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India: Women's Expedition
12 Days Starting and ending in Delhi, India
Visiting: Delhi, Jaisalmer, Thar Desert, Jodhpur, Chandelao Garh, Jaipur, Agra
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
Women Only
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an enriching journey through northern India with the "India: Women's Expedition" tour, designed to offer a unique perspective on the lives of local women. Led by a female guide, this immersive experience takes you from the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene Thar Desert, and the vibrant cities of Jodhpur and Jaipur. Engage with inspiring women artisans in Chandelao Garh, enjoy a traditional Kalbeliya dance in the desert, and explore the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra. Travel in women-only metro carriages, ride with the eco-friendly Pink City Rickshaw Company, and savor authentic Indian cuisine during a home-cooking class. This tour not only showcases India's iconic landmarks but also highlights the strength and creativity of its women, offering a truly transformative travel experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Namaste! Welcome to Delhi. Your women’s expedition will begin with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel. Meet your local leader and fellow female travellers and find out what to expect over the course of your adventure. After, get to know your group and enjoy your first taste of India’s famous cuisine over an included dinner at a local restaurant.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Jaisalmer
Location: Jaisalmer
Accommodation Name: Hotel
It's an early start this morning as we board a 4:30am train to Jaisalmer. Make friends with entertaining chaiwalas (tea vendors), food vendors and enjoy conversations with the locals to pass the time and make this an unforgettable experience. There’s no food cart on the train, but your local leader will recommend the best snacks for you to buy before you board the train, so you won’t be left hungry.
We'll arrive in Jaisalmer late this evening and check in to our hotel for a good nights rest.
Day 3: Thar Desert
Location: Thar Desert
Accommodation Name: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: Dinner
After breakfast jump into Jeeps and head towards the Thar Desert. The Thar Desert covers 200,000 square km, so while you won’t get to see it all, you will spend the day exploring the rolling sand hills before arriving at your desert camp. Here, you’ll meet some local men and women – the men will head off to prepare a traditional Rajasthani dinner, giving you a chance to get to know the women. They will also put on a Kalbeliya dance performance – a traditional female dance where women in long skirts replicate the movements of a serpent as a representation of the snake charmer’s role in traditional Rajasthani society.
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Day 4: Jodphur
Location: Jodhpur
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the desert camp, you’ll drive back to Jaisalmer in your jeep. From here, you’ll have a chance to check in to your hotel and freshen up before heading out on a walking tour with your leader to get to know this storied desert city. The citadel was built by Rawal Jaisal of the Bhati Rajput in 1156 AD, and with a history that’s been carefully recorded by the bards of Rajasthan since the 12th century, it’s not hard to imagine what life here once looked like. Strung between the former trade routes of the Great Thar Desert, your leader will share stories of Jaisalmer’s prosperous past. Return to your hotel and transfer to the train station to board the train to Jodhpur, arriving in the evening.
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Day 5: Jodhpur
Location: Jodhpur
Accommodation Name: Hotel
This morning after breakfast, head straight to the striking Mehrangarh Fort that towers over the city. Enjoy a guided tour as you explore some of the ornately decorated palaces and visit one of Rajasthan’s most interesting museums to learn about battles past. From here, you’ll go to the Sadar Bazaar in the Old City for a guided market tour and the opportunity to taste local delicacies like lassi and dal baati – both classics of Indian cuisine for a good reason (they’re delicious!). You may like to spend the rest of the evening exploring the Old City, and your local leader will be able to recommend great places for dinner.
