Undiscovered Rajasthan
Example Itinerary
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Overview
India’s fabled “Land of Kings”, Rajasthan is home to a spectacular Rajput legacy that includes some of the country’s most impressive palaces and forts. Spread across a vast expanse of the Thar Desert, it can also boast one of the oldest cultural pedigrees anywhere on the Indian subcontinent. Take in a variety of villages and rural towns on this journey through the lesser visited sights. Start in Chambal to enjoy a village walk and a river safari before heading to Ramathra ...
India’s fabled “Land of Kings”, Rajasthan is home to a spectacular Rajput legacy that includes some of the country’s most impressive palaces and forts. Spread across a vast expanse of the Thar Desert, it can also boast one of the oldest cultural pedigrees anywhere on the Indian subcontinent. Take in a variety of villages and rural towns on this journey through the lesser visited sights. Start in Chambal to enjoy a village walk and a river safari before heading to Ramathra and Bundi, both home to impressive palaces and forts as well as a number of step wells. Heading into the villages, visit Shahpura and Deogarh where you can explore the bazaars and meet local crafts people before riding through the hills on a toy train in Dungapur. The journey ends in Udaipur on Lake Pichola where you can enjoy a boat ride and take a walk through the back streets to explore the traditional industries of the city.
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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Delhi: Arrival
Arrive at Delhi airport and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon is at leisure.
Day 2 Delhi – Chambal: Yamuna River Temples & Ghats
Hopping on a morning train today you will then transfer to Chambal and the Mela Kothi Safari Lodge, set in 35 acres of plantation and farmland, the heritage hotel has been lovingly restored and has won conservation and sustainability awards. A visit to Bateshwar this afternoon introduces you to local life along the Yamuna River where 40 temples are set above the ghats, built individually over time and embodying an unhurried pace and dedication to prayer.
Day 3 Chambal: River Safari & Village Walk
A peaceful morning on the Chambal River in small boats gives you the chance to spot gharial, turtles and an array of birdlife that make this calm river their home. Your naturalist will be able to point out many birds such as terns, kingfishers, plovers and stilts and if you are lucky, a Gangetic river dolphin. Later head to Holipura village and take a walk around the historic havelis of varying architectural styles with a member of the community before enjoying refreshments at their home.
Day 4 Chambal – Dholpur – Ramathra: Historic City
The historic and architecturally significant buildings of Dholpur include the City Palace, a number of temples, a step well, the Nihal Tower, Shergarh Fort and Dholpur palace, the city is also home to the red sandstone that has been used in fort building throughout Rajathan. Explore the town set on the banks of the Chambal en route to Ramathra, where you check-in to the fort hotel surrounded by rural farmland and with commanding views out over the countryside.
Day 5 Ramathra: Lake Walk & Farmland
A walk from the fort towards the lake this morning with one of the hotel naturalists will introduce you to more of Rajasthan’s incredible birdlife, look out for storks, pelicans, orioles and curlews amongst others. Head to the nearby village for a walk to explore the small hamlets and farms where the locals tend crops and raise animals before a trip on Kalisil Dam in a small boat to enjoy the sunset and wildlife.
Day 6 Ramathra – Bundi: Town of Stepwells
A drive this morning takes you through rural Rajasthan passing villages and small towns until you reach Bundi, a town dominated by its formidable palace and fort and dotted with over 60 stepwells. Take a walking tour of the impressive palace rising from the rock with its fort above it, the crumbling grandeur hides rooms of antiques and a series of epic murals. Head on to the fort, overgrowing with vegetation, a stroll here still evokes Rajput splendour. Stop at the Rani Ji Ki Baori, the multi-storied and carved Queen’s Stepwell.
Day 7 Bundi – Shahpura: Agricultural Community
Continuing through the countryside today you arrive to Shahpura, a luxury, rural homestay retreat. In the afternoon head to nearby Dhikola village and explore the fort, looking out over the farmland as well as wandering through the lanes. Here life revolves around agriculture, stop and meet members of the village to learn about the community as well as visiting a family home.
Day 8 Shahpura: At Leisure in a Rural Retreat
Encounter the bird life of Shahpura this morning as you walk around the property with a naturalist, not only will you see the various birds that make the nearby lakes their home but you can enjoy the morning peace and gentle light across the farmland. With an afternoon free at leisure you may choose some yoga, a bike ride or to enjoy the swimming pool.
Day 9 Shahpura – Deogarh: Traditional Crafts
Arriving to Deogarh this afternoon, stretch your legs after the journey by visiting the local village. In the bustling market you can experience this colourful culture with visits to artisans creating miniature paintings, pottery and tapestries. Enjoy a cup of tea at the local tea stall with some of the villagers before trying a traditional thali for dinner back at the hotel.
Day 10 Deogarh: Narrow Gauge Train
This morning head to the local station and hop on the small metre gauge train for a ride through the Aravalli Hills, share the carriage with locals and enjoy the views before a relaxing afternoon. You may like to take a gentle walk around the lake, head out on bicycles or enjoy a peaceful sundowner.
Day 11 Deogarh – Mount Abu: Carved Jain Temples
Journey up to the hill station of Mount Abu today, where many Rajasthanis and Gujaratis come in the summer months to escape the heat of the plains. Mt Abu is famed for the Delwara Temples, two centuries old, intricately caved Jain Temples. Thousands of masons spent decades carving the marble to form these exquisite works of art. Spend the afternoon exploring the temples and taking in their delicate beauty.
