Day 1 : 26 October, Sunday - Delhi
You will be welcomed at Delhi Airport by the representative of our local agency or by your French-speaking guide to greet you to India. They will assist you with the transfer to the hotel we have reserved for you for 2 nights.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
Day 2 : 27 October, Monday - Delhi
After breakfast, the day is dedicated to exploring Delhi.
Bathed by the holy waters of the Yamuna, Delhi was twice the capital of an empire, first with the Mughals, then in 1911, with the British. The city is divided into 2 very contrasting parts: New Delhi, the Victorian city with wide avenues, its business district, and the parliament grouped around Connaught Place; and Old Delhi, the old city and capital of Muslim India, with alleys lined with bustling markets. The old city houses the Red Fort, a testament to the power of the Mughal emperors, as well as the largest mosque in the country: Jama Masjid.
You will explore Old Delhi on foot, then visit Raj Ghat, the mausoleum of Mahatma Gandhi. Next, you will visit the tomb of Humayun, a beautiful example of Mughal architecture that is said to have inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal.
After lunch, you will visit the Qutub Minar, the tallest tower in the country at 72.5 meters high.
In the late afternoon, you will discover New Delhi passing through Raj Path, the Royal Way, before admiring the India Gate, the Parliament, and the Presidential Palace.
In the evening, you will share a moment of fervor with the Sikh community at the Bangla Sahib temple.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
Day 3 : 28 October, Tuesday - Delhi / Mandawa (5h30 / 260 km)
After breakfast, you will depart for Mandawa, a region of Rajasthan nicknamed "the open-air art gallery of Rajasthan." It is in these towns surrounded by sand dunes that Havelis, homes of rich merchants who once lived from camel trade between India and Pakistan, are found.
Lunch on the way.
Upon arriving in Mandawa, you will check in directly at the hotel before visiting the ancient lordly homes of this small village, a true gem, housing numerous Havelis and temples. You will also discover the life of the villagers and their daily routine: women in colorful clothes busy with their daily activities, children on their way to school, and artisans at work.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
Day 4 : 29 October, Wednesday - Mandawa / Bikaner (190 kms / 3h30)
After breakfast, you will head through the Thar Desert to reach Bikaner, the former princely capital of the 15th century.
Upon arriving in Bikaner, you will check in at the hotel.
After lunch, you will explore Junagarh Fort, an immense citadel containing various palaces and temples. It's a labyrinth of corridors, staircases, and inner courtyards that awaits you. Along one of these corridors, you will discover the coronation hall, the Palace of Mirrors, the Maharajah's chamber, the arms museum containing elephant howdahs, the "conference hall" with a silver throne, and the first nail beds of the fakirs.
After a short Tuk-Tuk ride in the picturesque bazaar of the city, you will explore the old quarters on foot to explore the typical narrow streets.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
Day 5 : 30 October, Thursday - Bikaner / Dechu (2h30 / 130 km)
After breakfast, you will take the road towards Dechu.
In the middle of the deserts of Rajasthan lies a majestic oasis, the Thar Oasis Resort, a true gem! A visit to Dechu proves to be the best way to understand the culture and beauty of desert life.
Upon arriving in Dechu, you will check in at the hotel, have lunch, and then enjoy free time where you have access to the pool.
In the late afternoon, you will go on a jeep safari to explore mustard and red chili fields. This is an opportunity to connect with the wild nature, very present (Indian gazelles, or chinkara, and nilgai), and to observe the magnificent beauty of the virgin sand dunes of the Thar Desert.
After a short camel ride on the sand dunes, your evening unfolds around a barbecue, accompanied by a Langana dance and music show.
Dinner and night in tents.
Day 6 : 31 October, Friday - Dechu / Jodhpur / Luni (2h30 / 130 km
After breakfast, you will depart for Luni. On the way, you will visit Jodhpur, the "Blue City". The city is dominated by Mehrangarh Fort, its harem, its sumptuous reception hall, its cradle hall, its small palace of mirrors, and its hall of royal palanquins including the silver howdah.
After lunch, a walk in the city, in the bazaars around the Clock Tower (a well-known meeting point for tourists as it is visible from afar), where artisans and merchants of all kinds ply their trades. The stalls of this market overflow with sari fabrics, spices, grains, fruits, and vegetables.
You continue the road to Luni, where upon arrival, you will check in at Fort Chanwa, an architectural beauty. The fort stands in this isolated region of Rajasthan. Palace Chanwa is a heritage hotel and offers a royal atmosphere to rest and recharge. You can visit the village of Luni, witness how people live their lives, and enjoy the hospitality offered by the warm villagers and hotel staff.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
Day 7 : 1 November, Saturday - Luni / Ranakpur / Udaipur (310 kms / 5h30)
After breakfast, you will take the road to Udaipur. On the way, you will make a much-appreciated stop to visit the Jain temples of Ranakpur.
Located at the foot of a forested slope of the Aravalli Mountains, Ranakpur is one of the most remarkable Jain sites, both for the quality of its sculpted decorations, the complexity of the architecture of its temples, and the charm of the place animated by a great religious fervor.