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Day 6: Chandelao Garh
Location: Chandelao Garh
Accommodation Name: Heritage Property
Meals Included: Dinner
Say goodbye to Jodhpur and drive to the village of Chandelao Garh. Get your bearings during a walk through the village, then visit Sunder Rang – a project that employs local artisans, mostly women, while keeping traditional craft practices alive. Meaning ‘beautiful colours’, the vibrant pieces crafted by the women at Sunder Rang stand in contrast to the surrounding desert landscapes. More than 30 women are currently employed by Sunder Rang, with an hour of their workdays dedicated to their education. Meet the ladies who work here, browse the beautiful pieces they’ve created and learn about the project’s impact on their lives, their families and the wider village. This evening, take some time to explore Chandelao Garh further or relax at your heritage property accommodation. This evening – learn about the art of rangoli, where colourful patterns are made with various materials, join your hosts for traditional henna painting.
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Day 7: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Limber up and start your day with a yoga session at your accommodation, then hop back in your private vehicle and make the journey to Jaipur – the capital of the Rajasthan region. When you arrive, stretch your legs with an orientation walk around the city. Follow your leader down streets buzzing with camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles and explore bazaars bursting with colourful goods, including handcrafted textiles, folk art and the local speciality of semi-precious stones. After your walk, discover a beloved part of Indian culture as you head out for a screening of a Bollywood film. Visit the Raj Mandir Cinema – this Art Deco-style building is one of Jaipur’s most popular spots and has played host to many movie premiers.
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Day 8: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning, head into town for a memorable rickshaw ride with The Pink City Rickshaw Company – a not-for-profit organisation that aims to provide a new aspirational employment opportunity to 200 women from low-income households in Jaipur. See the highlights of the city and get to know your amazing female driver as you zip through the streets. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Amber Fort – one of Jaipur’s most recognisable landmarks. The red sandstone and marble palace is set high on a hill overlooking Maota Lake, and there is plenty of history to learn about as well as picturesque sights. This evening, visit a local home in Jaipur, where you’ll be welcomed for an evening of fun and feasting. Chat with your hosts about their lives, learn about the meals they make at home then sit down for a truly tasty dinner.
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Optional Activities:
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Day 9: Agra
Location: Agra
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Today you’ll make the trip to Agra by train. Your first stop will be a visit to the home of a local woman who will help you choose the perfect saree and show you how it's worn. She’ll also help you dress up with an armful of glittering bangles and a matching Bindi in the traditional style, ready for your sunset visit to India’s most iconic landmark – the Taj Mahal. Spend time wandering around the pristine grounds and watching the setting sun illuminate the stunning marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan in his favourite wife’s honour.
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Day 10: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning there is the opportunity for an optional sunrise visit to Taj Mahal.
Otherwise, explore Agra Fort before heading to Sheroes Hangout, a vegetarian & vegan cafe. This beautiful cafe is a one of kind social enterprise providing employment and opportunities for women who were the victims of acid attacks.
In the early evening leave Agra behind and hop on a train bound for Delhi (approximately 4 hours). Settle into your hotel for the evening
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Day 11: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Back in the country’s capital, navigate the city’s metro system in the morning and discover Old Delhi on a walking tour. For some parts of the tour, you may ride the metro in a women’s only carriage, giving you a unique insight into how local women travel around Delhi. Hitch a traditional cycle rickshaw ride through a typical Indian traffic jam in the streets around Chandni Chowk marketplace. Visit Delhi’s oldest and largest mosque – Jama Masjid. Duck into a Sikh temple for a quiet escape from the city and observe the spiritual side of this bustling metropolis.
Late this afternoon pay a visit to the Dilli Haat market, where artisans from across the country are invited to showcase their wares for 15 days at a time, ensuring prices are fair and not subject to the inflation common in big cities. Visitors are exposed to the culture and crafts of various corners of India, all on display in one place. The market is also home to a tempting array of food stalls, so you may like to take your tastebuds on a trip with some momos from Sikkim, spicy chicken from Nagaland or kebabs from Jammu.
This evening, perhaps join your group for a final dinner in Delhi and take the chance to look back on all you have seen and done on your journey.
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Day 12: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Today is your final day in India. There are no included activities planned, so you’re welcome to check out of the hotel any time before midday. If you’re departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel until your flight. If you want to stay an extra couple of days in Delhi, just speak to your booking agent.
