India
Rajasthan and the sacred cities of the Ganges plain
Réf : IRAJVARX
In summary
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Sports
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Duration21 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationAsia / India
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions5140.45 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages🇫🇷French🇬🇧English
In a few words
Dive into the heart of a total immersion in North India , a complete itinerary designed for lovers of history and spirituality.
Your adventure begins facing the spectacular Taj Mahal , an unmissable Mughal masterpiece, before a rejuvenating stop at the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary . Then, let yourself be captivated by the chromatic magic of Rajasthan : the vibrant pink city of Jaipur , the serene white city of Pushkar , and the majestic blue city of Jodhpur , dominated by its proud citadel. Further west, the gateway to the Thar Desert opens at Jaisalmer . A two-day trek through sand dunes and traditional villages promises an authentic experience, far from the beaten track.
On the way to romantic Udaipur , the intricate art of the Jain temple of Ranakpur will captivate you. The journey then takes on a more mystical dimension. In the Madhya Pradesh countryside, the famous temples of Khajuraho , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveal their exquisitely detailed erotic sculptures. Finally, Varanasi (Benares) , an ancient city on the banks of the Ganges , offers an intense spiritual finale, punctuated by sacred rituals. A condensed experience of architectural wonders and Indian fervor.
The highlights
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An in-depth exploration of northern India with visits to exceptional sites, among the most
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Hiking in the Thar Desert and the countryside
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Meetings and meals shared with Indian families in Orchha
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
The expert's opinion
This route is easy, with some walks that don't require any particular effort. However, be aware that some days include long journeys, sometimes on poor roads. Also note that the pace is fairly brisk.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h30
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Languages spoken:
🇫🇷
French
🇬🇧
English
Supervisor
Supervisor
Based in Rajasthan for many years, our local agency guarantees a successful active travel experience, thanks to our guides and logistical infrastructure. During your trip, you will be accompanied by our adventure guides, fully committed to helping you discover unique places in the heart of nature.
- Our trip is led by a French-speaking tour guide. They are assisted by local guides at certain cultural sites. Our French-speaking guides have been selected for their enthusiasm, their knowledge of the destination, and their extensive experience. We regularly train our guides, which is one of the keys to the success of our trips. They will share their country with you with passion. At the end of day 13, you will say goodbye to your current guide. The following day, you will meet your new tour guide for the final leg of your trip. If the group has more than six people on this tour, the original guide will also accompany you for this last part of the trip.
- In the Thar Desert and during the navigation on the Ganges, he is assisted by a logistics team: local guides, cook, assistants…
- Throughout your stay, you will have several local, non-French-speaking drivers…
Program
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Paris - Delhi
- Transportation Plane - 12h - 8000km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight to Delhi.Day 1 -
Delhi - Agra - Red Fort
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Arriving at Delhi airport on the morning of day 2, we head directly to Agra. After checking into our hotel, we set out to visit the imposing Agra Palace and Fort, built entirely of red sandstone by the Mughal emperors. This monument, constructed on the banks of the Yamuna River, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Mughal forts in the country. This enormous fortress houses a series of marble palaces, mosques, and gardens. Dating back to the 16th century, this historical site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the citadel's terraces, we have a breathtaking view of the legendary Taj Mahal, which we will visit the following day.Day 2 -
Taj Mahal - Bharatpur Reserve - Jaipur
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We visit the Taj Mahal early in the morning to take advantage of the beautiful light that further enhances this fabulous white marble monument. This sublime mausoleum, which has become the emblem of India, is considered the most extravagant building ever constructed for love. Indeed, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan to house the body of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. After the visits, we have breakfast and then depart for Jaipur, the gateway to the state of Rajasthan. On the way, we stop in Bharatpur for a walk in the nature reserve, which covers 29 square kilometers. We observe several species of birds among the woods and ponds. We arrive in Jaipur in the late afternoon.Day 3 -
