Rajasthan: The Land of Deserts, Safaris and Palaces

DAY 1 : Arrival Delhi

Landing in the late evening, welcome at the airport, and departure by private vehicle to your charming hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 2 : Agra

After breakfast, you will head to Delhi station to board the country’s fastest train, the Gatimaan Express. At the station, the gleaming cars will offer you the local comfort and the desired change of scenery. Let yourself fully immersed in admiring the sublime landscapes that pass under your hypnotized gaze. We start to the magical and legendary city of Agra, which houses one of the jewels of the world architecture: the Taj Mahal. You will visit this mausoleum dedicated to Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of Shah Jahan, who died in 1630. It is said that the construction of the monument, often referred to as “a marble dream”, took 22 years. You will have your lunch in town. In the afternoon we will visit the magnificent Agra Fort, the second Indian jewel, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which was built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar on the right bank of the Yamuna River, followed by a visit to Itmad-ud-Daula, the mausoleum built on the initiative of Nur Jahan, Jahangir’s wife, for her father. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the view of the Taj Mahal at sunset. Check in at your hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 3 : Jaipur

After breakfast, you will drive to Fatehpur Sikri, this impressive red sandstone fortress city, built in the 16th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the former capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar and was only occupied for a few years before being abandoned, leaving the buildings in virtually perfect condition. Visit its Great Mosque with the tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti, the Jewel House -also called Diwan-i-khas (Hall of Audiences)- with the pillar of Akbar. Visit also the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gate in the world. Lunch in Bharatpur in an enchanting place. Then continue to your next destination, the vibrant Jaipur. On arrival, check into your beautiful guesthouse. Stroll through the city to discover the colorful bazaars of the Capital of Rajasthan. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 4 : Jaipur

In the morning, take your bike and let yourself be transported into another era. With your guide you will ride through the city, off the beaten track, to the Jal Mahal (Palace of Water), stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Wind), pass by the cenotaphs of Gaitor Maharaja and discover the royal district of the City Palace and the daily life of the Maharajas. You will finish with a Rajasthani style breakfast in a 270 years old Haveli…

Then drive to the impressive Amber Fort, located on a ledge just outside Jaipur. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, gives you an idea of what the incredible lifestyle of the Mughal ruling families was like. As you walk along the ramparts, you will see the elephant bathing lake below, the town of Amber with its magnificent Hindu temple, and the city of Jaipur on the horizon.

In the afternoon, continue with a visit to Jaipur, the “Pink City”, spectacularly situated between jagged hills and topped by ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, where the Maharajah still lives although several rooms are now open to the public. Antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a fine collection of weapons. You will also see the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory, with its vast astronomical instruments. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Option :

At sunrise, hot air balloon flight over the plains of Rajasthan, a sublime experience that will offer you unforgettable memories. In the distance, you will observe fortresses taking shape while under the basket, the fields appear lined with mountains, villages, cows and Indians who send us tons of cuckoo. The moment is rich in emotions.

DAY 5 : Jaipur – Ranthambore

This morning, drive to Ranthambore (153 kms). On arrival, check into your charming hotel overlooking the park. Ranthambore National Park is the most famous reserve in Rajasthan, in the heart of the Aravali and Vindhya mountains, one of the first initiatives of Project Tiger in Rajasthan. Its 400 km² of bush and virgin forest, where lakes and rivers follow one another, are a perfect natural habitat for tigers and some of their prey: antelopes, sambars (fallow deer), wild boars. You will also see a large number of bird species, and if you are really lucky, the leopard, rarely seen. The park is dominated by steep escarpments. On top of one of them stands the Ranthambore Fort built in the 10th century. The park is dotted with ruined hunting lodges and “secret hideouts” that remind us that this area was once the hunting ground of the Maharajahs of Jaipur. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or take a walk in the nearby village. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 6 : Ranthambore

Morning coffee/tea and departure for a Safari in the Ranthambore Nature Reserve on board a jeep. The reserve covers 392 km² of thick forests. The place abounds in scenic beauty, a haven for both carnivores and herbivores. Tiger and leopard are the main predators of the reserve, hyena and jackal the scavengers, juggernaut bear and wild boar the main carnivores, and spotted deer, Sambhar deer, Nnilgai (blue bull), antelope, chinkara (Indian gazelle) and langur the main herbivores.

