Rajasthan Walking Duration: 6 Days / 5 nights Start: Delhi Finish: Udaipur Price From: $5,995pp (based on 4 people, double occupancy) Request your date for exact pricing. Designed by 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. This is one of our Private Ready-to-Book trips. Think of B&R s Ready-to-Book collection of carefully crafted itineraries as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer. These trips showcase the essential highlights of each destination, and because they are set to go, booking your private trip couldn t be easier.
Your Journey Experience the hustle of India s vibrant capital city, Delhi, before heading out to the rural lands of Rajasthan, where the city gives way to vast unrelenting deserts and abnormally green lush landscapes. Immerse yourself in the omnipresent colours and smells, maneuver an elephant traffic jam and explore the opulent palaces and forts where we will be staying. This is Butterfield & Robinson s India a land and people that conquer and create today, as much as they did centuries ago. Day 1 Jodhpur, India You will be picked up at your hotel in Delhi and driven to the airport in time for your flight to Jodhpur. Upon your arrival in the Blue City, we will embark on a walking tour where we ll navigate the crowded Indigo coloured houses, discovering the lesser known treasures of this magical city. Visit ancient temples, learn legends from the past, interact with Jodhpur locals and witness the local art and craft of majestic Marwar. Finish the day with an Aarti ceremony, a Hindu ritual of worship, at the ancient Krishna Temple. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Activity: 7 km (4 mi.) heritage walk through the winding alleys of Jodhpur s famous Blue City. Day 2 Today we begin with a morning excursion to the Dhani tribe, a remote tribal settlement in the heart of the vast Indian desert. Witness the locals in their daily routine and better understand the traditions and cultures of the Marwar region. Learn to churn butter, grind grain and even milk a camel if you dare! Later, embark on an evening walking tour through the old city s bazaar, known for its craft stores which manufacture and sell silver jewelry, lacquer ware, tie-dye fabrics, puppets and camel hide leather products. Tonight we have planned a private, curated visit to Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India, before finishing the day with a lovely dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Activity: A 5-10 km (3-6 mi.) flat walk through desert conditions, remote settlements, villages and one of India s grandest forts.
HOTEL Raas Hotel, 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. With its vistas and grand guestrooms, gardens and private stables, RAAS is a microcosm of the city. And, like virtually every home in Jodhpur, almost every room in the hotel enjoys a spectacular view of Mehrangarh Palace. Rawla Narlai Day 3 This morning, drive to Rohet Garh for an exciting jeep safari followed by lunch. This afternoon we will arrive in Narlai where we will enjoy a walking tour of the village and a visit to the local bazaar. Tonight, just before sunset we hike the 350 ft. elephant mountain next to our hotel to enjoy the infinite views of the desert alongside 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 Aravali hills on the other. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Activity: A jeep safari through the desert and 2 km (1.2 mi.) walk through a medieval village in the heart of Rajasthan with a climb up the sacred elephant mountain where Shiva is said to reside. HOTEL Rawla Narlai, Rajasthan This 17th century fortress was converted into this exclusive heritage hotel with carved pillars, murals and a covered veranda. The Rawla, Located in the heart of a typical Rajasthan village bustling with activity and bursting with color, is an oasis of serenity and offers a view of a gigantic (350 ft.) single rock of granite dotted with caves and temples, crowned by a statue of a white elephant.
Delwara Day 4 This morning, begin hiking the Kumbhalgarh Fort, one of the six Hill Forts of Rajasthan in northern India, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop for lunch at the Mountbatten lodge where you will then have the option to drive 30 minutes to see the superb white marble temples of Ranakpur. After checking in at Devi Garh Palace you have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Activity: 6 km (3.7 mi.) walk up to the Sanctuary of the magnificent Kumbhalgarh Fort. Day 5 Today we drive to Molela, home of the Maru potters who make an assortment of hand modeled votive plaques and idols. Like most crafts, the skills developed by these talented potters have been passed down through multiple generations. Typically, the women prepare the clay, a mix of rice husk and donkey dung, while the men create the idols and decorate them. The entire process is done by hand, there is no use of moulds or machines. Indulge in the culture and work alongside a potter, learning about the tradition of pottery and how it s been developed throughout the generations. 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, there were more than 360 temples in the village, but most of them were destroyed during the Mughal invasion. However, the local s enthusiasm for the rich heritage prompted India to keep the legacy alive by restoring quite a few temples which are still in great form, with intricate carvings on both marble and stone. The village walk is an exciting way to get insights in to the life of the locals, where traditions are still very much a part of the daily life. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Activity: A 5 km (3 mi.) walk through the pottery villages of Molela and a 6 km (3.7 mi.) village walk through Delwara, a walk that reflects the multiculturalism of this tiny heritage rich area.
HOTEL Devi Garh Palace, Delwara This stunning heritage hotel was once the palace of the Delwara rulers. The ancient exterior has been preserved, and interiors feature a minimalist contemporary design using local marble and semi-precious stones. Traditional materials and motifs adorn interiors, embodying the confluence between old and new and showcase an unforgettable style. Farewell Day 6 This morning you will be driven to Udaipur airport, about 40 km (25 mi.) from Devi Garh, to connect with international flights. If you would prefer to extend your stay in India there are plenty of amazing options which you can discuss with your trip designer.
The Details Pricing From: 2 travellers - $6,995 4 travellers - $5,995 6 travellers - $5,495 Start: Delhi Finish: Udaipur Best time to visit: October to March LEVEL OF ACTIVITY Recreational This trip is appropriate for people who enjoy a good walk and feel comfortable while on the move. WHAT S INCLUDED All hotel accommodation Meals as indicated Services of B&R-trained local guide(s) All special events and private tours All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off Business class flight to Jodhpur from Delhi & Jodhpur Delhi WHAT S NOT INCLUDED International flights Cancellation insurance Items of a personal nature Gratuity for local guides Visa to India
About our Private Trip Collection The ready-to-book trips in our Private Trip Collection offer all the hallmarks B&R s known for great hotels, unparalleled immersion and unforgettable experiences with the flexibility of going on your own schedule and with your own travel companions. Think of these trips as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer: simply pick your dates, back your bags, and go. How it Works 1. Get Inspired. Go to www.butterfield.com/tripfinder/?ftt=private to browse our Private Trip Collection and find a flavour of adventure that suits your palate. 2. Get in Touch. Found a trip that s caught your eye? Call our Private Travel Advisors at 1-800- 387-1147. Just give them a few details about your group and your preferred dates, and they ll spring into action. 3. Have it Tailored. Our ready-to-book Private Trips are designed to be enjoyed off-the-rack, but there is room for minor adjustments to fit the trip to your needs. Looking for something totally customized? One of our expert Private Trip Designers will take on your request and tailormake a Bespoke trip for you from scratch. 4. Pack your Prada. Once the date and the price is finalized, we ll take care of the rest, confirming hotels, finalizing events and mobilizing our expertly trained local partners. All you have to do is prepare to be transported 5. Bon Voyage! Next Steps READY TO BOOK? Contact us at 1-800-387-1147 or bespoke@butterfield.com with any remaining questions, or consult your travel professional. Note that a $500 deposit is required in order to reserve dates. After you ve booked, you will receive a confirmation package containing detailed information to help you prepare for your trip.