India, From Mumbai to Delhi

Majestic India

Traditional welcome at Mumbai airport by our driver/representative and transfer to your hotel (rooms will be available from 12.00 noon). Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a tour of Mumbai. First, a visit to the famous Dhobi Ghat, followed by the Prince of Wales Museum (closed on Mondays), built in 1905 in the Indo-Muslim style in honour of the Prince of Wales, the future George V. Next, a visit to Mani Bhawan (closed on Saturdays), the house that Gandhi occupied during his visits to Mumbai. It now houses a memorial and a museum with photos of the Mahatma and personal belongings.

Then it's on to India Gate, built in 1911 to celebrate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India. It remains one of Mumbai's main attractions. Finally, a visit to Marine Drive, a popular waterfront promenade offering the best views of Mumbai Bay and nicknamed ‘the Queen's Necklace’ because of the streetlights that illuminate it as soon as the sun goes down.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Mumbai airport (BOM) for a flight to Udaipur. Welcome at the airport by our driver and transfer to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel.

We will visit Bagore ki Haveli, a former royal residence situated on the banks of Lake Pichola. Built in the 18th century, this haveli offers a fascinating insight into royal life at that time. We will also enjoy a traditional dance and music performance in the haveli's courtyard, which will transport us back in time to India's past.

Overnight at the hotel.

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before setting off to discover Udaipur, nicknamed the White City. Visit the palace overlooking the lake, a magnificent 16th-century structure offering breathtaking views of Lake Pichola and its islands. Enjoy a boat ride on this artificial freshwater lake dating from 1362, or explore Saheliyon ki Bari, a charming 18th-century garden. Optionally, discover the art of miniature painting, an ancient technique unique to Rajasthan.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, set off for Jodhpur, the famous blue city. On the way, visit the Jain temple at Ranakpur, renowned for its exquisite architecture and intricate marble carvings.

After this enriching visit, continue on to Jodhpur. Known for its historic charm, the city of Jodhpur offers magnificent views of the blue-painted houses nestling at the foot of the majestic Mehrangarh fortress. On arrival, check into the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Please note: the Jain temple at Ranakpur is a sacred place where decent dress is compulsory (shoulders and legs must be covered). Guided tours are not permitted inside the temple. Please respect the site's silence and spiritual rules.

After breakfast, set off on a tour of Jodhpur, including the Mehrangarh Fort, a majestic fortress offering panoramic views of the city. Also discover Jaswant Thada, a magnificent white marble memorial dedicated to the rulers of Jodhpur. Next, explore Jodhpur's old market, where local crafts and traditional flavours captivate the senses.

In the late afternoon, set off by jeep to discover the Bishnoi way of life and the surrounding natural wonders. Meet the inhabitants of this community, who are renowned for their unique connection with nature and their commitment to protecting animals and the environment. Experience their authentic way of life and age-old traditions for yourself. Prepare for an enriching immersion in the local culture.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Shaympura, a small village off the beaten track, little known and off the tourist map.

Stop en route at Pushkar, a small town lost in a magnificent setting on the shores of one of India's most sacred lakes, set among the hills. Visit to the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu creator god. Visit to the local market.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to the village of Shyampura. Traditional welcome by the villagers and check-in at your eco-lodge.

Shyampura Ecolodge is a charming, eco-friendly establishment located in a traditional rural setting close to Jaipur. Built in harmony with nature, it offers guests the opportunity to experience local life in Rajasthan first-hand. Visitors can enjoy a unique experience combining simple comforts, warm hospitality, and activities such as sampling local cuisine, exploring the village, and discovering traditional crafts. It's the perfect place to escape the stresses of everyday life and connect with Indian culture.

Dinner and overnight stay at the eco-lodge.

Breakfast before setting off to meet the villagers and explore rural life. We will visit the public school to interact with the children and learn more about their education and aspirations. We recommend that you bring school supplies and books to distribute to the pupils. Your generous gesture will be greatly appreciated.

Please note: Visits to the school are not possible during exam periods or public holidays.

In this case, it will be replaced by a visit to a temple dedicated to Ganesh, the god of luck, located in the town of Kuchaman. Here you will meet the temple priest, who will share his daily life with you and introduce you to the rituals of Hinduism, including an exclusive prayer.

We will then continue our exploration of the city of Kuchaman, inviting you to explore the old quarter on board a Tuk-Tuk. This escapade will reveal its lively market, its havelis and offer you a stroll through the heart of a fruit and vegetable market.

Return to the ecolodge for lunch. In the late afternoon, we'll head to a farm to meet a family of farmers. We will visit their farm and taste the masala tea generously offered.

In the evening, we'll be invited to discover the local cuisine at the home of a village family, observing their techniques and sharing a convivial dinner.

Overnight at the ecolodge.

After a delicious breakfast, head for the magnificent Jaipur, the Pink City.

In the afternoon, visit the astronomical observatory, the Jantar Mantar, holding a collection of 19 astronomical instruments built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. It includes the largest stone sundial in the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will then pass by the famous Palace of the Winds, with its red façade, and the ‘pink city’, a residential and business district. Cycle rickshaw ride through the old town of Jaipur.

Overnight at the hotel.

Get up early in the morning for a jeep safari in the Jhalana Park. The safari lasts around two and a half hours and is accompanied by a naturalist guide.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

In the afternoon, you will visit textile block printing sites, where you can have your clothes printed while you wait. Wood block printing is a manual printing technique that is an ancestral skill of Rajasthan.

You will then be taken on a tour of Amber Fort. During the Mughal era, the region was always on alert for war. Amber was home to the Maharajas. Jeep ride up and down the ramparts (if more than 4 participants). You will also visit the palace, which has rooms adorned with mirrors, as well as the old harem, which is a labyrinthine structure.

In the evening, attend a sound and light show at Amber Fort, depicting the glorious history of the place in a magical atmosphere.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure by road for Agra. This city is a prime location to visit on a trip to India, as it is a place where the essence of love reigns. The ‘Taj City’ was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. The Mughals built some of the world's most impressive monuments. Discovery of the Red Fort, residence of the Mughal emperors.

Check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, departure for a visit to the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). On the banks of the Yamuna, Emperor Shah Jahan had the Taj Mahal built in memory of his favourite wife. It is the most perfect jewel of Indo-Persian art, and one of the 7 Wonders of the World. It truly represents the story of a great love. It has a magical charm, and the rectangular pool lined with cypress trees is a reflection of the monument. At the end of the visit, you will leave for Delhi.

On arrival in Delhi, visit Gandhi's house (closed on Mondays), Bangla Sahib, a Sikh temple. Then, a panoramic tour of New Delhi including the India Gate, the Parliament and the Presidential Palace.

Check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Depending on your flight schedule, spend one night in Delhi before departure (departure may be on day 12 in the evening or day 13 very early in the morning).

Depending on the time of your return flight, breakfast at your hotel may or may not be provided. Your transfer to Delhi International Airport will then be arranged accordingly.

ACCOMMODATION: Please note that triple rooms are usually double rooms with an extra bed. This type of bed may be less comfortable than a standard bed and reduces the space available in the room.

DOMESTIC FLIGHT: The domestic flight from Mumbai to Udaipur is included in economy class.