Hidden Gems of Rajasthan

On your arrival at the International airport in Delhi and after clearing customs & immigration, our representative will receive and escort you to your hotel.

Ruin of the Mughal Empire

After breakfast, we will explore the grandeur and subsequent ruin of the Mughal Empire. Tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India and driving past Red Fort (remain closed on every Monday) – once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. We will walk through streets and markets of this 17th century imperial capital city of the Mughal empire where once royalty descended… where you savor the fragrances of the boisterous Spice Markets, one of Asia’s largest and be dazzled by the glitter of India’s largest Jewellery markets with a mix of walking and rickshaw rides you discover hidden gems while exploring the narrow alleys and 350 – yr old markets of the city built at the acme of Mughal Empire, India’s most glorious monarchy. Later enjoy the rickshaw ride in one of the busiest markets

Rickshaw Ride

A ride in the old city market laid by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, would give you an experience of life time. Pass through the colourful shops of bustling Chandani Chowk, one of the largest wholesale markets in Asia and also an important landmark in the history of India. If you feel up to it, take a short walk in the market and explore another facet of Indian life.

New Delhi sightseeing

Afterwards, proceed for New Delhi sightseeing. The city named New Delhi offers more historical sites than Old Delhi. The city founded by the imperial British government founded in 1911 to move their capital from Kolkata (called Calcutta earlier)

The sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, a drive along the ceremonial avenue – Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and the President’s Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.

After breakfast transfer to the airport to board the flight for Jodhpur.

6E-2083 (Indigo Airline) – Delhi/Jodhpur – 0935/1055 hrs

Meet upon arrival, you are met by our representative and drive to Mihirgarh (40 kms/ 1 hr)

Later afternoon excursion to Bishnoi Village

The Bishnois are a community of Rajasthan who are famous for their rich cultural Rajasthani Life and their true love for nature and animals. Bishnoi Village Safari is organized to help tourists take a glimpse of the rich cultural life of Bishnoi Villages and True Rajasthan. Bishnois are strong lovers of wild animals. It is because of their protection that in Bishnoi dominated areas, deer and antelope (such as blue bulls, black bucks, chinkaras and chowsinghas) are seen grazing peacefully in their fields. Bishnois are known to be very violent and aggressive in protecting trees and wildlife. It is said that if you are a hunter, then the worst thing that could happen to you is to be caught hunting by a Bishnoi. Unlike most Hindu communities, Bishnois bury their dead instead of cremating them. This is because of the strict prohibition on the felling of trees, the wood of which is required for cremation

After breakfast, visit Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone Hill, including Moti-Mahal and Phool Mahal. Also visit Jaswant Thada, an imposing Marble Memoriam built in 1899.

Mehrangarh Fort

Spread over 5 km. On a stiff rugged hill and looking down from a height of about 100 Mts. The fort appears invincible and impenetrable from outside but houses some of the most intricately adorned palaces with exquisitely carved panels and latticed windows. Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are some of the important palaces.

Post our visit to the fort, we will walk down for a Jodhpur Heritage walk

Jodhpur, the capital, was founded by Rao Jodha in the mid-1400, a proficient Rajput king, belonging from Rathore Clan. The City continues to retain its medieval feel with numerous step wells, ancient temples, historic havelis and Blue houses. Dive deep into the heart of Jodhpur to discover the lesser known treasures of this enchanting city. Learn about interesting legends from the past, Peep into the life of locals, Meet and interact with city’s residents, wander through narrow alleyways dotted with Indigo colored houses.

As we have mentioned before, the soul of a city is usually within its people and the personalities you meet. Hence, our lunch today will be inside the forted walls in a traditional home with a family who once in a while takes a special guest as a part of their lunch. Full of memories, you will have the opportunity to see what the typical Rajashtani home looks like and imagine its liveliness as children run from room to room, with echoes heard in the courtyard. While enjoying some of the traditional dishes every Jodhpur house has grown up on.

