100% customisable travel idea
Palaces, safaris and tales of Maharajas Rajasthan with older children
India - Rajasthan - Delhi - Shekhawati - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Udaipur
100% customisable travel idea
India - Rajasthan - Delhi - Shekhawati - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Udaipur
100% customisable for you
Upon arrival, private transfer and overnight stay in the Gurgaon business district, just twenty minutes from the international airport. Keen to offer guests calm and space, your first hotel wisely chose to set up about 19 miles (30 km) from the city centre, a perfect location for those who aren't - yet - planning to dive into the buzz of the Indian capital. Set back from all the hustle and bustle, it boasts seven acres (three hectares) of beautifully manicured grounds. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the clean lines, sturdy materials and balanced symmetry of the spaces. The spacious rooms share the same understated style. Those that overlook the pool or the gardens offer an extra sense of peace and tranquillity. At the restaurant, choose between Indian and Japanese cuisine at dinner, depending on your mood. And it's said that Delhi's elite come here for the spa. A friendly, dedicated team run this ambitious enterprise.
Meet your personal driver, who will be accompanying you throughout your stay, and leave for Mandawa in the historic Shekhawati region. After leaving the metropolis, your air-conditioned vehicle will be heading west. The journey will take you through the leafy green province of Haryana and on into the more arid landscapes of Rajasthan, where your destination sits on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert.You'll settle in for two nights in an authentic havelî- one of the grand patrician mansions built in the 19th century. Guests are treated to all the trappings: elegant architecture, murals, galleries, courtyards, boudoirs, and more. The India depicted in novels, with its ornate decoration. What's more, the rooms are comfortable and tastefully furnished with bathrooms that are worth mentioning for their modern design and amenities. The restaurant serves delicious north Indian cuisine, tweaked just enough to suit today's tastes.
Mandawa is a masterpiece. Before keeping today’s appointment, and provided the amenities at your hotel aren't too much of a temptation, take a leisurely stroll to get to know the city. As you wander through the alleyways, you'll see other havelîs, similar to your own. All the carved stone, paintings and frescoes alone make a visit worthwhile. A little further on, Mandawa Fort (1812, Thakur Nawal Singh) too is evidence of the creativity of local builders.
In your itinerary - Shekhawati on horseback. With their dark, shiny coats, the Marwari horses await you in the stables. Native to Rajasthan, they're easily recognised by the curve of their ears - your teens might see a heart, or a crescent moon. The friendly groom will handle the introductions, and help you into the saddle. On the back of one of these truly majestic animals, you'll trot off to explore the surrounding villages. You might well develop a taste for this form of transport!
The grasslands slowly recede, as the vehicle heads towards your next destination. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a bustling, vibrant city of straight avenues lined with bazaars. Founded in the 10th century, the Pink City rose to prominence during the reign of the Mughals, mainly thanks to Jai Singh II, who built the City Palace and the astronomical observatory at the beginning of the 18th century. As for the colour pink, it became widespread in the 19th century, when Maharaja Ram Singh II ordered the entire city to be painted a distinctive shade of terracotta pink in anticipation of the visit of Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales. Even though they never actually came, that pink remained.
Settle in for two nights in a quiet neighbourhood, away from all the hubbub of the city centre. Step through an unassuming looking door and find yourself swept into a colourful, vibrant world of art and craftsmanship - a true tribute to the Rajasthani way of life. The rooms, each more stunning than the last, are tastefully decorated using motifs inspired by Krishna - the god who symbolises love and wisdom - as the central theme. The owners - one a pichwai painter, the other a chef - enjoy chatting with guests in the lush garden, which has a small swimming pool. The couple are always happy to delight their guests with works of art and carefully prepared dishes.
In the itinerary - Jaipur by bike. Cycling makes a refreshing change in a city where rickshaws reign supreme. Accompanied by two private guides - one at the front of the group, the other at the back - you'll explore on two wheels. Pedal from one monument to the next, surrounded by the curiosity and amusement of the locals, and feel like you're right at the heart of the action.
. Also scheduled: an introduction to how the blue pottery of Jaipur is made. Exceptional wools, shawls, household linen, handicrafts and precious stones - the city is considered by some to be the capital of craftsmanship and handicrafts in India. Here, knowledge and skill are handed down from generation to generation. The focus in this activity is on the blue pottery introduced to Rajasthan during the reign of Sawai Ram Singh II in the 19th century. Guided by a local artisan, you'll make a unique piece yourself - a plate, a piece of wall art, or a small vase.
Optional - an introduction to block printing.
Travelling to the old city of Jodhpur, the gateway to the Thar Desert, takes you through the arid plains of this part of the country. When you arrive in this city of proud maharajas, you'll spend two nights in a 1920s building just behind the walls of the citadel. Away from the hustle and bustle of the blue city, inside you'll find spacious, beautifully decorated rooms with antique furniture, period photographs and Indian fabrics. Breakfast is served in the romantic setting of the courtyard, and teens are sure to be thrilled with the swimming pool. While diving is strictly prohibited, there's no mention of cannonballing, they mischievously point out!
