Sikhism and Rajasthan

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

  Your driver will welcome you upon your arrival at Delhi airport and accompany you to your car. Then, we will take you to your hotel. After your check-in, we will provide you with additional information about the rest of your tour with an Indian driver and answer any questions you may have. Depending on your arrival time, your driver will take you by car for a first visit to the highlights of Delhi: such as the Akshardham Temple (and its incredible architecture), Humayun's Tomb (built in the 15th century), the Lotus Temple (this flower-shaped temple has won several architecture awards), the Birla Mandir (also known as the Laxmi Narayan Temple, it is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu), the Monkey Temple... Overnight in Delhi.

• day 2

  Day 2: From Delhi to Chandigarh

  In the morning, after your breakfast at the hotel, your Indian driver-guide will transfer you by private car to Chandigarh. The city was planned and built in the post-independence era, in the 1960s. Chandigarh is world-renowned for its architecture and urban design. And for good reason, the city's plans as well as many buildings were created by the famous Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. You will thus be able to discover another side of India (known only to insiders): that of an ultra-modern post-colonial India. Chandigarh was recently ranked among the perfect cities in terms of architecture, culture, and modernization. Your Indian driver will show you the famous Rock Garden, as well as many buildings by Le Corbusier (such as the Gandhi Bhavan, the Legislative Assembly, and the Punjab High Court). Overnight in Chandigarh.

• day 3

  Day 3: From Chandigarh to Amritsar

  Today, your Indian driver-guide will pick you up by car at your hotel for the next part of your journey in India. You will then head towards Amritsar, the spiritual capital of the Sikhs. Once you arrive in the most famous city of Punjab, your Indian driver-guide will take you to your hotel for check-in. Amritsar is mainly visited on foot. You will thus visit the main attraction of the city: the Golden Temple. Also called Harmandir Sahib, this incredible Sikh temple is the holiest place in Sikhism. Standing in the center of a pool, the temple is entirely gilded with fine gold. It was founded in the 16th century by Guru Arjan, at the exact spot where the first Sikh Guru (Guru Nanak) used to meditate. The Golden Temple is surrounded by many Sikh places of worship (called gurdwârâs), the most famous of which is undoubtedly Akal Takht (literally the throne of the eternal). Another particularity of the Harmandir Sahib is that meals are served there free of charge to all pilgrims, making it one of the largest kitchens in the world (with 100 to 300 thousand soups served each day). If you wish, you can also share this meal with the pilgrims, which will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience. Overnight in Amritsar.

• day 4

  Day 4: Visit of Amritsar

  In the morning, you can continue to explore the city of Amritsar and soak up the Sikh culture. You will visit the Durgiana Temple, which, despite its resemblance to the Golden Temple, is a Hindu place of worship. Then, not far from the Golden Temple, you will visit Jalyawalabagh Bagh. This is a public garden erected by the Indian government in memory of the massacre perpetrated in 1919 by the English occupiers. On the occasion of the Punjabi New Year, hundreds of celebrants (many of them women and children) were massacred by the colonial armed forces. In the afternoon, your Indian driver will take you by private car to Wagha for a unique experience. 35 kilometers from Amritsar is the border post between India and Pakistan, which is the site of a spectacular parade every evening at the time of the changing of the guard. With a sense of spectacle worthy of Bollywood, the changing of the guard at the border posts creates a festive atmosphere in the Indian crowd that gathers every day to watch and marvel at this extraordinary show. Then, your driver will take you back by private car to Amritsar. Overnight in Amritsar.

• day 5

  Day 5: From Amritsar to Sri Ganganagar

  Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and a last view of the Golden Temple, before your Indian driver comes to pick you up by car to head towards Rajasthan. On the way to Bikaner, you will make a stop in the city of Sri Ganganagar. Off the beaten path, this city founded by Ganga Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Bikaner, will allow you to discover authentic India, far from tourist circuits. In addition to slices of typically Indian life, you can also visit more modest temples (such as Gayatri Shaktipeeth, Hanumaan Mandir, or Gauri Shankar). Overnight in Sri Ganganagar.

• day 6

  Day 6: From Sri Ganganagar to Bikaner

  Today, your Indian driver-guide will take you by private car to Bikaner, continuing your tour in India. The city of Bikaner was founded in 1486 by Rao Bika, who gave his name to the city. In the afternoon, you will visit the Junagarh Fort, built by Rai Singh between 1588 and 1593. It has a wall 986 meters long with 37 bastions. You will also visit the town of Deshnoke (a small village located 32 kilometers south of Bikaner), whose main attraction is the world-famous Shri Karni Mata temple, also called the "Temple of Rats." Here, you will discover a unique spectacle that only a trip to India can offer: pilgrims and rats coexist in perfect harmony in this temple. Back in Bikaner, you can admire the magnificent Laxmi Niwas Palace, which has now been transformed into a sumptuous luxury hotel. It was the residential palace built by Maharaja Ganga Singh, chief of the former Indian state of Bikaner. Overnight in Bikaner.

• day 7

  Day 7: From Bikaner to Jodhpur

  Today, we will continue our journey by private car to the blue city of Jodhpur. On the way, your Indian driver-guide will take you to visit the charming village of Osian. Osian is known for its many Jain temples: the most interesting are the Dugha temple and the Mahavir temple. This small village will also give you the opportunity to discover the authentic lifestyles of the Indian people. Then continue your journey and discover how the old city of Jodhpur surrounds the Mehrangarh Fort. You will be impressed by this imposing fortress that overlooks the city from the top of its sandstone hill. Start exploring the city at the "Ghanta Ghar" (the Clock Tower), then the surrounding areas. In 2013, Jodhpur was voted the most extraordinary place to see in the world, according to Lonely Planet. Overnight in Jodhpur.

