Rajasthan welcomes you with sunny weather almost all year round! The mild winters, from October to March, are ideal for exploring palaces and golden deserts. The days are pleasant and the nights slightly cool, perfect for enjoying local festivities.
In summer, the sun shines intensely and temperatures rise, creating a vibrant atmosphere typical of the desert. After the monsoon, nature is reborn and offers surprising landscapes. Each season reveals a unique side of this fascinating region!
Activity ideas
Camel ride in the Thar Desert - Set off on an adventure over golden sands, lulled by the peaceful rhythm of your camel under the vast sky.
Splendor of Royal Palaces - Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of majestic palaces and citadels, witnesses to the splendid history of Rajasthan.
Night in a traditional haveli - Sleep in a sumptuous haveli and soak up the unique charm of Rajasthan's ancestral homes, surrounded by colorful frescoes and warm hospitality.
Traditional and colorful puppet show - Discover the enchanting world of Rajasthani puppets during a colorful show, where traditions and local tales come to life before your amazed eyes.
Authentic Indian Cooking Class - Discover the secrets of spices and prepare traditional dishes in a friendly workshop led by passionate chefs.
Exploring the bustling bazaars - Flânez au cœur des marchés vibrants de Rajasthan, entre étoffes chatoyantes, parfums d’épices et artisanat local fascinant.
Magical ceremony in a Hindu temple - Take part in a captivating Hindu ceremony, with sacred chants and the scent of incense, and let yourself be carried away by the spiritual fervor of Rajasthan.
Photo safari in the nature reserves - Observe majestic tigers and graceful antelopes on a guided expedition in the heart of the reserves, where the wildlife of Rajasthan reveals itself in all its splendor.
Must-see locations
Rajasthan: Experience the Wonder of Palaces and Deserts.
Paradisiacal coasts:
The Malabar Coast offers white sandy beaches, bordered by palm trees in the north, and livelier resorts in the south, such as in Varkala, a real little piece of paradise where one forgets the rest of the world while savoring freshly caught fish and seafood under the shade of coconut trees. Some of these beaches are narrow strips of sand wedged between the Arabian Sea and the backwaters, offering idyllic landscapes (in Mararikulam, on Vypeen Island in Kochi or in Poovar, in the south of the state). And do not forget that you are in a country where cows play a significant role, so do not be surprised by the presence of this unusual beach companion.
Discovering Natural and Cultural Wonders
This collection of lakes, rivers, canals, and marshes, located in the heart of lush tropical vegetation along the Malabar coast, often marks the highlight of a stay in Kerala. A cruise on a houseboat, slowly gliding along the canals shaded by palm trees, is an unforgettable experience. It is also an opportunity to observe the life of small villages where families live in houses located at the water's edge. One is lulled by the serenity that permeates the place. It is an experience accessible even for budget travelers. The most frequented backwaters are those in the South of Kerala, but they can also be found in the North, near Nileshwar. The best season to visit them extends from September to May.
A Flavorful Cuisine
The intensive use of coconut and the proximity to the coast shape the contours of a unique cuisine in India. Kerala, the epicenter of pepper and spice production, has seen its culinary culture influenced by trade exchanges with other continents. Less spicy than that of the North, it offers an astonishing array of flavors for a modest price.
The thali, a meal served on a banana leaf consisting of rice, several saucy dishes, and sometimes fish or shrimp, is traditional for lunch. A wide variety of fish and seafood, such as red snapper, kingfish, damselfish, swordfish, shrimp, lobster, and squid, enrich the menus. You can choose from the catch of the day and decide on the preparation: in coconut curry, grilled or tandoor-cooked. Fruits like mango, papaya, banana, and pineapple are also consumed in fresh juices or in a lassi.
