Rural Lands of Rajasthan - Offbeat Rajasthan tour
Places covered: Delhi - Neemrana - Jaipur -Ranthambore - Bundi - Kota - Bijaipur - Chittorgarh - Dhariyawad - Dungarpur - Udaipur - Delhi
Duration: 13 nights and 14 days
This offbeat journey offers a look at the history and heritage of this timeless land, bringing you stunning capitals of the former princely states—home to sprawling haveli and Rajput-era palaces—and rural Rajasthan villages and fortified towns untouched by time. Explore some popular as well as some of the offbeat trails of Rajasthan.
Day 1: Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Meet and assistance on arrival and transfer from airport to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Delhi
Full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi visiting Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in Asia), Red Fort (built between 1639-48 by the Shah Jahan, the creator of the Taj Mahal) and the Rajghat (the cremation site of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi).
Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi, drive past Safdarjang's Tomb (1753 AD). Visit the Qutab Minar (72m high), the most perfect of towers of the Persian world. The drive through New Delhi includes the Embassy area (Diplomatic Enclave), government buildings, India Gate, Birla Temple and Connaught Place.
Day 3: Delhi - Neemrana
Morning drive to Neemrana. Upon arrival in Neemrana, check into Hotel Neemrana Fort, one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan converted into a hotel. Afternoon explore the nearby village and visit 18th century step-well located at walking distance. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Neemrana - Jaipur
Morning drive to Jaipur and upon arrival check into Hotel Rambagh Palace for two nights. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Jaipur
Morning elephant ride and excursion to Amber Fort. Afternoon city tour of Jaipur, popularly known as " The Pink City of Rajasthan". Visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), the City Palace, the Museum and the Jantar Mantar. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6: Jaipur - Ranthambore
Morning drive south to Ranthambore National Park, a former private Royal hunting preserve. It lies at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya Hills. Stay two nights at the Sawai Madhopur Lodge. Afternoon game drive.
Day 7: Ranthambore
Morning and evening game viewing
Much of this area comprises arid scrub jungles, together with forested hills and artificial lakes. There is an impressive range of birdlife on the lakes. The animal species includes sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, tiger and leopard. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Ranthambore - Kota
Morning drive to Kota en route visiting Bundi. Visit the City Palace and the tremendous Taragarh or the Star Fort. Continue drive to Kota and check into Hotel Brij Raj Bhawan / Umed Bhawan for one night. Afternoon visit to Kota City Palace and Museum with its outstanding collection of miniature paintings.
Day 9: Kota - Bijaipur
Morning drive to Biajipur, en route visiting the Bijolia, the cluster of 11th century temples, and the well-preserved 12th century temples at Menal. Stay one night at the 16th century Bijaipur Castle amid the Vidhyachal ranges. Afternoon free to take a jeep out to Pangarh Fort.
Day 10: Bijaipur - Dhariyawad
Morning drive south to Dhariyawad. En route visit Chittorgarh, one of the most spectacular forts in Rajasthan. The impressive remains of temples, towers and palaces date from the 7th to the 15th centuries. Upon arrival check into Hotel Dhariyawad Fort for one night. The small, river bank town of Dhariyawad is centered around the 16th century fort. Evening free to wander around the village.
Day 11: Dhariyawad - Dungarpur
Morning drive to Dungarpur, a small town nestling in the Aravalli hills. Check into the 19th century Udai Bilas Palace, the erstwhile Royal Residence, and lye on the banks of the Gaibsagar Lake. Afternoon drive upto the old palace to see the colorful and vibrant frescoes, exquisite miniature paintings, glass and mirror inlay work. Proceed to the top of the hill to watch the sun set over the hills.
Day 12: Dungarpur - Udaipur
Morning drive to Udaipur. Afternoon motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. Visit the Jag Mandir Palace. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 13: Udaipur
Morning, sightseeing tour of Udaipur. This is possibly the most romantic city in Rajasthan. There would be no doubt as to why it is called the "Venice of the East". Maharana Udai Singh founded the city in 1568. Udaipur is full of palaces, temples and havelis, ranging from the modest to the extravagant. Visit the City Palace. At this palace complex, you will marvel at the rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows, inlaid marble balconies and the peacock courtyard. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari gardens, the Jagdish temple and the local folk museum. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14: Udaipur - Delhi
Morning transfer from hotel to the airport in time to take flight for Delhi. Meeting and assistance on arrival and check into hotel Taj Palace.
Evening transfer from hotel to the international airport to connect flight for onward destination.