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From Rajasthan to the Himalayas: an adventure into India’s vast landscapes
3 stops
7 nights
808 miles
India is a land of astonishing contrasts. This inspiring journey, starting in the capital, Delhi, will delight fans of wide-open spaces. From the vast deserts, magnificent palaces and sensational safaris of Rajasthan to the foothills of the Himalayas, where you’ll find incredible hiking trails among the world’s highest peaks, this is a journey of epic scale. The whirlwind of Delhi gives way to silence, starlit skies and unforgettable natural surroundings.
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Departure
Recommended duration : 2 nights
Delhi
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Delhi: a whirlwind of a capital
Often considered merely a stopover, the Indian capital actually encapsulates everything the country has to offer. It is a sprawling, bustling, intoxicating city full of architectural marvels. After the frenzy of Connaught Place, head for the Red Fort–a unique tribute to the Mughal Empire–then on again to India Gate, the Jama Masjid mosque and the bazaars of Old Delhi. Each destination offers sensations and experiences on an almost immeasurable scale, reflecting the city's numerous different facets.
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249 milesCar
Recommended duration : 2 nights
Ranthambhore
Things to do, see, and discover
On the road
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Tiger paradise
Once a hunting ground for the maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park is home to one of the largest wild tiger populations in India. Depending on the season, the big cats occupy the reserve’s arid plateaus or its subtropical forests. Led by expert guides, you can observe this endangered species in their natural habitat and learn more about their habits and behaviors.
On the road
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Ranthambhore fort
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ranthambhore fort is so old historians are unable to date its exact origin. It bears witness to the bygone glories of what was once the bastions of the Rajput dynasty of the Chauhans. It remains one of the most impressive forts in Northern India, and amongst its largest. Entered through its four fortified gates, you get to discover a site that is still well-maintained and has some fascinating many archaeological remains. Within the fort is also a Ganesha temple that is frequently visited by the region's inhabitants.
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2hPlane
Recommended duration : 3 nights
Manali
Things to do, see, and discover
On the road
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Manali: last stop before the peaks
Upon arrival in Manali, visitors are immediately drawn to the surrounding mountains, and the urge to explore–to venture onwards and to scale ever-greater heights–can feel overwhelming. Yet it is essential to take the time to properly acclimatize to the altitude (6,700 feet/2,050 meters). Luckily, the town itself offers a fascinating glimpse into a set of traditions and a mountain lifestyle that is profoundly different from those pursued on the plains below, with opportunities to visit its temples (such as Hidimba Devi and Durga Mata), pagodas and Buddhist monasteries, as well as the local bazaar.
On the road
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Yoga in the shadow of the Himalayas
Not only is India the birthplace of yoga (a discipline cited in the earliest sacred texts of Hinduism), it is also the country with the greatest number of practitioners. Studies show that, throughout the country, nearly 30 percent of the population follows yogic teachings. In Manali, there are many yoga classes and special workshops held in spectacular settings. Here, perhaps more than anywhere else, learning meditation and breath control alongside the discipline's various postures is as much a physical practice as it is a philosophical one.
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