Embark on a captivating nine-day journey through northern India, where history, spirituality and vibrant traditions come together. From the fresco-adorned havelis of the Shekhawati region to the sacred lake of Pushkar, discover towns where time seems to stand still. Explore the mighty forts of Jodhpur, the intricate marble architecture of Ranakpur’s Jain temples, and the romantic lakes and palaces of Udaipur. Continue to Jaipur, the legendary Pink City of the Rajputs, before culminating your journey in Agra with the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal. This immersive route offers a perfect blend of heritage, culture, architecture and daily life in Rajasthan and beyond.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Delhi: A fascinating capital blending ancient history and modern life, shaped by successive dynasties and British colonial architecture.
Shekhawati: An open‑air art gallery famous for its painted havelis, frescoed mansions and authentic village atmosphere.
Pushkar: One of India’s most sacred towns, centred around a holy lake and renowned for its temples, ghats and spiritual rituals.
Jodhpur: The striking Blue City dominated by the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most impressive fortresses in India.
Ranakpur: Home to extraordinary Jain temples set in the Aravalli Hills, celebrated for their intricate marble carvings and architectural harmony.
Udaipur: Often considered Rajasthan’s most romantic city, known for its lakes, whitewashed houses and elegant palaces.
Jaipur: The Pink City of Rajasthan, famed for its royal heritage, majestic forts, colourful bazaars and harmonious urban design.
Agra: The former Mughal capital and jewel of the Golden Triangle, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, an eternal symbol of love.
Day 1: ARRIVAL DELHI – SHEKHAWATI (260km – 6hrs)
Arrival in Delhi, where you will receive a personalised welcome with a traditional Rudraksh bracelet. In Hindu culture, Rudraksh seeds are believed to bring protection, balance vital energies and help people adapt to new environments and experiences. Drive towards the Shekhawati region, often referred to as the “open-air art gallery of Rajasthan”, thanks to its beautifully painted havelis and frescoed mansions. Lunch at a local restaurant featuring North Indian specialities. En route, stop at a village to discover a traditional brick-making process still used today. Continue with a visit to the Shekhawati villages, including Mandawa and Nawalgarh. Once home to wealthy merchant families, these peaceful villages preserve a unique atmosphere with abandoned mansions, narrow lanes and colourful frescoes. You may also hear the calls of the many peacocks that inhabit the area, India’s national bird. Dinner featuring Shekhawati specialities accompanied by traditional music.
Overnight in Shekhawati.
Day 2: SHEKHAWATI – PUSHKAR (200km – 4.5hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit to the Shekhawati villages to observe daily local life. Departure for Pushkar, a sacred pilgrimage town set around a holy lake on the edge of the desert. Famous for its spiritual atmosphere, Pushkar is also known worldwide for its annual camel fair held every October and November. Lunch during the excursion. Walking tour of Pushkar through its colourful lanes and lively ghats surrounding the sacred lake. The town is home to more than 500 temples and 52 ghats donated by royal families. Discover important sites such as Brahma Ghat and Gau Ghat, while observing Hindu rituals and ceremonies taking place around the lake. Non-Hindus are not permitted inside some temples, including certain hidden sanctuaries visited during the walk. Enjoy the magical sunset over Pushkar Lake and witness the Aarti fire ceremony accompanied by prayers and devotional chanting. Visit the famous Brahma Temple. Enjoy a traditional masala chai accompanied by live drum music near the ghats. Free time at the colourful Pushkar market. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Overnight in Pushkar.
Day 3: PUSHKAR – JODHPUR (190km – 3.5hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Continue towards Jodhpur, known as the “Blue City”, located at the gateway to the Thar Desert. Surrounded by imposing walls and dominated by a massive sandstone fortress, Jodhpur appears like an oasis after crossing the desert landscapes. Visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, dramatically perched on a hill overlooking the city. Accessed through monumental gates still bearing marks from historic battles, the fort houses palaces, courtyards, royal cradles, weapons collections, miniature paintings and richly decorated halls, including the mirror-adorned Takhat Mahal. Traditional turban-tying demonstration. Lunch during the excursion. Ride through the lively bazaars by electric tuk-tuk around the famous Clock Tower, discovering local artisans, spice markets, colourful fabrics, fruits and vegetables, and taste a local speciality. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 4: JODHPUR – RANAKPUR – UDAIPUR (255km – 5.5hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive towards Ranakpur through rural Rajasthan landscapes dotted with acacia trees, water wells and women carrying silver and golden pots on their heads. Visit the extraordinary Jain temples hidden within the Aravalli Hills. The most impressive is the Ranakpur Jain Temple dedicated to Adinath, built in 1439 and supported by 1,444 intricately carved marble columns, each uniquely sculpted. Vegetarian lunch. Continue to Udaipur, often considered the most romantic city in Rajasthan, with its narrow streets, whitewashed houses and lakeside palaces. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 5: UDAIPUR – JAIPUR (7hrs, by train)
Breakfast at the hotel. Mini cruise on Lake Pichola to admire the spectacular façade of Udaipur’s palaces and stop at Jag Mandir. City tour including the impressive City Palace of Udaipur, a magnificent complex of marble halls, decorated salons, courtyards and gardens overlooking the lake. Visit to a silk painting workshop specialising in traditional miniature art. Lunch at a local restaurant. Transfer to the railway station for the train to Jaipur. Dinner box served on board the train. Arrival in Jaipur, the famous “Pink City”.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 6: JAIPUR
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning excursion to Amber Fort, the former capital of the Rajput rulers. Set above a lake and surrounded by defensive walls, the fort is a remarkable example of Rajput architecture. Ascent to the fort by electric vehicle or jeep. Visit the magnificent courtyards, gardens, mirror halls, richly decorated rooms and the temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Lunch featuring local specialities accompanied by a traditional puppet show. Sari draping demonstration. Photo stop outside the iconic Hawa Mahal, the famous Palace of Winds. Electric rickshaw ride through Jaipur’s colourful bazaars. Indian aperitif demonstration. In the evening, enjoy a Bollywood cinema experience in a local theatre, immersing yourself in India’s vibrant film culture.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 7: JAIPUR – SIKANDRA – AGRA (235km – 5.5hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive towards Agra. En route, stop at Sikandra village to discover traditional sandstone carving workshops where artisans continue techniques inherited from generations involved in the construction of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Lunch during the excursion. Visit a marble inlay workshop to observe the delicate craftsmanship using semi-precious stones, similar to the decoration of the Taj Mahal. Later, enjoy a Mughal heritage walk through Kachhpura village, where artisans connected to the Taj Mahal still live today. Discover traditional Mughal architecture, local crafts and spectacular viewpoints over the Taj Mahal. The walk ends at Mehtab Bagh, a beautiful Mughal garden on the banks of the Yamuna River offering one of the finest sunset views of the Taj Mahal. Free time in Agra’s colourful bazaars. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Overnight in Agra.
Day 8: AGRA – DELHI (210km – 4hrs)
Early morning visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most iconic monuments and an eternal symbol of love built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Admire the white marble mausoleum, its elegant minarets, intricate floral carvings and semi-precious stone inlays. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Drive back to Delhi. Lunch featuring North Indian specialities. Orientation tour of New Delhi, designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens. Discover Connaught Place, Jan Path and Raj Path, lined with important government buildings including Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House and the Secretariat. Pass by the India Gate, dedicated to Indian soldiers who died during World War I. Visit the impressive Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of Delhi’s most important Sikh temples, famous for its golden domes, sacred pool and community kitchens serving free meals.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 9: DELHI DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in India. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
