A two-weeks itinerary to explore the beauty of Rajasthan

Welcome to the land of royalty, vibrant traditions, and captivating landscapes! Rajasthan, India's largest state, is a mesmerizing blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. We invite you to embark on a journey through this enchanting region, where every city and village tells a tale of grandeur and resilience. From the magnificent palaces of Jaipur to the golden dunes of Jaisalmer, and the serene lakes of Udaipur, our carefully crafted itinerary promises an unforgettable exploration of Rajasthan's beauty and charm. So, fasten your seatbelts as we dive into the heart of this incredible state.

Picture this scenario: It's the day after our two days of celebration. We may be a little fatigued, but our hearts are brimming with happiness, having celebrated love with such fervor. Adventure is calling and it is time to start exploring this beautiful country that is India :). The first step in our journey is to reach the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, which is the first destination in this itinerary. We invite you to embark on an adventurous journey with us as we ride our very own tuk-tuk down to Jaipur! Please visit the invitation page for additional details and let us know what you think using the invitation form ;) An alternative would be to take a taxi all the way to Jaipur or to combine taxi to the closest bus station and finish the journey by bus. We are excited about the prospect of living one last adventure together, but you have to let us know your enthusiasm or doubts regarding this proposal so we can weigh whether to organize it or not. In any case, the result will be the same: you will embark on your exploration of India with a thirst for discovery, ready to soak up the atmosphere of the Pink City ^^.

Jaipur - The Pink City (2 nights)

Jaipur is a captivating city that seamlessly blends its royal past with the vibrancy of the present. Its unique architecture, colorful traditions, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality make it a perfect first destination for our Rajasthan tour. Several architectural marvels are to be visited starting simply with the streets that beautifully wear the color pink (hence its nickname - The Pink City). Fun fact: Do you know that the street got painted pink in honor of welcoming the Prince of Wales in the 1850s (and also to impress him let's be honest ;) )? Previously the houses used to be more of a yellow color.

Speaking of the pink color, one of the most impressive buildings in the city in our opinion is the Hawa Mahal. The name of the palace stems from 100s of windows that its facade adorned. It used to be the palace of the royal family, so the many windows were used by the royalties to observe the daily activity of the denizens, especially the festivities of Holi (sneaaakyyy). The whole palace has been built with an ingenious mix of esthetic and scientific prowess; the building has been designed such that winds always kept it cool and tinted windows from Belgium were used to keep it moodily lit. A must-visit, especially with a local guide that can entertain you with some fun facts like those ;). In front of the facade, up the stairs, there is a small café from which you can enjoy a cold drink while taking in the view ^^

A second must-see destination is the Nahargarh Fort which kept tempting us from a distance proudly standing on the hill. The fort is surrounded by an immense wall, which we would argue is the main attraction, but we saw photos of the Fort itself and it also looks cool ;). Walking on the wall makes for a perfect morning stroll to enjoy the stunning view and ponder about the hundreds of years of footsteps that preceded yours. Keep an eye out during the ride to the Fort though, because there are musters of wild peacock delighting the passers-by. A small anecdote regarding this fort: We had to drive three times up there before finally being able to penetrate those walls ahah. Once we wanted to take amazing sunrise photos but the enclosure is closed before opening time, once it was closed for Holi, but the third time was the charm ahaha. So don't be too motivated like us and stick to opening hours ahaha XP

Other nice places to visit around the city are the Jal Mahal, the Amber Fort, and the Yantra Mandir. For your convenience, all the locations that we mention in this blog are listed on our Google Maps which summarizes the itinerary. Additionally, if you're too lazy to search further, the Rajasthan Palace Hotel is a nice place to stay :P. Friendly staff, good food, and a nice rooftop with a swimming pool ;). It's a nicely comfortable stay, but unlike the Oberai in Agra, the Killa Bhawan in Jaisalmer or the Kankarwa Haveli in Udaipur we are not trying to absolutely convince you that you HAVE TO stay there ahaha (But for the latter three you should strongly consider going 0=) )

For a more immersive narrative of our stay in Jaipur, please check out our blog post dedicated to our stay in The Pink City as well as our picture collection and our YouTube video!

