India of the Maharajas and Ranthambhore (17 days / 15 nights)
Rajasthan, the birthplace of the great Maharajas and the valiant Rajput warriors, now offers an infinite wealth of colourful treasures, making it a paradise for tourists keen to discover India's finest treasures. This tour also takes you to the heart of the most densely populated of the former hunting reserves, now the country's most famous national park. Set against a backdrop of ancient temples and lakes, this forest of over 1300km² is home to all kinds of birds, crocodiles and majestic tigers.
Itinerary: Delhi-Nawalgarh (Shekhawati)-Bikaner-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Ranakpur-Kumbhalgarh-Udaipur-Chittogarh
Bundi-Ranthambhore-Jaipur-Fathepur Sikri-Agra
Day 1 France / Delhi
Departure from France for Delhi. Arrival in Delhi, traditional welcome with a necklace of flowers, transfer and installation at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 Delhi / Nawalgarh (Shekhawati)
After breakfast, departure for Nawalgarh, located in the heart of rural Shekhawati. Arrive in Shekhawati and check into hotel. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon devoted to discovering the picturesque region of Shekhawati and its villages. You will discover Nawalgarh, 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. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 Nawalgarh (Shekhawati)/ Bikaner
After breakfast, departure for the town of Bikaner. Arrival late morning. After lunch visit to the city and the Junagarh fort, an imposing 16th century building housing an interesting collection of weapons. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 Bikaner / Jaisalmer
After breakfast, departure for Jaisalmer, the "city of gold", through the Thar desert. En route, stop at Ramdeora, a major Hindu pilgrimage site. Lunch stop. Arrive in Jaisalmer and check into 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. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 Jaisalmer
After breakfast, visit Jaisalmer, a fascinating city in the middle of the desert. Surrounded by walls and with its impressive fortress, Jaisalmer will transport you back to the time of medieval India under the great Rajput princes. You will discover the Jain temples and the old merchants' houses, decorated and carved in stone. You will then go to the bazaar and visit the city and its magnificent havelies. Lunch during the visits. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 Jaisalmer / Jodhpur
Departure for Jodhpur after breakfast. Arrival and check-in at the hotel. After lunch, 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. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 Jodhpur / Ranakpur / Kumbhalgarh
After breakfast, departure for Kumbhalgarh. En route visit to the Jain temple complex of Ranakpur. Visit to the three most important temples: Adinath, Parshwanath and Surya Narayan, built in the 15th century. Lunch stop. Late afternoon arrival at Kumbhalgarh and visit of the fort. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 Kumbhalgarh / Udaipur
After breakfast, departure for Udaipur, the White City and City of Lakes. Lunch en route. Arrive in Udaipur and check into hotel. In the late afternoon, mini-cruise on Lake Pichola to the islet of Jag Mandir. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 9 Udaipur
After breakfast you will set off to visit Udaipur. Udaipur offers a fascinating mix of sights, smells and experiences. The city is a true source of inspiration for poets, painters and writers. You will cross the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola, from where you can admire the island and the palace of Jag Mandir, from which, according to legend, the Mughal emperor Shah Jehan lived and was inspired to build the Taj Mahal. You will then visit the City Palace, which is also a museum displaying the finest treasures of Rajasthan. You will then visit the Gardens of the Maidens, Sahelion ki Bari, where Maharaná Sangram Sigh had a garden complex built for his daughter, complete with a multitude of fountains. The rest of the day is free. Lunch during the visits. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 Udaipur / Chittorgarh / Bundi
Breakfast followed by departure for Bundi. On the way, discover the site of Chittorgarh where you can admire its group of temples, mostly Jain. The most important temple is that of Adinatha, one of the most beautiful and largest Jain constructions in India.India. Visit to the city of Chittorgarh and the largest fort in India. The Chittorgarh fort alone covers 280 hectares. Then on to the small town of Bundi. Lunch during the visit. Arrive in Bundi at the end of the day. Check-in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 Bundi / Ranthambhore
After breakfast, visit the city, the Taragarh fort, the palace and the havelis with their beautiful frescoes. Lunch at the hotel. Departure for Ranthambhore. Arrival in Ranthambhore at the end of the day. Free time to rest and enjoy the hotel facilities. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 Ranthambhore
Breakfast at the hotel. During this day you will explore the impressive Ranthambhore tiger reserve. Formerly a hunting reserve for the maharajas of Jaipur and a sanctuary for wild cats since 1955, Ranthambore is now a haven of peace. Covering an area of 1,300 km², the park is home to some 250 species of birds: snakes, bachas, jabirus, Bonelli's eagles, tantals and other anhingas. Ranthambhore is also a paradise for cats: marsh cats, Bengal cats, fishing cats, wild cats and caracals. It is also a place where you can discover thousands of species of plants, birds, reptiles, fish and insects. However, as in Bhandavgarh, the Tiger remains the Lord of the place. A solitary and discreet creature, it can be seen at the water's edge, where it refreshes itself. Picnic lunch. Meals and overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 Ranthambhore / Jaipur
After breakfast, departure for Jaipur, nicknamed the Pink City. Arrival late morning. Lunch and check-in at the hotel. Afternoon devoted to visiting the city by rickshaw and its incredible bazaars. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 14 Jaipur / Amber / Jaipur
After breakfast, you will set off to discover the impressive Amber Fortress outside the city. 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. Return to the city for lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit the key monuments of the Pink City. You will discover the City Palace, 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. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 15 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 Mughal 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. Lunch en route. You will then continue your journey to Agra. Arrive in Agra and check into your hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 16 Agra / Delhi / France
After breakfast and very early in the morning, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The Taj Mahal is 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. You will then visit the Red Fort. This is the largest in the whole of India. It was built in 1573 and took 8 years to complete. Departure for Delhi. Lunch en route. On arrival in Delhi, panoramic tour of the city: the Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, the Kutub Minar, the gateway to India. At the end of the day, transfer to Delhi international airport. Flight to France. End of our services.
Day 17 France
Arrival in France.
