Rajasthan Land of Princes - 13 days | 12 nights

Highlights of the programme :
  • Intimate acquaintance with Rajasthan, the land of princes
  • One night in an old haveli in Alsisar
  • Cérémonie dans le village des Bishnoïs, à Rohet 
  • Understanding the magnificent Jain temples in Bikaner
  • The Taj Mahal why this is called the monument of love desdpite being a Mausoleum become tourist emblem of India

 


ITINERARY

Day 01 Delhi
Arrive in Delhi. Reception at the airport. Transfer and overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 Delhi - Alsisar
Morning departure for Alsisar, a village in the Shekahwati. Formerly, an important  stop on the Silk Route, the Alsisar region is a veritable open-air art gallery of Rajasthan. It was the favorite place of the Marwari community, great merchant families of India from the 17th to the 19th century who did build lavish mansions, havelis, beautifully painted frescoes on the outside and inside. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 Alsisar - Bikaner
Departure by road to Bikaner famous for its camel farms. In the afternoon, visit Bikaner. This desert town in northern Rajasthan which was crossed by caravans from the Far East and Arabia, was founded in 1488 by a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur. The city has taken advantage of his position and arid places such as protection against his enemies, but it is defended by impressive fortifications. Visit Fort built between 1588 and 1593, the old palace and the old city. Junagarh Fort houses beautifully decorated palace and buildings. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Drive to Jaisalmer, the Golden City, and explore this fascinating medieval city of yellow sandstone, still rising from  the depths of the Thar Desert. Open-air museum, unrivaled throughout India with the magnificent Patwon Ki Haveli. Jaisalmer has its historical relevance of it's being an important trading centre on the stage caravan route between India and Persia, Arabia and the West. Sunset on the Cenotaph. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Jaisalmer
Visit this beautiful city located inside a huge fort, the second oldest fort in Rajasthan whose interior is a maze of courtyards and halls. Stroll through the most populated part around the fort where you can see  the bazaar and most beautiful havelis and visit the magnificent Patwon Ki Haveli, home of brocade merchants. Near the walls of the lower town, Gadisar lake, lake conservation of rainwater created in the 14th century, the main source of drinking water for the entire city at the time. By late afternoon stroll on a camel in the desert. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Rohet
Morning departure for Jodhpur, former capital of Marwar. Upon arrival, visit the city known for it's imposing fort on the city at 125 meteres. The Mehrangarh Fort, as a sentry, was built on the advice of a hermit in 1459 Numerous palaces have been added within the fort by successive rulers. Jodhpur is commonly known as the Blue City because most houses in the old city are painted that color. The blue indicatesthat these houses belonged to members of the Brahmin caste. Continue to Rohet. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 Rohet - Ranakpur - Udaipur
In the morning, crossing the traditional villages of Bishnoi, which means 29 community characterized by its respect for all life be it animal or vegetable. First ecologists of the world, they protect the environment for over 500 years and are very involved in the survival of some species of mammals such as the black antelope with whom they share a real confidence. They live peacefully ancestral way in remote villages and advocate non-violence. Then drive to Ranakpur and visit one of the most beautiful Jain temples in India from the 15th century very delicately carved. The main temple is as big as a cathedral and interior sculptures are reminiscent of fine lace work on marble. Continue to Udaipur. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 Udaipur
Tour of the White City, the most romantic city of Rajasthan and the jewel of Mewar kingdom. With it's undeniable charm, the palace with towers, domes and intricately carved balconies, Udaipur offers an enchanting spectacle. Visit the City Palace, a huge palace from 1567, Rajput and Mughal mixture of influences surrounded by crenellated walls offering panoramic views of Lake Pichola and its two islands. Continue to the Jagdish temple and Sahelion Ki Bari visit the garden of amusement and fun for Maharanis. Then visit Nagda the archeological site having several shrines and temples. In the late afternoon boat ride on Lake Pichola where you can admire the magnificence of the royal palace and the city. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 Uaipur - Pushkar
Drive to Pushkar, on of the most holy place of pilgrimage in Hinduism. The city has the privilege of having the only temple of Lord Brahma, the creator god of the universe. On the shores of lakes, ghats allow pilgrims to descend to bathe in the sacred waters. This place is exceptionally important to all the Hindus Every year during the months of Oct - Nov, a very large fair of cattle takes place where visitors from all parts of the world come. Discover the ghats and temples situated on the banks of the sacred waters of the lake and the Brahma temple. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 Pushkar - Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan. Jaipur, and the Heart of Rajput chivalry, built in 1727 is known as the Pink City because of the color of its walls. In the afternoon, visit the City Palace and its magnificent museum containing many treasures, the Astronomical Observatory, the Jantar Mantar Observatory which is now a world heritage monument , and its amazing instruments that are still admired today. Off to the Palace of Winds, Hawa Mahal, with multiple openings. Built in 1799 and close to the City Palace, this amazing architectural fantasy was built for the women of the royal families so they can attend the processions without being seen. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 Jaipur
Morning drive to Amber and visit the Amber Fort, the ancient capital of Maharajas of Jaipur. This 16th century fortress built atop a rocky outcrop, is accessible on an elephant. Visit the fort and its many palaces each more sumptuous than the others. Back to Jaipur in the afternoon, ride pedicab to feel the pulse of the old city of Jaipur where markets, shops and bazaars abound. Typical neighborhoods did not lose this special atmosphere there for centuries. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
After breakfast, drive to Agra. En route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone ephemeral capital built by Emperor Akbar to commemorate the birth of his son. It was completed in 1574 but the city was abandoned 15 years later for lack of water. It was a city "fairy tale" and its extensive carving remains in perfect condition, witness the splendor of the imperial court of the time. Continue to Agra. In the afternoon, visit the Red Fort of Agra, imposing edifice of red sandstone which is the largest fort in India declared cultural heritage of UNESCO. Mentioned for the first time in 1080, it was at the time a simple but strong in 1558, Emperor Akbar decided to Agra his capital and rebuilt in order to make it strong a residential palace. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 Agra - Delhi
At sunrise, visit the famous Taj Mahal, unforgettable mausoleum of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. Built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Empress Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1630, this masterpiece was completed after 23 years of titanic work to which thousands of workers participated, sculptors and architects from all over the India and neighboring countries. Then, stroll through the narrow streets of Kinari Bazaar and visit a workshop on marble inlay, the specialty of the city reflected in everyday objects: boxes, cabinets, cubbies, trays, trolleys, chessboards. It perpetuates a unique know-how for nearly 500 years. Then drive to the Delhi International Airport for the return flight.

