Rajasthan Royal

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Duration: 15 days | 14 nights

Location: Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Rohet - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Deogarh - Pushkar - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra

Highlights of the programme :
  • Rajasthan’s bustling cities, deserts and colorful villages
  • Rohet ceremony in the village of Bishnoi, first environmentalist tribe of India
  • One night in a palace from the Arabian nights in Deogarh
  • The Taj Mahal, a World Heritage monument, which stands for eternal love

Arrive in Delhi. Reception at the airport. Transfer and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Mandawa located in the Shekhawati region. Upon arrival, visit the village with winding streets, beautiful havelis and colorful naive paintings and a special atmosphere. Shekhawati, especially near Mandawa, is a museum of paintings in the open sky in Rajasthan and was the favorite place of the Marwari community, great merchant families of India from the 17th to the 19th century. These wealthy merchants built luxurious mansions, havelis with frescoes. Overnight at hotel.

Departure by road to Bikaner famous for its camel farms. Crossed by caravans from the Far East and Arabia, this desert city, known as the Red City, was founded in 1488 It still benefit from the arid climate that surrounds it as protection against his enemies, but the old town however defended by impressive fortifications. Away from the walls, the latter contains a maze of alleys where circulating carts pulled by camels, a bustling bazaar and some havelis. Visit the Junagarh Fort built in the 16th century,the palace is beautifully decorated and catches your eyes. Then walk through town over these streets. Overnight at hotel.

Drive to Jaisalmer, the Golden City and explore this fascinating medieval city of yellow sandstone, lost in the depths of the Thar Desert. Open-air museum, unrivaled throughout India with its strong and magnificent Patwon Ki Haveli. Jaisalmer has its historical importance and was an asset for the country for it’s important caravan route between India and Persia, Arabia and the West. In the evening, sunset to chhatri, cenotaphs of rulers, built in the former royal garden near a small lake below. Overnight at hotel.

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 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 safari by camel in the desert at sunset. Overnight at hotel.

Morning departure for Jodhpur, former capital of Marwar. Upon arrival, visit the city known for its fort, Mehrangarh Fort, overlooking the city as a sentry. Built in 1459, it contains many palaces built by successive rulers. Jodhpur is commonly known as the Blue City because most houses in the old city are painted that color. Jaswant Thada and visit the royal cenotaphs. Beautiful white marble mausoleum in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, nicknamed the Taj Mahal of Rajasthan. Then walk to the fortified in the colorful and lively Bazaar, Sardar Bazar, around the Clock Tower. Continue to Rohet. Overnight at hotel.

Morning drive to Ranakpur. 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 more than 500 years. Continue to Ranakpur and visit one of the most beautiful Jain temples in India, dating from the 15th century. The unit is fully carved marble and sculptures reminiscent of fine lace work. Continue to Udaipur. Overnight at hotel.

Tour of the White City, the most romantic city of Rajasthan and the jewel of Mewar kingdom. With its marble palaces with undeniable charm with towers, domes and intricately carved balconies, Udaipur is 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 honor Maharani ladies. In the late afternoon boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight at hotel.

Morning drive to the 108 temples of Eklingji still active.Thousands of pilgrims come to surrender their devotion to the god Shiva, a great place to enjoy the fervor of believers who washed the statue of the god before covering it with leaves and flowers. Then on to Nagda, ancient defunct capital of kingdom of Mewar. Nagda is still famous for the ruins of three magnificent Jain temples exquisitely carved lost in a magical setting. Continue to Deogarh. A stroll through the village from another time to meet the indigenous is more enjoyable. Overnight at hotel.

Drive to Pushkar, high sacred place of Hinduism and important place of pilgrimage. The city has the privilege of having the only temple of Lord Brahma, the creator god of the universe. On the banks of the lake, ghats allow pilgrims to descend to bathe in the sacred waters. This site is exceptional for the provision of its crescent moon marble temples, which appear to float on the lake. Discovery of the ghats and temples situated on the banks of the sacred waters of the lake and the Brahma temple. Overnight at hotel.

Drive to Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan. Jaipur, or 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 a world heritage UNESCO site and its amazing instruments that 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.

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 available on an elephant. Visit the fort and its many palaces each more sumptuous than the others. Back in Jaipur, and in the afternoon, ride pedicab to take 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.

Morning drive to Ranthambore National Park and Tiger. Once a hunting reserve of Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore covers approximately 390 square kilometers and is part of Project Tiger. It offers extraordinary landscapes of lakes, dry forests and grasslands. This park was created in 1955 to ensure the survival of the tiger and, of course, many other species that sustain this large predator. The afternoon safari in the park. Night at the lodge.

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 remains in perfect condition, witness the splendor of the imperial court of the time. Continue to Agra. In the afternoon, visit the Red Fort, imposing edifice of red sandstone, the largest fort in India. Simple, beautiful and string.It was constructed by Emperor Akbar when he decided to make his capital from Agra. Overnight at hotel.

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 India and neighboring countries. Then, stroll through the Kinari Bazaar and visit a workshop on marble inlay, the specialty of the city declined 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.”

Vivaana Haveli – Mandawa

You fall in love with the place the moment you arrive. Many frescoes refined and elegant. The rooms and bathrooms are large. Very nice garden. The pool is beautiful and the spa without moderation. A wonderful restaurant in Rajasthan.

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.

Deogarh Mahal – Deogarh

Beautiful stage for this huge palace like this. Very welcoming, smiling and friendly. Maze of corridors leading to spacious rooms and period decor. Nice pool and spa. Magnificent view of the lake from the terrace.

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.

Shahpura House – Jaipur

Charm for this beautiful noble house with large comfortable rooms. Attentive and friendly staff. Nice pool and good restaurant.

Pugmark Resort – Ranthambore

Une disposition originale pour cet hébergement style cottage autour de magnifiques jardins. Personnel sympathique et serviable. Les chambres sont confortablement meublées avec toutes les commodités. Parfait emplacement pour visiter le parc national de Ranthambore.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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