Classical Rajasthan

Day 01 : ARRIVE Q DELHI  (- / - / -)

Flight to Delhi. Arrival by flight, reception and transfer to your hotel  

(Hotel check-in at 14:00 Hours) 

A kingdom from which many empires were founded, 'Delhi' today is an incredible combination of ancient and contemporary. It is the magnet that attracts Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and Britons, all contributing to its glorious but turbulent past. Such was the fascination with Delhi that although it was abandoned many times, its rulers returned again and again rebuilding it at least seven times. Today, the twin cities of Old and New Delhi offer a stark contrast for a first-time traveller. You can find high-rise towers, swanky malls, and BMWs blending in with historical landmarks, rustic ruins, and ox carts. An excellent gateway to unwind without compromising on luxury, this city is sure to surprise you. 

Overnight at the hotel. 

Day 02 : DELHI  (B / - / -)

• Visit the city of Delhi : Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar 
• Passage in front of the Red Fort or Lal Qila 
• Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib 
• 01 Rickshaw ride. 

Breakfast at the hotel. 

City tour : 

You will fall into a world of colors and smells during this rickshaw ride in the crowded and typical alleys of Chandni Chowk market which means "meeting point illuminated by the moon". Chandni Chowk is reminiscent of the oriental bazaars with its stalls, stalls of all kinds, vendors haranguing the crowd, stalls overflowing with fruits, vegetables, spices, utility items etc... 

Visit Jama Masjid, built by Shah Jahan from 1644 to 1658. It is the largest of the Indian subcontinent. Its two minarets of 40 meters high are decorated with vertical bands of red sandstone alternating with white marble. Its courtyard can hold up to 25,000 worshippers. 

Passing in front of the Red Fort or Lal Qila whose red sandstone wall extends over 2 kilometers. It was started by the emperor Shah Jahan in 1638 and finished by his son Aurangzeb in 1648 (the latter having imprisoned his father in the Agra Fort just after the beginning of the work).  

Later visit the Sikh temple (Bangla sahib) and witness the community kitchen, where thousands of worshippers are fed round the clock. Participate in the kitchen work. 

Afternoon devoted to the discovery of New Delhi, spacious, it includes many embassies and administrative buildings.  

Passage through the Royal Way, Rajpath, a wide avenue flanked by decorative basins. It is the work of the architect Luytens and the scene of the parade during the annual celebration of the Republic on January 26.  

At the two ends, the India Gate (triumphal arch) stands to the east and the Rashtrapati Bhawan to the west, the former residence of the Viceroy, which is now, houses the President.  

Visit of the Humayun's Tomb, a beautiful example of the beginning of the Mughal architecture which will lead to the construction of the Taj Mahal. 

Visit the Qutub Minar, a 72-meter high minaret dating from the 12th century at the dawn of the Muslim era in India. This tower commemorates the victory of Mohammed of Ghor over the last Hindu ruler Prithviraj III in 1192. Two earthquakes in the 14th and 19th centuries severely damaged the Qutub Minar and the surrounding buildings. Its five floors are separated by balconies, the first three being in red sandstone and the last two embellished with white marble. 

Overnight at hotel. 

Day 03 : DELHI / MANDAWA 270 km/06 hrs  (B / - / -)

• Walk around and see some of beautiful havelis. 
• Visit a village and meet the local population. 

After breakfast continue your drive towards Mandawa. 

Nestled in the rugged and arid Aravallis, Mandawa is one of the beautiful historical towns that are famous for its grand Havelis and Forts. The city is all about Rajput’s craftsmanship, from beautifully painted murals and paintings to the intricately crafted designs. Also known as an open air art gallery, Mandawa is considered to be one of the artistically enriched Indian cities. 

On arrival explore the many magnificent mansions and the colourful wall frescoes and murals made in the 18th and 19th century in and around Mandawa. Hear wonderful stories behind the exquisite wall frescoes. 

Later check in to hotel. 

Overnight at hotel. 

Day 04 : MANDAWA / BIKANER  223km/05 hrs  (B / - / -)

• Visit Fatehpur Havelis 
• Visit of the Junagarh fort 
• Ride in a Tuk-Tuk   
• Visit of a Namkeen specialty store. 

Breakfast at hotel  

Continue your journey towards Bikaner. 

