Jewels of North India

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Delhi (arrangements according to your arrival).

  

  Upon your arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be greeted and then transferred to the hotel. After breakfast, begin your exploration of the city by passing near the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of Mughal power, as well as Chandni Chowk, famous for its old shopping alleys. You will also discover the exterior of the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, and Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. You will pass by the presidential palace and India Gate. Lunch is at your leisure. Next, explore the ruins of Mehrauli and the Bangla Sahib Sikh temple. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to prepare and taste a "jeera aloo" (a dish made with potatoes and cumin) with an Indian family. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 2

  Delhi - Nawalgarh (270 km)

  

  Departure after breakfast for Nawalgarh, a picturesque village in the Shekhawati region. The havelis of Nawalgarh are renowned for their amazing frescoes that tell the legends of yesteryear. Lunch is at your leisure. In the afternoon, you stroll through the village to discover houses adorned with brightly colored frescoes, illustrating warrior legends, but also daily life or even religious myths. You will then have some free time in the village for a walk, followed by a demonstration and an introduction to two Indian dishes: chapati and dal tadka (lentil dish). Overnight at the hotel.

• day 3

  Nawalgarh - Fatehpur - Bikaner (200 km)

  

  Visit Fatehpur, a typical village of Rajasthan, followed by the road to Bikaner through the Thar desert. Bikaner is the former princely capital of the 15th century, founded by Rao Bikaji, a Rajput lord. In the afternoon, visit the Junagarh Fort, a fortress built in the 15th century, perched like a real eagle's nest. Then, enjoy an auto-rickshaw ride in the old town. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 4

  Bikaner - Pushkar (260 km)

  

  You are heading towards Pushkar, a holy city for Hindus, famous for its camel fairs. On the way, visit the Rat Temple, Karni Mata, an important Hindu place of worship where thousands of rats are present. Upon arrival, explore the city of Pushkar, especially the Brahma Temple, the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma, and take a walk along the sacred lake. You will have the opportunity to taste the famous chai. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 5

  Pushkar - Jaipur (130 km)

  

  You will head towards Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, known as the "Pink City" because of the color of its red sandstone buildings, a warm and welcoming hue. Upon your arrival, visit Jaipur, including the City Palace, the Maharajah's palace, part of which is still inhabited by the descendants of the local rajah. Then discover the cenotaphs of Gaitor, where the ancient tombs of Rajasthan's royalty rest. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 6

  Jaipur

  

  The morning and lunch are free. An optional excursion, including a visit to the Amber Fort and the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, will be offered to you (to be booked and paid for on site). In the afternoon, stop in front of the Hawa Mahal, the magnificent Palace of Winds, which allowed the women of the royal family to watch the street without being seen. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 7

  Jaipur - Agra (250 km)

  

  In the morning, head towards Agra. Upon your arrival, visit the superb Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by the discovery of the Taj Mahal, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered the 8th wonder of the world. Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in tribute to his late wife, this white marble building inlaid with semi-precious stones is an unforgettable visit. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 8

  Agra - Delhi - Departure (200 km)

  

  Road towards Delhi. Lunch is free. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.