Itinerary : Delhi – Mandawa – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Pushkar – Jaipur – Agra – Gwalior – Orchha – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi
Table of Contents:-
Day 1: Delhi
Our journey begins with a visit to Delhi
, the capital of India. You will discover the buildings that the Mughals left behind: the Qutub Minar, the tomb of Humayun, the Jama Masjid mosque, with its interesting architecture.
Wander through the winding alleys of the Old Town and markets before reaching the British Quarter of Connaught Pace, unless you prefer to discover a temple such as Bangla Sahib, the National Museum or the Lodi Gardens to get some greenery.
Day 2 : Delhi – Mandawa
You have arrived in Rajasthan. In the Shekhawati region, until the nineteenth century, wealthy merchants built splendid havelis, houses built around an inner courtyard, with walls covered with frescoes. You'll see some splendid ones in Nawalgarh and Mandawa. You can visit Podar Haveli in Nawalgarh, the double haveli in Goenka, the one in Chokani in Mandawa and stroll through the streets of the city to discover more!
Day 3 : Mandawa – Bikaner
Departing for Bikaner
, you will drive through rural Rajasthan. The camels will be on the road, the Thar desert is not far away. The citadel of Junagarh was founded in 1488. Behind its pink sandstone ramparts, there are beautifully decorated palaces.
You will visit the fortress and walk through the narrow alleys of the old town. It has kept its medieval character and is home to beautiful havelis. A long street lined with the spice market leads to the main temples.
Day 4 : Bikaner – Jaisalmer
Drive to Jaisalmer
, the Golden City of Rajasthan. It is one of the most beautiful cities in India. Located at the gateway to the Thar Desert, it is located on the ancient Silk, Spice and Opium Roads. Surrounded by fortifications, the city shows an extraordinary architectural finesse; its blond stone mansions, its havelis with carved facades, its eight temples and its golden fortress reveal the charm of Jaisalmer.
The possibility of taking an excursion to the desert where you can go on the back of a camel and admire the sunset over the dunes will leave you with very beautiful memories.
Day 5 : Jaisalmer
Day dedicated to visiting the city. Walk on the ramparts, visit the citadel, the Royal Palace, the Mandir Palace and the Jain temples. Beautiful havelis, in the alleys around the fort, are worth a visit. To watch the sun set over interesting Hindu temples, head to the shores of Garisar Lake. You can also enjoy the beautiful light of dusk in the gardens of Bada Bagh. It is an oasis close to Jaisalmer where the royal cenotaphs of the 16th century seem to catch fire at dusk.
Day 6 : Jaisalmer – Jodhpur
Drive to Jodhpur
, the blue city of Rajasthan. The fortress of Merangarh, which overlooks the city, was carved directly out of the rock. It is one of the most imposing in Rajasthan. Inside, you can admire the frescoes of the Palace of Flowers. On your way out, don't miss the Blue Houses district, and stroll through the bazaar around the Clock Tower. As the sun sets, the cenotaph of Jaswant Thada seems to go up in flames.
Day 7 : Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Udaipur Departing from Jodhpur
make a stop in Ranakpur
to visit the temple dedicated to Adinath. In this white marble building, a forest of 1444 pillars supports a set of 80 domes. Each gap on the pillars is meticulously chiseled, with extreme finesse and high-quality polish. Drive to Udaipur. It is the most romantic city in Rajasthan.
Day 8 : Udaipur
The white houses of Udaipur
are located around a lake and surrounded by the Aravellis mountain range. You can visit the City Palace and its richly decorated palaces. The Jagdish temple dedicated to Vishnu is famous for the black statue it houses, then take a boat ride on the lake and in the late afternoon, watch a dance performance at the Bagore-ki-Haveli.
Day 9 : Udaipur– Pushkar
On the way to Pushkar
! The god Brahma dropped a lotus flower in Pushkar, which has become a holy city for Hindus. This city of 400 temples is built around a sacred lake. You will discover the only temple dedicated to Brahma in all of India. You can wander the streets of the city, which is famous for its bazaar. Every year in October/November, the camel and camel fair is held. This unusual festival allows you to be immersed in an authentic India.