Digression on transportation: How to go around in India?

Don't panic, we'll explain how it goes ;) Additionally, if you follow our itinerary, we suggest the most suitable means of transport between each city. The cool thing is about our itinerary is that it offers a variety of transportation options to maximize experiences :D

The first element is it's not like in Europe, the distances are great, so it will be more convenient to fly between some destinations. So far nothing too exotic. That said, when the destinations are closer, you have three possibilities:

1. Take a driver: It's not like in Switzerland, if you are ready to increase your budget for this trip, you can afford it ^^. It's comfortable but the downside is that you miss a bit the local experience.

2. Take the train: Between major cities like Agra, Delhi and Jaipur, there are trains that run regularly. I (Céline) highly recommend taking the train once; it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience! The immersion begins at the station where monkeys, dogs and humans mingle with surprising behaviors. Don't be shy to go to the train station a bit early to have time to impregnate yourself with the place. I was angry with Keshav at first because we had to wait 2h at the station, but it turned out to be one of the most memorable moments of the trip :P. To continue in the spirit of discovery, we recommend taking a second-class ticket. This is the opportunity not only to feel the breeze on your face while contemplating the parade landscape (besides it's not too hot thanks to the wind) but also to feel THE famous experience of opening the door of the train while it is rolling! If you choose first class, you'll be stuck between windows with the air conditioning blasting cold air, freezing you little by little. So convinced haha?!

3. Take the bus (day or night): Not all cities are well connected by train (a big shout out to SBB!), so a less expensive and reasonable alternative to the taxi is to take the bus. Especially the night bus, it's a quite practical means of transport: you can combine sleeping and moving around so you have more time there during the day :). To my surprise, taking the night bus is actually quite comfortable. You are assigned a private cabin in which you can lie flat (like a real bed basically). The road shakes a little but with earplugs and the fatigue of the day, it rolls ;)

All the means of transportation mentioned above can be booked online. The most common airlines for flying domestic within India are IndiGo and Air India. For all the other means of transportation that is buses, night buses, trains, and private drivers, you can book them through redbus.in. Alternatively, there is a website one-fits-all (very handy!) called makemytrip.com where you can book the whole range of transportation, i.e. domestic flights, buses, night buses, and trains. The caveat with the latter is that it is not accessible from outside India. It is not a problem in itself as in India you can book transportation last minute. We experienced it ourselves: our tour of Rajasthan was planned once we reached India, 2 days before we actually started traveling around. Also for writing this blog, I was checking redbus.in and there were always many options of buses or trains available for the next day.

For travel within cities, there's no doubt; the reference transport is the tuk tuk ^^ (also called rickshaw). It's cheap, it slips into any alley and it passes all traffic jams. Maybe an exception to this rule is if you move in the middle of the day when it's hot or you're not feeling great, then it's worth taking the taxi to get air conditioning and be more comfortable. For both means of transport, either you go old-fashion and you find a driver when you arrive (or more exactly, they find you :P), but if you're too lazy to bargain every time Uber works too.

Voilà! Now, you know how to go around in India and how to plan for your trip ;). Time for more amazing destinations!

Udaipur - The City of Lakes (2 nights)

Udaipur is a really nice city to visit ^^ There are several interesting tourist attractions such as the Jagdish temple, the City Palace, and the famous Jagmandir Palace in the middle of Lake Pichola. At the temple, you have the opportunity to hear the chanted prayers and do not hesitate to take a look in the painters' studio since they present pretty miniatures meticulously hand-painted traditional of the region. One of the evenings of your visit, it is definitely worth going to marvel at the show of folk songs and dances from Rajasthan. Information and tickets can be found at https://lokdharohar.com/.

Beyond the tourist attractions, the lake brings a really peaceful atmosphere :) To make the most of the lake view, we invite you to sleep at the Kankarwa Haveli Hotel. Perched on the shore of the lake, your room is not only a haven of peace, it is also a journey through time. The owner opens for you the door of his family home, which was once the home of the nobles working in the adjacent Palace. Enjoy reading a few pages in the alcove illuminated by the rays of the sun skimming the horizon or rejoice in a good cocktail on the terrace of the neighboring restaurant called Rainbow.

