From Rajasthan to the sacred cities
In a private tour
Travel time
24 days
unforgettable adventures
Program
NORTH INDIA – INDIA – TAJ MAHAL – EXPLORE THIS DESTINATION DIFFERENTLY
This route is simply magical! Enter Rajasthan by the famous Silk Road, passing through Sekhawati, a little-known region, to reach Bikaner in the heart of the Thar Desert. You walk through the famous cities of Rajasthan: The capital of yoga, Rishikesh, The sacred city Haridwar Jodhpur, Pushkar, Jaipur, without forgetting the famous Taj Mahal in Agra. of your final destination: Benares, the Indian spiritual capital located on the banks of the Ganges, the highlight of your trip to North India.
In Rajasthan, it is above all the discovery of the magnificent Mughal architecture dating from the time of the Maharajas between palaces and fortresses, famous throughout the world. You explore some of the most beautiful temples, whether Hindu, Sikh or Jain. In Le Uttrarakhand, the cultural richness and religious fervor are always very present, an excellent stopover towards Benares. You visit two sacred cities in saptapuri. The Seven Sacred Cities of India, in the local language Sapta Puri, are important pilgrimage destinations for Hindu devotees. These are the sacred places where it is possible to attain Moksha, or liberation from Samsara, the eternal cycle of reincarnation and with this access to Nirvana.
This program invites you to meet and share with its local populations, in search of a real immersion through three regions of North India with different cultures and traditions. Experience a real inner journey through the atmosphere of the spiritual places discovered throughout your itinerary.
Detailed itinerary
Strong points
-An unforgettable session of “Bollywood” cinema.
-Dinner with traditional dance
– Rickshaw ride
-Visit of a village and a school
– Boat trip in Udaipur
– Sleep one night in the desert
-The boat trip in the lake.
-The camel safari and the visit of the traditional dance
– Participate in holy ceromonay of hindu.
INDIRA GHANDI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Day 1
New Delhi, first steps in India
As soon as you arrive at the airport, your driver welcomes you with a warm “Namaste”, welcome in Hindi. After getting settled in your hotel, you meet your North India Travel Expert who will give you some advice on organizing your stay. Then, dive straight into the heart of Indian spirituality. To the south of the city, you will discover the Lotus temple, a marvel of contemporary architecture in the shape of this symbol of purity. You then reach the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh temple where Har Krishan is worshipped. In the evening, go to the east of the city to marvel at the spectacle of fountains, sound and lights of the immense Akshardham temple.
DELHI–MANDAWA
Day 2
The Silk Road in Shekhawati (4h30 by car from Delhi).
This morning, you cross a rural India where you meet camel drivers and shepherds, accompanied by their herds. Direction Shekhawati, this little known region, made of sand and clay land halfway between the lands of the Ganges and the Thar desert. It is here that you can admire the famous Haveli which make the charm of the region, having belonged to the wealthy Rajput Princes or silk and spice traders. A magnificent, almost magical decor that immediately transports you to another time. Take advantage of your afternoon to stroll through the alleys of the town of Mandawa to admire these splendid mansions more closely. Overnight in Haveli.
MANDAWA – BIKANER
Day 3
The incredible Haveli of Nadine Le Prince
Today, you resume your journey in an increasingly arid and desolate landscape. You stop to visit the Haveli of Nadine le Prince, this exceptional heritage that the French artist has taken to heart to restore. You enter the Thar desert to reach the fortified city of Bikaner. Discover the Indian fervor through its congested streets and its overflowing animation. You visit the first Fort of your trip, the Junagarh Fort, an imposing red sandstone construction that you walk with a guide between several small palaces, courtyards and hidden corridors. The opportunity to immerse yourself in Indian history and culture. Night at HOTEL
BIKANER – JAISALMER
Day 4
Road through the Indian countryside
This morning, before leaving Bikaner, visit the huge Junagarh Fort, a superb maze of corridors, stairs, terraces and inner courtyards. Then, you cross villages whose whitewash designs adorn the facades of traditional houses, observing the women at their occupations dressed in shimmering Saris which gives the landscapes colorful notes. Around you is a landscape that alternates between sparse cultivation, desert and semi-arid desert where you can see antelopes. A very nice spectacular road! In the middle of the Thar desert, Jaisalmer emerges before your eyes, the golden city of the desert. Check into your hotel for 2 nights.
JAISALMER
Day 5
The city of gold
Today you explore the city of ancient Silk Road brigands. It is nicknamed “the city of gold” or even “the city of sands” because of the golden reflections of its imposing wall which rises like a castle of sand. Discover the Fort Sonar Quila which dominates the hill and which houses the Raj Mahal palace and Jain temples which offers you a delicately sculpted decor. Then, marvel at the Patwon ki Haveli with 60 different balconies and the Salim ki Haveli with its roof carved with peacocks. In the evening, you love the magic of the Haveli with their illuminated facades. Night at the hotel.