Enroute visit stop at Fatehpur to see few beautiful havelies. 

On arrival at Bikaner visit the Junagarh fort. 

Built in the 16th century by Raja Rai Singh, Junagarh Fort is famous for its magnificent architecture, design and decoration. The confluence of Rajput, Mughal and Gujarati architectural designs are clearly visible in the fort. The Structures built in the fort are the palaces and temples, which are made of red sandstone and marble. There is also a museum which exhibits various artifacts and collections of the ancient Bikaner. 

Tuk-Tuk ride in Bikaner: Explore the lanes and streets of Bikaner in the local style by rickshaw, also known as Tuk-Tuk (a three-wheeled cab). The imposing, beautiful and richly carved palaces of the red and yellow sandstone temples display some of the finest creations of the Rajput civilization. 

Visit a Namkeen specialty store in Bikaner to learn more about this salty snack, a specialty of the region! 

Return and overnight at hotel. 

Day 05 : BIKANER – JAISALMER (300km – 6 hrs)  (B / - / -)

• Puppet show 

Breakfast at hotel. 

Departure for Jaisalmer. 

Jaisalmer, also known as the Golden City of India, is home to splendid palaces and havelis built of golden yellow sandstone, making this region the hidden gem of Rajasthan. This peaceful city with its cobblestone streets and intricately carved havelis - thanks to its wealthy merchants and rulers who competed to beautify their austere surroundings - is considered one of the most spectacular architectural examples in Rajasthan. The city stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, crowned by a fort, which contains palaces and several Jain temples. 

On arrival, check in at the hotel. 

Later enjoy a Puppet show :

A nice way to end your day is to enjoy this wonderful puppet show at the Desert Culture Centre & Museum. The show is lively and good fun. The museum hold a wide variety of objects collected by the owner, including lots of musical instruments, portable temples and pictures which you can look round before or after the show and learn quite a lot about Rajasthani culture and music.  Duration    : 30mins 

Return and overnight at hotel. 

Day 06 : JAISALMER   (B / - / -)

• Visit of the city. 
• Tea tasting in clay cups as in the past. 
• Sunset view from Bada Bagh. 

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Visit of Jaisalmer "the golden city" of Rajasthan, located at the doors of the Thar Desert. Its name comes from the color of the sandstone walls at sunset; the citadel seems to come out of a tale of the thousand and One Nights. The alleys of the city form a real labyrinth where it is good to stroll. 

The city owes its prosperity to its strategic location on the caravan route that once linked India to Central Asia. Merchants, traders and city dwellers erected magnificent havelis beautifully sculpted. The development of the port of Mumbai put an end to this period of prosperity. 

Visit the Gadisar tank, the fortress, a group of Jain temples, and some remarkable havelis (Patwon-Ki-haveli). 

Tea tasting in clay cups as in the past. It is a "chaiwala" who will show you the preparation of the famous 'chai' in the Indian way. A recipe of sweet tea mixed with boiled milk, accompanied by some spices, the most used of which is usually ginger. 

In the evening visit Badabgh on sunset. Literally meaning ‘Big Garden’, Bada Bagh contains a set of royal cenotaphs or chhatris of Maharajas of Jaisalmer state, starting with Jai Singh II. All the cenotaphs have a beautifully carved ceiling and elegant equestrian statues of rulers. The calm atmosphere and the serene place are a treat for your eyes and mind. 

Overnight at hotel. 

Day 07 : JAISALMER /JODHPUR (295 km - 6h)   (B / - / -)

• Walk in the markets of the Jodhpur city. 
• Visit Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada. 

Drive towards Jodhpur. Jodhpur, "the Blue City", located on the edge of the Thar Desert is the largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. It was built in 1459 by the chief of the Rajput clan of Rathor. It is surrounded by a wall of 10 kilometers long. It takes its name from the indigo color of the houses of the old city. The blue color, formerly reserved for the Brahman caste, is nowadays used by all and would effectively repel insects.   

On arrival proceeds for the City tour: Visit Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada.

Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a hill 125 meters above sea level, it is the most impressive citadel in Rajasthan. The fort dominates the old city with blue painted houses, in the middle of which we can see the Clock Tower which marks the entrance to the bazaar. This 15th century fortress is, according to Rudyard Kipling, the work of "angels, fairies and giants"! 