For a more immersive narrative of our stay in Udaipur, please check out our blog post dedicated to our stay in The City of Lakes as well as our picture collection and our YouTube video!

The most convenient way to get to Jaisalmer is to take the night bus. The bus picks you up around 9 p.m. at Udaipur bus station. You can then sleep peacefully all night in your private cabin and arrive more or less fresh the next early morning in Jaisalmer. As I mentioned before, it is possible to book all means of transport including night buses on makemytrip.com or redbus.in.

The Thar Desert - A Night to Remember (1 night)

We would highly highly recommend spending one night in the desert with The Real Desert Man Grand Safari. Other operators offer similar tours, but this one is uniquely authentic.

A guide picks you up at their quarters in Jaisalmer in the morning by Jeep and takes you to its village at the border of the desert. At the village, you will be served a delicious home-cooked meal from the guide's family who will host you in their home for a peaceful nap while you wait for the air to cool down. Your nap risks being interrupted by the grunt of a camel, by a curious goat popping its head through the door, or by a kid searching for a playing companion.

When the time comes to head into the desert, a camel quietly carries you through the dunes, until you reach the camping spot right on time for sunset. Once the camel unsaddled and dozingly chewing, the bedouin starts cooking a flavorsome meal with fire. You are invited to savor it to the sound of the melodious singing voice of the elderly bedouin, creating a serene ambiance that resonates with the desert's beauty. Enjoy some deep conversation of adventures with fellow travelers next to the crisping fire, before slipping into the bedsheets under the stars. Waking up to the glow of the rising sun is one of my most memorable memories.

Tips:

- Make sure you book the "Overnight Camel Safari Tour" and not the "luxury overnight safari tour" for the breathtaking experience of sleeping under the stars.

- You can take the overnight bus to Jaisalmer and start the desert tour on your arrival in the morning. After discussing with the owner of the operator tour, he offered us a room in his motel for one hour on our arrival in Jaisalmer so we could freshen up before heading into the desert. You can also leave your luggage at the motel.

Jaisalmer - The Golden City (1-2 nights)

Jaisalmer is a one-of-a-kind city. The citadel nestled on the hill is truly a village within the city. Enjoy meandering through the winding alleys, wandering around the souvenir shops, and watching the locals go about their business. Let this labyrinth transport you through the twists and turns of time! The interior of the citadel is charming, yet the most captivating elements are the view from the heights and the impressive wall that encircles the hill. What could be better than soaking up these magnificent landscapes from the comfort of your bedroom? It's possible ?! you ask me. To which I reply: We have the best hotel in the area to offer you: the Killa Bhawan! Situated on the wall of the citadel, you are ideally located in the old town while enjoying the view perched on the high grounds. The service is impeccable and the rooms are sublime. We particularly recommend the Killa Bhawan Deluxe Heritage room with the balcony. Can you imagine something better than slipping onto the balcony wrapped up in the sheets to enjoy the first rays of the sun that caress your cheeks while admiring the flocks of hundreds of pigeons that draw the sky? I don't think so ahah. It is an unprecedented view!

A nice place to visit outside the fortress is Lake Gadisar; in the early evening they do a sound and light show on the lake, it's nice. In the citadel, the Jain temples are pretty to see. Jainism is a different religion from Hinduism, as such they represent the gods in a different way; However, like Hinduism, the walls are adorned with incredibly detailed carvings to marvel upon. We have two restaurants to recommend in Jaisalmer Fort: the Lake View restaurant (you have to take a lassi there, the best I ever had!) and the Helsinki House restaurant for a panoramic view of the fortress (A gentle reminder that you can find all the places we mention in the google maps below ;) ).

If you are running out of time, we think it is doable to visit the above-mentioned curiosities while staying only one night in Jaisalmer. Indeed, you will have the afternoon after your return from the desert as well as the following day. Especially since the fortress may be big, but we still went around pretty quickly. On the other hand, staying 2 nights is an opportunity to rest and take the time to soak up the atmosphere ^^

Our next destination, Jodhpur, is located about 5 hours drive from Jaisalmer. You have a choice of schedules as several buses per day connect these two cities. As mentioned before, you will find bus timetables and tickets on redbus.in or makemytrip.com.