JAISALMER – THE THAR
Day 6
Camel safari in the thar desert
Early in the morning, you take the jeep to reach the village of Khuri where camel drivers and dromedaries await you. Passing by the necropolis of Barabagh, the Jain temple Amar Sagar and the ruins of the village of Kuldhara, abandoned to the wind, you are definitely charmed by this region. You have lunch in the small village and share a moment with its inhabitants of the desert. Then, savor the serenity of the desert, on the back of a camel, in the sand dunes. After a magnificent sunset out of time, you experience the night in a bivouac or in a tent in the heart of the desert which gives you new sensations. An unforgettable day !
JAISALMER – JODHPUR
Day 7
The imposing fortress of Mehrangarh
This morning, after having discovered the unusual temple of Deshnok, also called “temples of the sacred rats”, you take the road again for Jodhpur, “the blue city”. Visit the Mehrangarh fortress, which overlooks the city from the top of its high hill at an altitude of 120m. You then discover a spectacular panoramic view of the hundreds of blue houses, which would be supposed to keep insects away. You then understand the nickname given to the city and become aware of all its beauty. This fortress, carved out of the rock, is one of the best preserved in Rajasthan. Enjoy your evening and Overnight in Haveli.
JODHPUR – JOJAWAR
Day 8
Discovery of the Blue City
This morning, you visit the Mehrangarh fortress, which overlooks “the blue city” and offers you a breathtaking panoramic view of the hundreds of blue houses. It also houses palaces with graceful names such as the Palace of Pearls, Palace of Flowers or the Palace of Mirrors. Through the winding streets, you go down to the very beautiful Clock Tower and the famous Sardar Bazar where you will find plenty of stalls selling traditional fabrics, spices and tea. A good way to rediscover the taste and flavors of India once back home. Then, return to your hotel in Jojawar, nestled in the heart of the Aravalli Mountains.
JOJAWAR – NARLAI
Day 9
Meet the Bishnoi
After an excellent breakfast facing the Mehrangarh Fort, you hit the road again and stop in a traditional Bishnoi village to meet this unique community in India. Bishnoi means 29 in Hindi. You then discover an ecological people before the hour, who based their way of life on 29 principles or strict rules. After spending time near these wise men, their animals and their temples, your private driver will take you to Narlai, a small authentic village located at the foot of the Aravalli Mountains in a charming hotel. At the end of the afternoon, relax by the pool.
NARLAI – UDAIPUR
Day 10
Ranakpur & Khumbalgarh
After breakfast, you take the road towards Ranakpur to marvel at the Jain temple of Adinath, carved like an ivory jewel. You continue to Kumbalgarh, off the beaten track, to access one of the most beautiful forts in the region. Continue to the city of lakes, Udaipur.
UDAIPUR
Day 11
Lake Pichola Sunset Tour
Your visit to Udaipur, the Venice of the East, is a real time machine! You wander through the labyrinths of the City Palace, whose royal residences bear witness to the many architectural influences that have followed one another here over the centuries. Before the day is over, you will observe all the facets of the most romantic city in Rajasthan along a cruise on Lake Pichola. In the early evening you mingle with the locals during the daily Hindu procession of the Jagdish temple and share their songs and their joy
UDAIPUR- PUSHKAR, THE SACRED CITY OF RAJASTHAN
Day 12
Sacred lake and temple dedicated to Brahma
Wake up early to take advantage of the incredible market of Jodhpur, which animates the center of the city and, why not have your breakfast there. Overcrowded, vibrant, colorful and fragrant, between jewelry, fabrics and spices, all your senses are awakened. Your driver then takes you to Pushkar for the lunch break. Surrounded by 400 temples, the sacred lake would have formed following the passage of Brahma, Hindu god, who dropped a lotus petal. It welcomes hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who come to purify themselves. It is also in this city that the largest camel fair in India is held every November. Overnight at PUSHKAR
PUSHKAR – BUNDI
Day 13
Chittorgarh, the largest fort in India
Visiting Rajasthan is also contemplating the landscapes that pass through time before your eyes. Fort e Chittorgarh, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transports you to another time before continuing the road to the village of Bundi, which will appear like a small Jodhpur from the top of the hills through which you will arrive, due to the blue color of his houses. Stroll through this lively little town, dotted with temples and bazaars that are sure to brighten up your trip to Rajasthan
BUNDI – RANTHABORE
Day 14
In the kingdom of tigers
In the morning, you visit the Taragarh Fort and the magnificent Rajput Palace built on the hill, and admire its magnificent murals. You continue towards the national park of Ranthambore reputed to be one of the places where one can best observe the wild life of this country. With your naturalist guide, you explore the reserve in search of the most shy inhabitant, the tiger!
