Current as of: March 28, 2024 - 20:18

Highlights of Northern India – Summer itinerary

Highlights of Northern India - Summer itinerary Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: India
  • Programmes: Culture
  • Activity Level:

    1 out of 7 - Leisurely

  • 9 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: AICA
  • Carbon Footprint: 40kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Discover fascinating culture, spectacular Moghul architecture and unique wildlife

Northern India conjures up colourful images of turbans, saris, rickshaws and flavoursome curries. On this trip we sample it all, visiting the Pink City of Jaipur, home to the former Maharaja’s Palace and hilltop Amber Fort. We also stop at Agra and the serene Taj Mahal, which fully live up to expectations. Our early morning boat ride along the mist-shrouded ghats of Varanasi is both fascinating and deeply moving; an experience only equalled by wildlife spotting at Sariska National Park.

At a Glance

  • 7 nights hotels, 1 nights air-conditioned sleeper train
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
  • Travel by air-conditioned private bus and train

Highlights

  • See the unforgettable Taj
  • Explore the spectacular 'Pink City' of Jaipur
  • Meander along the Ganges at Varanasi
  • Sample flavoursome and familiar curries

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is rated Activity Level: 1 (Leisurely).

This holiday covers the highlights of northern India in a short time, which means the itinerary is generally fast-paced. There is a lot to see, but everything is scheduled so it doesn’t feel too rushed.
However, you should prepare for some long days and early starts. The times stated in the Trip Notes are driving times and do not include photo, tea, comfort or lunch breaks. Journeys can sometimes take longer due to local traffic or road damage.

Departures in Summer months may also experience train delays or cancellations. If a severe delay occurs, the group will travel overnight on a private comfortable bus instead between Agra and Varanasi. In the rare event we can’t travel by bus or fly, we have an alternative itinerary in which we visit Bharatpur, Deeg Palace and Mathura instead of Varanasi.

Come prepared: India can be challenging, while the heat and bustle of some cities can be a little overwhelming. That said, there are peaceful spots and you will undoubtedly return with memories to last a lifetime.

Please note, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India, including the Taj Mahal, and very occasionally this may mean that work is taking place at sites visited on this trip. The ASI’s schedule is never published, so it is not possible to warn you when work will be taking place.

Group

Our Indian team of leaders have proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Indian culture than letting an Indian guide show you around their country.

During the game drives each vehicle will be accompanied by a local Forest Guard (mandatory by the local authorities). The Forest Guards are part of a initiative by the national park authorities to generate employment opportunities for the local villages surrounding the area. They have excellent awareness of the local wildlife and skilled in tracking however, many have very limited English skills so will often communicate through hand signals rather than conversation.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Highlights of Northern India – Summer itinerary

Land Only

  • Start City: Delhi
  • End City: Delhi

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Delhi; transfer to Sariska National Park

Our adventure begins in Delhi, a thrumming city chock full of architectural masterpieces and spice-crammed street food. We’ll gather for the first time at the start hotel (normally the Florence Inn) before departing for Sariska National Park, a drive which may take between three and four hours depending upon traffic.

Accommodation: Sariska Tiger Camp (or Similar)

Day 2
Morning game drive around Sariska National Park; drive to Jaipur in the afternoon

This reserve was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and is home to nilgai, wild boar, jackals, hyenas and chowsingha (four-horned antelope). The game drive will be in the buffer zone of this national park mainly on sealed roads (there will not be an opportunity to see tiger during these summer months). Although these departures operate during the rainy season the crowds are reduced and those with an interest in bird life will find an abundance in Sariska.

In the afternoon we drive to Jaipur and transfer to our hotel.

Accommodation: Fort Chandragupt (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Visit City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal and the Amber Fort; free time for exploring

Built in the late 18th century, Jaipur is a planned city of broad avenues built of sandstone and painted pink at a later stage. We visit the City Palace in the centre of Jaipur, formerly the residence of the Maharaja, now a fine museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments and weapons. Close to the palace is one of the most intriguing sights in India, the observatory of Jai Singh. This is an assembly of immense astronomical instruments made of marble and brass set in a pleasant garden. We will also see Jaipur’s impressive landmark, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. We then visit the splendid Amber Fort, a few miles from the main city, which rises above a lake. Jaipur is a centre of many handicrafts, including durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherwear. It will be difficult to leave a workshop without buying anything.

