Royal Rajasthan – Discover the pride of Rajasthan

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Delhi

  Our representative and driver welcomes you at Delhi airport and takes you to the hotel. Meals and evening at leisure in Delhi. Overnight at Rose Mallow Hotel or similar (Delhi).

• day 2

  Visit of Delhi (Old Delhi and New Delhi)

  

  

  

  After a delicious breakfast, set out to discover the fascinating contrasts of Delhi, where history and modernity coexist harmoniously. Begin your exploration in Old Delhi, a true witness to the Mughal past with its iconic monuments and authentic atmosphere. Stroll through the lively Chandni Chowk district aboard a rickshaw, soaking up its picturesque charm. Admire the Red Fort from the outside, wander through bazaars brimming with treasures, and visit the Fatehpuri spice market as well as the Kinari bazaar. Don’t miss tasting Indian street food specialties, such as the famous pani-puri. Next, head to New Delhi, the embodiment of India’s modern power, with its wide tree-lined avenues and elegant architecture. Stop to take photos in front of famous monuments like the India Gate. Pass by the Presidential Palace, Parliament, and other imposing government buildings. Make a stop at Agrasen ki Baoli, a fascinating ancient stepwell. Finish with a visit to the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib temple, where the community kitchen feeds thousands of people every day in a beautiful spirit of solidarity. Overnight at the Rose Mallow Hotel or similar (Delhi)

• day 3

  Delhi – Nawalgarh

  

  After breakfast, departure for the Shekhawati region, considered to be the open-air art gallery of Rajasthan. Mandawa consists of towns surrounded by sand dunes where you can find the havelis, these houses of wealthy merchants who once lived off the camel trade between India and Pakistan. Magnificent paintings dating from the 19th century adorn their facades. Begin the visit of the Podar Haveli Museum A well-preserved haveli, transformed into a museum, showcasing delicate frescoes, traditional objects, and insights into Shekhawati culture. Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) A magnificent structure with intricate mirror work, colorful paintings, and a blend of Rajput and Mughal architectures. Nawalgarh Fort A historic fort famous for its majestic entrance, delicate frescoes, and a panoramic view of the city. Local Markets Stroll through the lively bazaars of Nawalgarh to buy handicrafts, traditional textiles, and souvenirs in the Shekhawati style. Overnight at Grand Haveli or similar (Nawalgarh) Total journey: 250 km / 5h30.

• day 4

  Nawalgarh – Bikaner

  After breakfast, drive towards the desert in the direction of Bikaner. Check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit Bikaner with the Junagarh Fort, built in the 15th century by Raja Raj Singh, the Lalgarh Palace, and the camel breeding farm. Visit the Bhandasar Jain Temple, one of the oldest temples in Bikaner. Built in the 15th century, it is of rare beauty that lies in the details: mirrors, frescoes, paintings on leaves... You can also, if you wish, visit Deshnok, the Rat Temple (30 km south of Bikaner). Overnight at Harassar Haveli or similar (Bikaner) Total journey: 190 km / 4h

• day 5

  Bikaner – Jaisalmer

  This morning, breakfast. We leave for the city of Jaisalmer, nicknamed the Golden City. Upon arriving in Jaisalmer, the first sight is that of the fortified citadel emerging from the horizon, impressive with its walls and imposing towers. In the afternoon, visit to the BaraBagh site, the former garden of the rulers of Jaisalmer where cenotaphs for the Maharajas are erected. You will see, under the setting sun, the golden color of the stones contrasting beautifully with the desert and the blue sky. Magnificent. Overnight at Pleasant Haveli or similar (Jaisalmer) Total journey: 330 km / 6h

• day 6

  Visit of Jaisalmer (the "Golden City" of Rajasthan)

  

  After breakfast, this morning, let's set out to discover Jaisalmer, known for the beauty of its havelis whose facades are decorated with fine stone carvings, built in the 18th century by wealthy merchants (Patwon-ki-Haveli, Salim Singh-ki-Haveli, Nathmal-ki-Haveli…). Visit of the Jain temples. Located in the fort of Jaisalmer, they were built between the 12th and 15th centuries. They are dedicated to various great Jain masters, called Tirthankars (they are humans, like us, who have reached a certain level of soul). Walking tour in the bazaar. Stroll through its lively alleys, full of authentic colors and scents! You will see, Jaisalmer has undeniable charm. Night at Pleasant Haveli (Jaisalmer).

