Moksha Tour In North India

This route is simply magical! Enter Rajasthan by the famous Silk Road, passing through Sekhawati, a little-known region, to reach Bikaner in the heart of the Thar Desert. You walk through the famous cities of Rajasthan: Jodhpur, Pushkar, Jaipur, without forgetting the famous Taj Mahal in Agra. Then, you cross Madhya Pradesh via Gwalior, Orchha and Khajuraho towards your final destination: Benares, the Indian spiritual capital located on the banks of the Ganges, the culmination of your trip to North India .
In Rajasthan, it is above all the discovery of the magnificent Mughal architecture dating from the time of the Maharajas between palaces and fortresses, famous throughout the world. You explore some of the most beautiful temples, whether Hindu, Sikh or Jain, but also the well-known temples with erotic characters of Khajuraho . In Madhya Pradesh , cultural richness and religious fervor are still present, an excellent step towards Benares.
This program invites you to meet and share with its local populations, in search of a real immersion through three regions of North India with different cultures and traditions. Live a real inner journey through the atmosphere of the spiritual places discovered throughout your itinerary.

 

ITINERARY

Day 1: New Delhi, first steps in India

As soon as you arrive at the airport, your driver welcomes you with a warm “Namaste”, welcome in Hindi. After getting settled in your hotel, you meet your North India Travel Expert who will give you some advice on organizing your stay. Then, dive straight into the heart of Indian spirituality. To the south of the city, you will discover the Lotus temple, a marvel of contemporary architecture in the shape of this symbol of purity. You then reach the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh temple where Har Krishan is worshipped. In the evening, go to the east of the city to marvel at the spectacle of fountains, sound and lights of the immense Akshardham temple.

 

Day 2: DELHI – MANDAWA

The Silk Road in Shekhawati

This morning, you cross a rural India where you meet camel drivers and shepherds, accompanied by their herds. Direction Shekhawati, this little known region, made of sand and clay land halfway between the lands of the Ganges and the Thar desert. It is here that you can admire the famous Haveli which make the charm of the region, having belonged to the wealthy Rajput Princes or silk and spice traders. A magnificent, almost magical decor that immediately transports you to another time. Take advantage of your afternoon to stroll through the alleys of the town of Mandawa to admire these splendid mansions more closely. Overnight in Haveli.

 

Day 3: MANDAWA – BIKANER

The incredible Haveli of Nadine Le Prince

Today, you resume your journey in an increasingly arid and desolate landscape. You stop to visit the Haveli of Nadine le Prince, this exceptional heritage that the French artist has taken to heart to restore. You enter the Thar desert to reach the fortified city of Bikaner. Discover the Indian fervor through its congested streets and its overflowing animation. You visit the first Fort of your trip, the Junagarh Fort, an imposing red sandstone construction that you walk with a guide between several small palaces, courtyards and hidden corridors. The opportunity to immerse yourself in Indian history and culture. Night at the hotel.

 

Day 4: BIKANER – JODHPUR

The imposing fortress of Mehrangarh

This morning, after having discovered the unusual temple of Deshnok, also called “temples of the sacred rats”, you take the road again for Jodhpur, “the blue city”. Visit the Mehrangarh fortress, which overlooks the city from the top of its high hill at an altitude of 120m. You then discover a spectacular panoramic view of the hundreds of blue houses, which would be supposed to keep insects away. You then understand the nickname given to the city and become aware of all its beauty. This fortress, carved out of the rock, is one of the best preserved in Rajasthan. Enjoy your evening and Overnight in Haveli.

 

Day 5: JODHPUR – UDAIPUR

Ranakpur & Khumbalgarh

After breakfast, you take the road towards Ranakpur to marvel at the Jain temple of Adinath, carved like an ivory jewel. You continue to Kumbalgarh, off the beaten track, to access one of the most beautiful forts in the region. Continue to the city of lakes, Udaipur.

 

Day 6: UDAIPUR

Lake Pichola Sunset Tour

Your visit to Udaipur, the Venice of the East, is a real time machine! You wander through the labyrinths of the City Palace, whose royal residences bear witness to the many architectural influences that have followed one another here over the centuries. Before the day is over, you will observe all the facets of the most romantic city in Rajasthan along a cruise on Lake Pichola. In the early evening you mingle with the locals during the daily Hindu procession of the Jagdish temple and share their songs and their joy!