Post lunch, we get into tuk tuk’s and make our way towards the old City near the Clock Tower. You may not know, but Jodhpur is a major handicraft and textile export hub. We will visit Maharani Textiles (even if it’s just for the experience). From the front, it’s indiscreet, but as you squeeze up the first set of narrow stairs into the labyrinth of colourful (floor-to-ceiling) heaps of shawls and carpets, you know you’re somewhere special. You might say that textile houses in India are a dime a dozen, but what sets Maharani apart from the rest, is the family’s heritage. It’s 98 years old and the present owners are fifth generation in this business. Back in the day, western dealers would come and buy some antiques. After, as the business continued, some designers came to them with their own ideas. Over time, they have supplied fashion houses like Chanel, Miu Miu, Prada, Kenzo, Armani, etc. This little unassuming shop has seen been an export hub for many designers.

After breakfast, drive to Nimaj. (110 kms/ 3 hrs).

Evening WildLife Safari

The wilderness and tranquil nature around Chhatrasagar Lake is the home to the wild lives like Blue Bulls, Wild boars, Foxes, Jackals, Porcupines, and more than 200 species of birds. WildLife Safari will be organized in an open Jeep for you to know more about them.

Indulge yourself in in-house activities like, village visit, bird watching and boat ride.

You may like to explore the neighboring countryside on a guided farm and village tour for a taste of traditional rural Rajasthani life–or enjoy the abundant birdlife here, which can be seen from close quarters almost everywhere in the camp. With a checklist comprising over 200 species, guests can enjoy bird life from close quarters almost everywhere the camp for a more formal introduction, we organize nature walks along well maintained nature trails in the wilderness around RAAS Chhatrasagar.

Boat ride

One of the first of its kind, exploring Lake Chhatrasagar in a boat is the best experience the camp could offer. Reaching out to the mangrove hidden in the middle of nowhere and spotting water birds there, are the adventures everyone looks forward to.

Leave Chhatrasagar and drive to Deogarh. (130 kms/ 2 ½ hrs).

Lunch at the hotel and afternoon free to explore the surroundings.

A great way to commence the day. A morning yoga class by the palm tree lined pool or on the veranda with the sun rising in the foreground is great to cultivate mental focus, serenity and positivity. Let the stresses of life fall by the wayside as you breathe into a yogic posture.

Breakfast at the hotel and get ready for the rural train ride.

Dev Shree offers a train ride–a magical experience to traverse down the Aravalli hill section in a small meter gauge train. The journey begins after breakfast when your guide will meet you at Dev Shree at 10:00 am and take you to the charming Kamblighat station. He will purchase the tickets and help you board the train which arrives at 10:30 am.It’s a local train and one is seated on wooden seats along with the locals who can be a wedding party, pilgrims, daily travelers, children and sometimes even their cattle. 

Phulad to Khamblighat journey by a local train across the Aravalli range is a pleasant experience. The train traverses the hills in one gradual giant right turn switchback, all the while gaining gently in elevation. In the process of negotiating the sharpest part of the railroad track the train crosses a couple of viaducts. The ride then continues slowly uphill offering fine views of a vast valley, small deep gorges and distant ridges, before easing into the plateau of Khamblighat. The train stops only once in a vague station in the middle of sparsely wooded expanse of virgin landscape, where monkeys descend upon the windows expecting and getting their treat of biscuits, while a handful of passengers get off and board.

Back to hotel for lunch and afternoon free to enjoy the relaxed natural environs of Dev Shree and surrounding villages, afternoon with a family member though Villages and rough country going past some farms and village huts, you may visit the cave temple largely depending on the season but each day a drive goes out ending on a lake side with tea and biscuits.

After breakfast drive to Jawai (130 kms/ 3 hrs)

Upon arrival check in at Camp.

Evening game drive by customized 4×4 Jeep.

An early start to your morning game drive, certainly before the sun is up, our customized 4×4 jeep, with a driver tracker and naturalist on board will convey you expertly to every corner of Jawai. Leopards are Jawai’s predominant attraction and the thriving population of the felines has always ranged across this region. The mystery of the big cat is unraveled for guests by informed

guides, and yet, a measure of that mystery remains long after a sighting is over, to be relieved forever.

Evening game drive by customized 4×4 Jeep.

After the morning safari, drive to Udaipur (220 kms / 3-4 hrs).