• day 7

  Jaisalmer - Osian - Jodhpur, the blue city

  After breakfast, departure for Jodhpur. On the way, stop at Osian, an ancient capital and trading center, to visit its magnificent Jain temples. Renowned for their detailed sculptures and exquisite architecture, these temples reflect the rich artistic and spiritual heritage of Rajasthan. Departure for 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. In the evening, visit the local Sadar Bazar market, where you will encounter women wearing the traditional colorful clothes of Rajasthan. Overnight at Kuchaman Haveli or similar (Jodhpur). Total journey: 280 km / 6h

• day 8

  Visit of the Bishnois community – visit of Jodhpur

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for an unforgettable 4×4 excursion to visit the Bishnoi community near Jodhpur, known for its commitment to the preservation of wildlife and nature. Along the way, observe 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. Visit Mehrangarh Fort, nicknamed the Magnificent Fort as it overlooks the city from a height of 122 meters. Inside are many courtyards surrounded by palaces with carved facades. Visit the fort museum. From the top of the ramparts defended by impressive cannons, you will enjoy a splendid view of the blue city. The Jaswant Thada, a white marble mausoleum, and the Chamunda Devi temple. Overnight at Kuchaman Haveli or similar (Jodhpur).

• day 9

  Jodhpur – Jojawar (Jojawar, charming town of Rajasthan)

  Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Jojawar, a charming town in Rajasthan that offers a blend of rustic beauty, vibrant culture, and historical significance, nestled in the heart of the Aravalli mountain range. Exploration of tribal culture: Jojawar is an excellent place to immerse yourself in the tribal culture of Rajasthan. Visit the nearby villages to discover traditional customs, local crafts, and the lifestyle of indigenous communities. Transfer to Phulad. Ride on train 52075 from Phulad 14:49 – Devgarh Madriya 16:41. Overnight at Rawla Jojawar or similar (Jojawar). Total journey: 120 km / 3h.

• day 10

  Jojawar - Ranakpur – Udaipur (nicknamed the Venice of the East)

  

  This morning, after breakfast, continue to Udaipur. On the way, you will stop at Ranakpur. Discover the magnificent Jain temples of Ranakpur, famous for the variety and beauty of their sculpted details. The most important of them, built entirely of white marble, has no less than 1,444 carved columns, none of which are identical. You will visit the great Jain temple of Ranakpur, which seems to hide in the Aravelli hills. An enchanting charm emanates from this solitary place. You will be amazed by the sculptures of the different temples. The most grandiose is the one dedicated to Adinath, built in 1439. Continue to Udaipur, a city with narrow and lively streets, whitewashed houses, balconies, and tiny windows. In the evening, attend Rajasthani dances at Bagore ki Haveli. Overnight at Darbargarh or similar (Udaipur). Total journey: 160 km / 4h.

• day 11

  City tour – Udaipur

  

  

  

  After breakfast, city tour. A vision in white, bathed in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of images, sounds, and experiences, and without a doubt, a source of inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters, and writers. Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola. You will visit the City Palace, the former palace of the Maharanas of Udaipur. Built in the 18th century, this palace, part of which is still inhabited by the descendants of the Maharana, overlooks Lake Pichola. It is a labyrinth of marble halls, decorated lounges, courtyards, and gardens. Stroll through the "Garden of the Maidens," a superb park with many fountains. Visit a silk painting center, specialized in miniatures. The Jagdish Temple, a magnificent Hindu temple located in the heart of Udaipur. Then, depending on the remaining time, you can visit the Saheliyon Ki Bari gardens (or Garden of the Maidens). Overnight at Darbargarh or similar (Udaipur).

