+44 (0)20 8741 7390 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. After a chance to explore some of the Mughal and colonial highlights of the Indian capital, this fascinating journey then takes you on to the beautiful havelis of Mandawa, before continuing to Bikaner and Jaisalmer. Lying in the heart of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer provides your gateway on to the Manvar Desert Camp and a chance to ride camels amongst the desert dunes. From here you ll travel on to Jodphur and the spectacular fortress of Meherangarh, before continuing through the Indian countryside to Rohet, Kumbhalgarh and the beautiful 15th century Jain temple at Ranakpur. The journey finishes amongst the lakes and palaces of Udaipur, a city that was once dubbed the Venice of the East and today is home to some of the finest Rajput-era palaces in India. HIGHLIGHTS: Tour Old Delhi and explore the colonial grandeur of the Rajpath Visit the beautiful old havelis of Mandawa and the desert city of Jaisalmer Camel rides and camping in the spectacular Thar Desert Visit Jodhpur, Kumbhalgarh and the stunning Jain temple at Ranakpur Udaipur, India s stunning City of Lakes TOUR INCLUDES: 2 nights four star hotel, 1 night desert camp, 8 nights traditional properties, 3 nights boutique hotel 14 breakfasts and 1 dinner Private driver and vehicle Private guided sightseeing including all entrance fees Shared boat safari on Lake Pichola, Udaipur Private transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: DELHI Arrive at Delhi airport and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon we will give you your first taste of the characterful Indian capital with a look around the New Town, taking a trip down the Rajpath to Rajpati Bravhan and India Gate, followed by a walk through Lodi Gardens. DAY 2: DELHI This morning your guide will take you on a tour of Old Delhi, visiting the main cultural and historical sites of this fascinating ancient metropolis. Highlights will include the spice market, Jama Majid Mosque and the 17th Century Red Fort. You will stop for lunch at Connaught Place after which you can also visit the Mughal Humayun Tomb and Qutub Minar - Delhi's famous tower. At the end of the tour you will return to the hotel. (B) DAY 3: DELHI - MANDAWA This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Mandawa, a journey of approximately 8 hours. The traffic leaving Delhi tends to be slow but after passing through the suburbs the journey becomes more relaxing as you drive through towns and villages. On arrival to Mandawa you have the evening to enjoy the town, made famous for its beautifully designed, and painted, havelis - local townhouses. (B) DAY 4: MANDAWA - BIKANER This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Bikaner, which takes about 4 hours. After checking into your city centre hotel, you'll be able to take a guided tour of the colourful vegetable market. (B) DAY 5: BIKANER Today you will visit the sights of Bikaner, including the impressive Junagarh Fort, which boasts a series of impressive courtyards, balconies, towers and terraces, the Lallgarh Palace with its intricate latticework and its museum. At the end of the tour you will visit the National Research Centre on Camels, where you will have the opportunity to go for a ride. Return to the hotel. (B)
DAY 6: BIKANER - JAISALMER Morning transfer to Jaisalmer with your driver, stopping en route at the town of Phalodi, where you will visit a group of impressive of local temples. When you arrive in Jaisalmer you will have free time to enjoy this amazing town at your own pace. (B) DAY 7: JAISALMER Today you will have a full day city tour of Jaisalmer and the surrounding area. The day will start with a visit to Gadisar Lake with its old temples built between the 16th and 19th Centuries, you will then visit the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort and the Delwara Jain temples within it. (B) DAY 8: JAISALMER This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the Sam Sand Dunes for a full day camel riding excursion in the desert, visiting ethnic and Hindu villages during the day. You will enjoy sunset from Fort Khabha, which was one of the ruined villages of the Cast Paliwal Brahmins. After sunset you will return to your hotel. (B) DAY 9: JAISALMER - MANVAR Today your driver will transfer you to Manvar Desert Camp, which takes approximately 3 hours. For those that wish - and that are not too sore from the previous days endeavours - can ride to the camp on camels. (B,D) DAY 10: MANVAR - JODHPUR This morning you will be picked up by jeep from the camp and driven back to the road from where you will be transferred to your accommodation in Jodhpur. Once you have settled into the hotel your local guide will take you to visit the famous and towering Meherangarh Fort, which sprawls over the 125m-high hill and has been added to over the centuries by reigning Jodhpur Maharajas. Return to your hotel. (B) DAY 11: JODHPUR - ROHET After a morning checking out the vegetable market and the famous clock tower, you will be taken by private vehicle to the small village of Rohet - the journey usually takes approximately 1 hour. On arrival you will be taken to your beautiful rural hotel. (B)
