A ten-day trip from Delhi to the azure old town of Jodhpur before a night in a desert castle, a luxury leopard safari and two nights in Udaipur
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
What's included
- A private guide accompanying you from arrival to departure
- Private tours in Delhi, Jodhpur and Udaipur
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Two nights at JAWAI and one night at Mihir Garh on a full board basis
- Private transfers and domestic flights
- Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
At a glance
Discover Delhi and the jewels of Rajasthan on a luxury ten-day active adventure across this incredible corner of India, accompanied the whole way by your very own expert guide.
Begin with two nights in the thronging metropolis of Delhi, starting with a meditative yoga session before exploring grand New Delhi and then the jumbled old city, seeing two contrasting sides of this dynamic capital.
Next, fly southwest into Rajasthan and the glorious city of Jodhpur, with its iconic blue old town overlooked by the great Mehrangarh Fort. As well as touring these incredible sites with your guide, you’ll soak up the atmosphere of a local bazaar and head out of town on a bike ride to visit the workshop of a master carpet weaver.
The two-wheeled adventure continues as you cycle south through rural Rajasthan to the extraordinary Mihir Gahr, a boutique fortress, for a night among the dunes of the Thar Desert. Meet the locals on a fascinating village tour before continuing to another luxury gem, JAWAI, for three days of game drives out to spot the area’s famed leopards, country walks with red-turbaned Rabari herdsmen and sheer relaxation in this most peaceful of places.
Your southward journey ends at the lakes of Udaipur, a spectacular city of palaces and temples surrounded by the Aravalli Hills. See the best of this romantic setting’s architectural wonders, meet local artists and tour the scenic countryside on a final cycling excursion.
Example trip itinerary
Delhi
On exiting the aircraft, you will be met and assisted through the airport’s immigration and baggage reclaim.
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel with guide
Accommodation in Delhi
Delhi
Overview
With its clean lines, crisp decor and modern take on Moghul architecture, The Lodhi is a cool and contemporary hotel in the heart of New Delhi.
Despite being set within seven acres of grounds, the hotel has just 40 rooms giving it an intimate and exlusive feel. Rooms are elegantly styled in shades of dusky blue, grey and green and come with private balconies and plunge pools. Huge glass windows offer views out across Humayun’s Tomb and the Lodhi Gardens, from which the hotel takes its name.
Sophisticated design touches prevail thoughout, from the light installations and sculptures to the gallery space in the foyer showcasing the work of contemporary Indian artists. The hotel’s restaurant, On the Waterfront, has a real buzz about it, with the ground floor overlooking a reflection pool and a glass pavillion for private parties. The Elan focuses on India’s diverse culinary traditions, and here you can same local delicacies from the north to the south.
The library and cigar lounge are peaceful retreats in which to escape with a good book, while for those wanting to stretch their legs there is a 50m lap pool, three tennis courts, squash courts and a gym. Delhi Golf Club is also located opposite the hotel. After a day of sightseeing and exploring the city, relax in the tranquil spa which offers a range of traditional Indian treatments and therapies.
→ Find out moreDelhi
Overview
A driveway lined with tall palm trees leads to the grand white facade of The Imperial, one of Delhi’s most iconic hotels. Harking back to the days of the Raj, The Imperial is filled with old-world charm, its fascinating history a permanent presence.
The opulence of colonial India is felt from the moment you enter; the high ceilings, crystal chandeliers and artwork from the 18th and 19th centuries giving a sense of grandeur. Rooms are beautifully styled with antique furniture, marble floors covered in Indian rugs, and photographs of iconic Indian landmarks and events on the walls.
When the hotel opened its doors in the 30s, it became a meeting point for figures including Nehru, Ghandi, Jinnah and Lord Mountbatton who came to discuss the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan. Photographs of the various battalions during the British Raj adorn the walls and the 1911 Restaurant is a celebration of the year Delhi became the new capital of India.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eating and drinking, with four restaurants offering south east Asian, gourmet Indian and European cuisine. There is also a pastry shop and a tea lounge with a glass domed ceiling and tinkling fountain and the hotel’s two bars are some of the city’s most popular.
