Hidden Rajasthan

India

Culture

Rural villages, grand forts & wildlife

13 days Ask us for pricing This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Delve beneath layers of Rajasthani culture in its fort cities and rural villages. Head to the desert village of Rohet and meet the nearby nature-loving Bisnoi community. In charming Deogarh, explore the countryside by local train and by foot. Set forth into the Aravalli Hills and take a jeep safari looking out for leopards that roam free. Walk part of the ‘Great Wall of India’, with the imposing Kumbhalgarh fortress walls extending to 36km. Mingle with royalty in Shahpura Bagh before finally heading down to the lake city of Udaipur via Chittorgarh.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Rural villages of Rajasthan
  • Admire the stunning Mehrangarh Fort
  • Jodhpur’s blue buildings and magnificent forts
  • Visit little-known 300 year old Sardargarh fort
  • Meet the little-known Kalbelia people
  • Visit the ancient temples in and around Shahpura
  • Stay in an 18th-century fort overlooking the majestic Chambal River
  • See crocodiles on the Chambal river safari

Places Visited

Jodhpur - Rohet - Bishnoi Village - Bera - Sardargarh Fort - Kalbelia tribe - Deogarh - Shahpura - Bhainsrorgarh Fort - Chambal - Udaipur

What's Included

Airport pick-up and drop-off
Internal flights and train journeys
Ground transport
Drivers and guides
Accommodation
Some meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Please confirm your humanity

Itinerary
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Day 1 : Jodhpur - Rohet

Arrive into Jodhpur where you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative and transfer to Rohet. Check into your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Rohetgarh Wilderness Camp, Rohet

Meal plan: n/a

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Day 2 : Rohet - Jodhpur - Rohet

After breakfast proceed to the Blue City of Jodhpur for a day of sightseeing. Visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. Later, experience a Bishnoi village jeep safari. The Bishnoi village is located about 15km from Jodhpur. Visit the local village houses to interact with the villagers and learn about the culture and traditions of these people who live in close harmony with nature. Return to Rohet. Evening at leisure.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Jodhpur is the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is located 335 kilometres (208 mi) west from the state capital, Jaipur. It was formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name, the capital of the kingdom known as Marwar. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar desert. The city is known as the Sun City for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred to as the "Blue City". Jodhpur lies near the geographic centre of Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region much frequented by tourists. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a thick stone wall.
 


The Bishnoi people, ​the 'premier ecologists of the world', have protected nature for more than 500 years and are responsible for the very survival of species such as the Black Buck antelope (India's most beautiful antelope and a rare and protected species today). They share a beautiful relationship with this special animal, wherein the antelope stays close to Bishnoi habitation, never leaving it, and displays complete trust in the Bishnoi people.

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Day 3 : Rohet - Bera

After breakfast, check out and drive to Bera. Upon arrival check into the lodge and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Bera.

Overnight in Bera Safari Lodge, Bera

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Bera is a dusty village in Southern Rajasthan located amidst the Aravalli mountain range. Surrounded by bodies of water, it is famous for its leopard population.

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Day 4 : Bera

Today, enjoy a full day safari in Bera. The area is known for its leopards and the surrounding Aravelli Hills make a beautiful backdrop. Enjoy a walk with the local herdsman and their expert knowledge of the terrain will hopefully allow you to spot leopards which are often found resting at the entrance of caves sheltering from the heat. 

Overnight in Bera Safari Lodge, Bera

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 5 : Bera - Sardargarh

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Sardargarh. Upon arrival, check into hotel. After some time to rest, depart for village walk. Firstly, visit Lawa which is adjacent to the fort, to take in the lifestyle of the local villagers. After visiting the village, visit a local family who have an organic farm where they grow vegetables & fruits. Lastly, visit Talao Pal, an excellent place to watch the sunset by the lake. Overnight at Sardargarh Fort.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Located roughly an hour’s drive north of Udaipur, Sardargarh is one of the least-visited but most impressive forts in Rajasthan. Set against a beautiful backdrop of mountains and forest, the elaborate and expansive fort towers over the village of Lawah below, and boasts a rich 300 year-old history as one of the state’s most magnificent battle forts. In the modern day, Sardargarh has been converted into a heritage hotel, allowing visitors to stay and experience this impressive piece of history first-hand.

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Day 6 : Sardargarh

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a half day trip to Banjara village where you can meet and interact with the villagers and observing their daily routine. You will also meet the Kalbelia tribal people. Return to Sardargah and rest of the evening at leisure.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The little-known Kalbelia tribal people used to be nomadic in ancient times. They revere the snake and their traditional occupation used to be catching snakes and trading snake venom. Traditionally, the men carried cobras in cane baskets door-to-door in villages while the women would sing, dance and beg for alms. Since this practice has now been outlawed, they earn their sustenance from agriculture and performing traditional dance which incorporates snake-like movements. The Kalbelia people also have a unique understanding of the local flora and fauna, which are often used in herbal remedies and provide an alternative source of income for them.

