Day 1 : 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 : 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 : 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 : Mandawa / Bikaner (190 kms / 3h30)
After breakfast, you will depart for the Thar Desert to reach Bikaner, the former princely capital of the 15th century.
Upon arriving in Bikaner, 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 : Bikaner / Dechu (2h30 / 130 km)
After breakfast, you will depart for 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, check in at the hotel, 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 takes place around a barbecue, accompanied by a Langana dance and music show.
Dinner and night in tents.
Day 6 : 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, 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 : Luni / Ranakpur / Udaipur (310 kms / 5h30)
After breakfast, you will depart for 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 : Udaipur
After breakfast, visit the white city, founded by Udai Singh in the 16th century, one of the most romantic cities in India. It boasts three sparkling lakes, including Lake Pichola, with its two "island-palaces," Jag Niwas and Jagmandir, and the gigantic City Palace, located on the lakeshore, which is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.
In the morning, depending on the water level, transfer to the jetty on Lake Pichola to admire the magnificent facade of the Udaipur palace and stop at JagMandir island.
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.
After lunch, 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 pools animated by magnificent fountains, as well as marble elephants and numerous pavilions that this charming, peaceful place contains.
Then you will visit a silk painting center specializing in miniatures.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
Day 9 : Udaipur / Chittorgarh / Bijaipur (2h30 / 130 km)
After breakfast, you will depart for Bijaipur, and along the way, you will visit the imposing Chittorgarh Fort towering above the plain.
Chittorgarh is above all an exceptional site that rises 150 meters above the void like a dark mass. Here, everything breathes the tragedy of those who, sword in hand, threw themselves into certain death to defend the fort. The site bears witness to the honor of the Rajput knights and their women, who threw themselves into the funeral pyre rather than to the attackers.
After lunch, you will continue the road and settle into a 17th-century palace in Bijaipur.
In the afternoon, you will have free time to enjoy the serenity and magnificent pool of the palace where you are staying, or take a short walk in the village of Bijaipur.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
Day 10 : Bijaipur / Bundi (2h50 / 142 km)
After breakfast, you will depart for Bundi, a small town in Rajasthan with intact charm located off the beaten path.
Along the way, you will visit the 12th-century Menal temples. At Bijolia, you will discover the temples dedicated to Shiva, beautiful examples of religious architecture from that era.
Arrival and check in at the hotel.
Next, you will visit the princely town of Bundi, dominated by the fort and the Rajput palace Chattar Mahal, adorned with magnificent 18th-century paintings and then you will visit the cenotaph with 84 pillars and royal tombs with delicate reliefs, then take a short walk in the old town and bazaar.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
Day 11 : Bundi / Jaipur (3h50 / 230 km)
After breakfast, you will depart for Jaipur, one of the most pleasant and lively cities in India.
The capital of Rajasthan is also called "The Pink City" in reference to the color of the buildings in the old town, surrounded by barren 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, check in at the hotel.
After lunch, you will visit the "Jantar Mantar," an amazing observatory built by a prince passionate about astronomy. You will stroll through the bazaars of the old town in a rickshaw to admire the artisans in their shops (potters, dyers, jewelers), street vendors, and vegetable sellers.
In the evening, you will visit the temple (Birla Mandir) where you will witness a religious ceremony (Aarti). Then you will go on a tour of illuminated Jaipur, walking through the streets, shops, and markets to enjoy the beauty and the magical, joyful ambiance of the moment.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
Day 12 : Jaipur
After breakfast, you will depart for an excursion to Amber Fort. This majestic construction is located 9 km north of Jaipur, in the former capital of the Rajput empire.
Along the way, you stop to see Hawa Mahal (or Palace of Winds), a slender structure pierced with over 900 windows and balconies, which will allow you to capture this extraordinary moment thanks to the sunrise.
Lunch, then visit to the monkey temple (Galta ji).
In the evening, you will attend the Diwali festival. You will witness the religious ceremony dedicated to Lakshmi, the symbol of happiness, wealth, and prosperity. Afterward, you can enjoy the feast where you'll have the opportunity to taste specialties such as sweet treats like laddus, barfis, and jalebis, as well as savory snacks like samosas and chaklis. Finally, you will admire the fireworks.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
Day 13 : Jaipur / Fatehpur sikri / Agra (5h / 240 km)
After breakfast, on the way to Agra, you will visit Fatehpur Sikri, one of the most remarkable places from an artistic and architectural point of view. Fatehpur Sikri is the former capital of Emperor Akbar, built in 1571. The Imperial City contains buildings in pink sandstone of the most varied architectural forms: palaces, pavilions, courtyards and basins, mosques, and caravanserais.
After lunch, you continue the road to Agra.
Upon arrival, you set out to discover the Taj Mahal. You will then discover this iconic monument of Mughal art and architecture, a luminous mausoleum of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal and is considered the third wonder of the world.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
Day 14 : Agra / Delhi / return flight
After breakfast, you visit the Red Fort of Agra, whose high red sandstone walls dominate the Yamuna River. It marks the birth of the Mughal imperial style and offers you the opportunity to take a last look at the Taj Mahal.
Late in the morning, you take the road to return to Delhi, and a room will be available for you to freshen up before departure with a farewell dinner.
Then, you will be transferred to Delhi airport for your return flight.