Palaces and Tigers (11 Days)
India – North India – Rajasthan
This magnificent family trip to Rajasthan will take you to discover both the must-see sites of Rajasthan and the beautiful Indian wilderness. Activities range from cultural visits to encounters and discoveries of local wildlife. As a family, you will travel from fortified cities to small rural villages. From a camel ride on the dunes of Pushkar to a boat trip on Lake Udaipur. From bazaars to temples. From proud Rajputs to wild tigers. From fortresses to endearing elephants. From the “Pink City” to the “Blue City” via the “Venice of the East,” you and your children will spend unforgettable moments in the heart of the Maharajas’ India with such an authentic and mysterious atmosphere.
Between Bishnois shepherds in colorful turbans, Rajputs with proud mustaches, women in saris, Gadulliya gypsies, blacksmiths, nomads, and musicians, the inhabitants of Rajasthan know how to welcome and make their region appreciated. A region of great cultural richness due to its lavish past. But a region that also offers breathtakingly varied landscapes and incredible wildlife, ideal for a family trip!
ARRIVAL AT INDIRA GANDHI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Day 1
Delhi, Welcome to India!
You’ve arrived safely in India! Your family will be greeted at the airport by your private driver. You’ll head to your hotel, where your travel expert will be waiting to share the latest information you need to ensure your trip goes smoothly. You’ll then set off to explore Delhi, the Indian capital, where the splendor of the Mughal Empire contrasts with the modernism of the new city. Start by discovering the sumptuous architecture of Humayun’s Tomb and its sublime gardens, where it’s a great place to stretch your legs.
DELHI – AGRA
Day 2
Discovery of Mughal architecture
This morning, you’ll explore Old Delhi, the old city district, the former capital of the Mughal Empire. You’ll wander through tiny alleys lined with ancient buildings with carved wooden doors and windows. Protected from the heat, these lanes are home to a concentration of Indian culture, and you’ll discover with astonishment the joyful chaos of local life. A world of colors and smells that will take you from Sikh temples to the Jasma Majid Mosque and the gigantic wall of the Red Fort. You’ll then head straight to Agra and visit its UNESCO-listed fort and the “Baby Taj” at sunset.
AGRA – RANTHAMBORE
Day 3
The Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world
Wake up early to admire the Taj Mahal at sunrise, a highlight of your trip! You and your children will be dazzled by the splendor of this tomb, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the image of his deceased queen. A beautiful tale that will lull the whole family into a romantic atmosphere. You arrive at Ranthambore National Park, the former hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, famous for its numerous tigers.
RANTHAMBORE
Day 4
Safari in Ranthambore National Reserve
One of the most beautiful days of your trip, discovering Indian wildlife and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes! You’ll go on two safaris during the day to give you the chance to encounter as many animals as possible. The wildlife is exceptional, with bears, hyenas, panthers, crocodiles, thousands of birds, monkeys, Indian antelopes called Nilghais, axis deer or chitals, and of course, the tiger population, protected since 1973. The whole family will be in heaven. Around you, the landscape is made up of hills covered with forests, plains, and lakes. Lush nature interspersed with ruins of ancient palaces provides a very special atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel.
RANTHAMBORE – JAIPUR
Day 5
Heading to the pink city
After this incredible natural interlude, you’ll head back to Jaipur, the royal capital of Rajasthan. You’ll first visit the City Palace and then pass by the incredible façade of the Palace of the Winds, pierced by 953 open windows. Then, you can satisfy your astral curiosity with a local guide at the Jantar Mantar observatory or indulge in a shopping spree in the bazaar of the Pink City, renowned for its many jewels and precious stones. In the evening, don’t miss a Bollywood movie with your family at the famous Raj Mandir cinema, where intergenerational laughter echoes in a joyful atmosphere.
JAIPUR
Day 6
Discovery of the Amber Fort
This morning, head to the sublime Amber Fort, one of the most beautiful forts in Rajasthan. Explore the maze of temples, palaces, and gardens, where sculpted marble, inlaid mirrors, and bucolic gardens are on display. Admire the frescoes and mosaics, which add to the beauty of the place. Back in the Pink City, enjoy some free time wandering the alleys and bazaar to find jewelry, clothing, carpets, and other souvenirs made from local crafts. Overnight at the hotel.
JAIPUR – PUSHKAR
Day 7
Discovery of the sacred city and camel ride
Today, you’ll head to the town of Pushkar and its sacred lake, which welcomes hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who come to purify themselves. Surrounded by four hundred temples, the lake is said to have formed after Brahma, the Hindu god, dropped a lotus petal on it. This town also hosts India’s largest camel fair every November. It’s only natural, then, to go for a ride on these gigantic animals, nicknamed “the kings of the desert.” Heading toward the Arravalli Mountains, a camel safari is the most authentic way to explore the small villages of Rajasthan.
PUSHKAR – UDAIPUR
Day 8
Sunset walk on Lake Pichola
After breakfast, you’ll set off on a long, beautiful day’s drive to Udaipur. Along the way, you can explore the Ranakpur Temple, the most imposing Jain temple in India, or the Kumbalghar Fortress, the third-largest wall in the world. You’ll then cross the Aravalli Mountains on a small road winding through a fabulous landscape of buffalo wells, fields, and ancestral farming techniques. Then, beautiful Udaipur and its Lake Pichola appear. You’ll return to your hotel and stroll through the peaceful city, admiring the facade of the Palace, reflected in the lake, illuminated by the sunset.
UDAIPUR
Day 9
Discover the “Venice of the East”
Start your day by happily losing yourself in the City Palace, one of the most beautiful palaces in Rajasthan. You’ll wander through the halls and rooms, each one as sumptuous as the next, as if you were in a time machine. Then, why not treat yourself to an excellent Ayurvedic massage with natural essential oils that rebalances the body and mind? At the end of the day, you have the opportunity to take a boat ride on the lake, attend a ceremony at the Jagdish Temple, or even a traditional dance performance at Bagore Ki Haveli, where the dancers wear magnificent, colorful dresses that twirl in all directions.
UDAIPUR – DELHI
Day 10
Return to the Indian capital
In the morning, you’ll take your flight to Delhi. This is an ideal day to explore your favorite places or pick up some last-minute souvenirs in the bazaars. At the Lajpat Nagar market, you’ll find treasures of Indian textiles for both home and clothing.
DELHI – INDIRA GANDHI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Day 11
International flight
Your family trip to Rajasthan is coming to an end. Depending on your flight schedule, your private driver will be available to assist you with any final touches. Then, head to the airport. Our services are now complete. Don’t hesitate to contact one of our North India travel experts, who will be happy to answer all your questions and address any of your requests.
This price includes:
- Accommodation in double rooms
- Breakfasts
- Transportation in a private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Entrances to the sites
- Domestic flights
- A local French-speaking guide
This price does not include:
- International flights
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Visa fees
- Tips (5-6 Euro/person for the local guide and driver is normal in India)
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