Day 12 Mount Abu – Dungapur: Art Deco Heritage Hotel
Heading south through the hills this morning you arrive to Dungapur where you check in to the Udai Billas Palace, a heritage hotel set on a lake in a town which rarely sees tourists. Heading out in to the town this afternoon will give you a chance to really experience Rajasthan, visit the temples, royal palaces and architecture as well as exploring the hotel itself. A vast collection of art deco, murals and antiques collected over the decades.
Day 13 Dungapur: At Leisure
Today is at leisure in the hotel, perhaps take a stroll to spot some of the bird species, relax by the pool or head out with your driver to explore the nearby villages and farmland.
Day 14 Dungarpur – Udaipur: Lake Pichola Boat Trip
Leaving this tranquil area you will head to your final destination, the city of Udaipur and find yourself back on the tourist trail. The city is set on Lake Pichola and this afternoon you will take a boat trip on the calm waters.
Day 15 Udaipur: Old City Backstreets
This unique heritage walk is a fascinating way to learn more about the cultures and communities of Udaipur’s old city backstreets. Navigating your way through the labyrinth of alleyways you will pass by artisans and tradesmen, from jewellers and potters, to spice vendors and mechanics. From lesser-known temples to historic havelis, you will get the chance to explore behind the scenes of some of the city’s most beautiful hidden gems, and gain a greater insight into the daily life of this creative and very traditional neighbourhood. Enjoy some free time later in the day to explore the city further.
Day 16 Udaipur: Departure
Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport in time to catch your onward flight.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Prem Kunj, Udaipur
Located in the hills 20 minutes drive from the centre of Udaipur, Prem Kunj is a luxury lodge with just 8 bedrooms. Each of the large rooms has individual decor with period furniture, they are bright and airy due to the large windows and doors to the balconies and each uses rich, traditional fabrics to give a welcoming ambiance. The resident chefs serve up tasty Indian and international cuisine in the dining room or under the stars, guests are welcome to head to the vegetable garden to help picking herbs and vegetables for dinner. The swimming pool and terrace offer a place to unwind as do the gardens with their views of the hills, guests can also join a yoga or meditation class or perhaps head out on a walk.
Bundi Vilas, Bundi
Bundi Vilas is a boutique heritage property in the heart of the old city, with its backdrop of the Garh Palace and the Taragarh Fort. Recently restored, this elegant new boutique hotel offers 7 rooms from standard to deluxe; all rooms have attached bathrooms with modern fixtures. Rooms offer views of the old town, palace, fort and lake, and a wonderful rooftop restaurant serves traditional Indian cuisine with a 360 degree view of the town - the perfect place to sit and have a drink after a long day.
Chambal Safari Lodge, Jarar
Chambal Safari Lodge is an oasis of calm and tranquillity nestling in the midst of a sprawling 35-acre heritage plantation, surrounded by family owned farmland. Located approximately 70km southeast of Agra, it is only an hour’s drive from the Taj Mahal. The ecolodge has its own foundation which focuses on conservation of the National Chambal Sanctuary, host to the Chambal Ravines, a haven for birdlife. There are twelve rooms in total, with two located in the main house and the rest in cottages across the grounds. Experience the organic ingredients served in a delicious menu in the restaurant or by the fireside. This is all about the setting and the excursions do not disappoint with much to suit those both interested in culture and wildlife.
Maidens Hotel, Delhi
The Maidens Hotel in Delhi is one of the oldest and probably the most famous Heritage Hotel in the city (built in the early 1900s) and has managed to maintain a majestic atmosphere with its colonial architecture and designs. The hotel is located in an accessible part of the city, within walking distance of some of the most magnificent Mughal monuments and the famous shopping centre Chandni Chowk. However with its lush gardens and spacious grounds, one is still able to escape the hustle and bustle of Delhi and relax in this peaceful little piece of history.
Dev Shree, Deogarh
The newly opened Dev Shree hotel is a comfortable and spacious traditional haveli style hotel on the edge of Ragho Sagar Lake. This stately home has seven large well-appointed rooms with en suite bathrooms and views of the gardens. Dev Shree has recently opened a new salt water, chlorine free pool for its guests to enjoy. The pool is situated in a peaceful environment with views over the lake. The kitchen staff use many home grown products to rustle up varied and fragrant local dishes that guests can enjoy in the dining room or out on the large veranda overlooking the lawn.
Shahpura Bagh, Shahpura
This gorgeous historical property is within forty-five acres of land, surrounded by stunning wetlands. It is a tasteful, elegant affair, complete with an authentic Rajput welcome from the owners and rooms littered with stylish antique furniture. Each room or suite are individually designed in a minimalist style using antique furniture and modern amenities. The grounds are lushly green, featuring a lovely outdoor infinity pool and poolside bar, large gardens and a lake for early morning birdwatching strolls. The food is also excellent - much of it homegrown on the estate and organic and can now be enjoyed in the new al fresco dining area. Shahpura Bagh offers a real taste of luxury in rural India.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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WILD MILES
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Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
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Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
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Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Shalmali
Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
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