 

Day 7: Udaipur- PUSHKAR, THE SACRED CITY OF RAJASTHAN

Sacred lake and temple dedicated to Brahma

Wake up early to take advantage of the incredible market of Jodhpur, which animates the center of the city and, why not have your breakfast there. Overcrowded, vibrant, colorful and fragrant, between jewelry, fabrics and spices, all your senses are awakened. Your driver then takes you to Pushkar for the lunch break. Surrounded by 400 temples, the sacred lake would have formed following the passage of Brahma, Hindu god, who dropped a lotus petal. It welcomes hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who come to purify themselves. It is also in this city that the largest camel fair in India is held every November. Overnight at PUSHKAR

 

Day 8: PUSHKAR – BUNDI

Chittorgarh, the largest fort in India

Visiting Rajasthan is also contemplating the landscapes that pass through time before your eyes. Fort e Chittorgarh, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transports you to another time before continuing the road to the village of Bundi, which will appear like a small Jodhpur from the top of the hills through which you will arrive, due to the blue color of his houses. Stroll through this lively little town, dotted with temples and bazaars that are sure to brighten up your trip to Rajasthan.

 

Day 9: BUNDI – RANTHABORE

In the kingdom of tigers

In the morning, you visit the Taragarh Fort and the magnificent Rajput Palace built on the hill, and admire its magnificent murals. You continue towards the national park of Ranthambore reputed to be one of the places where one can best observe the wild life of this country. With your naturalist guide, you explore the reserve in search of the most shy inhabitant, the tiger! Night at the hotel.

 

Day 10: RANTHABORE– JAIPUR

The pink city and its majestic fort

Today you visit Amber Fort, the original seat of royal power and one of the most beautiful buildings in Rajasthan. Sculpted marbles, encrusted mirrors, bucolic gardens and views of the mountains and the plain are on the program. Go back down to the historic center of the city to stroll along its famous pink houses. Below, the view of the fort is also impressive. Discover the extraordinary facade of the Palace of the Winds, pierced with 953 open windows, from where women could contemplate the outside without exposing themselves. Satisfy your astral curiosity with a local guide at the Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory. Night at the hotel.

 

Day 11: JAIPUR

Conquest of Amber Fort

This morning you climb to Amber Fort and are seized by this moving and rich landscape. Ingeniously crafted, its frescoes, mosaics, sculptures and mirrors are a real delight for your eyes. Back in the center of Jaipur, let yourself be transported to the time of Hindu harems: the Palace of the Winds Hawa Mahal with 953 airy windows from which women contemplated the outside without exposing themselves. About twenty gigantic instruments at the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory teach you a lot about astrology.

 

Day 12: Jaipur-Abhaneri-Agra

Morning Hindu Ceremony at Birla Temple

At dawn, go to the Birla Temple to dive into the heart of spiritual India by attending the daily Hindu ceremony. On the exterior walls, scenes from Hindu mythology stand alongside other portraits: Christ, Socrates, Zarathustra, Buddha, Confucius.

Departure for Agra, on the road visit the village of Abhaneri and chand baoli which is an old water reservoir. The Red Fort whose high red sandstone walls dominate the Yamuna River.

 

Day 13: AGRA – GWALIOR

Sunrise at the Taj Mahal

Wake up at dawn to watch the sunrise, gently revealing all the magic of the Taj Mahal, the culmination of Mughal architecture and one of the seven wonders of the world. The marble, encrusted with precious stones, then takes on golden tones, revealing itself between dream and reality like a mirage. One of the most striking and fascinating moments of your trip! Also visit the unmissable Red Fort of Agra whose view from the ramparts on the Yamuna River and the Taj Mahal is sumptuous. After touring the jewels dotting its enclosure, head for Gwalior where you will settle in your heritage hotel.

 

Day 14: GWALIOR – ORCHHA

First day in Madhya Pradesh

This morning, you are in the region of Madhya Pradesh, “the middle state” in Hindi. Gwalior, located in a natural site is dominated by a high hill whose extraordinary ramparts of the fortress surround the plateau. Here, the citadel recalls the exploits of the Rajput chivalry of the Middle Ages. The visit to the fort mainly includes the palace of Man Mandir, famous for the decoration of colorful earthenware tiles in blue, green and ocher tones. Then, on the way to Orchha, stop at the town of Datia to admire a forgotten palace in a beautiful setting of lake and greenery. Night in an old palace.

 

Day 15: ORCHHA – KHAJURAHO

A day between temples and palaces

Today you explore the palaces of Orchha, a charming town built around the Betwa River. You visit the Raj Mahal Palace of the Maharaja and his family, the Jahangir Mahal Palace which was built for the visit of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and the Chaturbhuj Palace like a cathedral. You then head to Khajuraho, a small town recognized worldwide for its many Jain and Hindu temples from the medieval period, which date from the 10th to 12th centuries. In the evening, nothing beats tasting a delicious tandoori chicken, accompanied by aloos djerra, potatoes with cumin, and nans, these famous Indian breads.