An outdoor swimming pool is set within the verdant gardens of the hotel and there is a spa offering Ayurvedic therapies for when you want to simply drift away. Once you’ve recharged your batteries, head out and explore Delhi – you’re ideally located on Janpath, just moments from the renowned shopping district of Connaught Place and a short rickshaw ride from India Gate.
→ Find out moreWith a population of over 18 million, Delhi is an international metropolis. Perhaps daunting at first sight, a little exploring soon reveals a rich, diverse and fascinating culture. Throughout most of its history, it has served as the capital of various kingdoms and empires, captured and rebuilt time and time again. Every dynasty left its mark and as you start to explore, you’ll discover reminders and relics from this colossal game of pass the parcel.
As well as centuries worth of history to explore, Delhi is also one of the best places in India to shop, try the many different styles of food and experience the buzz of a city where its millions of inhabitants are going about their daily business. And if weaving your way in and out of the rickshaws and cyclists ever starts to get too much, turn the corner and you’ll find a tranquil garden or a quiet enclave in which to stop, gather your thoughts and recharge.
Head to Lodi Gardens, a park in New Delhi, to start your day with a relaxing yoga session.
Explore New Delhi, an area within Delhi built as the seat of the British Indian government in the early twentieth century. Much of the design was by architect Edwins Lutyens, and thus it is referred to as Lutyens' Delhi, who invented his own order of classical architecture. There are grand buildings, such as Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly known as Viceroy’s House), as well as the Lutyens Bungalow Zone, a green area of residential buildings that has the most expensive real estate in India and possibly the world. You’ll also see Humayun's Tomb, built in 1570 as the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent.
In complete contrast to the new city, the old city is a labyrinthine maze of lanes overhung by a tangled mass of electric wires. Within this chaos lies a semblance of order – each lane in this area is dedicated to a particular item, rather like a department store. There are lanes selling bangles, grocers, items used in weddings, silverware, clothes, spices and shoes. Sharing the same space are vendors with carts selling a variety of items, street side dentists, natural healers and cobblers. The old city has space for all professions. You will explore the old city in cycle rickshaws and will also walk along some of the more interesting alleys.
Transfer
Private transfer to Delhi airport with guide
Flight
Flight from Delhi to Jodhpur
Jodhpur
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel with guide
Accommodation in Jodhpur
Jodhpur
Overview
Sat upon Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is a grand piece of Rajasthan’s heritage, built between 1928 and 1943 as one of the world’s largest private residences and India’s last truly great palace.
Still home to the former Jodhpur royal family, part of the monumental structure has been transformed into a luxurious hotel where butlers await to treat you like a personal guest of the Maharaja.
An immense domed lobby, a space which uses the same fine marble you’ll find at the Taj Mahal, leads to 22 rooms and 42 suites, each a celebration of the palace’s unique art deco style.
Dining at the Umaid Bhawan Palace is similarly resplendent, especially so at Risala with Rajasthani thali offerings that were once reserved for the most prosperous of royalty. Open-air Pillars is a little more leisurely with spectacular views of the city and Mehrangarh Fort. The royal champagne breakfast here is a particularly indulgent way to start the day. The Trophy Bar is a warm setting for cocktails, cigars and light bites while private dining in a range of fairy-tale settings throughout the acres of grounds can be arranged.
After a day exploring the Blue City, return to the palace to unwind in the Jiva Spa, cool off in the sparkling indoor pool, learn more about the building’s heritage on guided walks or perhaps work up a sweat on the tennis and squash courts.
→ Find out moreJodhpur
Overview
Located in the shadow of the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, RAAS Jodhpur is a beautiful boutique hotel that flawlessly blends traditional Rajisthani architecture with contemporary design.
The hotel comprises four buildings, the oldest of which was built in the late 18th century and would have served as the Maharaja’s family residence. Three contemporary buildings surround the original haveli, constructed from the local rose-red sandstone so as to maintain a harmony between old and new.