Breakfast at the lodge and free day to enjoy the facilities of the hotel or walk in the nearby village. In the late afternoon, game drives in the reserve. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

DAY 7 : Ranthambore – Kota – Bundi

You continue your road towards Bundi, capital of a small state Râjput bearing the same name (Travel: 150km). The city is founded around 1342 and it preserves its independence until it is taken by Akbar. It then came under the control of the Holkar Marathas at the fall of the Mughals. On the way, stop at Kota to enjoy a boat trip on the Chambal River, you may be lucky enough to spot crocodiles, owls, kingfishers and other wildlife. Upon arrival in Bundi, check in at your hotel. Visit the Taragarh fort and the palace, which houses some magnificent frescoes. Stroll in the small animated village, punctuated by temples and bazaars. You will also be able to discover many wells, of which the most beautiful is Rani-ki-Baori. The baori or baoli illustrate the importance of water in arid regions such as Rajasthan. These wells, which were accessed by stairs, allowed their rich sponsors, Hindus or Mughals, to assert their social status. These wells were often built near the temples so that the faithful could make their ablutions there, and were meeting places and stopping places along the caravan routes. Bundi was also the seat of a school of painting, formed in the 17th century, specializing in miniatures and murals, you will have the chance to visit the workshops of miniaturist painters / Dinner and overnight at the hotel type Haveli.

Option : Visit the Raola Khera Chautra Ka Khera Ethnic Village en route.

DAY 8 : Bundi – Chittorgarh

This morning, drive to Chittorgarh (150 km), which is undeniably the city of Rajasthan with the most romantic history. It is also the heart of the Rajput resistance against the Mughal rulers. It is here that the Rajput Sisodia warriors repeatedly gave their lives preferring death to dishonor and submission. The city was looted at least three times before it was finally abandoned, and the capital was moved to Udaipur. The crowning glory of Chittorgarh is the Jaya Stambha Victory Tower, erected by Rana Khumbha to commemorate his victory over Mohammed Khilji of Malwa in 1440. Its nine stories are covered with sculptures of Hindu deities. On arrival visit and installation in your guest house in the citadel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 9 : Chittogarh – Udaipur

This morning, drive to Udaipur (150 km). On arrival, installation in your hotel of princely type palace. In the late afternoon, boat ride on the calm waters of Lake Pichola (if the water level of the lake allows it) from where you will have a magnificent view of the City Palace stretching on the eastern bank, while the southern bank offers beautiful gardens going down to the water’s edge. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 10 : Udaipur

This morning, guided tour of Udaipur. The very romantic city of Lake Pichola in southern Rajasthan is known for its dazzling palaces and lakes. Visit the majestic City Palace, built in granite and marble, a gigantic fortress. The interior contrasts with the exterior and you will marvel at the gardens and fountains, the frescoed and mirrored rooms, the silver doors, the stained glass windows, the marble inlaid balconies and the famous Peacock Court. Continue to the Garden of Maidens, “Sahelion-ki-bari”, created by Maharana Sangram Singh. Ponds of lotus flowers, lawns, flowerbeds, fountains and marble pavilions in Rajput style: everything makes this garden an enchanting place…

Afternoon at leisure to enjoy your hotel and/or stroll around the Old City. Tonight enjoy a Rajasthani folk dance show in a picturesque setting by the ghats. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 11 : Udaipur – Jawai

