The Glories of Rajasthan
Introduction
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The splendor of old India provides a dazzling backdrop to this new 14-day tour of Temples, Palaces, Forts and the countryside of Rajasthan.
We experience the serenity of the Taj Mahal at dawn when the white marble glows in the sunrise, take a boat trip on Lake Pichola in Udaipur, and explore the 500 year old Fortress of Kumbahlgarh. In Ranakpur we marvel at the lavishly sculptured marble Jain temple. We visit majestic Old and New Delhi, and explore the Rajput capital of Jaipur, the Pink City, famous for its shopping for jewelry, silks and carpets, and ride elephants up to the breathtakingly beautiful Amber Fort.
Where possible we will walk country paths to visit hidden temples and the more adventurous can ride camels in the desert!
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you would like to join our November 2010 departure, please let us know right away. We currently have not scheduled any dates for this itinerary for 2011. However, if you are interested in this Walk, contact our office and will operate a trip if we have enough interest. Also, we can operate this itinerary for your private group of 8 or more people.
Walk Summary
| Dates | |
| Trip: | 14 days, 13 nights |
| Terrain: |  A grand tour with some walking on varied terrain of village and desert landscapes. 3-5 miles walking on four days of the trip. |
| Price |
US$6995 per person double occupancy |
The tour begins and ends in Delhi.
Walk Itinerary
Sunday & Monday
The Wayfarers meet you with a courtesy pick up from Delhi International Airport and bring you to our elegant first hotel, The Imperial, where we can relax and get our bearings before the Welcome Dinner and talk in the Hotel. After breakfast on the terrrace, Monday is a full day sightseeing for those who wish, starting with the splendor of Edwin Lutyens’ New Delhi before lunch in the Lodhi Gardens. In the afternoon we visit some of the seven cities of Old Delhi, the Red Fort and Jami Masjid and take a rickshaw ride through the chaotic market streets. Dinner will be at the world-famous Bukhara Restaurant, Bill Clinton’s favorite!
Tuesday
We awake in good time and drive to Agra, taking in the atmospheric Humayan’s Tomb and Sikendra along the way. Lunch will be en route and for those who wish, a visit to Agra Fort can be arranged before dinner in our Hotel which is a stone’s throw from the Taj Mahal and is known locally for its fine food.
Weds, Thursday & Friday
We start early on Wednesday with a dawn visit to see the sun rise over the Taj Mahal, then return to the hotel for a late breakfast 
before driving to Jaipur. We visit Fatehpur Sikhri en route and arrive at our delightful hotel where we will stay 3 days, in time for a late lunch and swim in the pool. The afternoon is then free and we meet again in the hotel, which is a beautifully converted Merchant’s house, for dinner. After the hectic start to our tour we start to relax on Thursday Wayfarers style, with an early morning 5 km walk from Jagat Fort to Narwargarh the Tiger Fort, down into Old City and across to the City Palace. We return to the hotel for lunch and an afternoon of leisurely sightseeing or shopping. Dinner will be either at the Polo Club or with a distinguished local host. On Friday morning we take an early Elephant ride up to Amber Fort before lunch in the hotel and a free afternoon shopping or simply enjoying the beautiful pool! Dinner is in the courtyard of our hotel.
Saturday & Sunday
After an early start we leave Jaipur to drive deeper into the Thar Desert towards Jodhpur where we have lunch at the Maharajah of 
Jodhpur’s palace, the Umaid Bhawan, before visiting the famous Meherengarh Fort, one of Rajasthan’s most splendid. We arrive at our charming family-run Hotel in the late afternoon for a well-deserved swim. Dinner is at the Hotel after a display of dancing from the local villagers. On Sunday morning we walk to Luni (8 km) arriving for an early lunch, after which we visit the local 
Bishnoi villages by jeep safari. Later in the afternoon we either relax at the Hotel or for those that are keen an Indian cooking lesson can be provided. Dinner will be either in the Hotel or we will have a BBQ arranged nearby in the desert. Camel or horse riding is possible at any point – the family keeps a splendid stable of horses.