Captivating Natural Reserves in Rajasthan
India has nearly a hundred national parks and numerous nature reserves, some of the most prestigious of which are located in Kerala. Hoping to catch a glimpse of a tiger in the wild or observe elephants in their natural habitat is a must for wildlife enthusiasts. Situated in the Western Ghats mountains, these parks were created to preserve some of the richest biodiversity in the world. Therefore, access is often limited to guided tours (on foot, by jeep, boat, or even on elephant back) so as not to disturb an already fragile ecosystem. During the monsoon, several of these parks close to conduct a census of their population. It is therefore advisable to seek information before visiting. As accommodation options are often limited, it is preferable to book in advance.
The Land of Ayurveda
India is, of course, the country of Ayurveda, "science of life" in Sanskrit. Becoming increasingly popular in Western countries, Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient medical science that is beginning to be accepted by those resistant to allopathy. The Ayurvedic method addresses the person in their entirety, body and psyche, without dividing them into distinct parts. It uses remedies based on plants and minerals, massages, and specific diets. Treatment can range from a one-hour therapy to sessions lasting several days, depending on needs, budget, and available time. Most travelers who have experienced this have given positive feedback on the treatment. Ayurvedic treatment centers are numerous in Kerala – thanks to the rapid development of tourism – and allow visitors to indulge themselves in a paradisiacal setting.
Diving into the Heart of Living Traditions
Offering one of the most magical visions, dances play a significant role in the cultural life of the region. Bhârata Natyam and kathakali are among the oldest in the world. In the kathakali tradition, halfway between dance and mime theater, dancers perform roles drawn from Hindu mythology, particularly epics like the Râmâyana and the Mahâbhârata.
One of the most interesting aspects of kathakali is its complex makeup, which indicates the nature of each character by the colors used. Noble characters have green makeup, while those of ill repute bear red marks. Angry characters wear red makeup and a red beard. Hunters have a black base. Women, played by men, have bright and yellowish faces.
Very different but equally captivating, Bhârata Natyam is danced by men and women to the sound of the tabla. Each hand position and eye movement has a meaning.
A Wonderful Trip at Reasonable Prices
A wonderful trip at reasonable prices
The prices for this destination are often an incentive to travel. Relatively low, they are within reach of a modest budget, provided the trip is well planned. With some wise advice from locals and a little research, it is possible to find good deals. Outside of the tourist season, a ticket to South India can cost up to 40% less. Thus, it is worth looking for and taking advantage of the advantageous rates offered by this destination. For around 600 euros, you can find round-trip tickets Paris-Kochi or Paris-Thiruvananthapuram, via Mumbai or Abu Dhabi.
To fully discover Rajasthan, it is recommended to plan a stay of at least 10 to 15 days. This allows you to visit the main cities such as Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer, while enjoying the scenery and local culture.
To organize a honeymoon trip to Rajasthan, it is recommended to plan a romantic itinerary including Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur, book charming accommodations, and opt for private experiences such as a dinner by the lake.
For a good holiday with a baby in Rajasthan, choose comfortable accommodation, plan short journeys, bring everything your baby needs and avoid the hottest hours. Also make sure to schedule regular breaks.
For a family hiking trip in Rajasthan, explore Ranthambore National Park to observe wildlife, the Aravalli hills near Udaipur, and the Thar Desert around Jaisalmer for unforgettable walks.
To practice ecotourism in Rajasthan, choose to stay in ecolodges, take part in responsible safaris, support local crafts, and respect the wildlife and plants during your visits to national parks.
For a stay in Rajasthan, plan a budget of around 1200 to 2000 euros per person for two weeks, including flights, mid-range accommodation, meals, transportation, and main sightseeing.
To get to Rajasthan, it is recommended to take an international flight to Delhi or Mumbai, then continue by plane, train, or car to cities such as Jaipur, Udaipur, or Jodhpur, which are well served by transportation.
To travel to Rajasthan, which is in India, it is mandatory to have a valid passport as well as a visa. The visa must be obtained before departure from the competent Indian authorities.
To travel with peace of mind in Rajasthan, choose reputable accommodations, avoid going out alone at night, keep your valuables safe, and respect local customs. Take out suitable travel insurance.
To travel to Rajasthan, no vaccines are mandatory for travelers coming from Europe. However, it is strongly recommended to be up to date with DTP, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies depending on the length of stay.