Activity Level: Recreational Duration: 7 Days/6 Nights Delight Your Senses Experience India India is the land of kings and camels; where curry and karma entices, and desert mountains soar like nowhere else on earth. Beguile your senses with vibrant sights, smells and sounds, travelling from the bustling streets of New Delhi to the rural lands of Rajasthan. This journey abounds with authentic experiences the omnipresent colour, the alleyways of ancient towns, and the contrasting opulence of the palaces and forts we visit (and stay in). Go behind the scenes on a private tour of Mehrangarh Fort and immerse yourself in the culture of this remarkable land. This is B&R s India. THE B&R DIFFERENCE Travelling with B&R is what being alive is all about. It s action packed and incredibly invigorating with so many personal and group highlights that it s hard to single out just one. -Andrew Crowe WHY TRAVEL WITH B&R On this beautiful journey, you ll stay in some of the most unique and luxurious hotels India has to offer. With B&R, experience insider access like no other and find out what the real India is all about. Call us at 800 678 1147 the journey p.2 view > / notes from the road p.6 view > / the details p.7 view > / next steps p.8 view >
The Journey 2 the journey Days 1 & 2 Jodhpur THIS MORNING, YOU WILL BE PICKED UP FROM THE OBEROI Gurgaon hotel and assisted to the airport for your flight to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, we ll check-in and sit down for lunch at the hotel. After, set out for a walk in Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, located at the foot of Mehrangarh, Rajasthan s iconic fort. Spanning approximately 70 hectares (170 acres), the park was created in 2006 in an attempt to restore the natural ecology of the large, rocky wasteland next to Mehrangarh. You may also choose to explore the Mehrangarh fort by zip line! Go for a zip over the structure for extraordinary views of the fort, lakes and valley below. beautiful mirror-worked fabric, and antique embroidered cushion covers. Later, we ll stop at a market stall that s famous for its Jodhpur mirchi pakora (large chilies fried in batter) and a well-known lassi shop for a yogurt smoothie. This evening, we ll return to Mehrangarh Fort after it has closed its doors to the public. Our visit begins with a glass of champagne, as we take in the stunning sunset over the city from the ramparts of the fort. Shortly after, we ll take a private tour of the fort led by a curator who has been heavily involved in restoring this iconic site in Rajasthan. This morning, we ll further explore the Mehrangarh Fort with our guide. Towering 393 feet above the surrounding plain, its rugged exterior contains delicately latticed and decorated palaces. One of the best-run private museums in India, the fort contains period rooms, art collections, and a conservation center. After we ve explored the fort fully, we ll embark on a special curated walk of Jodhpur s Old City. Designed by the experts at B&R, this walk takes us past the lovely architecture of the havelis (townhouses), where we ll witness the many professions that exist within the Blue City. Take note of the colourful textile traditions typical of the area, including the vivid tie and dye fabric, HOTEL Raas Jodhpur, Jodhpur Situated in the north-eastern quarter of the Walled City, RAAS is comprised of 4 charismatic rose-red sandstone buildings dating back to the 18th century. Enjoy its vistas and grand guest rooms, gardens and private stables. And, like virtually every home in Jodhpur, almost every room in the hotel enjoys a spectacular view of Mehrangarh Palace. ACTIVITY Day 1: A 1-2 km (0.5-1 mi.) walk through Rao Jodha Desert Park. Day 2: A 1.5 km (1 mi.) walk through the Mehrangarh fort museum and a 6-7 km (4-4.5 mi.) walk in the Old City (shorter option is available).
The Journey 3 Days 3 & 4 Narlai Today, we hit the road towards Narlai. We stop along the way for an excursion into the countryside, where we will have a chance to meet some Bishnoi villagers. The Bishnoi people are known for their love and protection of wildlife and the environment they may even be one of the earliest conservationist groups in the world. This afternoon, we arrive in Narlai, where we ll take a walking tour of the village and visit the local bazaar. Tonight, just before sunset, we ll hike the nearby 350 foot Elephant Mountain to enjoy the infinite views of the desert, accompanied by refreshments. This single granite rock is dotted with caves and temples and is crowned by a statue of a white elephant the proud guardian to the open desert on one side and the crumbling Aravalli hills on the other. Complete the day with a relaxed rooftop café dinner. This morning, we ll rise for a leisurely 2-hour nature walk. Explore the rugged countryside and fields surrounding Narlai, keeping an eye out for beautiful birds and possibly even antelopes, jackals and hares. We ll spend the afternoon at our leisure, exploring the town or relaxing at the hotel. This evening as we assemble in the main courtyard, we ll be met by bullock carts and delivered to what is sure to be the highlight of the trip an unforgettable Stepwell dinner. HOTEL Rawla Narlai, Narlai This former hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Jodhpur is now a delightfully intimate retreat. Comfortable rooms and modern baths blend with the ancient aesthetics of Narlai, while the sound of gentle chanting from the many nearby temples adds a spiritual element to our stay. Chef Nate Singh prepares meals from secret recipes handed down for generations. ACTIVITY Day 3: A 25 km (15 mi.) Bishnoi Village safari ride. A 2 km (1 mi.) Narlai village walk. Day 4: a 7 km (4 mi.) nature walk through the Narlai countryside.