Accommodation: Fort Chandragupt (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
Drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri

Today we drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar’s deserted royal city. This impressive and well-preserved citadel became his capital in 1571, after the blessing of a local Moslem holy man correctly predicted the birth of a longed-for son: his successor, the Emperor Jehangir. The mosque, designed to hold 10,000 worshippers; the palaces; residences; and halls of audience are all made of decorative red sandstone. But this magnificence only lasted 14 years. In 1584, Akbar left Fatehpur Sikri to secure his outlying territories, leaving this city much as we see it today – in perfect condition.

We arrive in Agra early evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Avalon Palms (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5
Visit the incredible Taj Mahal and Agra Fort; overnight train to Varanasi

Today we wake early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, which was built by the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first-time visitor; the white marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun and is matched by the rich interior detail. Within striking distance is the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of Emperor Akbar’s sons and successors: Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It is here that the latter spent his last years, imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb.

Later in the day, we will transfer to Agra train station and join the overnight sleeper train to Varanasi.

Accommodation: Sleeper train

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Relax and enjoy the wonders of Varanasi

We arrive in Varanasi in the morning and transfer to our hotel. On the river Ganges, Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in India and stands at the centre of the Hindu universe. As such, the city lives and breathes Hinduism: there are thousands of pilgrims, wandering holy men (Sadhus), religious elders and casual visitors. It is a city to immerse yourself in: explore the maze of narrow lanes and many temples and watch the Hindu ceremonies that take place around the clock. There is time to visit emporiums specialising in silks and brocades or maybe take a massage by the river banks.

In the afternoon, we can take an optional visit to nearby Sarnath Temple. Sarnath is as sacred to Buddhists as Varanasi is to Hindus. The main monument at Sarnath is the Dhamekh Stupa, the very spot where Buddha is “believed to have given his first sermon. Amid natural surroundings, lies also the Archaeological Museum; which exhibits the Buddhist Cultural wealth and houses the findings and excavations at the archaeological site of Sarnath.

Your leader can organise various optional sightseeing trips during your two days here.

Accommodation: Hotel Surya (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
Dawn boat ride on the Ganges; afternoon train to Delhi

Just before dawn, we take a boat ride on the Ganges to witness the extraordinary spectacle on the ghats, the steps leading down to the river. Every day, thousands of Hindu pilgrims come to this 3mi (5km) stretch of riverbank to soak in the holy waters.

This afternoon we board the Vande Bharat Express train back to Delhi. A great opportunity to see and experience more of India as you pass through rural villages, towns and cities. A light snack dinner will be served onboard and you will arrive into Delhi and transfer onto your hotel late evening.

Accommodation: Florence Inn (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8
Delhi free day or optional sightseeing

Today you are free to relax or explore the sites of New and Old Delhi (an optional sightseeing trip will be organised if you wish). Recommended sites include the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) and Raj Ghat.

For last-minute shopping, visit the market area of Chandni Chowk or Karol Bagh.

Accommodation: Florence Inn (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9
End Delhi

Our adventure through northern India ends today. If you’ve still a few pages left in your travel diary, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Delhi. Alternatively, make your way to the airport and begin your return journey home.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

City and Jungle Hotels and Sleeper Train

Highlights of Northern India – Summer itinerary

Mixing heritage and modern styles, you’ll stay in convenient, centrally located city hotels, two or three-star (local rating) as well as a jungle hotel in Sariska National Park and the overnight sleeper train from Agra to Varanasi.

Sariska Tiger Camp, Sariska

Highlights of Northern India – Summer itinerary

Sariska Tiger Camp, Sariska

A resort situated close to the Sariska Tiger Reserve offering comfortable accommodation with modern amenities. The restaurant serves authentic dishes to the region and when not out in search of Tigers in the forest, relax in the pool or just sit in their gardens giving your senses a break, away from city noise, smells and heat!