Jodhpur - The Blue City (2 nights)

Credit to @ninoudumonde on Instagram for the picture

During our tour of Rajasthan, we unfortunately didn't have the opportunity to visit Jodhpur, but the blue city is definitely on our bucket list. Surrounded by a huge fortress wall with bastions, the striking blue buildings in Jodhpur contrast sharply and beautifully with the neighboring Thar Desert. Exploring the palaces, forts and temples will keep you busy and in awe of the city’s historic grandeur. To stroll through the blue streets, go to the Nauchowkiya district. In addition to its blue hue, Jodhpur also offers the possibility of visiting several historical monuments such as the Mehrangarh Fort, the Jaswant Thada (for a little avant-goût of the Taj Mahal), and the Toorji Ka Jhalra well (a very popular spot for nice Insta pics haha ​​;)

Check out this nice YouTuber's video for more inspiration!

www.ThePinnacleList.com

The trip between Jodhpur and Agra is the moment you've all been waiting for... drum roll... It's the opportunity to take the train! :D If you read this sentence and you wonder "Why is Céline randomly so excited?!", I invite you to (re-)read the transportation section ;)

Jodhpur is connected to Jaipur by train with a travel time of about 5 hours. Moreover, Jaipur is connected to Agra by train with a travel time that varies from 3h30 to 5h depending on the type of train you take. We encourage you however to take a transition night in Jaipur because 1. it makes for a long journey in one day if you connect the two trips, 2. India is not known to be the most punctual country in the world (again a shout out to SBB please!) so it avoids missing the correspondence. Besides, it's an opportunity to re-explore your favorite place or simply relax and enjoy eating good food before getting back into exploration mode ;).

If you're running out of time, you also have the option of taking the overnight bus from Jodhpur to Agra directly. Additionally, if you're tempted by the train, but only in small doses, you can always replace one of the two train journeys with a bus. Up to you ;)

Agra - The City of the Taj Mahal (1 night)

When traveling to India, virtually no visitor escapes a detour to Agra, and for good reasons. This is home of the Taj Mahal! No other monument across India is as recognizable and as resplendent as the Taj, and when we walked through the West gate and laid our eyes on it, we finally realized why. Its sheer size and beauty dominated the entire landscape, and it just sat there, while humans seeming tiny scurried around it, can't be helped but be bewitched by it. A beautiful garden full of birds singing and squirrels scurrying about lies between the Gate and the Taj.

The Taj is best experienced at sunrise. We aimed to be at the gate at 6 AM; directly when the Taj opens its door. Being so early meant that there were not too many visitors around and we could take beautiful photos as you can see ;). Note that we received assistance in discovering the most picturesque locations just before sunrise. A guide approached us after we entered the park and led us. These were professional Instagrammers, well-prepared with techniques such as creative angles and water bottles to capture water reflections ahah. Such resourceful guys and they know how to adapt to the market ahaha.

Visiting at sunrise is also an incredible experience, as you can observe the Taj Mahal transforming under different hues as the sun gently ascends in the sky. As the sun cast its first rays on the facade of this magnificent world marvel, the gems adorning the intricate ornaments were lit on fire the reflection glistening and blinding our eyes, such was a beauty to behold. We walked around for a total of 5h, exploring every beautiful corner of the monument. By the time, we left a swarm of beautifully colored visitors dressed the garden as they inched closer to the Taj.

To complete this beguiling experience, we would highly highly recommend staying in the most extraordinary hotel we've ever stayed at: The Oberoi Amarvilas. This is one of the very few establishments to offer the view of the Taj directly from your bedroom and staying at this hotel is an experience in itself ^^. The bedroom exudes royalty, with the most comfortable mattress and heritage-styled sheets. The personnel is extra friendly and goes out of their way to make your stay comfortable. You can take a stroll through the beautiful gardens before taking a plunge into the azure swimming pool. The food is absolutely delicious and a wide range of international as well as local cuisines is offered. At sunset, enjoy a crisp glass of champagne while contemplating the view of the monument of perennial love while the birds put on a special show for you. A moment truly special, perfect for celebrating your own love with your special one! This place is a bit expensive (though nothing compared to what you would pay for a similar experience in Switzerland :P), but it is worth every penny.

