A Slice of Royal Rajasthan with Diwali

OVERVIEW:

You will arrive from Gujarat overland via the Aravalli hills from the textile segment of the tour (or by air from Delhi if you are joining us at this point).  We are now ready to let Royal Rajasthan reveal itself in the city of Udaipur – also known as the ‘Venice of the East’. Let the luxury begin as we wind our way north to Jaipur for one of the most famous Indian festivals of the year – the Hindu festival of lights – Diwali.

We begin our stay in Udaipur at one of my all-time favorite accommodations, with sweeping views of City Palace and Lake Pichola from its rooftop restaurant. After a good night’s rest, we will traverse the old city by tuk-tuk.  We will be in good hands with our local guides as we see the sights, and take a boat ride on the lake before lunch at a traditional thali restaurant.  The next day, we will visit Animal Aid on the outskirts of the city.  Animal Aid was started by a family from Seattle, Washington as a sanctuary for injured and sick street animals.  Volunteers from around the globe donate their time to this wonderful organization.  A donation from the proceeds of this tour will be presented to Animal Aid on our visit.  There will be time to shop, explore, or simply relax by the two rooftop pools, before we head to our next destination.  Horseback riding on the outskirts of the city can be arranged with advanced notice.  We will have several opportunities to see the magnificent indigenous Marwari horses on this segment of the tour.  Even if you don’t ride, they are amazing to observe up close.

Bundi – also known as “Chhoti Kashi” or “Little Varanasi” due to its number of temples –  is our next stop.  We will stay in a modest but charming 17th century haveli.  En route, we will stop for lunch at a castle near Chittogarh, with stables of Marwari horses, and then tour the market and temples of Bijoliya.  After a welcome dinner and a good night’s rest, we will be ready to tour the town of Bundi.  A visit to the markets and Bishnoi village will complete our day. 

Our next stop is an absolute treat as we arrive near Lalsot at a castle built in 1818,  still owned and occupied by the same Rajput family.  You will experience true Indian heritage luxury, where the motto is “Atithi Devo Bhahah”, or “guest is god”.  Relax by the pool, take a jeep ride through the countryside followed by a tea stop at a traditional mud house, or choose from a menu of optional activities: horse safari; cooking lessons; polo lessons on real or wooden horses, for an additional cost. 

Our final stop, and our Diwali celebrations, will be in the pink city of Jaipur at a magnificent luxury heritage retreat.  Although its five acres are now surrounded by the encroaching city, this 18th century haveli was once a royal hunting lodge.  We will celebrate the Festival of Lights with a fabulous view of the city and many surprises!

Please join me in Delhi for the third and final segment of this tour as we explore Delhi and Agra in five star style. (click here)