Fort Chandragupt, Jaipur

Highlights of Northern India – Summer itinerary
Fort Chandragupt, Jaipur

Arriving in central Jaipur, the Fort Chandragupt Hotel is a combination of a classic heritage with contemporary services and amenities. From the rooftop terrace, take in the view of the “pink city” and surrounding Aravalli mountain range where, on a clear day the Nahargarh Fort can be seen. Located, close to several attractions and transport hubs, your senses will go into overdrive as you step out into the hustle and bustle of locals and tourist busily going about their day. The hotel facilities include a swimming pool, several restaurants and lounge bar.

Sleeper trains

Highlights of Northern India – Summer itinerary
Sleeper Train

These are booked in a two-tier (or three-tier if two-tier is unavailable) sleeper with air conditioning. There are many excellent trains in India, but the standard of seating and sleeping is not in line with Western standards. All seats are allocated at the time the tickets are issued, meaning we cannot guarantee the whole group is together on the train. Your leader will manage this as best as possible and will always check on you during the journey. Indian trains are safe, but we recommend that you always keep valuables with you. Snacks are often offered on board (at an additional cost). While some trains have Western-style facilities, most services are equipped with squat toilets.

Worth knowing

  • Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are only a couple of months when the weather can get cold. You can, however, request more blankets if needed or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter.
  • Its common for hotels in India to have limited times in the day for hot water use, saving energy. If you find your shower is cold, please let your Leader or Reception know so they can make sure the water heater is on.
  • Sleeper trains are not single compartments, bed bunks are set up within a carriage with curtains for some privacy.
  • Single accommodation excludes sleeper trains.

Single supplement from £ 225

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, one lunch and one snack dinner are included in this trip.

A light snack dinner is provided on board your final train journey between Varanasi and Delhi, this may vary but usually will include a soup, and light meal with rice and vegetables. You may wish to pick up some additional snacks/fruit prior to boarding for the journey.

India is famous for its food and there is ample opportunity to try various curries such as the familiar tandoori, biriyani and rogan josh. If you are a vegetarian, India is a great destination. There are wonderful desserts and excellent beers, soft drinks and Indian specialities such as lassi, a refreshing yoghurt drink.

You should allow at least 1,400-2,400 Indian rupees (US$16-US$28) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants most of the time, you will spend more than the suggested amount. In most towns we visit, there is a good selection of restaurants and a choice between Indian and Western food. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A (large!) bottle of beer is approximately 300 rupees (approximately US$4).

Mineral water is widely available, but drinking water is provided in a large container in the bus to reduce our use of plastic, so please bring your own refillable water bottle.

Transport

We use a combination of private minibus and trains for our journey.

Road journeys: private minibus, air-conditioned.
Train journeys: the overnight train from Agra to Varanasi will be booked in 2-tier (or 3-tier depending on availability) sleeper A/C (see accommodation section for further information). The train from Varanasi to Delhi will be the Vande Bharat Express booked in the A/C Chair Car.
Game drives: in Sariska we will use 4×4 jeeps, these may not all have seat belts available.

Weather & Seasonality

In July, August and September, expect very hot days and warm nights (highs of 35-39 degrees Celsius and lows of 28 degrees Celsius). Rain is likely during the monsoon season from the end of June until September and can be very heavy at times. However, it is often a welcome moderator of the temperatures and tends to be short downpours rather than continuous throughout the day.

Weather Charts

Highlights of Northern India – Summer itinerary

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Sariska Tiger Camp, Village Dhawala, Alwar – Jaipur Rd, Rajasthan 301001, India
Phone: +91 93140 17210
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately three to four hours’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Meet at the airport

Your easiest option is to join the group at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The meet time will be set to coincide with a group scheduled on a flight from London, UK.

