Day 1
Arrival in Delhi
After passing through customs and immigration formalities, you will proceed to the arrival hall at the airport where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Welcome to Delhi, the capital of India, a city with a population of 23 million people. Also the capital of one of the largest democracies in the world, Delhi is definitely a booming city that impresses at first glance by the richness of the various communities present, perceptible as soon as you arrive in this megalopolis.
First night in Delhi.
Day 2
Delhi - Agra (train journey with the Gatimaan Express: 0810/0950 hrs)
Departure early in the morning from the hotel to Delhi station to take the fastest train in India (Gatimaan Express: 0810/0950 hours) to Agra.
Arrive at Agra Hotel, check-in and transfer to Agra Fort. This fort, built of red stone and located on the banks of the Yamuna River, belongs to the magnificent Akbar Fortresses and dominates the cityscape of Agra.
Overnight in Agra.
Day 3
Visit the Taj Mahal and drive to Jaipur, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri (265 km / about 06 hours drive)
In the early morning, we visit the Taj Mahal again, but this time at sunrise. The morning atmosphere will bewitch you again.
After breakfast we continue to Fatehpur Sikri, where we visit the abandoned sandstone city. It served as the capital in the time of Akbar and is no longer inhabited today.
After this visit, the journey will continue to Jaipur, also known as the "pink city" - the journey will take us through beautiful countryside and fields bounded by the Aravalli mountain range.
The capital of India's largest state, Jaipur is known as the Pink City and is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Jantar Mantar Observatory and Amber Fort, an ancient kingdom founded in the 11th century by the Rajput clan.
At the end of the afternoon, we suggest you to pass in front of the palace of the winds - the Hawa Mahal - while the light is very beautiful to take your photos. We will continue with the visit of the "pink city" before participating in the evening prayer ceremony at the Govindji temple.
The Govind Devji Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is located in the City Palace. It is one of the most visited temples in Jaipur and one of the most visited by Jaipur's worshippers and the royal family who regularly go there to pray. There are daily prayers (Aarti) at different times of the day, the most spectacular of which takes place in the evening.
Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 4
Jaipur
After breakfast, we suggest you to visit the Amber Fort which is about 11 km away from Jaipur. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort was the seat of the kingdom of Jaipur and was moved to the present city in the early 18th century. Amber Fort is located on top of a small hill surrounded by walls and is dominated by the old Jaigarh Fort. The palaces inside include the king's quarters, the ladies' quarters or Zenana, gardens and temples. A huge lake with a terraced garden at the foot of the fort enhances the beauty of the monument. We will climb up to the fort with covered jeeps.
In the afternoon, we will take you to visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the City Palace.
The Jantar Manatar is the astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century by the astronomer king Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It consists mainly of 18 stone instruments that help interpret the position of celestial bodies and calculate local time. It is no longer a functioning science centre, but is maintained as a monument by the Department of Archaeology and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The City Palace Museum which includes the Mahal of Mubarak (the Reception Palace) which now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum displays a vast and unique collection of royal costumes, delicate Pashmina shawls, Benaras silk saris, and other dresses with Sanganeri motifs and embroidery.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 5
Journey from Jaipur to Deogarh (275 kms/approximately 6 hours)
This morning we're going to Deogarh. The Deogarh Mahal, where we will spend the night, was built in the 17th century in the countryside of Rajsamand, located on a hill and surrounded by the city. It was designed by the famous architects Sompura.
In the afternoon we will take advantage of the afternoon to explore the village.
Overnight in Deogarh.
Day 6
Today, we take advantage of the wonderful landscape around us to soak in it and discover the local rural area.
We propose you to discover the surroundings of Deogarh by train with local travellers. An experience that will not fail to leave you with unforgettable memories :)
Day 7
Deogarh - Udaipur (140 kms/ about 4 hours)
This morning, after breakfast, we will continue to the romantic lake city of Udaipur.
Udaipur was the second capital of the Mewar kingdom ruled by the Sisodia Rajput clan which claims the origin of the legendary solar dynasty (the Maharaja of Udaipur bore the title of Sun of the Hindus). The city's lakes are interconnected to form a lake system that provides groundwater supply, drinking water distribution, water supply to agriculture and industries and is a source of employment for tourism.
Nicknamed "the most romantic place on the Indian continent" by the British Administrator James Tod, it is also the destination of choice for weddings in India.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 8
Udaipur.
