Rajasthan, North India

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in New Delhi

  When you arrive in New Delhi, you will be greeted at the Delhi International Airport by Maavalan's smiling representative, who will take you to the hotel for the night. Get a good rest to overcome your jet lag. Overnight at the hotel (Africa Avenue as per the quoted itinerary).

• day 2

  DELHI - SHEKHAWATI

  In the morning, after breakfast, we will have a briefing about your trip, then you will leave for Mandawa, in the Shekhawati region. Shekhawati is known for its stops along caravan routes. It is also renowned for its painted houses, built by wealthy merchants who left their homes to go live in other trading ports. These painted houses are called "havelis" in Shekhawati. You will discover the decorated walls of the havelis. On these walls, frescoes depict life during the time of the maharajas, royal processions, and scenes from Hindu mythology. Overnight at the hotel (Udai Bilas as per the indicated quote).

• day 3

  SHEKHAWATI - BIKANER

  You leave Shekhawati to arrive at the city often called "the pearl of the desert", the medieval city of Bikaner. With a bit of luck, you may meet a newlywed couple who have come to the temple of the Bikaner fort to be blessed. Visit the fort, meticulously carved, and rooms beautifully decorated with gold paintings dating back 5 centuries. Overnight at the hotel (Raj Vilas as per the indicated quote).

• day 4

  BIKANER - JAISALMER

  You are in the middle of the Thar Desert. You are going to cross it to reach the golden city of Jaisalmer. On the way, you will pass through many villages and see how people still live as in a bygone era. In the afternoon, you arrive in Jaisalmer, built of yellow sandstone, which gives it the impression of being a golden city. Check-in at the hotel and visit to the "Sunset Point" next to the local cenotaphs. You spend a pleasant afternoon in a romantic atmosphere, in a historic place. Overnight at the hotel (Golden Haveli as per the indicated quote).

• day 5

  JAISALMER

  Built 9 centuries ago, the Jaisalmer citadel offers a wonderful visiting experience. People still live there, children go to school, and cows come to the residents' homes to ask for food. Visit the two Jain temples in the citadel, open to tourists to admire their beautiful sculptures. Later, go down to the lower town to see the pretty carved facades of the havelis. In the afternoon, set out to discover the royal cenotaphs a few kilometers from Jaisalmer, right in the middle of the desert! Camelback ride for sunset on the dunes (optional). Overnight at the hotel (Golden Haveli as per the indicated quote).

• day 6

  JAISALMER - JODHPUR

  Have you heard of the blue city? Yes, it’s the city of Jodhpur where you are going today. Arriving in Jodhpur, you will be impressed by the Jodhpur fortress, perched on a red sandstone hill overlooking the blue city. When you climb up to the fortress, you enjoy a splendid view of the blue city below. Visit the fortress and the blue city on foot. Overnight at the hotel (Pal Haveli as per the indicated quote).

• day 7

  JODHPUR - RANAKPUR - UDAIPUR

  Another extraordinary day begins. You will leave the Thar desert to climb into the range called the Aravalli Mountains. Hidden in these mountains are the magnificent Jain temples, built entirely of white marble and dating back more than 6 centuries, in a remarkable state of preservation. You must remove your shoes, take off any leather items (non-violent devotees), and cover your shoulders and calves to enter. It is one of the most beautiful temples you will see. A short journey of 100 kilometers on mountain roads and the landscape changes completely. You will see norias irrigating the fields, ox carts, and cows plowing. You arrive in Udaipur. Check-in at the hotel. You will spend two nights there. (Karohi Haveli as per the indicated quote)

• day 8

  UDAIPUR

  Udaipur, the romantic city, the city of lakes, discover the palace built by the longest dynasty in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on Lake Pichola and spend a romantic moment on the island of Jag Mandir Palace, a former entertainment venue for the country's Maharajas, with a small drink (optional)! Overnight at the hotel (Karohi Haveli as per the indicated quote).

• day 9

  UDAIPUR - DEOGARH

  Leaving from Udaipur, on the way, our driver will make a short stop at the shrines of the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law temples. This small site will amaze you with the quality of its granite sculptures. Then continue towards the Deogarh Mahal Palace, a medieval princely residence. Settle into the palace and take the time to appreciate it. In the afternoon, take part in their village safari, an option that is really worth it. At the end, you will enjoy a nice tea at sunset. Overnight at Deogarh Mahal Palace.

• day 10

  DEOGARH - JAIPUR

  In the morning, after breakfast, take the road to Jaipur, the capital and first city of Rajasthan, nicknamed the Pink City, which was painted to welcome the English prince in the 19th century. It is a city with a lot of character. Overnight at the hotel. You will spend two nights there. (Traditional Haveli as per the indicated quote)

• day 11

  JAIPUR

  In the morning, you will start the visits by passing in front of the Palace of the Winds. Then, you will continue with the excursion to Amber Fort, where you will ride on an elephant. It is one of the most refined palaces in Rajasthan. In the afternoon, in the old city, you will visit the City Palace, where Lord Mountbatten passed for the transfer of power during the creation of the Republic. Also visit the famous Observatory, built by the founder of Jaipur. Overnight at the hotel (Traditional Haveli as per the indicated quote).

• day 12

  JAIPUR - FATEHPUR SIKRI - AGRA

  On that day, you will leave Rajasthan to enter the state of Uttar Pradesh, the region where the city of Agra and the famous Taj Mahal are located. On the way, you will visit the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri, promised and built by the Great Mughal Akbar. Here is one of the largest mosques in South Asia. Then continue towards Agra. Upon your arrival, visit the Agra Fort, a magnificent Mughal construction where Emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned and from where he could see the tomb of his beloved, the Taj Mahal. Check-in at the hotel (Howard Plaza as per the indicated quote).

• day 13

  AGRA - NEW DELHI

  Visit the Taj Mahal at dawn to discover its true character, illuminated by the rays of the rising sun. You will be much more impressed than by seeing photos. It is a surreal moment that you will experience. Make the most of it. Also discover the refinement of local craftsmanship in this city. Upon your return to New Delhi, we invite you to a farewell dinner. At night, we will take you to the airport for your flight.

• day 14

  NEW DELHI - CDG PARIS

  Flight to Paris.