Rajasthan: Journey to the Land of the Maharajas

To approach this destination, why not be original?

The agency will be delighted to take you to discover the real India in Rajasthan, through tailor-made excursions, to guarantee you quality service and comfort. Welcomed upon arrival by friendly and helpful staff, you will be taken to the accommodation of your expectations: from a range of guest rooms with unrivaled comfort, equipment, and quality in the area, all in a "home sweet home" atmosphere.

Typical and tasty meals will be offered. If you prefer to explore the surroundings, restaurants and good advice are available.

Day 1: Departure from Paris – Arrival in the afternoon

Arrival in Delhi.

You will be welcomed at the airport by your driver, who will be waiting for you with his own car. Transfer, check-in at your BB. Bed and breakfast in our residence for a French-speaking welcome.

Day 2: Delhi

Departure for a visit to the capital of several Indian empires. Delhi was an important city, located on the ancient trade routes between the northwest and the Ganges plains. The Mughals established their capital in the part of the city now known as Old Delhi. At the beginning of the 20th century, during the British Raj, a new city was built south of the old one and became the capital of the British Empire of India in 1911. In 1947, independent India confirmed New Delhi as the capital of the new country.

Day 3: Delhi- Churu

After breakfast, you start the journey to Churu.

Churu is located in the Shekhawati region. Most of the havelis in Shekhawati date from the 19th or early 20th century. The expansion of the British Empire led to the disappearance of traditional trade routes, but made the fortune of Marwari merchants.

Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Heritage Hotel with a very eccentric facade.

Day 4: Churu – Siyana

Visit the Junagarh Fort. Bikaner was founded by the Rajput chief Rao Bikaji in 1488. This city is dominated by the immense citadel of Junagarh, with its palace decorated with paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Junagarh Fort is one of the famous landmarks of Bikaner that attracts tourists' attention. Built during the period from 1588 to 1593 by Raja Raj Singh, general of Emperor Mughal Akbar's army. The fort has 37 bastions, a moat, and two entrances.

Head to Siyana. On the way, visit Deshnok, the Temple of Rats.

• Check-in at BB. Dinner and overnight.

Day 5 and 6: Siyana – DESERT IMMERSION

The Dhani is the closest accommodation to the Desert Communities' huts. Our Dhani is located near a family, but they will not interfere with your privacy, nor will you disturb them.

The Dhani has 2 separate rooms, composed of Charpoi, which have been made more comfortable by the addition of cotton mattresses. Electrical outlets and minimal lighting are provided, batteries/phones can be charged.

Strictly vegetarian meals. Bio-toilet set back from the Dhani, and a minimum of water for the minimalist toilet.

Day 7: Siyana – Jaisalmer

Visit the Sonar Quila or Golden Fort. It is built in yellow stone; at certain times of the day, it reflects the golden hues of the Thar desert that it overlooks. This fort is one of the two oldest in Rajasthan.

Then visit the Patwon-Ki Haveli, one of the largest Havelis (Noble Houses) in the city. Located in a small alley in the main city of Jaisalmer, Patwon ki Haveli was built by Guman Chand Patwa and his five sons. Guman Chand was a famous merchant of his time, and a trader in gold, brocade, and silver. There are five huge suites in the Patwon ki haveli, well decorated. The beautiful frescoes on the walls give us an idea of daily life at the time.

Day 8: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur

Head to Jodhpur. Visit the Blue City (Jodhpur) and the Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India, overlooking the city. You will visit the Jaswant Thada, a superb marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Built in honor of Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Some rare portraits of the former rulers of Jodhpur are also displayed here.

Later, visit the Mehrangarh fort, one of the most beautiful in Rajasthan.

Day 9: Jodhpur – Ahore

Free time in the bazaars, or departure by road... The villages follow one another...

We offer you the chance to live in the heart of an aristocratic family in the Marwar region. The establishment offers only 6 rooms with a personalized welcome.

Day 10: Ahore – Gulabganj

Departure by road through the countryside.

Go to meet a village of the Raikas community. Share breakfast with the Raika.

The Raika are connected to nature by a powerful bond. In India, it is sometimes said that they live on the border of two universes: between civilization and wild nature, between the world of men and that of spirits.

Then to Gulabganj…

Continuation of your meetings with the Raika tribe…

Day 11: TREK Gulabganj – Ranakpur

Day 12: Ranakpur – Kumbalgarh TREK

Day 13: Kumbalgarh – Udaipur

Departure to Ranakpur. Check-in at the hotel.

Visit the Jain Temple in Ranakpur (open to the public at 12:00 noon).

Day 14: Udaipur

Visit the city of Udaipur with a tour of the City Palace, one of the architectural wonders of Rajasthan, located on the shores of Lake Pichola. Saheliyon Ki Bari is one of the most beautiful gardens and a major attraction of the city. The garden is famous for its lush green lawns, marble sculptures, and fountains. Enjoy the exotic auto rickshaw ride in the Udaipur bazaar. Imagine yourself as James Bond in these narrow streets (the James Bond movie "OCTOPUSSY" was filmed here).

Day 15: Udaipur – Bundi – Raola Khera

After a sumptuous early breakfast, take the road to Bijaipur via Chittorgarh.

Chittorgarh is known as one of the colorful ancient cities of Rajasthan. The forts and palaces of Chittor are glorious tales of India's bravery and sacrifice.

Check-in at Raola Khera…

You will meet Kamal Singh, one of the high authorities of Raola Khera and a descendant of the founders of the village. He will be your guide in the village and will welcome you in one of our 30 m² guest houses.

Day 16: Raola Khera

Free

Day 17: Raola Khera – Jaipur

Departure for the city of Jaipur… You can decide to take some time in the countryside, or quickly reach the big city to enjoy its excitement.

Day 18: Jaipur

Visit the city of Jaipur.

Discover the Amber Fort, the original seat of royal power and one of the most beautiful buildings in Rajasthan. The Amber Fortress, since the 12th century, was the citadel of the Kachwahas and remained their capital until Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II transferred it to Jaipur.

Stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) to immortalize this remarkable five-story pink sandstone building.

Afternoon: Visit to the city palace

Day 19: Jaipur – Agra

Departure to Agra.

On the way, visit Fatehpur Sikri. An epic of red sandstone, this ancient city is now deserted.

Visit the Taj Mahal at sunset: The Taj Mahal, literally "Palace of the Crown", is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, on the southern bank of the Yamuna River. In 1631, the Mughal emperor Shan Jahan ordered the construction of a mausoleum in memory of his late wife, who died giving birth to their fourteenth child.

Day 20: Agra – Delhi

Visit the Red Fort…

Return to Delhi; room available before transfer to the airport for the return flight.

Day 21 – Departure from Delhi