For this Sunday morning, we propose to take you to discover the palace of the city. The palace complex is huge and is built in the Rajasthani and Moghol architectural styles, offering a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings, Lake Pichola and several historical monuments. The City Palace Museum houses mainly paintings belonging to the Mughal school of miniature painting. You will also visit the Jagdish Temple, a large Hindu temple just outside the royal palace. Built in the 17th century, it is a great tourist attraction. Another attraction in Udaipur is the Antique Car Museum which displays a collection of rare and classic cars of yesteryear.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Pichola, the most beautiful artificial lake in Udaipur.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 9
Udaipur - Jodhpur (290 kms/ about 6 hours)
In the morning, after breakfast, you will travel to Jodhpur, the blue city. On this long journey, we have planned a stopover to visit the magnificent Jain temple of Ranakpur.
After the visit, we will continue in the direction of Jodhpur. This city with blue reflections, which is located at the edge of the Thar desert, is an imperial city which profits from a historical richness which dates from Antiquity and which seems to be accentuated by its proximity with the desert which extends as far as the eye can see. Indeed, the Mehrangarh fort, dating from the 15th century, stands on top of a rocky hill, rising 125 metres above the plains. It is surrounded by a high wall 10 km long, with eight gates and countless bastions. The lifestyle in Jodhpur is exceptionally fascinating with the inhabitants wearing beautiful multicoloured costumes, especially on days of celebrations, notorious for their elegance.
In the evening, walk to the Old Clock Tower market. Jodhpur is world famous for its handicrafts made of wood, iron and camel bone. A stroll through the Sadar bazaar or main market, better known for its huge clock tower, is enlivened by the incessant activity of trade that takes place there, by the presence of passers-by, the comings and goings of all kinds of vehicles, from bicycles to animal carriages. This chaotic but vibrant atmosphere provides a fascinating experience of the local culture.
Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 10
Jodhpur
In the morning, we suggest a tour of Jodhpur, including a visit to Jaswant Thada - the 19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh.
Similarly, you will also visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates accessible by a winding road. Inside the fort are magnificent palaces with beautifully carved panels and lattice windows.
The rest of the day will be free.
Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 11
Jodhpur - Pushkar (190 kms/approximately 4 hours)
In the morning, after breakfast, we will go to Pushkar.
Pushkar is a very ancient Hindu pilgrimage town where thousands of people come to take a ritual bath on the full moon day of Kartika Purnima (October-November) on the sacred lake which is associated with Lord Bramha, the creator of the universe according to Hindu mythology.
In the afternoon, we will visit the only existing temple of Lord Brahma in India.
Overnight in Pushkar.
Day 12
Pushkar - Kishangarh - Delhi
In the morning, after breakfast, we planned a transfer to Kishangarh airport (about 45 km from Pushkar) to board the flight to Delhi (Spicejet flight: 1135/1230 hours).
Upon arrival in Delhi, we have planned a short tour of Delhi; this will allow you to discover the government buildings, the Gurdwara (Sikh temple) and the Gandhi Museum.
Later on, we will offer you a check-in for a few hours rest at the hotel before transferring to the international airport around 10 pm to check-in for the return flight to Switzerland departing from Delhi at 01.15 on October 15, 2020.
Day 13
Flight back to Switzerland at 2:05 am with Swiss. Arrival in Zurich early at 6:25 am.
Good to know
We recommend that you read the general terms and conditions of travel mentioned on the India & You website:
https://india-and-you.com/fr/.
The offer is valid until 1 August 2021 at the latest
(accoding to Covid Situation, awaiting confirmation). On this date, the number of travellers will be stated, which must be at least 8 persons (in addition to the accompanying person from Switzerland and the guide in India).
If the minimum number of 8 travellers is not reached, the trip will not take place. However, depending on the number of travellers and on agreement with the motivated travellers, the trip may be maintained BUT with a new price and with the agreement of the travellers on the new price communicated.
Upon confirmation of the feasibility of the trip, the international flight must be booked by you and 40% of the price of the trip must be paid into an account with the Banque Cantonale Neuchâteloise at the following bank details:
Name of beneficiary: Travel & You Sàrl, chemin de la Cascade 1, 2024 St-Aubin-Sauges, Switzerland.
Account no.: 103431971
Name of the bank: Banque Cantonale Neuchâteloise
Bank address: Place Pury 4, 2001 Neuchâtel
Bank Swift Code: BCNNCH22
IBAN number: CH1000766000103431971
The remaining amount must be paid 30 days before departure.
Furthermore, we remind you of the importance of having insurance in case of illness, accident, repatriation and cancellation of your trip.