Visit to Jaipur - Pushkar
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we'll visit Jaipur, the "Pink City," a welcoming color in the tradition of the Maharajas. The capital of Rajasthan since the 1950s, Jaipur is the true masterpiece of Maharaja Jai Singh, a passionate astronomer. We'll visit Jaipur's iconic landmark, the unmissable "Palace of Winds," built in the shape of a crown. We'll also explore the Royal Palace and the renowned Astronomical Observatory, the largest in the world. In the afternoon, we'll travel to the shores of the tranquil sacred Pushkar Lake, on the edge of the desert. The "miraculous" waters of this lake make it a major Hindu pilgrimage site.Day 4 -
Visit to Pushkar
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Pushkar is a small, holy, white, and peaceful town nestled in the shadow of its thousands of temples and ghats, where pilgrims come to perform ritual ablutions and make offerings to Brahma. This important pilgrimage site hosts a huge camel fair and a major pilgrimage each year, drawing thousands of devotees. We'll walk around the lake and stroll through the narrow streets of this peaceful town, home to the only Brahma temple in India. In the afternoon, we'll hike for two to three hours to the hills above Pushkar for a panoramic view of the holy city.Day 5 -
Jodhpur - visit to the Citadel and the old town
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we'll take a country road to Jodhpur, the Blue City, also known as the "Sun City." The inhabitants of this city, built on the edge of the vast Thar Desert, have painted their houses blue in honor of the god Krishna, nicknamed the "Indigo God." After lunch, we'll visit the Mehrangarh Citadel, which overlooks the city of Jodhpur. It is one of the most beautiful citadels in Rajasthan. We'll then explore the lively old city, home to the spice market and numerous artisan workshops.Day 6 -
Hiking in the Thar Desert
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we drive to the village of Phalsund. From there, we reach the Thar Desert where we begin our trek among the dunes and Rajput villages. The ninth largest subtropical desert in the world, the Thar Desert is incredibly rich in biodiversity. Several reserves protect the local wildlife: caracals, wild asses, great bustards, and more. We hike through the non-touristy parts of the desert and meet the locals who live there. In the late evening, we set up camp on the beautiful sand dunes. The sunset is simply magical!Day 7 -
Thar Desert - Jaisalmer
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, a short hike takes us through the surrounding villages. We try to chat with the locals, discovering their homes and way of life. Then, we set off for Jaisalmer. Nicknamed the Golden City and located in the heart of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is one of the most beautiful cities in Rajasthan.Day 8 -
Visit to Jaisalmer - Fallen
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we set off to explore Jaisalmer: its palace-fortress, its narrow streets, and its numerous havelis... This golden city was once a stop on the spice route between India and Persia. Land of the Bhatti princes, in the heart of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is undoubtedly the oldest fortified city in Rajasthan (12th century). Superb havelis with stone lacework windows, Jain temples, and the bustling alleyways of the bazaar: Jaisalmer is an artistic and cultural delight at every turn. After our visits, we travel to Dechu, a charming little village between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. In the late afternoon, we stroll through the village and enjoy the countryside atmosphere, much greener, more peaceful, and different from what we have seen in the previous days.Day 9 -
Fallen - Dev Garh
- Transportation Minibus - 07h - 300km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We take country roads to reach Devgarh. On the way, we stop at Mr. and Mrs. Singh's house, where they welcome us for a "local" lunch. Afterwards, we continue to a small town called Dev Garh in the heart of Rajasthan, known for its palace with its traditional Rajasthani architecture, featuring exquisite murals, elegant rooms, and a regal atmosphere...Day 10 -
Dev Garh - Ranakpur Jain Temple - Udaipur
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A morning visit to the village of Devgarh. This gives us the opportunity to meet and chat with the locals, who are always curious and enthusiastic to see travelers. After these lovely encounters, we take a scenic country road to Ranakpur. In Ranakpur, we visit the magnificent Jain temple with its 1,444 pillars carved from stone. After the visits, we continue on to Udaipur. Our route takes us through a reserve where the vegetation is particularly lush. This is the Road of the Waterwheels! We stop a few times in the fields where oxen tirelessly pull the waterwheels to irrigate the crops. We check into our hotel on the shores of Lake Udaipur.Day 11 -