RANTHABORE- JAIPUR
Day 16
The pink city and its majestic fort
Today you visit Amber Fort, the original seat of royal power and one of the most beautiful buildings in Rajasthan. Sculpted marbles, encrusted mirrors, bucolic gardens and views of the mountains and the plain are on the program. Go back down to the historic center of the city to stroll along its famous pink houses. Below, the view of the fort is also impressive. Discover the extraordinary facade of the Palace of the Winds, pierced with 953 open windows, from where women could contemplate the outside without exposing themselves. Satisfy your astral curiosity with a local guide at the Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory. Night at the hotel
JAIPUR
Day 17
Conquest of Amber Fort
This morning you climb to Amber Fort and are seized by this moving and rich landscape. Ingeniously crafted, its frescoes, mosaics, sculptures and mirrors are a real delight for your eyes. Back in the center of Jaipur, let yourself be transported to the time of Hindu harems: the Palace of the Winds Hawa Mahal with 953 airy windows from which women contemplated the outside without exposing themselves. About twenty gigantic instruments at the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory teach you a lot about astrology.
Jaipur-Abhaneri-Agra:
Day 18
Morning Hindu Ceremony at Birla Temple
At dawn, go to the Birla Temple to dive into the heart of spiritual India by attending the daily Hindu ceremony. On the exterior walls, scenes from Hindu mythology stand alongside other portraits: Christ, Socrates, Zarathustra, Buddha, Confucius.
Departure for Agra, on the road visit the village of Abhaneri and chand baoli which is an old water reservoir. The Red Fort whose high red sandstone walls dominate the Yamuna River.
AGRA-VARANASI
Day 19
Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
Get up early to visit one of the seven wonders of the world! As the sun rises, the marble of the Taj Mahal encrusted with precious stones is tinged with golden tones. This tomb was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in the likeness of his deceased queen: let your guide tell you the story behind this iconic monument. Take an afternoon bike ride through the countryside near the Taj Mahal. This walk off the beaten track will make you discover an authentic rural India. In the villages, you visit a school, drink chai in a family of farmers and enjoy beautiful views of the Taj. Back in Agra stroll through the local bazaars with your guide and discover a less traveled old town. You explore a maze of alleys where you meet snake charmers and shopkeepers of all kinds and visit a very old Shiva temple with a very special atmosphere. Embark on an overnight train adventure to reach Varanasi in the morning. Night in 2nd Class AC.
Day 20 |
Varanasi, spiritual capital
Your local driver picks you up at the end of the morning at the train station and drops you off at your hotel near the ghats. Varanasi “the city between two rivers” is one of the holiest cities in India. If the Ganges washes away all impurities, Benares liberates from reincarnation. Is it not Shiva himself, the tutelary deity of the city, who whispers the mantra of deliverance in the ear of the dying?
At the end of the afternoon, your English-speaking guide will meet you at your guesthouse to take you on a night stroll in the old town with the theme “Death and rebirth in Varanasi”. Excellent introduction to the city and the opportunity to discover in depth the heart of the holy city. You will be back for dinner. Night at the hotel
Day 21 |
Varanasi or Benares
At sunrise at 5 a.m., you embark on a boat trip on the courses of the Ganges and along the Ghats where the ritual baths, this rebirth in the world, take place. A crowd of Hindus from all over the country carry out their ablutions there or bury deceased relatives in the sacred fire of cremations which has been burning there for more than 3000 years.
Take your lunch in one of the many sidewalk cafes in the city. In the afternoon, stroll through the alleys of the old town, visit for example the Nepalese temple Nepali Mandir, one of the oldest temples in the city, with sculptures carved in wood.
At the end of the day, along the Ganges, attend the Aarti ceremony where for millennia the Brahmins have paid a vibrant homage to the river in sacred gestures accompanying incantations to the sound of cymbals.
Day 23 |
Sarnath-Delhi
Take advantage of your last morning in the sacred city to soak up its atmosphere of millennial sacredness. Very close to the sacred city of the Hindus, you will discover an emblematic place of Buddhism: Sarnath. In the Parc des Daims, the Awakened preached for the first time and founded the monastic community. The remains of the main temple built on the site where Buddha would have lived, the Dhamekh and Dharmarajika stupas erected by Ashoka, as well as one of the columns by which the emperor spread Buddhism remain.
You will discover in this place a magnificent museum rich in both Hindu and Buddhist collections.
DELHI – INDIRA GANDHI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Day 24
Return flight
Depending on the schedule of your return flight, why not take the opportunity to make the last visits that are important to you? The driver remains at your disposal. You can roam the bazaars to unearth your last souvenirs, relax in Lodhi Garden, a haven of peace in this throbbing capital or even visit Gandhi’s house. Sip a last Chai or masala tea and your private driver will accompany you to the international airport. Our services are ending. Do not hesitate to contact one of our North India travel experts who will be happy to answer your questions and requests.
These prices include:
-hotels with breakfast and dinner
-Two bedrooms with an extra bed
– Land transport in a passenger vehicle
– Accommodation in more 3-star hotels and former havelis on the basis of accommodation in a double / twin room.
-All entrance tickets (right) to the monuments mentioned in the program and all excursions.
– The service of a local French speaking guide.
– Visits and excursions mentioned in the itinerary
– The full board program and The bus with Music, Figo, air conditioning.
– Assistance from your travel expert 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
These prices not include:
International flights and airport taxes.
Visa fees
Assistance-repatriation insurance.
The drinks.
Personal expenses and tips.
Activities and excursions not mentioned in the program.
Everything that is not listed in the “price includes” section.
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