RajasthanIndia's shrines and colorful cities

Varanasi is undoubtedly India's spiritual capital! Around two thousand temples line the winding streets and alleys, and countless Hindu pilgrims bathe in the holy Ganges. Take part in an evening service on a boat on the riverbank. The sacred chanting mingles with the sound of cymbals and drums as pilgrims worship the waters with sandalwood, milk, cinnabar, flowers, and incense. An endless sea of camphor lamps is reflected in the Ganges.

Early in the morning, the river looks completely different: join us on an exciting boat trip and watch the people on the riverbanks, their prayers, their meditation, their ritual ablutions. The city itself is famous for its ghats and dams, but also for its holy sites. The Bharat Mata Temple is one of them, as are the Durga Temple and the modern Tulsi Manas Temple. The New Viswanath Temple is one of the tallest of its kind in all of India. You will find further spiritual inspiration at Benares Hindu University and in the mosque of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

Udaipur is a city of magnificent residences and artificial lakes – also known as the "White City." The City Palace alone consists of eleven different palaces, each with its own courtyards and gardens. Admire the harmonious colors of the precious peacock mosaics! Continue on to the 16th-century Jagdish Temple, the largest and most magnificent sanctuary in the city. Believers from all over northern India make pilgrimages to this special place. Elephants flank the steps leading up to the temple.

The enchanting Fateh Sagar Lake, which you pass on the way to Sahelion-ki-Bari, was created in 1860. Once you arrive at the Garden of the Honorary Virgins, you will stroll through lovingly arranged grounds and past splashing fountains, just like the royal ladies themselves. At the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, you can deepen your cultural knowledge, as this institution is dedicated to the folk art, literature, songs, and festivals of Rajasthan and the surrounding area. India's soul has many facets.

In our colorful journey, we have already mentioned the brilliant white of Udaipur, and now we have arrived at the "Blue City." The numerous blue houses in Jodhpur are truly eye-catching. However, as you approach the town, the first thing you see is the fort, which appears like a mirage on the horizon. It contains the beautifully decorated Phool Mahal hall, also known as the Flower Palace. The city also has many other impressive monuments, such as the marble palace Jaswant Thada, the striking clock tower Ghanta Ghar, and the colorful Sardar Market.

A camel ride offers you an authentic travel experience. Discover the small village of Mandore and the desert town of Salawas, where you will gain deep insights into the lives of the locals. Your guide will provide you with a customized daily program tailored to your wishes.

Jaipur is a relatively young city, even though it already has 3 million inhabitants. Maharaja Jai Singh II founded it in 1727 as the new capital of his princely empire. When planning the city, he took care to adhere to the ancient teachings of Shilpa Shastra in order to achieve the greatest possible harmony. Jaipur is rightly nicknamed the "Pink City": the pink buildings of the old town reflect the hospitality cultivated in Rajasthan. On your guided tour, visit the 16th-century Amer Fort with its imposing ramparts and numerous gates. It is idyllically located at the tip of Lake Maota.

The city palace also exudes a special magic. With its various architectural styles, pavilions, gardens, and temples, it seems like an enchanted realm of its own. The Shri Govind Dev Temple is one of the most beautiful mysteries of this wonderful complex. The Jantar Mantar observatory adds another exciting highlight: with its architectural astronomical instruments, including the world's largest stone sundial, the 18th-century observatory has become a World Heritage Site. Wonderful India!

Agra, the name is sure to ring a bell: this northern Indian city is home to the world-famous Taj Mahal, a mausoleum with an imposing dome and a marble facade encrusted with precious stones. The Great Mughal Shah Jahan built the structure for his wife, who died in childbirth in 1631. It represents the exuberant wealth of historical Mughal art, not only in terms of architecture, but also in calligraphy, painting, and harmonious garden design.

Fort Agra is also worth a visit. It dates back to the 16th century and was the seat of the Mughal emperors for a long time. The red fort walls stand out against the blue sky, and the walls are up to 21 meters high. This building has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983; Hindu and Islamic architecture come together here in perfection.

The five-star luxury temple Oberoi Gurgaon invites you to relax without restraint. Review your experiences in an elegant atmosphere. Enjoy India's largest heated outdoor pool, covering an area of 3345 square meters, and the health-promoting steam bath. The spa is open around the clock, and the four restaurants invite you to indulge in extensive feasting.

It's understandable that you don't want to leave India's beauty behind so easily. We offer a beach extension in South India: ask us for details! Eventually, it will be time to go home, but your treasure chest of memories will be fuller than ever.