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A 20-day journey through Rajasthan and South India. From the majestic Taj Mahal to the splendid palaces of Rajasthan, from the grand temples of Tamil Nadu to the backwaters of Kerala, experience the richness and diversity of India.
Request a quoteA condensed tour of India in about twenty days, from Delhi to Mumbai, crossing the regions of the North and South. This trip takes you to discover Rajasthan as well as the two southern states of the country, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The itinerary begins in Delhi, passing through iconic cities of Rajasthan such as Mandawa, Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Jaipur, and ends with the must-see Taj Mahal. A radical change of scenery then takes you to Tamil Nadu, reflecting the early civilizations of India and Dravidian culture. The journey continues through Kerala, the garden of India, and its famous backwaters, before concluding in vibrant Mumbai, the "Maximum City".
Arrival in Delhi, where your driver will warmly welcome you at the airport before transferring you to the hotel. After check-in and depending on available time and your recovery from jet lag, you can explore the Indian capital. With your English-speaking guide, you will visit Humayun's Tomb, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh temple dedicated to Har Krishan, and the Lotus Temple.
Drive to Mandawa, a small town in Shekhawati, created in the 18th century and known for its rich cultural and architectural heritage. Check-in at the hotel in the early afternoon. Free time for a first exploration of the town.
Today, discover the fascinating world of Havelis: these traditional residences that reflect the former wealth of Rajput princes and merchants of silk and spices. In the afternoon, explore Mandawa's alleys to admire these buildings up close.
Drive to Bikaner, the red city of Rajasthan, named after the local red sandstone. Crossing increasingly arid landscapes that announce the Thar Desert, stop at Fatehpur to see its historic havelis made of local stone. Arrive in Bikaner in the early afternoon.
Your day starts with a visit to the majestic Junagarh Fort, combining Rajput architecture and Mughal influences. Then visit Lallgarh Palace. Finally, discover the Rampuria havelis, magnificent merchant residences that are true examples of residential architecture in Rajasthan. Your day ends with a stroll through Sardar Market around the Clock Tower.
Drive to Jodhpur. Possible stop at Karni Mata Temple, known for housing thousands of sacred rats. Check-in at Jodhpur in the early afternoon.
In the morning, head to Mehrangarh Fort. Majestically perched on a hill, it offers a stunning view of the blue city. Continue with a visit to Jaswant Thada, an elegant white marble mausoleum, then explore the Clock Tower and Sardar Market, a vibrant local shopping center. Enjoy a walk through the old town, famous for its blue houses, before finishing the day with a magnificent sunset from Pachetia Hill.
This morning, depart for Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, known as the "Pink City". It was the first planned city of India and is famous for its precious stones, blending its rich historical heritage with the vitality of a modern metropolis. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel, followed by a stroll through the lively bazaars full of local crafts.
The day begins with a visit to Amber Fort, its majestic palace and fortifications, followed by a visit to the City Palace, a masterpiece of royal architecture. You will also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), famous for its delicately perforated façade. Continue with a visit to the Govind Dev Ji Temple, a place of devotion dedicated to Krishna. Free time to wander through the bustling Johri Bazaar, renowned for its jewelry and crafts.
Drive to Agra with a stop at Abhaneri to visit Chand Baori, an impressive stepwell from the 9th century. In the late afternoon, view the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh Gardens at sunset.
Meet the majestic Taj Mahal, ideally at sunrise, to admire its changing shades in the first light of day. In the afternoon, visit Agra Fort, an imposing red sandstone structure with impressive walls, offering breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal and the Yamuna River.
Drive to Delhi airport, direct flight to Chennai, then transfer to Pondicherry, an old French settlement returned to India in the 1950s. Check-in at the hotel in the evening.
Guided tour of Old Pondicherry, by bicycle if you wish. Visit the Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and the must-see Goubert Market, a visual and olfactory delight. Dinner at your guide's home in a family atmosphere.
Early departure for Thanjavur with several stops along the way: visit the Shiva Nataraja Temple, the cosmic dancer, in Chidambaram, a major site in Shaivism. Continue towards the ancient Chola capital of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, famous for its magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple. Final stop at Darasuram for its temple complex with refined sculptures. Nearby, artisan weaving workshops offer beautiful silks. Arrive and check-in at the hotel in the evening.
Morning in Thanjavur, discovering the "Big Temple" of Brihadeesvara, a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece of Chola architecture, followed by a visit to the royal palace and Saraswathi Mahal Library, home to ancient manuscripts. Then drive to Madurai through the peaceful countryside of Chettinad, a region famous for its cuisine and magnificent palaces. Arrival and check-in at Madurai in the evening.
Early morning departure for the flower market, followed by a visit to the Mahatma Gandhi Museum. Continue with the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, an ancient royal residence blending Dravidian and Rajput styles. In the afternoon, wander through the Puthu Mandapam market under its lively colonnades. Before nightfall, immerse yourself in religious fervor at the Meenakshi Temple, a sanctuary celebrating the sacred union of Shiva and Parvati.
Drive to Thekkady, nestled in the heart of the verdant Western Ghats mountains. On the way, stop at a brick-making workshop. The region, a true spice garden of South India, reveals its aromatic treasures through vast plantations of pepper and cardamom. Both young and old will also have the chance to meet elephants. The day ends with a Kalaripayattu performance, an ancient martial art from Kerala.
Early departure to the backwaters region of Alleppey, a network of lagoons and canals. Board a traditional houseboat at noon for a cruise on the largest lake in Kerala. Stops in surrounding villages. Overnight on board.
Disembark from the houseboat at 9:30 AM. Relax with an Ayurvedic massage or unwind on Marari Beach's white sand. A traditional lunch at a local home can also be arranged. In Fort Kochi, discover the famous Chinese fishing nets along the promenade. In the evening, watch a Kathakali dance performance, preceded by the artists' makeup session. Overnight in Fort Kochi.
In the morning, enjoy a guided tour of the cultural heritage of Fort Kochi: St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, the Portuguese Museum that traces the city's colonial history, the Dutch Palace, Jew Town and its synagogue (closed on Fridays), and Dhobi Khana, the public laundry that has been in operation for generations. In the afternoon, departure to Kochi airport. Direct flight to Mumbai. Transfer and check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Mumbai.
A day discovering Mumbai with a English-speaking guide. Visit British-era monuments, Crawford Market, the Gandhi Museum, Hanging Gardens, and the Dabbawala district.
Free day for shopping and last-minute visits. Room available until departure for the airport. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
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