For a more vivid description of our stay in Oberoi Amarvilas, check out our blog dedicated to this experience as well as our YouTube video (of whom we are very proud ^^).

An important information to keep in mind is that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays for prayers! Please plan your trip accordingly. Moreover, by default, we suggest that it is enough to stay one night in Agra. Indeed, you will have time to enjoy a sunset at the hotel and a sunrise at the Taj Mahal. In our opinion, it is not necessarily worth visiting other places in Agra. However, depending on your budget, if you want to treat yourself to a second night to enjoy this incredible hotel, treat yourself ;)

To join our next destination Varanasi, the easiest route in our opinion would be to go to Delhi airport and fly to Varanasi. To reach the airport, you have the whole palette of transportation to choose from. There are buses that run directly between Agra and Delhi Airport. If you're keen to experience the train once more, you have the possibility to join New Delhi station by train and then take the subway to reach the airport. Agra and New Delhi are also not excessively far so you can get a driver to take you to the airport ;).

Varanasi - The spiritual capital of India (2 nights)

@EmmettSparling

Varanasi is one of the oldest and most culturally significant cities in India. It is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva himself and Hindu pilgrims come from all over India to this sacred place to perform rituals and seek salvation. We weren't able to make it there on our first trip, but visiting this holy city is one of my priorities when we go back. I am extremely curious :) There is no denying that this is really a crazy place to visit, so if you're like me before my first trip to India and you're a little apprehensive of the unknown, I would hold off Varanasi for the end of the trip (see how well-thought is this itinerary 0=) ), so you can first get used to the Indian atmosphere on softer grounds ;). You will likely have acclimatized by then and be asking for more ahah. So let me give you more ;).

Varanasi is nestled on the banks of the Ganges river in the state of Uttar Pradesh (the home state of your beloved Keshu ;) ). The city is known for its numerous ghats (steps leading to the river) along the Ganges River, where religious rituals, ceremonies, and cremations take place daily. With its labyrinth of streets and its numerous ghats, the Holy City is a place to get lost into and let yourself be swept along by the motion. So take the opportunity to go where your curiosity takes you.

The event to not miss is the Ganga Aarti, a majestic ritual of thanksgiving to the river goddess, Ganga. The entire community attends the ceremony, some from the stairs of the ghat, some from boats. This ritual happens every evening, 45min after the sun goes down on the Dashashwamedh ghat. Don't be shy to attend several times from several angles ^^

@EmmettSparling & @vishnumeenaa_ & @shivangshekharsingh & @Whyweseek

Another wonderful experience is to take a sunrise boat ride on the river Ganges. Life happens on the banks of the river, so just watching the animated scenery passing by is an amazing experience. You will witness a large panel of activities that goes from the most sacred, e.g. the cremation of the deceased or the Sadhus practicing their morning yoga session, to the most ordinary tasks like taking a bath or doing the laundry ahah. Remind yourself to be respectful to the family of the deceased though and put your camera away when watching any cremation ceremony taking place.

For a vibrant capture of the atmosphere of Varanasi, I urge you to read that amazing blog; he made me wanna go even more ahaha :D. Some more information can also be found in this other nice blog.

Time to fly back to New Dehli, the last destination of this trip :)

New Dehli - The Heart of India (2 nights)

@NeverEndingFootsteps

New Delhi is the second largest city in India, which means it is chaos at its best ahaha. Don't get me wrong I've never felt so alive than amidst the chaos of the traffic, the dogs, the cows, the monkeys, the humans... It is an unforgettable experience and I cannot wait to go back :). New Dehli being also the capital of India means there is something for every taste here. So with just two days in town, you will get the chance (or you will have to depending on your perspective ahah) to cherry-pick what you prefer.

