This two week itinerary takes you beyond the commonly travelled cities and towns to explore the hidden wonders of Rajasthan, including lesser visited ancient cities, sleepy villages and rural farming communities, giving an authentic experience of Rajasthan that eludes many others. From the bustling cities of Jaipur, Bundi and Nagaur to the rural villages of Chanoud, Deogarh and Shahpura, spend your days exploring fairy-tale forts, forgotten cities, ancient ruins and a vast rugged landscape.
This itinerary is perfect for second-time visitors to Rajasthan, who are looking to get off-the-beaten-track and gain a deeper insight into the traditional life and culture of the area. We can also easily add some more time in the major cities for first-time visitors wishing to explore the highlights as well as the hidden gems.
The trip begins in Jaipur, the biggest and brightest of Rajasthan's colourful cities. Upon arrival, you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to 47 Jobner Bagh, a charming boutique property in the heart of the city. The following day takes you to discover some of Jaipur's more off-the-beaten-track attractions, beginning the day with a guided walk to the settlement of the Meena Tribe, before ascending the Aravalli Hills on a historic path. Later that day, enjoy an open-top jeep safari through the rural villages outside of Jaipur, interacting with locals and enjoying a traditional farm lunch.
From Jaipur, it is approximately a four hour drive to the bustling city of Nagaur. The next two nights will be spent in the wonderfully romantic Ranvas, an exquisitely restored property housed in the ramparts of the 12th century Nagaur Fort. Spend your time at Ranvas exploring the fort's frescoed halls, pleasure pavilions and manicured gardens, strolling along the ramparts at dusk, relaxing by the swimming pool and enjoying a private lamp-lit dinner in one of the palace's courtyards.
On the morning of day five, you will be driven five hours to Chanoud Garh, a 300 year old palace in the small rural village of Chanoud. Chanoud Garh is a lovely place to unwind and experience the day-to-day life of rural Rajasthan. Excursions offered from the property include guided walks to the local village, cooking lessons and a jeep safari through the surrounding farmland and salt-pans beyond.
From Chanoud, you will be driven three hours to Dev Shree, a wonderful heritage retreat in the small town of Deogarh. Your time at Dev Shree is free to spend how you wish. We would recommend exploring the surrounding rugged mountain scenery and taking part in some of the excursions offered by the property, including local village walks, bird-watching, historical site visits and culinary workshops.
From Chanoud, it's approximately a five hour drive to Shahpura, a quiet town surrounded by green hills, vast fields and glistening lakes. You will spend the next two nights at Shahpura Bagh, an absolute gem of a heritage property offering an authentic taste of rural Rajasthan in an unspoilt rural setting. Your time in Shahpura is free to spend how you wish, relaxing by the Shahpura Bagh's outdoor pool, lounging amongst the 45 acres of lush gardens or enjoying expeditions to the explore local villages, temples and palaces well off the common tourist path.
On the morning of day 11, you will be driven approximately two hours to Bundi, an ancient city brimming with murals, extravagant stepwells and an extraordinary hillside palace. Upon arrival, check-in to Bundi Vilas, a small heritage hotel built against the rampart walls of the city palace that boasts wonderful views of both the palace and the Jait Sagar Lake below. The following day, enjoy private tour of Bundi, visiting its ornate forts, palaces, stepwell reservoirs and the Taragarh Fort.
Finishing the trip where you started, today you will be driven back to 47 Jobner Bagh for one final night in Jaipur. The following morning you will be taken to Jaipur airport in time to board your flight back home.
Our India travel specialists have travelled all around Rajasthan, and can give you honest opinions from their first-hand experience to help design the most amazing holiday. Call 020 3141 2850 and we will start designing a holiday tailored specifically to you.
The second season - technically the "Monsoon" (although in reality Rajasthan never receives much rainfall) extends from July to September. The temperature drops slightly, and humidity increases. 90% of the rain Rajasthan can expect occurs during this period. Lakes and rivers will be higher from mountain run-off and flowers and grasses come to life, bringing added colour to the landscape.