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The Culture and wildlife of Rajasthan

AN EXAMPLE ITINERARY TO DISCOVER THE WONDERFUL REGION OF RAJASTHAN IN INDIA

. India is a country full of history, culture, amazing food and wonderful people. The below is just a taster, let us tailor make the perfect Indian holiday itinerary for you. Read on to find out more.

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VISIT: Jaipur – Day 1 to 5

Jaipur is known as the ‘Pink City’ (because of the pink/ terracosa pigment of its buildings) and is the capital of Rajasthan and one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. It’s a contemporary city renowned for its history as well as the vibrant culture.

Home to a number of palaces and forts such as the City Palace, the residence of the royal family of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal, also known as Palace of the Winds and the Amber Fort -to name a few- you won’t be short of breathtaking vistas, courtyards, gardens and museums to explore. And when you’ve experienced your fill of architecture then you can enjoy the bustling market stalls and boutique shops, stocking a variety of traditional goods and gifts.

STAY: Samode Haveli

Samode Haveli is a heritage hotel located in the heart of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Originally built over 175 years ago as a noble mansion for the rulers of Samode it is now a luxury boutique hotel offering guests a chance to experience the grandeur and elegance of Rajasthan’s royal history. Situated in the heart of the Old City, it’s full of ornate frescoes, flowered courtyards and leafy gardens, making it a sanctuary from the bustling city outside.

None of the character has been lost – there’s intricate detail wherever you look, from the antique Rajasthani door at the entrance, to the hidden staircases, corridors leading to more lavish spaces, and bejeweled rooms. Each and every guest is greeted warmly – you couldn’t be made to feel more comfortable.

DISCOVER: Ranthambore – Day 5 to 7

Ranthambore is one of the largest wildlife reserves in India, known primarily for its population of Bengal tigers. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 it became part of Project Tiger in 1973.

Surrounded by the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges, it spans approximately 392 square kilometres and is home to leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, chital, wild boar, jackals, and various species of reptiles and birds

Within the park sits the ancient Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once believed to have been a significant stronghold of the Rajput kings. Perched on the hilltop, the views are breathtaking and from here you can explore ruins, temples and ancient structures. The Ganesha Temple within the fort attracts pilgrims from across India.

STAY: Sujan Sher Bagh

Sher Bagh, is quite possibly the most exquisite place to stay, a luxury tented camp, evocatively styled in the Raj era of the 1920s, with dining and lounge tent, library, and with a team of exceptional staff, it’s nestled on the edge of the ancient Ranthambhore forest, surrounded by ruined Mughal palaces, crumbling fortresses and follies.

Renowned for its commitment to wildlife conservation, heritage and sustainable tourism, the 12 tent suites are decorated in an elegant designed based on the 1920s style of colonial safari camps. With some of the best guides in Ranthambore you can enjoy the sights of the area and get up close with the local tigers.

EXPLORE: Udaipur – Day 7 to 9

Udaipur, often called the ‘City of Lakes’ or the ‘Venice of the East’ is a city rich in history, intertwined with the Sisodia Rajput dynasty, who established the city and ruled the Mewar kingdom. With its palaces, lakes and rich cultural heritage it is a tourist hotspot, James Bond’s Octopussy was filmed here.

Discover the wonders of the city on a private boat ride, taking in views of City Palace, Jag Mandir, and the Lake Palace or enjoy a Tuk Tuk ride through the city, visiting the Jagdish Temple and the old town’s markets.

STAY: Taj Lake Palace

The Taj Lake Palace sits in the middle of Lake Pichola. Originally built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II as a royal summer retreat, the palace is now a luxury hotel. From here you can experience beautiful vistas of the Udaipur’s cityscape, including the City Palace and Aravalli Hills.

Inside the hotel offers lavish suites and rooms, many of which were once used by royalty, and there are a variety of dining options such as Neel Kamal (serving traditional Rajasthani cuisine) and Bhairo (offering European dishes).

After a day of exploring you can relax in the spa, take a dip swimming pool or explore the rooftop spaces and the sunset views over the lake. There’s also the opportunity to enjoy romantic boat rides on the lake, heritage walks through the palace and dining under the star on the roof top.

EXPERIENCE: Jawai – Day 9 to 11

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the cities and spend some time in nature. Best known for its leopard sightings (there are over 80 in this area) and conservation work is Jawai Bandh in the region of Rajasthan. It is also home to a variety of other wildlife species including hyenas, sloth bears, Indian wolves (quite rare to see) as well as a rich birdlife.

Jawai also prides itself on its farm-to-table philosophy and the food here is locally sourced and a real mix of traditional Rajasthani dishes and international cuisine, all served in different outdoor locations.

STAY: Sujan Jawai

Sujan Jawai is an exclusive luxury tented camp located in the Jawai Bandh region of Rajasthan. Best known for its leopard sightings and conservation work, there are just ten secluded and lavish tented suites, dotted around the camp. The scenery here is beautiful with dry grass land and stunning granite hills. With produce grown in their own kitchen garden, and sourced responsibly from local farmers, dining is a delicious mix of authentic Indian and western dishes. This property is a real combination of wildlife and rural culture and they all share the same exceptional wilderness views.

VISIT: Jodhpur – Day 11 to 13

Known as the ‘Blue City’, due to the blue painted houses in its old town, Jodhpur is located in the west of Rajasthan. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, grand architecture and vibrant traditions, the main landmark is the Mehrangarh Fort. This massive fortress is perched on a hill that dominates the city’s skyline, the views from here are incredible and the state rooms and the intricate design of the palace rooms are definitely worth a visit.

If you’re looking for a more personal touch you can even book a private viewing with the curator of the museum. Once you’ve taken in the sights it’s time to visit the bustling markets, such as the Sardar Market where you can shop for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, and spices.

STAY: Raas Jodhpur

RAAS Jodhpur is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. It is an old heritage property blended with a contemporary building and design, located in the heart of the old town against the magnificent backdrop of the Mehrangarh Fort. At night, in the courtyards, as the towering fort is lit, there’s nowhere more atmospheric to be. With only 39 rooms, the RAAS Jodhpur has two renowned restaurants as well as a spa and wellness centre.

It’s perfectly located to explore Jodphur and some of the surrounding Rajasthani forts or the Thar Desert, and the rooftop restaurant is one of the finest in the city.

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