Optional - A private visit to Mehrangarh Fort.
Jodhpur with the Lakshmis. A revered Hindu deity and the wife of the god Vishnu, Lakshmi embodies gentle strength, prosperity and grace. There's a bit of her in every woman. At dawn, a small group of her disciples will escort you through the city. An introduction to the local heritage, a chance to chat with the locals and a tasting session with a Brahmin family: this is an outing that's as educational as it is diverse.
Also scheduled - a truck painting workshop. This might seem a bit odd, but it's an art that's a source of pride for many Indians - each region of the country even has its own distinctive style. Here in Rajasthan the focus is on miniatures, in other areas it might be on bold lettering, in the Punjab it's on iconic imagery. The painter you'll meet is one of the last who's keeping the tradition alive. Passionate about his craft, he'll explain the symbolism behind the designs, and give a brief demonstration before handing the brush over to you!
The route takes you south to the village of Narlai, built amid caves and rocky hills. Narrow streets of beaten earth and whitewashed houses are what give the village its charm. For now, it's still untouched by tourist trails.
You'll spend two nights in the heart of a wonderful little fortress. The architecture is a fine example of the elegance of the Rajput buildings of the last century. You'll welcomed with traditional warmth and charm. And there's a swimming pool here too.
Things to see and do - Climb Elephant Hill as the sun goes down, for a sunset worthy of the name and views over the village.
Mark it on your calendar - Safari on the trail of leopards. While Narlai has an undeniable charm, the appeal of the village is enhanced by the fact that leopards roam the surrounding countryside. They've found an ideal refuge here, as evidenced by their ever-growing numbers. Good news for curious travellers who dream of spotting one of these big cats. With their spotted honey-coloured coats, these agile animals blend perfectly into the landscape. Luckily, the naturalist who'll be coming with you is an expert at picking up the warning cries of other animals, and spotting the tracks that betray the presence of a leopard. Then all you need to do is to race along the trail in a Jeep, scanning your surroundings with care.
Travelling through valleys and hills, the road leads to Udaipur, sometimes called the “City of Sunrise”, or the “City of Lakes” - without a doubt the most romantic city in Rajasthan. When you arrive, it'll be time to say goodbye to your driver - you'll be flying out of Udaipur. Two night stay on the shores of Lake Pichola, just 15 minutes from the city centre. From this strategic spot overlooking the water, you'll be able to admire Jagdish Temple, Gangaur Ghat, Lake Palace, Jagmandir and Sajjangarh Fort. A former "havelî", the building features delicately carved white granite stonework. The corridors open onto scalloped arches, airy domes, and bell-shaped turrets. The comfortable rooms look out over the lake, and the restaurant is a must for well to do locals.
In your itinerary - a boat trip on the lake. Step onto the boat and make yourself comfortable. Four kilometres long and three wide, Lake Pichola is a beautiful place to explore. Seen from the water, the City Palace seems to float, just like the iconic Taj Lake Palace that was once the maharajas' summer residence. As the sun goes down, the sky turns to orange and pink, and the ghats come to life.
Optional - Introduction to traditional music.
Short domestic flight to Delhi. When you arrive, a private transfer will take you to your new accommodation - you'll be staying in the Lutyens district of Delhi for two nights. Nearby Connaught Place awaits, with its flea markets, street food, museums and galleries. The hotel is a mix of styles, combining contemporary furnishings with traditional touches to striking effect. Here and there, comfortable corners invite parents to relax with a drink while the kids let off steam in the pool.
Scheduled for you - A private vehicle with driver for two days. A chance to whizz around the city for a look at anything you might have missed at the start of your journey. Visit Jama Masjid, the biggest mosque in the country, and climb the minaret; stroll through Chandni Chowk, the city's oldest bazaar; meet children with kohl-rimmed eyes at Nizamuddin Dargah; toast the end of your trip with a drink in the trendy Hauz Khas district.
In your itinerary - Delhi's street art. Accompanied by a private guide, depart for Lodhi Colony, an upmarket district of the capital that's become famous for its ephemeral art scene. The façades are covered with murals, through which artists express themselves on a variety of themes: nature, life and death. An explosion of colour that's typical of India.
Also scheduled - the old quarter and its unusual trades. Street dentists, ear cleaners, spice merchants, sellers of aphrodisiacs and spare parts for all sorts of things - in the maze of lively alleyways of Old Delhi, professionals from another era are hard at work. There's a unique atmosphere in this part of the city - a bewildering mix of entertainment and curious sights, especially as nightfall.
Optional - guided gourmet food tour.
Private transfer to the airport and direct international return flight.
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