India

While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.

Optional activities in Delhi

• Visit the Lodhi Gardens
• Humayun's Tomb
• Gandhi Smriti (Birla House - Place of Mahatma Gandhi's Assassination)

Optional Activities in Jaipur

• Bollywood Dance Class
• Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema
• Hot Air Balloon Experience
• Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind)
• Cooking Demo with Dinner at local home

Rajasthan is a semi-arid state, with 70% of its territory covered by deserts. The warm, dry weather makes Rajasthan an excellent place to travel at any time of the year.

The hottest months are May and June when the average daily temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celcius). The monsoon season in Rajasthan is from July to September; however, rainfall remains moderate, and it only rains one day out of three on average. 

October to March is the best time to visit Rajasthan when the weather is dry and cool. The temperature during these months varies between 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celcius) during the day and 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celcius) at night.

Please be eco-friendly!

• Bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the tap.
• Minimize plastic usage by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and shops.
• Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they negatively affect the environment.
• Use "reef safe" sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate because they kill coral.

We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Read the Ultimate Guide to Packing for India's Golden Triangle.

India is a gigantic country, and we realize it’s impossible to see it all quickly. Hence, for this itinerary, we are focusing on Rajasthan, a state in northern India. If you want to explore the Himalayan hills or the southern beaches of Goa, simply extend your time in India.

Rajasthan has attracted travelers for generations due to its rich history, historical forts, magnificent palaces, and stunning arts and cultures. Moreover, it is home to colorful cities, awestruck landscapes, and wildlife. Though we only take you to a small part of this enormous country, trust us when we say this itinerary will still offer an incredible and unique cultural experience.

You are entering a country home to 1.4 billion people, making it the most populous country ever. Add in the millions of tourists who visit each year, and there's no way for you to be alone. You can expect crowded markets and to be sweaty. Unsanitary conditions are also possible. Traffic jams are common, and you can hear horns honking at all times. In other words, all your senses will be overwhelmed.  But most of all, expect to be immersed in this incredible culture.

Somebody once described the culture shock of Delhi as stepping into a boxing ring and taking a hard punch to the face. Some get knocked down and can’t take anymore, and some get right back up, take it all on, and go on to live through an experience they will never forget. So ask, “Which one will you be?” 

• Age requirement: 21+
• Group size: 16 max, average 10-13
• Physical rating: Light. There will be long walking days in the heat while we explore markets, local neighborhoods, and heritage sites throughout the trip.

Feel free to reach out to our all-star customer service team at bookings@under30experiences.com or by messaging on WhatsApp +1 (888) 959-4436.

Yes! When travelers take advantage of our “Switch Your Trip” program, last-minute slots open up on sold-out trips. Visit our Trips On Sale page for the latest last-minute deals. Sign up to the list to be notified.

Of course! This trip is your trip, and you don’t have to participate in anything you don’t want to. Just be aware that opting out of included activities will not change the trip's price.

The majority of Indian society is still conservative. While most travelers will have a welcoming and hospitable experience, discretion is still advised for LGBTQIA+ travelers, particularly in more remote towns and villages, which may be more conservative. The same advice is also given to heterosexual couples, as public displays of affection other than hugging and holding hands are generally frowned upon.

For its size, India has a very low crime rate and is generally a safe country. However, as with any international travel, please be aware of your surroundings. Always zip your purse and carry your wallet in your front pocket. 

Be vigilant in the markets and avoid pickpockets and distraction scams. Additionally, monitor your luggage at train/bus stations and airports.

Our groups will be using the Canter (open-roof bus) safari vehicle. This safari vehicle is open from all sides to explore wildlife in the forest of Ranthambore National Park, providing the best wildlife viewing experience.

Travelers will be exposed to the sun in these open-roof vehicles, so we recommend using a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to avoid sunburn.

Both trains included in this itinerary are express trains. 

On day three, the Delhi to Agra train will be in an air-conditioned chair car. On day four, the Bharatpur to Sawai Madhopur train will travel in an air-conditioned sleeper class.

You can do laundry at the accommodations in Ranthambore National Park on day four and Jaipur on day six. Please ask the hotel staff upon arrival.

Many cafés, shops, restaurants, and accommodations in India accept credit cards, with Mastercard and Visa being the most common. Cash is still king, especially outside of cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai.

In India, people bargain everywhere. However, please be respectful and not overly aggressive. Bargaining for lower prices with the shop vendors can be exhilarating and fun, plus a new style of shopping for many of us.

ATMs are widespread across India in both cities and smaller towns. Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Maestro are the most commonly accepted cards, but Visa and Mastercard are more likely to be successful. The daily withdrawal limit differs from bank to bank.

We suggest bringing 350 USD in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.

This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

Immunizations are not required to visit India. (Exception: if you are traveling from an area infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a certificate.)

Depending on the season and region of travel, certain vaccinations, and medications are suggested, and we will recommend preventative measures. 