Typical breakfast at the hotel. Then it will be time to head to your next destination off the beaten track, in the Pali region, in the heart of the Jawai Bandh nature reserve. Settle into your next boutique lodge (Distance: 135 km). You will spend your next night in this arid savannah of the foothills of the Aravalli Mountains, in search of the most talked about “hero” in Rajasthan, the Indian leopard. During your stay you will interact with the Rabari shepherds and their community whose ancestral nomadic way of life has not changed for centuries. This same people who by their way of life in connection with the wild fauna, allowed the safeguard of this rare feline. Enjoy the comfort of your lodge and its location in the wilderness to relax. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Suggestion 2 nights

Jour 12 : Jawai – Ranakpur – Luni

At dawn, safari in the reserve where you will discover the old hunting ground of the Maharajas and will have perhaps the chance to observe the Indian leopard. You will also meet the sambar, the chital, the nilgau, or the chinkara…

Continuation in the heart of the eternal Rajasthan with stop and visit of the Temples of Ranakpur (Total journey: 253 km). This visit of the famous Jain temples dating from the 15th century will take place in a deep valley of the Aravalli Mountains. More than 500 years old, these temples are very well preserved and in an almost perfect state! In the center is the main temple “Chaumukha” dedicated to Adinath, which is distinguished by its 1444 pillars – none of which is identical – supporting the 29 aisles. The temple abounds with elaborate friezes and sculptures. Visit the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures. On the way, you will also pass by the Kumbhalgarh Fortress, the second largest military structure in Rajasthan, nestled in the Aravalli Mountains. Arrive at your charming accommodation in Luni before night.

Option: Trek to Ranakpur

Option: Visit villages of the Bishnoi community.

DAY 13 : Luni – Jodhpur – Thar Desert

Then you will take the direction of Jodhpur (Journey: 33 km). On arrival, visit the city. The largest city of Rajasthan after Jaipur stands at the gates of the Thar Desert. It was founded by Rao Jodha, the Chief of the Rajput clan of Rathore. Visit its Meherangarh Fort, one of the most impressive of the many forts in Rajasthan; it is situated on a high natural rocky outcrop from the top of which one can have a magnificent view of the “Blue City” below. The fort is a testimony to a past splendor. It contains an incredible collection of elephant seats, miniature paintings and Mughal tents. The Moti Mahal houses stained glass windows that allow light and shade to pass through a colorful mosaic. Then visit Jaswant Thada, the royal cenotaphs and the white marble memorial of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. In the afternoon, departure for the desert and a camel ride on the dunes until sunset. When the sun takes on the colors of fire and musicians play rajasthani folklore, an unforgettable experience is prepared, dancers join you for a show around the campfire. (Trip: 111 km). Enjoy this evening under the stars. Dinner and overnight at the camp.

DAY 14 : Thar Desert – Jaisalmer

This morning, we head to Jaisalmer (Way: 170 km) visit the Royal Cenotaphs of the Rawals in the Barra bagh where the rulers were cremated. You will discover the charming Gadisar Lake, a large natural oasis that attracted Rawal Jaisal and a great variety of water birds gather in winter. The lake is surrounded by small temples and the best place to photograph the fort at sunset. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

 

Option: Sleep in the community village in Bhani type houses at Siyana Sojourn

DAY 15 : Jaisalmer

This morning, visit this extraordinary walled city of the desert also called “the golden city”, a true jewel overlooking the sand. Visit a Jain temple and the magnificent Havelis, merchants’ houses all richly decorated and carved in yellow sandstone: Patwon-ki-haveli (Brocade Merchants’ House) is the largest and most elaborate of the famous havelis of Jaisalmer. Nathmalji-ki-haveli (Nathmalji’s house), the last of the great havelis, was built in the late 19th century. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 16 : Jaisalmer – Delhi

After your breakfast it will be time to bid farewell to your hosts, followed by a transfer to the airport for your return flight to Delhi. On arrival, rooms will be provided close to the airport for refreshment before the late departure to the airport for your return flight.

Selection of charming hotels and secret addresses. Ask us for the program!