Rajasthan to Varanasi: The Soul of India 15D/14N
15 days
All Months
Tour en Inde – Rajasthan to Varanasi: The Soul of India
We don’t display fixed prices for our India tours because each journey is personalized according to your group size, accommodation preferences, transportation, and dining options. Please contact us to receive a custom quote tailored to your needs.
Overview
An initiatory journey from the royal deserts of Rajasthan to the sacred ghats of Varanasi. Experience the grandeur of palaces, the majesty of fortresses, and the spiritual essence of India’s holiest river. This immersive 15-day adventure takes you through centuries of history, faith, and culture — from the land of the maharajahs to the timeless rituals on the Ganges. A captivating encounter with India’s diverse soul.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Paris / Delhi
Arrive in Delhi in the evening and transfer to your hotel. Rest and prepare for your journey through the heart of India. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 2 – Delhi / Shekhawati
Begin your day exploring Delhi, India’s dynamic capital. Visit Old Delhi’s Jama Masjid and ride a rickshaw through its bustling bazaars. Continue to New Delhi to see India Gate, Connaught Place, and the Qutub Minar. Then drive to Shekhawati, a region renowned for its frescoed havelis built by wealthy merchants of the 18th and 19th centuries. Overnight stay in Shekhawati.
Day 3 – Shekhawati / Bikaner
Visit the havelis of Mandawa before heading to Bikaner, a desert city surrounded by imposing ramparts. Discover Junagarh Fort, an impressive 16th-century structure showcasing Rajput artistry. Enjoy a tuk-tuk ride through the old bazaar and visit a Jain temple. Overnight stay in Bikaner.
Day 4 – Bikaner / Jaisalmer
Drive to Jaisalmer, the “Golden City,” rising majestically from the Thar Desert. En route, stop at local desert homes and meet the villagers. At sunset, visit the royal cenotaphs (chhatris) of Jaisalmer for breathtaking views of the golden fortress. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 5 – Jaisalmer / Thar Desert
Visit Gadisar Lake, Jaisalmer Fort, ornate havelis, and Jain temples. In the afternoon, explore the new quarters of Jaisalmer, followed by a camel ride through the dunes of the Thar Desert. Witness a magical sunset and spend the night under the stars in a desert camp.
Day 6 – Jaisalmer / Jodhpur
Drive to Jodhpur, the “Blue City.” Visit the formidable Mehrangarh Fort, perched 135 meters above the city, and the marble cenotaph Jaswant Thada. In the evening, explore the lively bazaars and streets of old Jodhpur. Overnight stay in Jodhpur.
Day 7 – Jodhpur / Ranakpur / Udaipur
Depart for Udaipur with a stop at Ranakpur to visit its exquisite Jain temples, including the Adinath Temple, famous for its 1,444 intricately carved pillars. Visit the local market in Sadri and witness traditional irrigation systems before arriving in Udaipur, the City of Lakes. Overnight stay in Udaipur.
Day 8 – Udaipur
Explore the romantic city of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, and Gangaur Ghat. Enjoy a serene boat ride on Lake Pichola (subject to water levels), then visit the Sahelion Ki Bari gardens. Free time to stroll through local bazaars. Overnight stay in Udaipur.
Day 9 – Udaipur / Pushkar
Drive to Pushkar, one of Hinduism’s most sacred towns. Visit the holy Pushkar Lake and the unique Brahma Temple. Experience the town’s spiritual atmosphere and colorful bazaars. Overnight stay in Pushkar.
Day 10 – Pushkar / Jaipur
Arrive in Jaipur, the “Pink City.” Visit the royal City Palace, the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, and enjoy a rickshaw ride through the vibrant old town. In the evening, you may attend a Bollywood movie screening at the iconic Rajmandir cinema. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 11 – Jaipur
Early morning excursion to Amber Fort, a stunning hilltop citadel. Ascend by elephant or jeep and admire its beautiful courtyards and halls. Stop to photograph Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and Jal Mahal (Water Palace). Enjoy shopping in Jaipur’s markets and end your day with a visit to the Birla Temple. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 12 – Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
Drive to Agra, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar’s abandoned city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Agra to visit the iconic Taj Mahal by horse-drawn carriage and explore Agra Fort, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Overnight stay in Agra.
Day 13 – Agra / Orchha / Khajuraho
Board a train to Orchha, a charming town on the Betwa River. Visit the royal palace and the cenotaphs of the Maharajas before continuing by road to Khajuraho, home to the world-famous temples adorned with intricate and sensuous carvings. Overnight stay in Khajuraho.
Day 14 – Khajuraho / Varanasi
Morning visit to Khajuraho’s UNESCO-listed Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their exquisite sculptures. Fly to Varanasi (Benares), one of the world’s oldest living cities. Visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon. In the evening, attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony on the ghats of the sacred Ganges River. Overnight stay in Varanasi.
Day 15 – Varanasi / Delhi / France
At dawn, enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges to witness the morning rituals and prayers along the ghats. Pass by the Golden Temple, Varanasi’s most sacred shrine. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. After arrival, rooms will be available for rest before your evening flight back to France.
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