SUGGESTED HOTELS

You will find below our selection of hotels for this trip. Hotels indicative, subject to availability. The choice of the class of accommodation to you. You will be able to specify it in your quote.

Delhi Satbari - Delhi

A good place of the American company "Country Inn & Suites."

Indra Vilas - Alsisar

Beautiful haveli, a pleasant stay in this village relatively untouched. Large rooms beautifully decorated. Nice pool in a well-kept garden.

Maharaja Ganga Mahal - Bikaner

Nice and close to the old town. Nice setting, in a quiet and relaxing place. Exceptionally large rooms. Good restaurant. Friendly staff.

The Gulaal - Jaisalmer

Comfortable hotel in a quiet area. Very warm, welcoming  and helpful staff. The decor is successful in all areas. Rooms and bathrooms are spacious and very clean. Efficient service. Delicious refreshments served on the terrace with a magnificent view of the Fort in the city.

Rohet Garh - Rohet

Beautiful setting, gracious hosts for this 17th century palace. The lord of the manor is loving riding and HAS a nice team. Beautiful beautifully decorated service and very neat environment rooms. The village of Rohet is very pleasant for walks and meet people.

Lake Pichola - Udaipur

Ideally located hotel with great views of Lake Pichola, the Lake Palace and City Palace. The design of the roof is magical with swimming pool and restaurant. The hotel has just reopened with several months of work.

