India – 14 Days Heritage Walk in Vibrant Rajasthan Tour

Welcome to Gurugram (the city formerly known as Gurgaon), a bustling tech-suburb of the capital of India – New Delhi. We will meet in the evening for dinner when you’ll have a chance to get to know your fellow travellers and adventure leaders who will explain you about the activities during the tour. 

In the morning after breakfast, we will set out on the highway and travel to Roopangarh a charming village of Rajasthan. Located in the heart of Rajputana (as was known in the past. Roopangarh Fort was built by Maharaja Roop Singh in 1648 is an evidence of its chivalrous past. After check-in into the hotel, we’ll explore the colorful streets of Roopangarh.
Dinner at the Hotel 

From Roopangarh, we’ll continue our journey to village of Ghanerao. Nestled near the foothills of the epic Aravalli Mountains, we’ll be staying here in a Royal Castle dating back to the 1600’s. This will be our home for one Nighthere we will focus on learning about local village life, culture, and customs in the Rajasthan countryside including the vital importance agriculture plays in the local life of the people. The Royal Castle is built in marble and red stone is a lovely testament to the region’s rich history. We’ll also explore and learn about the dozens of unique step-wells that are scattered throughout the village and the surrounding countryside – which are a brilliant glimpse into the extraordinary and vital stepwell water system.. 

we make our way to the enchanting oasis city of Udaipur which is also called the Venice of the East, Udaipur, with its almost 500-year-old history, is one of the most romantic cities in India. Arriving in the late afternoon, we’ll settle into our home for the coming two days – a delightful heritage hotel near the picturesque Pichola Lake. Surrounded by lakes, and rolling hills and rich in history, Udaipur, with its lakeside palaces, ancient temples, vibrant bazaars, and narrow- winding streets, is the perfect place to relax and take in the alluring princely charm of Rajasthan! From local home kitchens to longtime hotspots – you’ll enjoy traditional Mewar dishes. We’ll also visit the old royal palace and explore the backstreets, bazaars, and ancient homes of this almost half-millennium-old city. There is plenty to experience in what is billed as “the most romantic city in India”. 

Today we will head once again well off the beaten track as we head back out into the hinterland of Rajasthan traversing the desert back roads before arriving at our home for the next two days – the romantic Phool Mahal Palace located in the heart of the old Kingdom of Kishangarh! Built in 1870 just outside the walls of the massive Kishangarh Fort, Phool Mahal was actually the Royal Family’s monsoon palace. So, during our stay at this lovely lakeside palace, be on the lookout for kites, peacocks, herons, and wild ducks that call the nearby fields and monsoon-fed Gundalao Lake their home. You’ll also notice the intimidating and formidable fort walls and elephant-spiked gates, that distinctly highlight the kingdom’s chivalrous past. However, the Maharajas here were also known as patrons of the arts, and the area’s paintings, including those that adorn the palace walls, are well known throughout India. So here, in addition to learning about life in old Kishangarh, we will also have an introduction to the traditional Rajasthani art of painting including learning about its symbolism, history, and artistic techniques that have been passed down for generations. 

After a hearty breakfast, we’re off to the capital of Rajasthan – Jaipur! The City of Victory, the Pink City – whatever name Jaipur has been called or tittle it’s held, one thing is certain, it has intrigued and seduced travellers, wanderers, caravans, and adventurers throughout its colorful history. Enticed by the legends, wealth, and history it holds within its walls – the kingdom has drawn people for centuries from the furthest points on the globe. The city you see today was founded in the 1700s, though the history of settlements in the area dates back to the 12th century. Rich in history, arts, and architecture; Jaipur’s unique design was built using Vaastu Shastra – the Indian version of Feng Shui. The desert terrain around the city consists of the rugged hills of the Aravalli’s, the oldest mountain range in India – where rulers constructed gated passes, walls, palaces, and forts in epic proportions. Over the next two days, we’ll explore Jaipur giving you a real taste of the city. Speaking of taste, Indian Rajasthani fare is truly a unique blend of fragrant spices, fresh veggies, flavour some herbs, and delectable bread and rice dishes. 

Saying goodbye to big city Jaipur, we’ll drive across the arid plains of Rajasthan to the jungles of the Ranthambore National Park Tiger Reserve – home of the Royal Bengal Tigers (among many other species of animals). Here we’ll be staying just outside the national park where for the next two days we’ll learn and explore the wilds of Ranthambore, the communities that call the surrounding area their home, and the national park’s incredible residents, the remarkable Royal Bengal Tiger. Ranthambore National Park’s dry deciduous forests and open grassy meadows are home to over 539 species of flowering plants, Dhok, mango, tamarind, and banyan trees (including one of the largest banyan trees in the country). In addition to being home to Royal Bengal Tigers, the protected reserve also provides sanctuary and refuge to a plethora of other wildlife including leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, jungle cats, palm civets, wolves, Sambar deer, chital, Nilgai, langurs, macaques, jackals, black bucks, wild boar, flying foxes, porcupines, mongoose, marsh crocodiles, desert monitor lizards, banded kraits, and cobras, to name a few. 

From Ranthambore, we’ll make our way to Bharatpur – home of the UNESCO-protected World Heritage Site: The Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary National Park. Arriving in Bharatpur in afternoon, we’ll explore the park in by bicycle, traversing the back trails of the sanctuary with our naturalist guide.  A haven of wetlands and forests, the sanctuary is home to over 400 species of birds and a wide variety of other wildlife. The next morning, we’ll have a heartybreakfast and then without delay make our way into the neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh to the city of Agra where we will visit India’s most famous landmark – the stunning Taj Mahal. The Taj of course needs no introduction, it is a remarkable mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his favourite wife, Mumtaj Mahal. Aler visiting the Taj, we will enjoy some delightful dosas at Agra’s best South Indian eatery. Then we visit the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fatehpur Sikri was built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar. These well-preserved ruins were the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571-1585 AD before being deserted. From Fatehpur Sikri, we’ll return to Bharatpur where you’ll have time to freshen up before we meet for our farewell dinner party on our last night in India together. 

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll pack up our vehicles and head back to Delhi/Gurugram where your adventure ends upon arrival back at our hotel, and after a delicious lunch. If you need any onward assistance, please talk with your adventure leaders who will be more than happy to help. Thank you very much again for spending the holidays with us – Bahut, Bahut Dhanyavaad ( thank you very much). Have a safe trip back home!