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Day 7 : Sardargarh - Deogarh

After breakfast at hotel, check out and drive to Deogarh. Upon arrival, check into hotel. The rest of the day may be spent at your leisure. Overnight in Deogarh.

Overnight in Dev Shree, Deogarh

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Deogarh is a small farming village known for its Gupta monuments which are situated on a hill fort on the Betwa River. The temple itself is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and depicts all ten incarnations. It is now mostly in ruins and its special features include two carved figurines of the water goddesses Ganga and Yamuna and three large panels with depictions of the Vaishnava mythology. It is also the earliest known Panchyatana temple in North India.

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Day 8 : Deogarh

Begin the day with a morning train ride, or 'Rural Ramble'. Later, set off on a village jeep safari to meet the locals and and take in their lifestyles. Overnight in Deogarh.

Overnight in Dev Shree, Deogarh

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 9 : Deogarh - Shahpura

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Shahpura Bagh. Upon arrival check into hotel. The rest of day may be spent at your leisure. Overnight in Shahpura Bagh.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Sitting halfway between Jaipur and Udaipur, Shahpura is a quiet town with friendly inhabitants. It is surrounded by plains and lakes that were dug to bring water to the area by the ancestors of the people who live there.  Nearby is a temple dedicated to the God Seetaram. 

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Day 10 : Shahpura

After breakfast, depart for farm visit and the vast Nahar Sagar Lake, stopping en route to visit quaint local villages. After arrival, relax in the shade of century-old trees at the hosts' 140-acre orchard farm. The charm lies in seeing Rajasthan the way it was decades ago. Later, visit local temples, including the ancient Ram Dwara. The Old City Palace reveals the integration of Rajput & Mughal traditions in architecture, while the geometrical symmetry of the Baoli (Stepwell) inspires a serenity that lingers. In the evening, visit Dhikhola Fort and explore Dhikhola village, a quaint and rustic village where time has stood still. Overnight in Shahpura. 

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 11 : Shahpura – Bhainsrorgarh

After breakfast at hotel, check out and drive to Bhainsrorgarh. Upon arrival check into hotel. The rest of the day may be spent at your leisure. Overnight in Bhainsrorgarh Fort.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Perched atop a 200-foot-high slate cliff overlooking the Chambal River, the Bhainsrorgarh Fort possesses great majesty by any standard. Built in 1741, historically, the fort was an important outpost of the kingdom of Mewar, and has passed through many noble hands in the years since. The fort’s elaborate architecture is of typical Rajasthani style for the era, and its position allows for spectacular views over the peaceful river. Today, the fort is used as a heritage hotel, allowing guests a taste of 18th-century upper-class living.  

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Day 12 : Bhainsrorgarh

After breakfast at hotel, depart to visit the Badoli Temple complex. The Baroli or Badoli Temples are of great architectural interest, consisting of temple structures built in the Gurjara-Pratihara architectural style, with exquisitely carved stonework. They are in differing stages of upkeep, with some in a semi-ruined state. There are eight major temples in Baroli, and a ninth about one-kilometre away. Four temples are dedicated to Shiva (including Ghateshwara Mahadeva Temple), two to Durga and one each to Shiva-Trimurti (Trinity), Vishnu and Ganesha. Later embark on a river cruise on the Chambal River. The boatmen will take you around the river's island and to tributary of the Chambal called the Bamani River, where you will cruise along the partially-submerged fort wall. Overnight at Bhainsrorgarh Fort.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The Chambal Safari boatmen are exceptionally skilled at manoeuvring as close to the birds and animals as possible without disturbing them. Trained naturalists accompany you and provide expert information on the Chambal wildlife, which includes the endangered Chambal Gharial (long-nosed crocodile), marsh crocodiles, Gangetic dolphins and a host of exotic birdlife. 

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Day 13 : Departure

After breakfast at hotel, check out and drive to Udaipur Airport to catch your flight home or to your onward travels.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Rohetgarh Wilderness Camp

Rohet (1 night)

At Rohetgarh Wilderness Camp six luxury tents sit comfortably on a small dune, at the highest point of an otherwise pan flat landscape. Take in the spectacular views by day and gaze up at the stars by night.

Visit hotel's site
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Bera Safari Lodge

Bera (2 nights)

Bera Safari Lodge is an adventurer's retreat, located in the beautiful backdrop of the Aravalli Range, this small boutique property consists of three spacious stone cottages. Each cottage features an ensuite bathroom, decorative furnishings, and private outside terraces. The lodge has an on site restaurant with a vast choice of cuisine. 