Pushkar Palace - Pushkar

A small buildings along the Pushkar Lake with a beautiful view of the ghats. Near the center, this hotel is ideally located and quiet. Spacious, very well equipped and very clean. Welcoming, attentive and eager to please. Rooftop terrace for a wonderful view.

Khandela Haveli - Jaipur

Former residence of the Maharaja converted into a hotel, this beautiful haveli combines traditional royal hospitality with modern comforts. Spacious rooms with refined decoration surrounding a patio. Restaurant and rooftop pool. A charming place where it feels good.

Taj Vilas - Agra

Modern hotel with a good price / quality ratio. Friendly staff. Bright and spacious rooms with a mini fridge and a safe. Modern bathrooms.

Suggested Activities

You will find below our suggestion for activities to do throughout your journey. Do not hesitate to contact an advisor Aryavrit Travels for any specific request.

Ayurveda massage

Ayurveda invites us to stay in harmony with nature, in touch with the elements of nature by practicing yoga and meditation which help us to purify and nourish our body and mind. A massage  on the eye  helps to rebalance the body and its functions. Enjoy your visit to the birthplace of Ayurveda to experience a massage in the purest tradition.

Cooking lessons

You fell for tandoori chicken, Kerala fish curry, samosas, the thali, the dal, biryani? Do not leave without having learned to cook these dishes. We offer courses in vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. At the end of the session, you are invited to examine and taste your own the prepared dishes.

Henna session

Mehndi usually refers to the art of drawing with henna on the skin. It is an ephemeral equivalent of tattooing. In Rajasthan, mehndi is an fplk art and it is common for women to get as sophisticated as those of newlyweds drawings. Attend a session to decorate your hands with henna and why not take the opportunity to keep track of your visit!

Yoga

Immerse yourself in the practice of Yoga and meditation which helps you to know your body and mind. An experienced yoga teacher will teach you the various techniques of "pranayama" (breathing), "asanas" (positions) and 'dhyana' (meditation). A unique opportunity in the purest tradition.

Film show

Indians like to say that what unites them is a passion for cricket and love of cinema. India is the largest film industry in the world in terms of production and the number of entries. Attend the screening of a film, it's a unique experience and share a moment of jubilation.

Local family

What could be more authentic than sharing a moment with a local family? An opportunity to understand the Indianess from very close which is worth reading several books on India. A unique opportunity to  learn about the customs of your hosts, with whom you share a traditional meal. A moment of conviviality, memorable exchanges that will only add magic to your stay.

Vintage car

Experience the charm side with a vintage ride in Rajasthan. These old cars of the maharajahs take you as a prince through the main streets of the cities. A timeless adventure not to be missed.

Cricket match

Catch a game of cricket, a sport that is truly thrill the crowds in India. Unknown in France, cricket crystallizes all the passions in the Indian subcontinent, where millions of fans follow live matches of their national team. The best players are idolized as real stars, like Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev considered one of the best cricketers of all time.

Polo match

Polo on horseback or elephant, a unique show in Jaipur, Jodhpur or Delhi. Sport in vogue in India, polo on horseback is still today one of the spearheads of the sport in the Indian aristocracy. Polo on elephant back, meanwhile, is not a sport as such. Nevertheless, it attracts large crowds because of the originality of a rapid game with elephants struggling to move on the ground. Very entertaining!

Ballooning

Take a step back to admire the pink city Jaipur, it is possible. Climb aboard the platform of your balloon and fly over the capital of Rajasthan and the impressive Amber Fort which is necessary not far from it. In the early morning light, the emotions are at their peak by the glipse by the history of vastness and beauty which has exisred here for last many centuries.

Bike ride

We invite you to immerse in unusual: a bike ride on the roads of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Cycling is a way to meet people, a tool to reach out to the population, which allows you to be closer than at the window of an air conditioned car. Let yourself drift along with your meetings, you will appreciate the paths which reserve surprises, all more enjoyable than the other.

Horseback ride

Expect a complete change: in the saddle on the beautiful Marwari horses with amazing earrings shaped like a crescent moon, discover the breathtaking surroundings and go out to meet the locals. A walk to discover treasures, off the beaten path.

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