Sacred and Photography tour of North India

Sacred and Photography tour of North India.

India is home to a myriad of cultures, languages, ethnic groups and beliefs that few countries can claim to possess.

Ways of life and ancestral traditions are still actively practiced in the country, thus a thousand-year-old sacredness rubs shoulders without anachronism with the skyscrapers of modern India shaped by the white collars of the growing middle class.

From the desert of Rajasthan to the uncrowded region of Shekhawati, via Jaipur, the pink city and the holy city of Benares, we take you to meet locals from diverse backgrounds who make India: villagers with colorful turbans, pilgrims bathing in the sacred waters of the Ganges and craftsmen who preserve their art from father to son.

You will discover the architecture of the Mughal period and admire the murals of ancient Havelis in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. At the gates of the Thar desert, stroll through the labyrinth of streets of Bikaner. Discover Jodhpur, the “blue city” and learn more about the lifestyles of desert dwellers during a desert holiday. Discover Pushkar, a charming city with a holy lake before heading to Jaipur. Just like thousands of devotees, offer your prayers at Ajmer Sufi Shrine and witness unparalleled fervor. At dawn, explore the pink city by bike which will take you behind the scenes of the old town, closer to the local communities. Climb to the magnificent Amber Palace and visit the hidden treasures of its old town. At the Sunrise, discover the Taj Mahal and admire one of the most beautiful monuments in the world. End your trip in India’s holiest city: Varanasi for a unique experience of the “sacred” Indian millennium.

The Diwali Festival in small group In private tour

Travel time 17 days Unforgettable adventures

From: 17 Oct 2022

Program

NORTH INDIA – INDIA – TAJ MAHAL – EXPLORE THIS DESTINATION DIFFERENTLY

This itinerary is simply magical! Enter Rajasthan via the famous Silk Road, passing through the little-known Sekhawati region, to reach Bikaner in the heart of the Thar Desert. You walk through the famous cities of Rajasthan, Pushkar City, Jaipur, not to mention the famous Taj Mahal in Agra. of your destination Delhi
This trip to North India takes you to discover Rajasthan and its wonders. After exploring the bustling capital, you visit the region’s must-sees such as the grandiose Taj Mahal or the colorful Jodhpur and Jaipur. Finally, you travel to Udaipur to attend the Diwali Festival.

A trip to Rajasthan is the promise of a constant spell, between its palaces of Maharajas and its fortresses of Rajput and its markets and alleys with a thousand colors, which awaken all the senses. This small-group trip is also an opportunity to witness the enchanting Diwali show in Udaipur. Sometimes called Divali or Deepawali, Diwali is a major festival in the Indian calendar during which houses and streets are lit with candles, fireworks are fired, and all offer each other gifts and sweets.

Do you want to discover Rajasthan with a group of travelers on a human scale, accompanied by an English-speaking guide? Between immersion and encounters with the locals, jewels of Rajasthan and magical experience of Diwali, it is an ideal trip to better understand the Indian culture so rich and folkloric, which is familiar to you thanks to Bollywood films

Detailed itinerary

 

Strengths-

• An unforgettable session of “Bollywood” cinema.
• Dinner with traditional dance
• Rickshaw Ride
• Visit of village of artists and a school
• Boat trip to Udaipur
• Sleep one night in the desert
• The boat ride in the lake.
• The camel safari and the visit of the traditional dance.
• Participate in the holy ceremony of the Hindu.
• The Course of Indian Cuisine
• Jungle Safari.

 

ITINERARY

Day 1:

INDIRA GHANDI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

New Delhi, first steps in India

As soon as you arrive at the airport, your driver greets you with a warm “Namaste”, welcome in Hindi. After settling into your hotel, you meet your North India Travel Expert who provides you with some advice on the organization of your stay. Then, dive right 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 join the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh temple where Har Krishan is worshipped. In the evening, head east of the city to marvel at the fountains, sound and lights of the huge Akshardham Temple.

Day 2 DELHI– MANDAWA

The Silk Road in Shekhawati (4h30 by car from delhi).

This morning, you cross a rural India where you meet camel drivers and shepherds, accompanied by their flocks. Head to shekhawati, this little-known region, made of sand and clay earth halfway between the Lands of the Ganges and the Thar Desert. It is here that you admire the famous Haveli that make the charm of the region, having belonged to the wealthy Rajput Princes or silk and spice traders. A magnificent, almost magical setting that immediately transports you to another time. Take advantage of your afternoon to stroll through the alleys of the village of Mandawa to admire more closely these splendid mansions. Overnight in Haveli.

 

Day 3 : MANDAWA – BIKANER

The incredible Haveli by Nadine Le Prince

Today, you are back on your way in an increasingly arid and desolate landscape. You make a stop to visit the Haveli of Nadine the 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 crowded alleys and 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.

 

Day 4: BIKANER – JAISALMER

Drive through the Indian countryside

This morning, before leaving Bikaner, visit the huge Junagarh Fort, a beautiful labyrinth of corridors, stairs, terraces and inner courtyard. Then, you pass through villages whose lime drawings adorn the facades of traditional houses, observing the women at their occupations dressed in shimmering Saris that gives the landscapes colorful notes. Around you, it is a landscape that alternates between sparse culture, desert and semi-arid desert where you can see antelopes. A very nice spectacular road! In the middle of the Thar desert, then emerges before your eyes Jaisalmer, the golden city of the desert. Settle into your hotel for 2 nights.