Visit hotel's site
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Dev Shree

Deogarh (2 nights)

Situated on the edge of the Ragho Sagar lake, this stunning hotel is constructed in a traditional haveli style with deep verandahs and pretty courtyards of Rajput architecture. The interiors are airy and spacious, and the décor has a contemporary twist. All the bedrooms offer views of the garden, featuring a mixture of outside space and bay windows (gokhras). Other amenities offered include an outside pool, on-site restaurant and free Wi-Fi.

Visit hotel's site
Extensions

On The Tiger Trail (9 days)

On the tiger trail through Bandhavgarh and Kanha

The Golden Triangle (5 days)

Marvel at India's most incredible forts and palaces

Kolkata & Sunderbans (6 days)

Discover colonial Kolkata and the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve

Wildlife of Tadoba & Pench (9 days)

A real life Jungle Book.

Kolkata & Darjeeling Snapshot (7 days)

Ideal extension to Bhutan

Himalayan Extension: Ladakh to Kashmir (5 days)

Travel across the spectacular Himalayan Highway

Beaches (1-7 days)

After exploring the busy cities, there's no better place to relax than one of India's paradisiacal beaches

Treks & Walks (1-12 days)

Himalayan treks, village walks and more

Hill Stations & Mountains

Escape the city and unwind among some of the most breathtaking mountain and hill scapes the world has to offer.

City Extensions (1-4 days)

Visit the must-see sights and the hidden depths of India's most vibrant cities.

Monks, Tribes & Rhinos (20 days)

Himalayan mountains, unseen tribes & amazing wildlife

Journey through the Indian Himalayas (20 days)

Travel through the Himalayan foothills via Shimla & Amritsar to Ladakh

Classic Bhutan & Assam Cruise (18 days)

Experience Bhutan's rich culture, colonial Kolkata and rural life in Assam

Glimpse of India & Nepal (16 days)

Golden Triangle and the Himalayas

Textile Tour of India (16 days)

Textile tour of Gujarat & Rajasthan including the Mewar Festival

The Himalayan Silk Road (16 days)

Travel India's Silk Road from Kashmir to Ladakh

Best of Bhutan & Bengal (15 days)

Experience the culture and landscapes of India & Bhutan

Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival (15 days)

Wildlife, tribes & rural life in Assam and Nagaland

Big Six of India (15 days)

Spot tigers, lions, leopards, buffalo, rhino & elephants

Journey Through Rajasthan (15 days)

Discover Rajasthan's forts, palaces and rural villages

Taste of South India (15 days)

Experience the flavours and exotic spices of South India

Treasures of Maharashtra (15 days)

Mighty sea fortresses, rock-cut cave temples, and verdant hill stations

Kerala Calling (15 days)

Tropical mountains, tea & spice plantations, and backwaters

Tribes & Temples of Eastern India (14 days)

Visit remote tribal villages of Orissa & Chhattisgarh

Best of Assam & Meghalaya (14 days)

Wildlife, diverse cultures & rural life in hidden North East India

Birds & Wildlife of Rajasthan (14 days)

Uncover the regal wildlife of Rajasthan

Wildlife of North East India (14 days)

Diverse wildlife in Assam and the Sunderbans

Roof of the World - Ladakh to Kashmir (14 days)

Experience dramatic Himalayan scenery, Buddhist and Islamic cultures

Hampi and Beyond (14 days)

Discover Karnataka's stone temples, wildlife and coffee farms

Heart of India (14 days)

Take in the highlights of central India

Taj, Tigers & Temples (14 days)

Perfect mix of classic sights and off-beat places for first-timers to India

Spirit of South India (14 days)

Temple towns of Tamil Nadu to backwaters of Kerala

Delicacies of North India (14 days)

Discover the huge diversity of North India's cuisine

Big Cats of India (14 days)

Experience the thrill of the Indian jungle ...

Best of Bengal & Sikkim (14 days)

Colonial Kolkata, Darjeeling toy train & Buddhism

Tribes of North East India (14 days)

Remote tribal cultures in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Nagaland

Kerala & Karnataka Explorer (14 days)

Idyllic backwaters, tropical forests & ancient temple towns

Kerala - Trekking the Western Ghats (13 days)

Explore this UNESCO biodiversity hotspot on foot

Glories of Gujarat (13 days)

Tribal villages, temples, salt flats & the world's last Asiatic lions

Gujarat's Tribes & Wildlife (13 days)

Gujarat's Asiatic Lions, Salt Flats & Textile Villages

Maha Kumbh Mela Festival (13 days)

Once in 12 years - the largest gathering of humanity on earth

Hidden Rajasthan (13 days)

Rural villages, grand forts & wildlife

Markha Valley Trek (12 days)

Set foot in Ladakh's hidden Himalayan valleys

Glimpse of India (12 days)

