Off the Beaten Track in Rajasthan

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart and fly to Delhi.

DAY 2 Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel in the heart of New Delhi.

After arriving, freshening up and lunch you will be taken off to explore Delhi. Old Delhi is the ancient walled city, capital of the Mughal Empire. Explore by cycle rickshaw and see the formidable Red Fort and other spectacular remnants of the glorious Mughul phase in Delhi’s history. Make your way through Chandni Chowk, filled with twisting lanes and crowded bazaars.

Return to New Delhi by the very modern Delhi Metro system, a marvel of advanced engineering in one of the most crowded parts of India. In the evening we can suggest some superb restaurants for you to try.

DAY 3 Delhi to Jodhpur

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Jodhpur. On arrival, meet your chauffeur and vehicle for your short transfer to Rohet.

The sleepy village of Rohet is a short scenic drive from Jodhpur and a popular stopover. Over the years, several famous writers are reputed to have found Rohet a great place to let their creative juices flow. It’s also the home of the Bishnoi people and the beautiful Blackbuck antelope. It is not a safari park as such, and the Bishnoi protect the wildlife themselves.

Day 4 Jodhpur & Rohet

 Today you will take a privately guided tour of Jodhpur (about 45 minutes' drive from Rohet), the second-largest city in Rajasthan and nicknamed the "Blue City” after the many houses in the old city painted in various hues of blue. Best seen from the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, the largest fort in Rajasthan, which looms over 100m above the city, this is an incredible place. You will also stroll through the winding alleyways of the Old City and visit the numerous palaces, temples and Havelis that are scattered throughout.

 Back to Rohet for a relaxing late afternoon in blissful peace. You might like to do a cooking class here and enjoy the spoils afterwards. 

 Day 5 Rohet

A chance today for experienced riders to take a three-hour guided horse safari. You'll pass through countryside and villages where you'll get a taste of village life and see herds of blackbuck antelope and nilgai. The horses are rare Marwaris, the indigenous breed of Rajasthan. Non-riders can do the same safari by jeep.

Day 6 Thar Desert

Check out today and go completely off-road for an incredible three-day adventure across the Thar Desert. As well as experiencing the excitement of riding a jeep in this environment you’ll have the opportunity to witness a different and rarely seen side of India in terms of truly remote villages and wildlife, inaccessible to anyone but pastoral farmers and intrepid travellers. It's an incredible journey: traverse the countryside on dirt tracks, camel trails, through dry river beds and even making your tracks if necessary. You can take the wheel yourself if you'd like, guided by the experienced local guides of course.

You'll stay overnight in a mobile safari camp, with comfortable, spacious tents, portable bathroom facilities and a gourmet meal under the stars.   

Days 7 & 8 Chhatra Sagar at Nimaj

Your desert safari finishes with a journey to Chanoud; this will be your base for the next few days. You’ll be enjoying your time here staying in a luxury camp in the traditional Rajasthan style.

Spend your time here soaking up the atmosphere and partaking in some of the many activities: from exploring the farm and local temples to meeting the villagers. You might also wish to venture into the grasslands to spy a myriad of bird species, herds of blue bull and other animals.

Days 9, 10 & 11 Dev Shree at Deogarh

A 2.5-hour journey this morning to your home away from home experience at the gorgeous Dev Shree, where your hosts will give you a fantastic insight into local life.

Over the next couple of days, you have time to explore the local area, observing the considerable array of migrant birds or picnic by nearby lakes, possibly spying a leopard. It is also worth taking a local train ride through the ‘ghats’ (hills) to see the flame of the forest in full bloom or to enjoy sundowners at Gokul Fort. We also recommend a walk through the village of Deogarh too – its a friendly and welcoming place.

You might also want to take the time just to relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings.

Day 12 Udaipur

 A 3-hour drive will take you to Udaipur, a beautiful city in the heart of the Aravalli hills, known as one of the most romantic places in India.Your base will be another welcoming and comfortable heritage homestay on the outskirts of Udaipur, overlooking fields and lovely rural scenery.  After settling in, take an enjoyable boat trip on Lake Pichola to get your bearings as this city is all about the lake.

Days 13 & 14 Udaipur

After a full exploration of Udaipur, the majestic City Palace complex, the markets and bazaars, the towering Jagdish Temple and the charming Garden of the Maids of Honour, there is plenty of time to relax.

Days 15 fly home (or stay!)

 Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.