Witness breathtaking Himalayan views from scenic passes like Dochula and trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Fort Barli
Highlights
Historic fort stay,
Village views,
Heritage charm
Best for
Couples,
Solos,
Heritage Enthusiasts
This intimate heritage hotel is oozing with character and charm.
Located within three hours from Jaipur and Jodhpur by car, the hotel is family-run by descendants of Barli warriors. The 330-year-old fort has been lovingly converted into a characterful heritage hotel that seeks to recreate the ambience from the Rajput era. The owners are more than happy to share their knowledge and history of Thakur life.
Come here if you enjoy staying in an intimate and historic family-run operation where you can chat to the owners and enjoy the simple pleasures of village life. Don’t come here if you want a slick operation with five-star facilities, fine dining, and impeccable service.
From the hotel, you’ll get a birdseye view of Barli. On-site, there’s a small pool, but facilities are somewhat limited. This is not a particularly high-end heritage hotel, but rather a homely and intimate place where you can chat with the owners and find out about life in the village.
The Rooms
There are eight rooms in total, and all of them are unique, adapted from the original fort structure and furnished by Rajasthani artisans.
What You’ll Find:
- Eight heritage rooms with traditional Rajasthani design
- Family hosting with stories of Barli’s history and village life
- Peaceful setting with a focus on atmosphere
Why You'll Love It:
- Stay in a living fort with a warm, personal welcome from its noble descendants
- Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Barli village from the ramparts
- Step back into Rajasthan’s past without the distractions of modern tourism
Explore ETG's Sample Itineraries in India
A few of our favourite routes, hand-picked by the team and ripe for tweaking.
Think of them as conversation starters. Curiosity sparkers. Not fixed plans, just ideas for what your holiday could look like, shaped by years of local know-how and the kind of immersive experiences that live long in the memory.
Showing 4 Featured Itineraries
Explore Full Itinerary
Agra
Regal Residences of Rajasthan
This is a far cry from the tired old route that almost everyone takes through India’s Golden Triangle. We know that you’re not everyone. Veer off the tourist trail into the heartlands of Rajasthan to feel the true essence of timeless and, yes, incredible India.
You’ll still be able to experience the manic magic of Delhi, the warm pink hues of Japiur and the magnificence of the Taj Mahal. But you’ll also experience so much more by staying in some of the country’s best heritage properties, brought to life by charismatic hosts. You’ll get the best of both worlds – and be amazed that the rest of the world doesn’t seem to be in on the secret. Shhh!
Highlights
Chambal River
Explore magnificent and lesser-visited sites on the banks of the Chambal River
Heritage properties
Experience a flavour of rural and royal Rajasthan in two contrasting rural palaces
Taj Mahal
Admire the marble magnificence of the Taj Mahal
Gallery
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Agra
The Golden Triangle & The Himalayas
This is a proper adventure, taking in the riches of Rajasthan before venturing deep into the Himalayas to explore the off-the-beaten-track Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. After tiger-spotting in Corbett, escape to the unspoiled Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. Here, colonial-era hill stations and quiet Himalayan villages offer a slower pace and extraordinary views, far from the tourist trail.
Highlights
Iconic sights
Seeing the best of Rajasthan (think the Taj, tigers and terrific forts, palaces and handicrafts)
Unique accommodation
Staying in haveli hotels and warm and welcoming luxury homestays with fascinating histories
Himalayan views
Ending the holiday on a (literal) high in the Himalayas, venturing into the Kumaon region that most tourists miss
Gallery
Explore Full Itinerary
Agra
Classic Rajasthan with the Taj Mahal
Our ‘Classic Rajasthan with the Taj’ itinerary idea takes in all the must-see sites of India’s Golden Triangle and beyond, such as Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur. You’ll also experience a change of pace and a glimpse at an older, more rural Rajasthan with its impossibly romantic desert forts, dramatic scenery and wildlife.
We’ve suggested mixing opulent city hotels, perfect for escaping the clamour outside, with peacefully charming but quirky heritage properties in converted Rajput residences, used for entertaining visitors from time immemorial.
Highlights
Iconic sights
Marvel at the timeless magnificence of the Taj Mahal, the disorderliness of Delhi and colourful Jaipur
Fort Barli
Escape the madness into the gorgeous surrounds of Fort Barli and the Rajasthani countryside
Lake Pichola
Stay on the banks of Lake Pichola in romantic and laid-back Udaipur
Gallery
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Bhutan
India's Golden Triangle & Bhutan’s Natural Beauty
Over two weeks, you will venture from the bustling, colourful cities and historical sights of India’s Rajasthan to the peaceful towns and scenic valleys of Bhutan. You’ll really get a feel for the contrasting cultures, pace of life and varied landscapes as your local guides take you off the beaten track and reveal the stories and secrets of each location to you.
In India’s Golden Triangle, you will enjoy the must-see highlights, both cultural and architectural, before flying to Bhutan to immerse yourself in the well-preserved culture and pristine natural beauty across the country. Along the way, we have suggested some charming and comfortable accommodation options in great locations and you’ll have time each day to relax at your hotel.
Highlights
Iconic India
Explore India’s Golden Triangle, including the Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s palaces, and the vibrant streets of Delhi.
Magical Bhutan
Immerse yourself in Bhutan’s serene landscapes, from Punakha’s dzongs to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Cracking views
Gallery
Fort Bali on the map
In Our Travellers’ Words
India, exceeded all expectations
A trip taking in the Golden Triangle... rest and relaxation at Ramathra Fort and a beach resort in Kerala. Great planning... everything went perfectly and we felt we experienced all aspects of India.
Fantastic holiday, excellently planned
Loved every minute. Great hotels, interesting cultural experiences, very well looked after. Will certainly book with ETG again!
Wonderful introduction to India
A relaxed yet comprehensive introduction to India's many different shades, customs, history, beliefs, cuisine and societal strata. A well-thought out tour... all backed up by fabulous hotels and full supportive team. ETG... have a strong environmental ethic and encourage their clients to respect the places they visit, and the world we all live in. But above all, they come up with innovative ideas and... can be relied upon.
The Curious Traveller’s Expert Guide to India
Want to know more? With its vast size, rich diversity, and countless possibilities, planning a holiday to India can feel overwhelming – so we’ve created our Curious Traveller’s Guide to India to help make sense of it all.
It’s our experts’ pick of standout experiences and places to stay, with honest advice on the best regions and tips for both first-time visitors and those returning for more.