Jaswant Thada is a white marble memorial dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, who defended Jodhpur from invasions, initiated the irrigation system and stimulated the economy. This cenotaph was built in 1899. It is also an excellent viewpoint to photograph the fort. 

Overnight at hotel. 

Day 08 : JODHPUR /RANAKPUR/UDAIPUR ( 290 km – 6h)   (B / - / -)

• Visit Ranakpur temples 
• Boat ride on lake pichola 
• Aarti At Jagdish temple 

Breakfast at hotel 

Afterwards drive to Udaipur, enroute visiting Rankpur temples (Audio guide will be provided).  

 Ranakpur in the state of Rajasthan is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. It is home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali ranges and a must visit for the tourists coming to this region.  

The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The basement is of 48,000 sq. feet area that covers the whole complex. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and domes supported by over four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved with no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an interesting sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kg whose sound echoes in the entire complex. The main temple is a Chaumukh or a four-faced temple dedicated to Adinath.  

On arrival enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola.

In the evening proceeds for Aarti ceremony at Jagdish Temple. 

Overnight at Hotel  

Day 09 : UDAIPUR/PUSHKAR (320 km – 5h)  (B / - / -)  

• Visit City Palace 

Breakfast at hotel. 

Optional Experience : COUNTRY SIDE BICYCLE TOUR. 

The soul of India lies in its villages" these words by Mahatma Gandhi hold true for various reasons. In India, villages are symbolic of the earthy, traditional, rustic and relaxed way of life. Predominantly inhabited by farmers, where people live off the land and are in tune with nature and their local environment. In this tour, discover the unexplored rural beauty of India and experience the tradition and lifestyle of villagers, indulge in local delicacies, witness local traditions and rituals and learn about the region's folk art, crafts, legends, music and dance. Explore the countryside to the east of Taj Mahal, visit several local industries as well as a school. Also interact with a local family and then take a walk around the village and the surrounding area. 

Language    : English Speaking Guide only / Duration         : 2hrs 

Inclusions     : An expert and bicycle 

Later proceeds for sightseeing tour of Udaipur City, also known as the City of Sunrise .

First on your sightseeing tour you will proceed for a tour of the City Palace, which overlooks the Lake Pichola. The City Palace was built in 1725 of granite and marble with filigreed balconies, ornate windows and craftsmanship in glass. The royal palace walls stretch over a mile on the eastern side of the lake. Within the palace is a maze of courtyards, apartments and decorated halls. The rooms are covered with frescoes, displays of royal processions, stone and glass mosaics and ornamental doors and painted windows. The marble throne in the coronation rooms was last used during the time Maharana Sangram Singh II (1710-30) and nearby is the Sun Window installed by Maharaja Bhim Singh (1778-1828). This is the divine symbol of the house of Mewar, which traces its lineage to the Surya Vansha, descendants of the Sun. Each palace within is an outstanding creation of art. 

After visit continue your drive towards Pushkar 

Overnight at Pushkar. 

Day 10 : PUSHKAR/JAIPUR ( 320 km – 5h)  (B / - / -)

• Visit Pushkar lake and Brahma Temple  

Breakfast at hotel. 

Pushkar located along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar Lake, the city is dotted with numerous temples, ghats and ashrams. The sacred Pushkar Lake resounds with the chants and hymns from the 500 blue coloured temples located on its banks.  

Visit the Brahma Temple -is one of very few existing temples dedicated to the Hindu creator-god Brahma in India. The temple structure dates to the 14th century, partly rebuilt later and is made marble and stone slabs. It has a distinct red pinnacle (shikhara) and a hamsa bird motif. The temple sanctum holds the image of four-headed Brahma and his consort Gayatri.  

Later drive to Jaipur. 

Overnight at Jaipur. 

Day 11 : JAIPUR  (B / - / -)   

• Visite de Jaipur- Amer Fort, city Palace, Observatory 
• A Rickshaw ride in the market. 
• Visit of local market 
• Visit to a stamp printing and wax decoration workshop  
• Demonstration of the art of saree for women and turban for men. 

Breakfast at hotel. 

