Rajasthan: Journey to the Land of the Maharajas

To approach this destination, why not show some originality?

The agency will be delighted to take you to discover the real India, through tailor-made excursions, to guarantee you quality service and comfort. Welcomed upon your arrival by friendly and helpful staff, they will take you to accommodations that meet your expectations: whether it is a series of guest rooms with unmatched comfort, equipment, and quality in the area, all in a Home Sweet Home atmosphere.

Typical meals, rich in flavors, will be offered to you. If you prefer to explore the surroundings, restaurants and good advice will be provided.

Day 1: Departure from Paris – Arrival late evening

Arrival in Delhi.

Welcome at the airport by your driver, who will be waiting for you with your personal car. Transfer and check-in at your BB. Guest rooms at our Residence for a French-speaking welcome.

Day 2: Delhi

Departure for a visit of the capital of several Indian empires. Delhi was an important city, located on the ancient trade routes between the northwest and the plains of the Ganges. 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 city and became the capital of the British Empire in 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 road 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 the Marwari merchants.

Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Heritage hotel with a very eccentric facade and rooms with kitsch decor.

Day 4 – Churu – Siyana

Visit of 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 adorned with 17th and 18th-century paintings.

Junagarh Fort is one of Bikaner's famous landmarks that attracts tourists' attention. Built during the period from 1588 to 1593 by Raja Raj Singh, general of the Mughal emperor 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

Nights in Dhani – See presentation below

The Dhani is accommodation closest to the desert communities' huts. Our Dhani is located near a family, but you will not interfere with their privacy, nor will they disturb yours.

The Dhani has 2 separate rooms, composed of charpois, made more comfortable by the addition of cotton mattresses. Electrical outlets and minimal lighting are provided, you can charge batteries/phones.

Strictly vegetarian meals. Bio-toilet set back from the Dhani, and minimal water for minimalist washing.

The Dhani accommodation is a DESERT LIFE EXPERIENCE as close as possible to what the locals live.

Day 7 – Siyana – Jaisalmer

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit of Sonar Quila or Golden Fort. It is built in yellow stone, which, at certain times of the day, gives it the golden reflections of the Thar desert 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 on 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, a dealer in gold, brocade, and silver. There are five massive suites in Patwon ki Haveli, beautifully decorated. The magnificent frescoes on the walls offer a glimpse of daily life at the time.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8 – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur

Breakfast at the hotel.

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. A few rare portraits of former rulers of Jodhpur are also displayed here.

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

Day 9: Jodhpur – Ahore

Breakfast at the hotel.

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

We offer you the chance to live at the heart of an aristocratic family from the Marwar region. The establishment offers only 6 rooms with personalized service.

Day 10: Ahore – Gulabganj

Departure by road through the countryside.

Meet a village of the Raikas community. BREAKFAST shared with the Raika.

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

Then continue to Gulabganj…

Breathe, settle down, find peace and serenity in a place of striking beauty and in an almost wild setting. India may be dynamic, noisy, exhausting, but it has nevertheless preserved places where harmony and tranquility are a golden rule. It is a pearl of this kind that we offer you to discover, which, in its simplicity, nevertheless has everything you need to keep you busy.

The hosts know how to welcome foreign visitors and never stop showing it. You will stay in beautiful spacious rooms with an authentic atmosphere.

Continue your encounters with Raika tribes…

Day 11: Gulabganj – Ranakpur TREK

Day 12: Ranakpur – Kumbalgarh TREK

Day 13: Kumbalgarh – Udaipur

Departure to Ranakpur. Check-in at the hotel.

Visit the Jain Temple at Ranakpur (opens to the public at 12:00).

Day 14: Udaipur

Visit of the city of Udaipur with a visit to the City Palace. It is one of the architectural wonders of Rajasthan, located on the banks 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 lawns, marble sculptures, and fountains. Enjoy an exotic auto rickshaw tour in the Udaipur bazaar. Feel like James Bond in these narrow streets (the James Bond film “OCTOPUSSY” was filmed there).

Day 15: Udaipur – Bundi – Raola Khera

After a sumptuous early breakfast, you take the road towards Bijaipur passing through Chittorgarh.

Chittorgarh is recognized as one of the old colored 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 be welcomed by Kamal Singh, one of the high authorities of Raola Khera and a descendant of the village founders. 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

Day 17: Raola Khera – Jaipur

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

Day 18: Jaipur

Visit of the city of Jaipur.

Discovery of 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 moved it to Jaipur.

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

Afternoon: visit of the City Palace

Day 19: Jaipur – Agra

Departure to Agra.

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

Visit the Taj Mahal at sunset: The Taj Mahal, literally “Palace of the Crown”, is located in Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, on the south 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 of the Red Fort…

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

Day 21 – Departure from Delhi