First, because it is the capital, it is a cultural hub with many historical marvels. By now, you would have visited a bunch of temples, forts, and mosques, so you might be in the mood "Give me moooore" or "no more please". For the give-me-more group, the good news is that there is plenty to see: Humayun's Tomb, a mausoleum similar to the Taj Mahal; Akshardham Temple, the world's largest comprehensive Hindu temple; the Red Fort, the largest monument in Dehli. The Lotus Temple is a gorgeous edifice with a modern design. Rajasthan was all about Hinduism, so you might be interested in checking out the Jama Masjid mosque. If you missed the geometrically-pleasing well of Jodhpur, Delhi also has one called the Ugrasen di Baoli. Lastly, one of the most popular tourist spots is the Indian Gate.

@seplb & @NeverEndingFootsteps

For the no-more group, the good news is that you have plenty of alternatives in this vibrant city. There are several markets around town worth the visit. Chandni Chowk is the heart of Old Dehli, it’s unlike anywhere you’ll have ever been before. The chaos! The traffic! The confusion! The smells! The sounds! Most of the time, you’ll have no idea where to even walk, as there’s zero opportunity to just stand and soak it all up. Instead, everybody will be swarming around you, moving, moving, moving, and sounding their horns to get you moving, too. Continue your visit of Old Delhi on the Khari Baoli road, which is home to Asia's largest wholesale spice market. It is recommended to tour the market with a good guide, so he can take you up to one of the rooftops for an incredible view of the bustling streets below.

@NeverEndingFootsteps

If you crave a more curated experience, less crazy, but still want the vibe of a traditional village market, consider going to the Dilli Haat INA, which is a paid-entrance open-air market. It is a good place to escape the crowd, as is the Lodhi Garden. In case you're searching for more modern shopping, Connaught Place is a massive financial and commercial center in New Dehli. There you will find numerous national and international food chains, stores, bars, and restaurants. Lastly, if you're feeling the party mood and want to explore the nightlife of Dehli, head to the Haus Khaz quartier.

Voilà! Feel free to experience a healthy mix of the latter suggestions. In case you wish for more information and inspiration about New Dehli, make sure to check out this nicely written blog and this one which brilliantly captures the atmosphere of the busy streets of India.

Bikaner - The Camel City (2 nights Bonus)

@TravelWithCG

In case you want to extend your stay in Rajasthan and especially if you want to get off the beaten track, we offer you a bonus destination: Bikaner! Located in the heart of the Thar, Bikaner is a typical and lively desert city. Camel caravans that traveled the trade route between Central Asia and the Gujarat coast once found a long-awaited refuge in this oasis in the middle of the desert. Its strategic location has made Bikaner a prosperous city, as evidenced by its beautiful fort, its colorful havelis, and its many palaces.

A somewhat strange place that is as unique as it can be is the temple of Karni Mata in Deshnok. And for good reason, this temple is home to thousands of rats! Indeed, in the region the beliefs are that human beings are reincarnated as rats and then the cycle is reversed and the rats get reincarnated as humans. Rats are thus worshiped, fed, and housed in this temple. If you have the courage to overcome your fear, this is a very interesting place to visit to admire the uniqueness of India! That place in itself is worth the detour, but the good news is that you have several other beautiful sights to visit in Bikaner such as the Junagarh Fort, the Jain Temple of Bhandasar, the Rampuria Haveli, and the Palace of Laxmi Nivas. Please check out this beautiful blog for more travel inspiration!

@TravelWithCG

One of the ways to incorporate Bikaner into the itinerary we suggested to you is to fit it between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. Indeed, Bikaner is connected to both Jaisalmer and Jodhpur by several bus lines. Jaisalmer -> Bikaner takes about 6 hours drive and Bikaner -> Jodhpur also takes 6 hours drive.

Map

• Jaipur (2 nights)

• Udaipur (2 nights)

• Thar Desert safari (1 night)

• Jaisalmer (1-2 nights)

• Jodhpur (2 nights)

• Jaipur (1 night in transit)

• Agra (1 night)

• Varanasi (2 nights)

• New Dehli (2 nights)

• Bikaner (Bonus - 2 nights)

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Travel tips

Now that we convinced you you want to experience the beauties yourselves, it is time to share some tips on how to make your journey more comfortable ;)

Visa

To travel to India, you likely need to request an e-visa here. !!!Attention: use the website linked above, because there are scammy websites that will make you pay way more for the same service (if you even receive it ^^')!!! That website gives also the list of nationalities and other conditions to be eligible for a tourism e-visa. The good news is that you only have to fill out a form online and it is relatively quick. I would advise you nonetheless to apply early enough to avoid bad surprises. Please remember also to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after you come back.