With just 39 rooms, RAAS has a real boutique feel to it. Decor is sleek and understated so as not to detract from the beautiful views of the fort which can be enjoyed from almost every room in the hotel. Some of the suites feature exposed sandstone walls and elegant arches while every room leads out onto a balcony from which to soak up the surroundings.
Walking between the buildings you’ll wind your way through tranquil gardens to a soundtrack of lemongrass swaying gently in the breeze and the occasional splash as a frog leaps into the cool waters of the pond. An outdoor pool is surrounded by cabanas under which you can escape the sun and there is a spa offering a range of holistic treatments.
With seasonal vegetables and herbs grown in their own organic garden and spices hand selected from a 200-year-old spice shop, the cuisine here is something really special. Choose to enjoy your meals in the dining room or head out onto the terrace for a romantic meal overlooking the illuminated fort. Jodhpur is a fascinating place and you’re ideally situated to explore the Blue City being just a short walk from the Clock Tower and the bustling markets.
→ Find out moreRajasthan’s second largest city, historic Jodhpur may just be its most photogenic. Known as the Blue City, its 16th century old town is crammed with hundreds of houses painted bright shades of blue, connected by labyrinthine streets, bustling spice bazaars and flitting multi-hued saris, all overlooked by the immense Mehrangarh Fort.
Head to the Sadr Bazaar in the old city where you can shop for Jodhpur’s famous glass bangles, rugged camel leather mojri slippers and incredible fabrics. You will stop at the a famous place in the market that makes the famous Jodhpur ‘mirchi pakora’ - large chilies fried in batter - and a famous lassi shop that makes a variety of yogurt smoothies.
Start the day with a relaxing yoga session.
Drive out of the city before beginning a leisurely cycling trip of around 2 hours, weaving through farmland and small patches of bush, ending in Salawas at the home of the most famous dhurry rug maker in Rajasthan, if not India.
Explore the stunning Mehrangarh Fort with your guide, one of the largest forts in India. Built around 1460, with cliff sides chiselled flat to make them unscalable and monumental walls built on top, the vast complex envelops several of Rajasthan’s most beautiful palaces, a series of cool courtyards and an extensive garden. Grand gates bear the marks of numerous failed sieges and its museum holds a stunning array of arms, costumes and artwork from the Marwar kingdom’s glorious zenith.
Walk among the exquisitely carved havelis and lesser known bazaars of the Blue City. This area of the city was primarily inhabited by Brahmins, the highest castes of Hinduism who chose to add a bit of Indigo while colouring their houses. Walking through the residential areas you head towards the bustling bazaars of the walled city, exploring its heritage of arts and craft from sword makers to perfume makers. The range of activity is fascinating. You will also visit the Kishanji Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna which is famous for its garland makers and sweet shops.
Rural Rajasthan
Drive a short way out of town before beginning a leisurely 3 hour cycle south through rural Rajasthan to Mihir Garh, a luxury castle in the desert. For those who would rather be driven, a vehicle will be on hand.
Check in to your suite at Mihir Gahr.
Experience the wild setting on a range of excursions such as horse riding on fine specimens of the hardy Marwari breed, tours to nearby villages to learn about the unique culture of rural Rajasthan, picnics in the deserts and bird watching. A really special experience is a ‘shikar’ dinner in the desert, a traditional hunting feast by the fire out in the dunes under the stars before a camel ride back to the fort.
Visit a nearby Bishnoi village, a religious group found here in the Western Thar Desert and northern states of India. They follow a set of 29 principles given by Guru Jambheshwar in the 15th century, who taught that trees and wildlife should be protected, prophesying that harming the environment means harming oneself.
Transfer
Transfer to JAWAI
Check in to your luxurious tent at JAWAI.
Explore this remote corner of Rajasthan on a variety of beguiling activities, from game drives out to spot leopards and other wildlife, to bird watching walks (there are 170 species of birds here including flamingos), strolls with the local shepherds or more challenging treks. You can also visit nearby temples and forts, take mountain bikes out to discover the landscape or relax with yoga sessions in wonderfully secluded locations.