Visit to Udaipur - overnight train to Delhi
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A full day of sightseeing and exploration in Udaipur, "the City of Dawn," arguably the most beautiful citadel in Rajasthan, set in the magnificent surroundings of Lake Pichola. Also known as the "Venice of the East," it boasts white marble palaces, including the Lake Palace, which appear to float on the lake. We begin with a visit to the City Palace, built, expanded, and renovated by 22 generations of Maharajas. From the palace, we enjoy stunning views of Lake Pichola and the Aravalli Hills. The afternoon is free to wander through the old streets of Udaipur. Late afternoon, we board an overnight train to Delhi.Day 12 -
Authentic Delhi Tour
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Arriving in Delhi late morning, we're ready for a culinary adventure in the alleyways of Old Delhi, discovering local specialties with tastings and demonstrations. We then visit Old Delhi, dating back to the 17th century, the former capital of the Mughal Empire. It was built within its fortifications by Emperor Shah Jahan, who also commissioned the Taj Mahal. We visit the Jama Masjid mosque and the narrow streets of Chandni Chowk. The traditional buildings and the history of the Muslim Mughal Empire blend seamlessly with the religious and cultural diversity typical of large cities, a diversity particularly pronounced in Delhi.Day 13 -
Delhi - Jhansi - Orccha Tour
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 249km
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early morning transfer to the train station for the train to Jhansi, then drive to Orchha, a charming, still relatively undiscovered town in the state of Madhya Pradesh. En route, we visit a company that recycles handmade paper with the slogan "waste into wealth," employing over 40 women from the Sahraiya tribes who previously had no source of income. The paper and other products are sold locally, nationally, and internationally. We have lunch with the Paravat family, who live just behind Orchha Palace. We explore their home and experience their traditional village cuisine. In the afternoon, we walk to the Betwa River near Chhatris, or the cenotaphs of the governors of Orchha (2 km). We enjoy a beautiful sunset from the other side of the river, taking a stroll along the riverbank. In the evening, we go to the Ramraja Temple to witness an aarati, or pooja (offering of lights to the river goddess).Day 14 -
Orchha
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An early morning walk in nature, then back home for breakfast. The afternoon is dedicated to visiting Orchha. The former capital of the Bundella kingdom, the city was founded in the 16th century under the rule of a raja (king), with the construction of a palace and a bridge spanning the Betwa River, a tributary of the Yamuna. We visit this palace. The colors of its various monuments (Rajamahal, Sheesh Mahal, Jahangir Mahal) are particularly beautiful at sunset. Why not enjoy a tea or coffee break in the peaceful atmosphere of this historic place? In the evening, we go to Rajani's house for an Indian cooking class. It's a chance for us to spend some quality time together.Day 15 -
Orchla - Khajurao
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave our hosts and then set off to visit the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, renowned for its magnificent and remarkably well-preserved frescoes. After the visit, we drive to Khajuraho, arriving around midday. We discover the famous erotic temples, a jewel of Hindu religious art in northern India. Built by the Chandelas of Rajasthan between the 10th and 12th centuries, the temples dazzle us with their extraordinary statuary, particularly that of the Lakshmana and Kadariya Mahadev temples. The Khajuraho temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Day 16 -
Khajurao – Allahabad
- Transportation Minibus - 07h - 400km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early in the morning, we take a country road towards Allahabad. We are traveling deep into the heart of India, completely off the beaten tourist track. Along the way, we pass through many typical villages of the region. Rice and sugarcane fields stretch as far as the eye can see. We stop to visit one or two villages. This is the perfect opportunity to chat with locals, who are often surprised and delighted to see travelers. We have lunch at a restaurant in Ramghat, a holy site on the banks of the Mandakini River. Then, we continue on to Allahabad, one of the oldest cities in India, located at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. It owes its reputation as a holy city to the large number of pilgrims who come to bathe in the sacred waters of these two rivers. Every 12 years, this city hosts the Great Khumba Mela, the largest pilgrimage in the world.Day 17 -
