Remote Sites & Desert Nights
Itinerary
- Itinerary:Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Pushkar - Deogarh - Chittorgarh - Udaipur - Chandelao - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
- Duration:21 days / 20 nights (flexible)
- Price:From £ 2,849.- per person (excluding flights)
Days 1-4 – Authentic starter pack
Settle gently into colourful and chaotic India, a riot on the senses. Touching down amidst the commotion of Delhi can be something of a culture shock, so this trip is designed to give you a softer landing. You’ll spend one night in Central Delhi before driving on to the Pink City of Jaipur, crammed with fairy-tale palaces, historic splendour and heaving bazaars stuffed with beautiful textiles. Your driver will then collect you and transfer you to Ranthambore National Park, a journey of around 5 hours.
Days 4-6 – Tigers and turrets
Search for wild tigers in a tropical jungle scattered with crumbling forts and nostalgic hideouts made for Maharajas. Ranthambore National Park is one of the best places to see wild tigers in the world. Race across untamed jungle in the twilight, keeping your eyes peeled for tigers, wild boar, sloth bears and Indian gazelles. It’s a place packed with atmosphere and natural beauty.
Days 6-7 – Camels and castles – Pushkar
Soak up the romance of Rajasthan, from mystic lake palaces to desert forts as you embark on an adventure travelling across this legendary state. Begin by visiting Pushkar, built around a beautiful holy lake, where you’ll see pilgrims bathing and singing softly.
Days 7-9 – Local train through the countryside
From Pushkar you’ll head to Deogarh. Nestled in the Rajasthan countryside sits this grand Maharaja’s palace, your home for the next couple of days. This makes a refreshing change from the nearby bustling cities. Enjoy the splendour of past eras whilst taking in the grand surroundings of this former Maharaja’s palace. On the second day you’ll pass sleepy villages, ox carts, and locals, whilst travelling on a historical local train from the 1930s.
Days 9-10 – Cooking curry in Chittorgarh
From Deogarh, your next stop is an enchanting place on top of a mountain, known as Chittorgarh Fort. You’ll be staying in a friendly hotel inside the fort walls which is home to Parvati and his family. They love good food and will to teach you how to make the tastiest curries. So roll up your sleeves and get helping in the kitchen, as you’ll be cooking a vegetarian curry for your dinner tonight.
Days 10-12 – Camels and castles – Udaipur
Today, you’ll travel to Udaipur, one of the most romantic cities in India, set around a mirror-like lake surrounded by green hills. You’ll spend two nights here, staying in a traditional haveli with a charming roof terrace looking out across Lake Pichola. You’ll explore the magical city of Udaipur, visiting the City Palace and the Jagdish Temple, with beautiful views over the Lake Palace. Enjoy a boat ride across the lake, wander through the old town, try your hand at haggling in the bazaars and snap up some samosas from a street food stall.
Days 12-13 – Camels and castles – Jodhpur
Today, you’ll set off for Jodhpur, also known as ‘The Blue City’ and home of the dramatic Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most impressive Mughal forts in India. On the way, you’ll stop to visit the striking Jain temple of Ranakpur, nestled in a beautiful green valley. The enormous temple complex has 1444 pillars with incredibly elaborate carvings. In Jodhpur, you can wander through the narrow alleyways of the city, where rope-makers colour their warps and spice-sellers display their aromatic wares.
Days 13-14 – Water pots and saris
Only an hour away from Jodhpur lies a small rural village that will no doubt have you amazed. Stay in a remote rural fort, meet the villagers and learn about local ways. You’ll sleep in a fort dating back over 300 years, packed with atmosphere and history – a homestay with a royal twist. Chandelao is a community initiative in the heart of Rajasthan, helping the villagers earn fair wages and teaching visitors about rural life. You’ll also take a jeep tour to the surrounding villages, giving you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into authentic rural life.
Days 14-16 – Golden city in the sands
Next, you’ll cross the desert to reach the Golden City, so called due its mystical fort which resembles a giant sandcastle. You’ll stay in a cosy authentic haveli. The following day, you’ll take a guided walk into the old town. The tangle of narrow streets is quite remarkable with beautifully carved Jain temples and five interconnected palaces. You’ll then spend another night in your haveli before continuing with your trip the next day.
Days 16-19 – Desert forts and clay huts
Explore dust-swirled desert towns and sleep in a traditional clay hut in one of India’s most remote and mystic regions. You’ll travel from the golden fort of Jaisalmer through the vast Thar desert towards the ‘Red City’ of Bikaner. Next, you’ll move on to remote pockets of Shekhawati, a once-important region on the caravan route, filled with clusters of brightly coloured havelis.
Days 19-20 – Delhi and departure
Today, you’ll travel back to Delhi, a drive of approximately 5 hours. You’ll be whisked to your hotel, near to the alleyways and spice bazaars of Old Delhi, a great location for some last-minute souvenirs. The following day, you’ll grab your bags and check out of your hotel. We’ll arrange a transfer to the airport for the beginning of your journey home.