Monday & Tuesday
We leave the desert for the beautiful mountain drive to Kumbahlgarh, visiting Ranakpur Jain Temple on the way and lunching there. We arrive at Kumbahlgarh by mid afternoon and explore the impressive Fortress, by camel or jeep. Dinner will be in the hotel, a pretty resort just below the Fort with a wonderful pool and great restaurant. Next morning a 15 km walk to visit the Valley Temples of Kelwara and Gogunda is planned for those who wish, including a picnic lunch. Dinner will again be at the Resort after a performance of local Rajasthani dancing.
Wednesday & Thursday
After a relaxed start we leave mid-morning for the short drive which takes us to Udaipur, arriving in time for lunch and a swim at the Grand hotel. In the late afternoon there is an optional walk in the hills surrounding Udaipur taking in Devi Garh (5km). Dinner is at the Lake Palace hotel or the Oberoi Grand both of which are of an extremely high standard. On Thursday morning after a leisurely walk through the city we have a boat trip on Lake Pichola which takes us to lunch at the island palace of Jag Mandir. A visit to the City Palace is a must and the Rajasthani School of Art has its home here. Following a gentle afternoon of shopping or sightseeing or simply relaxing, we plan to have dinner with the Maharana of Udaipur, an exceptional honor. (TBA)
Friday & Saturday
A 5 km walk into the city or drive for those who wish for last-minute sightseeing and shopping in Udaipur (or relaxing for those who prefer), then back for lunch at the Grand by the pool. We then catch the late afternoon flight to Delhi and transfer back to our first Hotel, the Imperial, for our farewell dinner at the famous 1911 restaurant. On Saturday there is time for a final shopping expedition or drive round this fascinating city before we say our goodbyes and everyone disperses.
This itinerary represents a typical Walk. We prepare itineraries well in advance of the trip and therefore we reserve the right to make changes due to weather, local events or other circumstances - but always to improve the experience of our guests.
Hotels
To see the complete list of hotels, please login or register.
Fatehabad Road
Agra 282 001
T. +91 562-223-5000
F. +91 562-233-1812
E. reservations@tridenthotels.com
W: www.tridenthotels.com
The Trident Hotel at Agra, built of red sandstone reminiscent of the Mughal era, is set amidst beautiful gardens, fountains and landscaped central courtyards. The Hotel is literally a stone's throw away from one of the new 7 Wonders of the World the Taj Mahal, and boasts one of the best restaurants in Agra.
Gangapole
Jaipur - 302002
T: +91 141-263-2370
F: +91 141-263-1397
E: reservations@samode.com
W: www.samode.com
The Samode Haveli is an elegant Merchant’s town house, beautifully converted into an intimate luxury hotel. The only hotel within the walls of the Pink City, it is delightfully placed for entering into the unique spirit of Jaipur. It has been meticulously restored giving an irresistible combination of the contemporary and the historic.
Each room is individually designed in classic Rajasthani culture, using authentic materials but with up-to-date conveniences. There is a gracious pool with pavilions around it and a massage and beauty centre.
Rohet House
PWD Road
Jodhpur - 324 001
T: +91 291-243-1161
F: +91 291-264-9368
E: info@rohetgarh.com
W: www.rohetgarh.com
Rohet Garh is a classified Heritage Hotel. Over the course of fifteen years it has been nurtured and developed with great love and care by the family into one of the finest Heritage hotels in the country. No new building has been added in the renovation process, but rather, old edifices have been skillfully redesigned to create a heritage property that has few parallels. Situated on the banks of a lake and set in the midst of rural surroundings, it is a haven of peace and tranquility. Sprawling lawns and manicured gardens, which invite a multitude of birds and dancing peacocks, herald your entry into this oasis where the bird song is the only sound you will hear. A superb swimming pool with four charming pavilions entices you for a refreshing dip. Often dinner is served by the poolside as folk musicians enliven the evening atmosphere. An elegant, beautifully appointed lounge, serene verandahs, and terraces with breathtaking views, make perfect venues for relaxation. The thirty-four individually decorated rooms add a touch of class.
