Rajasthan, a journey to the heart of the royal cities and the Taj Mahal
In summary
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Sports
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Duration15 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAsia / India
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions4371.24 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Let yourself be guided through a legendary land where imposing fortresses and spiritual fervor intertwine . Your journey begins in Delhi , a vibrant capital that you explore by rickshaw , before taking a local train to Agra . There, the Taj Mahal reveals itself at sunrise, a marvel of white marble that precedes a visit to Agra Fort .
On your way to Rajasthan , the railways and country roads lead you to Jaipur . The "Pink City" opens its doors to its refined palaces and bustling bazaars . In search of authenticity, you travel to the village of Madhogarh for special encounters with local communities, far removed from the urban hustle and bustle.
The journey intensifies in Jodhpur , the "Blue City," watched over by the majestic Mehrangarh Fort . You then immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of Udaipur , the "Venice of the East," with a serene boat trip on Lake Pichola . Finally, a mystical stop in Pushkar , a holy city nestled beside its sacred lake , completes this unique spiritual immersion before your return to Delhi. A dynamic and off-the-beaten-path itinerary.
The highlights
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Discover the majestic Taj Mahal at sunrise and visit Agra Fort
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Exploring the colorful cities: Jaipur the pink, Udaipur the white
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Authentic encounters and dinner with locals in the heart of rural villages
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
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.
Management
French
Based in India for many years, our local teams ensure an active and safe immersion in the heart of Rajasthan. Your adventure guides , true specialists of the region, are 100% committed to helping you discover unusual places.
Upon arrival at your hotel in Delhi, you will be greeted by your French-speaking tour guide who will accompany you throughout your stay.
Program
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Flight to Delhi (not included)
- Transportation Plane - 09h30 - 7079km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You are taking your flight to Delhi (international flights are at your own expense for this trip).
Day 1 -
Arrival in Delhi
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Welcome to India! Our adventure begins in Delhi with a welcome meeting at 6:00 PM. If you arrive earlier, you can join one of our "Urban Adventures" for a great introduction to the city. After the meeting, you can go out for a meal with your group to get to know each other.Day 2 -
Delhi
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This morning, we'll discover the city's metro system and explore Old Delhi on a walking tour with our guide. We'll hop aboard a traditional cyclo-rickshaw and navigate the typical Indian traffic jams around Chandni Chowk market. Next, we'll visit Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest mosque and the largest in India. We'll escape the urban bustle by visiting the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara to experience the spiritual dimension of this vibrant metropolis. The communal kitchen is open to all, and we can share a simple meal there. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the various tourist attractions.Day 3 -
Delhi - Agra
- Transportation Minibus - 02h30 - 100km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We travel to Agra aboard an express train. Steeped in Mughal heritage, Agra is brimming with gardens, temples, and rooftop terraces. Upon arrival, we visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and discover why Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned it in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. We then enter the spectacular sandstone walls of the Red Fort, built in the 16th century to enclose the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. Time permitting, we continue our tour with a visit to Akbar's Mausoleum.Day 4 -
Agra - Madhogarh
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 200km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This morning we take a private bus to Madhogarh. Upon arrival, we stroll through the village and watch local artisans crafting resin bracelets. These families belong to the Lakhera community; in Hindu mythology, the Lakheras were created by the god Shiva to make bracelets for the goddess Parvati. This traditional art is a must-see: we'll observe how they heat the resin and shape it using traditional tools. In the evening, we'll sleep in the magnificent Madhogarh Fort, a listed historical monument that has belonged for centuries to one of Rajasthan's royal families.Day 5 -
Jaipur
- Transportation Minibus - 02h30 - 100km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We continue our journey by private vehicle to Jaipur. Upon arrival, we stroll through the "Pink City" with our guide. We soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the bazaars and browse for handcrafted goods and semi-precious stones. We visit Amber Fort, a remarkable example of Rajput architecture, perched on a hill overlooking Maota Lake. The Sheesh Mahal, inside the fort, is a must-see; its walls, entirely covered in tiny mirrors, light up with the flicker of a match. Afterward, we have free time to explore the city at our own pace.Day 6 -
Ranthambore National Park
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 197km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today we're visiting Ranthambhore National Park, once a favorite hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur and one of the original reserves of Project Tiger. This evening, we'll embark on a 4x4 safari in search of tigers and other wildlife, such as hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles, wild boars, and birds. Ranthambhore National Park is closed from July 1st to September 30th each year. During organized excursionsDay 7 -