Day 5: JAISALMER

The City of Gold

Today you explore the city of the ancient robbers of the Silk Road. It is nicknamed “the city of gold” or “the city of sands” because of the golden reflections of its imposing wall that rises like a sand castle. Discover the Sonar Quila Fort which dominates the hill and is home to the Raj Mahal Palace and Jain temples which offers you a delicate carved décor. Then, marvel at the Patwon ki Haveli with 60 different balconies and the Salim ki Haveli with its peacock-carved roof. In the evening, you love the magic of the Haveli with illuminated facades. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: JAISALMER – THE THAR

Camel safari in the Thar Desert

Getting up in the morning, you take the jeep to reach the village of Khuri where camel drivers and camel drivers await you. Passing by the necropolis of Barabagh, the Jain temple Amar Sagar and the ruins of the village of Kuldhara, abandoned to the wind, you are definitely charmed by this region. You have lunch in the small village and share a moment with its desert inhabitants. Then, enjoy the serenity of the desert, on camels, in the sand dunes. After a magnificent sunset out of time, you experience the night in a bivouac or tent in the heart of the desert that gives you new sensations. An unforgettable day!

Day 7: JAISALMER – JODHPUR

The imposing fortress of Mehrangarh

This morning, after discovering the unusual temple of Deshnok, also called “temples of the sacred rats”, you take the road back to Jodhpur, “the blue city”. Visit the fortress of Mehrangarh, which overlooks the city from the top of its high hill at 120m above sea level. 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 Night in Haveli.

Day 8: 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. (Hotel Karohi Haveli or Hotel Swaroop Vilas)

Day 9: UDAIPUR

Excursion to Lake Pichola at sunset

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 mansions testify to the many architectural influences that have succeeded each other here over the centuries. Before the day ends, you observe all facets of Rajasthan’s most romantic city 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 10: UDAIPUR- PUSHKAR, THE SACRED CITY OF RAJASTHAN

Sacred lake and temple dedicated to Brahma

Wake up early to enjoy the incredible Jodhpur market, which animates the center of the city and, why not have 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 left a lotus petal. It welcomes hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who come to purify themselves there. It is also in this city that the largest camel fair in India is held every year in November.

 

Day 11: PUSHKAR – BUNDI

Chittorgarh, India’s largest fort

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

 

Day 12: BUNDI – RANTHAMBORE

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 to the Ranthambore National Park reputed to be one of the places where one can best observe the wildlife of this country. With your naturalist guide, you explore the reserve in search of the most shy inhabitant, the tiger!

 

Day 13: RANTHAMBORE- JAIPUR

The pink city and its majestic fort

Today you visit the Amber Fort, the original seat of royal power and one of the most beautiful buildings in Rajasthan. Carved marbles, inlaid mirrors, bucolic gardens and views of the mountain and the plain are on the program. Descend to the historic center of the city to stroll along its famous pink houses. Below, the view from the fort is also impressive. Discover the extraordinary façade of the Palais des Vents, pierced by 953 open windows, from where women could contemplate the outside without exposing themselves. Satisfy your astral curiosity with a local guide at Jantar Mantar’s Astronomical Observatory.

 

Day 14: JAIPUR

Conquest of Amber Fort

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

 

Day 15: Jaipur – Abhaneri – Agra

Morning Hindu ceremony at Birla Temple

At dawn, head to Birla Temple to dive into the heart of spiritual India by attending the daily Hindu ceremony. On the outer walls, scenes of Hindu mythology rub shoulders with other portraits: Christ, Socrates, Zarathustra, Buddha, Confucius.

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

Day 16: AGRA – DELHI

Sunrise at the Taj Mahal

Wake up at dawn to watch the sunrise, gently unveiling all the magic of the Taj Mahal, the highlight of Mughal architecture and one of the seven wonders of the world. The marble, inlaid with precious stones, is then shaded with golden tones, revealing itself between dream and reality like a mirage. One of the most memorable 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 to Delhi. Visit the Sikh Temple and walk through the CP. Dinner in the CP.

 

Day 17: DELHI – INDIRA GANDHI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Return flight

Depending on the schedule of your return flight, why not take the opportunity to make the last visits that are important to you? The driver remains at your disposal. You can walk through the bazaars to find your last memories, relax at Lodhi Garden, a haven of peace in this shady capital or visit Gandhi’s house. Sip a last chai or masala tea and your private driver accompanies you to the international airport. Our services end. Do not hesitate to contact one of our North India travel experts who will be happy to answer your every question and request.

These prices include:

• Hotels with small dejuner and dinner
• Ground transport by passenger vehicle (minibus or coach depending on the number of participants)
• Accommodation in hotels plus 3 stars and former havelis on the basis of accommodation in double / twin room.
• All tickets (right) of entrance to the monuments mentioned in the program and all excursions.
• The service of a French-speaking guide along the entire route.
• The visits and excursions mentioned in the itinerary
• The program in full board and The bus with music, figo, air conditioning.
• The assistance of your travel expert 24/7.

These prices do not include:

• International flights and airport taxes.
• Visa fees
• Repatriation assistance insurance.
• Drinks.
• Personal expenses and tips.
• Activities and excursions not mentioned in the program.
• Anything that is not listed in the “price includes” section.