An Exceptional Adventure through Rajasthan
- 25th March 2025
Visiting such a famous region of India I felt I knew what to expect and, in all honesty, was a little nervous about the “assault on the senses” I was told was ahead of me.
Being from the countryside, this didn’t sound too appealing, but what I found was worlds away from what I had expected. Beauty around every corner; the landscape, architecture, people and wildlife. A strong sense of community brought about through ancient and deep rooted faiths.
I have tried to summarise the whirlwind of a journey I experienced in the heat of October but there was one stand out learning – the importance of having an astute guide. In a country with so many layers in its past, present and looking into the future, arranging the most suited guide with the knowledge to elevate your time in Rajasthan is essential.
AGRA
Well known for: The Taj Mahal. Its beauty, symmetry and serene gardens standing as a symbol of eternal love. Taking 20,000 people and 1,000 elephants 22 years to complete, this awe inspiring white marble mausoleum resonated with me in more ways than I could have been imagined and really does need time to fully digest.
Lesser known for: 36kms from Agra city is Fatephur Sikri, once the capital of the Mughal Empire and home to one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at it’s time. Made up by a complex of monuments and temples, it also includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid, but far less visited.
Top Tips: Agra is a city to invest in your accommodation. AmarVilas is our “Go-To” as, unlike the other areas of Rajasthan, there are no real “mid level” options. Access to the Taj Mahal and 24/7 views are unmatched which, if time is poor, are worth every penny.
DELHI
Lesser Known For: With a population of 20 million people, I was amazed by the many wide open spaces and gardens found in Delhi. Delhi covers an area of 1,483 km2 (573 sq mi), of which 783 km2 (302 sq mi) is designated “rural” – that is half the size of London!
Top Tips: Rickshaw through the old city in the early morning as the city wakes and market shops start to open, enjoy a lassi, chai or strong coffee from a well known local vendor – our guides know where is best!
UDAIPUR
Well Known For: Being the City of the Lakes – and for good reason. With five major lakes, the surrounding water brings a sense of calm and tranquillity as the sun reflects off the water throughout the day supporting prolific bird life.
Less Known For:
Udaipur hosted to the last “Elephant Fight” at the City Palace in 1951. Two male elephants, separated by a wall to avoid injury, used their trunks to tussle with each other. The first elephant whose foot touched the wall, lost. Let us arrange a private tour of the City Palace, before the gates open, and explore this flamboyant building with an expert guide as the sun rises over the lake below.
Top Tips: Take a morning bike ride with picnic from the city through farm villages, past paddy fields, local markets, avoiding lazy cows and heavily laden farm motorbikes and tractors.
BERA
Well Known For: Home to the charismatic and handsome Rabari herdsmen – responsible for their families goat, sheep and water buffalo.
Photo credit: Sujan Jawai
Lesser Known For: Leopard Conservation. The peaceful co-existence of leopards and humans is unique to this part of India, supported by Sujan Jawai’s more recent support to preserve and protect these remaining wild spaces.
Photo credit: Sujan Jawai
Top Tip: When not in search of leopard, take a few hours with a guide in the local village. Meet some of the Rabari, their families and visit and, timed correctly, visit a local temple during one of their daily offerings. A magical experience.
Credit: Sujan Jawai
JAIPUR
Well Known For: “The Pink City” is famous for it’s stunning pink sandstone architecture and being home to traditional crafts like block printing and jewellery-making. A spare suitcase is always useful…
Lesser Known For: The Jantar Mantar, or astronomical observation site. Home to the world’s largest stone sundial, Jaipur’s Jantar Matar was completed in 1734 and remains in perfect working order. An incredible feat of astronomical architecture that will forever stand the test of time.
Top Tips: Time! There is so much beauty to soak up, from the grand palaces, forts and temples bursting with sensational style and design. Days can be spent simply journeying through the myriad of backstreet soaking up the vibrant retail nature of the city with designated specialist areas for ladies wedding textiles, gents textiles, turbans pilled high on the side of the road… there is no beige here!
JODHPUR
Well Known For: The imposing, yet magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. The best time to visit is just after the gates have closed, at sunset, which we can happily arrange.
Lesser Known For: One of the largest royal residences in the world, part of the Umaid Bhawan Palace remains home to the current Maharaja of Jodhpur. The remainder of the palace is operated as a heritage hotel by Taj Hotels, giving guests a glimpse into what it is like to live in the home of a Maharaja.
Top Tips: Spend time on foot exploring the winding blue streets of Jodphurs old city. There are many wonderful boutiques, step wheels and art deco to enjoy.
RANTHAMBORE
Not officially within Rajasthan, but an easy 3.5 hour drive from Jaipur if you would like the chance of spotting a tiger…
Well Known For: Tiger safaris
Lesser Known For: Inspiring philanthropic enterprises. With tourism bring opportunity and a number of ethical operators support not only wildlife conservation initiatives and the wild spaces of Ranthambore, but also the heritage and culture in the local area by providing consistent support to the schools, providing formal educational scholarships, medical facilities and much more.
Top Tips: Stay in a privately owned lodge / camp that is in touch with the local area. It is easy to be funnelled into “tiger mania” and miss the wider beauty around you.
Get in touch with us now to start planning your journey
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