Bundi
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 200km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today we depart for Bundi in a private vehicle. Upon arrival, we'll explore the narrow streets of Bundi on a guided walking tour, including the central market and encounters with street jewelers and fabric merchants. We'll learn the secrets of chai preparation from a local master brewer and enjoy a freshly brewed infusion. We'll also visit Bundi's fascinating stepwells (baori), architectural marvels that once supplied the town with water. Next, we'll discover Bundi Palace, dating back to the 16th century, and its famous frescoes before settling into our charming accommodation for the night.Day 8 -
Paangarh Lake
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 200km
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This morning we take a local train to Bassi, traveling through the Chittorgarh countryside to Lake Pangarh. Upon arrival, we admire the view of the 15th-century fort and relax with a cup of chai while watching the sunset over the lake. We spend the night in a beautiful permanent tented camp on the lake's edge—a truly relaxing experience, far from the hustle and bustle of Indian cities.Day 9 -
Bijaipur
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 100km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This morning, we set off in an open-top jeep to explore the countryside and its peaceful villages. With a bit of luck, we might spot some wildlife such as jackals, langurs, foxes, and hares. Upon arrival, we'll meet some villagers and perhaps even get a henna tattoo (a traditional and temporary souvenir). Afterward, we'll head to our charming accommodation in Bijaipur and enjoy a meal of authentic local specialties made with seasonal vegetables. We might try baingan masala (eggplant cooked with tomatoes), okra, kadhi (a thick, tangy sauce), or chicken curry.Day 10 -
Bijaipur - Udaipur
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We wake up in our charming hotel and enjoy breakfast before departing by private vehicle for Udaipur. Upon arrival, we embark on a walking tour of the city with our guide. We admire the hills, lakes, and white marble palaces, and lose ourselves in the winding alleyways and bazaars overflowing with silverware and leather goods. A popular center for artists, dancers, and musicians, we'll find plenty to entertain us. Afterward, the rest of our day is free. Our guide will provide recommendations for restaurants and must-see attractions!Day 11 -
Udaipur
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today we visit the City Palace in Udaipur, one of the largest royal palaces in India. Afterwards, we'll have free time to explore the city at our own pace. If we wish, we can take a boat trip on the picturesque Lake Pichola (in season) to admire the island palaces of Jag Nivas and Jag Mandir. Then, why not attend a cultural performance featuring seven traditional Rajasthani folk dances? (optional)Day 12 -
Udaipur - Pushkar
- Transportation Minibus - 06h - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This morning we take a train to Ajmer, then a private vehicle to our hotel in Pushkar. Upon arrival, we set off to explore the lively ghats and temples lining Pushkar Lake. We'll observe devotees praying at the sacred waters and at the Brahma Temple. In the evening, we share a meal with a local family and learn about their way of life in this desert town. The rest of the evening is free for us to continue exploring.Day 13 -
Pushkar - Delhi
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
For those who wish, there is an option to hike early in the morning to the Savitri Temple to admire the sunrise over the city. If we prefer, we can enjoy a leisurely morning. This afternoon, we will take the Shatabdi Express train back to Delhi, arriving late in the evening. We will then be transferred to our hotel for our final night in India.Day 14 -
Delhi - Return flight to France (not included)
- Transportation Plane - 09h30 - 7079km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, you have the option of staying in Delhi or taking your return flight. Please feel free to contact us for information on additional accommodation options or to book your airport transfer and return flight (international flights are at your own expense for this trip).
Day 15
Note
Accommodation
Access
Meet at the hotel in Delhi on day 2
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Land transport mentioned in the program
- Supervision by a French-speaking tour guide
- The excursions detailed in the program
- The accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- Meals as mentioned in the program
The price does not include
- International flights and airport taxes
- Visa fees.
- Personal expenses.
- The drinks.
- The optional meals mentioned in the program ( approximately €8 to €10 per meal )
- Tips for local staff (at your discretion), see the specific Additional Information section for more details.
Site entrances and optional activities
- Delhi – Qutub Minar: 650 INR
- Delhi – Humayun’s Tomb: 650 INR
- Delhi – Old Red Fort: 600 INR
- Agra – Additional entrance to the Taj Mahal: 1300 INR
- Jaipur – City Palace: 1200 INR
- Jaipur – Jantar Mantar Observatory: 200 INR
- Jaipur – Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds): 200 INR
- Jaipur – Bollywood film at Raj Mandir cinema: 400 INR
- Jaipur – Hot air balloon flight: USD 290
- Bijaipur – Henna tattoo: 150 INR
- Udaipur – Cultural Show: 350 INR
- Udaipur – Boat trip on Lake Pichola: 500 INR
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Pack a lightweight sleeping bag for trips between November and March (train and bivouac). For the rest of the year, a sleeping bag liner is sufficient.
- a toiletry bag and bath towel.
- sunscreen (face and lips)
- headlamp
- gourd
Clothing to bring
Clothing, from head to toe:
- lightweight walking shoes and sandals
- canvas trousers
- Bermuda shorts
- t-shirt
- long-sleeved shirt
- A warm pullover or fleece jacket for your evenings (not necessary for summer trips)
- waterproof windproof jacket
- rain cape (just in case)
- hat against the sun
- sunglasses
- swimsuit
For temple visits, bring something to cover your shoulders and trousers or capri pants below the knee (no shorts or bermudas).