The visit of the Fort of Amber, formerly the capital of the old state of Rajputana, fortified den of the empire of the Moguls. Amber consists of 3 fortresses nested in each other. At the lowest level one finds the fort in itself which sheltered the apartments of the Maharaja and his very many women and concubines. A little above, connected by a network of fortified corridors and secret passages, there is the fortress that housed the prince's soldiers. Even higher, on the top of the mountain, perches the keep where the Maharaja's treasure and his best elite troops were hidden. The whole forms a very impressive architectural and defensive complex. 

Ascent and descent to the fort will be done by jeep. 

In a concern of respect and protection of the wild animal life, we wish to abolish, among other things, the ascent of the Amber Fort on the back of an elephant, whose incessant comings and goings are exhausting especially since the legs of these magnificent pachyderms are not made to walk on the road or on the pavements. Instead, we propose you the ascent and descent by jeep to have the satisfaction to bring a small contribution to the abolition of this practice of another time. 

Afternoon visit of Jaipur : 

The City Palace also called the Maharaja's Palace with its collection of royal clothes, ceremonial canopies and beautiful miniatures. 

The Jantar Mantar Observatory, built by a prince passionate about astronomy and astrology in the early eighteenth century and whose instruments amaze and inspire admiration. 

The Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds" (photo stop). Facade behind which the women of the court could see the spectacle of the street, without being seen by the people. 

Electric rickshaw ride: Explore Jaipur in the most unique way with an electric rickshaw ride. Cruise around the old city with its colorful stores, windowed screened houses and pink colored streets. Witness the architectural wonders, men and women in traditional dress. The electric rickshaw ride offers a different glimpse of the local life. 

Walk through the local market. 

Visit a block printing and wax decoration workshop: Block printing has been a typical technique in the Jaipur region for over 300 years. An opportunity here to discover an unknown and unique facet of Indian handicraft. 

Demonstration of the art of saree for women and turban for men. 

Optional Experience : Jaipur on foot - Temples and Havelis of old Jaipur with an English speaking expert 

Experience the religious life of local communities by visiting colourful temples, interact with residents over tea and snacks in their home and discover some of the architectural wonders of this fascinating aspect of Jaipur. 

This walk has been carefully designed to offer a rewarding and enriching experience in the walled city of Jaipur. Enjoy this interactive experience to meet the residents and gain an insight into traditional ways of life. 

Duration    : 2.5 hrs. (Starting time: 0730 hrs (0800 hrs in Dec / Jan / Feb)   

Inclusions    : Guide, Tea & Snacks  

Language    : English Speaking guide 

Overnight at hotel. 

Day 12 : JAIPUR / AGRA  (241 km – 5 hrs)  (B / - / -)

• Visit Fatehpur Sikri 

Breakfast at hotel. 

Later continue your drive towards Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri. 

On the way stop at Fatehpur Sikri, ancient and magnificent Mughal capital of Akbar the Great. A real ghost town whose ruins are still in the state. It is not difficult to imagine the life in the fort in the time of its splendor. Fatehpur Sikri is a remarkable place from the artistic and architectural point of view.  The imperial city, now deserted, probably due to lack of water, offers the visitor a visitor an overview of its past grandeur with its palaces, colonnaded buildings, kiosks, pavilions, courtyards and ponds, mosques, caravanserais. 

Continue your journey towards Agra.  

On arrival check in to hotel. 

Day 13 : AGRA/DELHI (241 km – 5 hrs)  (B / - / -)

• Visit Taj Mahal & Agra Fort  

On arrival visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort 

Visit the Taj Mahal. On the bank of the Yamuna, the emperor Shah Jehan made erect, to perpetuate the memory of his favorite wife, the Taj Mahal, the most perfect jewel of the Indo-Persian art. This sublime monument is one of the most universally admired wonders. It symbolizes the story of a great love. Under the dome Shah Jehan and Mumtaz rest together in eternity. (Please note that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays and person can visit the Taj Mahal only for 03 hrs). 

Then, discover the Red Fort. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this monument, a mighty citadel of red sandstone, is totally significant of the 17th century Mughal period. Built on an eminence dominating the Yamuna river, it contains many palaces with refined decorations, audience rooms and two very beautiful mosques. 

Later drive to Delhi. 

On arrival check in to hotel.  

Overnight at hotel. 

Day 14 : DELHI / DEPARTURE  (B / - / -)

Breakfast at hotel. 

Later transfer to international airport to board your flight towards onwards journey. 

End of the tour