Evening visit to Jag Mandir by shared boat

Jag Mandir is a palace built on an island in the Lake Pichola. It is also called the “Lake Garden Palace”. The palace is located in Udaipur city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Its construction is credited to three Maharanas of the Sisodia Rajputs of Mewar kingdom. The construction of the palace was started in 1551 by Maharana Amar Singh, continued by Maharana Karan Singh (1620–1628) and finally completed by Maharana Jagat Singh I (1628–1652). It is named as “Jagat Mandir” in honour of the last named Maharana Jagat Singh. The royal family used the palace as a summer resort and pleasure palace for holding parties. The palace served as a refuge to asylum seekers on two separate occasions.

After breakfast, proceed for our city tour.

We will start our tour with Udaipur’s most iconic tourist attraction “City Palace Complex with its marble and granite walls laden with miniature paintings, and decorated with tiles, glasswork and mirrors, it’s a great insight into the lives of the royalties. Udaipur City Palace is one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan, located peacefully on the banks of Lake Pichola. This majestic City Palace is the most-visited tourist attraction of Udaipur and often distinguished as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Initially, Maharana Udai Singh built this superb wonder, but the present form of the Palace is the result of subsequent additions by his successors.

After the city Palace, visit Jagdish temple. Jagdish temple is located in the City Palace complex of Udaipur, this temple is made in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. In 1651, Jagdish temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh, who ruled Udaipur during 1628-53. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), the preserver of the Universe. It is celebrated for being the largest temple in the city of Udaipur. The main shrine houses the striking four-armed image of Lord Vishnu. This idol is carved out of a single piece of black stone. A single glimpse of the idol takes the person to the celestial world to find everything calm and serene. The main shrine of Lord Jagdish/ Vishnu is centrally located encircled by four smaller shrines. These shrines are dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Sun God, Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva respectively.

Join us on an engaging Walking Tour to discover the hidden quarters of this romantic city and offer a great opportunity to get under the skin of the city. During the tour, meet various locals and communities engaged in jewellery making, pottery and bamboo craft. Also learn about the local traditions, customs attached to the living habits and religious beliefs. The walk will give you a feel of the local life in the City of Udaipur. On this exclusive guided Walking Tour we will show you ‘The Real Udaipur’— its people, its living traditions, its appealing localities and vibrant bazaars. We walk through Udaipur’s most beautiful streets and sites, navigate hidden lanes, meet interesting residents and artisans, witness pottery and bamboo craft. Learn about popular legends, living heritage and religious beliefs of this charming town. We’ll walk through sunarwada and meet silver and goldsmiths at work. Observe the traditional way of making clay potteries and water pitchers.

We will leave the hotel after breakfast and drive to Eklingji temple en-route to visit Nagda temples.

Afterwards, we will organize a walking tour of this small Delwara village. The walk is an initiative of an NGO called Seva Mandir, a development nonprofit organization founded in 1968 which currently works with 360,000 people across 700 villages around Udaipur. Seva Mandir has worked in partnership with Delwara’s people since 1988. Together, they have made real and sustainable improvements to caste relations, women’s rights, access to water, livelihoods, sanitation, governance and preservation of heritage. During this walk you will explore an 18th century palace, 1000 year old Jain temples, step wells, royal hunting tower. Changing caste relations, women’s rights, drinking water, sanitation and waste management, livelihoods.

Delwara’s rich cultural heritage includes traditional step-wells, temples and buildings of architectural importance known as havelis, whose art dates back to the medieval era. From the start, Seva Mandir has encouraged the community to work together to restore and maintain Delwara’s heritage structures. They helped organize campaigns of Shramdan (voluntary labour) to clean the heritage sites regularly. Now working on increasing citizens’ involvement in the conservation of their heritage, the beautification of step-wells and putting in place mechanisms to protect the heritage structures from deterioration.

Delwara and Seva Mandir encouraging its guests to go on the tours led the young people trained as guides by Seva Mandir. Together with a Seva Mandir volunteer, young people from all three major religious communities researched the town’s history and heritage sites and were trained to lead tours taking in its little known heritage sites and visiting artisans practicing their traditional crafts (potters, artists, goldsmiths). But, unlike other heritage walks, this one goes beyond physical heritage to consider questions about women’s rights, access to water and toilets, caste discrimination, livelihoods and other aspects of Seva Mandir’s work.

Afterwards, transfer to the airport to board the flight for Delhi.

UK–628 (Vistara) – Udaipur–Delhi – 1520/ 1645 hrs