The Journey 4 Days 5 & 6 Delwara Today, we ll drive to Delwara, stopping en route to visit the towering Kumbhalgarh Fort, one of the six hill forts of Northern India s UNESCO-credited, Rajasthan. Then, drive 30 minutes to explore the superb white marble temples of Ranakpur village on a 3 to 4-hour village walk. Lunch is at the Mountbatten Lodge, followed by a visit to the Jain temple of Ranakpur, where Jain religion, a maze of 1,444 distinctly-made marble pillars and a humbling respect for life are at the forefront. After checking in at Devigarh, we ll spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring our new surroundings. This morning, we ll trek to the unforgettable Aravalli hills some of the oldest in the Indian peninsula and home to abundant bird and wildlife. We ll head to a famed religious temple, known locally as the Rashtrasena Mata temple, measuring a hefty 500 feet high! Upon reaching our destination, the breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and remote countryside will make this hike well worth the effort. Later this afternoon, take a guided walk to the historical village of Delwara (originally named Devkulpathan Nagri, or the Place Where God Studies ). In ancient times, Delwara housed more than 360 temples, though most of them were destroyed during the Mughal invasion. The locals enthusiasm to preserve their heritage, however, prompted officials to keep the legacy alive by restoring many of these temples and their intricate stone carvings, which you can still see today. The village walk is an exciting way to gain insight into the local culture, where traditions are still very much a part of daily life. Later, if we re up for it, we ll take a short drive to Eklingji temple for a short prayer ceremony before returning to the hotel. HOTEL Raas Devigarh, Delwara Tucked away in the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, this 18thC resort has undergone years of restoration to regain its past glory. An impressive structure, it is now a boutique hotel with 23 suites and six tents. Each suite is unique: luxurious and beautiful, embellished with marble and semi-precious stones, yet equipped with all the modern conveniences. ACTIVITY Day 5: Visit Kumbhalgarh Fort. Optional 3 to 4-hour Ranakpur village walk (15 km / 9 mi.). Day 6: A 4-hour hike to the Rashtrasena Mata temple through the Aravalli Hills (24 km / 15 mi.). City walk through Delwara (3 km / 2 mi.).
The Journey 5 Day 7 Udaipur: The Pearl of Rajasthan After saying a fond farewell to Devigarh, we ll drive to Udaipur. We ll visit the City Palace in daylight, paying close attention to the detailed art and workmanship a tribute to the skills of local artisans and craftspeople. Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, the palace is an architectural marvel, reflecting prevailing Mughal and Rajput influences. Keeping with the claim of the royal family that they are Suryavansha (descendents of the sun), the entire structure faces east and a stunning bejeweled image of the sun graces the entrance. Another point of interest here is the remarkable collection of Rajput miniature paintings and the Crystal Gallery with its rather eccentric collection of Object d art, household items and furniture. After our visit is complete, you will be assisted to the airport in time for your departure.