• day 8

  Day 8: Visit of Jodhpur

  Today, you will visit the Mehrangarh Fort, located on a sandstone hill over 125 meters high. Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest fortresses in India and was built in 1460 by Rao Jodha. Inside the fort, you can visit the Moti Mahal (the Pearl Palace) and the Phool Mahal (the Flower Palace). The fort also houses one of the most comprehensive museums in Rajasthan. You will also have time to visit, nearby, the Jaswant Thada, an impressive marble cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh in 1899, as well as the Umaid public museum. Throughout your stay, the car and Indian driver are at your disposal and adapt to your sightseeing wishes. Night in Jodhpur.

• day 9

  Day 9: From Jodhpur to Udaipur

  Enjoy your breakfast in the blue city of Jodhpur. Then, your Indian driver will take you by private car to Udaipur. On the way, we will stop at Ranakpur, a small mountain town located in the valley of the Aravalli range. Ranakpur is particularly famous for its Jain temples, dedicated to Adinatha. Built in the 15th century, the main temple in white marble offers many beautiful sculptures, and is supported by more than 1,444 pillars. Enjoy the magnificent environment of this stop, where you will also have the opportunity to see many monkeys in the wild. Next, your Indian driver will take you to Udaipur, the "city of lakes". You will have a free afternoon to explore the streets and alleys of Udaipur, bordering the washing ghats on Lake Pichola. Visit one of the downtown restaurants for dinner. Overnight in Udaipur.

• day 10

  Day 10: Visit of Udaipur

  After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a walking tour of the city of Udaipur. The City Palace and museum are considered the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The Pratap Memorial houses the bronze statue of Maharana Pratap, the legendary warrior king of Udaipur. The Jagdish Temple, built in 1651, as well as the small ornamental garden of Saheliyon Ki Bari, are also among the sites to discover. In the late afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola (included in our tour) to discover many ghats (lake banks) and admire an excellent view of the Lake Palace and the City Palace. In the evening, you can attend a traditional dance show or observe the ceremonies by the lake. Overnight in Udaipur.

• day 11

  Day 11: From Udaipur to Jaipur

  Today, your journey through North India will continue by private car to the pink city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. On the way, your Indian driver will take you to visit the city of Ajmer and its Taragarh Fort (one of the oldest hill forts in India and in the world). Then, you will stop at Pushkar, a charming little Indian town, with its central lake surrounded by ghats. Sit on the steps and watch the Hindus bathe and perform their ablutions. You can also visit the famous Brahma temple, built in the 14th century. It is one of the few temples dedicated to Brahma in India and in the world. The visit to Pushkar will allow you to immerse yourself in the fascinating spirituality of India and discover its caste system. Then, your Indian driver-guide will take you to Jaipur. Upon arrival, you will discover the magnificent Jal Mahal. The palace (literally "Water Palace") is located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. The postcard view becomes particularly romantic at sunset, when the Palace lights up and seems to float in the air. In the evening, you can enjoy a typical Indian cinema experience or a world-famous Indian Ayurvedic massage. Overnight in Jaipur.

• day 12

  Day 12: Visit of Jaipur

  Today, your Indian driver will show you around Jaipur and its surroundings (one of the jewels of your trip to India). You will visit: the Amber Fort (where you can ride an elephant to reach the top of the fort), which was built by Raja Man Singh I, the old city and its monuments, the Birla Mandir (a Hindu temple located at the foot of the Moti Dungri fort), the Palace of Winds (shaped like Krishna's crown, with 953 small windows that allowed women to observe daily life and processions without being seen), the City Palace (the complex, which includes the Chandra Mahal and the Moubarak Mahal as well as many other buildings, was built in 1732)... In the afternoon, your Indian driver will take you by private car to visit Galtaji. This ancient Hindu pilgrimage site consists of a series of temples built on the hills surrounding Jaipur. Overnight in Jaipur.

• day 13

  Day 13: From Jaipur to Agra

  On the way to Agra, your Indian driver will make a stop to visit the stepwells of Abhaneri (literally the step wells). Although the village is almost abandoned, the location is famous for its "baoris" ("rain stairs" that were invented by the locals to collect rainwater). You will visit Chand Baori, one of the most important and deepest wells in India. Next, you will visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city, built by the Mughal emperor Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. It was abandoned shortly after its completion, due to lack of water and proximity to the enemy. Then, continue your journey by private car to Agra. The rest of the day is free, at your leisure, in Agra. Overnight in Agra.

• day 14

  Day 14: From Agra to Delhi

  In the early morning, you will visit the famous Taj Mahal (one of the highlights of your trip to India) – the symbol of love, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum, built in 1653, which employed more than 20,000 workers. Please note that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. If the second day of your visit to Agra is a Friday, you will be able to visit the Taj Mahal on the evening of the first day. Then, your Indian driver will take you to visit the Agra Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), built by the great Emperor Akbar. Erected in the 11th century, the fort was expanded by the Mughals and contains several buildings, such as the public audience hall, as well as several gates (the Delhi Gate and the Lahore Gate being the most famous). Your Indian driver will then drive you back in a private car to Delhi. Here, you will discover the main sites of the capital of India. You can decide with your Indian driver what you would like to see in New and Old Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.

• day 15

  Day 15: Delhi and departure

  Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Then, depending on the time of your return flight, the day will be dedicated to visiting Old and New Delhi: the immense Red Fort (closed on Mondays), located near the great Jama Masjid mosque (built between 1644 and 1656 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan), the Chandni Chowk market (one of the oldest and most lively markets in the Indian capital), Qutb Minar (a 72-meter high monument), and other sites according to your interests, which you can discuss with your driver-guide, who knows his city very well. Your Indian driver will then take you by private car to the airport for your departure.