DAY 12: ROHET - KUMBHALGARH & RANAKPUR- UDAIPUR This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Udaipur, stopping at various sights of interest en route. You will visit the stunning Kumbhalgarh 15th Century Fort in the Aravalli Hills. You will then visit Ranakpur, home to a beautiful 15th Century Jain temple made up of 29 halls and 1,444 intricately carved pillars, after which you will carry on to your hotel in Udaipur. (B) DAY 13: UDAIPUR Morning city tour of Udaipur, the Lake City; your local guide will collect you from your hotel and take you to visit the highlights of this beautiful city. You will visit the City Palace, which was built in 1559 A.D and sits on the edge of Lake Pichola, the Jagdish Temple, the Garden of the Maid's Honour; Sahelion Ki Bari, the remarkable Eklingji Temple located about 22km from the city centre. This evening you will go on a boat ride on Lake Pichola, passing by Jagniwas Island, which is home to the famous Lake Palace hotel and Jagmindir Island built by Maharaja Jagat Singh. (B) DAY 14: UDAIPUR Today you have free to enjoy Udaipur at your own pace. (B) DAY 15: UDAIPUR - DELHI Transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. (B)
ACCOMMODATION BIKANER BHANWAR NIWAS HOTEL A boutique heritage hotel in the old city - formed out of the beautiful Rampuri Palace - this is a great place to stay. Commissioned by the late Seth Bhanwarlalji Rampuria in 1927, the architecture of the haveli and its interiors is a fascinating blend of Indian and European styles, reflecting the fashion of the 1920 s. All the rooms are spacious, comfortable and individually styled and there is a large internal courtyard to enjoy evening shows and escape the desert sun. The large dining room serves delicous Indian vegetarian food making it very difficult to leave the glamorous haveli setting of the hotel. DELHI THE CLARIDGES The Claridges has been a veritable treasure in Lutyens Delhi since 1950's. Amidst the rush of new modernity, the soul of The Claridges lives on. Refurbished, redesigned and revitalized, the hotel now offers the guests an experience that is new and yet so familiar. The hotel is also in an excellent location just a short Auto ride from Khan Market and not much further to Connaught Place. The Claridges has appointed new management personnel to blend tradition with modernity, which gives it a completely refreshing look. Leading designers of international repute have helped enhance the heritage and elegance of this four star hotel. There are 132 different rooms and suites, all designed with an elegant blend of 19th century character and contemporary style. Wine and dine to your hearts content in the Dhaba, inspired by rustic Punjabi villages, the Jade, serving Chinese-Cantonese cuisine, Sevilla, for all your tapas needs, Pickwicks, a multicuisine buffet that is always open, Ye Old Bakery, where the corn pudding is a must try, and the Aura, a romantic, dimly lit bar. There is also a refreshing outdoor pool, indoor gym and relaxing spa to enjoy at the end of a busy day. JAISALMER KILLA BHAWAN Killa Bhawan is made of three converted town houses built into the fort walls, giving it rich atmosphere and stunning city views. A charming boutique lodge in the heart of the old city of Jaisalmer just opposite the famous Patwa Haveli, this intimate heritage property has just 9 rooms all individually styled with traditional Rajput flourishes such as four poster beds and bronze statues. The outdoor terrace is ideal for watching the glowing Jaisalmer sunset, and the red pillows and rugs balance out the rustic feel of the stone walls and intricate hand carved furniture and well-placed lamps create a cosy, glamorous Arabian ambiance. You can also enjoy yoga and massage at the lodge, which has an informal service yet personalised. A lovely, enchanting hotel. JODHPUR
