India north, Rajasthan

Northern India: Diadema Rajasthan

A classic and ideal itinerary to learn about Indian culture, its great spirituality, its contradictions, in a setting made fascinating by the ancient traditions still maintained, by the elegant monuments heritage of UNESCO and by its sovereign history, knights and legends of love. In India we will tell you about let yourself be enchanted by mysticism, colors and flavors, by the sense of welcoming people that will give you unforgettable moments of life and travel.

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Laxmi Narayan temple or birla madir in new delhi, India

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Day 01:

Arrival at the airport in Delhi, complete the formalities for entry and meeting with our staff for presentations. Later transfer to the hotel. (the rooms are accessible from 12:00).

Delhi: the seat of the government of the largest liberal democracy in the world, Delhi covers a metropolitan area that is the second largest in India and is considered one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. It is divided historically and urbanistically into two very different parts: the old city, with perpetually clogged streets and buildings clinging to each other, built by the Mughals at the confluence of important caravan routes linking north-western India to the Gangetic plains ; on the other, the modern quarters, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens at the beginning of the 20th century, which arranged an impressive central administrative area for the imperial British claims.Delhi, knew the splendor and fall of many empires that they left behind a plethora of monuments that attest to the grandeur and glory of past times.

Visit the complex of Qutub Minar (UNESCO heritage), a 73 meter high tower engraved with some verses of the Koran, whose construction was begun immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi and then continued by his successors. This minaret is one of the most beautiful monuments in India.

The tower has five distinct floors and a diameter at the base of 15 meters against only 2.5 meters in the highest part. The first three floors are made of red sandstone; the fourth and fifth floors are of marble and sandstone. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam (light of Islam), the first mosque built in India made with the material obtained from the demolition of 27 Hindu and Jain temples. In the courtyard of the mosque there is a pure iron pillar 7 meters high without rust and once surmounted by an effigy of the bird god, Hindu, Garudha and bearing Sanskrit inscriptions from the 4th century Gupta era. Continue visit of New Delhi with the modern city, from tree-lined avenues and modern architecture, to the district of government buildings. Stop at India Gate, the arch erected in memory of the Indian soldiers who left their lives fighting for the British army during the First World War.

Finally, visit the Sikh Bangla Sahib Temple, the most important place of worship of the Sikhs in Delhi (Sikhs are followers of Sikkimso, a doctrine introduced by Guru Nanak in the 15th century.)

Like all Sikh temples, this one also hosts a large common kitchen called “langar”, where all people of any religion or cast can eat together . The food is prepared and served by volunteers who love to help. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

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Day 02: Delhi / Mandawa (Km.280 – about 7 hours)

After breakfast, tour in Old Delhi, Old Delhi. Visit from the outside of the Red Fort, Lal Quila, built in 1639 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (the creator of the Taj Mahal) and since 2007 recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Visit of the Jama Masjid, one of the most impressive Indian mosques, also commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1644 and completed in 1656. The mosque is in red sandstone and is accessed through a long and wide staircase that leads to the courtyard that can hold up to 25 thousand people. Cross the characteristic and ancient Chandni Chowk market built in the 17th century by the emperor himself. Continue with a visit to the Raj Ghat, a black marble platform (samadhi) that marks the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation on January 31, 1948, a day after his assassination in Birla House. You can read his last words “Hai Ram” (Oh, my God).

Departure for Mandawa.

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Mandawa: in the Shekhawati region, from “sheik, rich Mughal and” vati “, the birthplace of Krishna, the beloved Hindu divinity, the city is famous for the” Haveli “the houses of the rich Marwari merchants with frescoes on the inner walls and the exterior. Indeed, over the centuries this region has been dominated alternately by Muslims (the Mughals) and Rajputs (the ancient sovereigns of Hindu origin).

