Sameer\'s Rajasthan - Overland Trip

Itineraries

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to hotel. You will meet Sameer your guide today who will introduce you to Delhi. The mediaeval atmosphere of the bazaars of Old Delhi contrasts sharply with the open, spacious streets of New Delhi, the imperial city created as the capital of India by the British. We explore Delhi on our orientation tour.

We take the early morning air-conditioned Shatabdi Express to Jaipur and drive from here to the picturesque village of Pachewar. The houses here are mud-plastered and decorated with white lime paste. The road ends at the massive entrance of the 300-year old Pachewar Fort, our home for two nights. (B)

Pachewar’s fort is situated in an unspoilt atmosphere and a walk through village with its lake, cenotaphs, blue pottery kiln and metal toy makers, gives a good insight into rural life in India. The fort is also an ideal place for a Rajasthani cooking demonstration! (B)

We continue from Pachewar to the old walled town of Bundi. It is situated in a beautiful narrow valley, dominated by the imposing 14th Century Taragarh Fort, one of the most spectacular monuments of Rajasthan. (B)

We continue to Bijaipur, a quaint village whose elegant 200 year old palace is now the idyllic Hotel Castle Bijaipur. You can laze near the pool or explore the village, lakeside and nearby forts by cycle, horse or jeep or go trekking in the surrounding hills. (B)

On the way to Udaipur, we visit the colossal hilltop fort of Chittaurgarh, or Chittaur, which was the ancient capital of Mewar State, ruled by the Sisodia Rajputs. (B)

Set around the vast Pichola Lake and dominated by dramatic palaces, the White City of Udaipur is surely Rajasthan's most picturesque city. We visit the grand City Palace and take a relaxed sunset boat ride and to watch the ethereal Lake Palace floating in the centre. (B)

We drive to a tribal area north of Udaipur set amidst a valley with beautiful lakes, waterfalls and lush green countryside. We will take a village walk in the nearby tribal settlements and may take part in an archery competition! We stay the night in the nearby small town of Jojawar. (B)

The royal family of Rawla Jojawar is extremely charming and hospitable. Jeep safaris are organized by the family to the neighbouring tribal settlements. Also not to be missed is a short train safari that takes you through the picturesque Aravalli Hills. These hills are bordered by sand dunes and agricultural lands with the run-off creating picturesque ravines. (B)

Our next stop is Kumbhalgarh, famous for its 15th Century fort and game sanctuary. The huge stone bastion of Kumbhalgarh has 33 km of walls, in some places over 25 feet thick. From here we continue to Ranakpur, one of the biggest and most important clusters of Jain temples in India. (B) 

We drive to a small hamlet situated in south west Rajasthan, bordering the great Thar desert. We stay in a lovely heritage hotel whose owner organises interesting evening drives to look for leopards. (B)

We cross the Thar desert and drive via Barmer to the Golden City of Jaisalmer. This unique and fascinating desert city was founded in the 12th Century as a trading post. Its golden sandstone buildings have an unforgettable appearance rising from the huge expanse of the surrounding Thar Desert. (B)

We drive deep into the Thar Desert to commence our camel safari. Traversing a starkly beautiful wilderness of dunes, rock shelves and scrubland, we may catch sight of herds of chinkara antelope, and perhaps even glimpse the Great Indian bustard. We end our safari at our tented camp situated in a fabulous location next to rolling sand dunes. (BD)

We continue to Jodhpur where we visit the massive Meherangarh Fort and wander in the fascinating narrow lanes of the old city where you can find everything from handmade leather shoes and belts to traditional silver jewellery and fantastic tie and dye work on silk sarees and cloth. (B)

Just an hour’s drive away from the bustling city of Jodhpur, is the small village of Chandelao. Here you will find no other tourists, and the place therefore offers a great chance to the see village life, interact with the local community, and to learn about the art, culture and heritage of Rajasthan. (B)

Pushkar is a delightful little desert oasis. The town clings to the side of the beautiful Pushkar Lake, considered by Hindus to be extremely holy. Hundreds of small temples are built on the periphery of the lake with well designed, wide stone steps or ‘ghats’ leading down to the lake. (B)

The capital of the state of Rajasthan is popularly known as the ‘pink city’ as the buildings in its old, walled city are all constructed in pink coloured sandstone. It is one of the most interesting cities in India with exuberant 18th and 19th Century palaces including the famous façade of Hawa Mahal or ‘Palace of Winds’ and an exotic street life. We will also visit the iconic Amber Fort, standing imposingly over its surroundings, with a trail of painted elephants taking visitors up to its gates. (B)

We visit the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal and the stone observatory on our morning orientation tour. It is worthwhile spending any leisure time wandering through the bazaars. Jaipur is well known for its beautiful carpets, enameled ornaments, precious and semi precious stones, brass ornaments and many other arts and crafts. (B)

We drive from Jaipur to Agra, stopping en route to visit the deserted Moghul capital of Fatehpur Sikri. Wandering through the palaces it is easy to imagine that this was once a royal residence and a dynamic cultural centre. The white marble Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, Akbar's spiritual adviser, is now observed as a Muslim pilgrimage spot. (B)

The Taj Mahal is one of the most fascinating and beautiful monuments of the world. About 20,000 workers were employed in its construction, completed after some 20 years. So perfect are the proportions of the Taj and so exquisite its workmanship that this is really one of the world's most marvellous buildings. We visit the Taj Mahal and in the afternoon we return to Delhi. (B)

The tour ends in Delhi. (B)