Day 10 : Pushkar – Jaipur
Drive to the capital of Rajasthan! With its crenellated ramparts and pretty pink colour, Jaipur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its name alone evokes silks, spices, and precious stones. Its lively and colourful markets invite you to take a stroll. Possibility to go see a Bollywood movie in the oldest cinema in the city.
Day 11 : Jaipur
Day dedicated to city sightseeing. You will discover Fort Amber, a magnificent citadel of yellow and pink sandstone, located on the outskirts of Jaipur. The Pink City of Rajasthan is renowned for its many sights, including the Palace of the Winds, which has become the emblem of the city. You will discover the Water Palace (exterior, not open to the public) and the Jantar Mantar Observatory. The City Palace houses lavish collections of royal clothing, carpets, miniatures, weapons and musical instruments. Finally, the royal cenotaphs are adorned with fine carvings. To discover Rajasthan and in particular its capital Jaipur, do not hesitate to visit the city with an English-speaking guide.
Day 12 : Jaipur – Abhaneri – Fathepur Sikri – Agra
You leave Rajasthan, the land of kings, to go to Agra
. On the way, you will visit the very beautiful stepwell of Abhaneri. It has 3500 steps spread over 13 beautifully crafted levels. Continue to Fathepur Sikri, You will recognize, in the bThere are different architectural influences: Hindu, Mughal and Jain. Pavilions, palaces, ponds, and mosque are magnificently crafted and this fortified city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Drive to Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal. Visiting India's most well-known monument will be a highlight during your trip to Rajasthan. You can find more information in our blog: On the road between Agra and Jaipur
Day 13: Agra
At sunrise, the light on the Taj Mahal is sublime. One cannot remain indifferent to the beauty and purity of this white marble jewel. This mausoleum has become the emblem of India and the symbol of eternal love. But there's more to the city of Agra than just this architectural marvel. The Red Fort and the Itimad-ud-Daulah Mausoleum are well worth a visit. Take the time to stroll through the streets of Agra, this is the city of stonemasons.
Day 14 : Agra – Gwalior
The Ganges Valley is waiting for you! The city of Gwalior is known for its thousand-year-old fort perched on a cliff, called "the pearl of Hindustan" by the Mughals. The citadel is home to many temples, museums, and palaces that you will visit. The blue and gold tiles on the outer walls have made Man Singh's palace very famous. The frieze of ducks is surprising!
Day 15 : Gwalior– Orchha
Along the Ganges Valley, you will stop in Orchha
. A small town located along the Betwa River, Orchha seems frozen in time. Its impressive number of domes, domes, spires, temples and palaces reminds us that it was the capital of a princely state until 1950. The royal cenotaphs, located at the water's edge, are very beautiful at sunset. You can visit the Raja Mahal, the Jahangir Mahal, the Ram Raja Temple and the Chaturbhuj Temple.
Day 16 : Orchha – Khajuraho
You have arrived in Khajuraho
. The sensual sculptures of the temples of Khajuraho give rise to multiple interpretations: representations of the Kama Sutra, tantric practices... Admire the finesse of these 11th century stone comics that illustrate the complexity of Hindu and Jain mythologies. The temples are divided into two groups, those of the western group are the best preserved and decorated in abundance. Among the temples of the East group, that of Parsvanath is the most famous, with the sculpture of the woman removing a thorn from her foot. Night train to Varanasi, in air-conditioned berths.
Day 17 : Khajuraho – Varanasi
Welcome to Varanasi
, the country's most famous sacred city. Pilgrims come to pray, bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges and cremate their loved ones. In the capital of spirituality, let yourself be carried away by Indian philosophy, observe the rituals along the ghats and stroll through the alleys lined with temples!
Day 18 : Varanasi
At dawn, take a boat trip down the Ganges and watch the sunrise over the ghats. The lumIt is sublime and the Holy City is slowly awakening. You will see many saddhus and pilgrims. Every evening a ceremony is held, called ganga aarti, to venerate the river.
It is a fire offering with prayers, devotional songs, and music. It was a spectacular moment in which religious fervour was intense.
Day 19 : Varanasi – Delhi
Domestic flight to Delhi
, or return by train to the Indian capital for another experience. Depending on your arrival time in Delhi, you will be able to continue your tours of the Indian capital.
Day 20 : Delhi- France
Because all good things must come to an end, we will have to think about the return. You take your international flight with beautiful memories, a head and a heart. See you soon on the roads of India!