Meet at the Florence Inn (address: 15A/6 WEA, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, 110005)

You should be at the Florence Inn by 9.00am, where you will be met by a local representative and transferred to the airport to join the rest of the group. Please note, this time may change and will be confirmed in your pre-travel joining instructions.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides free departure transfers from the end hotel to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) for all customers. If you would like further information on joining a transfer, we will require all flight details two weeks prior to departure to secure the transfer. Please speak to your sales representative to arrange.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Delhi
Location end: Delhi

Regional Flights

The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please ask about flights from local or regional airports.

If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check-in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1.5 hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays.

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • Sunhat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and lip salve with sun protection
  • Light casual clothing
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Torch
  • Trainers/walking shoes
  • Sandals/flip-flops
  • Anti-bacterial hand gel
  • Insect repellent
  • Small personal first-aid kit
  • Cable lock, or small chain and padlock, to lock your bag up on the train
  • Water bottle

Optional Equipment

  • Earplugs
  • Money belt
  • Travel pillow
  • Umbrella

Practical Information

Visa

India

To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India.

Travellers from the UK, US, CA and EU normally need a visa to enter India. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html

Travellers eligible for an e-visa, which includes those from the UK, US, CA and EU, can apply at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.

For more information on applying for your Indian Visa/eVisa, please click on this link: Indian Visa Information

Vaccinations and Health

India

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.

You will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of a polio vaccination may also be required by some travellers. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.

Additionally, dengue, a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, is a known risk in India. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approximately 6,560ft (2,000m), there is little risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips above 9,840ft (3,000m), there is a risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the Trip Notes for further information.

The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.

Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in places visited on this trip. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Local Time

India's time zone: Asia/Kolkata (UTC +05:30)

Electricity

India's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins), D (three round pins) and M (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

India's currency: Indian rupee (INR). Please note, it is illegal to import or export rupees. Do not accept torn or very dirty Indian banknotes from banks or in change as they will almost certainly not be accepted as legal tender in India. You can normally change money back from rupees into US dollars or British pounds at the departure airport, but you must produce an exchange receipt showing that you changed money in India.

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available throughout the trip (Visa and MasterCard are best). You can also pay with credit cards in bigger shops all over India.

Please inform your bank before departure that you are travelling to India and carry the relevant telephone number with you in case they put a block on your card.

Please note, you should not rely on cards all the time, so bring US dollars or pound sterling with you too. Money change facilities are available on arrival at Delhi Airport; though exchange rates may be better in central Delhi. You can also change US dollars and pounds in Jaipur, Agra and Varanasi.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Many sites now charge a small fee for video cameras (handy-cams) and you should allow another 665 rupees (approximately US$9) for these. Also allow at least 570 rupees (approximately US$8) per day for personal expenditures such as stamps, postcards and soft drinks. There are endless shopping opportunities throughout this tour and we suggest you take money for souvenirs; even the most shop-shy travellers often succumb to the tempting selection of handicrafts available.

During your trip, it is likely your local guides will take you to emporiums and handicraft workshops. Guides will often assume that visitors will want to go shopping, it is very much part of the culture, but if you do not wish to go, please make this clear to your guide and Exodus leader at the time. Many people find this a great opportunity to buy local handicrafts, silk, jewellery and carpets.

Optional Excursions

There are plenty of opportunities for local excursions and cultural experiences throughout this trip, some of which are detailed in the daily itinerary. For an overview of the optional extras, please see below:

Delhi (start or end of trip):

  • Delhi half day city tour: approximately 1,500 – 5,500 Indian rupees (US$18 – $53) per person (depending on the group size)

Tour includes: visit to old Delhi, drive pass by Red Fort, visit Gandhi memorial and drive pass by colonial buildings and visit India Gate. Price includes transportation, local guide and tipping. Monument entrances are not included, the sightseeing is for unpaid monuments.

  • Morning Old Delhi City Walk with Salaam Baalak Trust: approximately 3,500 – 5,500 Indian rupees (US$42 – $53) per person (depending on the group size)

Led by ex-street kids of Delhi, this insightful walk will start from Jama Masjid and take you through the narrow alleys in the heart of the old city. Price includes transportation, local guide and tipping. Jama Masjid monument entrance is are not included. Please note this tour is subject to availability at time of request.