Notes From the Road 6 Of Magic and Majesty By Karen MacRae India has always captivated me. Stories of great kings, moguls, deserts, incredible forts, regal camels and great legends. As I spend more and more time in this fantastically interesting country, I have come to love it. Upon arriving for the first time, I was filled with trepidation. As I maneuvered my way around, I was overwhelmed at the sheer number of people, the sights, the sounds, the smells, but mostly the smiles. The spirit that dominates India s soul, the devotion and the incredible tolerance, friendliness and generosity are what truly captivate you. Travelling in India is a lesson of bewildering contradictions and welcomed unpredictability for nearly everything you hear about India, the opposite is true. Its mystifying architecture, bustling bazaars and magnificent temples astonish and delight. In the end, you surrender the futile intellectualizing and happily sip a cup of chai. India is a place to lose yourself, find yourself and to witness first hand a part of authenticity you ve never experienced before. It will blow your mind, break your heart, and lift your soul. Love it or hate it, you will never be indifferent, and you ll find it impossible to leave unchanged. B&R TRIP PLANNER Karen MacRae With stints living and working in Myanmar and Thailand before becoming B&R s Regional Director for India, Trip Designer Karen MacRae s résumé racked up nearly as many pages as her passport. She now combines the knowledge she gained during her decade in Asia with a passion that s followed her back to Toronto where she designs immersive adventures.
The Details 7 KAZAKHSTAN Delhi AFGHANISTAN IRAN PAKISTAN Delhi CHINA Jodhpur Narlai Udaipur INDIA Delwara India MYANMAR SRI LANKA 2018 Price: From $7,995 ($1,500 single supplement) Single supplement is based on the most affordable rooms within B&R s allocation. Upgrades often available. Duration 7 Days / 6 Nights Please see our website for list of departures. Start Delhi The Oberoi, Gurgaon Early-morning Finish Udaipur Airport Midday Indian Ocean the details HOTEL TYPE Signature Hotels Hotels on our Signature trips are unique expressions of the region. Oftentimes that means they ve had a previous life as a monastery or a castle, but in every case it means they offer both an exceptionally comfortable stay and a taste of the region s culture. Best of all, we re friends with our hoteliers. (Translation? Preferential treatment for you.) LEVEL OF ACTIVITY Recreational The walks on this trip range between 1-24 km (.5-15 mi.) per day over relatively flat terrain, with occasional steeper climbs. MORE INFO How do I get to Delhi? New Delhi has one international airport: Indira Gandhi International (formerly called Palam), 20 km outside the city centre. If you do not use B&R s pickup service (available for an additional fee), the next best way to get from the airport is to arrange a pickup through your hotel, since Delhi airport can be chaotic. Most international flights arrive in the early hours of the morning, so you will want to have a hotel room reserved ahead of time. WHAT S INCLUDED All hotel accommodation All meals, including wine Services of B&R guide(s) All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off All baggage transportation Detailed maps, route suggestions and water bottle Fast track at the airport All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service THE OBEROI, GURGAON www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-gurgaon/ Located just fifteen minutes from the airport, The Oberoi, Gurgaon is a nine-acre urban sanctuary. High ceilings and open spaces are filled with natural light, and afford refreshing views of the hotel s vast, azure reflection pool and verdant green wall. Fine-dining options abound and the 24-hour Oberoi Spa is a wonderful setting to refresh at the end of a fulfilling day sightseeing. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD. 2018 Butterfield & Robinson Inc.
Your Next Steps 8 your next steps FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/butterfieldandrobinson Like B&R on Facebook and get the latest news and photos from the road, updates from guides and more. Weather: Delhi month high low Jan/Feb 80 69 Mar/Apr 86 66 May/Jun 101 80 Jul/Aug 92 47 Sep/Oct 90 70 Nov/Dec 76 50 At Butterfield & Robinson, the guiding starts while you re still at home. We make sure you know everything you need to know before you ve even left your living room. READY TO BOOK? Call or email a Travel Advisor (or your travel agent) with any remaining questions, and to reserve your space. 1-800-678-1147 / Reserve your flights to and from the region. Book your night before hotel. Make sure your passport is up to date. Enquire after travel insurance. Once you are confirmed on a B&R trip, you will receive a Confirmation Email that links to tons of information to help you prepare for your trip. Then, about a month before you leave, we will send you a list of your fellow travellers, final rendezvous instructions and your hotel contact numbers. ROOM UPGRADE If you would like to upgrade your accommodation on this trip, please enquire at time of booking to learn cost and availability. EXTENDING YOUR TRIP Please let us know if you would like assistance with any pre/post travel in India anywhere from Bombay to Kerala, Sri Lanka, The Himalayas and beyond. We would be happy to assist you. STAY IN TOUCH! Sign up to receive The Slow Road our e-newsletter that is full of travel news, unique offers and B&R insider info. In the meantime, if you have any questions about your B&R experience big, small or downright quirky please call a Travel Advisor, or contact your travel professional. We are always happy to help. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD. 2018 Butterfield & Robinson Inc.