Transfer
Private transfer from JAWAI to Udaipur via Ranakpur with guide
Udaipur
Accommodation in Udaipur
Udaipur
Overview
On the banks of Lake Pichola across the waters from Udaipur, The Oberoi Udaivilas stands surrounded by lush gardens and the forests of what were once royal hunting grounds.
The hotel itself is a sprawling palace of ornate domes, breezy courtyards and sunlit corridors – an architectural reflection of Udaipur’s lakes and canals – with glimpses out to Pichola and verdant grounds.
There are 86 rooms and suites, many of which open out onto azure private and semi-private swimming pools with views across the lake to Udaipur’s City Palace, while others look into the estate’s gardens and wildlife sanctuary – home to deer and wild boar. The style is a blend of ornate Mewar with subtle modern amenities. In addition to private pools, the suites feature their own outdoor dining pavilions.
During your time here, explore Udaipur and beyond on private boat and walking tours, venture out into the Aravalli Hills to visit remote tribes and hidden temples, or relax with indulgent spa therapies and yoga sessions.
Suryamahal and Chandni are all-day indoor and outdoor dining venues for multicultural cuisine, with Udaimahal the place for fine Indian dining. Unique dining experiences, such as learning to cook with the chef, lunching while cruising on the lake and intimate private dinners can also be arranged. And naturally the bar is an elegant venue for classic cocktails.
→ Find out moreUdaipur
Highlights
- 66 rooms and 17 suites
- Three restaurants and a bar
- Jiva Spa Boat
- Large outdoor pool
- Classic car hire
- Heritage walks
- Boat rides on Lake Pichola
- Private dining experiences
- City tours
Overview
Built as a pleasure palace by a young prince in 1746, it has since been tactfully restored to its former glory, its fine white marble walls glowing orange at sunrise and purple at dusk
66 rooms and 17 suites are designed to capture a different mood and period from the palace’s long history, each with stunning views across the lake to the surrounding hills and Udaipur or into the lush courtyard gardens.
This spectacular setting is best enjoyed in its panoramic glory from the rooftop Bhairo restaurant. Neel Kamal is the place for authentic Indian specialities, or Jarokha if you’re after a more informal spot to eat throughout the day. Unforgettable private dining experiences – such as out on the lake aboard a 150-year-old boat – can also be arranged.
During the day, find secluded spots around the palace to relax, bathe in the swimming pool, treat yourself on the Jiva Spa Boat or spend some time at handsome Amrit Sagar bar. Across the lake’s waters, explore Udaipur on city tours, heritage walks and even hire a vintage car for the day.
→ Find out moreUdaipur
Overview
The Leela Palace Udaipur is a spectacular modern incarnation of a Mewari palace, reached by an ever-so-romantic boat cruise. But, as grand as the building is, it is the views over the waters of Lake Pichola to the City Palace and the Aravalli mountains beyond that steal the show.
All 72 rooms and 8 suites make the most of the lakeward vista. Each are embellished with traditional elements of Rajasthan design and a roster of contemporary luxuries.
Around the grounds you’ll find a huge lakeside swimming pool, ornate courtyards and a fabulous spa. Dining in the city has been taken up a notch by the fine Indian fare on offer at Sheesh Mahal and intricate international cuisine at The Dining Room. There’s also a well-stocked wine cellar and bar.
Activities on offer from The Leela Palace include heritage walks of nearby architectural gems, lake cruises, horse and camel rides, tours to rural villages outside Udaipur, antique shopping and more.
→ Find out moreUdaipur
Overview
Situated in the heart of the countryside, a little way north of Udaipur, RAAS Devigarh is a romantic hill-top palace that has been sensitively transformed into a luxurious boutique retreat.
The dramatic rural setting and ornate 250-year-old architecture have been allowed to take centre stage as interiors were renovated in a minimalist style, a unique blend of traditional Indian craftsmanship and subtle modern touches.
