Rajasthan and Varanasi (15 days / 14 nights)
Spend a fortnight in India and experience the spirituality of the great Varanasi, the wealth of North India, on the banks of the Ganges. Let yourself be charmed by Rajasthan, a region full of colour: you'll discover Jaipur, the pink city, Jodhpur, the blue city, Jaisalmer, the city of gold... An adventure to discover the vestiges of India, past and present.
Itinerary: Delhi-Nawalgarh-Mandawa-Bikaner-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Pushkar-Jaipur-Fathepur Sikri-Agra-Khajuraho-Varanasi
Day 1 France / Delhi
Flight from France to Delhi. Typical welcome with a flower necklace and, depending on your arrival time, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 2 Delhi / Nawalgarh
After breakfast departure for Nawalgarh, situated in the heart of the rural Shekhawati region. Arrive in Nawalgarh and check into hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 Nawalgarh / Mandawa / Nawalgarh / Bikaner
A day exploring the picturesque Shekhawati region and its villages. You will discover Nawalgarh and, of course, Mandawa, where the beautiful homes of rich merchants (havelis) are adorned with remarkable paintings. This day will be the source of many encounters, allowing you to discover the daily life of the villagers and share unique moments with them. Late afternoon drive to the town of Bikaner and check into your hotel. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 4 Bikaner / Jaisalmer
After breakfast, the day begins with a visit to the city and the Junagarh fort, an imposing 16th-century edifice housing an interesting collection of weapons. Then on to Jaisalmer, the "city of gold", through the Thar desert. En route, stopover at Ramdeora, a major Hindu pilgrimage site. Arrive in Jaisalmer and check into your hotel. At the end of the day, visit the chattris (cenotaphs) of the Brahmins, from where you can watch the sunset: a splendid view of the city and fortress. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 Jaisalmer
A day devoted to visiting Jaisalmer, a fascinating city at the gateway to the desert. Surrounded by walls and topped by an imposing citadel, Jaisalmer transports you back to the medieval India of the proud Rajput princes. Continue on to discover the Gadi Sagar pond, whose beautiful gateway was commissioned by a famous courtesan. In the late afternoon, visit Bada Bagh, home to the shrines of the princes of Jaisalmer. From here, you can admire the sunset. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 Jaisalmer / Jodhpur
Drive to Jodhpur after breakfast. Arrive in Jodhpur and check into hotel. Departure to discover the "blue city" dominated by the Mehangarh fort and surrounded by ramparts. Visit the fortress. Then a stroll through the maze of alleyways in search of the hidden treasures of the Sadar Bazaar, crowded with men and camels. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 Jodhpur / Pushkar
After breakfast, departure for the incredible city of Pushkar. Early afternoon, arrival at Pushkar, one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites. In the afternoon, drive around Pushkar lake to admire the ghats. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 Pushkar / Jaipur
After breakfast, you will set off to explore the city, famous for its religious festivals, which are preceded by a huge camel fair attended by large crowds. Then on to Jaipur. Arrive in Jaipur and check into hotel. Then a rickshaw ride to discover the city's bazaar. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9 Jaipur / Amber / Jaipur
After breakfast, you will set off to discover the impressive Ambar fortress outside the town. At the foot of the hill, you will begin a slow but leisurely elephant ride up to the main gate. You will then visit this magnificent site, built in the 12th century. In the afternoon, you will visit the key monuments of the Pink City. You will discover the City Palace, which is still the Maharaja's residence, which is why certain areas are not open to the public. However, you will visit the most interesting ones. You will also visit its museum, which exhibits many antiques that belonged to the ruling family. Then you will discover Hawa Mahal, better known as the Palace of the Winds, which is the most famous in Jaipur. Finally, you will discover Jantar Mantar, Jaipur's great astronomical observatory. You will be impressed by the size of its astronomical instruments. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
After breakfast, departure for Agra. On the way, visit to Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri is a ghost town. Built of red stone by the emperor Akbar, it was the capital of his empire in the 16th century. You will also visit the great gate of Bulund Darwaza. At 54m high, it is the tallest gate in the world. It has inspired many other monuments. You will then continue your journey to Agra. Arrive in Agra and check into your hotel. Then visit the Taj Mahal, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. This white marble memorial was built by Cha Jahan for his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years to build. There is a lot to be said about the Taj Mahal, not least its perfectly symmetrical architecture. Next you will visit the Red Fort. This is the largest in the whole of India. It was built in 1573 and took 8 years to complete. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 Agra / Jhansi (Train) / Khajuraho
After breakfast transfer to Agra station for departure to Jhansi by train. Arrival at Jhansi and transfer to Khajuraho. Arrive in Khajuraho and visit the famous Khajuraho temples built between the 10th and 11th centuries. You will visit the most important, the temple of Chaunseth Yogini, which is dedicated to the Goddess Kali. But you can also enjoy the temples of Mahadev, Chitragupta or Bharatji, all three decorated with erotic statues that fully represent the Kamasutra. Check-in at the hotel. Night at the hotel.
Day 12 Khajuraho / Varanasi (Flight)
After breakfast, and depending on your flight time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Varanasi. Arrival in Varanasi, the oldest and most fascinating city in the world. In the afternoon, visit Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon. Return to Varanasi at the end of the day. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 13 Varanasi
Early morning boat trip on the Ganges, to admire the sunrise with music coming directly from the temples. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later you will discover the Kashi Vishwanath temple, the famous temple dedicated to Shiva and situated on the banks of the Ganges. You will also discover other temples dedicated to other deities such as the temple of Durga, Bharat and Tulsi Manas. You will then discover the University of Banaras, the most famous in India, and enjoy the large gardens and monuments typical of Varanasi. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14 Varanasi / Delhi / France
Breakfast, then at the appointed time transfer to the airport for a flight to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi in the afternoon. You will then set off to discover the Indian capital with a tour of the city and its most famous monuments. You will be able to admire the elegant tomb of Humayun and Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi, nicknamed the father of the nation, was cremated. You will pass through Connaught Place, a lively modern district full of shops and restaurants. You can also see the Presidential Palace and Qutub Minar, also known as the Victory Tower. It remains minaretand the third highest in the world. Finally, depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Delhi International Airport to catch your flight to France. End of service.
Day 15 Delhi / France
Arrival in France.
