India

Rajasthan: A Unique Desert and Safari Adventure

When

October - April

Price

From £7,500pp excl. flights
(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

11 nights ideal length

Combine culture with beautiful landscapes and wildlife encounters and you have the perfect mix for a Rajasthan adventure to remember. If you want to get under the skin of a spectacularly diverse country then this 11-night escape through India’s desert state was made for you. It’s not just the people that make this extraordinary country such an alluring place to visit but also the breath-taking animals from the elusive leopard to playful monkeys. During this Indian sojourn, we’ll take you from vibrant cities like Mumbai and traditional hotels to luxurious tented camps in the middle of the wilds of Jawai. Prepare to fall in love with every side of Rajasthan as we show you all of its hidden wonders.

MUMBAI, THE HEART OF INDIA

The home of Bollywood is a great place to start your cultural immersion and Mumbai has so much to offer. You’ll spend two nights here at the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, an oasis amid the big city bustle with some of the best views of the Gateway to India and across the Arabian Sea. Your Indian education begins with the spiritual side as you head to an island in the harbour to marvel at the Elephanta Caves, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Hindu and Buddhist religion stand side by side in this unique system of caves making it an even more interesting monument. The carefully carved sculptures showcase the architectural skill and this site gives you a glimpse of the rich history of this Eastern gem through the beauty of the ‘City of Caves’.

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CAMEL RIDES IN JAISALMER

You’ll fly into Jodhpur before a scenic drive to your next stop, Jaisalmer otherwise known as the golden city. Being in the desert doesn’t mean you have to slum it and for three nights you’ll be living the life of luxury at The Serai, an outstanding tented camp that will soon be your favourite place to rest your head. The medieval city of Jaisalmer is a goldmine when it comes to cultural monuments and the Fort is its crowning glory. Beneath the shadow of this turreted masterpiece, you’ll find magnificent Havelis, India’s answer to opulent mansions. The piece de resistance is an unforgettable camel safari through the Sam Sand Dunes as you play the starring role in your own Indiana Jones epic.

INTO THE BLUE IN JODHPUR

A four-hour drive by car will transport you from the desert of Jaisalmer to the Blue City of Jodhpur where old and new come together in a colourful display. Two nights in this urban maze will be enough to make you never want to leave and with a hotel like the Raas, goodbye will be that much harder to say. You can relax by the pool and soak up the sun before delving into the winding streets, camera at the ready. You’ll visit the Mehrangarh Fort an architectural wonder that towers above the city creating the most breath-taking skyline. The last stop-off in Jodhpur is Jaswant Thada, a marble memorial that glistens under the beating desert sun.

THE LURE OF THE LEOPARD IN JAWAI

Leave the bright blue hues behind as you head into the Aravalli Hills to Jawai, a three-hour drive away. It is here that you’ll have the best chance to succeed in your search for the elusive leopard. Jawai Leopard Camp will be your home from home for the next two nights and they’ve got the winning combination with their opulent tented retreats that are surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings. Experience a safari like no other as you drink in the scenery on your quest to find this graceful feline. Along the way you’ll pass the Jawai River lined with pink flamingos and if you’re lucky you’ll return to camp having caught a glimpse of the mighty leopard.

TAKE TO THE WATERS IN UDAIPUR

From the charm of the countryside to the romance of Udaipur, the next stage of your adventure takes you through Ranakpur where an awe-inspiring Jain Temple awaits. From here you’ll continue to Udaipur, a city whose beauty is reflected in the shimmering waters of the lake it is perched upon. To end a trip to remember you need an equally memorable hotel and the exclusive Taj Lake Palace in the centre of Lake Pichola is just that. In between relaxing at your very own 18th-century former palace you’ll embark on your last cultural escapade with an atmospheric boat ride taking in the impressive architectural sight of City Palace before a tranquil afternoon in the gardens of Saheliyon Ki Bari. You’ve reached the final stop and it’s time to go home, but we’ve no doubt you’ll be planning to return to Rajasthan soon.

Where to rest your head

The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

Complete with true Indian authenticity, first class service, gourmet food and a welcoming ambience, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is a centre of luxury in…
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RAAS Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Uniquely located at the base of the impressive Mehrangarh Fort, RAAS Jodphur is also a design masterpiece, blending traditional Indian style with modern touches. The…
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The Serai, Jaisalmer

The Serai, Jaisalmer is a gorgeous classic encampment set some twenty miles West of the 12th-century medieval citadel of Jaisalmer in the heart of the…
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JAWAI, Rajasthan

Searching for an Indian adventure to remember? JAWAI offers you just that. Arguably the best place to see leopards in India you’ll experience a safari…
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Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Do you want the royal treatment? The Taj Lake Palace is where you’ll find it as you’ll have an 18th century palace to call your…
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