There are 39 suites, all large and light with mother-of-pearl headboards and marble-based beds. Some have balconies and window seats – perfect nooks to spend a little time with a book from the library – and others with particularly impressive bathrooms and private sun decks.
Start your days here with a rooftop yoga session as the sun rises over the Aravalli Hills before a day out exploring the surrounding countryside by horse, mountain bike or on foot. There are also excursions to nearby villages and ancient Jain temples as well as into Udaipur itself.
Return to the pampering spa, then enjoy a sunset from the bar, ending the day with wonderfully fresh Indian and international cuisine at the restaurant.
→ Find out moreThe scenic city of Udaipur sits surrounded on all sides by the wooded Aravalli Hills, its grand palaces reflected in serene lakes. The old city is a bustling jumble of alleys and side streets, but tranquility is never far away, be it boating on one of the lakes or a panoramic view from the hilltop Monsoon Temple. For shoppers, Udaipur’s ancient bazaars and a vibrant arts scene make it a great place to find intricate Mughal inspired miniature paintings, marble and silver craft. For those seeking some adventure, the rolling countryside outside the city can be explored on foot or horseback.
The City Palace, sat on the banks of Lake Pichola, is one of the architectural wonders of Rajasthan, its detailed art and workmanship a tribute to the skills of local craftspeople. A collection of towers, domes and arches, the Palace illustrates several architectural styles including Moghal and Rajput. The royal family claim to be 'surya vansh', descendents of the sun, and so the whole structure faces east and there is a stunning bejewelled image of the sun at the entrance. Inside the Palace there is an interesting collection of Rajput miniature paintings and the Crystal Gallery which houses an eccentric collection of art and furniture.
Enjoy wandering the old city with your guide, winding your way through lanes that teem with cows, elephants and people. You'll pass shops, folk art hung on the walls of houses and pretty latticed haveli windows.
Jal Sanjhvi is the art of drawing on water, a popular ritual performed at temples dedicated to Krishna where coloured powders are used to draw iconic images onto water. A full canvas takes about five hours to create, and you'll arrive in time to see the picture completed.
This is a great introductory ride to see a very pretty side of Udaipur rarely visited by tourists. You will be taken by boat to a jetty where you will hop on your bikes ready to explore. Ride past the three lakes west of Udaipur town and through nearby villages, farms, and rolling green hills.
Transfer
Private transfer to Udaipur airport with guide
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An Active Adventure in Delhi and Rajasthan
How we work
Discover Delhi and the jewels of Rajasthan on a luxury ten-day active adventure across this incredible corner of India, accompanied the whole way by your very own expert guide. Begin with two nights in the thronging metropolis of Delhi, starting with a meditative yoga session before exploring grand New Delhi and then the jumbled old city, seeing two contrasting sides of this dynamic capital. Next, fly southwest into Rajasthan and the glorious city of Jodhpur, with its iconic blue old town overlooked by the great Mehrangarh Fort. As well as touring these incredible sites with your guide, you’ll soak up the atmosphere of a local bazaar and head out of town on a bike ride to visit the workshop of a master carpet weaver. The two-wheeled adventure continues as you cycle south through rural Rajasthan to the extraordinary Mihir Gahr, a boutique fortress, for a night among the dunes of the Thar Desert. Meet the locals on a fascinating village tour before continuing to another luxury gem, JAWAI, for three days of game drives out to spot the area’s famed leopards, country walks with red-turbaned Rabari herdsmen and sheer relaxation in this most peaceful of places. Your southward journey ends at the lakes of Udaipur, a spectacular city of palaces and temples surrounded by the Aravalli Hills. See the best of this romantic setting’s architectural wonders, meet local artists and tour the scenic countryside on a final cycling excursion. | Whats included?
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Days 1-3 |
Delhi |
Airport assistance at Delhi Airport On exiting the aircraft, you will be met and assisted through the airport’s immigration and baggage reclaim. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel with guide |
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Accommodation in Delhi
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The Lodhi - $$$$$
With its clean lines, crisp decor and modern take on Moghul architecture, The Lodhi is a cool...