What's Included
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Delhi - Welcome dinner
Enjoy a welcome dinner in Delhi as part of the tour.
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Thar Desert - Kalbeliya Dance Performance
Experience an exclusive Kalbeliya dance performance by local women in the Thar Desert.
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Thar Desert - Jeep Adventure
Take a jeep adventure into the Thar Desert.
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Jaisalmer - City Tour
Participate in a city tour of Jaisalmer.
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Jodhpur - Meherangarh Fort
Visit the Meherangarh Fort in Jodhpur.
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Jodhpur - Sadar Bazaar
Explore the Sadar Bazaar in Jodhpur.
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Jodhpur - City Walk
Enjoy a city walk in Jodhpur.
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Chandelao Garh - Village Walk
Take a village walk in Chandelao Garh.
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Chandelao Garh - Sundar Rang Crafts Centre Visit
Visit the Sundar Rang Crafts Centre in Chandelao Garh.
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Chandelao Garh - Rangoli making
Learn the art of Rangoli making in Chandelao Garh.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as visiting Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, and Red Fort in Delhi are not included.
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Hot Air Balloon Flights
Hot air balloon flights in Jaipur are not included and are subject to additional charges.
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Single Supplement
A single supplement is available for an additional cost if you prefer not to share a room.
Mode of Transport
Transportation involves a mix of private vehicles, trains, and auto-rickshaws. Trains offer a chance to see the countryside, though delays are common. Private vehicles are driven by experienced drivers, and auto-rickshaws provide a local travel experience. Flights are also utilized for longer distances.
Accommodation
Accommodation includes basic or simple stays in local guesthouses and homestays, with some shared bathroom facilities. A mix of air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms is used, and some areas may experience power outages. Desert camping offers a unique experience with simple facilities.
Important Information
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes the Overnight Train on Day 2, and Day 5 (Desert Camping) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.2. Hot air balloon flights are operated by Sky Waltz in Jaipur. Flights operate mornings from September to April and morning and evening from September to March. Morning flights depart around sunrise and evening flights late afternoon and last 60 mins. Return transfers, tea and coffee plus light refreshments and a certificate of flight are included in the cost. You can register your interest and pay your tour leader at your joining meeting on day 1 of your trip. Payment must be made by cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP only and is USD$260pp (subject to change). Flights are subject to ticket availability and weather conditions. Tickets are fully refundable in case of poor weather.3. 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. 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.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the Thar Desert visit?
During the visit to the Thar Desert, you will take a jeep adventure to explore the rolling sand hills and enjoy an exclusive Kalbeliya dance performance by local women. This traditional dance replicates the movements of a serpent and is a representation of the snake charmer's role in Rajasthani society.
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How does the tour support local women in India?
The tour supports local women by visiting projects like Sunder Rang in Chandelao Garh, which employs local female artisans and provides them with education while preserving traditional crafts. Additionally, the tour includes a city tour with The Pink City Rickshaw Company in Jaipur, a non-profit providing employment to women from low-income households.
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What cultural activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of cultural activities such as a saree lesson in Agra, a Bollywood movie screening at Raj Mandir in Jaipur, and a home-cooking class with a local family in Jaipur. You will also participate in traditional henna painting and rangoli making in Chandelao Garh.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
Accommodation during the tour varies from basic guesthouses and homestays to heritage properties. Some accommodations may have shared bathroom facilities with cold water only, and there may be instances of power outages due to load shedding. Desert camping involves sleeping on camp-style cots in the open air with basic facilities.
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What should I expect when traveling by train in India on this tour?
Traveling by train in India can be an adventure, with the possibility of delays and cancellations. The tour includes overnight train journeys where you may share compartments with local travelers. The trains are clean and air-conditioned, and your luggage travels with you, so packing light is recommended. There are food vendors on the trains, but hygiene standards may differ from what you are used to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.