For your visa application, your passport must be valid up to 6 months after the date of your return from your trip. You can apply for an e-visa at the following official address: www.indianvisaonline.gov.in
Some useful information:
- money and credit cards:
For 1 CHF you get 70 INR. We advise you to arrive in India with the equivalent of CHF 300 (21,000 INR). It is always convenient to have some cash on you, especially for the payment of drinks which are not all included in the program and to be able to give tips (which are an integral part of the remuneration system in India, which allows you to leave a personal margin of appreciation according to the satisfaction of the service provided (porters, tip box at the hotel reception, guide, driver etc.).
Credit cards can be used almost everywhere in India (sometimes even in local markets!). We also advise you to take a Travel Cash or other debit card that facilitates withdrawals (with a lower commission than the one fixed for the credit card) in the ATMs that can be found almost everywhere in India. ATM withdrawals are often for a maximum amount of 5,000 or 10,000 INR.
If you wish to take foreign currency with you, it is best to take Euros or USD.
- Tips :
Tipping is always well appreciated in India and is really part of the remuneration system. Salaries are really low in most sectors of activity and especially in the tourism sector. However, it remains optional and, above all, it will depend on your satisfaction with the service provided. For information, you can give between 50 and 100 INR to porters in hotels, 20 INR in washrooms, 500 INR in the "tip boxes" at the hotel reception, 300 INR/day to the driver, 200 INR/day for the driver's assistance (when there is one), 600 INR/day for the guide.
- The e-visa :
The application for the e-visa is convenient (online application), it is much cheaper than a traditional application (at the visa application centre, Geneva or Bern for Swiss citizens) and it allows to pass quickly the control on arrival in Delhi. The reference link is: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in (USD 25 only for 30 days!).
- Travel insurance :
As mentioned several times already, travel insurance must be taken out before departure; it covers illness, accident, repatriation and trip cancellation.
- Safety in India :
Contrary to the information often conveyed by the media, India is a safe country (in proportion to the number of inhabitants!). However, it is important to respect local customs (take off your shoes in the temples and cover your body (normally) and to behave respectfully towards the inhabitants. In general, Indians are very attentive and often willing to help. Stress is however more felt in the big cities (Delhi, 23 million inhabitants) and of course, as everywhere else, there are probably some districts to avoid in the middle of the night.- A medicine kit:
We feel it's important to go on a trip in good general health.
Apart from that, it's always good to have anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, imodium, disinfectant and bandages in case of minor injuries.
No individual vaccinations are recommended for India.
- Food in India :
The food is really tasty and often, mainly vegetarian. However, there are non-vegetarian dishes and they are just as tasty by the way. As a Westerner, it is best to go easy on the spices! Depending on the region, the dishes are more or less spicy! In northern India (Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan), the food is not too spicy. The key word is to eat cooked food and to avoid drinking mineral water that is not bottled at all costs. You should also avoid eating raw vegetables and fruits that are not peeled.
- Copies of your travel documents :
We recommend that you make copies of your passport, visa, credit cards and insurance cards. It's always a good idea to keep these in your luggage in case they are lost or stolen.
-Clothes and shoes to take for your trip: Take comfortable clothes (same for shoes) and even if you are not going to go for long walks, you will still walk a little ☺, so bring comfortable shoes for walking too!
We also advise you to take light clothes because the temperatures are pleasant in October. It would also be good to plan some more formal but still casual clothes for Delhi in particular.
-The authorized weight of your hand luggage and luggage to be put in the hold: 7kg (hand luggage) and 23kg (hold luggage).
-Wifi: you will have in principle a small device that will allow you to connect everywhere (except in high mountains) during our trips. In most hotels, you will also have a wifi connection, often relatively good.
-Small gifts to take for the children: if you feel like it, it's always nice to have some sweets, pens and small blocks to give to the children during the trip. It is not uncommon to meet children who come to meet you and small attentions always bring joy ☺.
- A few words about begging: in India you will see many beggars. Sometimes you are quite uncomfortable and don't really know how to react. First of all, I would like to stress the need to look at people and say hello to them. Greetings can be brief (and often desirable) so that you don't get "stuck" in a relationship that is difficult to manage. In general, it is better not to give money and especially not to children, especially those who are at the traffic lights. This being said, we do as we can and as we feel. Sometimes we are touched and we will still make a small gesture. Generally speaking, we encourage more buying from small street vendors. However, don't forget to haggle, because in India, it's really the custom!
You should also know that having chosen to travel with India & You, an amount of CHF 50 per traveller and for the organization of each trip is used to support the social and humanitarian cause in India.