Rohet Garh proudly boasts of the finest kitchens in traditional cuisine. The chefs have been trained by the lady of the house, the late Thakurani Sahiba, who was the author of Cuisine of Rohet Garh and Quick and Easy Rajasthani Cuisine, the former published due to popular demand from our guests. Many have called their meal at Rohet Garh, their best in India.
Kumbhalgarh
P.O. Kelwara
Dist. Rajsamand - 313 325
T: +91 2954-242341-46
F: +91 02954-242349
E: crs@udaipur.hrhindia.com
W: www.hrhhotels.com
Kumbhalgarh, an imposing fort set amid massive ramparts and surrounded by hundreds of temples, is the creation of one of Mewar's legendary heroes, Rana Kumbha. The Aodhi is the best location from where to explore the fort. The structure of this Royal Retreat has been designed to match the landscape of the terrain. The Aodhi has a picturesque hilly and lush setting, not far from the citadel. The resort abounds in natural beauty and promises a delightful sojourn from day work tribulations. The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife sanctuary, the only panther reserve in India is very close to the hotel and one could even spot a panther or a sloth bear from here. It is also a convenient resort from where the ancient temple-towns of Ranakpur, Nathdwara and Nagda can be explored.
Its deluxe suites and rooms are elegantly appointed, with private balconies and sitting areas. A large swimming pool, green lawns and the spread of old trees make The Aodhi a perfect getaway and is one of the most delightful hotels in rajasthan.
Fateh Sagar Lake
Udaipur - 313004
T: +91-294-252-9711/15
F: +91-294-252-6273
E: udaipur@thegrandhotels.net
W: www.thegrandhotels.net
The Grand Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur radiates with royal and regal charm of an earlier era. Built by His Highness Maharana Bhupal Singh in 1911, it overlooks the majestic Fateh Sagar Lake, and is surrounded by picturesque hills.
This hotel list is a provided as an example. We may use different hotels of the same quality and style on specific trips. The Wayfarers will notify confirmed travelers of any changes to the hotels.
Photo Gallery
Travel Information
Before & After:
- Visit Ranthambhore National Park, Sawai Madhopur Lodge, for a chance to see tigers and 300 species of fauna. Located near Jaipur (5 hours from Delhi). Please allow a minimum of 2 days for a separate visit to the Park.
- The Wayfarers will be happy to suggest before or after itineraries – there is so much to see and do in India! This trip is just a taster for the real adventure ...
Weather:
Rajasthan's weather is most temperate from November - March during their post-monsoon and Winter seasons. Temperatures range from 55F-85F (33C to 38C) with minimal rainfall.
We recommend that you bring a light wrap or summer sweater for the evenings. Please remember that Hindu culture values modesty in clothing - please do not plan to wear low-cut or revealing clothes despite the heat. (For example, it is preferable not to wear short shorts or skirts or tops that reveal cleavage or upper arms.)
This trip has less walking and more sightseeing. We recommend you bring comfortable walking shoes; walking boots are not necessary.
Food & Sanitation:
We will be staying in hotels that all offer the highest standards of food-storage and service that we are used to in the West so the chances of becoming ill from something you eat on this trip are no greater than on any other trip. Also, a full Western menu is available alongside regional choices at all of the restaurants except one if anyone is concerned about eating spicy or differently seasoned food.
To see more Travel Information and a list of our recommended tips please register or sign in. Once you confirm a booking for this walk, as a registered website member, you will be able to access detailed Joining Instructions including exact arrival and departure points and times as part of the Travel Information.