Allahabad – Varanasi (Benares)
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we travel to Sangam, a mythical place marking the confluence of India's two most sacred rivers: the Ganges and the Yamuna. We stroll along the banks of the Yamuna River and observe pilgrims and sadhus who have come to visit this important Hindu site. We then continue our journey to Varanasi. We also cross the Ganges to visit the famous Ramnagar Fort, which stands on the banks of the Ganges, and a small town of the same name. The fort was built by the King of Varanasi in the 18th century and remains the residence of the King of Varanasi. We have lunch at a local Indian restaurant along the way. We then board a motorboat and cruise along the sacred river to Varanasi – the capital of Hinduism. We arrive in the holy city in the mid-afternoon. Life teems in this ancient city, and the activity on the ghats (steps overlooking the river) becomes intense in the heart of the city. Arriving in Varanasi via the Ganges is a real highlight of this trip. We settle into our hotel, and then at sunset, we join hundreds of locals to witness the grand daily puja (prayer) in honor of the Ganges. It's a unique spectacle that immerses us in the heart of Hindu traditions.Day 18 -
Varanasi – Sarnath – Varanasi
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 30km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We walk along the ghats and observe various Hindu rituals, including cremations on the banks of the Ganges. Then, we wander through the lively alleyways of Varanasi's old city and rejoin our vehicle, which takes us to the peaceful university town of Varanasi, home to some of India's oldest and most prestigious schools. There, we visit a Shiva temple where pilgrims mingle with local students. We have lunch at a traditional restaurant, sampling local specialties, before departing for Sarnath, one of the four major Buddhist sites, with its imposing 34-meter-high Dhamek Stupa, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Return to Varanasi.Day 19 -
Varanasi - Delhi - Paris
- Transportation Plane - 12h - 8000km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Free time to enjoy Varanasi at our leisure, then transfer to the airport to take a domestic flight to Delhi connecting with our international return flight.Day 20 -
Paris
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in Paris.Day 21
Note
This trip offers a true change of scenery and an introduction to the richest aspects of Indian history. It also provides a genuine immersion into the complex, yet fascinating, contemporary world of India! This itinerary is provided for informational purposes only: depending on weather and operational conditions, your tour guide may modify it for your safety and that of the group.
Accommodation
During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.
Access
Departure
DEL - Aéroport International Indira Gandhi
Day 1
: 00h00
End of stay
DEL - Aéroport International Indira Gandhi
Day 21
- 00h00
Travel within the country:
- The road routes are covered in private vehicles.
- You are using a sleeper night train for the Udaipur - Delhi journey.
- Express train between Delhi and Jhansi on day 14
- Small sailboat on the Ganges.
- Domestic flight between Varanasi and Delhi.
Go to the starting point
The nearest airport isDEL - Aéroport International Indira Gandhi
International transport:
For flights to India, we use scheduled flights departing from Paris (operating year-round at fixed times). You will primarily fly with Qatar Airways and Gulf Air. Depending on availability at the time of your booking, we may also offer flights with other airlines.
We pre-purchase a stock of flights departing from Paris on these different airlines in order to guarantee you the best fares and availability for as long as possible. Departures from certain provincial cities are possible upon request and subject to an additional charge.
IMPORTANT: This information is for guidance only. Depending on availability at the time of your booking, the airlines may differ from those listed above.
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Price details
The price includes
- International flights departing from Paris
- The domestic flight Varanasi/Delhi.
- Air taxes.
- Local transfers.
- Entrances to the sites.
- Accommodation.
- Full board except for the free meals mentioned in the program.
- Supervision by a French-speaking tour guide.
The price does not include
- Personal expenses.
- The drinks.
- The optional meals mentioned in the program (approximately €8 to €10 per meal)
- Tips for the local staff (at your discretion)
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Equipment
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Paulin team
4.4/5
(2842 reviews)
• 821 stays
For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.
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