The region, around which the cities of Delhi, Bikaner and Jaipur revolve like satellites of an imaginary triangle, is located between what were two important caravan routes, one that from Delhi led to the port of Gujarat through Jodhpur, the other that from Delhi led to the Thar desert and then to Central Asia. The Marwari immediately understood its strategic position, favorable to their commercial exchanges and settled there starting from the XVIIth century, commissioning their palaces, the bigger and more beautiful the more they could demonstrate the power and the well-being of these rich merchants. arrival accommodation. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

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Day 03: Mandawa / Bikaner (200 Km. About 4 hours)

After breakfast, visit of Mandawa, on the ancient caravan routes that brought here from China and the Middle East. Called the “open art gallery” of Rajasthan, it houses richly decorated ancient buildings called “havelis”. Departure for Bikaner.Bikaner: lively and dusty city in the desert, founded in 1488 by Rao Bikaji, first son of the maharaja of Jodhpur. At that time the city was an important transit center along the large shopping streets covered by caravans. Being one of the first cities built, Bikaner still shows its regal opulence through its forts and its palaces, built in red sandstone, are faithful witnesses of the slow passage of time. The city hosts one of the most beautiful camel fairs and for this it is nicknamed the country of camels. In the afternoon, visit the Junagarh fort of Bikaner with its museum. The Junagarh Fort was built by Raja Raj Singh, sixth ruler of Bikaner, who reigned from 1571 to 1611 and was one of the commanders of the army of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The fort, in red and gold-colored sandstone, is counted among the most beautiful fortresses in the world and is surrounded by a wide moat. The fort has seven gates and contains numerous palaces, pavilions and many Hindu temples (including the “Har Mahal”, where the royal family celebrated the births and marriages of its members) and jianists, the first dated to the 16th century. The old city, ancient capital, with its colorful bazaars is located inside the walls and was founded in 1488 by Rao Bikaji and, in medieval times, was located on an ancient caravan route.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Hotel.

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Day 04: Bikaner / Jaisalmer (335 Km. About 6 hours)

After breakfast departure for Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer: in the heart of the Thar desert, which stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, dominated by a fortress that houses the palace and numerous Jainist temples. The context in which the city is located is characterized by endless sand hills, some up to 46 m high. Characterized by ancient alleys, splendid temples and “haveli”, Jaisalmer was founded in 1156 by the Rajput Rawal Jaisal. It was called “the desert island” because it was a place of rest and passage for caravans that traveled the Silk Road; it is precisely from that time that the beautiful palaces carved in the yellow sandstone built by princes and merchants and that gave the city the name of “golden city”. Upon arrival, accommodation in the Hotel. Excursion to Bada bagh, 5 kilometers from Jaisalmer, where the cenotaphs of yellow sandstone, on the banks of an artificial lake, represent the site of the cremation of the royals. From here the effect of the setting sun is priceless.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

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Day 05: Jaisalmer

After breakfast visit to Jaisalmer, to Sonar Qila the only fort in the world where still about 4000 people live, the second oldest from Rajasthan after that of Chittor. From outside the walls, 9 meters high, which extend along a perimeter of 5 kilometers. Visit of two Jain temples dating back to 1100. Walk in the bazaar to see the most beautiful Haveli in Jaisalmer. Gadi Sagar Lake is an artificial lake built in the 1400s to preserve the precious rainwater. In the afternoon departure for an excursion to Sam or Khuri, to admire the sunset over the dunes.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 06: Jaisalmer / Jodhpur (260 Km. About 5 hours)

After breakfast, departure for Jodhpur.

Jodhpur: called the blue city, it is located in the Marwar region, at one end of the desert of Thar. It is famous for its blue painted houses as well as its magnificent medieval fort, Mehrangarh, in red sandstone, dating back to the 15th century, built on the top of a rock that dominates the whole city. The fort is surrounded by 10 km long walls. In Jodhpur it is worth visiting: the city from above, the graceful mausoleums, the temples and the fascinating tangle of narrow streets that characterize the old city.

Afternoon visit to the Mehrangarh fort, whose construction began in 1458 by Rao Jodh. From the hill on which it stands you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Jodhpur with its blue houses. Already surprising from the outside, its interior is equally fascinating, with the Moti Mahal, the Phool Mahal, the Sukh Mahal, and the Sheesh Mahal, all beautifully decorated buildings. Also noteworthy is the museum which houses a collection of palanquins, weapons, swings and many other objects of royal families. In addition to the fort, visit the Jaswant Thada, an imposing cenotaph of the royal family.