Golden Triangle, tigers & exotic Kerala

High Indus Valley of Ladakh (12 days)

Attain lofty heights over soul-soothing Ladakh

Essential Rajasthan (10 days)

Discover the forts, palaces, villages and desert of Rajasthan

Living Bridges of Meghalaya (7 days)

Waterfalls, hills and living bridges in North East India

Classic Kerala

Tea, spices, backwaters & beaches

Reviews

This is our second fabulous trip with Travel The Unknown and we were not disappointed. Rajasthan's vibrant colours of turbans and saris, the noise, the spicy aromas, the silence in the hot air balloon over rural Jaipur, the majestic forts and palaces of ancient times, sighting leopards in the wild, all far exceeded our expectations and the heritage homes and hotels we stayed in, whilst being of high standard in every way, still had a friendly family touch. Thanks so much to Rahul and the team for such a memorable trip. Six weeks on and we still can't stop talking about it. I can't wait for the next one!

John & Christine Gregory , Tailormade India

I have been on 3 tailor made trips with Travel The Unknown and have found them to be knowledgeable and reliable. We`ve stayed in some wonderful places and have had some unusual and satisfying experiences that go beyond the standard tours.

Joan Edmunds (USA) , Tailormade India

I would highly recommend Travel the Unknown to anyone visiting India. The service we received both prior to, during and following our travels was always timely and excellent. We were able to customize our trip to our liking and to enjoy a wide variety of activities. The guides in every location were outstanding! Honestly. Having travelled through much of the world I can truly say that we have never been more impressed with the quality of the guides arranged for us in each location, as well as the service we received. Similarly, the hotels were excellent and allowed us to live very comfortably while, at the same time, enjoy an authentic Indian experience. If you haven`t already booked your trip with Travel the Unknown, then either do so now....or at least give them a chance to show you what they can offer.

Tracey & Gary , Tailormade India

In your testimonials I recognise all the things that gave me such pleasure on my own trip. Here was India dust & all, with its charm, its ridiculousness, its colour, sense of humour, unexpected delights, & above all its smiling, friendly people. So the heritage forts & palaces are stunning, but they are only an impressive reminder of where the country has come from. It’s everyday life that lets you know what the country is today. Thanks to your company I was able to experience all of this; just what I wanted. I shall be back; why go anywhere else, with anyone else?

Christine Barratt , Tailormade Rajasthan

We were 4 women in our 60`s travelling to India, not for the first time, we had all been before, but the trip was so good, well organised and we never felt uneasy, just had a really good time.

Sue Clyde , Tailormade Rajasthan & Kerala

I just took the Food Tour of Kerala and Malabar Coast and it was purely unforgettable. The accommodation was superb as was the food and hospitality. I essentially came back feeling like a baby hippo - that should tell you you NEED to take this tour ASAP!

Anupy is the author of best-selling Indian cookery book - The Indian Slow Cooker - which is available for purchase on Amazon.

Anupy Singla Gupta , Taste of South India, India

This trip was very well put together and ticked all the boxes that we had requested. The accommodation throughout the tour was of a high standard and our experiences in the national parks was wonderful spotting many different animals including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, lions, jungle cat plus countless number of birds. Thank you Rahul for tailoring this trip to our requirements.

Nigel & Margaret Turner , Tailormade India Wildlife & Birding tour

We went on the Spirit of South India Tour and had a great time on our honeymoon. There was a good variety of places visited and the hotels, drivers and guides were all very good. We would definitely recommend this tour.

Rachel , Spirit of South India, India

This was my first experience of using Travel the Unknown having enjoyed small group adventure holidays for many years. I was attracted to the company because it seeks out the more unusual and lesser known areas of a country and I was not disappointed by my visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. There is a clear contrast between the people and the scenery of these two regions and we saw very few western tourists particularly in Arunachal Pradesh. The tour was well organised with plenty to see and do.

Keith Lewis , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, India

This was a very varied and interesting trip to a forgotten part of India. If you like off the beaten track travel it is definitely worth the effort but go with an open mind and keep a smile on your face.

Richard Williams , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, India

Thank you for organising our holiday in Kerala. I certainly wouldn`t have had the time or the knowledge to put together such a trip. Munnar was my favourite and the accommodation throughout was excellent.

Vik , Kerala Calling, India

A really well planned trip. We experienced life in Northeast India in just the way we wanted to. We loved the game reserves and saw a rock python which thrilled our guides as it is even rarer than the tiger! We visited villages and were able to interact with local people and loved the busy markets in Delhi and Calcutta. A special highlight was the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland; shown to us by our very own Naga guide Kezo. Kezo accompanied us for 15 days of our trip and ensured that we had many very special experiences - even taking us to the home of one of his Aunts where we spent a couple of hours sitting by the bonfire chatting.

Ann Holgate , Tailormade India
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