FAQs
Have questions? Can't see the answers, it maybe someone else has already asked! To see a full list of FAQs please register or sign in.
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will antonia lead this walk?
Yes - Antonia will be leading this Walk.
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Are there any hidden costs?
Our Vacations do not include the cost of air or rail fares to and from the destination or tips for your walk leader and manager. -
How large are the Groups?
Our maximum group size is 16, but groups average between 8-12 people. -
Will I feel welcome as a single traveler?
Yes! Our walks are the perfect environment of comfortable camaraderie for the single traveler. -
Can you accomodate special diets?
Yes! -
How physically fit do I have to be to do a Wayfarers Walk?
If you are in good health and reasonably fit you will be comfortable participating in a walk.
Ask a question
Please do not hesitate to ask us a question about this walk.
Reading List
Seth is a marvelously informed and elegant Indian writer. This is a fictional story about a girl who has to choose between three men to marry which gives the background for an all-encompassing account of Indian life, from all aspects, be it social, legal, moral, or religious – a weighty tome but well worth it and beautifully written.
Dalrymple is, like Tully, a deep lover and admirer of India. He has lived between Delhi and Edinburgh for thirty years and this book about Delhi is a real eye-opener – all his writings are intelligently observed and unbiased, he pulls no punches and tells it as it is, but his obsession with the country and love for it is clearly evident.
The BBC voice of India for over twenty years, Mark Tully is a true lover of India and all its works. His gentle understanding and observation is a delight, his stories showing his deep knowledge and eternal fascination.
The true life story of an Australian convict who jumped the wall in Sydney and found his way to Bombay where he reinvents himself and starts a new and very different life – passionately and sensitively written, this is a book full of amazing colourful characters, a gripping tale and a wonderful spectrum of Indian life.
Fictional account of a British officer’s infiltration into the secret sect of ‘Thugee’ in order to stamp it out – fast exciting and fascinating adventure story, based on true facts.
Fictional account of a British officer’s infiltration into the secret sect of ‘Thugee’ in order to stamp it out – fast exciting and fascinating adventure story, based on true facts.
Delightful account of the author’s love affair with an elephant who he rides across India accompanied by an unexpected entourage – the character of Tara, the elephant, is unforgettable!
An intelligent account of the British who went out to India and ruled across two hundred years – the stories of the Viceroys, Governors, District Administrators and other officials who went out to an alien land, mostly with the noblest intentions and ideals.
Kipling was brought up in India and never lost his love of the country – a natural story teller he has thrilled generations of children with The Jungle Books and Kim and many others – his poetry is also well-known with such works as ‘If’. He could be called the voice of British India. His short stories are delightful windows onto British life under the Raj.
Kipling was brought up in India and never lost his love of the country – a natural story teller he has thrilled generations of children with The Jungle Books and Kim and many others – his poetry is also well-known with such works as ‘If’. He could be called the voice of British India. His short stories are delightful windows onto British life under the Raj.
Ghosh is a major Indian author – each of his books concentrates on a particular aspect or area and this one is based on the Bangladesh / Bengal border, a district called the Sunderbans – an extraordinary tale of man-eating Tiger folklore and Dolphins and the singular village people who live on the Delta of the Ganges.
Together with the Ramayana, the Mahabaratais at the core of all Indian folklore, recounting tales of heroes villains and Gods and hteir relationships with man. The Mahabarata is about the five Pandavi brothers and their life adventures.
Tagore, the great Bengali poet and Nobel prize winner, is one of the heroes of Indian culture. From a large well-to-do family of painters and writers he emerged at the beginning of the last century as a symbol of Indian progressiveness, founding his own University at Shantiniketan and writing hundreds of beautiful stories and poems.
One of the oldest tales of Indian folklore, the Ramayana is about Rama and Sita his wife who is stolen by Ramana the evil one from Sri Lanka, and his quest to get her back aided by the monkey god Hanuman.
What's Next?
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