AJIT BHAWAN The Ajit Bhawan Palace is the residence of the family of the Late General Maharaj Ajit Singh, younger brother of the late ruler, Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur. Built at the turn of the last century, this stately home served as a residence that attracted Princes and Statesmen, Artists and Hunters, an eclectic mix of the interesting and the mundane - all drawn from its true essence of Rajput hospitality. This four star hotel has 70 rooms in the form of suites and luxury tents and has a lovely ambience of intimacy and romance with plenty of outdoor space and water features, which create a relaxing atmosphere. The Jodhpur Cafe promises you a sumptuous breakfast with a lavish spread of Indian, continental, south Indian cuisine to begin your day. The Dhani live kitchen is open from October to April and it provides an open-air restaurant experience where traditionally dressed local women cook for you on earthen stoves. Enjoy a dip in the clear blue water pool before tasting the selection of fine wines and spirits in the J Bar, where beautiful artefacts hang on the wall and from the roof. KHANDELA CASTLE KHANDELA Set in the ancient town of Khandela in Northern Rajasthan, home to centuries of Rajput dynasties, Castle Khandela has been turned into a heritage hotel offering traditional elegance in a rural Indian setting. As a guest at Castle Kahandela, one can expect to meet Dr Singh, present day owner and descendant of a family who s inhabited the castle for nearly 500 years. Despite the somewhat neglected aspect of the exterior building, the rich cultural heritage is apparent in the architecture and decor, characterised by traditional wooden furniture and beautiful carved windows which adorn the hotel s 15 rooms. Similarly marble floors run under a vaulted gateway alongside the central courtyard, while a rooftop bar/restaurant offers beautiful views of the countryside although some may regret the absence of a swimming pool. However Castle Khandela is the only accommodation in town, implying that tourism is new to the region and as such there is an opportunity to get a genuine insight into rural Indian life, wandering the streets of Khandela and meeting the locals, without the hassle one would expect in more touristy places. MANDAWA CASTLE MANDAWA Well located in the heart of Mandawa this converted castle is a large historic, boutique hotel that was built in 1892 and has a real feel of crumbling glamour about it, with pictures of past kings lining the walls. There is also a lovely swimming pool area and ayurvedic spa in the well manicured gardens at the back of the property. There are lots of private spaces to relax and unwind after sightseeing and an outdoor swimming pool. All the rooms are spacious and individually styled with old world charm. The staff are friendly and accommodating. MANVAR
MANVAR DESERT CAMP Located 6 km from the town in the midst of the wilderness, surrounded by the sand dunes, is the splendid isolated splendour of the Manvar Tented Camp. The concept traces its birth to the 17th century when while on his way to the battlefields, the Mughal Emperor Jehangir, known for his luxurious lifestyle, used to set up royal style camps. These camps were equipped with all the amenities. This tradition has been recreated in the 30 luxury tents in the desert where you will be able to enjoy the peace and seclusion of this unique getaway. Spend your time here exploring several desert villages of the Shergarh area. Predominantly inhabited by Rajputs, this desert area has a rich legacy of generations engaged in pursuits that this region is famous for - incredible valour and martial excellence on the battlefield. Evocative of valour, glamour and romance, the desert warrior has played a key role in the numerous stories of adventure and glory that colour the pages of local lore and the annals of Indian history alike. ROHET ROHET GARH A decorative monumental outer wall with elaborate gates welcomes you to the refined interior of Rohet Garh. Lush green gardens with roaming wild peacocks and traditional Rajput flourishes in the architecture greet you on entry, along with a beautiful courtyard which houses an enticing swimming pool. The rooms that line the periphery of this wonderful property have either lake or garden views but all are gloriously decorated in the traditional local design. There is a spa with excellent treatments and a great restaurant and the Rohet family will do all they can to make sure your stay is a pleasurable one in this fantastic countryside retreat. UDAIPUR AMET HAVELI Located on a small peninsular that juts out onto Lake Pichola near the Hanuman Ghat and directly opposite the magnificent shoreline of Udaipur City Palace, this is one of the best-placed boutique accommodation options in Udaipur. This pretty 350-year-old haveli has enough charm and elegance to have found its way into glossy books on Indian style, and has the most beautiful panoramic lake views in Udaipur. Only 10 minutes walk away from town means it is in a quiet and peaceful area, so you can take in the spectacular views or just sit back and people watch. It is also well known for its excellent lakeside restaurant, the Ambrai. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com