The major work of this site is the temple of Adinath, built in the 15th century.
Lunch and then continue on a beautiful road through the hilly landscape of the Aravalli range to reach Udaipur, the "pearl of Rajasthan", where you will check in at the hotel upon arrival.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
Day 8 : 2 November, Sunday - Udaipur
After breakfast, you will visit the white city, founded by Udai Singh in the 16th century, which is one of the most romantic cities in India. It is adorned with three sparkling lakes, including Lake Pichola and its two palace islands (Jag Niwas and Jagmandir), as well as the gigantic City Palace, located on the lake's edge, which is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.
Your morning will be dedicated to a trek in the village of Dhar, which offers a very impressive hiking location.
You will visit the "local market & tradition" and participate in the daily life of the villagers. You will continue the trek to Ubeshwar Ji, along the way crossing a local river and farmland belonging to the Bhil Tribe (one of the oldest indigenous families) and some other tribes like the old warrior clan of the Rajputs who are mostly farmers today.
You will discover the destroyed Palace of Maharana Pratap and the ruins of the Shiva temple.
Next, you will reach Mother Goddess, explore this temple, and have the privilege of being initiated into Hindu worship inside this temple, as well as the opportunity to admire the splendid panoramic view of the countryside.
Afterward, you will visit Sahelion-Ki-Bari, nicknamed the Garden of the Maidens, built in the 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh for the royal women to stroll. You will discover this superb park filled with animated pools, marble elephants, and numerous pavilions.
After lunch, you will visit the Palace, then you will take a leisurely walk through the streets of the old town and visit Jagdish Mandir, a sanctuary dedicated to Vishnu.
In the evening, you will take a boat ride on Lake Pichola to enjoy the magnificent sunset.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
Day 9 : 3 November, Monday - Udaipur / Pushkar (205 km / 4 hours) {PUSHKAR FAIR}
After breakfast, you depart for Pushkar, one of the most important cities in Hinduism.
Upon arrival, you will check into the hotel.
After lunch, you will explore Pushkar and its 400 places of worship (including the unique temple dedicated to Brahma), offering pilgrims 52 Ghats for access to the sacred waters where they come to purify themselves.
In the evening, you will discover Pushkar Mela, the Pushkar Camel Fair. You will witness several key attractions and activities such as camel and livestock trading, various performances, and contests like the "Longest Mustache" competition, the "Bridal Competition," and many others. You can explore the numerous stalls offering traditional crafts, jewelry, textiles, and local culinary delights, as well as engage in rituals at the Brahma temple and the sacred lake, especially during Kartik Purnima for a holy bath.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 : 4 November, Tuesday - Pushkar / Jaipur (4 hours / 220 km)
After breakfast, you depart for Jaipur, one of the most pleasant and vibrant cities in India. The capital of Rajasthan is also called “The Pink City” due to the color of the buildings in the old city, which is surrounded by bare hills topped with fortresses and crenelated walls. Sacred cows, camels, elephants, and rickshaws coexist here. Built in 1727, Jaipur is one of the most colorful and picturesque cities in all of India.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, you will check into the hotel. After lunch, you will visit the "Jantar Mantar," an astonishing observatory built by a prince with a passion for astronomy.
You will stroll through the bazaars of the old city in a rickshaw to admire the artisans in their shops (potters, dyers, jewelers), street vendors, and vegetable merchants. In the evening, you will visit the Birla Mandir temple and attend a religious ceremony (Aarti).
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 : 5 November, Wednesday - Jaipur
After breakfast, you will go on an excursion to Amber Fort, a majestic structure located 9 km north of Jaipur in the ancient capital of the Rajput empire.
On the way, you will stop to see the Hawa Mahal (or Palace of Winds), a slim structure with more than 900 windows and balconies, offering an extraordinary view at sunrise.
After lunch, you will visit the Monkey Temple (Galta Ji), and the afternoon is free for you to wander the bazaars, shop, and/or relax at the hotel.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 : 6 November, Thursday - Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (5 hours / 240 km)
After breakfast, on the way to Agra, you will visit Fatehpur Sikri, a place remarkable for its artistic and architectural significance. Fatehpur Sikri is the former capital of Emperor Akbar, built in 1571.
The imperial city houses buildings of pink sandstone with varied architectural forms: palaces, pavilions, courtyards, pools, mosques, and caravanserai.
After lunch, you will continue your journey to Agra. Upon arrival, you will discover the Taj Mahal. You will then experience this pinnacle of Mughal art and architecture, a luminous mausoleum of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is considered the third wonder of the world.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 : 7 November, Friday - Agra / Delhi / Return Flight
After breakfast, you will visit the Agra Red Fort, whose high red sandstone walls dominate the Yamuna River. It marks the birth of the imperial Mughal style and offers a final view of the Taj Mahal.
Late in the morning, you will head to Delhi, and upon arrival, after lunch, you will visit the Qutub Minar, the tallest tower in the country at 72.5 meters high.
In the evening, a room will be at your disposal to freshen up before departure, followed by a farewell dinner.
You will then be transferred to Delhi International Airport for your return flight.