RAJASTHAN TOUR

As the land of some 22 erstwhile princely kingdoms, the state of Rajasthan is a land of regal palaces, palatial Havelis (castles), and royal grandeur. These states enjoyed nominal autonomy under the British Empire and were subsequently merged into the Indian Union in 1947 after India’s independence. 

Visiting these iconic palaces and havelis is one of the first activities you should partake in in Rajasthan. 

In “Pink City” Jaipur, we recommend that you visit the City Palace—the residence of the Maharaja of the former Kingdom of Jaipur. Located within the walls of the old Jaipur city, is the Samode Haveli, built by the rulers of Samode some 250 years—now a heritage hotel. Considered the finest havelis in all of Rajasthan, it is a must-visit site.

The summer abode of the rulers of Mewar, the Lake Palace is snuggled on an island in the middle of the picturesque Lake Pichola, in “Venice of the East” Udaipur. It is now one of Rajasthan’s greatest heritage hotels.

Completed in the 1940s in a fusion architectural design that is an amalgam of Indo-Saracenic, Rajasthani, Tudor, and Italian, the Umaid Bhawan Palace in “Blue City” Jaipur is the last of the great old palaces of India. A fine heritage palace to live like Mewari royalty. 

The Princely Kingdoms of Rajasthan always jostled for power, territory, and survival among themselves. They were also vulnerable to invasions from outside. This vulnerability necessitated the construction of formidable forts which warded off the conquistadors. Forts are, therefore, as important to the heritage of Rajasthan as are its Palaces and Havelis. Here are a few must-visit Rajasthani forts.

Constructed in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha, the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) spans over 1200 acres and is perched on a hillock that overlooks the city. A truly stunning site to witness.

The Junagarh Fort (constructed 1589-94 AD), the fort-residence of the rulers of Bikaner since the 16th century is built in the center of the city of Bikaner.

Nicknamed the “Great Wall of India” the Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajsamand (built in the 15th century) is a World Heritage Site. With seven fortified gateways, it is built on a hilltop 1,100 m above sea level with walls that extend 35 kilometers.

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Chittorgarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India. Chittorgarh was the capital of the Kingdom of Mewar before it was replaced by Udaipur. This fort served as the residence of the Maharaja.

Rajasthan is immense. It accounts for 10% of India’s territory—the largest Indian state by area. The mighty Thar Desert (also known as the Great Indian Desert) accounts for much of the Rajasthan’s land mass—along with the Aravalli hills and plains of lowlands.

A desert safari in Sam Sand Dunes on the outskirts of the “Golden City” Jaisalmer is, therefore, one of the most exciting experiences in Rajasthan. Another desert destination that we recommend is Manvar Desert outside of “Blue City” Jodhpur.  

So if Jaisalmer or Jodhpur are on your itinerary, be sure to not miss out on a desert safari. 

Udaipur, the capital of the erstwhile Princely State of Mewar, is nicknamed “the Venice of the East” and the “City of Lakes.” The seven major lakes of Udaipur are interconnected through a network of bridges and canals. 

Lake Pichola is the largest and most beautiful of all lakes of Mewar. Many of the city’s key landmarks are located on its banks. A sunset aboard a boat in Lake Pichola with a view of the gorgeous city and the surrounding Aravalli Hills is a truly memorable experience.

Rajasthan is where you feast on royal delights. It is a gourmet’s paradise. Rich in flavor and texture, the cuisine of the region offers a wide range of tastes to visitors. 

We recommend that you sample some Daal Baati Churma (baked wheat balls served with lentils/Dal), Laal Mass (red mutton curry prepared in spices and pepper), Gatte ki Sabzi (gram flour dumpling prepared in vegetables), Ker Sangri (dried berries and beans) and Mirchi Vada (spicy green chilies stuffed with potato fillings).

The Princely States of Rajasthan were great patrons of folk music and performance arts. Each region has its own distinct folk music tradition and classical dance form.

Jaipur is famous for its Kathak dance perfected by the Jaipur Gharana (the Jaipur School of Kathak). The Marwar region is renowned for its magical Ghoomar dance. Kacchi Ghodi dance emanates from the Shekhawati region. Kathputli (or puppetry) is enjoyed all over the state. 

We highly recommend that you treat yourself to a performance of Ghoomar, Kathputli, or Kacchi Ghodi. 

The Ranthambore National Park (named after the fort of the same name in the Sawai Madhopur region of Rajasthan) is one of India’s most visited national parks. A wildlife safari at the Ranthambore is a must for all tourists visiting Rajasthan.

Ranthambore is home to the Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian leopards, Caracals, Jungle cats, blackbucks, Chinkaras, mugger crocodiles, flying Indian foxes, striped hyenas, Dhole (Indian Wild Dogs), and many other amazing species. 