• day 12

  Udaipur – Chittorgarh – Bundi

  Breakfast at the hotel. Take the road towards Bundi and stop to visit the citadel of Chittorgarh, located 112 km northeast of Udaipur. It represents the romantic ideal of the Rajput knights. The fort stands on a hill 180 meters above the plain. It is now deserted, but its ruins are impressive. They house, among other things, the ruins of the Rana Kumbha palace with its elephant and horse stables. Visit of the fort (110 km - 2h30 drive). Then continue towards Bundi. This pretty town played an important role in the history of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three sides and bordered on the fourth side by a massive wall pierced by four gates. Departure for the visit of this pretty town which played an important role in the history of Rajasthan. The Garh Palace – a beautiful example of Rajput architecture, housing superb mural paintings. The Garh Palace is not a simple palace, but really an entire complex of different palaces, built by different rulers at different times. Then, there is the Taragarh Fort – dominating the top of a wooded hill, with a magnificent view of the Aravalli hills on one side and the dusty plains on the other. Chaurasi Khambon ki Chatri – this cenotaph with eighty-four pillars was erected in memory of Deva, son of the nurse of Rao Raja Anirudh Singh, in 1683. Built on a high platform, this unique double chhatri has a large Shivalinga in the center, making it both a temple and a cenotaph. Then, there are Nagar Sagar Kund and the Raniji-ki-Baori which are worth a visit. Raniji ki Baori is quite impressive and is about 46 m deep. It has beautiful sculptures and was built in 1699. The Nagar Sagar Kund is a pair of matching baoris located in the old part of the city. 180 km - 3h30 drive Overnight at Hadoti Palace or similar (Bundi)

• day 13

  Bundi – Jaipur (The Pink City of Rajasthan)

  After breakfast, departure this morning for Jaipur, one of the most pleasant and lively cities in India. The vibrant capital of Rajasthan owes its nickname of “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. Visit to the Birla family Temple. Known for its exquisite architecture, this temple is truly a sight to behold. This peaceful white marble sanctuary is dedicated to Vishnu and the goddess Lakshmi, and symbolizes social success and fortune. In the evening: movie session at the Raj Mandir. It is the most famous cinema in Jaipur and probably one of the best known in India. While the facade displays the shades of the Pink City, the interior is no less colorful: Indians laugh, shout, applaud, chat – in short, they put on a show and you end up watching them more than the Hindi film itself. In the evening, an Aarti ceremony at the Birla temple will give you a small window into the Hindu religion. Overnight at Bissau Palace or similar (Jaipur) Total journey: 200 km / 4h

• day 14

  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 beautiful 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 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. Now let's go to the market for a rickshaw ride. The alleys are colorful and noisy. Overnight at the Bissau Palace or similar (Jaipur).

• day 15

  Jaipur – Abhaneri – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra

  

  

  After breakfast, departure for the former capital from the time of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. You will enjoy a stop to discover the site of Chand Baori in the village of Abhaneri. Here, you can discover how rainwater was collected during the monsoon. Deep basins with carved steps were built to store water for a pragmatic purpose. Then, drive to Fatehpur Sikri, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This capital was abandoned a few years after its construction. Visit the Great Mosque with the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti. Discover its paved courtyard in the shape of a giant chessboard, on which prisoners of war or young slaves acted as pawns. Visit the Hall of Audiences containing Akbar's pillar. Drive to Agra. In the evening, it is very interesting to visit Mehtab Bagh, the dazzling garden behind the Taj Mahal, to observe this monument at sunset. Overnight in guesthouse: Coral Country or similar (Agra). Total journey: 240 km / 5h30.

• day 16

  Visit of the Taj Mahal - Delhi – Departure

  

  

  It is at sunrise that you will leave by carriage to reach the entrance of the majestic Taj Mahal, this mausoleum whose legend and atmosphere invite contemplation. You will see, there is a mythical, almost mysterious ambiance here... Visit of the Agra Red Fort. Initially intended for military use, it was transformed into a palace. An incredible impression of power and imperiousness emanates from its walls. Visit of the tomb of Itimâd-ud-Daulâ, a magnificent building whose white marble walls are inlaid with semi-precious stones. Then, return to Delhi and transfer to the airport for your return flight. Total journey: 210 km / 3h. Have a good trip!