Hidden Gems of Rajasthan

HIDDEN AWAY out of sight just off the main tourist track, are some lovely small palaces and hunting lodges of erstwhile maharajas. Linked to make up a complete itinerary, they provide a unique experience and exposure to aspects of the country you may not otherwise notice.

Reputed to be impregnable, Kumbalgarh stands proudly along the border of Jodhpur and Udaipur. On its massive ramparts six horsemen could ride abreast. To this day, it remains a stern and forbidding sentinel over the countryside. In comparison, Udaipur is soft – a lush oasis in the midst of a harsh land, with gentle waves lapping at the feet of marble palaces. A slow boat ride across the lake reveals the beauty of the city, the richly ornamented havelis that line the banks and the social activity along the ghats. Almost at the gates of Jaipur, the richly decorated and elegantly managed Samode Palace takes you back in time – to when the rhythm of ankle bells beckoned from mirrored halls and soft whispers of intrigue scurried around the zenana. Echoes of the past are drowned by the cacophony of birdsong that carries to the little village of Nimaj overlooking the Chhatra Sagar Dam, while the fort of Devigarh has been innovatively converted into a beautiful boutique hotel with minimal interiors concept and spa and wellness programmes.

DAY 01: ARRIVAL DELHI
Reception and welcome at Delhi airport followed by transfer to your hotel.

DAY 02: DELHI
The afternoon’s sightseeing introduces you to the different faces of the capital – contemporary Indian, Raj relic, conservative Hindu, Mughal….

DAY 03: DELHI
Visit the old Mughal capital of Shahjahanabad focussed around Red Fort and /Chandini Chowk. Review your day at home with an Indian family over dinner or attend a music or theatre performance.

DAY 04: DELHI / SAMODE BY SURFACE
A five-hour drive brings you to the personalised hospitality at Samode, located just outside Jaipur.

DAY 05: SAMODE
Discover Jaipur city and Amber Fort.

DAY 06: SAMODE / NIMAJ BY SURFACE
Stop at Ajmer en route to the tiny village of Nimaj on the banks of Chhatra Sagar lake.

DAY 07: NIMAJ – ROHETGARH BY SURFACE
Drive to Rohetgarh near Jodhpur for a two-day sojourn. The day is yours to plan. Alternatively, take a jeep safari to nearby tribal villages.

DAY 08: ROHETGARH
Acquaint yourself with Jodhpur, the imposing Mehrangarh fort and Jaswant Thada.

DAY 09: ROHETGARH / KUMBAKLGARH BY SURFACE
Drive to the hill fort of Kumbalgarh where you will stay at the hunting lodge of the erstwhile Maharaja.

DAY 10: KUMBALGARH / DEVIGARH BY SURFACE
Having explored the fort, enjoy a short horse safari if time permits. Later in the day drive to Devigarh.

DAY 11: DEVIGARH / UDAIPUR / DEVIGARH BY SURFACE
Take a day excursion to Udaipur to see the sights and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola.

DAY 12: DEVIGARH / MUMBAI BY FLIGHT
You have the morning at leisure. Your flight to Mumbai is on the evening.

DAY 13: MUMBAI
Enjoy the vibrant intermingling of traditional and contemporary cosmopolitan spirit of the city as you visit heritage sights.

DAY 14: DEPARTURE MUMBAI
Transfer to the airport in time for your flight out.

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