North India – India – Taj Mahal – Holy City Varanasi
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: Jodhpur, Pushkar, Jaipur, without forgetting the famous Taj Mahal in Agra. Then, you cross Madhya Pradesh via Gwalior, Orchha and Khajuraho towards 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, but also the well-known temples with erotic characters of Khajuraho . In Madhya Pradesh , cultural richness and religious fervor are still present, an excellent step towards Benares.
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. Live a real inner journey through the atmosphere of the spiritual places discovered throughout your itinerary.
INDIRA GHANDI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Day 1
New Delhi, first steps in India
As soon as you arrive at the airport, your driver welcomes you . After getting settled into your hotel. 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, head to the east of the city to marvel at the fountains, sound and light show of the huge Akshardham temple .
DELHI–MANDAWA
Day 2
The Silk Road in Shekhawati
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 narrow streets 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 the hotel.
BIKANER–JODHPUR
Day 4
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 120m above sea level. 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.
PUSHKAR, THE SACRED CITY OF RAJASTHAN
Day 5
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 there. It is also in this city that India’s largest camel fair is held every November . Overnight in Jaipur .
JAIPUR
Day 6
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 – FATEHPUR SIKRI – AGRA
Day 7
Morning Hindu Ceremony at Birla Temple
At dawn, go to the Birla Temple to immerse yourself in 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. Always accompanied by your private driver, then reach the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri, the first model of Mughal urbanism, where the remains in perfect condition transport you to its golden age. Arriving in Agra, after dropping off your belongings at the hotel, take a bucolic walk through the Persian gardens of Mehtab Bagh . A place where you appreciate the calm and serenity. Enjoy your evening and night at the hotel.
AGRA–GWALIOR
Day 8
Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
Wake up at dawn to watch the sunrise, gently revealing all the magic of the Taj Mahal , the culmination of Mughal architecture and one of the seven wonders of the world. The marble, encrusted with precious stones, then takes on golden tones, revealing itself between dream and reality like a mirage. One of the most memorable and fascinating moments of your trip! Also visit the unmissable Red Fort of Agra whose view from the ramparts on the Yamuna River and the Taj Mahal is sumptuous. After touring the jewels dotting its enclosure, head for Gwalior where you will settle in your heritage hotel.
GWALIOR–ORCHHA
Day 9
First day in Madhya Pradesh
This morning, you are in the region of Madhya Pradesh, “the middle state” in Hindi. Gwalior , located in a natural site is dominated by a high hill whose extraordinary ramparts of the fortress surround the plateau. Here, the citadel recalls the exploits of the Rajput chivalry of the Middle Ages. The tour of the fort basically features the Man Mandir Palace , famous for the decoration of colorful earthenware tiles in blue, green and ocher tones. Then, on the way to Orchha , stop at the town of Datia to admire a forgotten palace in a beautiful setting of lake and greenery. Night in an old palace.
ORCHHA–KHAJURAHO
Day 10
A day between temples and palaces
Today you explore the palaces of Orchha , a charming town built around the Betwa River. You visit the Raj Mahal Palace of the Maharaja and his family, the Jahangir Mahal Palace which was built for the visit of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and the Chaturbhuj Palace like a cathedral. You then head to Khajuraho , a small town recognized worldwide for its many Jain and Hindu temples from the medieval period, which date from the 10th to 12th centuries. In the evening, nothing beats tasting a delicious tandoori chicken, accompanied by aloos djerra , potatoes with cumin, and nans, these famous Indian breads.
KHAJURAHO
Day 11
The erotic temples of Khajuraho
This morning, take the time to visit with a guide Khajurâho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , buried in the middle of the jungle for almost 700 years and then discovered in 1938. Arouse your curiosity in these sandstone temples, provided with erotic engravings honoring Tantrism. This spiritual current, a branch of Hinduism, comes straight from India. The Chandella sovereigns disseminated the doctrine through the construction of their monuments. A fine example at the temple of Kandaria Mahadeva , where you can contemplate the 900 statues which illustrate scenes of daily life at the time and many erotic scenes which made the reputation of the place.
KHAJURAHO – BENARES
Day 12
The legendary Indian train experience
Enjoy the morning to relax before leaving to discover Varanasi , formerly Benares, the most sacred city of India, located on the banks of the Ganges. In the early afternoon, you drive to Satna station, from where you take the night train. In the country which has one of the largest railway networks in the world, the train is a place of life in its own right. You who like to create links, this is an opportunity to exchange with locals who love to chat. We reserve you one of the best classes among the 8 offered by the country. Consult your North India Travel Expert for more information about the trip.
BENARES
Day 13
The Spiritual Capital of India
As soon as you arrive at Varanasi station, your new driver is there to welcome you. At sunrise, you embark on the course of the Ganges and witness the spectacle of life on the banks of the river. Crowds of Indians 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 3000 years. In the evening, find a place on the ghats , or stairs plunging into the river to attend the daily religious ceremony on the banks of the river! You are overwhelmed by the fervor of its multimillenary rites which give off such a special atmosphere. Night at the hotel.
BENARES – DELHI
Day 14
Return to Indira Ghandi International Airport
After this intense spiritual day, you are back in New Delhi. Depending on the time of your return flight, why not take a moment to relax by trying an Indian Ayurvedic massage, based on rebalancing the body’s energies. A great way to recover from the emotions of the day before. Then, why not stroll through the shops of Chandni Chowk, Lajpat Nagar or Dilli Haat in search of wonderful souvenirs for you and your loved ones. Your driver will then take you to the international airport. We wish you a wonderful return and see you soon for your next trip to Asia !
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