What’s the overnight train like?
A/C carriage with stacked berths, bedding provided, shared washrooms. Bring earplugs, eye mask, light layer, hand sanitiser, tissues. Keep valuables in your daypack.
What luggage should I bring?
One medium soft bag/roller you can lift onto trains + small daypack. Pack light; laundries are available in major stops.
Are airport transfers included?
Arrival transfer on Day 1 is included. Departure transfer on Day 12 is not, but your guide can help arrange it.
What’s included vs. not?
See “What’s Included/What’s Not” on the listing—headline: all on-tour transport, key activities/entries, 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners, guides, and the DXB⇄DEL feeder-hub CO₂ coverage at 200%. Flights to/from India, visas, optional add-ons, and most lunches/dinners are not included.
How spicy is the food? Can you handle dietary needs?
India is brilliant for vegetarians. Vegan/gluten-free can often be accommodated with advance notice. Spice levels can be toned down—just say “medium spice, please.”
Is the water safe?
Use bottled or filtered water only. Avoid ice unless confirmed purified. We recommend carrying a refillable bottle.
Money—how much cash vs. card?
ATMs are common in cities, but can be patchy—carry some INR cash for markets/tips. Cards accepted at hotels/many restaurants. Small notes are handy.
Tipping—what’s normal?
Restaurants (no service charge): 5–10%
Porters: ₹50–100/bag
Local guides/drivers: your tour leader will brief group guidelines
How about safety?
India is welcoming; standard city smarts apply—keep phones secure in crowds, use licensed transport, and be wary of unsolicited “helpers.” Your guide is your best ally.
Dress code—do I need to cover up?
At temples/holy sites, cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes. A light scarf is useful. Everyday wear: breathable, modest clothing.
Connectivity—SIM, Wi-Fi, charging?
Hotels usually have Wi-Fi. Buy a local SIM/eSIM (Airtel/Jio) on arrival with passport ID. Plugs are Type C/D/M, 230 V—bring a universal adaptor and power bank.
Can I take photos everywhere?
Ask before photographing people/ceremonies. Some monuments charge camera fees—your guide will flag where.
How much free time is there?
Most days include structured highlights plus flex time for markets, cafés, or optional activities (e.g., Amber Fort, leopard safari, Jodhpur zipline).
What about air quality and heat?
Delhi in Dec–Jan can be hazy; a P2/N95 mask can help. Apr–Jun gets hot—early starts, hats, sunscreen, and electrolytes are key. See “Weather Expectations.”
Laundry?
Hotel laundry services or local laundries available in Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur (fast turnarounds; cash preferred).
CO₂ footprint—how do you calculate it?
We assume travellers route via a single feeder hub (DXB⇄DEL) + all on-tour emissions. Per guest total is ~1.02 tCO₂e, and we apply a 200% counter-impact. See the CO₂ section for details.
Solo traveller—will I fit in?
Absolutely. Many guests come solo. We’ll pair you in a twin room with another traveller (same gender when possible), and the group vibe is friendly and inclusive.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes—rail timetables, festivals, and local conditions can shift the order. We always swap in equal-or-better experiences where needed.
Anything I should not do?
Avoid elephant rides and feeding monkeys; be cautious of “the monument is closed” scam; use official ticket counters; follow your guide’s lead at holy sites.