This marble monument was built in 1899 by Maharaja Sardar Singh who dedicated it to his father Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.

Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.

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Day 07: Jodhpur / Ranakpur / Udaipur (270 Km. About 6 hours)

After breakfast departure for Udaipur, during the journey stop in Ranakpur. Ranakpur: this city was named in honor of the governor of Merwar, Rana Kumbha who offered his land to build the temple whose realization was inspired by a dream of a celestial vehicle made by an important Jain entrepreneur, Dharna Shah. Located about 90 km from Udaipur, it is home to the largest Jain temple complex in all of India and dates back to the 15th century. The temple is decorated with elegant mythological sculptures, 1444 columns of historiated marble, each different from the others, decorations similar to fine embroidery, an example of the West Indian style. The main temple is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankar (spiritual guru) who, in the Jain religion, is a human being who attains enlightenment through asceticism (audio guide). Continuation for Udaipur, one of the pearls of Rajastan, ” the Venice of the East “, which rises not far from the arid Thar desert and which was founded by Maharana Udai Singh in the 16th century. The city is also called the “city of lakes” which reflects its regal white marble buildings that make it a truly fairy-tale city. Behind him, the Aravalli hills complete this beautiful natural framework.

Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.

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Day 08:

Udaipur Breakfast and visit of the City Palace, a citadel made up of various palaces and which is the largest palace of Rajasthan. The Maharaja’s family still lives in the City Palace (when the family emblem flutters on the building means that it is present in the building). Part of the City Palace is open to the public and houses museums and a luxury hotel. Visit the Jagdish temple located in the City Palace complex, which was built by the Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651, in the Indo-Aryan style. The temple is dedicated to the god Vishnu, according to the Hindus, the conservative of the universe. Visit the Saheliyo Ki Bari gardens, with their refined fountains and lotus flowers, built in the XVIIth century for the women of the court. In the late afternoon, boat trip on Lake Pichola to watch the sunset. The lake was initially created in the 15th century by a local tribal chief for grain transport. You will arrive by boat to the natural island of Jag Mandir where there is a palace (now a hotel) built by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1560, from here you can admire the city of Udaipur from afar.

Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.

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Day 09: Udaipur / Pushkar / Jaipur (393 Km. About 7 hours)

Breakfast and departure for Jaipur, en route, stop in the sacred city for Hindus, Pushkar. The city is located on the shores of a small lake considered sacred where devotees they used to perform ablutions. Pushkar, whose Sanskrit name means “blue lotus flower”, is one of the oldest cities in India and is also known for the annual folk camel fair held in November. The city is surrounded by small hills on three sides and the mountain “Nag Pahar” literally snake mountain, forms a natural border with Ajmer.

Known as the rose garden of Rajasthan, the famous rose essence of the city, is exported all over the world. The interesting mythology and timeless architecture of the city make it a fascinating place. According to legend, Lord Brahma, considered the creator of the world, dropped a drop of lotus to the ground from which the lake immediately came to life. He decided to name it as the flower and hence the name Pushkar. The city of Pushkar houses the only temple in the world, dedicated to Lord Brahma, which is why it is considered by the Hindus to be the last stage of the pilgrimage to be made to obtain liberation. Visit to the temple of Brahma and the sacred lake of Pushkar.

Continuation to Jaipur: capital of Rajasthan, founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The city is called “the pink city” because of the color of the buildings that characterize the old city, which was painted on the occasion of the visit, in 1876, of the Prince of Wales, future King Edward VII. The frenzy of Jaipur, which includes camel-drivers who move slowly alongside their animals, stalls full of food, fabrics and fruit, does not prevent us from thinking that everything seems to stand still at the time of its construction. Its name and its “block” urban planning is due to SawaiJai Singh II, a warrior and astronomer maharaja who designed it with the help of an ancient Hindu architectural treatise, known as Shilpa-Shastra. Jaipur was the first city built according to a precise planning and it is the only city in the world that symbolizes the nine divisions of the universe through the nine rectangular sectors that divide it.