The Shekhawati region is located in the northeast of Rajasthan. The region obtained immense prestige and wealth in the Silk Road trade. Wealthy merchants, traders, and feudal lords built grand havelis that are now famous all over Rajasthan and attract a large number of art lovers and tourists.

Known as Rajasthan’s “Open Art Gallery,” the small town of Mandawa in the Jhunjhunun is the most famous of all Shekhawati Villages. The best way to explore the region is through a jeep safari from Jaipur. 

The valley of Ranakpur in Pali region is nestled between Udaipur and Jodhpur in the Aravalli Hills. Ranakpur is named after the Maharana Kumbha (the ruler of Mewar). 

Ranakpur is famous for its legendary Jain Temple. Dedicated to Tirthankara (one of Jainism’s most important saviors and spiritual teachers), the temple was constructed in the 15th century and is an exquisite architectural wonder of the Jain faith.

Rajasthan’s second largest city Jodhpur is the historical capital of the Kingdom of Marwar (not to be confused with the Kingdom of Mewar of Udaipur). Since ancient times, the old quarter of the city has been painted blue, on account of which city gets its moniker “the Blue City.”

The Blue City is famous for its legendary Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Ghanta Ghar (clock tower) Market, and the blue city quarters. 

Our exclusive heritage trail in the azure alleys of Jodhpur takes you to the heart of the matter in this grand old city of legends and stories.

Described as “the most romantic sport on the continent of India” Udaipur is India’s answer to Venice—a city of lakes, royal charm, and ancient grandeur. 

Explore this magnificent city in our bespoke vintage car tour with stopovers at the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari Garden, Jagmandir Temple, Bagore ki Haveli, and Lake Pichola.

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a great place to go on shopping sprees. The range of retail options on offer is immense. 

Pearls and gold abound at the world-famous Johari (Jewelry) Bazaar. Tripolia is famous for its bangles. Chandpol Bazaar is where you pick up traditional handicrafts and marble wares. Kishonpol is where you grab wood carving and dyed fabrics. Bapu Bazaar is famous for its camel leather shoes and footwear.

Our bespoke Bargain Hunt Tour curated by an expert will take you to these amazing shopping destinations.

The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park) was originally built by the Maharaja of Jaipur as a duck pond for hunting purposes. Now a Bird Sanctuary and National Park, it is home to over 350 species of native and migratory birds. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Our exclusive birdwatching adventure with an expert naturalist takes you on a curated expedition to this mesmerizing paradise of herons, storks, cormorants, shovelers, and knob-billed ducks. 

The holy town of Pushkar in Ajmer is a sacred site of pilgrimage for followers of Lord Brahma. The red-spired Brahma Temple located on the banks of Lake Pushkar is one of the handful of such temples in India.

But the one thing that draws tens of thousands of people to this part of India is the Pushkar Camel Fair held in the month of Karthik (late October and early November). This multi-day livestock festival cum cultural extravaganza feature folk music, cultural events, dances, snake charming, and much more. 

Rajasthani cuisine has intricacy and nuance to it. A blend of an array of spices, meats, vegetables and herbs. Perfecting it takes time and patience. 

Our bespoke cooking session at a local home famous for its culinary heritage makes your job easier. 

One reason why Rajasthan attracts a large number of luxury-minded travellers is the opportunity to stay in vintage Rajasthani palace or Haveli.

We do our best to give our esteemed guests the best royal treatment they deserve. Our bespoke accommodations at the Lake Palace in the middle of Udaipur’s Lake Pichola and the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur are the stuff of dreams. 

We also collaborate with a range of other legendary heritage hotels in Rajasthan like the Samodi Haveli and Rambagh Palace to give you an authentic taste of the Maharaja way of life.

The village of Bishnoi in the Thar Desert (just outside the city of Jodhpur) is home to the Vishnoi community who live their lives by the 29 commandments of their Guru Jambheswar (1451-1536 AD). This tribal community is a charming countryside of quaint culture and tradition. We offer you authentic Rajasthani rural cultural immersion in this amazing place.

Explore this intriguing spiritual place in our private Bishnoi village safari. Meet the traditional weavers, potters, shepherds, and farmers of the village. Learn about their way of life.

Rajasthan is a land of spirituality and meditation. The spiritual city of Pushkar, and the ancient temples of Jaipur, Bikaner, and Udaipur attract millions of devotees and seekers of inner peace. Formidable forces of the mother nature—the mighty Thar desert and the mesmerizing Aravalli Hills—come together to form a tranquil ambience for deep thinking, meditation, and yoga.

We offer you bespoke lakeside yoga and meditation sessions (catered for you) on the secluded bank of Lake Pichola with a view of the scenic Aravalli Hills. Our bespoke session is a great way to unwind and relax after a hectic odyssey in Rajasthan.