 

Day 16: KHAJURAHO

The erotic temples of Khajuraho

This morning, take the time to visit with a guide Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, buried in the middle of the jungle for almost 700 years and then discovered in 1938. Arouse your curiosity in these sandstone temples, provided with erotic engravings honoring Tantrism. This spiritual current, a branch of Hinduism, comes straight from India. The Chandella sovereigns disseminated the doctrine through the construction of their monuments. A fine example at the temple of Kandaria Mahadeva, where you can contemplate the 900 statues which illustrate scenes of daily life at the time and many erotic scenes which made the reputation of the place.

 

Day 17: KHAJURAHO-CHITRAKOOT

The long list of places to visit in Chitrakoot includes much more than just religious places. Due to its mythological significance and natural beauty, Chitrakoot is popularly described as “the place of many wonders”.

The Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh is believed to have taken its incarnation from Chitrakoot. Chitrakoot would have obtained its name because of the presence of “cheetal” (deer) in the region. According to folklore, Lord Ram and Sita spent eleven of their fourteen years of exile in the deep jungles of Chitrakoot. Places to visit in Chitrakoot are Gupt Godavari, Ram Ghat, , Sati Anusuya Ashram. Hanuman Dhara.

 

Day 18: CHITRAKOOT-ALLAHABAD (PRAYAGRAJ)

Prayagraj is one of the most charismatic places to visit in Uttar Pradesh now officially known as Prayagraj. This holiest place and its rich culture have attracted pilgrims since ancient times. The city is revered for the sacred rivers and archaic shrines that adorn this city of holiness. It is adorned with interesting holy tales, one of them being Lord Brahma making his first sacrifice here after creating the world. Visit Triveeni Sangam.

 

Day 19 ALLAHABAD (PRYAGRAJ) – BENARES

The mythical experience of Indian trains

Take advantage of the morning to relax before leaving to discover Varanasi, formerly Benares, the most sacred city of India, located on the banks of the Ganges. In the early afternoon, you drive to Satna station, from where you take the night train. In the country which has one of the largest rail networks in the world, the train is a place of life in its own right. You who like to create links, this is an opportunity to exchange with locals who love to chat. We reserve you one of the best classes among the 8 offered by the country. Consult your North India Travel Expert for more information about the trip.

 

Day 20: BENARES

The Spiritual Capital of India

As soon as you arrive at Varanasi station, your new driver is there to welcome you. At sunrise, you embark on the course of the Ganges and witness the spectacle of life on the banks of the river. Crowds of Indians from all over the country perform their ablutions there or bury deceased relatives in the sacred fire of cremations which has been burning there for 3000 years. In the evening, find a place on the ghats, or stairs plunging into the river to attend the daily religious ceremony on the banks of the river! You are overwhelmed by the fervor of its multimillenary rites which give off such a special atmosphere. Night at the hotel.

 

Day 21: BENARES – SARNATH

At dawn, you will go sailing on the Ganges to contemplate the spectacular sunrise over the ghats and observe an extraordinary view of Varanasi. Back on dry land, you will visit the heart of the city to discover its heritage. After breakfast, you will go on an excursion to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Representing one of the four Buddhist pilgrimage sites, the serene complex of Sarnath houses the remains of what were once spectacular monasteries and stupas (dating back to the 3rd century BCE). The main attractions of the site include the Archaeological Museum and the stupa of Chaukhandi. Night at the hotel.

 

Day 22: BENARES – DELHI

Return to Indira Ghandi International Airport

After this intense spiritual day you are back in New Delhi. Depending on the time of your return flight, why not take a moment to relax by trying an Indian Ayurvedic massage, based on rebalancing the body’s energies. A great way to recover from the emotions of the day before. Then, why not stroll through the shops of Chandni Chowk, Lajpat Nagar or Dilli Haat in search of wonderful souvenirs for you and your loved ones. Your driver will then take you to the international airport. We wish you a wonderful return and see you soon for your next trip to India!

Included in the rates

• Group transfers in a private vehicle with an English-speaking driver
• Accommodation: Hotel in a Standard category double/twin room (for two people).
• Meals: all breakfasts and some dinners.
• The domestic flight VARANASI – Delhi in economy class.
• Entries and activities planned in the program.
• Accompaniment by an English-speaking guide.
• Not included in the rates
• International flights and international airport taxes.
• All lunches and dinners, with some exceptions.
• Visa fees – valid for 90 days.
• Assistance-repatriation insurance.
• Drinks, tips and personal expenses.
• Everything that is not listed in the “prices include” section.