We encourage all travelers to be current on routine immunizations and tetanus and hepatitis A vaccines, as your physician recommends. 

For detailed information, please contact your physician or visit the CDC website: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel

India is notorious among travelers for sickness – we’ve all heard horror stories about Delhi belly. We do not recommend ever drinking tap water in India, and travelers should avoid drinks with ice and foods that haven’t been cooked or peeled. Salad is off the menu for now­–let your inner child rejoice!

Squat toilets are the most common toilets in India. Always carry your own toilet paper, soap, or hand sanitizer, as they are usually not provided. You can find flushable, Western-style toilets in up-market restaurants, higher-end hotels, and tourist areas.

Panipuri–hollow puffed balls filled with potato mixture and served with sweet and tangy pani (water).
Bhelpur –a savory snack made of puffed rice, vegetables, and a tangy tamarind sauce.
Stuffed paratha – layered flatbread stuffed with potatoes/vegetables/coconut shred/paneer.
Bhaji–spicy Indian snack dish, like a fritter, most popular are onion, cauliflower, and paneer, but the varieties are endless.
Samosa—a fried pastry with a vegetable or meat filling—typically uses spiced potatoes, lentils, lamb mince, or combinations.

For dessert, try one of the many lassies, a local milkshake that can also be served savory, or rabri, a sweet milk-based dessert–super-rich in flavor, so you may want to share! Or try jalebi with ice cream, deep-fried sweet pretzels that every street vendor will entice you with!

Eat like a local with delicious Indian dishes such as chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, and biryani. Let’s not forget samosas and naan, either!

Sample Breakfast Menu:

• Expect a mixture of Indian and continental cuisine

Sample Dinner Menu:‍

• Rice
• Naan
• Curries
• Mixtures of vegetables

India is home to some of the most vibrant flavors and spice-forward preparations you will ever taste. Whether dining on the traditional classics or seeking out regional specialties, here are some must-try Indian dishes:

• Palak Paneer: Palak translates to spinach, and paneer is a semi-firm, fresh-pressed cheese. The result is a delicious combination that might make you consider pairing the two all the time.
• Korma: Korma is a rich, smooth stew, typically made with meat, although vegetarian adaptations exist.
• Murgh Makhani, known in the US as butter chicken, is a dish served with rice or naan to soak up the extra sauce. It will surely find its way to your table.
• Pakora: a savory, deep-fried Indian snack made with chunks of vegetables such as potato, cauliflower, and eggplant, or meat of choice, which is then dipped in chickpea flour, seasoned with turmeric, salt, chili, or other spices, and deep-fried in ghee.

Aloo Gobi: a vegetarian dry curry, made with potatoes (aloo), cauliflower (gobi), and Indian spices. It has a warm, yellow-orange color because it contains turmeric.

Yes. Here are some suggestions for power adapters when traveling in India.

Travelers to India typically need a Type D or Type M electrical socket adapter. Type D sockets have three round pins in a triangular pattern, while Type M sockets have three large, round pins. Both are commonly used in India. Travelers would not need all three types (C, D, and M), but having an adapter for either Type D or Type M should cover their needs during their trip.

All personal opinions and fashion preferences aside, the reality is that your clothing in India will affect how locals perceive you. India is still a male-dominated and mostly conservative society with an equally conservative dress code in most parts of the country. Below are some handy tips:

• Cover your shoulders, cleavage, and thighs.
• Avoid wearing thin spaghetti-strap tops, mini-skirts or shorts, and tight clothing. Tight jeans are okay if you wear a long, loose top or shirt over them.
• Only wear swimwear at the beach. When you're in a smaller, more remote destination, you might consider wearing a loose t-shirt over your swimwear.
• Opt for loose-fitting shirts, t-shirts, long dresses, knee-level or below-knee shorts, pants, and skirts.
• Clothing made from linen or a linen blend is excellent to wear in hot weather.
• If in doubt, always err on the side of modesty when choosing your outfits. Many travelers dress like locals and buy a few harem pants or tunics while traveling through India.

Two things are essential regarding knowing how to dress while traveling through India. You need to feel comfortable in your clothing and respect the local cultures. 

India is a conservative country, and while the dress code may appear a little more relaxed in some large cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, elsewhere, it’s appropriate and polite to dress modestly, keeping your shoulders and knees covered. This applies to male and female visitors and is especially imperative when visiting a mosque, temple, mausoleum, or any other religious building.

Hindi is India's most widely spoken language; however, countless others are spoken in different regions. These include Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, and more. A very high standard of English is spoken in towns and cities nationwide.

We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a maximum of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Travelers need a visa to visit India for Business or Tourism for a maximum stay of 180 days in one calendar year. An India eVisa is the fastest and easiest way to obtain a visa because travelers can submit their applications and supporting documents online.

All travelers must complete an e-Arrival Card before entering India.