Jaipur:

  • Local Cooking Class (day 2): approximately 2,500 Indian rupees (US$30) per person

You will be welcomed into a local home where your host will take you through cooking up some traditional dishes, like veg Pakora’s (Indian snack) vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes such as chicken or mutton curry, matter paneer and Chapattis. After devouring your home-cooked meal, you’ll finish up with preparing a local Rajasthani sweet dish called Laapsi. Price includes: cookery class with a 4-dish meal, rice, rotis and tea/coffee and transportation to/from the home.

Varanasi:

  • Visit to Sarnath: approximately 1,000 – 3,800 Indian rupee (US$12 – $46) per person (depending on the group size)

Price includes monument entrances, local guide, transportation and tipping.

  • Evening ceremony at Ganges Ghats: approximately 1,500 – 4,000 Indian rupees (US$18 – $48) per person (depending on the group size)

Price includes boat fees, auto ride/rickshaw fees and tipping.

Tipping

Tipping is a part of Indian culture and usually expected. It can often be an awkward affair, especially when in an unfamiliar country where you are not sure when or how much to tip. As such, your tour leader will offer to arrange and look after a group tipping kitty, which will be used to tip hotel staff, sightseeing guides, bus drivers and other support staff used throughout your trip. Your leader will suggest how much to contribute, depending on group size, but it is usually in the region of 2,200 rupees (approximately US$30) per person based on the maximum group size of 16 passengers. For smaller groups, the leader may ask to collect more than the suggested amount relative to the group size, this is to assist with covering the standard tipping expectations for things like the local guides, drivers, and hotel staff (which, are generally fixed amounts no matter the group size).

At any time during the trip, your leader will be happy to show you an account of how the kitty is being distributed. Please note, for smaller groups the leader may have to collect more than the above amount.

Tipping of leaders is not included in the kitty and is at your own discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation a tip of around 475 rupees (USD$6) per person per day would be appreciated.

People, Places & Planet

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips which improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

  • The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural and social sensitivities.
  • This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally-owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food and support of other local enterprise.
  • The hotels we stay in are dedicated to hiring local staff, this helps to benefit the surrounding community by providing employment opportunities and income alternatives where they may be otherwise hard to come by.
  • Our local partners share a commitment to projects which benefit their communities.
  • This tour encourages guests to visit local cafes and restaurants and use markets to purchase traditional crafts.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

  • Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
  • By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
  • On this trip we visit national heritage sites and the entrance fees included generates income which is used for the upkeep and development of these important monuments and nature parks.
  • Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
  • We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for re-usable bottles.
  • Where possible on this trip paper bags are used as an alternative to single-use plastics.
  • As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, Exodus supports the TOFTigers’ campaign to protect biodiversity and restore habitats across India’s national parks through the wise use of sustainable tourism.

Highlights of Northern India – Summer itinerary

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

  • Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
  • Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally-sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
  • In some restaurants there is the option to have plant-based meals.
  • This trip favours locally-owned and run accommodation.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

  • Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
  • Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own re-usable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.

Cultural respect

  • Best to ask before photographing people, ceremonies, or sacred sites.
  • It’s polite to use only your right hand when eating something without cutlery and when handing money and small objects to someone else.
  • Before entering a holy place remove your shoes and give them to the shoe minder. When you collect your shoes again give the minder a few rupees. You’re permitted to wear socks in most places of worship.
  • Religious etiquette advises against touching the heads of locals even children, or directing the soles of your feet at a person, shrine,  or an image of a deity. You should not touch a carving of a deity.
  • When visiting religious sites dress and behave respectfully, don’t wear shorts and sleeveless tops – this applies to both men and women. Head cover for women and sometimes men is required in some places of worship.
  • Generally it is best to dress modestly throughout your time in India as a sign of respect.
  • Making the effort to fit in is invariably appreciated so being aware of these aspects of cultural respect will assist you during your travels in India.

 

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.