The passion that Sawai Jai Singh II had for science, art and culture astronomy in particular, led him to realize, in 1728, the Jantar Mantar, a large outdoor astronomical observatory, consisting of geometric figures in stone and marble that will be visited.

Overnight at Hotel ..

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Day 10:

Jaipur Breakfast and visit to the famous Amber fortress, 11 km away. from the city, whose construction began in 1592 at the hands of Raja Man Singh I and which was the ancient capital of the state as well as the seat of all Rajput dynasties until the founding of Jaipur. The austere exterior hides beautifully sculpted buildings decorated with mirrors and precious stones.

The palace is accessed by elephant or jeep (depending on availability), along the walls of the fort. Later, return to Jaipur to see from the outside the Palace of the Winds or Hawa Mahal, established in 1799 and composed of five beautifully decorated pianists structured so as to allow the ladies of the court to observe, without being seen in turn, the daily life in the streets and watch the processions. In the afternoon, visit to the City Palace, the heart of the old city, residence of the maharajas of Jaipur since it was built and became the state capital instead of Amber.

It was commissioned by the maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II who had it built in the 18th century and still today has courtyards, gardens and palaces and, in part, is the residence of the royals. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai ​​Singh II between 1727 and 1734 which today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight in Hotel.

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Day 11: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (240 Km. About 5 hours)

Breakfast and departure for Agra. Along the way stop to visit Fathepur Sikri, the city of victory, 40 km from Agra. The city was commissioned by the great Mughal emperor Akbar. It is said that he, despite having many wives, could not have children; he then visited a saint Sheikh Salim Chishti who predicted the birth of three sons, his prophecy came true in a short time and Akbar built this beautiful town in Sikri, in honor of the saint, whose construction began in 1569 and that it became, after Agra, the new capital of the Mughal empire. Water scarcity forced the Mughals to abandon it 15 years later. The citadel features magnificent red sandstone pavilions that are perfectly intact and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continuation to Agra: capital of the Mughal Empire of Babur, from about 1580 it was the scene for about a hundred years of intense building activity. Each monarch sought to overcome the architectural magnificences built by his predecessors.

Today a flourishing center for the production of carpets and marble handicrafts, the city owes its fame to the Taj Mahal. Upon arrival, visit of the Taj Mahal (closed on Friday), the incredible attraction to which Agra owes the nickname of “city of ‘love’ and that today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an imposing mausoleum of Mughal art, in white marble finely inlaid and decorated with precious and semi-precious stones that attracts people from all over the world. This was probably the ambition of Shah Jahan when he wanted to realize it, in 1631, for Mumtaz Mahal, the most loved of his wives, who died in childbirth giving him his fourteenth child. Here the cenotaphs of the couple are still found hidden behind a precious stone jade.

Decorated with calligraphies and beautiful carvings, it has been described as the most beautiful work of love ever built. It took in fact 20,000 artisans and 22 years to complete it. The Taj Mahal takes on different colors depending on the time of day when you admire it, without ever losing, even for a moment, its charm.

Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.

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Day 12: Agra / Delhi (210 Kms and about 4 hours)

In the afternoon visit the Red Fort, with the sumptuous and decorated rooms inside the buildings surrounded by 3 km. of walls. The complex is truly a city within the city that embraces the Moti Masjid, the Diwan-i-Am, the Diwan-i-Khas, the Octagonal Tower, the palace of Jehangir and many other monuments.

The fort has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its construction was commissioned by the emperor Akbar himself in 1565. Later, other palaces were built by his son Jahanghir and his nephew Shah Jahan, who conceived the Taj Mahal which, among other things, can be admired from here , located gently on the bank of the Yamuna River.

Departure for Delhi. Upon arrival, accommodation in the Hotel.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

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Day 13: Delhi / Italy Breakfast and transfer to the airport for boarding the return flight to Italy.

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TOUR MAP