park in the sunlight. Among the cascading waterfalls, deep canyons and natural pools of Satpura, sunlight sees a high density of sloth bears here, as well as giant squirrels, deer, a range of different monkeys and hundreds of birds! After a group lunch and some time to rest (or your free afternoon if you opted out of the morning safari), you’ll get ready for your second evening exploration, but this time, by boat! Watch the sun go down from a boat sailing through the park, and from the waters, try to spot the nighttime jungle cats, fruit bats and flying foxes.

Continue your adventure this morning with a drive to Bhopal. This is a bit of a long travel day, so make sure you’ve got your favourite book, playlists and car games ready! Maybe grab some lunch in Bohpal and then take a train towards Agra, your destination for tonight. When you arrive, you’re free to head out wherever you wish for dinner – your local leader always has great recommendations!

Wake up in the beautiful city of Agra this morning and after breakfast, head out for a morning in Keoladeo National Park. This huge bird sanctuary and national park has long been recognised as one of the world's most integral breeding and feeding grounds for local birdlife. When you arrive, you’ll take a rickshaw safari ride through the sanctuary with a local naturalist guide. As well as the 260 species of bird that live here, you may also spot some of the deer, nilgai (antelope) and boar that reisde in the park. Return to Agra and get ready to tick off one of the Seven Wonders of the World off your bucket list – that's right, Agra is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Taj Mahal! Marvel at the 17th century structure as you learn about its history (and snap some pretty epic pics) and soak in the majesty of this amazing site, at sunset no less.

Leave Agra behind and travel to Delhi this morning – home to the capital of India, New Delhi. When you arrive, settle into your accommodation and then head out on a walking tour of Old Delhi with your leader. This neighbourhood dates back to the 1600s and is home to the Mughal-era Red Fort and the vibrant bazaar, Chandni Chowk. Hop on a rickshaw to see the city from a different perspective and get a taste of local life. Tour the iconic Jama Masjid Mosque, with its huge courtyard that accommodates 25,000 people. Learn the fascinating history of Delhi from your local leader and take in the sights, smells and sounds of this chaotic but marvellous place. Tonight, why not head out for a farewell dinner with your group and toast to an incredible adventure!

With no further activities planned, your adventure ends this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay in Delhi, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

18DEC2024

Return Date :

30DEC2024

8325NZD

available

Trip Notes

Last modified (date)

21 Aug 2024

Trip title

Premium India Safari

Trip code

HHPT

Validity

Validity: 02 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2024

Introduction

Style

Premium

Themes

Wildlife

Transport

Train,Auto rickshaw,Boat,Cycle rickshaw,Private vehicle,Jeep

Physical Rating

Joining point

The Grand New Delhi

Nelson Mandela Marg, Pocket 4, Vasant Kunj II, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, Delhi - 110070

Delhi

INDIA

Joining point instructions

Delhi's Indira Gandhi's International Airport is approximately 10 kms from Vasant Kunj. 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 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 booked an arrival transfer you will be met in the arrivals hall after clearing customs, your representative with an Intrepid sign board. Please ask them to confirm your name. In case if you have trouble finding the driver or if you are delayed for any reason, please call the following 24 hour numbers: +91 9560 849 444 +91 9999 005 019 Please do not exit the gates, Costa coffee is just before the exit gate no.5. 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. Taxi's 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 hefty amount for the transfers. Check in time at hotel is 1400 hours.

Finish point

The Grand New Delhi

Nelson Mandela Marg, Pocket 4, Vasant Kunj II, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, Delhi - 110070

Delhi

INDIA

Important information

1. 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. 2. 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. 3. To obtain permits for the game drives included on this tour, we require your correct passport details at the time of booking. If you renew your passport or use a different passport from the one you originally provided, please bring your old passport or a photocopy of it with you. 4. The safaris in Panna National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park must be pre-booked to guarantee your spot. Due to high demand and limited availability, we recommend booking this tour and any optional safaris at least four months in advance. Please inquire about booking optional safaris when you book your tour. 5. If you are travelling with others, please let us know in advance so we can do our best to arrange for you to be in the same safari vehicles.

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Premium leaders are Intrepid’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialised information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper.

Safety

Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

WOMEN'S SAFETY: Women should exercise caution when travelling in India. Reported cases of sexual assault against women are increasing; recent sexual attacks against female visitors in tourist areas and cities show that foreign women are also at risk. While the risk of an incident occurring on your trip is very low, below are some things you can do for your safety and peace of mind when travelling: - Respect local dress codes and customs, perhaps dressing more conservatively than you do at home - Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, unlit city streets and village lanes when alone at any time of day - Avoid travelling alone on public transport, or in taxis or auto-rickshaws, especially at night - If you have to use a taxi get them from hotel taxi ranks and use pre-paid taxis at airports. Try to avoid hailing taxis on the street. Some cities (including Delhi and Chennai) have special taxi services for women with women drivers - If you’re being collected at the airport by a driver make sure they have properly identified themselves before you set off. -When leaving your compartment on overnight trains (ie. going to the bathroom), ask a male travel companion to accompany you where possible For further information and advice, visit: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/women-safety-india https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/india-solo-female-traveller-story/ www.gov.uk/government/policies/supporting-british-nationals-overseas/supporting-pages/advice-for-women-travellers www.smartraveller.gov.au/tips/women.html PERSONAL BELONGINGS: We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. FREE TIME: Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. FESTIVALS: Travelling in India and Nepal during Holi can at times be unsafe - drinking and drug use is more widespread during this holiday. Your group leader or local representative will advise your group on what places to avoid on this day. It may be necessary to alter your itinerary for the day. Diwali (a lunar festival generally held from mid-October to mid-November every year) is celebrated by local people letting off fireworks in the street. It can be very noisy for several days with extra pollution caused by fireworks. As there are no restrictions on buying fireworks in India there are often injuries caused by people exploding them inappropriately. During this festival, your group leader or local representative may be required to alter your itinerary to avoid large crowds gathering and using fireworks. PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. SCAMS: Scams involving ATM and credit cards, train tickets, taxis, temple donations and tourist guides operate throughout India. If you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to the nearest police station. Even though they may not be able to get your money or goods back, they can issue you with an official loss report for insurance purposes.

