Rajput glory and Mughal majesty: an unforgettable journey in India

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Delhi

  

  Upon your arrival at Delhi airport, our representative and driver will welcome you and take you to your hotel. (The organization of visits for this day will depend on your arrival time.) 🛏️ Night at Haveli Hauz Khas hotel or similar (Delhi)

• day 2

  ✈️ Udaipur by plane (domestic flight)

  

  This morning, after breakfast, transfer to Delhi airport to take your domestic flight to Udaipur. (Scheduled time: 13:10 - 14:30, subject to change). It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. Upon your arrival in Udaipur, meet and transfer to your hotel. Welcome to Udaipur, the "City of Lakes" Nestled in the heart of the Aravalli hills, Udaipur is an enchanting destination renowned for its majestic palaces, sparkling lakes, and rich heritage. This romantic city is home to architectural wonders such as the City Palace, Lake Pichola, and Jag Mandir. With its royal atmosphere, colorful bazaars, and vibrant culture, Udaipur offers an unforgettable experience blending history and splendor. Exclusive experience: Cooking demonstration class Immerse yourself in the world of Indian gastronomy through an interactive cooking workshop, designed to introduce you to traditional flavors and techniques. Indian cooking demonstration: Indian cuisine is incredibly rich, influenced by the diversity of spices, herbs, fruits, and vegetables unique to each region. It also reflects the country's cultural, religious, and historical influences. Cultural evening: Rajasthani dance show At the end of the day, be amazed by a traditional Rajasthani dance show at Bagore ki Haveli, a historic palace overlooking Lake Pichola. 🛏 Overnight at the Shiv Niwas Palace hotel or similar (Udaipur).

• day 3

  Discovery of Udaipur

  

  After breakfast, departure for an immersive city tour. The must-sees of Udaipur City Palace – The most sumptuous palace in Rajasthan, offering breathtaking views of Lake Pichola and featuring remarkable architecture blending Rajput and Mughal styles. Jag Mandir – Known as the "Lake Garden Palace," this magnificent palace built on an island in Lake Pichola is a true architectural gem. 🌿 Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of the Maidens) – A superb garden adorned with fountains, marble pavilions, and lotus ponds, designed for the ladies of the royal court. Unique experiences in Udaipur Boat ride on Lake Pichola – Enjoy a peaceful cruise on this iconic lake, offering stunning views of the surrounding palaces and ghats. Jagdish Temple – Discover this magnificent Hindu temple, a masterpiece of architecture dedicated to the god Vishnu, located in the heart of Udaipur. Introduction to traditional Rajasthani miniature painting Immerse yourself in the delicate art of miniature painting with a private class led by a master craftsman. Learn the sophisticated techniques required to create meticulous works, made with tiny brushes crafted from a single hair. At the end of this immersive experience, leave with your own creation, a unique and personalized souvenir of your stay. 🛏 Overnight at the Shiv Niwas Palace hotel or similar (Udaipur).

• day 4

  Udaipur - Ranakpur - Jodhpur (250 km/6 h)

  

  After breakfast, departure for Jodhpur. On the way, a stop at Ranakpur, made of white marble, home to a small community of monks. Visit the Jain temple. The temple is open from noon to 5:00 pm. Audioguide available on site for the visit of the Jain temples of Ranakpur. Guides are not allowed to guide inside the temple. Then, drive to Jodhpur: nestled at the foot of a huge dark red sandstone fortress, the “blue city” appears as a comforting oasis for anyone who has just crossed the Thar desert. Jodhpur is one of the sunniest cities in India. Check-in at your hotel. Then, start of the visit of Jodhpur. Visit the top of Jodhpur, at Mehrangarh Fort, from where the view is splendid over the city and its blue houses. Then, visit the Jaswant Thada cenotaph, dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, who brought water and prosperity to these arid lands at the end of the 19th century. In the evening, visit the local Sadar Bazar market, where you will see women wearing the traditional colorful clothes of Rajasthan. Overnight at The Umaid Palace - or similar.

• day 5

  Visit to the Bishnois community - road to the Pink City - Jaipur (330 km/6 h)

  

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for an unforgettable 4×4 excursion to visit the Bishnois community near Jodhpur, known for its commitment to the preservation of wildlife and nature. Along the way, observe the desert wildlife, such as blackbucks and chinkaras, and discover the simple lifestyle of the Bishnois, their traditional practices, local crafts, daily rituals, and unique ecological values. Then, drive to Jaipur: one of the most pleasant and lively cities in India. The vibrant capital of Rajasthan owes its nickname "Pink City" to the pink paint that covers the buildings of the old town. Built on the bed of a dried-up lake, in an arid landscape, the city is surrounded by bare hills topped with fortresses and crenellated ramparts. Check-in at the hotel. Later, a movie session at the famous Raj Mandir in Jaipur. In the evening, an Aarti ceremony at the Birla temple gives you a small window into the Hindu religion. Overnight at Diggi Palace - or similar.

• day 6

  Visit of Jaipur

  

  

  After breakfast. This morning, excursion to the Amber Fort. Located at the entrance of a rocky gorge and overlooking a magnificent lake, the fort is a labyrinth of walls and towers which, from one hill to another, formed an incomparable defense system. Here, everything has remained exactly as it was centuries ago. You will enjoy the many arcaded courtyards and the magnificent gardens. Visit the magical rooms of the Palace, adorned with mirrors, as well as the temple dedicated to the goddess Kali. Discovery of the city and visit to the Maharaja's Palace. You will also see the Palace of the Winds, an extraordinary baroque-style wall section adorned with lattice windows, designed so that the wind circulates and cools the place. The ladies of the court could thus watch the parades organized for the maharajas without being seen. Visit to the Jantar Mantar or Yantra Mandir, one of the five Indian observatories, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Let's now go to the market for a rickshaw ride. The alleys are colorful and noisy. Overnight at Diggi Palace - or similar.

• day 7

  Jaipur - Abhaneri - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Route: 240 km / 4h30 by road

  

  

  Departure for Agra, with a stop at Abhaneri and a visit to the Baori, a deep water collection basin with carved steps. Then, you make a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the ghost city intended to become Akbar's brilliant Mughal capital, but abandoned after a few years. Afterwards, continue towards Agra: The city, bordered by the Yamuna River, is famous for one of the most well-known monuments in the world, the Taj Mahal. This sumptuous mausoleum, built by Shah Jehan in memory of his wife, was shaped over 20 years by no less than 20,000 workers and hundreds of artisans. The many monuments built in this city during the Mughal empire reflect its grandeur. Visit the Agra Fort, built by three Mughal emperors starting with Akbar the Great, as well as the tomb of Itimâd-ud-Daulâ, a magnificent building whose white marble walls are inlaid with semi-precious stones. Later, enjoy a very good experience by visiting Mehtab Bagh, a dazzling garden located behind the Taj Mahal, to observe it at sunset. Check-in for 1 night. Overnight at Courtyard by Marriott Agra - or similar.

• day 8

  Sunrise at the Taj Mahal – Return to Delhi (4 h drive) ✈ Departure flight

  

  

  Early in the morning, at the first light of day, set out to discover the majestic Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), accompanied by a French-speaking guide. This masterpiece of Mughal architecture, an eternal symbol of love, is revealed under enchanting light at sunrise. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Then, depart by road to Delhi airport for your return flight. (It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure). ✈ End of the journey!