Backpacking India: Experience

Groups on this trip usually run between 8 and 14 people, with a maximum of 16 on any departure. Travellers come from all over the world and range in age from 18 into their 40s.

Most people book on their own, so if you are travelling solo you will be in good company from the first evening in Delhi. Booking with a friend or partner? Let us know and we will keep you together.

Included: 12 nights of accommodation, 17 meals (12 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners), every activity on the itinerary, all transport between destinations including the flight from Delhi to Jodhpur on day 3, your airport pick-up when you land in Delhi, and a group leader with you for all 13 days, with local guides along the way.

Not included: international flights, travel insurance, your India visa, the airport drop-off at the end, the meals not listed on the itinerary, drinks and spending money.

Because your accommodation, activities, transport and 17 meals are already paid for, most travellers on this trip budget around £300 for the whole 13 days (roughly €350, US$400 or AU$600). That covers the meals that are not included, drinks, shopping and souvenirs.

You can withdraw cash from ATMs at various points along the way. Tipping is not compulsory, but it is very much expected in India, so allow a little extra for it.

You do not need to be especially fit, but a reasonable level of fitness helps. There are a few walks up to viewpoints, none of them strenuous, and the days in Delhi, Jodhpur and Jaipur mean plenty of time on your feet around forts, markets and old towns.

Expect some early starts too: sunrise yoga in Pushkar, the morning safari in Ranthambore and sunrise at the Taj Mahal.

Twin or double share rooms for all 12 nights, and the places you stay are part of the trip: two nights in Delhi, two in a heritage haveli in Jodhpur, a night glamping in luxury tents at a desert camp near Pushkar, a night in Pushkar, two in a heritage hotel in Jaipur, two at a resort outside Ranthambore National Park, a night in Agra and a final night in South Delhi.

Solo travellers share with someone of the same gender. If you would rather have a room to yourself, ask us about a private room when you book.

At Hotel Cottage Yes Please in Delhi, where you stay for the first two nights in twin or double rooms. It is where your airport pick-up takes you on day 1.

Arriving a day or two early? Let us know as soon as you can and we will check availability and pricing for extra nights. Please note that accommodation may occasionally change due to availability.