Visas

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements ADDRESS FOR INDIA VISA APPLICATIONS If you require an address for your visa application please use: Intrepid India 25/3 East Patel Nagar Delhi 110008 Phone: +91 11 4500 6400

Why we love it

Visit two of the best and most popular national parks in India – Panna National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park – and try to spot the elusive royal Bengal tiger.

Is this trip right for you

In general, the best time to spot wildlife is at dawn and dusk. There will be many early starts on this tour to capitalize on optimum safari times or to avoid morning traffic on travel days. In the winter months of November, December, and January, early mornings and late evenings tend to be cold, while the rest of the months offer hot and sunny conditions during safaris. Remember to stay hydrated, use sufficient skin protection, and pack accordingly to ensure a comfortable experience. While this trip doesn't include strenuous physical activity, the jeeps used in national parks are simple, typically with a high step to get in and out of them, and the roads can be quite bumpy.

Health

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES: Malaria is a risk in many parts of India, including major cities. Cases of dengue fever are reported, especially in the period after the monsoon. Other mosquito-borne diseases (including Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya fever, and filariasis) also occur. Take preventative measures such as wearing long clothing, using repellent, and being indoors particularly around dusk and dawn. Consult a medical professional regarding prophylaxis against malaria. For more information, see the World Health Organisation's fact sheets: http://www.who.int/neglected_diseases/vector_ecology/mosquito-borne-diseases/en/ AIR POLLUTION: During winter months (October-February), air pollution levels in parts of India can spike to hazardous levels. Severe pollution can increase the risk of respiratory problems. Those with pre-existing medical conditions, particularly heart and lung conditions, may be especially affected. Your group leader or local representative can assist you to obtain a face mask if required. All customers are encouraged to pack (reusable) face masks as a precaution. OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES: Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including meningitis, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, tuberculosis, diphtheria and rabies) are common in India. Tap water is not safe to drink. Home-made or unlabelled alcohol can be poisonous. Seek medical attention if you suspect food poisoning, if you have a fever or suffer from diarrhea. ZIKA VIRUS: India is classified as an ongoing transmission zone for Zika, with confirmed cases in Tamil Nadu and Jaipur. Basic precautions for protection from mosquito bites should be taken by people traveling to Zika transmission areas, especially pregnant women. INFLUENZA Cases of influenza A(H1N1) are widespread in India during winter with a number of recent cases in Rajasthan. Discuss influenza vaccination requirements with your doctor or a travel health professional before departing and maintain good hygiene practices by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing, and washing your hands regularly. For more information, see the World Health Organisation's fact sheets: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)

Food and dietary requirements

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/

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. India: The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Its symbol is ₹. The most convenient and cheapest way to obtain local currency in is via ATMs, which are readily available in most towns. Look for Bank of India or ICICI ATMs. Our experience has shown they are the most reliable ATMs to use for withdrawals. Cash shortages at ATMs can be a problem in rural areas. Foreign currency notes that are old, torn, or faded can be very difficult to exchange, so please bring clean bills, and small denominations are most useful. The use of credit cards can be restricted, mainly to major hotels, shops, and higher-end establishments. Indian Rupee is a blocked currency – it cannot be exchanged into other currencies outside of India. You can only obtain Indian Rupee in India and must exchange any leftover India Rupee whilst still in India. TIPPING Tips are included on all Intrepid Premium trips, covering hotel staff, local guides and the people who will take care of you during your travels. This amount does not include a tip for your leader, so you may wish to set aside some funds for this. It is customary to tip your leader for outstanding service provided during your trip. You are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your leader on your trip. Tips are greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for their professionalism and leadership during your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, US$8-10 per person (in a currency relevant for your destination), per day can be used. COMMISSIONS Intrepid understands that the receipt of commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. For this reason, we have established a centralised fund for contributions from recommended suppliers so these can be collected and distributed back into the business. Actively managing the receipt of commissions helps us maintain the level of quality you expect on one of our trips. Travel is always an adventure so Intrepid cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of a product but we aim to provide the best value trips in the market. Please let us know via the feedback form completed after your trip if we are successfully meeting - or exceeding - this objective.

What to take

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. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible, ensuring that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Help will be on hand in most locations, but there may be times you need to handle your own luggage, for example in airports and train stations. A lockable suitcase with wheels is ideal for this trip. It is recommended that you keep your main luggage weight around 15kg and certainly no more than 20kg. A small or medium-sized backpack (45-50 litres) is another good option. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, jacket, etc. when you’re exploring during the day. Below is a link to our ultimate packing list, a guide to get you started:

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

LOCAL DRESS: When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.

Climate and seasonal

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 18-19 March DIWALI (Festival of Light) 2024 01 November 2025 21 October RAMADAN (Muslim Holy Month) 2025 28 February – 1 March

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Feedback

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

Emergency contact

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

Responsible travel

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel

The Intrepid Foundation

Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ Positive Change for Marine Life nurture ocean health with community-led conservation initiatives. Donations help them expand and implement vital programs in India that empower local communities, support sustainable fishing practices, restore marine habitats and drive policy change. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation. To find out more or make a donation: https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/positive-change-for-marine-life

Accommodation notes

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.

Transport notes

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.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports. We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis. On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights),Lodge (5 nights),Satpura Feature Stay (2 nights)

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