Transportation

As previously mentioned, it is possible to use a wide variety of transportation means depending on your budget, distances and what your inner adventurer tells you. Plane, train, bus, camel... pick your poison ;)

Internet

Even if it is pricier, we highly recommend buying a SIM card at the airport. Outside of the airport, India has many rules which will make your life unnecessarily complicated. You can choose a smaller data package, and you can easily add more data to your SIM card outside, but purchasing a SIM card outside Airport is rather complicated and takes longer to activate.

Currency

The currency in India is the Indian rupee and Swiss Franc to Indian Rupee (INR) is 1 SFr -> 94 Rupees. 94 Rupees in India is enough to get an Uber for like 5 Km distance or to pay for one McDonald's burger. Cards are not commonly accepted amongst small sellers (though it was rather common that you could pay the veggie seller in the streets with an equivalent of Twint :P, but it is difficult to get the app as a foreigner), so be sure to travel around with enough cash. You can keep around 5,000 INR per day per person. For the rest, in tourist sites, restaurants, hotels, etc, cards definitely work. However, if you have doubts about an establishment's legitimacy, to protect you against scams we would advise paying everything in cash. It's also a good idea to invest in an RFID-blocking wallet.

Food

It should be obvious but it never hurts to repeat. NEVER drink tap water or any water that does not come from a bottle! I would also recommend brushing your teeth with bottled water. Regarding the food, we recommend eating mostly in hotels' restaurants. It will still be authentic and tasty food and will keep you safe from Delhi Belly. The restaurants listed in our Google Map have also been tested against Celine's belly, so they are safe to eat at ;). Avoid street food at all costs even if it looks delicious and a good rule of thumb if you have to eat outside of the hotel: choose a place where many people are eating, preferably with AC (it's a sign of respectable hygiene) or in a touristic place in town. Rajasthani popularity is "Dal Baati Choka", but you will probably not go wrong with any of the classical choices like Handi Chicken, Kadhi Pakora, Bhindi Masala. Also, please remember to tell the waiter to make the food of low spicy level. Have as many lassi as you like (so yummy and helps with the spiciness).

Medication

In India, you can buy medicine like you buy butter :P Pharmacies look like stalls on the side of the street, but beware of small ones, they could sell you counterfeit medicines. A quick way to identify legit Pharmacies - they should display their licenses on their walls. You can easily ask at the counter to buy everything you need cheap including antibiotics. A must-buy product is rehydration salts. It is a mixture of salt and sugar to drink diluted in water in case of feeling under the weather due to the heat. It also helps keep you hydrated if you get sick. We also advise you to buy a medicine against diarrhea/vomiting and antibiotics in case of food poisoning (it happened to me and with the antibiotics you are back up in no time, very effective : P). Remember to take your sunscreen from home because it is not at all common in India (or quite overpriced).

Clothes

India remains a conservative country, so it is recommended to dress appropriately especially for women, and especially in New Delhi and the Taj Mahal as it is culturally Muslim locations. Avoid wearing revealing clothes, prefer loose clothes to tight-fit and wear long pants and clothes that cover your shoulder.

Quick Hindi 101

1. Hello - Namaste (नमस्ते)

2. Yes - Haan (हाँ) - /haa/

3. No - Nahin (नहीं) - /nahi/ (Don't forget the head movement for those two ahah ;)

4. My name is [your name] - Mera naam [your name] hai (मेरा नाम [ ]है)

5. How much? - Kit na? (कितना)

6. Water - paanee (पानी)

7. Bread - Roti (रोटी)

8. Love - pyaar (प्यार)

9. Mariage - shaadee (शादी)

10. And to finish the most versatile sentence ever - [any word in english] hai - /hè/ - p.ex. beautiful hai - it's beautiful.

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Voilà! That's all from us ^^. We hope you will enjoy India as much as we do and we hope to see you at the wedding!