•
The Imperial - $$$$$
A driveway lined with tall palm trees leads to the grand white facade of The Imperial, one of...
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Two nights in Delhi With a population of over 18 million, Delhi is an international metropolis. Perhaps daunting at first sight, a little exploring soon reveals a rich, diverse and fascinating culture. Throughout most of its history, it has served as the capital of various kingdoms and empires, captured and rebuilt time and time again. Every dynasty left its mark and as you start to explore, you’ll discover reminders and relics from this colossal game of pass the parcel.
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Morning yoga session in Delhi Head to Lodi Gardens, a park in New Delhi, to start your day with a relaxing yoga session. |
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New Delhi tour Explore New Delhi, an area within Delhi built as the seat of the British Indian government in the early twentieth century. Much of the design was by architect Edwins Lutyens, and thus it is referred to as Lutyens' Delhi, who invented his own order of classical architecture. There are grand buildings, such as Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly known as Viceroy’s House), as well as the Lutyens Bungalow Zone, a green area of residential buildings that has the most expensive real estate in India and possibly the world. You’ll also see Humayun's Tomb, built in 1570 as the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. |
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Old Delhi tour In complete contrast to the new city, the old city is a labyrinthine maze of lanes overhung by a tangled mass of electric wires. Within this chaos lies a semblance of order – each lane in this area is dedicated to a particular item, rather like a department store. There are lanes selling bangles, grocers, items used in weddings, silverware, clothes, spices and shoes. Sharing the same space are vendors with carts selling a variety of items, street side dentists, natural healers and cobblers. The old city has space for all professions. You will explore the old city in cycle rickshaws and will also walk along some of the more interesting alleys. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Delhi airport with guide |
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Flight from Delhi to Jodhpur | |
Days 3-5 |
Jodhpur |
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel with guide |
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Accommodation in Jodhpur
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Umaid Bhawan Palace - $$$$$
Sat upon Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is a grand piece...
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RAAS Jodhpur - $$$$$
Located in the shadow of the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, RAAS Jodhpur is a beautiful boutique...
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Two nights in Jodhpur Rajasthan’s second largest city, historic Jodhpur may just be its most photogenic. Known as the Blue City, its 16th century old town is crammed with hundreds of houses painted bright shades of blue, connected by labyrinthine streets, bustling spice bazaars and flitting multi-hued saris, all overlooked by the immense Mehrangarh Fort. |
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Sadr Bazaar tour Head to the Sadr Bazaar in the old city where you can shop for Jodhpur’s famous glass bangles, rugged camel leather mojri slippers and incredible fabrics. You will stop at the a famous place in the market that makes the famous Jodhpur ‘mirchi pakora’ - large chilies fried in batter - and a famous lassi shop that makes a variety of yogurt smoothies. |
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Morning yoga session in Jodhpur Start the day with a relaxing yoga session. |
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Cycling tour to Salawas Drive out of the city before beginning a leisurely cycling trip of around 2 hours, weaving through farmland and small patches of bush, ending in Salawas at the home of the most famous dhurry rug maker in Rajasthan, if not India. |
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Mehrangarh Fort tour Explore the stunning Mehrangarh Fort with your guide, one of the largest forts in India. Built around 1460, with cliff sides chiselled flat to make them unscalable and monumental walls built on top, the vast complex envelops several of Rajasthan’s most beautiful palaces, a series of cool courtyards and an extensive garden. Grand gates bear the marks of numerous failed sieges and its museum holds a stunning array of arms, costumes and artwork from the Marwar kingdom’s glorious zenith. |
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Blue City heritage walk Walk among the exquisitely carved havelis and lesser known bazaars of the Blue City. This area of the city was primarily inhabited by Brahmins, the highest castes of Hinduism who chose to add a bit of Indigo while colouring their houses. Walking through the residential areas you head towards the bustling bazaars of the walled city, exploring its heritage of arts and craft from sword makers to perfume makers. The range of activity is fascinating. You will also visit the Kishanji Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna which is famous for its garland makers and sweet shops. |
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Days |