Royal Rajasthan Heritage

Our tour features the following locations

DELHI: The largest mosque, the biggest temple, honky auto-rickshaws; it’s easy to distinguish Delhi. The city has been at the centre of the Indian civilisation for centuries and a major seat of power ever since the Mughals built their capital here. Modern Delhi presents a mix of colonial-era architecture, Mughal forts, and mausoleums, ancient bazaars, glitzy malls and world class restaurants. It often feels overwhelming, but given a chance, it always grows onto you. Be sure to visit Humayun’s Tomb, a 16th-century Mughal wonder inspired by the iconic Taj Mahal and Lodi Gardens, the best spot for sunsets in Delhi. There’s also the Hauz Khas Village, a throbbing hub that gained popularity with its Open Nights when those narrow alleys are transformed into cultural wonders, adorned with lights and decorated with streamers. There really is no better place to discover Delhi’s rich culture and mingle with its locals.

MANDAWA: The Shekhawati region of Rajasthan was originally the stronghold of Rao Shekhaji, who founded a dynasty here & gave it his name. Mandawa, a remote feudal principality in the center of the Shekhawati region, was a trading outpost for the ancient caravan routes that stopped here from China & the Middle East.

BIKANER: The dusty town of Bikaner often pales in front of the glittery forts and palaces of Jaipur and Udaipur, but this off-the-beaten-path adventure is the perfect place to enjoy some of the best camel safaris on the planet without ever having to distance yourself from the medieval splendour and royal residences that make Rajasthan so unique. Popular things to see in Bikaner include the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, Devi Kund, Camel Research Farm and the 600-year-old Karni Mata Temple. The weird thing about this temple is that it is full of rats that scamper freely within the premises and are also considered to be sacred by priests and devotees as reincarnations of ancestors.

NAGAUR: Nagaur is one of the most picturesque of Rajput townships. The town is cordoned in by massive ramparts and has to be entered through stately gates. However, what makes the place extraordinary is the presence of a virtually unpublicized abandoned fort in the center of town which has been under restoration thanks to a Getty Trust project.

JAISALMER: While many cities in Rajasthan are bathed in colour, the pink city of Jaipur or the Blue city of Jodhpur and while most are defined by their architecture, the Golden City of Jaisalmer is that rare beauty that is always remembered for its glittery desert experiences. There are enough ancient splendour and grand architecture to keep you entertained, but all that grandeur somehow manages to pale out in front of starry skies, desert oases, sleepy villages, untouched sand dunes and camel rides. There’s no shortage of things to do here. The striking Jaisalmer Fort, its ninety-nine bastions and those stunning merchant-built houses (Havelis) surrounding this ancient citadel are sure to occupy a large chunk of your itinerary but make sure you reserve a night or two for a desert camp experience, perhaps one of the most regal adventures of your life. Wildlife enthusiasts will fall in love with the neighbouring Desert National Park, a heavenly oasis known for its chinkara, desert fox, and blackbuck sightings.

JODHPUR: The magnificent Mehrangarh Fort is littered with beautiful palaces and ancient mosaics and is perhaps the best place to understand how different dynasties left their imprints on India’s architecture, history and culture. Sheesh Mahal, the Hall of Mirrors makes use of huge mirror pieces to create a mesmerising sight while the artistic treasures of Phool Mahal and Daulat Khana leave you speechless with their beauty and ingenuity. Once you’re done enjoying the best of architecture and 16th-century walls, dive into the city’s rich culture. Discover hidden hamlets of traditional Rajasthan in a desert safari, sip on some authentic masala chai (spiced tea) or just have a blast shopping in those labyrinth alleys of Sardar Market, striking bargains on everything from beautiful shoes to pottery pieces.

DEVGARH: Devgarh located in between Jodhpur and Udaipur around 3 hours to both. Devgarh is a lovely atmospheric town. It has an old fort and a magnificent palace with murals illustrating the local school of miniature painting.

NARLAI: Narlai, a small village in Rajasthan, is located at a distance of 36 kms. from Ranakpur. Surrounded by the Aravali ranges, this is probably the perfect spot to base yourself while in the area. You know you’re in Narlai the moment your eyes fall on that colossal elephant statue, promising an incredible experience at one of its many Hindu and Jain temples. The Adinath Temple and its stunning murals are sure to be the highlight of your tour and the Narlai Fort, now a heritage resort, is also worth exploring. Rawla Narlai, a premier hotel here, is splendidly designed to combine the best of ancient regalia and modern-day comfort and its tents give you the true experience of living in a Rajasthani caravan, without ever taking you way from luxuries or pampering amenities.

RANAKPUR: Tucked away in the lush Aravali Mountain, Ranakpur is located at a distance of just 96 kms. from Udaipur. The town is incredibly serene and peaceful, and it paints a beautiful story of India’s culture. Ranakpur’s star attraction is a 15th-century temple that is one of the most fascinating examples of Jain architecture in India. A spectacular white marble wonder rises out from the midst of the forest and the sheer complexity of its architecture is mind-numbing. No wonder it was 65 years in the making! What makes it even more unique is that it has 1444 beautifully carved pillars and no two carvings are the same. The Chittorgarh Wildlife Sanctuary also beckons visitors with wolves, leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, jackals, antelopes, and sambhars.

KUMBALGARH: The state of Rajasthan is home to glorious monuments of a bygone era, narrating stories of India’s rich heritage and artistic beauty. Cities like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, and Jaipur have become famous hotspots for travellers from all over the world, but Kumbhalgarh isn’t the first destination that comes to mind while planning your North India itineraries. Big mistake! This historic town is home to the iconic Kumbhalgarh Fort, the fort that was never conquered in the history of India, not even by the great Mughal Empire! Full of intricately carved temples, grand palaces and beautiful wall paintings demonstrating superb artistry, this ancient stronghold is full of stories of romance, valour, betrayal, and courage. The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is slowly becoming an equally popular destination for those in search of solitude and solace, and a huge hit among birdwatchers and wildlife lovers. Common sightings include wild boars, crocodiles, panthers, flamingos, and egrets.

UDAIPUR: Udaipur is considered to be the most romantic destination in India, and no matter how much you hear about this legendary city, it always manages to leave you stunned and speechless. The glittery Lake Pichola is as beautiful as they get and those temples, grand palaces, shimmering Havelis and colourful streets set the scene for one of the most memorable holidays of your life. You’d remember some of its sights from the 007 movie Octopussy when our hero swims up to a heavenly palace in the midst of an incredibly romantic lake. You’d expect a city so popular to lose its charm, but Udaipur holds onto its magic, that sense of mystery surrounding its monuments and palaces and the sense of tranquillity that simple boat rides on the lake are bound to offer. Udaipur also enjoys a lively arts scene, exciting shopping and delightful countryside destinations that promise memorable day tours.