Getting around — Delhi & Rajasthan

Travel in the Delhi & Rajasthan region is mainly organised by private car with driver, the most practical and relevant option for a 10-14 day trip. Cost: €60-100/day (fuel, driver accommodation, tolls, taxes included), Toyota Innova or Maruti Suzuki Ciaz air-conditioned vehicle for 4 passengers, English-speaking driver. Book with a local agency or via your French tour operator. It's by far the recommended formula for flexibility and comfort.

The train remains the quintessential Indian cultural experience and certain links are worth the detour. Delhi-Agra Shatabdi Express (morning 6am, arrival 8am, return 4pm, arrival 10pm): 2h trip, 700-1,200 INR Executive Chair Car — ideal for a day excursion. Delhi-Jaipur Shatabdi Express: 800-1,400 INR Executive. Jaipur-Udaipur: overnight train 9h45pm-7am, AC 2 tier 700-1,200 INR. Book on IRCTC.co.in or via local agency. The Palace on Wheels train (luxury, 7-day complete Rajasthan circuit) costs €5,000-8,000 per person.

Domestic flights speed up long distances: Jaipur-Udaipur 1h for €60-100, Udaipur-Mumbai 1h30, Jaipur-Delhi 1h. Book via MakeMyTrip or Yatra.

In cities, several options. Uber and Ola (ride-hailing apps) work in Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur — recommended for reliability and transparent meter fares, 80-300 INR by distance. Auto-rickshaws for short distances 50-200 INR (negotiate firmly or ask for meter).

In Delhi, the metro (10 lines, 286 stations, one of the world's most modern, opened 2002 and constantly expanding) is fast, air-conditioned, clean and economical (10-60 INR) — ideal for reaching Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk station), New Delhi (Rajiv Chowk station), airport (Airport Express 60 INR). Pink coaches at front of trains are reserved for women.